Stories for January 2015

Saturday, January 31

January 31, 2015 11:20 p.m.

Hellgate taps Bravettes

Playing on tired legs after a draining crosstown loss to Glacier on Thursday, the Flathead girls struggled to make shots from all over the court against visiting Missoula Hellgate on their way to a 48-23 Western AA basketball loss on Saturday.

January 31, 2015 11:18 p.m.

Jessica Loyda leads Glacier swimmers

HELENA — Swimmers from Columbia Falls, Flathead and Glacier wrapped up their regular-season scheduled on Saturday with more fast times and high places at the Bohn-Morer Invitational.

January 31, 2015 11:13 p.m.

Basketball roundup: Tinkle scores 23, Hellgate blows out Flathead, 69-33

MISSOULA — Flathead fell behind early, trailing 25-12 after the opening quarter and 41-13 at the half in a 69-33 Western AA boys basketball loss to top-ranked Missoula Hellgate on Saturday.

January 31, 2015 11:11 p.m.

Flathead wrestlers pull sweep in Helena

HELENA — Flathead recorded three pins and won seven of the 13 matches to edge Helena High in a Western AA dual wrestling match on Saturday that ended in a virtual draw. The Braves won the 30-30 match tie by criteria, 31-30.

January 31, 2015 11:09 p.m.

Polson pins Ronan, Whitefish

POLSON — Polson’s wrestlers picked up a Northwestern A dual victory over Whitefish, winning 51-15, and then finished up by downing rival Ronan, 42-30, on Saturday to wrap up the regular season on a positive note.

January 31, 2015 10:25 p.m.

Ham-Aller

Dan and Marcia Ham of Columbia Falls announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Ham, to Josh Aller, son of Ed and Susan Aller of Huntsville, Utah.

January 31, 2015 10:01 p.m.

Glacier finishes third in state speech

The Daily Inter Lake

January 31, 2015 9:46 p.m.

Double state champ Bailey Duke

January 31, 2015 9:46 p.m.

CF state speech champs

January 31, 2015 9:32 p.m.

Obama budget sets up battle with Congress

January 31, 2015 8:23 p.m.

Columbia Falls wins 10th straight Class A speech title

The Columbia Falls High School state championship dynasty continued Saturday as the team overwhelmed the competition on its home turf at the Class A speech and debate state tournament.

January 31, 2015 8:16 p.m.

Daybook

January 31, 2015 8 p.m.

Japan decries man's beheading as 'immoral, heinous act of terror'

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, speaks during an emergency Cabinet meeting at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on Sunday after an online video released Saturday night purported to show an Islamic State group militant beheading Japanese journalist Kenji Goto. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)

January 31, 2015 8 p.m.

The water is given to all of us

January 31, 2015 8 p.m.

Blaming Republicans for gridlock is not factual

January 31, 2015 8 p.m.

Reaching into the 'bag of snakes' known as Obamacare

January 31, 2015 8 p.m.

Long-running radiator shop has new owners

January 31, 2015 8 p.m.

Outdoor classroom: Ridge Academy launches gap-year program in Whitefish

January 31, 2015 8 p.m.

Carnival veterans outreach planned

January 31, 2015 8 p.m.

Whitefish Shopko work starts Monday

January 31, 2015 8 p.m.

Higher license fees seem justified

January 31, 2015 7:46 p.m.

Flathead rolls to Class AA speech championship

Flathead High School returned to the top of the Montana speech and debate ranks Saturday by winning the sweepstakes trophy at the Class AA meet in Missoula.

January 31, 2015 7 p.m.

'The Big Game' is finally here!

January 31, 2015 6:31 p.m.

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Stacey Gibbins of the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes helps 6-year-old Hayden Sherman hit the ball while teaching the a game of beep ball during the 2015 Paralympic Experience at the Cornelius Hedges Elementary on Saturday. Hayden has a cortical visual impairment and doesn't get a lot of opportunites to play sports. "It's awesome to have somebody teach them that understands them and is sensitive to their needs," said Hayden's mother, Scarlett Sherman. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 31, 2015 6:30 p.m.

Oil Spill Fish Testing

Energy Laboratories analytic chemist Josie Pickard works with a sample of fish being tested on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, in the wake of the oil spill on the Yellowstone River near Glendive. (AP Photo/The Billings Gazette, Casey Page)

January 31, 2015 6:30 p.m.

Japan Islamic State Abe

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, speaks during an emergency Cabinet meeting at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 after an online video released Saturday night purported to show an Islamic State group militant beheading Japanese journalist Kenji Goto. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT

January 31, 2015 6:30 p.m.

Pipeline Spill

Glendive water is flushed from fire hydrants and tested by the EPA and the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in Mont. Workers recovered about 10,000 gallons of oil from a ruptured pipeline that spilled crude into Yellowstone River and contaminated the drinking water supply of the eastern Montana city downstream. An estimated 40,000 gallons is still in the river and will be difficult to remove because of a thick layer of ice. (AP Photo/The Billings Gazette, Larry Mayer )

January 31, 2015 6:30 p.m.

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Flathead’s Kylee Meredith (10) dribbles around Missoula Hellgate’s Darby Henthorn during Saturday’s Western AA girls basketball game at Flathead High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 31, 2015 6:30 p.m.

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Flathead’s Jessica Simmons (center) is fouled by Missoula Hellgate defenders Darby Henthorn (3) and Sydney Riddle (right) as Simmons drives to the basket during the second quarter at Flathead on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 31, 2015 6:27 p.m.

Joe's Radiator Shop

Lucille Kaufman holds a picture of herself working on a radiator at Joe's Radiator Shop, taken in the early 1970s. Kaufman and her husband, Joe, operated the shop through the 1980s. (Brianna Loper/The Daily Inter Lake)

January 31, 2015 6:23 p.m.

Drivers: Return to dealers for second air bag fix

January 31, 2015 6:18 p.m.

Creator of birth control pill dies

January 31, 2015 6:17 p.m.

NASA launches Earth-observing satellite

January 31, 2015 6:16 p.m.

Suspect killed in Billings gunfight

January 31, 2015 6:14 p.m.

Panel tables bill to add gay protections

January 31, 2015 6:13 p.m.

University officials testify at Legislature

January 31, 2015 6:12 p.m.

House passes bill on clemency powers

January 31, 2015 6:09 p.m.

Shopko Hometown store in the Mountain Mall in Whitefish

January 31, 2015 2:42 p.m.

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Dawsyn Thompson, 10, attempts to field a ball while learning how to play beep ball during the 2015 Paralympic Experience hosted by the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes in conjuction with the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind and the U.S. Paralympics. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 31, 2015 2:41 p.m.

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Katie Rolf smiles as she reaches the base while playing beep ball during the paralympic event. Rolf, who is completely blind, was one of six atheltes with visual impairments learning to play sports. Besides beep ball, they also played kickball and goalball. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 31, 2015 2:28 p.m.

Albert 'Bert' Poloson, 87

January 31, 2015 2:19 p.m.

Melanie Jean Hunt, 39

January 31, 2015 1 p.m.

Nancy Hanna Robinson, 90

We celebrate the life of Nancy Hanna Robinson who “moved on from this world” on Jan. 24, 2015.

Friday, January 30

January 30, 2015 11:36 p.m.

Wolverines check Blue

WHITEFISH — The Whitefish Wolverines saw a three-goal lead disappear late, but were able to rally to pick up a 5-3 victory over Lake Tahoe in Western States Hockey League play on Friday at the Stumptown Ice Den.

January 30, 2015 11 p.m.

Whitefish Duals

Images from the Whitefish Duals at Whitefish High School on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015.

January 30, 2015 10:59 p.m.

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January 30, 2015 10:58 p.m.

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January 30, 2015 10:57 p.m.

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January 30, 2015 10:57 p.m.

C-Falls 5-0 at Whitefish Duals; Eureka goes 3-1

WHITEFISH — When six hours of mat action was completed, Columbia Falls and Eureka emerged as the top two teams in the Whitefish Duals on Friday.

January 30, 2015 10:56 p.m.

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January 30, 2015 10:56 p.m.

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January 30, 2015 10:56 p.m.

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January 30, 2015 10:55 p.m.

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January 30, 2015 10:54 p.m.

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January 30, 2015 10:53 p.m.

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January 30, 2015 10:53 p.m.

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Whitefish 152-pound wrestler Matt Sampson pins Browning’s Ryan Long Time Sleeping during the Whitefish Duals on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 30, 2015 10:51 p.m.

Basketball roundup: Ronan tips Corvallis in OT

RONAN — Rhett Duffey hit a 3 with 2.3 seconds left to force overtime and Colton McCrea sank 1 of 2 free throws with 1.4 seconds left in the extra session to give Ronan a thrilling 55-54 nonconference boys basketball victory over Corvallis on Friday.

January 30, 2015 9:08 p.m.

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Whitefish 152-pound wrestler Matt Sampson pins Browning's Ryan Long Time Sleeping during the Whitefish Duals Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 30, 2015 9:08 p.m.

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Columbia Falls' Cody Walters keeps Eureka's Garrett Graves from escaping during the 152-pound match at the Whitefish Duals. Graves won the match 4-2. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 30, 2015 9:08 p.m.

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Whitefish Wolverine forward Aleksei Garin dekes Lake Tahoe's Nickolas Bakey before scoring the first goal during the first period at the Stumptown Ice Den Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 30, 2015 8:14 p.m.

Daybook

January 30, 2015 8:12 p.m.

Balloon crew makes history crossing Pacific Ocean

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A pair of American and Russian pilots has traveled farther and longer in a gas balloon than anyone in history, trying to eliminate any remaining debate over a century of records in long-distance ballooning.

January 30, 2015 8:11 p.m.

Science indicates parents should vaccinate kids

WASHINGTON (AP) — Amid the measles outbreak stemming from California, the White House is telling parents that science indicates they should vaccinate their children.

January 30, 2015 8:10 p.m.

Jordan awaits proof hostage is alive after swap deadline

TOKYO (AP) — The fates of a Japanese journalist and Jordanian military pilot were unknown Friday, a day after the latest purported deadline for a possible prisoner swap passed with no further word from the Islamic State group holding them captive.

January 30, 2015 8:09 p.m.

Mitt Romney

Former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney addresses the student body and guests at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss., Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. Romney joked about his time as a candidate and addressed a number of world issues including terrorism, world economy and domestically "the need for strong American leadership," and job creation for Americans. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

January 30, 2015 8:08 p.m.

Romney not running during 2016

WASHINGTON — Mitt Romney ended his rollercoaster return to presidential politics on Friday, declaring his party would be better served by the “next generation of Republican leaders” and concluding his unlikely comeback as suddenly as it began.

January 30, 2015 8:06 p.m.

Montana reports 10 deaths, 395 flu hospitalizations

HELENA (AP) — Montana’s 2014-15 flu season is already more severe than last year’s with at least three months remaining.

January 30, 2015 8:05 p.m.

Landfill supervisor quit after $12,000 missing

BILLINGS (AP) — The supervisor of the city of Billings landfill resigned after city officials determined $12,000 in recycling payments were not turned over to city accounts, according to personnel records a judge ordered released to The Billings Gazette.

January 30, 2015 8:05 p.m.

Lawmakers may delete law banning gay marriage

HELENA — On the heels of a district judge’s ruling against the law, legislators considered on Friday whether to strike a voter-enacted ban on gay marriage from the Montana Constitution.

January 30, 2015 8:03 p.m.

Darby man sentenced to 14 days for bear poaching case

HAMILTON — A 26-year-old Darby man has been sentenced to 14 days in jail and ordered to pay $5,100 in restitution and fines for illegally killing a black bear.

January 30, 2015 8:02 p.m.

Businessman charged with 'Hangover' crime

January 30, 2015 8:01 p.m.

Truck driver leaves fallen dog behind

A hapless brown dog with a blue collar fell out of a truck — and the driver drove on. A good citizen on East Second Street caught the dog and was asked by officers to bring it to the

January 30, 2015 8 p.m.

Majority of insured receiving some financial assistance

The most recent Health Insurance Marketplace numbers are in, and they show that 84 percent of Montanans who have signed up through the federal marketplace are receiving some sort of financial assistance to lower monthly premiums.

January 30, 2015 7:58 p.m.

Big Prairie RS

January 30, 2015 7:58 p.m.

The Big Creek Ranger Station

January 30, 2015 7:56 p.m.

Historic parts of forest get recognition

Wilderness sites, telephone lines receive listing in National Register

Buried deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, a network of forest trails connects more than a dozen primitive ranger stations, modest log relics dating back as far as 1916.

January 30, 2015 7:55 p.m.

Author looks at uncomfortable issue

January 30, 2015 7:51 p.m.

'Thirteen Reasons Why' - Author looks at uncomfortable issue

New York Times bestselling author Jay Asher says he doesn’t like sad books. Yet, it’s his young adult novel about bullying and suicide that has resonated deeply with schools across the country.

January 30, 2015 7:50 p.m.

House GOP splits up building bill

HELENA — House Republicans said Thursday they are splitting Gov. Steve Bullock’s single infrastructure bill into at least seven separate bills and would eliminate most of the governor’s proposed use of bonding to finance projects.

January 30, 2015 7:49 p.m.

Local dragon-boat races looking for a new home

While looking for a new location for the Montana Dragon Boat Festival, the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau may have missed its chance to hold the festival at its previous venue.

January 30, 2015 7:47 p.m.

Zinke: Time to take a stand on public lands

HELENA — U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke told state lawmakers that while Montana’s public lands are sacred, federal mismanagement is such that it’s time to take a stand.

January 30, 2015 7:46 p.m.

Class A State Speech Meet

From right, Columbia Falls senior Monique Schoech, and sophomore Anna Nicosia, prepare for Policy Debate at the Class A State Speech Meet on Friday, January 30, at Columbia Falls High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

January 30, 2015 7:44 p.m.

Thieves take ATM from bank in Polson

POLSON (AP) — Police in Polson are investigating the theft of an automated teller machine from a bank on U.S. 93.

January 30, 2015 7:43 p.m.

Kalispell tech firm expanding

ClassOne acquires two product lines

ClassOne Technology of Kalispell, a wet-chemistry semiconductor equipment manufacturer, has acquired two complete product lines from Pennsylvania-based Microprocess Technologies.

January 30, 2015 4:08 p.m.

Faye Marsh (nee Keller), 86

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Faye Marsh, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Faye passed away peacefully at her Kalispell home on Jan. 22, 2015, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

January 30, 2015 4:06 p.m.

Richard Sodja, 80

A devoted Catholic priest for nearly 50 years, Richard Sodja “went home to his heavenly Father” on Jan. 29, 2015, after a battle with cancer.

January 30, 2015 3:28 p.m.

John W. Schutt, 73

January 30, 2015 3:16 p.m.

Harold R. Obermiller, 65

Harold R. Obermiller, 65, “joyfully accepted his eternal home with Jesus” on Wednesday evening, Jan. 28, 2015.

January 30, 2015 2:43 p.m.

Class A State Speech Champions

January 30, 2015 11:46 a.m.

Crosstown Jan. 29, 2015

Images from the Crosstown basketball games between Glacier and Flathead at Flathead High School Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015.

January 30, 2015 11:45 a.m.

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January 30, 2015 11:33 a.m.

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January 30, 2015 8:27 a.m.

College bound cover

January 30, 2015 8:26 a.m.

College bound & beyond...

Thursday, January 29

January 29, 2015 11:59 p.m.

Glacier thumps Flathead

The packed house at Flathead High School’s gymnasium emptied in a hurry.

January 29, 2015 11:57 p.m.

Wolfpack jilts jitters, whips Bravettes

The No. 2-ranked Glacier girls shook off their first quarter turnover issues to outscore Flathead 19-2 in the second quarter and pull away for a 52-23 victory in Western AA basketball play on Thursday at Flathead High School.

January 29, 2015 11:01 p.m.

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Glacier's Jake Norberg Flathead's Seth Adolf and CJ Dugan dive for a loose ball during the first quarter of crosstown at Flathead on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 29, 2015 11:01 p.m.

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Glacier's Tucker Rauthe sails past Flathead's Wyatt Smith for a basket during the Wolfpack's 70-40 crosstown victory in Flathead on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 29, 2015 11:01 p.m.

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Glacier's Nikki Krueger floats a shot over Flathead's Janae Moon during the second quarter of the Wolfpack's 52-23 crosstown victory. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 29, 2015 10:57 p.m.

Basketball roundup: Columbia Falls downs Eureka

EUREKA — Class B Eureka pushed top-ranked Columbia Falls for all four quarters before falling 55-45 in a nonconference boys basketball game on Thursday evening.

January 29, 2015 10:26 p.m.

Ham-Aller

January 29, 2015 10:01 p.m.

Rotary Basketball: Carson's labor of love

Greg Carson says he’s happy he didn’t take someone’s advice a long, long time ago regarding Rotary Basketball.

January 29, 2015 9:11 p.m.

Daybook

January 29, 2015 9:08 p.m.

Prosecutors respond to appeal of Glacier murder conviction

KALISPELL (AP) — Federal prosecutors have responded to a Montana woman’s motion to appeal her conviction for pushing her newlywed husband to his death from a cliff in Glacier National Park in July 2013.

January 29, 2015 9:07 p.m.

Study: Credit card data not so anonymous

WASHINGTON (AP) — Credit card data isn’t quite as anonymous as promised, a new study says.

January 29, 2015 9:03 p.m.

Proposed bill would restrict sex offenders' living options

HELENA (AP) — Some convicted sex offenders could not live within 300 feet of schools or other facilities frequented by children under a bill Montana lawmakers considered Thursday.

January 29, 2015 9:02 p.m.

Hold the mayo, please

Kalispell dispatchers received an order for a McChicken with no mayo. A return call discovered that the caller’s children had accidentally dialed the emergency number while she was in the McDonald’s drive-through.

January 29, 2015 9:01 p.m.

Cooperation pays off on busy day for fire calls

A busy day for local fire departments Wednesday demonstrated the success first responders have in working together when a deluge comes through dispatch at once.

January 29, 2015 8:59 p.m.

Warm-up event offers help for veterans, others

A wide variety of free goods and services will be available today at Winter Warm-up: Come in from the Cold, a community event connecting individuals, families and veterans with resources and services.

January 29, 2015 8:58 p.m.

Commissioners should try to keep patio on building

I believe that an outdoor patio at the new South Campus building, which was recently cut from the county project, would not only benefit seniors during meal service during warmer weather, but also county employees and guests for socialization.

January 29, 2015 8:57 p.m.

Holmquist and Mitchell deserve our thanks

Thank you, County Commissioners Pam Holmquist and Phil Mitchell, for standing up for the citizens of Flathead County on two major issues as follows:

January 29, 2015 8:54 p.m.

Approve water compact before it's too late

The looming deadline for the state to ratify the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ water compact should have farmers and rancher squirming. This legislative session is the last chance for the compact to be approved. Sixteen tribal compacts have been signed in our state — and the Salish and Kootenai compact needs to join them.

January 29, 2015 8:51 p.m.

Commissioner distances himself from colleague's comments

As a commissioner chosen by the electorate of Flathead County to administer the affairs of the county fairly and without prejudice or racism, I must respond to statements attributed to Commissioner Phil Mitchell recently.

January 29, 2015 8:48 p.m.

Speech and debate wunderkinds

All the hard work and hours of researching, writing, speaking and debating come to fruition this weekend for high school students.

January 29, 2015 7:52 p.m.

House endorses bill on governor, clemency

HELENA — The Montana House Wednesday endorsed a bill giving the governor power to overrule the Board of Pardons and Parole on clemency decisions for felons — a measure spurred in part the case of convicted murderer Barry Beach.

January 29, 2015 7:51 p.m.

Man guilty of trying to burn down home

A Whitefish man has pleaded no contest to felony arson after allegedly trying to burn down his ex-girlfriend’s Whitefish home.

January 29, 2015 7:50 p.m.

Bill would protect teachers who teach creationism

A Billings legislator has reintroduced a bill that would encourage high school teachers to present evolutionary biology as disputed theory rather than sound science and protect those who teach viewpoints like creationism in the classroom.

January 29, 2015 7:40 p.m.

Senate passes Keystone oil pipeline bill

WASHINGTON — The Republican-controlled Senate on Thursday approved a bipartisan bill to construct the Keystone XL oil pipeline, defying a presidential veto threat and setting up the first of many battles with the White House over energy and the environment.

January 29, 2015 7:15 p.m.

Ice dam damages historic home

Conrad Mansion Museum

A heavy snowfall in early January, followed by thawing and freezing that created a thick ice dam on the roof of the Conrad Mansion Museum, has damaged the ceiling and walls within the historic 120-year-old Kalispell home.

January 29, 2015 5:08 p.m.

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January 29, 2015 5:06 p.m.

Ridge

January 29, 2015 5 p.m.

Margaret 'Maggie' Danielson, 80

January 29, 2015 3:31 p.m.

George Wayne Cada, 70

George Wayne Cada passed away Jan. 25, 2015, at Mountain View Care Center in Bozeman, where he had been a resident for the last three years.

January 29, 2015 10:46 a.m.

Conrad Mansion Museum Roof Issues

Photo courtesy of the Conrad Mansion Museum.

January 29, 2015 10:46 a.m.

Conrad Mansion Museum

The Conrad Mansion Museum roof was completely iced over in one section, which has created leaks and concerns for preserving the historic landmark.

January 29, 2015 10:37 a.m.

This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Jan. 29 - Feb. 4

January 29, 2015 10:33 a.m.

Winter Window

A close detail of one of the 12 mosaics that will make up the final Window on Whitefish. The four windows depict the four seasons. This final mural will be revealed at the Whitefish Winter Carnival on Feb. 7.

January 29, 2015 10:27 a.m.

Last Window on Whitefish set to be installed

The final reveal

After three years of hard work, the last Windows on Whitefish addition will be revealed prior to the Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade.

January 29, 2015 9:51 a.m.

Community Birth Center

Cortnie Brooks is surrounded by her husband Andy, left, and sons Finn, 4, and Owen, 6, at the Community Birth Center on Wednesday, January 28. Brooks had her first birth in a hospital and decided to go with a midwife for her second. Originally, the Brooks had been looking to schedule a home birth for her third, but eventually, they decided to go with the Community Birth Center for their third. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

January 29, 2015 9:14 a.m.

Social media reaction to State of the State address

Professor Michael Wright from the University of Montana put together this

January 29, 2015 8:56 a.m.

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January 29, 2015 8:54 a.m.

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January 29, 2015 7:30 a.m.

Colleague's comments on tribe rile commissioner

Flathead County Commissioner Gary Krueger has sharply criticized fellow Commissioner Phil Mitchell for purportedly derogatory comments Mitchell made about American Indians in a newspaper article about the proposed tribal water-rights compact.

January 29, 2015 12:15 a.m.

Making Super Bowl week more super

It’s Super Bowl week and, this year, I’m not going to use my platform to share my recipe for buffalo wings or discuss air pressure, how exactly it is calculated and what it has to do with Marshawn Lynch not talking to the media.

January 29, 2015 12:15 a.m.

Sentinel sinks Flathead

A day after trouncing Missoula Hellgate 65-6 on Senior Night, the Flathead Braves wrestling team had one more home dual — a makeup meet against Missoula Sentinel.

January 29, 2015 12:14 a.m.

Flathead, Glacier ready for hardwood battle

The only safe bet in the crosstown basketball rivalry is parking will be scarce and the gym will be packed when Flathead and Glacier square off tonight at Flathead Gymnasium.

January 29, 2015 12:13 a.m.

C-Falls, Bigfork still atop state

The top-ranked teams from Columbia Falls and Bigfork held on to their lofty rankings in the newest Associated Press Montana prep basketball polls released on Wednesday.

Wednesday, January 28

January 28, 2015 9:43 p.m.

Bullock touts infrastructure plan

HELENA (AP) — Gov. Steve Bullock says in order for Montana to flourish state government must provide good roads, 21st century classrooms, safe bridges and clean drinking water. He used his second State of the State address Wednesday evening at the Capitol in Helena to promote his proposal to spend nearly $400 million on infrastructure projects.

January 28, 2015 9:12 p.m.

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Flathead's Anthony Wright grapples with Sentinel's Bryar Newbary during the 160-pound match at Flathead on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 28, 2015 9:12 p.m.

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Flathead's Dyan Guzman takes down Missoula Sentinel's Alex Simon during the 126-pound match of the dual at Flathead Wednesday. In his final match at home Guzman pinned Simon in the second period. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 28, 2015 8:08 p.m.

Tracks tell wildlife tales

Brian Baxter teaches a group how to identify a snowshoe hare's tracks by measuring the distance between the front and hind prints. (Samuel Wilson/Daily Inter Lake)

January 28, 2015 8:08 p.m.

Columbia Falls aims for 10th straight speech crown

Defending champs host state finale CLASS A STATE SPEECH

The Columbia Falls High School speech and debate team this weekend looks to continue its reign as state champion, pursuing a 10th consecutive title.

January 28, 2015 8:07 p.m.

Snowshoe excursion: Tracks tell wildlife tales

For Brian Baxter, tracking winter wildlife requires sharp senses, a deep understanding of ecology and a detective’s acumen.

January 28, 2015 8:06 p.m.

Take a guided hike on Whitefish Trail

There will be a series of guided hikes and environmental education opportunities on the Whitefish Trail this winter.

January 28, 2015 8:05 p.m.

Scouting from home: Do your research

In my last column, I talked about traveling to places to fish new waters or new species.

January 28, 2015 8:04 p.m.

Hezbollah fires missile salvo, killing soldiers

SHEAR YASHUV, Israel (AP) — The Lebanese militant Hezbollah group fired a salvo of missiles at an Israeli military convoy in a disputed border area Wednesday, killing two soldiers and triggering deadly clashes that marked the most serious escalation since the sides’ 2006 war.

January 28, 2015 8 p.m.

County trims $250,000 from building cost

Outdoor patio among scrapped amenities

The Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday agreed to cost-cutting measures for the South Campus Building that will trim more than $250,000 from the overall cost.

January 28, 2015 7:54 p.m.

Buried by snow, Boston bounces back from blizzard

January 28, 2015 7:53 p.m.

Four missing teens found safe

BUTTE (AP) — Authorities say four Butte teenagers missing since Monday night have been found unharmed at a family member’s cabin at Canyon Ferry Reservoir east of Helena.

January 28, 2015 7:52 p.m.

Skier died of hypothermia

BILLINGS (AP) — An autopsy confirmed a Belgrade man who was found dead along a cross-country ski trail in Yellowstone National Park died of hypothermia.

January 28, 2015 7:51 p.m.

Great Falls teacher assaulted

GREAT FALLS (AP) — A masked student wearing a hooded sweatshirt grabbed a Great Falls middle school teacher from behind, said nothing and then ran out of the room.

January 28, 2015 7:50 p.m.

Judge dismisses complaint against GOP caucus

HELENA (AP) — A state judge has dismissed an effort by media groups that sought to have the House Republican Caucus held in contempt of court for holding an unpublicized meeting in apparent violation of state open-meetings law.

January 28, 2015 7:49 p.m.

Warming trend to slow oil spill cleanup

BILLINGS — The struggle to recover 30,000 gallons of oil from a pipeline spill into Montana’s Yellowstone River is expected to grind to a near-halt in coming days as warmer weather makes ice on the river increasingly dangerous, state regulators and a company spokesman said Wednesday.

January 28, 2015 7:48 p.m.

Cat got your tongue? Not in this case

January 28, 2015 7:45 p.m.

House approves $120 million in tax reductions

HELENA — On largely party-line votes, the Republican-controlled House on Tuesday endorsed two bills to cut taxes by more than $120 million dollars over two years.

January 28, 2015 7:42 p.m.

Don't give obscene e-mailer attention

Let me first say that I have taken issue with many of Frank Miele’s columns, mostly because he seldom writes anything positive on any subject. Of course, neither do the majority of letters printed in “Letters to the Editor” (and they do love to ramble on).

January 28, 2015 7:41 p.m.

Don't fight police if you are arrested!

The thing I don’t understand is with thousands being killed all over the world, how can these nitwits in the U.S.A. get all excited when a known thug, who just commited a felony robbery and is resisting arrest, buys the farm?

January 28, 2015 7:40 p.m.

France terrorism to be repeated here?

What recently happened in France by Muslim radical terrorists will probably soon happen in America. But it will be on a larger scale and much worse!

January 28, 2015 7:29 p.m.

Decline of the West

The decline of the West is now in full swing and a major political shift is occurring which will leave China as the only major world power and Islam as the only majority faith in the world.

January 28, 2015 7:27 p.m.

Legislative update

The 64th Montana Legislature finished its third week of the session Saturday. There are 37 freshmen in the House this session. It has been a fast learning curve for them as the pace of bills being heard in committees and on the House floor has been steadily increasing.

January 28, 2015 7:26 p.m.

Water is clear, but compact isn't

January 28, 2015 7:19 p.m.

Mom charged with murder after dead baby found

EASTPOINTE, Mich. (AP) — A woman whose baby was found dead at a Detroit-area recycling center weeks after she gave birth alone in an unheated garage was charged Wednesday with murder and child abuse.

January 28, 2015 7:18 p.m.

Islamic State releases new audio message by hostage

BEIRUT (AP) — The Islamic State group released a message late Wednesday purportedly by Japanese hostage Kenji Goto, extending the deadline for Jordan’s release of an Iraqi would-be hotel bomber linked to al-Qaida.

January 28, 2015 7:15 p.m.

Nominee defends Obama immigration changes

January 28, 2015 7:15 p.m.

Trial date set in grizzly case

A Bigfork man charged with three counts of grizzly bear poaching will head to trial after pleading not guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

January 28, 2015 7:14 p.m.

Decision on county 'doughnut' zoning delayed until Monday

A decision about how Flathead County will move forward with permanent zoning and planning in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish has been postponed.

January 28, 2015 7:13 p.m.

College project wins national honor

Flathead Valley Community College is the newest recipient of the Bellwether Award, a national award for community colleges that recognizes leading-edge programs worthy of replicating at other community colleges.

January 28, 2015 7:13 p.m.

Troy woman denies elder abuse charges

HAVRE (AP) — A Lincoln County woman has denied charges that she defrauded an elderly Hill County man out of $50,000 in cash and property.

January 28, 2015 7:12 p.m.

Man pleads guilty to killing boy, 3

POLSON (AP) — A 26-year-old St. Ignatius man has pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for shooting a 3-year-old boy with a gun he believed was not loaded.

January 28, 2015 7:10 p.m.

Class A State Speech

January 28, 2015 7:07 p.m.

Seven cited for wilderness snowmobiling

Seven snowmobilers were issued citations Jan. 17 for allegedly operating their machines in the Mission Mountain Wilderness, racking up possible fines of $325 each.

January 28, 2015 7:06 p.m.

Top GOP legislator pitches tax cut

HELENA — A top Republican legislator pitched another tax-cut bill Tuesday, for a modest, across-the-board cut in state property taxes.

January 28, 2015 7:05 p.m.

Rabies control program approved

A plan to turn Flathead County’s rabies control program over to the county Health Board is moving forward.

January 28, 2015 7 p.m.

2015 could be uncertain for local economy

Several main factors could put a damper on economic growth in the Flathead Valley, according to Montana West Economic Development’s annual economic forecast meeting on Wednesday.

January 28, 2015 7 p.m.

Second fire in five weeks in Kila

January 28, 2015 6:30 p.m.

Fire ravages home near Kila

Second fire in five weeks

A midafternoon fire destroyed a Smith Lake-area home on Wednesday, the second fire at the house in just over a month.

January 28, 2015 4:39 p.m.

Daybook

Today, Jan. 29

January 28, 2015 3:18 p.m.

Dixie Missman, 83

January 28, 2015 3:04 p.m.

Donald Allen Larson, 84

January 28, 2015 12:51 a.m.

Legends Stadium adds four to Wall of Fame

When the Flathead High School Trustees voted to change the name of Rawson Field to Legends Stadium in 2004 a vision was born — recognizie accomplished students, athletes, teachers, coaches and administrators who have made significant contributions to the community.

January 28, 2015 12:50 a.m.

Knights pound Pack

Glacier held a lead and looked strong two minutes into its Western AA conference boys basketball game against No. 1 Missoula Hellgate.

January 28, 2015 12:49 a.m.

Basketball: Stevi stings Pirates at buzzer

POLSON — The Pirates nonconference loss came at the hands of Stevensville’s Jace Omlid, whose 3-pointer beat the buzzer in overtime and gave the Yellow Jackets a 61-60 road victory on Tuesday.

Tuesday, January 27

January 27, 2015 9:45 p.m.

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Glacier's Cain Boschee get blocked by Hellgate's Tres Tinkle in the second quarter of the Wolfpack's 73-42 loss at Glacier on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 27, 2015 9:45 p.m.

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Glacier's Noah Lindsay dives for a loose ball against Missoula Hellgate on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

House GOP may sue over immigration

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are moving toward a vote authorizing legal action against President Barack Obama over his executive actions on immigration.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Paralympic event comes to Kalispell

The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes is hosting a 2015 Paralympic Experience in Kalispell on Saturday.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Montana man found dead in Yellowstone Park

WEST YELLOWSTONE — The body of a Montana man was found along a groomed ski trail in Yellowstone National Park.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Class AA Speech and Debate: Kalispell teams vie for state championship

Will the Glacier High School speech and debate team talk its way into a fifth straight state championship or will Flathead High School have the final word and reclaim its title?

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Charlie Gross

Charlie Gross, son of Richard and Nicole Gross of Kalispell, was born Aug. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Four teens may be headed to Idaho

HELENA — The Montana Department of Justice has issued a missing and endangered person advisory for four teens missing from Western Montana.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Chairman to 'ratchet up' Benghazi probe

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of a special House committee investigating the deadly 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, promised Tuesday to “ratchet up” an inquiry he said is being hobbled by resistance from the Obama administration.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Wicked storm

New Bedford firefighter Lt. Eric Hartford tries to dig out an ambulance carrying a patient to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on Tuesday. (AP photo)

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Mormons call for protection of gay rights

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Mormon church announced a campaign Tuesday for new laws that protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination while somehow also protecting people who assert their religious beliefs.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

County complying with agreement over sex assaults

MISSOULA — A Montana county attorney’s office is complying with provisions of an agreement with the Department of Justice over how it should handle the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Sheriff handles the usual unusual calls

Call it a typical day at the

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Higher fine sought for seat-belt violations

HELENA (AP) — Getting caught without a seat belt could cost Montana drivers five times the current fine under a bill proposed Tuesday.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Bigfork triumphs in Northern B speech

Bigfork High School won the Northern Class B Divisonal speech championship last weekend in Shelby.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

New England feels brunt of blizzard

Wicked storm

BOSTON (AP) — Its winds howling at more than 70 mph, the Blizzard of 2015 slammed Boston and surrounding parts of New England on Tuesday with none of the mercy it unexpectedly showed New York City, piling up more than 2 feet of snow.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Columbia Falls rolls to divisional speech title

Columbia Falls High School won the Northwest Class A Speech, Debate, and Drama divisional title over the weekend with 188 points.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Public sounds off on license fees

Proposal to increase hunting, fishing prices gets support at Helena hearing

Testimony was generally favorable Tuesday in Helena as a bill to raise prices for fishing and hunting licenses in Montana received its first hearing before the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee.

January 27, 2015 8 p.m.

Local jobless rate rises to 6.2 percent

Flathead County closed out 2014 with an unemployment rate of 6.2 percent, a modest improvement over the 7.8 percent rate posted in December 2013.

January 27, 2015 6 p.m.

Speech and Debate

Ryker McIntyre practices his speech as Emma Trunkle and Jenna McCrorie look over their notes during a speech and debate practice at Glacier High School on Tuesday.

January 27, 2015 5 p.m.

State champion Eli Cornell

January 27, 2015 5 p.m.

Oratory champion Maija Hadwin

January 27, 2015 5 p.m.

Flathead state champions

January 27, 2015 4:01 p.m.

Larry Paul 'Butch' Robinson, 72

Larry Paul “Butch” Robinson, 72, peacefully passed away on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at his home in Martin City, surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

January 27, 2015 3:56 p.m.

Ralph R. Barnaby Sr., 97

Ralph, 97 years young, a many-year resident of Columbia Falls and husband of Dorothy (McElwain) Barnaby for 66 years, passed away peacefully in Puyallup, Washington, on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, “and is now with his Lord, Jesus Christ.”

January 27, 2015 3:53 p.m.

George Gibbs Dodge, 56

George Gibbs Dodge was born Jan. 15,1958, in Missoula.

January 27, 2015 1:27 p.m.

Profile: Ron Cron

Ron Cron assembles a strider-type bike called a Rally Balance Bike on Tuesday, January 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. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

January 27, 2015 12:17 p.m.

Northwest Artist Syndicate: Singer/Songwriter Showdown Results

Mike Murray performs at the Northwest Artist Syndicate Singer/Songwriter Showdown on Friday, January 23 at Crush Lounge in Whitefish. Murray took home top honors from the event with Halladay Quist taking second, and Colton Christensen taking third. Nick Spear and David Walburn received honorable mentions. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

January 27, 2015 10:08 a.m.

Glacier National Park

The mountains pick up a touch of pink at sunset on Lake McDonald on Monday, January 25. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

January 27, 2015 10:08 a.m.

Still waters in Glacier National Park

Peter Bergen of Columbia Falls takes a photo of his wife, Edwina, as they enjoy a sunset on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park on Monday.

Monday, January 26

January 26, 2015 10 p.m.

Thompson Falls man convicted of elder abuse

January 26, 2015 9:30 p.m.

Governor asks county to reconsider compact opposition

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has asked the Flathead County commissioners to reconsider their opposition to the proposed tribal water rights compact.

January 26, 2015 9 p.m.

Musicians spread 'universal language' at school

There was a lot of toe-tapping going on at Cayuse Prairie Elementary School on Monday morning.

January 26, 2015 9 p.m.

Metalhead's bark worse than bite

The

January 26, 2015 8:49 p.m.

Browne resigns as 'Cats soccer coach

Peter Browne, who guided Columbia Falls to three Class A state boys soccer championships, has resigned as the Wildcats head coach.

January 26, 2015 8:30 p.m.

Burned dog on path to recovery

A week after barely surviving a house fire in Olney, a badly burned yellow Labrador retriever named Annie Oakley is in stable condition and on the road to recovery.

January 26, 2015 5:48 p.m.

William P. Leistiko, 75

William P. Leistiko, 75, passed away Jan. 10, 2015, in Cleveland, Ohio.

January 26, 2015 5:16 p.m.

Fire hits alternative energy plant

A fire destroyed the main powerhouse structure of Algae AquaCulture Technologies and caused $1 million in damage near Columbia Falls early Saturday morning.

January 26, 2015 4:43 p.m.

Homes January 2015 Cover

January 26, 2015 4:40 p.m.

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January 26, 2015 2:59 p.m.

Construction on U.S. 2 West

Construction crews reopen work on U.S. 2 West on Monday, January 26, after the winter shut down. According to a press release the work will be taking place off the roadway and should not affect traffic. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

January 26, 2015 12:37 p.m.

Quists at Cayuse Prairie School

Rob and Halladay Quist talk with students at Cayuse Prairie School on Monday, January 26. The Quists began their morning with a performance for the whole school followed by a session in a smaller classroom. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

January 26, 2015 12:37 p.m.

Rob and Halladay Quist at Cayuse Prairie School

Coby Birky, a fifth grader at Cayuse Prairie and others applaud as Rob and Halladay Quist wrap up their classroom performance on Monday, January 26. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Sunday, January 25

January 25, 2015 9:59 p.m.

First PBR series win for Triplett

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Matt Triplett of Columbia Falls won his first Professional Bull Riders series event on Sunday at the Express Employment Professionals Invitational at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

January 25, 2015 9 p.m.

Driver reports the great Columbia Falls parking dilemma of 2015

A Fourth Avenue West man called the

January 25, 2015 9 p.m.

Local high schools beat average state graduation rates

Four of five public Flathead County high schools surpassed the state average in graduate rates for 2014.

January 25, 2015 9 p.m.

Woman reunited with beloved horse

Peggy Lundin got a surprising early Christmas present when the phone call came in, informing her they had found Holy Boy.

January 25, 2015 9 p.m.

World Skijoring Championship

Bart Slaney hits the final jump as he is being pulled by Kristen House on Roxi during the sport division of the 11th annual World Skijoring Championship in Whitefish on Saturday.

January 25, 2015 9 p.m.

Local physical therapist serves as guest on national show's panel

For Whitefish manual physical therapist Ralph Simpson, being invited to a guest panel on a Public Broadcasting Service medical show called “Second Opinion,” was an honor.

January 25, 2015 9 p.m.

'Doughnut' zoning back on county agenda

The Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday will consider a revised recommendation from the Planning Board about how to proceed with planning and zoning in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish.

January 25, 2015 3:17 p.m.

11th annual Skijoring World Championship

Images from the 2015 Skijoring World Championship in Whitefish on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015.

January 25, 2015 3:16 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:16 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:16 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:16 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:16 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:16 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:15 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:15 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:15 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:15 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:15 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:15 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:15 p.m.

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January 25, 2015 3:15 p.m.

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Kaci Monroe crashes as she attempts to make a turn after a jump during the 11th annual Skijoring World Championship in Whitefish on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 25, 2015 3:10 p.m.

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Greg Carson runs up the court while refereeing a Rotary Basketball game last Saturday at The Summit. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 25, 2015 3:10 p.m.

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Referee and Rotary Basketball Chairman Greg Carson takes a second during a basketball game to instruct the young players at The Summit last Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 25, 2015 1:01 p.m.

Maple Trio rocks The Springs

Several times a month, the seniors of The Springs at Whitefish are treated to the sweet tones and harmonization of The Maple Trio, a Whitefish-based musical group consisting of Nancy Baracker and her daughters, Melina and Layla.

January 25, 2015 12:02 p.m.

DIL 012515

Saturday, January 24

January 24, 2015 11:36 p.m.

Wrestling: Vasquez, Guzman, Wilson 3-0 for Braves at AA Duals

GREAT FALLS — Flathead’s wrestlers finished the Class AA Duals in seventh place Saturday by beating Missoula Big Sky, 33-29.

January 24, 2015 11:35 p.m.

Flathead, Glacier swimmers shave times, set records

MISSOULA — The Flathead and Glacier high school swim teams continue to shave time, set school records and win events. That happened again Saturday at the Missoula Invitational.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Adeline Jo Scarlett Conners

Adeline Jo Scarlett Conners, daughter of Patrick and Carrie Conners, was born Aug. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Aurora Duram

Aurora Duram, daughter of Andrew and Deanna Duram, was born Aug. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Eric Benjamin Shehan

Eric Benjamin Shehan, son of Jeff and Bethany Shehan of Kalispell, was born Aug. 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Jaelyn Felts

Jaelyn Felts, daughter of Travis and Jessie Felts of Somers, was born Aug. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Parker Jones

Parker Jones, son of Brent Jones and Melissa Berke of Troy, was born Aug. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Avery Endresen

Avery Endresen, daughter of Jon and Lindsey Endresen of Kalispell, was born Aug. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Tavian Augustus Gagne

Tavian Augustus Gagne, son of Jeffrey Gagne and Kimberly Funk of Kalispell, was born Aug. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Nadiyah Fink

Nadiyah Fink, daughter of Stephanie Fink of Marion, was born Aug. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Kai Johnson

Kai Johnson, son of Todd and Michelle Johnson of Whitefish, was born Aug. 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Nathan Belanger

Nathan Belanger, son of Eric and Elisha Belanger of Kalispell, was born Aug. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 11 p.m.

Maisy Sue Danielson

Maisy Sue Danielson, daughter of Justin and Caitlin Danielson of Kila, was born Aug. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 10:49 p.m.

Wolfpack edges Timberwolves

Shooting woes can doom any basketball team as can a significant height disadvantage.

January 24, 2015 10:46 p.m.

Wolverines blank Butte

WHITEFISH — The Whitefish Wolverines poured on the offense in a 7-0 throttling of Butte on Saturday night in Western States Hockey League play at the Stumptown Ice Den.

January 24, 2015 10:44 p.m.

Glacier clamps down on Lake City

After surrendering four 3-pointers in the first quarter, the Glacier boys locked down the next two quarters to run away with a 55-42 nonconference basketball win at home on Saturday night.

January 24, 2015 10:16 p.m.

Basketball roundup: Finbergs, Kemppainen lift Kats over Broncs

FRENCHTOWN — Ciera Finberg tallied 17 points, Winter Kemppainen added 11 and Cydney Finberg 10 as the top-ranked Columbia Falls Wildkats needed a fourth-quarter spurt to put away the Frenchtown Broncs in a 61-44 victory on Saturday afternoon in Northwestern A girls basketball action.

January 24, 2015 9:28 p.m.

Greenhut-Lindahl

January 24, 2015 9:08 p.m.

Whitefish Wolverines Hockey

Whitefish forward Bryan Polmear rips a shot that scores to give the Wolverines a 2-0 lead over the Butte Cobras in the first period of Saturday night’s Western States Hockey League game at the Stumptown Ice Den. (Aaric Bryan/Daily inter Lake)

January 24, 2015 9 p.m.

Daybook

January 24, 2015 8:23 p.m.

Peeping Tom spotted by mom

January 24, 2015 8:21 p.m.

Police: Man shot his family, killing 3, then killed himself

January 24, 2015 8:16 p.m.

Hunting, fishing fee increases face first hearing

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Dragon-boat festival move delayed

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Doctor fondly remembered

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Billings rapist appeals his 22 life sentences

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Regulating rabies vital to public health

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Whitefish hotel project advances

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Pedestrian killed by semitrailer on Interstate 90

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Flathead Valley Bridge Center: A place of their own

Brand-new bridge center accommodates growing group

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Coty Piasecki, 1994-2014

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Pair bring thriving business home

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Kalispell woman speaks out about son's heroin overdose

A mother's heartbreak

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Exxon Mobil gets $1 million penalty for pipeline spill

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Plane hit house as new buyer was flying it home

January 24, 2015 8 p.m.

Firm says Atlantic Richfield concealed pollution

January 24, 2015 7 p.m.

Eva Marie Tippets

Eva Marie Tippets, daughter of McClaine and Jane Tippets of Kalispell, was born Aug. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 24, 2015 4 p.m.

Mabel Waldusky, 85

Mabel Waldusky, 85, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in Whitefish.

January 24, 2015 3:56 p.m.

Joylynn Rose Schlegel Adamson, 10

Joylynn Rose Schlegel Adamson, 10, died Jan. 17, 2015, at her home in Riley, Kansas.

January 24, 2015 2:07 p.m.

Doris Mae Lochridge, 90

Doris was born in Creston on Feb. 17, 1924, to Curtis and Verna Shoemaker.

January 24, 2015 1:23 p.m.

James Mills Hannay III, 77

James Mills Hannay III passed away in Whitefish on Jan. 17, 2015.

January 24, 2015 1:22 p.m.

Teresa A. Schenherr Wells, 75

Teresa A. Schenherr Wells, 75, died Jan. 18, 2015, at her home in Kalispell, due to cancer.

January 24, 2015 10:59 a.m.

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Samuel Fischer, 9, reaches out to tag his dad Maarten Fischer while skating at the ice rink for Winterfest in Lakeside on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 24, 2015 10:59 a.m.

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Jacob Jepson, 9, attempts to gain his balance while skating on the ice rink built for the Lakeside Winterfest. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Friday, January 23

January 23, 2015 11:55 p.m.

C-Falls boys flip Flathead

In a game featuring 56 fouls, Columbia Falls went 16 for 25 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, finishing 68 percent from the charity stripe as a team, to pull away from a scrappy Flathead squad on Friday night.

January 23, 2015 11:52 p.m.

Wildkats roll by Bravettes

Top-ranked Columbia Falls was relentless with its pace on offense and defense in the first half of its nonconference girls basketball game at Flathead on Friday, outscoring the Bravettes 23-4 over a nine-minute stretch on its way to a 72-34 rout.

January 23, 2015 10:54 p.m.

High School Wrestling Polls

Coaches Poll

January 23, 2015 10:52 p.m.

Basketball roundup: Trent, Martel help Bigfork down Eureka

BIGFORK — Ryder Trent tallied 20 points and Isaac Martel did all of his scoring with 11 points in the final eight minutes as top-ranked Bigfork defeated Eureka 61-56 in District 7B boys basketball play on Friday night.

January 23, 2015 10:47 p.m.

C-Falls pins Polson, Libby in Northwestern A duals

COLUMBIA FALLS — Third-ranked Columbia Falls posted six pins in a 45-28 Northwestern A wrestling dual victory on Friday over Polson.

January 23, 2015 10:13 p.m.

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Flathead's Trae Habel lifts a shot over Columbia Falls' Logan Williams during the first quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 23, 2015 10:13 p.m.

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Columbia Falls' Winter Kemppainen lofts a shot over Flathead's Taryn Gutierez during the third quarter at Flathead on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 23, 2015 10:13 p.m.

Columbia Falls senior Sydney Grilley

Columbia Falls forward/guard Sydney Grilley (12) is fouled by Flathead’s Stephanie Wilson as she drives to the basket during Friday’s nonconference girls basketball game at Flathead High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 23, 2015 10:13 p.m.

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Columbia Falls' Ty Morgan scores a basket after pulling down a rebound against Flathead on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 23, 2015 9 p.m.

Daybook

January 23, 2015 8 p.m.

Next up in North Kalispell: 14 buildings on 28 acres

New shopping center on the drawing board

Plans are emerging for a new phase of commercial development in north Kalispell involving 14 buildings on 28 acres south of Costco.

January 23, 2015 7:43 p.m.

Pot bills wafting into Legislature

HELENA — Marijuana once again will be an issue at the Legislature, with a number of bills anticipated, from possibly decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of pot to banning medical marijuana.

January 23, 2015 7:41 p.m.

Kalispell legislator wants tougher penalty for abuse of pregnant women

HELENA — A Kalispell legislator proposed Friday that domestic abusers receive additional punishment if the victim is pregnant.

January 23, 2015 7:36 p.m.

Ferrets chew off newborn's nose, part of her cheek

DARBY, Pa. (AP) — Authorities near Philadelphia say a trio of pet ferrets mauled a newborn who was left downstairs in her car seat, chewing off the baby’s nose and part of her cheek and lip.

January 23, 2015 7:34 p.m.

Conservancy finishes 257-square-mile land deal purchase

GREAT FALLS (AP) — The Nature Conservancy has completed purchasing more than 257 square miles of forestlands in Montana and Washington as part of a program to protect habitat for bull trout, lynx, elk and mule deer.

January 23, 2015 7:19 p.m.

New Saudi king sets up throne succession

January 23, 2015 7:17 p.m.

NASA spacecraft closing in on Pluto Smile for the camera!

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — It’s showtime for Pluto.

January 23, 2015 7:16 p.m.

Visiting governor supports Medicaid expansion

HELENA — Ohio Gov. John Kasich visited the Montana Legislature Wednesday to promote a federal balanced-budget amendment — but also got into why he supported expanding Medicaid in Ohio.

January 23, 2015 7:12 p.m.

Community service project

January 23, 2015 7:10 p.m.

Measles ruled out in child's rash

The Flathead Valley’s first case of measles since 1989 has been avoided, for now.

January 23, 2015 7:10 p.m.

Student welders craft custom railing

Jim Aker’s Kalispell residence is safer this winter thanks to Flathead and Glacier high school students.

January 23, 2015 7:09 p.m.

Bill advances on selection process for top political cop

HELENA — The Senate on Thursday endorsed a bill changing how the state commissioner of political practices is chosen and adding certain qualifications.

January 23, 2015 7:08 p.m.

After oil spill, company says new line will be safer

BILLINGS — A Wyoming company said Friday it will replace a pipeline that spilled almost 40,000 gallons of oil into a river in Montana with a new line buried more deeply to protect against future accidents.

January 23, 2015 7:06 p.m.

Browning man fined for killing three bears

GREAT FALLS — A man who killed three grizzly bears near his Browning home last summer has been ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution.

January 23, 2015 7:04 p.m.

Grizzly killings: Poaching suspect in court Tuesday

A Bigfork man charged with three counts of grizzly bear poaching in May 2014 is scheduled to appear Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

January 23, 2015 6:30 p.m.

Preschool supportersrally at Capitol hearing weigh preschool plan

HELENA — About 50 supporters told a legislative panel on Friday that Gov. Steve Bullock’s $37 million plan for public preschool is a worthy investment.

January 23, 2015 3:04 p.m.

William 'Bill' Edgar Samson, 85

January 23, 2015 9:58 a.m.

Reserve Loop Aerial

File photo of the Reserve Loop, December 17, 2013. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

January 23, 2015 9:58 a.m.

Jodie Barwiler

January 23, 2015 9:58 a.m.

Next up in north Kalispell

Thursday, January 22

January 22, 2015 11:32 p.m.

Braves dominate Wolfpack

Flathead senior Dyan Guzman put an exclamation point on a dominant night by the Braves, topping Glacier’s Ryder Day 4-2 in double overtime to cap a 36-18 win for Flathead in the crosstown wrestling dual on Thursday night at Glacier High School.

January 22, 2015 11:31 p.m.

Basketball: Bigfork boys defeat Plains, 57-46

PLAINS — The No. 1-ranked Bigfork Vikings scored 15 points in each of the first three quarters to hold off Plains for a 57-46 District 7B boys basketball victory on Thursday night.

January 22, 2015 11:30 p.m.

Columbia Falls grapplers nip Frenchtown

FRENCHTOWN — Third-ranked Columbia Falls edged No. 6 Frenchtown 32-27 on Thursday evening in a Northwestern A dual wrestling match.

January 22, 2015 11:29 p.m.

Glacier's Dennehy named AA's top AD

Glacier High School’s Mark Dennehy has been selected Class AA’s Activities Director of Year for the 2014-15 school year by the Montana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

January 22, 2015 11 p.m.

Daybook

January 22, 2015 9:44 p.m.

crosstown dual 2.JPG

Flathead's Dyan Guzman holds on to Glacier's Ryder Day as he looks up at the clock as time expires in the final overtime period during the 126-pound match of the crosstown dual at Glacier on Thursday. Guzman won the match 4-2. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 22, 2015 9:44 p.m.

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Glacier Athletic Mark Dennehy speaks with the Glacier High School administrators after the crosstown dual on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 22, 2015 9:44 p.m.

Flathead's Trae Vasquez

Flathead's Trae Vasquez gets near-fall points on Billy Barrett during the 113-pound match at the 2015 crosstown dual on January 22 at Glacier. Vasquez pinned Barrett in the first round. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

January 22, 2015 8 p.m.

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah dead at 90

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, the powerful U.S. ally who joined Washington’s fight against al-Qaida and sought to modernize the ultraconservative Muslim kingdom with incremental but significant reforms, including nudging open greater opportunities for women, has died, according to Saudi state TV. He was 90.

January 22, 2015 7:53 p.m.

Car washes prove hazardous

An epidemic of vehicular proportions struck the Flathead Valley when both the

January 22, 2015 7:50 p.m.

Road crews did great job in bad conditions

I wanted to give an atta-boy to the County Road and Bridge Department men and women who executed their jobs admirably after we were deluged with the recent snowstorms and bad weather.

January 22, 2015 7:49 p.m.

Emperor Obama?

Barack Obama, with his executive order giving amnesty to five million or more illegal aliens, has essentially made an end run around Congress. If this tactic is allowed to stand, it has ramifications far beyond this immigration issue.

January 22, 2015 7:49 p.m.

Opinions about Islam just foment fear

Sadly, the last two Sunday’s Montana Perspectives’ disparagement of Islam (Daily Inter Lake, Jan. 11 and 18) serve more the interest of fear and division than of sober understanding and the rightful condemnation of evil. The flow of history that historians refer to as memetic theory (scapegoating) played out well in the anti-Muslim comments the opinions and editorials expressed.

January 22, 2015 7:48 p.m.

Time to wake up and smell the oil

Oil, oil rules!

January 22, 2015 7:46 p.m.

Artist Cavanaugh leaves big legacy

Artist Bob Cavanaugh spent most of his last 40 years as a resident of Kalispell, and he certainly left his mark behind — not just with the art he created, but with the legacy of mentoring, community service and kindness that he was known for.

January 22, 2015 7:45 p.m.

State of Indian Nations speech underlines U.S.-tribe relations

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Tribes must insist the federal government honor its commitments to them and create partnerships with them based on deference, not paternalism, the president of the National Congress of American Indians said Thursday.

January 22, 2015 7:45 p.m.

GOP pushes abortion bill through House

WASHINGTON (AP) — With thousands of abortion protesters swarming the city in their annual March for Life, Republicans muscled broadened abortion restrictions through the House on Thursday after a GOP rebellion forced leaders into an awkward retreat on an earlier version.

January 22, 2015 7:44 p.m.

Legislation would ease limits on breweries

Groups involved in the Montana alcohol industry have developed new legislation that would allow breweries to hold separate licenses and raise the barrel limit for taproom operating hours.

January 22, 2015 7:41 p.m.

Two groups offer free tax assistance

Free tax preparation assistance will be available through two local programs.

January 22, 2015 7:40 p.m.

Glendive to hear if water safe to drink after oil spill

BILLINGS — Initial tests show water supplies in a Montana city show no sign of a cancer-causing element for the first time since they were contaminated by a weekend crude oil spill, a state official said Thursday, raising hopes that thousands of residents can soon start drinking from their taps.

January 22, 2015 7:39 p.m.

Three cities combine for Relay for Life

For the first time in a decade, the three cities of the Flathead Valley will collaborate for one Relay for Life event.

January 22, 2015 7:38 p.m.

Kila home damaged by fire

A house fire in Kila on Wednesday night destroyed the home’s roof and caused extensive damage.

January 22, 2015 7:30 p.m.

Annie Oakley's sad plight

Annie Oakley, severely burned in a fire Sunday in Olney, is recovering at Flathead Pet Emergency near Kalispell. (Photo courtesy of Megan Evans)

January 22, 2015 7:25 p.m.

Donations sought for burned dog's care

Annie Oakley's sad plight

From the ashes of a house fire Sunday night in Olney, a community is raising the prospect of hope for the homeowner’s dog, whose future is uncertain after it was severely injured in the flames.

January 22, 2015 7:22 p.m.

County to shift rabies oversight

Following an outcry from local veterinarians over a proposed Flathead County law change to scrap a rabies vaccination requirement for dogs, the commissioners now plan to turn the rabies control program over to the county Health Board.

January 22, 2015 5:29 p.m.

James Mills Hannay III, 77

January 22, 2015 3:51 p.m.

Doris Mae Lochridge, 90

January 22, 2015 1:31 p.m.

Melva Edna Johnson, 85

Melva Edna Johnson, 85, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 1, 2015.

January 22, 2015 1:28 p.m.

Steve Saville, 73

January 22, 2015 1:27 p.m.

Rita Ann Almas Johnson, 95

January 22, 2015 10:25 a.m.