Friday, July 31
State A: Glasgow tags Kalispell Lakers
After a rousing win in the opening round, the Kalispell Lakers ran into a buzz saw Friday, falling to Glasgow 13-1 in seven innings as the East champion Reds put up 13 hits and scored in every inning but the fourth at Griffin Field in the second round of the Montana/Alberta American Legion Class A state baseball tournament.

Girl sells sprites for a cause
At her booth this weekend at the Bigfork Festival of the Arts, Cleo Maloney, 12, has a bit of magic in the form of small creatures called sprites.
Law roundup: No medical call for ringing sounds
A Wisconsin Avenue man called the

Popular pass leads to road delays
Visitors urged to explore other areas of park Gridlock in Glacier Park
With delays mounting for travelers on the west side of Glacier National Park, park officials urge visitors to consider going elsewhere in Glacier.
District fined for storage tank violation
West Valley School District has agreed to pay a $210 penalty for violations of the Montana Underground Storage Tank Act.

New director to head biological station
James “Jim” Elser, an internationally renowned freshwater ecologist, will become the next director of the University of Montana’s century-old Flathead Lake Biological Station.

Reynolds Creek Fire Map July 31

Reynolds Creek Fire

Jack Stanford

Cleo Maloney
Speaker warns of radical Islam making inroads in U.S.
Nearly 500 people turned out Thursday to hear the words of Brigitte Gabriel, a national figure who was greeted by rounds of standing applause from the Flathead Valley audience.

Logan Pass

Wind kicks up interior burning on Reynolds Creek Fire
Heavy plumes of smoke towered above the east side of Glacier National Park on Friday afternoon as a patch of fuel burned within the Reynolds Creek Fire.

2016 Governors Cup, Keith Ori at Eagle Bend

Governors Cup, Eagle Bend, Bigfork, 2015
Keith Ori, right, putts while Ken Barkus tends the flagstick at Eagle Bend Golf Club Friday morning. The men are competing for the Kalispell D.A. Davidson team in the annual Governors Cup golf tournament, which continues today. (David Reese/Bigfork Eagle)

Spilled logs on U.S. 2

Near-miss collision blocks U.S. 2 with logs at West Glacier
Traffic was blocked on U.S. 2 Friday morning near the west entrance to Glacier National Park when a load of logs was spilled during a traffic accident.

Telecommuting from Silverbrook
Thursday, July 30
Lakers A win state American Legion baseball tournament opener
The Kalispell Lakers scored big early and resorted to small ball late, scoring a pair of runs in the seventh and eighth innings to put some space between themselves and Vauxhall, needing every run to top the North A champions 10-9 in the first round at the Montana/Alberta American Legion Class A state baseball tournament at Griffin Field on Thursday evening.
Avery, Schulz lead team Montana at girls Junior America's Cup
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Kalispell’s Teigan Avery and Coral Schulz led the Montana team to a 17th place finish with strong final rounds on Thursday at the girls Junior America’s Cup at Cheyenne Country Club.
Libby's Johnston 13th at boys Junior America's Cup
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Montana placed two golfers in the top 16 and finished tied for 13th as a team after the final round on Thursday at the 43rd annual Junior America’s Cup at Pine Canyon Golf Club.
Lakers AA bow out of state American Legion baseball tourney
HELENA — The Kalispell Lakers allowed five runs in the final three innings to fall behind host Helena, losing 7-4 in an elimination game at the Montana/Alberta American Legion Class AA state baseball tournament on Thursday at Kindrick Legion Field.
New initiative targets prescription drug abuse
Health professionals, law enforcement and others unveiled a new health initiative Thursday afternoon at The Montana Center for Wellness and Pain Management.

Work begins on new retail center
Earth is being moved and trees have been toppled at the site of Kalispell’s latest large-scale commercial project.
LAW ROUNDUP: Man quits job, company sends cops
A Two Mile Drive business asked the
Flathead economic forecast improves
Economic indicators are improving for Flathead County, experts said during the 10th Annual Economic Update presentation Thursday in Kalispell.
Rescue pulls family, sinking boat from lake
A family was ferried to shore Wednesday evening after their boat ran aground in Flathead Lake.
OPINION: State government's economic health is sound
As minority chairs of the Finance and Appropriations Committees, we respectfully must disagree with the recent editorials regarding the state’s latest audits and the concerns over Montana’s economic health.
OPINION: Hunters, anglers saw successes in 2015 Legislature
The last legislative session was a tough one on Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. There were plenty of bills introduced to cut back wildlife habitat programs along with a multitude of bills to transfer our public lands to the state. Despite those challenges, the session ended well for our public wildlife and our hunting and fishing traditions.
LETTER: Author not convinced his letter on gay rights was 'propaganda'
Shirley Anderson’s rebuttal letter (Daily Inter Lake, July 30) seemed to ignore the basic premise of my letter when declaring my opposition to same-sex marriage “propaganda”: namely, that the extremists of the LGBT movement will force this issue to an absurd all-or-none conclusion just like Roe v. Wade has done with abortion.
LETTER: Politicians need to change their selfish approach
I find it rather ironic that both the senators from California have written letters relating their disgust with what happened in San Francisco when the woman was apparently shot by an illegal immigrant.
LETTER: Sowell is a jewel
While on vacation in Kalispell I had a chance to pick up a copy of your paper. When I got to the opinion page and saw the headline “What about the new Civil War?” I immediately thought, here we go again!
EDITORIAL: The irony of guarding the guardians
It was more symbolic than anything, but there was something touching about the decision of several local citizens to stand guard to protect military recruiters in Kalispell.
Daybook
Ranald Luke McDonald, 48
Ranald Luke McDonald, 48, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.

Joseph C. Jankovsky, 85

Reynolds Creek fire crew

Reynolds Fire torching trees

Reynolds fire alters views along Sun Road
'Fire and smoke all summer long'
ST. MARY — Officials are keeping mum on when the stretch of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road east of Logan Pass will be open, but when it is, the views will be considerably altered.

Voters to decide fate of $14 million Bigfork High School expansion
St. Mary Lake: Reynolds Creek Fire media tour
This video shot by Daily Inter Lake reporter Sam Wilson shows the view looking east over St. Mary Lake of the Reynolds Creek Fire damage in Glacier National Park. The video was shot on July 30, 2015, during a fire tour for media. The fire is still burning as indicated by the smoke plume.
Reynolds Creek Fire tour panorama
This video shot by Daily Inter Lake reporter Sam Wilson shows a panoramic view of the Reynolds Creek Fire damage in Glacier National Park as seen from Going-to-the-Sun Road looking toward St. Mary Lake. The video was shot on July 30, 2015, during a fire tour for media.

Monday Profile: Brian Harris
Local author and retired Kalispell police officer Brian Harris with his book "I'll Spell It Out" at City Brew North in Kalispell on Thursday, July 30.

Spring Prairie Construction
Hungry Horse man charged with attempted murder

All About Dogs

Structure fire in Evergreen
Firefighters from the Evergreen Fire Rescue department set up a fan to dissipate smoke at a structure fire in Evergreen on Thursday, July 30. According to Cpt. James Boyce one of the major concerns with fires like this is the close proximity of other homes and the danger of having the fire spread. The Evergreen Fire Department was joined by a crew from the Kalispell Fire Department. Flathead County Sheriff's Deputies also responded to the scene. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Adam Gianforte's Fundraiser: Unicycling for Justice
Promotional video for Adam Gianforte's unicycling tour.
Adam Gianforte: One-wheeling for a cause

Reynolds Fire Map July 29
This map shows the area burned by the Reynolds Creek Fire and related closures in Glacier National Park as of July 29.
This Week in the Flathead | July 30 - Aug. 5

Celebrating Festival Amadeus
The annual free picnic concert in the park celebrating the opening of Festival Amadeus will be held this year at the Riverside Park gazebo on Baker Avenue in Whitefish. The internationally acclaimed Fry Street Quartet will provide the musical entertainment for "Mingle with Mozart."
Wednesday, July 29
Terry column: A second chance at a state title
Second chances are hard to come by.
Legion Baseball: State A tournament begins in Kalispell
The Montana/Alberta American Legion Class A state baseball tournament gets under way today at Griffin Field in Kalispell, with eight teams from around the state vying for a championship. The double-elimination tournament is played through Monday.
Legion Baseball: Lakers AA fall in first round at state
HELENA — A fast start turned into a crushing loss for the Kalispell Lakers in the opening game of the Montana/Alberta American Legion Class AA state baseball tournament on Wednesday at Kindrick Legion Field.
Kalispell man suspect in pedestrian hit-and-run
Bozeman police say that a Kalispell motorist tried to discreetly fix a windshield after he hit a pedestrian and fled the scene.
Heat returns with highs in the 90s
Despite scattered showers and lower temperatures in Northwest Montana last week, the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas remain under Stage One Fire restrictions.

One-wheeling for a cause
It’s certainly a way to strike up a conversation.
Skate season compressed in Whitefish
For years, local ice skating programs have pushed to bring year-round ice to Whitefish, but recently the city parks board delivered a debilitating blow to those ambitions by voting to cap the ice season at eight months.
Survivor cat can't ID its shooter
A Wood Ridge Drive resident told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office that his cat came home one day with a bullet in its head. The cat survived after surgery but unfortunately couldn’t name a suspect.
Area tourism spending hits $1.2 billion last year in Glacier Country
Tourists spent $1.2 billion last year in Western Montana, according to a new study.

Reynolds Fire mostly calm
Despite a red flag warning for the east side of Glacier National Park, firefighting crews were able to make gains on the ground Wednesday along the eastern portion of the Reynolds Creek Fire.
EDITORIAL: Look for The Best of the Flathead 2015 in tomorrow's Inter Lake.
This much anticipated section features the results of your votes in our annual poll to gauge what our readers think are the very best businesses, doctors, artists, restaurants — you name it!
LETTER: Recent letter about same-sex marriage just 'propaganda'?
Regarding the guest opinion by P. David Myerowitz in the July 26 Inter Lake about same-sex marriage, here are some thoughts and responses. (Direct quotes from the article are in quotation marks.)
LETTER: Bush or Clinton scenario is less than inspiring
Here we go again with sub-par choices of presidential candidates. History has shown Presidents Harry S. Truman, Democrat, and Ronald Reagan, Republican, to be two of our better presidents. Both had a well thought-out program and articulated a vision of a more prosperous America directly to the people.They put the American people first and their political parties, poll numbers and historical legacies last.
Births, Published July 30, 2015

Linda Marie Gragg, 57

Unicycle rider rolling toward New Mexico

Fry Street Quartet
The Fry Street Quartet, comprised of Robert Waters on violin, Rebecca McFaul on violin, Bradley Ottesen on viola and Ann Francis Bayles on cello, will kick off Festival Amadeus with a free community concert Sunday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. at Riverside Park in Whitefish.

Glacier Park visitors flock to reopened pass
After its weeklong closure to the public following the rapid spread of the Reynolds Creek Fire, Logan Pass opened early Wednesday morning to visitors who quickly filled the parking lot at the popular Glacier National Park destination.
Family shot while helping stranded driver
BILLINGS — A man who was stopped along a road on Montana’s Crow Indian Reservation gunned down a family who tried to help him Wednesday, killing the couple and wounding their daughter, a relative said.

Glacier Park opens Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass
Visitors arrive at Logan Pass and head up to the visitors center and Hidden Lake Trail on Wednesday morning, July 29, in Glacier National Park. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier National Park
Tom Whitaker and his son, Quinn, 7, of Freeport, Maine, hike Hidden Lake Trail on Wednesday, July 29, in Glacier National Park. Logan Pass was reopened to visitors Tuesday night at 9 p.m. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Logan Pass

Glacier Park opens Sun Road to Logan Pass

Who started fire? Glacier Park wants to know
The fire burning on the east side of Glacier National Park was likely started by people, according to park officials.

Reynolds Creek Fire

Reynolds Creek Fire shoreline
In this photo provided by Erin Conwell taken Tuesday, July 21, 2015, fire and smoke from the the Reynolds Creek wildfire rise above St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park. The fire burning in the drought-parched northwestern Montana park doubled in size Wednesday, leading officials to evacuate homes along St. Mary Lake and visitors to flee hotels and campgrounds in the nearby community at Glacier’s eastern entrance. (Erin Conwell via AP)

Reynolds Creek Fire July 21
In this photo provided by Erin Conwell taken Tuesday, July 21, 2015, smoke from the Reynolds Creek wildfire rises above St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park. The fire burning in the drought-parched northwestern Montana park doubled in size Wednesday, leading officials to evacuate homes along St. Mary Lake and visitors to flee hotels and campgrounds in the nearby community at Glacier’s eastern entrance. (Erin Conwell via AP)

Reynolds Creek: The fire in photos
Tuesday, July 28
Baseball: Lakers at their best entering Class AA American Legion state tournament
The word ‘best’ sums up the current state of affairs for the Kalispell Lakers.
Care Farm fun enjoyed by 200 people
There isn’t a lot of time to think about things when dashing through mazes, crossing creeks and scaling walls.

Going to work - at home: Workers see benefits of telecommuting in rural areas
Each morning, Tracy Freeman wakes up and gets mentally prepared for the day ahead.

Guards stand watch at local recruiting office
Outside the Armed Forces Career Center off Hutton Ranch Road, three men sat on stools or stood in front of an open Chevrolet Suburban on Tuesday.
Council hashes out impact fee plans at meeting
The discussion over impact fees hit the Kalispell City Council on Monday during a study session.
Successful Poker Paddle raises $4,000 for field trips
By SAMUEL WILSON
Bumper cars? No... building bumpers!
Not sure if this is the beginning of a Stephen King novel or just a weird coincidence, but....
Chamber plans Manufacturing Day
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce will host the first planning meeting for Manufacturing Day at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Chamber’s board room.

Longtime ranger fondly remembered
Doug Follett remembers Fred Reese well. The two men worked in Glacier National Park together for decades.
Mine near Libby clears Forest Service hurdle
The Montanore Mine project has cleared another regulatory hurdle, which mine officials say could result in the creation of 30 to 35 new jobs as early as September of this year.
Escapee arrested
A Ronan-area man who walked away from the Butte Prerelease Center has been found and arrested.
Great Falls to auction seized firearms
GREAT FALLS (AP) — The Great Falls Police Department will be auctioning off about 150 seized firearms to federal firearms license holders.

Peter Hubbard Keller, 49

Fred Reese

Reynolds Fire hot spots

Glacier reopening Logan Pass on Wednesday
Glacier National Park plans to reopen Logan Pass to west-side traffic by 9 a.m. Wednesday, which also will give visitors access to the Highline and Hidden Lake trails.

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Columbia Falls bicyclist dies on Washington highway
LEAVENWORTH, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol is investigating the death of a 67-year-old Columbia Falls bicyclist who was found on U.S. 2 about 22 miles west of Leavenworth, Washington.

Evening Stroll
Pedestrians are caught in the rays of sunset as they walk across downtown Kalispell on Monday, July 27. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

The Toggery opens spacious store in historic downtown Kalispell building
Monday, July 27
Legion baseball: Twins fall short in Western A District title game
POLSON — The Bitterroot Red Sox broke a 2-all tie with three runs in the top of the third inning en route to a 6-3 victory over the Glacier Twins to capture the Western A District American Legion baseball championship on Monday afternoon.
Badger badgers men with badges
Man denies putting mom in danger
A Kalispell man has denied allegations that he cut the brake lines on his mother’s car after an argument.

Edna E. Colbry Duncan, 93
Edna E. Colbry Duncan, 93, died at her Lakeside home on July 25, 2015, with family there to care for her.

Michael William Clouser, 65
Michael William Clouser of Whitefish passed away July 14, 2015, at home. He was 65.

Rain, cooler weather help fire crews
Logan Pass access may be restored this week Reynolds Creek Fire
Tentative deal reached on Walmart building
Flathead County has a tentative agreement to buy the former Walmart building and 14-acre site in Evergreen for $2.8 million.
Clinic vandal files for high court appeal
The man who vandalized a Kalispell health-care clinic is taking his case to the Montana Supreme Court.
Flames damage Creston home
Firefighters worked quickly on Sunday to put out an early morning house fire in the Creston area.

Bob Nystuen

Bank president named to Board of Regents
In a surprise move to him and many at Flathead Valley Community College, Bob Nystuen, chairman of the college board of trustees, has been appointed to the Montana Board of Regents by Gov. Steve Bullock.
Whitefish derails bid for City Hall vote
The city of Whitefish has rejected a proposed petition requiring a public vote on Whitefish’s $14.8 million City Hall project, a maneuver that will buy the city enough time to get the new City Hall and parking structure built before a court battle plays out.

Reynolds Creek Fire

Oath Keepers

Hug Rogers Wag Park
Andrew Freas, of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania throws the ball with his two boxers, Glacier, brown, and Yukon, white, and is joined by another dog on Monday, July 27, at the Hug Rogers Wag Park, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Sunday, July 26
Legion baseball: Red Sox hand Twins 1st loss in district tournament
POLSON — The Bitterroot Red Sox had almost as many hits as they did runs in whipping the Glacier Twins 23-4 on Sunday afternoon in the championship game of the Western A District American Legion baseball tournament.
Bar crashers get busted
Ronan man one of two missing from Butte Prerelease Center
Authorities are searching for two men reported missing from the Butte Prerelease Center.
City of Kalispell: Impact-fee increases recommended
A recommendation to the Kalispell City Council pushes for higher impact fees, some increases as high as six times the current amount.

St. Mary Visitor Center to reopen
Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire
As more fire personnel arrive to fight the Reynolds Creek Fire burning in Glacier National Park, improving weather conditions have led to the downgrade of evacuation levels in the park.

Greek in Glacier program brings philosophy to the park
Walter Roberts III of Detroit has brought Plato to Polebridge, along with Greek and Latin.
Whitefish looks to fill vacancies
The city of Whitefish has a number of vacancies to fill on various volunteer boards and committees.
Somers reunion set for Aug. 1
Every other year for decades, the town of Somers has been a gathering spot for dozens of people with ties to the former industry town.

Equestrian regains confidence to ride again
The oft-used phrase, “getting back in the saddle” is one that describes regaining the confidence to do something you love.

Getting back in the saddle
Rose Sweeney with horse Jazz at the fairgrounds. Rose is just getting back to horse riding after a back injury.

Plato in Polebridge
Dr. Walter Roberts smiles as he reads Plato during a lesson at the Square Peg Ranch in Polebridge on Friday.

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Porch second in State Men's Am golf
GREAT FALLS — Tom Swanson of Missoula was a wire-to-wire winner at the 2015 Montana State Men’s Amateur golf tournament at Meadow Lark Country Club.
Legion baseball: Lakers AA beat up Miners
BUTTE — The Kalispell Lakers AA put on quite the offensive show to wrap up regular-season play on Saturday afternoon.
Legion baseball: Glacier Twins in district title game
POLSON — AJ Wetsch doubled to center field to drive in the game-winning run as the Glacier Twins edged the Bitterroot RedSox 4-3 in semifinal play at the Western A District American Legion baseball tournament on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday, July 25

Weather keeps Glaicer Park fire in check; containment grows

FIRE CAMP: 'You have everything... you need'
OPINION: Gay marriage is latest triumph for LGBT bullies
I am not an adamant supporter of many of the conservative social causes... not nearly as much as the fiscal issues, but I do find liberal positions on social matters becoming intolerable. There appears to be no middle ground in this country.
OPINION: Congress needs to get serious about funding great outdoors
The clock is ticking. In less than two months we could lose a program that has shaped outdoor access and recreation in Montana, yet Congress seems content to let public land access wither on the vine of political posturing.
LETTER: Minimum income instead of welfare?
In response to some recent statements printed on welfare reform I think our country’s use of a liberal welfare regime creates unintended incentives, bureaucratic bloat, ensuing administrative costs, a breakdown of inter-group solidarity, and a failure to reach everyone in need of assistance.
OPINION: Let's get tough on crime
Victim of Missoula assault speaks out for law and order
Courts and communities need to get tougher on crime.
LETTER: What happened to America?
I must have fallen asleep. I thought the GOP won big last November. Are they being blackmailed or just bought off?
OPINION: Supreme Court activism should give citizens pause
I have had numerous people ask me what I thought of the recent Supreme Court rulings, two in particular.

Healthy berry treats selling like crazy in Whitefish
BOWLED OVER
Not many people have an “aha” moment on a Hawaiian beach that leads to a new business venture, but a lucky few do. That’s where the idea for Mountain Berry Bowls was born.
OPINION: Trustee explains what Bigfork will get if levy is approved
As a trustee of Bigfork Public Schools, I have the benefit of being a part of the school’s regular business and success. Our schools are functioning at very high levels; our community holds high standards for our students and staff and they will continue to see great results.
LETTER: Hillary doesn't speak for this part of the 99 percent
A writer on Tuesday claimed that only Bernie Sanders and Hillary speak for the 99 percent. Well if 99 percent of U.S. citizens buy into their beliefs that the government is the panacea for their problems, we truly are in trouble as a nation.
LETTER: Could 'The Donald' trump America?
As far back as the 1920s, famous writer and misanthrope H.L. Mencken is quoted as saying: “As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents more and more closely, the inner soul of the American people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
National alliance brings mental illness coping class
The National Alliance on Mental Illness will sponsor the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program specifically for families of people diagnosed with serious mental illness.
Something stinks in Whitefish taxi
A taxi driver wanted
EDITORIAL: Airport growth is source of pride
As a nine-year, $32 million upgrade of Glacier Park International Airport wraps up, the Flathead Valley can be proud of a facility that has continued to improve and expand over time.
COLUMN: Of young men (and women) and fire ...
I got to meet a remarkable young man last week, and in some ways we were both lucky to have the chance.

Alene Louise (Everett) Williams, 85
Alene Louise (Everett) Williams passed away on June 26, 2015, at Wilcox Memorial Hospital in Kauai, Hawaii, at the age of 85.

James A. Weikert, 79
James A. Weikert was born on Nov. 11, 1935, to Austin and Ruth Weikert in Somers.

Frederick 'Fred' Reese, 76

William 'Bill' D. Emmert, 83

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Alexandra Tett clears an obstacle in the water as a large crowd watches from Spectator Hill during The Event at Rebecca Farm on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Jennifer McFall on her horse High Times sails over a jump and into the water during the CIC3 cross county at The Event at Rebecca Farm on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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About 450 firefighters are staying at a camp at Chewing Black Bones outside of St. Mary. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Gus Conrad of Grayback Forestry of Missoula grabs dinner after fighting the Reynolds Creek Fire on Friday. Firefighters are fed 6,000 calories of food each day at the camp. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Leo Martinez tends to the blisters on his feet after fighting the Reynolds Creek Fire on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Firefighters walk to the food tents to get dinner at the Chewing Black Bones campsite outside of St. Mary. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A Glacier National Park Red Bus is pulled off the side of U.S. 89 near St. Mary to give the sightseers a view of the Reynolds Creek Fire on Friday, July 24, 2015. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Rose Sweeney sits atop her horse Jazz at the fairgrounds on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Rose Sweeney with horse Jazz at the fairgrounds. Rose is just getting back to horse riding after a back injury. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Carrie Barone serves a beer at Brannigan's Irish Pub. Brannigan's was voted best bar. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Registered nurses Megan Stickney, left, and Kim Reynen look over a patient's information at the urgent care of the Family Health Care walk-in clinic. The clinic is open seven days a week and can do labs and x-ray in house so patients don't have to go anywhere else. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Jeffery Eayrs was voted best massage therapist. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Dr. Brent Kandarian of Glacier Denture Center has been a denturist since 1983. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Dr. Ken Graham of Sunny View Pediatrics has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years. Sunny View Pediatrics recently moved to a new location at 1273 Burns Way. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Ryan Caughlan and Emily Michels of the Flathead Party Bus stand inside Black Betty. Black Betty is equipped with a booming sound system, disco lights and a dance floor. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A martini with a twist sits on the bar at the Red Room in Whitefish. The red room makes traditonal cocktails and also uses their house-infused vodka and gin to make their own creations. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A fisherman casts while on a paddleboard near the Tally Lake Campground. The campground is on the northern shores of the lake an offers dozens of campsites for RVs and tents. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

The Event at Rebecca Farm
Robyn Fisher and Betawave speed through the water during the CCI1* cross-country at The Event at Rebecca Farm on July 25, 2015. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Friday, July 24

The Event: Teamwork makes dream work
“Great job out there! I thought he stayed really nice and calm. You recovered really well. He looked very pretty,” Kurstie Hammel said to her daughter, Alyssa, who rides away to her respective barn on a gorgeous Friday morning at The Event at Rebecca Farm after her dressage routine atop Motomaji.
District Legion baseball tourney: Twins clobber Bitterroot Bucs
POLSON — Vinnie Smith drove in five runs while Colten Parker and Tyler Murphy had four each as the Glacier Twins whipped the Bitterroot Bucs 24-10 on Friday in second-round action at the Western A District American Legion baseball tournament.

Tourist industry runs blitz: The park is still open
“We’re still open, and there’s plenty to do.” That’s the message from the tourism industry in Northwest Montana to the rest of the world.
Neighbor becomes power hungry
One Grigg Road neighbor was reportedly making a power move on another. A resident told the
Births, Published July 24, 2015

Campers learn historic art of logrolling
Rolling along
Flathead and Lincoln county 4-H campers are participating in a more than century-old sport — logrolling.

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A Glacier National Park Red Bus is pulled off the side of U.S. 89 near St. Mary to give the sightseers a view of the Reynolds Creek Fire on Friday, July 24, 2015. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Monday Profile: Greg Poncin

Reynolds fire meeting Mow

Lois Elizabeth (Falkner) Gorton, 94 recent

Lois Elizabeth (Falkner) Gorton, 94 then

Lois Elizabeth (Falkner) Gorton, 94
Lois Elizabeth (Falkner) Gorton “passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” on July 21, 2015.

Edna Doyle, 88
Edna Doyle, 88, of Belgrade, passed away at home on July 18, 2015.

Mountain Berry Bowls

Logrolling

High winds threaten 'extreme fire behavior' today

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Ainsleigh Mitchell clears an obstacle during The Event at Rebecca Farm on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Alyssa Hammel of Kalispell competes in dressage with her horse Motomaji during the Event at Rebecca Farm on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Alyssa Hammel of Kalispell competes in dressage during The Event at Rebecca Farm on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Reynolds Creek Fire at night

Reynolds Creek Fire burns on Thursday
This photo by Nathan Wilkinson was taken Thursday afternoon near St. Mary and shows the smoke plume from the Reynolds Creek Fire.
Thursday, July 23

Graceful start for The Event at Rebecca Farm
The eyes of the equestrian world gazed upon Kalispell for the first day of competition at The Event at Rebecca Farm on Thursday.
Western A District Legion baseball tournament: Lakers fall, Twins romp in openers
POLSON — Despite hitting two doubles, the Kalispell Lakers couldn’t push a run across the plate in their 7-0 loss to the Bitterroot Red Sox in the first round of the Western A District American Legion baseball tournament on Thursday.
Porch tied for 2nd at State Men's Am golf
GREAT FALLS — Ryan Porch of Kalispell shot a 3-under par score on Thursday at the Montana State Men’s Amateur Golf Tournament at Meadow Lark Country Club.

Crew mops up Wild Horse Island fire
A five-acre wildland fire on the northwest shore of Wild Horse Island in Flathead Lake is under control after flaring up Wednesday afternoon from an unattended campfire.

Wind is enemy as firefighters await chance to prevail
Heavy winds have continued to fan the flames of the Reynolds Creek Fire over the past three days, leaving firefighting crews little opportunity to establish any level of control over the approximately 5,000-acre blaze.
Intruder leaves unpleasant gift
A property caretaker on Middle Pierce Lane told the
OPINION: Perilous times, with many being 'deceived'
Things sure are heating up and I’m not talking about global warming.

Wind burst wrecks Whitefish school shed, damages track
A fierce, unusual burst of wind caused thousands of dollars in damage to Whitefish School District’s pole vault pit and track on Wednesday.
Boiler project on tap at KMS
Two steam boilers will be replaced at Kalispell Middle School.
OPINION: PSC must fight for Internet freedom
When, in the spirit of bipartisanship, Congress and the Clinton administration deregulated the Internet in 1994, the results were predictable. Fueled by freedom and entrepreneurship, the United States became the international Internet leader, attracting a steady stream of investment capital and creating the most robust, innovative and competitive broadband market in the world.
EDITORIAL: Hospitals take next logical step
It’s not surprising that the Flathead Valley’s two hospitals have taken a formal step toward further collaboration by creating a joint task force that will study how best to deliver health care to Northwest Montana.
Kalispell man charged with sexual assault
A Kalispell man has been charged with felony sexual assault in Flathead County District Court for allegedly fathering a child with an 15-year-old girl.
OPINION: Zinke's position on coal sales challenged
As reported in a short news story in the Daily Inter Lake on July 10, the Obama administration is presently trying to correct what it believes are inappropriate sales of Montana coal deposits — by which the coal companies involved are trying to avoid paying the state of Montana the full value of its coal.
Successful Poker Paddle raises $4,000
The Flathead Lakers’ first annual Poker Paddle, held Sunday at King’s Point, drew 150 canoeists, kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders and swimmers to the south end of the lake, raising $4,000 to fund field trips for local elementary students to visit the Flathead Lake Biological Station.

John Andrew Gagnon, 77

Theresa Elizabeth Welty, 81

Elite team takes command of Glacier Park fire
Elite team of firefighters takes charge of Glacier fire Reynolds Creek wildland fire
More than 300 personnel are now deployed at the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park, which grew to more than 4,000 acres by 4 p.m. Thursday.

Whitefish track damage

Taylor Nicole Spell, 21
On July 21, 2015, our beautiful angel, Taylor Nicole Spell, succumbed to an ongoing battle with depression.

Valley Ford
Jim Peterson at Valley Ford on Thursday, July 23, in Evergreen. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

J2 Business Products Expands into Evergreen
William Forsyth stocks the new J2 Business Products location in Evergreen on Thursday, July 23. J2 has moved into the space previously occupied by Vann's. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Mountain Berry Bowls
Lindley and Jared Lynch in their Mountain Berry Bowls trailer on Tuesday, July 14, in Whitefish. The bright purple trailer can usually be found on Backer Avenue in front of the Whitefish VFW from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Cindy Marvin of Kalispell and her horse Digleigh clear a hurdle during the Senior Open Novice A cross-country competition at The Event at Rebecca Farm on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Heather Matthews is the new owner of the Northern Lights Saloon in Polebridge. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Patrons hang out outside the Northern Lights Saloon in Polebridge. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A pair of heavy helicopters drop down to St. Mary Lake to retrieve water to fight the Reynolds Creek Fire Wednesday.

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Smoke billows over the Lodge at St Mary from the Reynolds Creek Fire.

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Red flag warning in effect in Glacier Park fire area

Reynolds Creek Fire in East Glacier
Roger Anderson of Princeton, Massachusetts, takes photos of the smoke plume billowing over East Glacier on Wednesday afternoon, July 22, from St. Mary. The Reynolds Creek Fire has grown from 2,000 to 4,000 acres causing the closure of nearly half of Going-to-the-Sun Road and creating a smoke plume that has spread beyond the borders of the park into Canada. Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only road goes up and through Glacier National Park. It crosses the continental divide at Logan Pass and is currently closed from Big Bend, which is before visitors reach Logan Pass, all the way to St. Mary. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire
Smoke from the Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire as seen from U.S. 89 south of St. Mary on Wednesday, July 22.
This Week in the Flathead | July 23-29

Logging truck accident
This photo was taken by David Phillips shortly after the logging truck was hit by a car Thursday morning on U.S. 93 south of Kalispell

Car driver uninjured after ramming logging truck

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'Always ... Patsy Cline'
Friendship and music combine to take singer Pasty Cline from the stuff of legend to the stage of the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Wednesday, July 22
Terry column: The Event raising the bar
With mountain views in every direction and the scenic, rolling hills of the West Valley as a backdrop, the Event at Rebecca Farm offers one of the most unique venues in equestrian competition.
Legion Baseball: Class A District tourney heads to Polson
POLSON — In the Class A ranks of American Legion Baseball, postseason play starts today as eight teams in Montana’s Western A District converge on Polson for a chance to play for a state title.

Fire impacts business around the park
EAST GLACIER — As the Reynolds Creek Fire marched along on the far side of St. Mary Lake, the smoky haze over St. Mary progressively increased throughout Wednesday, matching the ever-cloudier moods of both visitors and employees in the town.
Missouri family tells story of escaping fire on Sun Road
‘It was like it started chasing us’
A Missouri family caught video and photographs of the early stages of the Reynolds Creek fire on a scenic afternoon that quickly turned to the scare of a lifetime.

Reynolds Creek Fire swells to more than 4,000 acres
Fire grows in Glacier
ST. MARY — Powerful wind gusts rattled the glass walls of Glacier National Park’s St. Mary Visitor Center on Wednesday, propelling the Reynolds Creek Fire northeast along the edge of St. Mary Lake and fanning the flames over approximately 4,000 acres just one day after it was first reported.

'A refugee camp' in Hungry Horse
Evacuations take visitors, park employees by surprise Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire
The Rising Sun Motor Inn on the east side of Glacier National Park is empty. Plates of food are sitting out on restaurant tables, half-eaten and cold.

Bloomstone: construction begins on a new subdivision

Kalispell woman is one of many who experienced Glacier fire first-hand
Debra Arnold of Kalispell was among the hikers in Glacier National Park who made a speedy exit from the park after the Reynolds Creek Fire roared to life Tuesday afternoon.
LETTER: Thanks for uplifting story about Luskos
Although I have lived in the valley all of my life, you have never read my name in this opinion section of your newspaper.
Where the fishing trends get started
I was once in Orlando in July and I think I swore to myself every day, “never again…” Oppressive heat and humidity…The only good reason I can think of to ever go back would be to participate in ICAST.
The Event at Rebecca Farm seeks volunteers to conduct surveys
The Kalispell Convention and Visitors Bureau is assisting The Event at Rebecca Farm to do a spectator survey to help with understanding the economic impact of large events.
Weigh in on apprentice hunter program
Public comments for the state’s new apprentice hunter program are due at the end of the month.
LETTER: The desperate need for welfare reform
Welfare has become a “racket.” I have a welfare family living close to me. Because of the low wages in Montana, my welfare neighbor makes more money on welfare and food stamps than he could if he worked at a full-time job. These people are having one child after another and the American taxpayers are picking up the tab. The welfare parents live off the kids.
Loaded van rolls west of Lakeside
A passenger van carrying 14 people rolled on Blacktail Road Wednesday afternoon, resulting in hospital visits for many of them.

Work begins on Bloomstone homes
A sizable residential subdivision approved almost a decade ago has come back to life as site work begins on the Bloomstone development in north Kalispell.
LETTER: Do presidents all want to be king?
Every president since the assassination of John F. Kennedy has tried to become king, each one gaining a little more power. If people would read the Constitution, Articles One and Two, they would find some interesting facts:
Driver takes gas pump for a ride
A vehicle drove away from a U.S. 2 West business with the gas pump still connected, according to the
LETTER: Silent Congress virtually useless
I am appalled at the silence of the lambs emanating from Washington, D.C.! If you are among the mute in Congress, shame on you.
LETTER: Trump is toxic
Put a toxic jerk on a large enough stage and his commentary quickly dissolves into farce.
EDITORIAL: Safety first, but enjoy Flathead
Up until this week, Northwest Montana has been remarkably fortunate to avoid major fires during a year with above average temperatures and below average precipitation.
Lakeside boat show coming Aug. 7-9
The Big Sky Antique and Classic Boat Society has an exciting weekend of boating activities planned for its 10th annual Boat Show in Lakeside Aug. 7 to 9.
LETTER: Thanks for laughs
I almost died laughing at the editorial cartoon of Lincoln Chafee and Hillary Clinton in the July 21 paper. That captures Chafee accurately. As a resident of Rhode Island I can tell you that while governor of our proud state, Chaffee made a mockery of our institutions. Refusing to call a Christmas tree a Christmas tree he instead called it a “Holiday” tree. We are still not sure which holiday. That is one of many follies perpetrated on Rhode Island residents by “Governor Gump” as he was know.
Bison injures woman posing for 'selfie' in Yellowstone
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Yellowstone National Park officials are warning tourists to keep their distance after a bison flipped a woman into the air as she posed for a selfie with the massive beast.
Kalispell man charged with assaulting deputy
Lewis and Clark County authorities say a 34-year-old Kalispell man assaulted a deputy during an arrest near East Helena.

Wild Horse Island fire

Wildland fire on Wild Horse Island
A wildland fire on Wild Horse Island was caused by an unattended fire, according to a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Fire Management official.

Reynolds Creek Fire in East Glacier National Park
A large plume of smoke fills the skies over East Glacier on Wednesday, July 22. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Halgrim Hollo, 83
Halgrim Hollo, 83, formerly of Fairfield, passed away at Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton, July 18, 2015, surrounded by family.

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Paddleboarders enjoy Lake Mcdonald on Wednesday. On the west side of Logan Pass a person could hardly tell there was a fire on the other side. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

John Schwabe

Debra Arnold fire picture

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Jake Clement sets a tent stake as Alex Mouch and Robert Raw look on at Glacier Lodges in Coram on Wednesday. The three were part of the near 60 xanterra employings that have set up temporary camp at the site because of the fire. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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About 30 workers at Glacier National Park have set up tents at Glacier Lodges in Coram because of the Reynolds Creek Fire. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire
Debra Arnold of Kalispell got an up close and personal look at the Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire while visiting St. Mary Falls in Glacier National Park on Tuesday, July 21. The fire quickly grew to over 1,000 acres that evening, and is now listed at more than 2,000 acres.

Evacuations continue as fire bears down on St. Mary

Glacier Park fire from Heavy Runner summit

Reynolds Creek fire starts

Fiery night in Glacier Park
The Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire burns near the Reynolds Creek campground in Glacier National Park Tuesday evening. By Wednesday at 9 a.m. the fire was reported to have covered 2,000 acres. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)

Whitefish Summer Nights
Jesse and Adrienne Felder relax with their children, Amelie, 3, center and Judah, 2, right, in their back yard on Tuesday night in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Tuesday, July 21
Self-guided garden party features variety of landscapes
Flathead County Democratic Women are hosting the self-guided home garden tour Saturday, Aug. 1, in Kalispell and Somers.
Sleepy burglar naps in library
The Whitefish Police Department is looking into a break-in at the Whitefish Community Library that happened early Saturday.
Kalispell council OKs Evergreen sewage deal
A new 20-year deal was passed Monday for the Kalispell Wastewater Treatment Plant to process Evergreen’s sewage.
Flathead jobless rate up slightly
Flathead County posted an unemployment rate of 5.2 in June, up slightly from 4.7 percent in May.
Whitefish kayaker found OK after extensive search
There were boats, rescue personnel, a helicopter and even a train searching for a Whitefish man who missed his shore landing on the Kootenai River.
Stolen pit-bull pup valued at $24,000
The
Comment period opens on Kootenai proposal
The Kootenai National Forest is accepting public comments on an “adaptive management” proposal examining 400,000 acres for potential forest health treatment.
Compromise FHS parking plan passed by Kalispell council
Students required to buy permits
The Kalispell City Council on Monday passed a long-awaited parking ordinance for the Flathead High School residential area that will regulate who can park in front of houses and where.

Eric Todd Allen, 46
Eric Todd Allen, 46, passed away July 19, 2015, due to angiosarcoma.
Howard Wayne Poier, 57
Howard Wayne Poier, 57, passed away July 18, 2015, as the result of a fire in his home.

John E. Malletta, 74

JoAnne Kay Johnson, 71
JoAnne Kay Johnson, 71, “rejoiced as she entered the gates of heaven” July 19, 2015.
Heritage Days on tap in Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls celebrates Heritage Days today through Sunday with a wide slate of events and activities.

Smoke from Reynolds Fire

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Dr. Walter Roberts discusses Plato's The Republic with his Greek in Glacier class at the Square Peg Ranch in Polebridge. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The Greek in Glacier courses meet in a small cabin at the Square Peg Ranch in Polebridge. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Dr. Walter Roberts smiles as he reads Plato during a lesson at the Square Peg Ranch in Polebridge on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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AZ Holbrook, a graduate student in philosophy, reads Plato before the start of class. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Smoke visible from St. Mary

Rapidly growing wildfire shuts down Sun Road east of Logan Pass

Toggery in downtown Kalispell
Trek Stephens holds up a historic black and white photo that shows the way the current front of the Toggery in downtown Kalispell mimics the original building. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

AlwaysÉPatsy Cline
Amanda Duff Caldwell as Patsy Cline and Scarlett Schindler as Louise Seger will star in the Whitefish Theatre Company's production of "Always...Patsy Cline." The cabaret show is running over two weeks – July 29-31, August 1, 5-8 with a preview night on July 28. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

'Always ... Patsy Cline'
Amanda Duff Caldwell as Patsy Cline and Scarlett Schindler as Louise Seger will star in the Whitefish Theatre Company's production of "Always...Patsy Cline." The cabaret show is running over two weeks – July 29-31, August 1, 5-8 with a preview night on July 28.

Beef to Schools
Serena Carlson, form left, Finley Putzler, and Ali Putzler enjoy lunch from the Kalispell schools' summer meals program. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Bloomstone: construction begins on a new subdivision
Construction is underway on a new subdivision on 4 Mile Drive west of the Kidsports complex on Tuesday morning, July 21, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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First responders transport the driver of semi involved in a one-vehicle rollover to the ALERT helicopter on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Rollover on U.S. 2

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Monday, July 20
Legion baseball: Lakers AA take two from Senators
The Kalispell Lakers AA continue to close out regular-season play on a streak, sweeping the Helena Senators in an American Legion baseball doubleheader at Griffin Field on Monday.
Male suitor needs new pickup line
Inmate charged with spitting at officer
An inmate at the Flathead County Detention Center picked up an additional felony charge for an alleged assault by saliva.
Two local hospitals work on collaboration
Kalispell Regional Healthcare and North Valley Hospital have created a joint task force to explore further collaboration between the two hospitals.

MSU study looks at local schools' meat program
There are more cows than people living in Montana. With that in mind, Montana State University researchers looking at what it will take to increase the amount of locally sourced beef in school cafeterias.
Woman sentenced for fourth DUI
A 51-year-old Bigfork woman has been sentenced for her fourth DUI after crashing her car.

Virginia Bird 'Ginny' MacDonald, 92

Raymond Jo Lyons, 94

Preserving Patagonia
Troy man dies after fall in Yaak
Sunday, July 19
Glacier 15U wins state Babe Ruth title
CONRAD — The Glacier All-Stars won the Montana Babe Ruth 15U State Tournament on Sunday by defeating rival Kalispell 6-2 in the championship game.
Legion baseball: Twins upend Lakers
WHITEFISH — AJ Pisk pitched seven strong innings and Austin Robins singled in two runs as the Glacier Twins A defeated the Kalispell Lakers A 4-1 on Sunday at Memorial Park.
Riddle goes wire-to-wire to win 25th annual Montana 200
Owen Riddle has won plenty of super late model races, including the major ones, all over the Pacific Northwest.
Protests create pandemonium
The
Whitefish plans suit against county
Whitefish will likely file a lawsuit against Flathead County following a decision by county commissioners to rezone farmland in the former “doughnut” area east of city limits.
Whitefish plans to raise ice rink fees
After operating the Stumptown Ice Den at a deficit totaling $607,000 over the past eight years, the city of Whitefish proposes to increase user fees at the ice rink to cover operating costs and deferred maintenance.

Wildlife biologist reflects on career
Chances are you don’t know her name, but if you’ve ever hunted state lands along the Thompson River Corridor, reeled in a fish from the streams of the Swan River State Forest or simply savored the natural beauty of the Bull River Valley, you ought to thank Gael Bissell.
Kalispell council to vote on FHS parking plan
A drawn-out struggle to prescribe a parking plan for students and residents around Flathead High School may enter its final stage tonight.

Pastor's book a cathartic journey after daughter's sudden death
'Through the Eyes of a Lion'
What is it like to pick out a casket for a 5-year-old a day before Christmas Eve?
Man reaches deal on stolen-car joyride
A Spokane man could have three charges dropped as part of a plea deal in connection with a drunken ride in a stolen car.

Monday Profile: Gael Bissell
Man found dead after house fire identified
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man found dead after an Evergreen house fire Saturday as Howard Wayne Poier, 57, of Kalispell.

Levi Lusko: Through the Eyes of a Lion
Pastor Levi Lusko preaching to the Fresh Life congregation at the Liberty on Sunday morning in Kalispell.

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Saturday, July 18
Legion baseball: Lakers lash Lethbridge
It was a busy day for the Kalispell Lakers’ AA bats and a slow one for their bullpen.
Shrine Game: East tops West 19-14
GREAT FALLS — The East squad overwhelmed the West for most of the first half on its way to a 19-14 victory in the Montana East-West Shrine all-star football game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Pistorese gives up knock in Sox loss
EVERETT, Wash. — Everett AquaSox relief pitcher Joe Pistorese went more than 14 innings into his professional career before allowing his first earned run, a three-run homer in a 10-2 loss to Vancouver on Friday.
NW well represented at Veterans Classic
VFW Post 12112 is hosting the 2nd annual Veterans Memorial Classic all-star softball tournament in Belgrade on Aug. 7-8.
Babe Ruth Baseball: Glacier, Kalispell to meet in 14U final
HELENA — The Glacier 14-and-under Babe Ruth All-Star team beat Kalispell 9-2 to advance to today’s championship game at the state Babe Ruth championship, but Kalispell’s 14s weren’t down for long.

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Owen Riddle leads the field down the backstretch early in the Montana 200 on Saturday. Riddle started on the pole and led the first 100 laps of the race. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Owen Riddle speeds into the third turn early in the Montana 200 on Saturday. Riddle started on the pole and led the first 100 laps of the race. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Kidnap suspect charged with assault
Charges have been filed in Flathead County against a man who faces several felonies in Washington state after he allegedly kidnapped his girlfriend in Kila last month.
Casting Call: 'Living Big Sky' returns for a second TV season
After a successful first season, HGTV’s “Living Big Sky” is returning to Montana.
Economic Update series starts in Kalispell July 30
The Montana Chamber Foundation’s 10th Annual Economic Update series kicks off on July 30 in Kalispell at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Next airport expansion on the drawing board
As Glacier Park International Airport wraps up a nine-year, $32 million capital improvement program, planning already is underway for terminal expansion within the next five to 10 years.
Forest tallies thousands of comments
More than 20,000 public comments were submitted to the Flathead National Forest on its draft revised forest plan along with a proposed grizzly bear conservation strategy including four other national forests in Western Montana.
Firm stitches out national niche
Glacier Clothing Co.
Technical outerwear is no longer just for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sheriff's Office denies lawsuit allegations
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has formally denied allegations that a deputy used excessive force when he shot a woman during a 2013 standoff near Columbia Falls.
North Forkers tend best tree farm in the West
For half a century, Duke and Naomi Hoiland have been tending their forest up Trail Creek in the North Fork with an eye toward stewardship, wildlife and conservation.
LETTER: Is putting up Ten Commandments a form of idolatry?
The editor’s July 12 column on Ten Commandments vandalism was spot on, yet incomplete. Defacing is never a good answer. Be it physical or figurative.
LETTER: Smith River Mine would hurt Montana
The mining operation proposed by Tintina mining corporation would not only be detrimental to the central Montana environment, but irreversible as well.
LETTER: Alpine Theatre Project does it again
The Alpine Theatre Project opened its production of “Big Fish” last week — WOW! The music, the choreography, the set, the costuming, lighting — all are amazing. Luke, Eric, Nick, and company gave voice and heart to the captivating father/son story. The entire cast was wonderful!
LETTER: Hospital needs to address other issues in its zoned area
Hospital zone construction continues at a steady pace. To accommodate future development, Kalispell Regional Healthcare has applied for a Growth Policy Amendment for Mixed Urban Use for 9.55 acres it owns north of Sunnyview Lane and west of Grandview Drive. The land is currently zoned RA-1 or high density residential.
LETTER: City needs to get parking district right the first time
The Westside Residential Parking District, renamed the Flathead Parking District, is an item on this Monday’s already full City Council agenda.
Montana taxpayers deserved tax simplification, tax relief
Gov. Steve Bullock had an opportunity earlier this year to provide hardworking Montanans with modest income tax relief while also simplifying Montana’s complicated income tax system. He chose not to by vetoing Senate Bill 171. It appears that the state needs your money more than you do.
LETTER: Constitution under attack
America is a nation of individuals, different from one another in what is important. Skin color is only a facade. The framers of the Constitution knew from experience catering to a group or individual’s needs and desires would, over time, destroy America’s social fabric as surely as a Redcoat’s musket ball.
OPINION: Forest bill strikes out
How do baseball teams win championships? Base hits, teamwork, and fundamentals.
OPINION: Treaty with Iran will spell disaster for the Middle East
A historic mistake
I have had the opportunity over the past 12 years to be a member of the Iran Policy Planning Group and have engaged in a positive manner with the members of the Iran opposition who defected from Iran after the Shah fell.
OPINION: Ensuring every Montana child achieves
My mother had an unshakable faith in the power of public education. With her encouragement, the first job I took after college was teaching at my childhood elementary school.
COLUMN: Eternal vigilance: It's really a good idea... no matter who said it
“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
Nova 'Billie' Ione Johnson, 85
On July 12, 2015, Billie passed away peacefully of natural causes. She was surrounded by her children at Genesis care facility in Whitefish. She was 85 years old.
Dolores 'Dode' Clatterbuck, 87
Dolores “Dode” Clatterbuck, 87, passed away July 14, 2015, at the Retreat in Polson.
James R. Dake, 74
Jim died July 5, 2015, from pancreatic cancer. He dealt with his illness with courage and class.

Donna Hartnett, 55

Donna Hartnett, 55 then

Fire on Rose Crossing claims man's life

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A Chevy Scottsdale does a burnout to end the Glacier Rally in the Rockies Parade on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The hood of Mark and Pam Cyr's 1954 Hudson Hornet shines under the sund during the show and shine of the Glacier Rally in the Rockies on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A food tray hangs from the window of Tom and Noes Watkins 1956 Chevy Bel Air. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A 1957 Nash Metropolitan owned by Craig Hovda leads a parade of cars on Main Street during the seventh annual Glacier Rally in the Rockies on Saturday. Nearly 120 cars and trucks participated in the event, which benefits Flathead CARE. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Fatal fire scene
Debris from the fire that killed a man Saturday morning smolders outside the home on Rose Crossing in Evergreen, Montana. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Carnival tickets to go on sale Monday
North Star Amusements and Paradise Amusements will light up the Midway next month at the 2015 Northwest Montana Fair with a variety of rides and games, including an expanded area for young children at the north end of the fairgrounds and the return of G-Force.
Friday, July 17
Montana 200 Qualifying: Riddle takes pole, Howell starts in 10th
A familiar name at Montana Raceway Park and a newcomer locked down the top two spots during Friday night qualifying for the 25th annual Montana 200 super late model auto race.
Babe Ruth Baseball: Kalispell 15U dominates Day 1 of state tourney
CONRAD — The Kalispell 15-and-under Babe Ruth baseball team won its first two games of the state tournament, blowing out Havre and Northern to start the weekend.
HS Rodeo Finals: Powell, Gaurdipee lead team roping
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — St. Ignatius cowboy Will Powell placed seventh in his second go at team roping with Cut Bank teammate Caleb Guardipee, the pair timing at 7.45 seconds. They are seventh overall for round two, but lead the average by a large margin with two performances left to compete. Powell and Guardipee have a team average of 13.33 seconds, well ahead of the Wyoming team in second at 15.04.
Legion baseball: Twins sweep Mavs
WHITEFISH — The Glacier Twins stormed through the Missoula Mavericks in Game 1 of an American Legion doubleheader before holding off a late Missoula rally in the nightcap to pick up two wins on Friday night, sweeping the Mavericks at Memorial Field.
Local legacies take to Shrine Game
GREAT FALLS — The Montana East-West Shrine Game should feel like a family atmosphere for the northwest players headed to the annual all-star showcase.
Copper thieves hit cell towers
Multiple calls about copper theft were made to the
Run-in with coyote injures pet schnauzer
On Thursday evening, Marylin Young of Whitefish entered her house after tending to her three small goats to find her 16-year-old black schnauzer, Schotzie, cut open and crying on the bloodstained floor of her East Edgewood home.
Whitefish loses lawsuit over subdivision roads
Gates allowed
A Grouse Mountain homeowners association has the right to close its subdivision roads to vehicular traffic, a Flathead district judge has ruled.

Aquaponics enterprise grows from a youthful hobby into a business
Glacier High School graduate Trevor Kenkel has bounced back from a series of debilitating concussions that took him off the football field and put him behind five 1,200-gallon fish tanks at his East Coast aquaponics farm, Springworks.
Kids, first responders get special train ride
Children and their families from the Glacier Country Boys and Girls Club got a special ride on a BNSF Railway passenger train July 11. The train pulled out of the Whitefish Amtrak station and headed east for about an hour before returning to the station.
FVCC bestows Eagle Awards
Continuing Flathead Valley Community College’s tradition of honoring people who have rendered years of service for the college, College President Jane Karas honored two longtime supporters of the institution with the Eagle Award.

California wildfire crosses highway
In this frame from video provided by NBC4, smoke rises from vehicles as a fast-moving wildfire swept across a freeway Friday, July 17, 2015, near Hesperia, Calif. The fire swept by desert winds burned on both sides of Interstate 15, the main connector between Southern California and Las Vegas that was crowded with vehicles. (NBC4 via AP)

Barbara Brown, 87
Barbara Brown, 87, a resident of Whitefish for 25 years, died on July 15, 2015, at the Springs at Whitefish. She had been in declining health for the past year.

Trevor Kenkel

Threat suspect allowed to go home
Prosecutors have agreed to release a Kalispell man facing trial for social media threats against schools and Jews.

Congressional Record honor for Polson's Shayne Pierre
Here is the citation in the Congressional Record that includes the honor bestowed upon Shayne Pierre, 15, Polson, as "Montanan of the Week."

Sen. Daines honors Polson student as 'Montanan of the Week'

47th Annual Arts in the Park
Robbie Burch of London, England, looking at pieces at the Jewelry by Design stand by Wendy Russell at Arts in the Park on Friday, July 17. The event goes until Sunday. Visitors can purchase admission for $3 or an unlimited weekend pass can be had for $5. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Renovations at Glacier Park International Airport
An Allegiant aircraft streaks across the main runway at Glacier Park International Airport on Thursday evening, July 16. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Oil-train derailment spills 35,000 gallons
BILLINGS — Four tank cars leaked an estimated 35,000 gallons of oil after a train hauling fuel from North Dakota derailed in rural northeastern Montana, authorities said.
Thursday, July 16
Legion baseball: Lakers split Bucks
The Bozeman Bucks snuck out of Kalispell salvaging a split in an American Legion doubleheader at Griffin Field on Thursday, a series the Lakers AA felt should have been a clean sweep.
HS Finals Rodeo: Kalispell cowgirl 20th in pole bending
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Kalispell’s Heidi Schmid ran her second attempt in the pole bending competition in 25.648 seconds on Thursday at the National High School Finals Rodeo, placing the Flathead High School senior in 20th place in the go.
Auto racing: Montana 200 pulls into town this weekend
The pit area at Montana Raceway Park was active and filled with super late model cars from all over the Pacific Northwest and Canada on Thursday in preparation for this weekend’s 25th annual Montana 200.
Selection process begins for judge
The state’s Judicial Nomination Commission is taking applications to fill the position of Flathead County District Judge Ted O. Lympus, who will retire at the end of August.
Nursing group pushes for clean power
As a prominent environmental advocate in a past career, Kelli Avanzino was perfectly positioned to be one of Montana’s representatives at a recent Health Environments summit in Washington, D.C.

'Fun at a very high level'
Zimet conquered Glacier’s ‘Big Six’ among other extreme feats Adventurous anesthesiologist dies on Kyrgyzstan climb
Many of Andy Zimet’s closest friends say he died doing what he loved.
OPINION: Our 'Supreme' leaders are now false prophets
EDITORIAL: On the road to a better education
LETTER: Religion shouldn't ask government to sanction marriage
LETTER: Are discrimination laws too vague?
OPINION: Gender ID - On the brink of absurdity

Marion forest fire
A helicopter brings a bucket of water to a fire near Little Bitterroot Lake. The fire was estimated at 2.5 acres. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Donald D. Winslow, 65
Donald D. Winslow, 65, passed away in Marion on July 9, 2015.
Magdalena Russell, 80
Magdalena Russell, 80, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2015, at the Montana Veterans Home.

Chattanooga Shooting - Hixson arrest
In this frame from video, law enforcement officers detain a woman as they surround a house in Hixson, Tenn., Thursday, July 16, 2015. A gunman unleashed a barrage of fire at two sites a few miles apart in Chattanooga, killing several, officials said. The attacker was also killed. (AP Photo/Alex Sanz)
Cops respond to construction calls
A man repeatedly dialed 911 to complain to the
Authorities can't identify crash victims
SEATTLE (AP) — The two people who died in a small plane crash that prompted a teenage survivor to hike to safety from a rugged Washington state mountainside were killed “instantaneously or quick” and were burned beyond recognition, a deputy coroner said Thursday.
Dry conditions turn to drought as fire season starts
HELENA (AP) — Dry conditions have turned to drought in Western Montana just as the peak wildfire season begins, state drought experts said Thursday.

Andy Zimet skis

Andy Zimet, 1954-2015

Evelyn 'Eileen' Smith, 87
Evelyn "Eileen" Smith, 87, “went to be with the Lord” on July 6, 2015, in her Kalispell home.

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Polar Bears
FILE - In this June 15, 2014 file photo, a polar bear dries off after taking a swim in the Chukchi Sea in Alaska. About a third of the world's polar bears could be in imminent danger from greenhouse gas emissions in as soon as a decade, a U.S. government report shows. The U.S. Geological Survey, the Interior Department's research arm, said updated scientific models don't bode well for polar bear populations across the world, especially in Alaska, the only state in the nation with the white bears. (Brian Battaile/U.S. Geological Survey via AP, File)

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Josie Wathan, 12, smiles as she is helped ashore by Brian Luke after sit skiing at the Dream Adaptive Water Sports Camp at Echo Lake. The camp was three days and participants could water ski, sit ski, kayak, paddleboard, go on an intertube and go on a boat ride. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A sit ski sits on the dock as a water skier takes off during the Dream Adaptive Water Sports Camp. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Carey Stroup, left, and Donovan Leskovec smile as they wait for an inner tube ride during the Dream Adaptive Water Sports Camp. About 100 people participated in the three-day camp. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The Dream Boat sits at dock prepared to take another group out on Echo Lake. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Sean Richardson smiles as she gets a kiss from a dog. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Tristan Dishon is helped by Jeff Carlson, left, and Mark Drew as he sit skis on Echo Lake. Dishon was paralyzed from the waist down when he was 3 and the Dream Adaptive camp gave him the rare opportunity to try water sports. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Tristan Dishon, 11, laughs as he is helped by Mark Drew, left, and Jeff Carlson on a sit ski during the Dream Adaptive Water Sports Camp on Echo Lake Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Beef to Schools
Sydne Putzler enjoys her milk while Bowman Carlson bites into his sandwich during the Kalispell schools' summer meal program at Woodland Park recently. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Serial rapist gets sentenced to 50 years in prison
'Community is not safe with him in it'
A Kalispell man was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Thursday, leaving behind him a dozen adult and child victims of grisly sexual assaults.

Justin George Jones

Flathead Business Journal: Whitefish Lake Lodge
Bellman Jonathan Kiraly helps with a complimentary room change for clients who wanted to stay longer at the Whitefish Lake Lodge on Tuesday, July 14. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Chattanooga Shooting
In this image made from video and released by WRCB-TV, authorities work an active shooting scene near the Naval Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Thursday. Four Marines were killed. (WRCB-TV via AP)

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More than 100 artists featured at annual event
Arts in the Park
The Hockaday Museum of Art presents the 47th Arts in the Park festival, to be held Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19, in historic downtown Kalispell’s Depot Park at Main and Center streets.
Wednesday, July 15
Terry Column: Loggers beating the heat
Until a few brief days of relief this week, this summer has been long and hot.

Legion Baseball: Loggers outleg Lakers
The Libby Loggers committed seven errors in their nine-inning Class A American Legion conference contest against Kalispell on Wednesday, but it was the first Lakers fielding mishap that decided the game, Libby winning 5-4 in the ninth inning.
Legion Baseball: Twins sweep Mariners
WHITEFISH — After having a six-game winning streak snapped by the Bitterroot Red Sox on Tuesday, the Glacier Twins rebounded just a day later, sweeping the Mission Valley Mariners in an American Legion baseball doubleheader at Memorial Field on Wednesday.

'Big Fish' in Whitefish: Alpine Theatre brings Broadway to town
The streets of Chicago, fields of daffodils, walking the line on stage with the Man in Black: The summer cast of the Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish is becoming the stories they tell.
Dry counties get disaster designation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that 15 counties in Montana have been designated a primary natural disaster area after being given “extreme drought” status by the U.S. Drought Monitor last week.
OPINION: An 'early' criticism of the deal with Iran
I am starting this letter with the date on which it was written — April 21, 2015. Why begin this way? To make certain, regardless of the date of publication, that all my liberal friends finally understand how inept and transparent this administration is in this so called “deal” with Iran.
Employee calls 911 on sharp negotiator
The employee of an Electric Avenue business reported the theft of a stereo to the
Comment deadline looms for bull trout plan
Monday is the final day to submit comments on the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s draft bull trout recovery implementation plan.
EDITORIAL: Iran nuke deal will light Mideast fuse
As a wielder of political power, President Barack Obama has few peers. On issue after issue — from health care to gay marriage — he has seized the initiative and pressed his progressive agenda on the nation.
Swim events to raise money for children
The Flathead Lake Swim Series will host a series of swims this weekend in Big Arm to raise money for children with medical needs.
'Numerous children' ejected in truck crash
Six ambulances and 21 emergency personnel responded Saturday night when a pickup truck carrying 10 people rolled off a road west of Kalispell.
Rally planned Saturday to protest bridge
Dave Hadden anticipates at least a hundred boats, kayaks and other watercraft will gather at Flathead Lake’s North Shore this weekend to protest the nearly complete bridge connecting Dockstader Island to the mainland.
Bigfork residents weigh in on new library plans
A larger library for Bigfork is on the horizon.

Opposition intensifies at meeting
During a packed school board meeting Tuesday, about 20 people wanted to speak on the suggested revision to Kalispell Public Schools nondiscrimination policy.
Births, Published July 16, 2015
W. James Stotts, 75
On July 9, 2015, Jim “left his earthly being and joined his parents Morgan and Alleene Stotts, sister Marschell and brother Michael.”

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Kalispell second baseman Brooks Krause throws to first base after scooping up a grounder against Libby on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Arts in the Park
Glass bonsai ornaments on display at the tent of Kalispell artist George Bland and the Montana House of Glass at a previous Arts in the Park in Kalispell. This year's event takes place in Depot Park from July 17-19.

Strong winds and bold colors
The 25 by 15 foot American flag at Super 1 Foods in Columbia Falls was blown out to full extension in six mile per hour winds on Wednesday afternoon, July 15. The flag, which weighs 22 pounds and is made of 375 square feet of material was made by Annin Flagmakers of New Jersey the largest and oldest, established in 1847, flag manufacturers in the country. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

APTOPIX Kentucky Flooding
Roland Marcum looks for his brother-in-law Scott Johnson under the debris of Marcum's father-in-law's mobile home after deadly flooding in Flat Gap, Ky., Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Family members have been looking for Johnson after he helped saved the lives of four family members but went missing during flash floods in northern Johnson County outside of Paintsville. (AP Photo/David Stephenson)

APTOPIX Mexico Drug Lord Escapes
A journalist reports from the exit of the tunnel that according to authorities, drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman used to escape from the Altiplano maximum security prison in Almoloya, west of Mexico City, Tuesday, July 14, 2015. A widespread manhunt that included highway checkpoints, stepped up border security and closure of an international airport failed to turn up any trace of Guzman after he escaped through an underground tunnel in his prison cell on Saturday night. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Montana Head-on Fatal
Emergency personnel work at the scene of a fatal head-on collision between two trucks on Highway 287, north of Wolf Creek, Mont. on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. (Thom Bridge/The Independent Record via AP)

Pluto
This Tuesday, July 14, 2015 image provided by NASA on Wednesday shows a region near Pluto's equator with a range of mountains captured by the New Horizons spacecraft. (NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI via AP)
Wild chase with a stolen boat
Two charged with theft of $100,000 watercraft in June
Two men are in custody in connection with the June theft of a $100,000 boat after a Tuesday morning pursuit involving a vehicle towing the vessel.

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Jeremy Plummer of Lower Valley Processing is working with to bring local beef to the area's schools. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Derek Skees tells the school board there is no need to change their existing discrimination policy during a the public comment section of the school board's meeting on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Nathan Kosted, the organizing director for Love Lives Here, holds a sign and wears light blue to show supppot for Lesiban, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender students at the Kalispell School Board meeting on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Nondiscrimination policy debated

Opening Night of Big Fish at the Alpine Theatre Project

Lacrosse at the Whitefish Farmer's Market
Graham Fellows, 8, left and and his brother Griffin, 10, of Lemoore, California play lacrosse in the evening light on Tuesday, July 14, at the Whitefish Farmer's Market. The night got off to a wet start with rain rolling in around 5 p.m. but the storm passed and the market went on into the evening. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Missing plane search

Wreckage of downed plane found
Search crews looking for a small plane that crashed in north-central Washington with three people aboard said Tuesday night they have located wreckage in the general area where a crash survivor emerged from the woods.
Tuesday, July 14
Legion baseball: Bitterroot sweeps Twins A
HAMILTON — Fresh off a championship finish at the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament, the Glacier Twins were humbled on Tuesday, dropping a pair of games to the Bitterroot Red Sox in an American Legion baseball road doubleheader.
High School Rodeo Finals: Powell stays atop team roping times
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Kalispell cowgirl Heidi Schmid placed 24th in the pole bending competition on Tuesday at the National High School Finals Rodeo, finishing in 26.319 seconds.
Smokejumpers: 75 years of airborne firefighters
On July 12, 1940, Rufus Robinson and Earl Cooley — fresh from their 12-day training in Seeley Lake — became the first firefighters to descend by parachute to a wildfire, marking the beginning of the U.S. Forest Service’s smokejumping program.

Antique plane tour stops here
Drowning victim a popular C.F. teacher
A popular teacher at Columbia Falls Junior High School drowned in Minnesota last week.
Yellowstone joins Glacier in rising visitor popularity
As Yellowstone National Park moves into the busiest part of the year, June saw record-setting attendance numbers.
Lawsuit targets leaders of fair
A Kalispell man is suing the Flathead County Fair Board and fair Manager Mark Campbell in an apparent attempt to bring horse racing back to town.
Citizen chases suspect in car break-in
A Sunset Boulevard resident gave chase to someone who had been trying to break into her car. During the vehicle pursuit, the resident nearly T-boned a

Bob Gesek, 88

Donna Hartnett, 55 recent

Donna Hartnett, 55 then

Donna Hartnett, 55
Donna Hartnett, beloved wife, daughter, friend and truly beautiful soul, was taken from us June 2, 2015, after fighting stage 4 breast cancer in her liver, bones, brain and lungs for five years. Donna was only 55.

John Frey, 95
Dr. John Frey of Buck Grove, Iowa, died June 24, 2015, at Silveridge Assisted Living in Denison, Iowa.
World powers, Iran reach nuclear deal
Fine ‘new chapter’ or ‘historic mistake’?
VIENNA (AP) — Overcoming decades of hostility, Iran, the United States and five other world powers struck a historic accord Tuesday to check Tehran’s nuclear efforts short of building a bomb. The agreement could give Iran access to billions in frozen assets and oil revenue, stave off more U.S. military action in the Middle East and reshape the tumultuous region.

Autumn Veatch
Autumn Veatch (Sierra Lundy via AP)

'The only one that made it out'
Search continues for Marion couple after mountain plane crash
SEATTLE — With her step-grandparents dead or dying in the burning wreckage of their small plane, 16-year-old Autumn Veatch needed to somehow find her way off the remote, thickly forested Washington state mountainside where they crashed Saturday afternoon.

Missionary Crash Settlement
FILE - In this Tuesday, July 21, 2009 file photo, Montana Highway Trooper Michael Walrath inspects the wreckage of a Jeep Cheeroke involved in a crash on Interstate 90 between Belgrade and Manhattan, Mont. On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, attorney Anders Blewett said insurers for the Southern Baptist Convention have agreed to pay $26 million to Jeremy Vangsnes, a South Carolina man who was paralyzed and suffered brain damage in a rollover crash during the missionary trip in Montana. District Judge Mike Salvagni ruled on June 19 that the driver was acting within the course and scope of his association with the mission group at the time of the July 2009 wreck. (Sean Sperry/Bozeman Daily Chronicle via AP)

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Ben Littefield, right, with his mom Molly Littlefield turns to land the 1942 Boeing Stearman at the Stonehenge Air Museum on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Four Boeing Stearman fly over the Stonehenge Air Museum near Eureka on Tuesday. The planes are with the Puget Sount Antique Aircraft tour and will be at the Kalispell City Airport from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Lyle Sindlinger guides a Boeing Stearman to a parking spot at the Stonehenge Air Museum on Tuesday. The plane will be one of the nearly 30 planes on display at the Kalispell City Airport on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Rich Alldredge of the Puget Sound Antique Aircraft Club laughs after landing his plane at the Stonehenge Air Museum on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Missing Plane
This May 9, 2015 photo provided by Sierra Lundy shows Autumn Veatch in Bellingham, Wash. The 16 year old survived a small plane crash on Saturday, July 11, 2015 wandering in a mountainous area for several days before being picked up by a motorist and taken to a local hospital on Monday, July 13, 2015. Her step-grandfather, who was piloting the plane, and his wife did not survive the crash. (Sierra Lundy via AP)

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Monday, July 13
Vallely launches advisory group
Many people believe that in a turbulent world, American interests are threatened by forces both domestically and abroad.

Whitefish resident recalls wartime experience
After flying through the mushroom cloud of the first hydrogen bomb, Warren Scott is surprised he’s still here.
Child cancer clinic coming to Kalispell
Starting next month, children fighting cancer in the Flathead will be able to stay home for most treatments.
Deli heist suspect meats his match
Firefighters respond to 22 small fires over weekend
Thunderstorms and other sources of ignition over the weekend started a smattering of small fires across Northwest Montana with 22 wildfires reported, although only a few consumed more than a fraction of an acre.

She said 'yes'

Courthouse to get tower clocks
The tower in the old Flathead County Courthouse will become a timepiece.
Jury convicts man of assaulting teens
A jury on Friday found a Kalispell man guilty of repeated sexual assaults on two teenage girls.

Warren Scott
Warren Scott sits at his home in Whitefish. Scott enjoys coffee at the Whitefish Community Center almost every weekday.
Mary Louise (Webber) Stevens, 68
Mary Louise (Webber) Stevens was born May 30, 1947, in Whitefish.
Hellene V. Mitzel, 93
Hellene V. Mitzel, 93, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Marion couple die in crash; teen survives
SEATTLE — A 16-year-old girl survived a small-plane crash that killed her step-grandparents in the rugged mountains of north-central Washington state and then hiked through thick forest to safety in what a rescuer called a miracle.

Courthouse window
Truck carrying 10 teens crashes near Hubbart Dam
A pickup truck carrying 10 teens crashed Saturday night on Hubbart Dam Road, according to the Marion Fire Department.

Missing plane

Crews searching for missing Marion plane
BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Search efforts are underway in Washington state for an overdue airplane carrying a Marion couple.
Sunday, July 12
Legion baseball: Glacier Twins win Sapa-Johnsrud tourney
WHITEFISH — Colten Parker went 3 for 3, scored three times and drove in a run while AJ Wetsch went the distance on the mound to carry the Glacier Twins A to a 9-1 victory over the Spokane Cannons in the championship game of the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament on Sunday at Memorial Field.

Fast in the saddle
Flathead’s Schmid to compete at national prep finals rodeo
Heidi Schmid says it’s all about being fast in the saddle.
Evergreen, Kalispell sewer deal on horizon
The Kalispell City Council tonight will discuss a new interlocal agreement with the Evergreen Water and Sewer District.
No such thing as a free trailer
A Sixth Avenue West man in the process of moving had a box of free items near a pull trailer. A group of four young men allegedly came and tried to take the trailer before a neighbor stopped them. They explained the free sign near the trailer made it look as if the trailer was also free. The neighbor wanted the information logged by the
Commissioners OK zone change
The Flathead County commissioners are moving forward with a proposed master plan amendment and zone change from residential to industrial on 2.1 acres along Whitefish Stage Road.
Troy superintendent's travels provide global perspective
Russia has fascinated Troy School District Superintendent Jacob Francom, 37, since he first studied the language and culture as a 16-year-old.

Krystle Marie Gilchrist, 28

Marlene Allen LeCount, 77

'The world's fastest logger'
Pat Stoken's 2014 Chevy Camaro on June 27 broke the drag-racing world record for an eighth of a mile in the Pro Nitrous class. Stoken's Camaro, powered by a 3,000-horsepower engine, covered the distance in 3.694 seconds.

Edgar Allen White, 81

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Saturday, July 11
State Babe Ruth: Glacier falls to Miles City
MILES CITY — The Glacier 13-year-old All-Star team dropped its first game of the state Babe Ruth tournament on Saturday, falling to host Miles City 13-12 on a walk-off hit in the seventh inning.
Lakers A finish Harp Tournament with victory
The Kalispell Lakers A piled on five runs in the third inning to build a commanding lead against Priest River (Idaho), holding off the River Dawgs for a 7-6 win in the home team’s finale at the John R. Harp Memorial American Legion baseball tournament on Saturday at Griffin Field.
Hill bucked off on final bull at Calgary Stampede
CALGARY, Alberta — West Glacier bull rider Beau Hill was bucked off Woodrow in his last chance to make the championship round on Wild Card Saturday at the Calgary Stampede rodeo.
Glacier Twins in Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament title game
WHITEFISH — Once again, it’s all coming together for the Glacier Twins.
Naked man exposes criminal activity
A man exposed suspicious activity on Riverwood Lane to

Roger L. Linnell, 61
Roger L. Linnell, 61, passed away very unexpectedly Tuesday, July 7, 2015, with his family by his side.
Arnold L. Riebe, 81

Holly Anne (Haugen) Love, 45

Evelyn Ruth Sedwick Bygren, 92
Evelyn “was called home” on July 8, 2015, in Kalispell.

Marcia Thomsen (Bennett), 69

Edgar Allen White, 81
Edgar Allen White, 81, of Kalispell, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. He was born Sept. 1, 1933 in Covington, Kentucky.
OPINION: Montana coal workers deserve fighting chance
On Wednesday, I introduced legislation that would stop the Department of the Interior from enacting another cumbersome rule that would change the way coal is valued when mined from public land. The end result would be increased uncertainty for an industry that is constantly battling this administration’s war on fossil fuels.
Car salesman receives suspended sentence for down-payment theft
A 41-year-old car salesman was given a suspended sentence Thursday for pocketing a customer’s down payment.

2015 cherry crop light but sweet
An unusually early cherry harvest this year features quality over quantity, according to local growers.
Condo project on tap at Monterra in Whitefish
A second phase of condominium development is planned at Monterra in Whitefish.
OPINION: Politics trumps science, but that has to change
Managing Editor Frank Miele published his best Sunday Daily Inter Lake front page ever, June 14, 2015, when he ran two different stories about two wildlife biologists: Rick Mace, retiring MFWP grizzly bear specialist; and Kent Laudon, MFWP wolf specialist transferring from Montana to USFW in Arizona.
Lakeside subdivision OK'd despite concerns over water
A 15-home subdivision within the Eagle’s Crest development south of Lakeside won approval Thursday from the Flathead County commissioners.
OPINION: Grizzly bears need our continued help to recover
The June 21 edition of the Daily Inter Lake included the article “Experts studying path toward delisting grizzly,” and the companion editorial “Is it time to delist the grizzly bear” containing the claim that, “Years of research have produced the biological science to support delisting, but the politics may be a little more complicated.”

E-bike trend catching on in the Flathead Valley
Easy riders
Reinventing the wheel is much harder than innovating the gears turning that wheel.
Parched park flies in water tank for chalet
Glacier National Park is known for its cascading streams and sky-blue lakes.
Lost little dog found safe
Good news
In just a couple of hours between phone calls I answered last Monday, a little dog that had been missing since the Fourth of July was found alive and well — albeit a bit bedraggled.
OPINION: Editor's view of history too narrow
As a journalist and consumer of many varied periodicals to feed my thirst for news, I respect the idea of learning from a great array of editorial opinions.
Online auction gets no bidders for mall space
An online auction last month failed to attract any bidders for a portion of the former Gateway West Mall owned by American Capital Management.
OPINION: Elect those who will work against climate change
Kudos to Lowell Rathbun for his insightful letter on global warming.
EDITORIAL: Recent audit gives state a scare
It was a shock to the entire state last month when the Legislative Audit Division reported that it had discovered significant accounting errors in fiscal records kept by Montana’s Department of Administration.
COLUMN: Vandalism and values: What side are you on?
Editor's 2 cents
Last week, the Ten Commandments Park north of Columbia Falls was vandalized for the second time in a month.
Kalispell man drowns in Minnesota lake
HACKENSACK, Minn. — Authorities have identified a Kalispell man who apparently drowned last week in a northern Minnesota Lake.

Judy Garland Slippers
FILE - This April 10, 1996 file photo shows one of the four pairs of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" on display during a media tour of the "America's Smithsonian" traveling exhibition in Kansas City, Mo. An anonymous donor has offered a (Canadian) $1 million reward for credible information leading to a pair of the sequined shoes which was stolen from a museum in her Minnesota hometown, Grand Rapids. The 10-year anniversary of the theft is in August 2015. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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Kalispell Laker Gunnar Marsh slides into third base after tagging up against Medicine Hat on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's Ryan Veneman slides into home during the second inning against the Mead Panthers on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

China Asia Storms
Militia members evacuate residents from a neighborhood flooded by heavy rains from Typhoon Chan-Hom in Shaoxing in eastern China's Zhejiang province Saturday, July 11, 2015. Some 1.1 million people were evacuated from coastal areas of Zhejiang and more than 46,000 in neighboring Jiangsu province ahead of the storm, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. (Chinatopix via AP) CHINA OUT

Police Rising Violence
In this March 27, 2015 photo, police respond to a home in St. Louis where two people were shot and killed and a third was injured. Police departments across the country that in recent years have been boasting about plummeting crime numbers now find themselves scrambling to deal with something they haven't seen in years: More bloodshed. (Cristina Fletes-Boutte/The St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

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Warren Scott sits at his home in Whitefish. Scott enjoys coffee at the Whitefish Community Center almost every weekday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Friday, July 10
Baseball roundup: Lakers split at Harp
The Kalispell Lakers A split opening-day action at the John R. Harp American Legion baseball tournament.
Stormy weather ahead
People planning outdoor activities Saturday should pay attention to a bout of unsettled weather predicted for Northwest Montana.
Grizzly bear trio moved to North Fork
GREAT FALLS — A grizzly bear and her two cubs are being relocated after killing about 10 sheep near Lake Frances in north-central Montana.
Farm-style obstacle contests planned
For Flathead residents with disabilities, a fun and challenging event will test athleticism and have a barbecue reward at the end.
OPINION: Editor's view of history is right on
The “Asleep for the last 60 years?” piece in your paper by Managing Editor Frank Miele was right on target.
Caller unhappy with wandering kids
The

'Zhivago,' 'Arabia' actor Sharif dies
CAIRO (AP) — Omar Sharif, the Egyptian-born actor with the dark, soulful eyes who soared to international stardom in movie epics, “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago,” died Friday. He was 83.

Teachers run bookmobile to counter 'summer slide'
The “summer slide” is not the kind found in the playground, and it’s not fun when it happens to children.

Confederate Flag
An honor guard from the South Carolina Highway patrol lowers the Confederate battle flag as it is removed from the Capitol grounds Friday, July 10, 2015, in Columbia, S.C. The Confederate flag was lowered from the grounds of the South Carolina Statehouse to the cheers of thousands on Friday, ending its 54-year presence there and marking a stunning political reversal in a state where many thought the rebel banner would fly indefinitely. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Sarah 'Sally' Jane Hatfield, 84

Omar Sharif

Grace Nadine Mong Brown, 86
Grace Nadine Mong Brown, 86, was born on May 29, 1929, to Ray and Eva Mong at their home in Yoder, Wyoming. She passed away on June 18, 2015, in Lakewood, Colorado from Alzheimer’s disease.

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Troy School District Superintendent Jacob Francom traveled to Saudi Arabia to conduct an external review of Al Tarbiyah Al Namouthajiyah International School on behalf of AdvancED. AdvancED is a nonprofit organization that oversees accreditation for schools and school systems. Francom is pictured far left with accreditation team members from Syria and Egypt along with the school owner, center.

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Alexa Rayes climbs a ladder to get to a cherry. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Rosa Martinez dumps her bag of cherries into a bin. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Rosa Martinez picks cherries at Bowman Orchards on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Montana Man Scammed
Stuart Voigt sits outside his home with his dog Bud near Bearmouth , Mont. on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. The Missoula County sheriff's department is seeking donations on behalf of Voigt, a 74-year-old man who lost his life savings on the false promise of receiving millions of dollars and a Mercedes Benz in a sweepstakes scam. (Michael Gallacher/The Missoulian via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

Mideast Egypt Omar Sharif Obit
FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 file photo, Egyptian actor Omar Sharif gestures during the photo call for the film 'Al Mosafer (The Traveller)' at the 66th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. Sharif has died in a Cairo hospital of a heart attack, his agent said on Friday, July 10, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

Cherries

Cherry picking time
Airport passengers set June record
Glacier Park International Airport set a record for passenger volume in June and is on track for another record-breaking year, Airport Director Cindi Martin said.

Glacier Park visitor count up 25.8 percent
The popularity of Glacier National Park keeps soaring, with record June visitation adding to an already-busy year for the park.

Confederate flag removed from S.C. Statehouse
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Confederate flag was lowered from the grounds of the South Carolina Statehouse on Friday, ending its 54-year presence there and marking a stunning political reversal in a state where many thought the rebel banner would fly indefinitely.
Thursday, July 9

Legion baseball: Twins trounce Ferris
WHITEFISH — The Glacier Twins scored 10 runs in the fourth inning to trounce Spokane Ferris 11-3 in the nightcap of the opening day of the 31st annual Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial American Legion baseball tournament on Thursday at Memorial Park.
Hill bucked off again at Stampede
CALGARY, Alberta — West Glacier bull rider Beau Hill was bucked off Jett in the third round of Pool B competition on Thursday at the Calgary Stampede, failing to point a ride for the second straight day.
Glacier 13s win opener at state Babe Ruth tourney
MILES CITY — The Glacier Babe Ruth 13-year-old All-Stars started the state tournament off on the right foot, beating Belgrade 12-4 on the first day of play.

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Glacier's Colten Parker slides safely into second base for a stolen base against Ferris Saxon during the Twins' opening game of the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Twins shortstop Jayce Fagerland throws to first as second baseman Vinny Smith looks on during the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
If you had it to do over again...
The question posed by Fox News’ Megyn Kelly in her interview with Jeb Bush resulted in a flurry of discussion and criticism by the mainstream media. She asked if he would have authorized the invasion of Iraq in 2003 “knowing what we know now.”
Minimum wage rules ought to be accompanied by minimum standards
Minimum wage has become a hot topic lately. Solutions are so simple but no one wants to simply say that business owners should have the right to hire the person who best fits their needs.
Bondage can be physical... or fiscal
Mention slavery to any American and visions of captured Africans shackled in chains and suffering every kind of abuse known to man comes to mind.
Stolen Evergreen fire vehicle found damaged
Authorities have recovered a sport utility vehicle that was stolen from Evergreen Fire Rescue last weekend.
Man caught relieving himself in public
The
Zinke votes to prohibit federal land sales or transfer
U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., broke with a majority of Republicans Wednesday to vote for an amendment that would have prohibited the Department of Interior from large-scale disposal of federal lands.
Kalispell road job to wrap up Monday
Pavement work on Fifth Avenue West in Kalispell is expected to be finished Monday, according to a city official.
Lodge gives out Kindles to youths
The Bigfork Masonic Lodge has announced the winners of its Kindles for Kids program.
Forests go too far in scheme to hasten delisting of grizzlies
The Flathead and Beaverhead Deer Lodge national forests have food storage requirements on the entire forests, even areas outside of occupied grizzly bear habitat.
Suspect denies hammer assault
Law officers say that a Lakeside man asked a child to grab a hammer for him to strike a woman during an alleged assault.
Flathead fire chiefs say thanks
The fire chiefs of Flathead County would like to thank the citizens and visitors in the area for observing the recent Independence Day holiday in a safe and patriotic manner.

Flash dance: Community mob performs at Thursday!Fest
Flash mobs might be commonplace in New York City and on the big screen, but Montanans don’t have many chances to see the phenomenon live.
Montana tribe breaks off talks over drilling on sacred land
BILLINGS — The Blackfeet Tribe has taken the rare step of breaking off formal talks with the U.S. government and a Louisiana company that has been seeking for decades to drill for natural gas on land considered sacred by the Blackfeet people.
House approves forest bill
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill that would, in some cases, require groups and individuals to pay bonds before filing lawsuits against timber projects.

Flash dance
Jack Owen Dukleth, 72
Jack Owen Dukleth, 72, of Missoula, died Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at Hillside Manor in Missoula.

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Ivory Phillips flips through a book as she tries to pick what book to get from the Bookmobile at Canyon Elementary on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Bookmobile
Giving thanks for a quiet Fourth
It was a quiet Fourth of July, wasn’t it?

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Ruder Elementary first-grade teacher Amy Hanson helps Brady Bates pick a book from the Bookmobile on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Cody Betts leads the flash mob during Thursday!Fest. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Kathy Gerdl laughs as she dances during the flash mob. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Debbie Moon dances during the flash mob. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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About 35 people of all ages danced during the flash mob. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Phil Seymour, 65, takes his Easy Motion EVO e-bike on the Kalispell bike trail after work near North Meridian Road and Appleway Drive.

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Replay Sports owner Rick Walker displays a HaiBike Xouro model e-bike. The Xouro costs about $3,500. Walker's inventory includes e-bikes priced from under $1,000 all the way up to $6,000.

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E-bike

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Sunti World Art Gallery opens in Whitefish
'Make the world beautiful'
Art from the world’s master artists is now available in the Flathead Valley.
This Week in the Flathead | July 9-15
Wednesday, July 8
Pushy salesman reported to police
A man selling “security” near Hilltop Avenue was not taking “no” for an answer, according to a report to the
Rex Lee Jones, 84
Rex Lee Jones, 84, of Columbia Falls, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Newest aquatic invader: goldfish
Quagga and zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and mysis shrimp are among the rapidly reproducing aquatic invaders that keep Montana’s natural resource managers up at night.
Troubled Glacier Park road may take $700,000 to repair
Public comments open on Inside North Fork Road
Glacier National Park estimates it will cost from $682,000 to $735,000 to fix the Inside North Fork Road.
Winds caused Schafer plane crash
The small plane that crashed at the remote Schafer Meadows Airstrip on June 23 was coming in for a landing when it caught a wind gust that led the craft to go past the end of the runway.

Where do Glacier's goats go?
They’ve endured blizzards, wind, rain and hail storms, dodged avalanches and negotiated cliffs and crags that would make a seasoned mountaineer take pause, but 24 mountain goats in Glacier National Park all survived last winter.
Stream temperatures rise toward danger zone for fish
A welcome shower on Tuesday broke Kalispell’s 33-day rainless streak, but for Northwest Montana’s trout streams, it may not be enough to stave off fishing restrictions.
Move high school
After listening to all the hassle of the Flathead High School and the parking problems around the school, it seems to me there is a simple way of solving this problem.
Is Bernie Sanders the leader we've been waiting for?
Do you ever get so frustrated with an ongoing situation that you give up trying to resolve it? Such a national frustration is being called to attention with great clarity and interest in America as we speak.
'The Law' is to free people, not impose on their liberty
So Sweet Cakes in Oregon has been fined $135,000 for mental anguish caused to a gay couple by the bakery’s refusal to bake a cake for their marriage, a ceremony which is against their religious convictions. Nonsense. No other bakers in Portland?
OPINION: Hotter climate is price of carbon
Summer in Northwest Montana is off without a bang thanks to one of the earliest hot, dry seasons on record. Unfortunately, it seems this is the new normal. The 10 warmest years on record globally have occurred since 1998, and 2014 broke the global record for warmest year in recorded history. As 2015 now appears destined to break that record, it seems certain that people’s awareness of climate change will continue to grow.
OPINION: Plan to rewrite history is latest politically correct foolishness
I can’t believe the incredibly stupid reaction to the photo with the Confederate flag. I suppose those people want to eliminate all of the Civil War memorials as well and rewrite American history.
EDITORIAL: Greece, China and your wallet
Kalispell, Montana, is 5,945 miles from Athens, Greece. That distance may seem to cushion you from the turbulent fiscal crisis under way in the cradle of European civilization.

Ten Commandments

Religious park suffers vandalism
The Ten Commandments billboard park in Columbia Heights has been the target of vandalism in recent weeks.

Glacier goats

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Kalispell Laker second baseman Levi Brenneman fires to first for an out during the top of the second inning of the first game against Lethbridge at Griffin Field on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Recent damage

Derek Herrin

Smoke-filled sky

Smoke rolls in from faraway fires
Kalispell residents looking east could see only the dim outline of the Swan Mountain range Wednesday as smoke from wildfires in the Pacific Northwest spilled into the Flathead Valley — a trend expected to continue today.
State ballot proposal would legalize recreational pot
HELENA — A Glendive man proposed a ballot measure this week to legalize recreational marijuana for adults over 21 in Montana.
Rodeo: West Glacier's Beau Hill fifth in Pool B at Calgary Stampede
CALGARY, Alberta — West Glacier bull rider Beau Hill rode Indian Turtle for 84.5 points to place fifth in Pool B after his first day of competition at the Calgary Stampede rodeo on Tuesday.
Tuesday, July 7
Gender identity policy goes before board again
A second reading to discuss amending a nondiscrimination policy in Kalispell Public Schools is on the agenda for the July 14 school board meeting.
City adopts new pay schedule for heads of departments
The Kalispell City Council on Monday passed a new salary scale for some of the city’s highest-paid employees.
Business owner busted
Work-comp fraud
A Kalispell business owner was sentenced last week for making deceptive workers’ compensation claims.
College courses aim to assist nonprofits
Citing a need for stronger nonprofits in the Flathead Valley, several local entities have designed a series of courses to improve the capacity of the more than 300 nonprofits operating in the area.
Blacktail paving job to start July 20
Potholes, washboarding and clouds of dust may soon be history on Blacktail Mountain Road — at least for the first five miles of the 14-mile route.
Fair will increase gate fee
‘Kick it up!’
It will cost more to attend the Northwest Montana Fair this year.
Daybook
Agnes L. Sunell, 90
Agnes L. Sunell, 90, passed away July 3, 2015, at her home in Columbia Falls.

Lee 'Wayne' Hunt, 93
Lee “Wayne” Hunt was born on April 23, 1922, in his father’s homestead cabin near Bay Horse, Powder River County, Montana, to Verl Leland Hunt and Ruth Irene (Watkins) Hunt.

Mary 'Phyllis' Campbell, 96 then

Mary 'Phyllis' Campbell, 96 recent

Mary 'Phyllis' Campbell, 96
Phyllis Campbell, 96, of Kalispell, passed away July 4, 2015, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Gladys Cecilia (Barsness) Frost, 84
Gladys Cecilia (Barsness) Frost, 84, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Saturday, July 4, 2015, after an extended illness with cancer, which she battled for the last one and a half years of her life.
Velma 'Peggy' Armstrong, 79
Velma “Peggy” Grace Armstrong, 79, passed away on June 11, 2015, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

Debbie Diane Heuscher, 57
Planning begins for new Bigfork library
ImagineIF Libraries will begin to lay the groundwork for a new library in Bigfork with a community idea session planned Monday.
OPINION: Revisiting CFAC pollution with more urgency
This is my third attempt at trying to inspire common ordinary citizens to quit being apathetic and take responsibility for your own lives by mobilizing and taking action.
OPINION: Thanks to St. Pat's and St. Joe's
This is an open letter of heartfelt thanks (or should I say lung, diaphram and stomach-felt thanks) to every employee of St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s hospitals.
OPINION: Why all hoopla and no outrage?
Why all the hoopla in the media concerning our local drought conditions? Why are we surprised that water allocation could be mismanaged and now in short supply? Why do we act shocked, as though it just couldn’t happen?

Mountain Jesus Statue

Appeals Court considers case of Jesus statue
PORTLAND, Ore. — The home for a six-foot-statue known as Big Mountain Jesus rests with a three-judge appeals panel after a lawyer representing a group of atheists asked for it to be removed from U.S. Forest Service property on Big Mountain.

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A buck deer sprints through a pasture Sunday near Kalispell City Airport. (Dick Brady photo)

This Week in the Flathead: Sunti World Art Gallery
On right, a Terra Goddess followed by an authentic hand-embroidered Zardozi wall Hanging and a Lanna-Style Buddha at the Sunti World Art Gallery in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Sunti World Art Gallery
Portrait of Erica and Sunti Pichetchaiyakul in the new location of the Sunti World Art Gallery in Whitefish.

Rain at last!
Monday, July 6
Legion baseball: Schlepp, LakersA sweep Rangers
EUREKA — Haydn Schlepp is clutch.

Fitness group offers free workouts
It’s a flash mob of fitness.
Hospital ERs no busier than usual during heat wave
While the heat wave in the Northern Rockies continues largely unabated, local emergency rooms reported that for the most part, people are staying out of harm’s way.
Polson taps state fund to drill well
The city of Polson is installing a new well on the east side of town to meet increased drinking water demand.

Glacier Rim fire jumps the line
The Glacier Rim Fire grew a bit over the weekend as winds pushed the flames into an additional 25 acres over the containment line.

Glacier Rim Fire
Fireworks incidents at minimum over weekend
While Independence Day is always a busy time for emergency responders, area fire chiefs said incidents related to fireworks were few and far between this year, due largely to a countywide ban on the use of fireworks.
Whitefish School Board leader dies
Longtime Whitefish School Board member Pat Jarvi died unexpectedly Friday. She was 72.
Woman wants to see stars, not headlights
Someone driving near Saddle Loop was confronted by a woman in the middle of the road. She apparently told him that he can’t use his headlights, even at night, on that road because it interferes with the woman’s telescope use. The driver told the
District judge Ted Lympus announces retirement
Flathead County’s longest-tenured District Court judge has announced his retirement at the end of the summer.
Counselor offers 'telemental' health services to Montanans
A Montana native is starting an innovative new initiative for those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety disorders.

Patricia Linn Jarvi, 72
It is with great shock and sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Linn Jarvi on July 3, 2015. Pat lived most of her life in Whitefish.
Velma 'Peggy' Grace Armstrong, 79
Velma “Peggy” Grace Armstrong, 79, passed away on June 11, 2015, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

James Webster Sherwood III, 78

Move 406

Summer Gardening
Lynn Havens of Kalispell pulls weeds from her garden on Monday, July 6. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Celebrate Glacier Cover

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Sunday, July 5
Legion baseball: Mariners third, Loggers sixth at Firecracker
POLSON — Tournament baseball is different — setting time limits on games guarantees a smooth schedule for every team involved, but it also allows for some unjust endings.
Seasonal urgent care clinics serve hikers, campers
Frequent visitors to Glacier National Park may have noticed some small medical signs in West Glacier just before they head into the park.

Ballooning in the big sky
Troy woman accused of sending gun to senator
A Troy woman has been indicted in federal court for allegedly shipping weapons to U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.
Hospital's parking plan in front of Kalispell City Council
The Kalispell City Council could decide tonight whether or not Kalispell Regional Medical Center can expand a parking lot.
Whitefish needs permit to build City Hall
The next step for the proposed Whitefish City Hall and parking structure complex is for the City Council to approve a conditional-use permit for the project.

Doctor steps out of delivery room
After 35 years and nearly 4,000 babies, Dr. Randy Beach has decided to step out of the delivery room and focus solely on women’s health.

Balloon pro brings business to the Flathead
As the sun slowly climbed over the ridges on the eastern side of the Flathead Valley at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Kevin Flanagan parked his van and trailer in an empty field off of U.S. 93.
Officers counsel ex-spouses
A woman on Wedgewood Lane called the

Gregory Roe Corr, 57
Gregory Roe Corr, 57, of Bigfork, passed away July 1 from cancer. His soulmate and wife Cheryl was at his side. He fought bravely since being diagnosed in 2014 with lipo-sarcoma.

Monday Profile: Dr. Randy Beach
Dr. Randy Beach holds a day-old baby at North Valley Hospital.

Celebrate Glacier

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Golf: Top shots pull away at Fourth of July tournament
WHITEFISH — While each entered the day in close heats at the top of the leaderboard, by the close of play on Saturday at the 79th annual Earl Hunt Memorial Fourth of July golf tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club there wasn’t any chance for a playoff.
Saturday, July 4
Scorcher days set new two records
Record-breaking temperatures have become the norm this summer in the Flathead Valley. Friday and Saturday were no exception.
OPINION: Animals shouldn't have to die for drink
Growing up in Montana, there are things I take for common knowledge that aren’t — one being our disregard for our wildlife, namely deer.
Kalispell schools upgrade district website
The Kalispell Public Schools website has a new look.
Saturday morning fire doused quickly
OPINION: Defending the rights of 'We the People'...
July Fourth celebrations are a time for recalling the birth and exceptionalism of our great nation.

Teens get glimpse into police work
In the mat-lined wrestling room on the upper level of Glacier High School, 17-year-old Andrew Brester was being handcuffed.
Without a trace
Disappearance of girl still a mystery after 40 years
On the day after Independence Day in 1975, 14-year-old Robin Pettinato was walking barefoot to a friend’s house in Whitefish.
OPINION: It's time to honor the early patriots by following their example
This Independence Day, I find myself thinking not of July 4, 1776, but of the events that led to that July Fourth. Specifically Dec. 16, 1773.

Independence day, polebridge-style
OPINION: Be glad that police make difficult decisions every day
In response to a recent letter criticizing police for engaging in chases with suspects:
EDITORIAL: Time To Try Men's Souls
A Fourth message that still reverberates
Hot summer evokes flashbacks for Midwesterners
As I see it
To put things in perspective, here’s how oppressive the Flathead Valley’s heat wave has been: The summer weather in Minnesota has been more pleasant lately than Northwest Montana.
Second North Valley teen went missing 9 months later
Nine months after Robin Pettinato disappeared from Whitefish, a second North Valley teenage girl was reported missing from Columbia Falls.
OPINION: Home of the knave and land of the sheep...?
The recent disclosure that the leader of the NAACP office in Spokane is a complete fraud and a phony comes as no surprise to me.
OPINION: Thanks for 20 years of 'Picnics'
I’m sure I speak for many people in the valley when I give a giant “thank you” to Jennifer Young, who has been the cause of 20-plus years of wonderful “Picnic in the Park” concerts for our enjoyment in Kalispell.
OPINION: Teachers need assistance to do jobs properly
The profession of teaching requires life-long learning. In fact, there is no way, in a single lifetime, that a teacher can learn as much as one needs to know about the subject one teaches and about how young people learn. (That’s one of the attractions of the job.) Professionals need to be self-directed with the freedom to experiment. Continuing learning is essential for teachers, but teachers in the United States spend more hours each week teaching in the classroom and fewer hours in professional development than those in any other industrialized country.
Whitefish wants input on government
If you have an opinion about city government in Whitefish, now is the time to voice it.

Temperatures turn up heat on cooling businesses
AC crunch time
As lemonade supplies run dangerously low, the backs of legs stick to vinyl car seats and ice cream purveyors amass a small fortune, local air conditioning businesses are running into problems of their own.
Majority of Montana Obamacare users qualify for tax credits
Newly released data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have revealed that the vast majority of Montana Affordable Care Act users are qualifying for tax credits.

Donald Lee Humphrey, 84
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our deeply loved father, Donald Lee Humphrey. He held a standard in life that inspired others and earned their respect. He was a true patriot, who dedicated his life defending the constitution and honoring the flag. Everything he did in life, he did with honor, integrity, and a tremendous sense of humor.

Donald C. Conat, 91

Ilse Knight, 87

Rose Marie Corrigeux Hughes, 73

Lucille Reynolds, 97
COLUMN: Asleep for the last 60 years? Wake up – and brace yourself
Editor's two cents
I turned 60 last week, which got me thinking — not about myself and the many changes I have been through in six decades, but about the nation’s fundamental transformation in that same time span.
Friday, July 3
Legion baseball: Mariners comeback at Firecracker
POLSON — Mission Valley A scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a tie with Deer Lodge and leading a 6-3 victory at the Polson Firecracker tournament on Friday.
Newest parking compromise runs into opposition
The debate over parking around Flathead High School has been lengthy, emotional and at times vitriolic.
Child sex abuse suspect faces trial
A 31-year-old man accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl is heading to trial next week.
Kalispell man pleads not guilty to selling drugs
A Kalispell man accused of selling methamphetamine to a police informant has denied the charge.
Woman airlifted after Glacier fall
A woman who fell down an embankment Friday in Glacier National Park is in stable condition after being airlifted to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

As heat rises, water use soars
Northwest Montana officially entered “severe drought” status on Thursday as local water districts are recording record demand while rivers and streams are flowing at rates normally seen at the end of summer.
Polson's fireworks depend on wind
The Polson Chamber of Commerce is still planning a fireworks show this evening at dusk, but officials said late Friday the show still could be canceled if winds become too strong.
Electricity demand sets new highs
Extreme June weather generated spikes in consumption of electricity in Northwest Montana.

Teens enjoy sweet side of business
Appleholics entrepreneurs
Candied apples dipped in fresh batches of homemade caramel and enveloped in toppings are the fruits of three Whitefish teenagers’ labor.
Late surge of candidates enters City Council races
Last-minute filings in Columbia Falls and Whitefish have created contested City Council races in both cities.

Kalispell's Ryan Porch
Ryan Porch watches his drive on the second hole during the men's derby of the 79th annual Earl Hunt Memorial Fourth of July Tournament at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Friday, July 3, 2015 in this file photo. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Daybook

Audrine J. AuClaire, 91
High wind forecast to reverse direction
Red Flag Warning
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for Northwest Montana from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. today.

Appleholics

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Kathy Meyer waters her flowers in Kalispell on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Madderom was called for a condensation leak from the air conditioning unit at the Waterside Condominiums on Thursday. By cutting the consensate tubing, he can see how far into the unit the leak started.(Seaborn Larson/Daily Inter Lake)

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Madderom shows the condensate pump that has failed inside the unit. A simple replacement pump should push the water through the tubing and stop the leak, he said. (Seaborn Larson/Daily Inter Lake)

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Kevin Flanagan's balloon drifts down for a landing in Creston on June 21. (Tom Burke photo)

Music Grateful Dead Chicago
In this Tuesday, June 30, 2015, photo, Rebecca Ostrega, from Oswego, Ill., talks about her devotion to the Grateful Dead as she and her son Jake, visit an exhibit dedicated to the band at the Field Museum in Chicago. The Dead are scheduled to perform multiple shows over the July 4th weekend at Soldier Field. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Little Shell
FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, file photo, Gerald Gray, the incoming chairman of Montana's Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians, poses at the advertising agency where he works in Billings, Mont. Gray says a shift in federal policy will ease the way for the landless Montana tribe to be recognized by the U.S. government following a campaign that's lasted decades. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)

Montana Confederate Memorial
A memorial to fallen Confederate soldiers is pictured in Helena. City officials are meeting next week to discuss the memorial's future in the wake of the Charleston, S.C., church shootings.(AP photo/Matt Volz)

Preventing Diabetes
In this photo taken Wednesday, May 13, 2015, Hayden Murphy, 13, sits for a photo with his medicine at his home in Plainfield, Ill. Hayden is among more than 400 children and adults participating in U.S. government-funded international research investigating whether experimental insulin capsules can prevent or at least delay Type 1 diabetes. To enroll, participants must first get bad news: results of a blood test showing their chances for developing the disease are high. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

AC crunch time

Water use
A sprinkler waters a lawn on Fourth Avenue East in Kalispell Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Seattle Boomtown
In this photo taken on Feb. 10, 2015 with a fisheye lens, Torsten North, a project foreman for Turner Construction Company, talks on his phone at the top of a 238-foot high construction crane working on a new building in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood. Seattle, notorious for boom-and-bust cycles stretching back to the 19th century Alaska gold rush, is booming once again with new construction projects and the hiring of a large number of workers by Amazon.com and other companies. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Thursday, July 2

Golf: Fourth field goes low
WHITEFISH — Former tour professional Bob Conrad, of Yarrow Point, Washington, shot a 7-under-par 65 and University of Montana freshman Sadie Crippen shot an even-par 72 to take the lead in the opening round of the 79th annual Earl Hunt Memorial Fourth of July golf tournament on Thursday at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
Swimming: Popp, KATS find success at Missoula Firecracker meet
MISSOULA — Over 30 teams, more than 600 swimmers, converged on the Garden City for the 34th annual Missoula Firecracker swim meet.
Legion baseball: M.V. Mariners start Firecracker with a bang
POLSON — The Mission Valley Mariners gave up a run in the second inning, but blanked the Dillon Cubs for the rest of the game to take the opener of their host Polson Firecracker American Legion baseball tournament on Thursday.
First man sentenced from 2014 sex sting
A 37-year-old Somers man was sentenced to prison Thursday for sexual abuse of children. He is the first to be sentenced of seven men who were arrested in a police sting last summer.
OPINION: Independence needed from meat industry
Nearly 240 years ago, our Founding Fathers declared our national independence from Great Britain. This Fourth of July, let’s declare our independence from the meat industry.
OPINION: Media brouhaha is not just about Confederate flag
Race-baiters and slick politicians with support from liberal news reporters and other celebrities have successfully convinced the public that the Confederate battle flag represents racism throughout the South in the wake of the heinous act committed by a single individual who was seen in a photograph standing beside such a flag.

Fireworks sellers struggle with ban in effect
Stagnant sales and workers without much to do are signs of the times at fireworks stands in Flathead County.
OPINION: Traditional energy sources key to our future
Access to affordable energy is critically important to every American family. While the United States should aggressively pursue an all-of-the-above energy approach, it is clear that traditional energy sources will play a vital role in powering our nation for generations to come.
Arrest was par for the course
An early morning call to the Whitefish Police Department was about poor golf course etiquette at a facility near U.S. 93. A vehicle was reportedly damaging hole No. 1. A woman sleeping in the vehicle on site was arrested.
EDITORIAL: Happy birthday to Glacier Park gem
Saturday not only marks our country’s birthday but also the 100th birthday of an iconic Glacier National Park edifice, the Many Glacier Hotel.
Fire crews brace for wind today
Although there have been no new flare-ups in or around the Glacier Rim Fire north of Columbia Falls, fire officials are concerned about windy conditions today.
OPINION: Moving City Hall would cost more
Who is this anonymous group of individuals as reported by the paper? And why are they hiding and afraid to reveal their names? Perhaps another group of newcomers always wanting to change things. We have lived here since 1977. We love Whitefish and are getting tired of too many changes.
Daybook
Births, Published July 3, 2015

Michael E. Mitchell, 56
Hunting in the night - for worms
Duck Dog barked twice to let me know someone was knocking at the back door. When I opened it, I was pleased and surprised to see my grandson Matthue Mergenthaler grinning back at me. He had ridden his bike up from Evergreen to spend the day with Grandpa.

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Jesse Rodman watches his drive from the first tee during the Whitefish Lake Golf Club's 79th annual Earl Hunt Fourth of July Tournament. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Water shut off from Pablo Reservoir
Farmers and ranchers in the Mission Valley will have to pray for rain because water for irrigation is being rationed and in some cases shut off.
Suspect pleads not guilty to shooting
The suspect in a June 14 shooting outside a Marion bar has denied the charges.
Police standoff lasts through the night
A standoff that began Wednesday evening with a suicidal woman lasted throughout the night but ended peacefully Thursday morning, according to Kalispell police.

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Gary Geyer cools his feet in Lake Five while staying at the resort with his family. Geyer has been traveling from his home in Big Sandy to Lake Five every summer for more than 20 years. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Lindsey Bennett walks with her daughter Aenea on the beach of Lake Five. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Sloan Uwanzni jumps into Lake 5 while visiting the resort with her family from Alberta. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Life jackets and beach toys line the patio of one of the cabins at Lake 5 Resort. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Cillian Gruenberg shovels in the sand on the beach of Lake Five. The resort's owner Ron Ridenour brings a truck load of sand every year for the kids to play in. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Woden sleeps on the floor of the Lake 5 Resort's office. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A book of J.K. Ridenour poems sits on the bar at Lake Five Resort. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Ron Ridenour adds some details to the display of 1958 Crestliner Speedster. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The original sign for the resort is mounted on a beam in the office.J.K. Ridenour founded the resort in the 1920s and named it Retiro Cabins. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A Kalispell police officer inspects the overturned jeep on Fourth Ave East and Washington Street. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

'No fireworks - period'
Ban extends to community shows in Flathead County
The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday morning unanimously voted to ban the use of fireworks throughout the county on both public and private land outside city limits, effective immediately.

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This Week in the Flathead | July 2-8

It's going to be a wet, hot summer in Whitefish
Celebrating community with cabaret
What happens when you combine the local landscape, rising mercury, red, white, blue and just a hint of naughty bad fun?
Wednesday, July 1
Legion baseball: Lakers A salvage split with walk-off
After dropping the opening game of an American Legion baseball doubleheader, 13-6 against the Missoula Mavericks A, the Kalispell Lakers A scored eight runs in the bottom of the seventh to win the nightcap 13-12 on Wednesday night.
OPINION: Climate change is an urgent issue
Reasonable people can no longer deny the reality of climate change. Last weekend in Kalispell, temperatures broke all-time highs for June.

Slow business for stands
OPNION: New water rule not good for Montana
The White House just approved an Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ rule that could give the agencies vast new power over water. The impact of this will be felt by every farmer and rancher in Montana.
EDITORIAL: Fireworks ban the right thing to do
It promises to be a quieter and saner Fourth of July this weekend.
Precautions aim to avoid annual barge burning for Whitefish
After two consecutive years of the fireworks barge catching fire during the Fourth of July display at City Beach, event organizers think they may have figured out a solution.
Health board unhappy with state CFAC oversight
Environmental agencies dealing with Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. are finding no safe shelter in the conference room of the Flathead City-County Board of Health.
Fishing and freedom go hand-in-hand
As I write this, our county is considering a ban on fireworks due to dry, fire-prone conditions.
OPINION: Why is Woodland Park neglected?
I have always been very proud of Woodland Park here in Kalispell. It is commendable for a small town to have such a large and lovely park. Lately I have noticed that the pond is clogged with moss or algae and only one of the aerators is working. When I asked around I found that this has been going on for quite some time, as well as less trimming and lawn care.
Whitefish bans fireworks; Flathead County up next
During a special meeting Wednesday morning, the Whitefish City Council unanimously voted to ban the use of fireworks within city limits during the Fourth of July holiday.
School contracts renewed
Kalispell Public Schools trustees approved the renewal of contracts for district employees ranging from superintendent to bus drivers, nurses and other non-union staffers.
Cat lady doesn't want to become bat lady
Someone on Lower Valley Road had to quarantine nine cats after a possible bat exposure. The
Kennel proposed north of Kalispell
A commercial dog kennel and caretaker’s facility planned north of Kalispell will be considered by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment on July 7.
Crews let interior of fire burn itself out
Glacier Rim Fire
Crews have gotten a handle on the Glacier Rim Fire, which hasn’t advanced since breaking the line Tuesday and burning five acres.
Potential rabies exposure cases increasing in Flathead County
Either due to more animal activity or better reporting, the Flathead City-County Health Department has marked in increase in potential rabies exposure incidents.
Whitefish picks new public works director
A Wisconsin man has been hired to replace Whitefish Public Works Director John Wilson, who recently resigned to take the lead public works job for the city of Missoula.

Wet Hot Amurican Cabaret
The Wet Hot Amurican Cabaret cast pictured includes Rebecca Schaffer, Mikey Winn, David Blair, Becky Rygg, Morgan Hart Delaney, Collette Taylor and Adam Pitman.
Health officials puzzled by lead poisoning case
A recent case of lead poisoning in a Flathead County child has health officials flummoxed.

Dan L. Peterson, 59
Dan L. “Napa Dan” Peterson, 59, passed away the 28th of June, 2015, at his home in Kalispell.

Michael Paul 'Mike' Syverson, 54
Michael Paul “Mike” Syverson was born on Nov. 6, 1960, to Keith Wilson Syverson and Kathe Syverson at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Kathy D. Sundh, 50
Kathy D. Sundh, 50, of Kalispell, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2015, after an extended illness.
Mary Faith Uhde Friesen, 81
Mary Faith Uhde Friesen passed away in Vancouver, Washington, on March 29, 2003. She was 81.
Raymond Jack Friesen, 92
Raymond Jack Friesen passed away in Las Vegas on June 21, 2015. He was 92.

Picnic in the park
Fireworks blamed for $250,000 fire
A young boy playing with fireworks started a fire east of Ronan that caused $250,000 in damage to a shop and apartment.

'Big Mountain Jesus' case goes before 9th Circuit on Tuesday
The legal case to decide the fate of a Jesus statue at Whitefish Mountain Resort has been resurrected on appeal.

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The Black Raptor Fireworks stands and parking lot sit empty of customers on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Mahrias Schulze, left, and Samantha Schaming dance to the music of the Montana Midnight Guitar Trio during Picnic in the Park at Depot Park in Kalispell on Wednesday. The Kalispell Parks and Recreation's Concert Series kicked off this week. The Wednesday lunchtime concerts will run through August 5 and the Tuesday evening concerts will run until through August 18. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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APTOPIX Washington Wildfire
An untouched home stands surrounded by burned-out hillsides Tuesday, June 30, 2015, in Wenatchee, Wash. Two dozen homes were destroyed in a fast-moving wildfire Sunday night in Wenatchee. A handful of businesses also were destroyed when flames spread to the downtown core. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Egypt explosion
Smoke rises following an explosion in Egypt's northern Sinai Peninsula, as seen from the Israel-Egypt border, near Kerem Shalom town, southern Israel, Wednesday, July 1, 2015. Islamic militants on Wednesday unleashed a wave of simultaneous attacks, including suicide car bombings, on Egyptian army checkpoints in the restive northern Sinai Peninsula, killing tens of soldiers, security and military officials said. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)