Sunday, May 31
Legion baseball: Malmin, Ericksen lift Lakers by Butte
Walker Malmin had a big game at the plate in the first game and Leif Ericksen delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the seventh inning of the finale as the Kalispell Lakers AA swept an American Legion baseball doubleheader from Butte on Sunday afternoon at Griffin Field.
School board trustees approve new superintendent's contract
The contract for new Whitefish School District Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt was approved by school board trustees Thursday.
Glacier senior talks inspiration, legacy
Senior Spotlight: Class of 2015
Senior Spotlight: Nick Barr
Glacier senior Nick Barr plays trumpet, French horn, euphonium, percussion and guitar. He plans to attend the University of Montana in the fall, majoring in music composition and jazz performance.
Getting to know 'gramma'
When Linda Ott Gimbel walks through the double doors of Russell Elementary School, she becomes “Gramma” Linda.
Man reported drinking while driving
The
Rail park funding, alcohol sales on tap for council
The Kalispell City Council could approve expenditures tonight for a building renovation, travel and work on the Glacier Rail Park.
Linda Ott Gimbel
"Gramma" Linda Ott Gimbel gets a hug from Jaylnn Wilson at Russell Elementary on Thursday. Gimbel volunteers at the school five days a week.
Births, published June 1, 2015
Herbert H. 'Herbie' Russell, 96
Herbert H. “Herbie” Russell, 96, passed away Friday, May 29, 2015, in Kalispell due to complications from a fall at home.
Taste the Flathead
dil 053115
Saturday, May 30
Legion Baseball: Miners avoid Glacier comeback, top Twins 5-4
WHITEFISH — Butte scored three runs in the fifth inning and posted two more in the seventh to edge the Glacier Twins 5-4 in a nonconference American Legion baseball game, sending the club to its seventh straight loss. The game was switched to a single, nine-inning game after rain delayed the planned doubleheader.
Golf: Local golfers eye Junior PGA title after first round
TACOMA, Wash. — Ryggs Johnston of Libby is tied for sixth place and Coral Schulz of Whitefish is tied for 12th after the first round of the Pacific Northwest PGA Junior Championship at Lake Spanaway Golf Club on Saturday.
Three Blind Refs: Weathering the storm
As black clouds rolled in and heavy raindrops started to fall, officials at the Three Blind Refs soccer tournament waited and hoped the storm would do like all storms typically do during the tournament: move south and miss the playing fields entirely.
Taekwondo: Big Sky Martial Arts repeats as state champs
Big Sky Martial Arts defended its Montana State Taekwondo Championships on Saturday with a dominating peformance at Flathead High School.
MRPBL, Outlaws on the brink of extinction
The future of the Mount Rainier Professional Baseball League is in jeopardy.
Golf: Porch, Iverson reach Elite Eight at State Match Play
HELENA — Kalispell golfers Ryan Porch and Logan Iverson have advanced to the Elite Eight at the State Match-Play Golf Championship after Saturday’s session at Green Meadow Country Club.
A career on Main Street
Business leader reflects on 40 years as a local booster
The last five years have become an incredible icing on the cake of a 40-year career of working hand-in-hand with some of the most ambitious and forward-thinking business owners and managers in the country.
An era closes: The Bulldog ends nearly 50-year run
The final closing of the Bulldog doors on Friday, May 15, 2015, marks the end of an era of fine dining and entertainment that spans seven decades of Kalispell’s history.
May a month of extreme weather around world
WASHINGTON — Even for a world getting used to wild weather, May seems stuck on strange.
Obamacare rate hikes likely in Montana
HELENA (AP) — Health insurers selling individual policies on Montana’s Affordable Care Act marketplace say rate increases are likely next year after they suffered losses they attribute in part to initial underestimates of the costs of the new business.
Crunch time for rail park funding
Groups make another bid for federal grant
The finishing touches are being placed on a grant application that represents a major piece in plans for an east Kalispell industrial rail park.
Commissioner responds to Daily Inter Lake editorial
I write in response to the Daily Inter Lake editorial of May 28 (“Is Motl on a political witch hunt?”).
New Murdoch's store
Trail day events planned
Montana Conservation Corps, Flathead County Parks, Lone Pine State Park, Foy’s to Blacktail Trails, Kalispell Daybreak Rotary and other partners are teaming up for National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6.
Hospitality training offered in June
Representatives of local convenience stores, lodging properties, visitor information centers, museums, outfitters, restaurants and any businesses greeting visitors are invited to attend the new 406 Hospitality customer service seminars.
No, Harry Reid did not get caught in a lie
It never ceases to amaze how those on the political right can so arrogantly and self-righteously proclaim that our president and the Democratic members of Congress are “liars” when there is absolutely no proof supporting those assertions.
Veterans Stand Down
Pair perform 'artisan forestry'
Working in the thickly wooded foothills east of Echo Lake, Jerry Okonski is using what he has termed “artisan forestry” to manage an 80-acre swath of forest spanning seven different property owners.
Aiming for fire-safe forests
So far, 2015 is shaping up to be hotter and drier than most years in Northwest Montana, which has forest managers particularly concerned with the potential for wildfires.
Airman part of record flight
Master Sgt. Matthew Thomas was recently a key member of an Air Force flight that set numerous records for altitude, speed and cargo weight during an hour-long flight on a C-5M cargo jet out of Travis Air Force Base.
Volunteers needed for homeless project
A wide variety of services for individuals, families and veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless will be available at the fifth annual Project Homeless Connect on June 17
Projects piling up for fans of lookouts
Members and friends of the Northwest Montana Firefighters Lookout Association headed for a popular watering hole last winter to raise a pint while raising money for the nonprofit.
City on track for a brighter future
Kalispell is on the verge of a monumental transformation that will position the community for retail, industrial, and recreational expansion through the next several decades.
Fire Management
Benghazi: A smoking gun and the rush to avoid judgment
Four months ago, I lamented the lackadaisical approach of Congress to ferreting out the truth about the murder of four Americans in Benghazi, Libya, on Sept. 11, 2012.
Louis 'Louie' Bernard Jr., 69
Donald 'Corky' Corkum, 84
Kenneth G. Storie, 89
Kenneth G. Storie, 89, of Kalispell passed away May 24, 2015.
Wilma Illich, 81
Wilma Illich was born Aug. 30, 1933, in New Hradec, North Dakota, to Frank and Agnes Sadowsky. Wilma lost her mother and twin brother Wilfred at a young age. She grew up on her father's farm with her brother Frank and her four sisters, Marie, Peggy, Sally and Meg.
Kalispell Has It
The Daily Inter Lake has always played an important role in promoting local business. The “Kalispell Has It” page was a popular feature for many years. This page from 1977 features Gamer’s Shoes in the lower left corner (Connie Pederson is pictured), where author Michael Jackson worked from 1973-1978, as well as other names that are familiar to longtime residents.
tae kwon do 1.JPG
Ryeland Leiby, right, lands a kick in Tracer Gislason's chest during a bout at Montana State Tae Kwon Do Championships at Flathead High School on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tae kwon do 2.JPG
Kennedy Kanter, left, and Cheyenne Aundt kick each other during a bout at the Montana State Tae Kwon Do Championship at Flathead High School on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
soccer 2.JPG
Rain clouds start to form in the sky during a soccer game for the Three Blind Refs. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Three Blind Refs soccer tournament
Flathead Force's Daniel Camp, right, and Columbia Valley's Jake Swallow battle for the ball during a U-13 game of The Three Blind Refs tournament at Kidsports Complex on Saturday, May 30, 2015 in this file photo. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Friday, May 29
Legion Baseball: Lane, Loggers take down Rangers, 8-3
EUREKA — The Libby Loggers, supported by a five-run eighth inning, topped the Kootenai Valley Rangers for an 8-3 American legion baseball victory on Friday night.
Softball: Polson pair placed on All-Tournament team
Two Polson seniors were named to the 2015 State A All-Tournament softball team on Friday for guiding the Lady Pirates to a third-place finish last week in Anaconda.
Youths turn out for Community Day
Bigfork Middle School
Bigfork Middle School eighth-grader Jordan Nelson realized she was helping her peers as she packed food into bags for the Flathead Food Bank’s backpack program.
Students shine at data mapping
Attribute tables, spatial analyses, vector data models, coordinate reference systems.
Student group wants better playground
The 20 members of the Evergreen Junior High School Principal’s Advisory Board have worked hard to improve their school.
Animal shelter addition boosted by $50,000 grant
Thanks to county founding and a generous grant, the Flathead County Animal Shelter is poised to break ground next month on an improved operatory addition for veterinary services.
Neighbor tosses dog's mess back to owner
After a neighbor’s dog used a Crescent Drive resident’s yard to relieve itself, the resident took the excrement and “threw it on the roof of the dog house.” The
Renee Annette Pritchett, 57
Renee Annette Pritchett, 57, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at her home in Kalispell.
Fair not changing fowl rules
Despite a warning from state health officials about avian flu, the Northwest Montana Fair is planning to move forward — cautiously — with its traditional livestock judging categories.
APTOPIX Spelling Bee Final
Vanya Shivashankar, 13, left, of Olathe, Kan., left, and Gokul Venkatachalam, 14, of St. Louis, hold up the trophy as co-champions after winning the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Thursday, May 28, 2015, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
APTOPIX Severe Weather
Tex Toler watches the Llano River rise, Friday, May 29, 2015, in Llano, Texas, after another round of heavy rain. Officials are closely monitoring the levels of rivers in Texas engorged by heavy rain last weekend. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
An Evening Celebrating The Who with Pete Townshend, Eddie Vedder
Musicians Eddie Vedder and Pete Townshend seen during at “An Evening Celebrating The Who with Pete Townshend, Eddie Vedder” for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity at the Rosemont Theatre, on Thursday, May 14, 2015 in Rosemont, IL. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Invision/AP)
comm service 1.JPG
Bigfork Middle School sixth-grader Gabe Grende pulls weeds at Woodland Park for Bigfork Middle School Community Day on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
comm service 2.JPG
101 2015 cover
Dunnigan Fest
Musician John Dunnigan makes his way between venues at Dunnigan Fest and is frequently stopped for hugs along the way on Thursday, May 28, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Thursday, May 28
Don't allow Islam to re-shape America
I attended the Act for America meeting where three local school superintendents served on a panel to discuss religion in schools. They were very open and agreed that by law, students’ rights must be met.
Schweitzer versus Koch brothers: The tale of the tape
In a March 22 letter to editor in the Daily Inter Lake, former Gov. Brian Schweitzer criticized the Republicans for not supporting Medicaid expansion in Montana and the Koch brothers for being evil cattle ranchers. Unfortunately, the governor left off some pertinent details.
Bigfork High expansion goes to voters Oct. 9
School board and audience members were given more detailed views Wednesday of the proposed Bigfork High School expansion before trustees decided to ask voters to OK the $14 million project.
Congratulations to the champs
Last weekend was a big one for local athletes as state high school softball and track seasons wrapped up.
Jail time for Hillary
Being a retired federal employee I have trouble watching the news. I see politicians above the very law they were sworn to uphold and no one cares.
Hikers, bikers still rule Sun Road
Hikers and bicyclists will have Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road all to themselves for at least one more weekend.
Where is justice for Hillary?
There are four nasty words floating around in my neighborhood and for some reason; they just won’t go away. The first two are “party politics” and the second two are “double standard.” In light of a number of allegations now confronting former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, one has to wonder where is the “justice” in this matter. Forget the quid pro quo for the time being and concentrate on “federal policy” and the lack of enforcement of that “policy” under this present administration.
Soccer: Three Blind Refs and hundreds of happy faces
There will be no record field for this weekend’s Three Blind Refs soccer tournament like a year ago, when 165 teams were registered.
State taekwondo on Saturday at Flathead
Big Sky Martial Arts will host the Montana Taekwondo State Championships on Saturday at Flathead High School.
Auto Racing: Season starts this week at Montana Raceway Park
It’s a couple weeks later than normal, but the 2015 auto racing season at Montana Raceway Park finally kicks off Saturday night with super late models, bombers and hornets turning laps on the quarter-mile, high-banked asphalt oval north of Kalispell.
Wolfpack pair, four more from Class A named to all-state softball
All-state and all-conference softball teams were announced on Tuesday for both Class A and AA, and the Flathead Valley garnered plenty of accolades after several successful seasons on the diamond.
Man bares all in residential building
A resident of a Two Mile Drive complex told the
Siri Margaret McWhorter, 92
Donna Knettel McCauley, 82
Linda Lee Hill, 52
Linda Lee Hill, 52, of Kalispell passed away May 22, 2015, in Kalispell.
Dan 'Pizza man' Morrison, 51
Dan “Pizza man” Morrison, 51, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2015.
Carol M. Miller, 79
Carol M. Miller, 79, of Everett, Washington, formerly of Kalispell, “went to be with her Lord” on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. She will be greatly missed, but we take comfort that she is no longer suffering.
Man pleads not guilty to attempted murder
A prosecutor has brought a more serious charge against a Kalispell man accused in a late-night stabbing.
military bardwell 1 col color.JPG
dementia ryan 2 cl color.JPG
"Daily Inter Lake reporter Ryan Murray struggles with the equipment meant to handicap him during the Virtual Dementia Tour at Prestige Assisted Living Kalispell. The equipment made it difficult to even do simple tasks like put toothpaste on a toothbrush."
frog dissection.JPG
Stillwater Christian junior Clayton Hashley dissects a frog during biology class at the school on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Baseball player accused of rape
A Los Angeles man who had played for the Glacier Outlaws baseball team has been arrested and charged with rape.
Kristian Bush
twif 052815 cover
twif 052815
Whitefish rallies around longtime local performer John Dunnigan
Dunnigan Fest
Dunnigan Fest is a benefit event for local musician John Dunnigan and his family. Dunnigan fell ill earlier this year with pancreatitis, which has prevented him from performing since January. The medical bills, coupled with the income loss of not booking shows, has taken a toll on the longtime local performer.
John Dunnigan
John Dunnigan at the Great Northern Bar in Whitefish.
This Week in the Flathead | May 28 - June 3
Wednesday, May 27
Terry column: Trophy case losing space
Montana high schools have competed in interscholastic sports for 115 years. For most of those years, Flathead High School has been one of the most competitive schools in the state.
Lakers A top Loggers
The Kalispell Lakers A hit around the order in the fifth inning and scored seven runs in the process, enough to hold off a strong effort by Libby in an 8-6 conference American Legion baseball victory on Wednesday at Griffin Field.
Whitefish council member resigns
Whitefish City Council member John Anderson turned in his resignation Wednesday morning.
What are in-stream flows really for?
Deal OK'd for school administrator
Trustees have approved a contract for Andrea Johnson, the incoming Kalispell Public Schools assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
Show up and tell what you think about new city hall
Births, Published May 28, 2015
Non-Terminator does indeed come back
It wasn’t the Terminator who displayed odd behavior at an East Cottonwood Drive business, but the man did say, “I’ll be back,” according to a
Rising lake level stops bridge work
Rising water levels have stopped work on the bridge to Dockstader Island in Flathead Lake.
America has let this veteran down
All-country lineup ahead for fair concerts
This year’s Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo in Kalispell has an all-star country lineup for its evening concerts.
City parking proposal still under fire
The Kalispell City Council made little headway on Tuesday toward parking restrictions around Flathead High School, and comments from residents showed that stark disagreements still surround the proposal.
Laker A Baseball
Kalispell Lakers A shortstop Brooks Krause guns down a Libby Logger runner during the top of the second inning at Griffin Field on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Is Motl on a political witch hunt?
Montana’s commissioner of political practices, Jonathan Motl, has announced that he is resurrecting a complaint filed against GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Hill in 2012.
Margaret 'Rusty' (Lemieux) Torstenson, 74
Margaret "Rusty" (Lemieux) Torstenson, 74, peacefully passed away on May 18, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving sons.
John Allen Martineau, 84
John Allen Martineau of Kalispell passed away on May 13, 2015, at his home surrounded by his three daughters, after a brief battle with brain cancer.
El Sombrero
Two grizzly deaths investigated
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking information about two recent grizzly bear deaths — one in the Paola Creek area of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and the other at the Yaak Falls Campground.
Sunday Reflections
A cliff face is reflected in Sunday Lake on Sunday, May 24, near Stryker. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
koocanusa derby winner 3 cl color.JPG
Troy Neater of Kalispell won the Trout and Salmon Derby on Lake Koocanusa with a 7-pound, 12-ounce fish.
APTOPIX Severe Weather Flooding
George and Susan Kruger make one of three trips with their animals from their flooded house to safety on Sunday, May 24, 2015 in Purcell, Okla. Rising water from overnight rains began to rise early in the morning. The Krugers refused to leave their home and made several trips to retrieve five dogs and a baby chick. (Steve Sisney/The Oklahoman via AP) LOCAL STATIONS OUT (KFOR, KOCO, KWTV, KOKH, KAUT OUT); LOCAL WEBSITES OUT; LOCAL PRINT OUT (EDMOND SUN OUT, OKLAHOMA GAZETTE OUT) TABLOIDS OUT
APTOPIX Severe Weather
Motorists are stranded along I-45 along North Main in Houston after storms flooded the area, Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Overnight heavy rains caused flooding closing some portions of major highways in the Houston area. (Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle via AP)
052815 polson plane crash.JPG
Trip Burns/Lake County Leader The plane crash landed in the Irvine Flats area on Tuesday afternoon. The pilot was uninjured. Trip Burns/Lake County Leader The plane crash landed in the Irvine Flats area on Tuesday afternoon. The pilot was uninjured.
Grizzly cubs
Peterson Elementary School Annual Fifth Grade Wax Museum
Bethany Sorensen gives the history of Betsy Ross and her American Flag at the Peterson Elementary School Annual Fifth Grade Wax Museum on Wednesday, May 27, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Young grizzlies
Crop-dusting plane crash
Pilot walks away from crop-duster crash
A pilot suffered minor injuries when his single-engine crop-dusting airplane crashed Tuesday near Polson.
Commissioner renews 2012 campaign charges against Rick Hill
Tuesday, May 26
Bicyclists brake for bear
Man denies two felony charges
Sex sting
A Kalispell man has denied charges that he responded twice to law enforcement stings for underage sex.
Three teens up the river without a raft
The
Ex-officer, Whitefish settle suit over firing
The city of Whitefish has reached a settlement with a former Whitefish police officer who sued after being fired from the department.
Caution urged after rabid bat found in town
When those squeaking, flying mammals of the night begin showing up in midday, that could be cause for concern, according to city officials.
Grizzly killer told to pay $15,000
A Ferndale man who illegally killed three grizzly bears last year was sentenced to three years probation, including 60 days in a pre-release center, and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution on Tuesday.
New shelter planned near Whitefish
Helping homeless vets
Helping America’s homeless veterans is Jason Stevens’ driving passion. He discovered this only while he was living among them at a homeless shelter.
Faced by critics, Libby mayor ends meeting
LIBBY — Embattled Libby Mayor Doug Roll apparently had enough at last week’s council meeting.
Chat with Glacier Park leaders at two meetings next week
Community members are encouraged to attend meetings next week in St. Mary and Columbia Falls to learn more about what’s happening at Glacier National Park.
Court sets high bar on campaign donation caps
A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that a state can cap political donors’ campaign contributions only if it proves those limits are preventing corruption or the appearance of corruption.
outlaw 1.JPG
Glacier Outlaw second baseman Eric Herman attempts to turn a doubleplay in the top of the fifth against the Ellensburg Bulls at Memorial Park on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Tarrance Garde McClary, 77
Tarrance Garde McClary, 77, died peacefully in his sleep on May 19, 2015, at home in Peoria, Arizona.
James Terry Smith, 83
James Terry Smith passed away on Friday, May 22, 2015, from cancer. He died at home in Havre, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was 83 years old.
Helen Eva Peace Myhre, 96
Helen passed away on May 22, 2015, at her home in the Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell.
dil 051715 cover
Health Link 052615 cover
Health Link 052615
Monday, May 25
Legion baseball: Lakers AA finish second at Memorial Day tournament
MISSOULA — The Kalispell Lakers AA lost to the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Lumbermen 3-0 on Monday evening in the championship game at the Memorial Day tournament.
Freedom of speech must be protected
Debt disasters are just waiting to happen
Exercise helps keep Parkinson's in check
2009 prom rape allegations now said to be falsified
Woman charged, but thought to be out of country
Whitefish Trail pavilion opens on Wednesday
Fire Dept. offers free home inspections
Mental Health Center hosts 5k fun run on Saturday
FVCC goes Italian for Big Night 5
Demolition has begun at CFAC
Dr. Nelson and widow honored by Russell Museum
Births, published May 26, 2015
Thief uses unsecured car as personal ATM
Michael Sean Callaghan Jr.
Michael Sean Callaghan Jr., 48
Chopper rescues lost New Jersey hiker near North Fork
Memorial Day 2015
Bill Rhine who serves in both the American Legion and Veterans United, places American flags and American Legion flags on the American Legion truck before the start of their Memorial Day Ceremony, on Monday afternoon, May 25, in Columbia Falls. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Sunday, May 24
Legion baseball roundup: Lakers AA stay perfect at Memorial Day Tournament
MISSOULA — The Kalispell Lakers AA improved to 3-0 in pool play at the Memorial Day Tournament on Sunday by defeating the Glacier Twins A 5-2.
River lovers brace for early runoff, low flows
Rivers throughout Western Montana could get lower than normal this summer, as an unusually low snowpack has melted away two or three weeks earlier than usual.
Yellowstone injuries: slips, falls outpace bear mauling
Getting hurt at Yellowstone is not quite as glamorous as you might think.
Council revisits west-side parking district
The Kalispell City Council will take up the issue of parking around Flathead High School during a work session on Tuesday.
Would-be Picasso prompts protest
The
Former warden now oversees Lone Pine State Park
After three months on the job, Brian Schwartz says he’s starting to settle in as the manager of Lone Pine State Park, where he has found a “balance between exercising my mind and exercising my body.”
Memorial Day events planned across the valley
Ceremonies across the Flathead Valley will commemorate Memorial Day Monday. Community members are welcome and veterans are encouraged to attend.
Mary Arlene Baker, 82
Mary Arlene “Cookie” Baker, 82, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at home.
dil 052415
Saturday, May 23
Whitefish boys, Columbia Falls girls place 2nd at state A track
LAUREL — The Whitefish boys and Columbia Falls girls were second-place finishers behind Corvallis at the Class A state track and field championships on Saturday.
Flathead boys win Class AA state track championship
The Flathead boys needed a strong push in the final events and got it, claiming its first Class AA state championship in 12 years on Saturday at Legends Stadium.
Bigfork girls finish second at state B track
The Bigfork girls had a chance for a team title entering the final race of the day, but had to settle for a state record at the Class B state track and field championships on Saturday at Legends Stadium.
Glacier powers way to first Class AA softball title
MISSOULA — The Glacier Wolfpack went out with a bang — a couple, actually.
Lifelong connection with cemetery
Few people are born in a cemetery, but Bob Beck was one of them.
Infrastructure bill was needed by state
Bob Brown's former running mate picks a different path now
Highway bill crucial to Kalispell
Gov. Steve Bullock made a welcome visit to the Flathead last week, in part to show his support for the Kalispell U.S. 93 bypass project that is largely in limbo while Congress tinkers with a transportation spending bill.
How do we stop trauma epidemic?
A trucker falls asleep at the wheel and veers off the interstate. An elderly homeowner trips over a phone cord and falls down her stairs.
Unwanted trucks can also be an 'invasive species'
This past April, House Bill 525 (introduced by Rep Mark Noland, R-Bigfork) was signed into law by Gov. Steve Bullock. The bill will create a $10 million trust fund to expand Montana’s war on aquatic invasive species.
Hold politicians more accountable for higher-ed funds
Man pleads no contest to burglaries, car crash
A 19-year-old Kalispell man has changed his plea in burglary and criminal endangerment cases after previously rejecting a plea deal.
Memorial Day: Remembering Loyce Deen of Altus, Oklahoma
I’ve written in the past about how my Pop carried with him a haunting memory from his time aboard the aircraft carrier Essex in World War II. Anti-aircraft fire had killed a turret gunner during a sortie. Pop, whose job it was to repair and prepare planes for the next mission, went up to inspect the plane as soon as it landed and saw the gunner’s body.
Obituary for America: This veteran thinks politicians will destroy USA by 2016
On July 4, 2026, after a lengthy illness caused by serious wounds inflicted by her professional politicians, the United States of America passed away. As she lay dying, her citizens were largely apathetic and uncaring. With little public support or assistance her spirit rapidly dwindled and she could no longer endure the pain and suffering. Despite feeble efforts to resuscitate her, she lost her will to survive and passed away at the ripe old age of 250.
Births, published May 24, 2015
Author's last letter is lament for what America used to be
‘Dire state of our nation’
For the past several years, I have vented my anger and frustration over the leftist trajectory our nation is taking by writing a series of letters to the editor of several local papers (218 letters to date).
Tribes wrapping up spring netting
Next week will likely mark the end of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ spring gill-netting season, part of the tribes’ effort to boost the Flathead Lake’s threatened bull trout population by suppressing non-native lake trout.
Where did Demersville painting go?
You wouldn’t believe some of the calls we get here in the Inter Lake newsroom. People count on us for all kinds of information, from the curtain time of a local theater production to finding a copy of Uncle Ernie’s obituary from 1957.
Dark fruit trials begin at FVCC
The quest to develop alternative agricultural crops in Flathead County continued last week with a new dark fruit research plot planted at Flathead Valley Community College.
Library gets national award
The awards keep coming for Flathead County’s rebranded library system.
Marco Rubio is most inspiring of the candidates
A case of mistaken identity solved
track-beaman.JPG
Flathead's Jess Beaman crashes in the pit during the triple jump at the Class AA track and field state championship at Legends Stadium on Saturday. Beaman won the event with a jump of 43 feet, 53/4 inches. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier's Annie Hill
Glacier's Annie Hill leads Billings Senior's Christina Aragon during 3,200-meter race at the Class AA state track and field championship at Legends Stadium. Hill won the race with a time 10:53.17 to help the Wolfpack finish second. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
track-celebration.JPG
The Bigfork 1,600-meter relay team celebrates their record-breaking win during the Class B state track and field championship at Legends Stadium on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Whitefish's Luke May wins the javelin
Whitefish's Luke May wins the javelin at the Montana State A Track and Field Meet in Laurel Saturday May 23, 2015.
track-jake.JPG
Flathead's Jake Perrin pushes to the finish line to win the 1,600-meter at the Class AA state track and field championship at Legends Stadium on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
For once, Sen. Warren is right
If politics make strange bedfellows, then bad trade deals make for even stranger politics.
Russell Sherman, 63
Lawrence 'Larry' D. Williams, 53
Larry Williams was born Oct. 10, 1961, to Ronald and Alta Williams in Kellogg, Idaho.
Edwin Lloyd Speelman, 75
Edwin Lloyd Speelman, 75, passed peacefully at his home in Evergreen, on May 8, 2015.
Synneve R. Sunny Reeves, 92
Glacier wins first state AA softball title
MISSOULA — Glacier scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull away from Missoula Big Sky 6-3 and claim their first Class AA state softball championship on Saturday.
Flathead boys win State AA track
The Flathead boys won a share of the Class AA state track and field championship, splitting the title with Helena High on Saturday at Legends Stadium.
Dark fruit
Preparing for Memorial Day
Friday, May 22
Larson 3-peats in javelin
Records were falling from start to finish on the opening day of the Class AA state track and field meet Friday at Legends Stadium.
Class A state track: Mundel wins 1,600, Nagler 1st in high jump
LAUREL — Columbia Falls senior Samantha Mundel nearly eclipsed a state record on her way to the state championship in the 1,600-meter run on Friday at the Class A state track and field championships.
State softball: Glacier to play for AA crown
MISSOULA — The Ali Williams show strikes again.
Class B State Track: Bryn blistering fast in 1,600
A record-setting day for Bigfork freshman Bryn Morley on Friday at Legends Stadium set the Bigfork girls in a fantastic position entering the final day of the Class B track and field championships, leading the state with more of their top events to come.
Tired track fan
Hudson Worthington takes a nap in the shade Friday as his father, Kirk, watches the 100-meter dash during the Class AA and B state track meets at Legends Stadium in Kalispell. The final day of state events is today. Full coverage of state track starts on Page B1. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Rape case sparks lively Supreme Court debate
HELENA — An attorney for a Missoula man who’s fought more than 12 years to overturn a rape conviction told the Montana Supreme Court this week the man should get a new trial — even though the victim took back an earlier statement that the rape didn’t occur.
Defamation case settled for $25,000
Former airport manager to be paid by city’s insurer
Former city Airport Manager Fred Leistiko has reached a settlement with Kalispell City Council member Phil Guiffrida in a slander and defamation lawsuit that began 19 months ago.
Trumpet fanfare flusters school
It may have been a farewell concert when a former West Valley School music teacher gave an impromptu trumpet performance Friday morning.
Oh, deer - animal a repeat fraudster
The
Regents OK law school name change, tuition freeze
The University of Montana School of Law will be renamed within the next month for a Great Falls attorney who donated $10 million, after the state Board of Regents approved the plan on Friday.
Libby's Briones 3rd, Columbia Falls' Getts 4th at Class A state tennis
MISSOULA — Walter Briones of Libby finished third while Emily Getts of Columbia Falls was fourth and Marlee Congdon of Polson was sixth in singles play at the Class A state tournament on Friday.
Record-setting day at State AA and B track
It was a record-setting day at Legends Stadium at the Class AA and B state track and field championships, with five state records and two all-class records falling on Friday.
Ethelyn Genevieve Mustard Fergerson, 84
Ethelyn Genevieve Mustard Fergerson entered this world on June 20, 1930, and left this world peacefully May 21, 2015, from complications of dementia.
Marjorie Alice Nelson, 91
Girls rule at special workshops
Expanding your horizons
Girls ruled the school at Flathead Valley Community College Tuesday as they engaged in science, math, technology, engineering and medical workshops.
state track high jump.JPG
Flathead's Chade Gonter just nudges the bar off of the post during the high jump at the Class AA state track meet. Gonter won the event with a jump of 6 feet, 3 inches. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Whitefish's Jed Nagler wins the high jump
Whitefish's Jed Nagler wins the high jump in the Montana State A Track and Field Meet in Laurel Friday May 22, 2015.
state track-1600.JPG
Bigfork’s Bryn Morley starts the final lap of the 1,600-meter run during the Class B state track and field meet and Legends Stadium on Friday. Morley won the event with a time of 4 minutes, 47.76 seconds. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
state track-javelin.JPG
Glacier senior Keyawna Larson throws the javelin at the Class AA state track meet Friday morning at Legends Stadium. Larson won the event for the third-straight year and set a Class AA state record with a throw of 144 feet, 7 inches. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
'101 Things to Do in the Flathead' available now in Friday, May 22, Inter Lake!
If you're looking for something to do this summer around the Flathead Valley, you should have no shortage of options.
The Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in the Flathead
The Daily Inter Lake's annual "101 Things to do in the Flathead" is updated, improved and now on high-quality glossy paper. It features 72 pages of exhaustive listings of summer fun in Northwest Montana, including Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Big Mountain, Bigfork, Flathead Lake, and especially Glacier Park!
101 2015
Thursday, May 21
Outlaws drop opener to Lumberjacks
WHITEFISH — The inaugural season of the Mount Rainer Professional Baseball League got off to a hot start — literally.
State track previews: Key distances races in AA; B loaded with champions
Some of the top athletes in the state are in Kalispell for the Class AA and B state track and field meets today and Saturday, with six local athletes looking to defend their titles and a whole lot more are looking to claim at least one this weekend.
State track preview: Whitefish, C-Falls stocked with talent for Class A state
LAUREL — The Whitefish boys and Columbia Falls girls are looking to parlay divisional championships last week into state titles this weekend as the Class A state track and field championships begin today.
State B Track: Makena's final prep laps
For four years, Makena Morley has baffled the Montana running community and beyond.
AA State Softball: Williams hurls Glacier by Bison
MISSOULA — Ali Williams struck out 13 batters and the Glacier girls rolled to an 11-2 victory over Great Falls High in the opening round of the Class AA state softball tournament on Thursday.
Libby, Polson start fast at state
ANACONDA — Libby and Polson were both victories in first-round action Thursday at the Class A state softball tournament at Charlotte Yeoman Fields.
Getts, Briones advance to state semis in Class A tennis
MISSOULA — Emily Getts of Columbia Falls and Walter Briones of Libby have advanced to the semifinal round of singles play after Thursday’s opening-day action at the Class A state tennis tournament.
fishing 1.JPG
Shawn Whitman of Columbia Falls casts from a rock on Foys Lake on Thursday. Whitman said it was such a nice day that he decided to get out and get some sun. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
glacier outlaw.JPG
Glacier Outlaw third baseman Nick Carrillo attempts to apply the tag during the season opener in Whitefish on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily inter Lake)
makenna.JPG
Makena Morley powers down the homestretch of the 1,600-meter run at the Whitefish ARM meet earlier in the season. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Brian Schwartz
Brian Schwartz has been manager of Lone Pine State Park for three months. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Honor these forgotten moms
Better testing needed for police
Lake County not properly looking out for citizens?
Wildland policy not right for conditions
Trampoline caper goes unpunished
The
State works on new lion plan
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is inviting the public to comment as it develops a new statewide management plan for mountain lions for the first time in 20 years.
Gill Netting on Flathead Lake
Detail of a heading, gutting and filleting machine at Blue Bay on Thursday, May 7. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Whitefish road work on holiday
Motorists will get a four-day reprieve from road construction in Whitefish over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Bridge Work
Births, published May 22, 2015
Possible phone scam reported
Flathead Electric Cooperative is asking its members to be cautious following multiple reports of a possible phone scam.
Forest welcomes campers during holiday weekend
Flathead National Forest campgrounds started opening in early May and all campgrounds, weather permitting, are scheduled to be open by the Memorial Day weekend.
'A long train of abuses' alleged against president
BNSF jobs important to economy
Commissioner: New state funding saves big college tuition hike
Donation to UM law school explained
But regent raises questions about process
Fishing on Foy's Lake
Glacier Park ready for holiday visitors
North Shore Bridge
Photo courtesy of Mike Dockstader April 28, 2015.
twif 052115 cover
twif 052115
This Week in the Flathead | May 21-27
Karaoke nights are popular pastime in the Flathead
Sing a song
Maybe you’ve showed up at your favorite watering hole to see someone setting up a laptop and testing microphones at the front of the room. You grab a drink at the bar and watch as they fuss with wires, pulling them out of the walkways and attaching them to monitors around the room.
Wednesday, May 20
Glacier a favorite in softball
Twenty-eight softball teams from around the Treasure State take to the diamonds for the final weekend of the season.
Terry column: Valley of the run
Startlingly fast distance runners aren’t new to the Flathead Valley.
Tennis: Libby, Polson ride momentum to state play
Northwestern A divisional tennis champions Libby and Polson will be looking for more titles and trophies at the Class A state tournament, which begins today in Missoula at 8 a.m.
baseball 1.JPG
Kalispell Laker Brandon Maassen slides into third as Libby third baseman Dylon Lane reaches for a ball during the Lakers' 11-3 win at Griffin Field on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
baseball 2.JPG
Laker shortstop Logan Decock throws to first for an out in the top of the ninth inning of the Lakers' 11-3 win against Libby. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead H.S. has done great job with its IB program
It shouldn't be too late to fix City Hall project
Attorney gives $10 million to law school
MISSOULA (AP) — The University of Montana is proposing naming its law school in honor of Alexander Blewett III after the Great Falls personal injury attorney donated $10 million to the school.
Judge dismisses tribes' lawsuit over Flathead water
A federal judge has refused to get involved in a fight over water rights between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and nontribal farmers and ranchers on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Bridge project still making waves
The Army Corps of Engineers has issued a cease and desist order over an access road built as part of the ongoing bridge construction to Dockstader Island in Flathead Lake.
Skateboard lawsuit revived
Supreme Court says Columbia Falls could be liable
The Montana Supreme Court has reversed a lower court’s decision in a woman’s lawsuit against the city of Columbia Falls.
Secure your trash on way to dump
New Whitefish school trustee thanks the voters
Not so liberal after all: Setting the record straight
Nepal's children have true friends
It’s easy to forget about the earthquake devastation in Nepal as the news headlines about the disaster fade away. But the stark reality is that back-to-back powerful quakes on April 25 and May 12 killed at least 8,622 people in the mountainous, impoverished country.
Roadway switch a case of spy vs. spy
It’s tough to know who the suspicious driver was in this situation, as reported to the
C. Falls annexes industrial park
The Columbia Falls City Council on Monday unanimously approved a petition to annex the Columbia Falls Industrial Park north of town.
Sing a song
A singer pauses during his rendition of Lynyrd Skynrd's "Give Me Three Steps."
Shirley Marie Spurgeon, 75
Shirley Marie Spurgeon, 75, passed away on Tuesday in Kalispell at Kalispell Regional Medical Center of natural causes, surrounded by family.
Whitefish students share their Geographical Information System projects
Whitefish junior Ben Hirsch, left to right, and seniors Daniel Cameron and Jackson Yates present their project on the Harlequin Duck Populations of Glacier National Park on Tuesday, May 19, at the Whitefish High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Map quest
tball 11.JPG
Max Young winds up for a swing. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 10.JPG
Max Young smiles as he takes warm-up swings. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 12.JPG
The Blue Team scramble for a grounder during a 4 and 5-year-old T-ball game. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 13.JPG
Ellis Fox messes with Cameron Field's helmut as the two stand on third base. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 14.JPG
John Wesley Keeton hits the ball off of the tee. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 15.JPG
Ellis Fox makes dirt angels during a T-ball game. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 16.JPG
Rylee Hamilton, right, races her Rookies teammates to a ball. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 17.JPG
The Rookies scramble for a ball during a 4 and 5-year-old T-ball game at the Conrad Complex. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 2.JPG
Brent Foley instructs his son Owen before the start of a T-ball game at the Conrad Complex. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 3.JPG
Coach Scott Brester watches Owen Foley throw to first base during a 4 and 5-year-old T-ball game. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 4.JPG
Logan Cox charges a grounder during a 4 and 5-year-old T-ball game. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 5.JPG
John Wesley Keeton of the Ninja Turtles runs to first base after hitting the ball. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 6.JPG
tball 7.JPG
John Wesley Keeton takes the field with his dad Kevin Keeton. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 8.JPG
Sydney Pitcher plays in the dirt as the game goes on. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tball 9.JPG
Adrian Walsh comes up with the ball after wrestling Max Young for it. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Tuesday, May 19
Superintendents discuss religion issues in schools
Three Flathead Valley school district superintendents served as a panel for an Act for America meeting Thursday to discuss religion in schools.
Pictures, memories from lost camera going home
After three years, pictures recovered from a lost and wrecked camera in Glacier National Park are ready to make a 1,200-mile journey home to Lincoln.
Bullock: 'Petty politics' halting progress on bypass
It has been more than 20 years in the making, so state officials say they’re ready to complete the Kalispell U.S. 93 bypass.
Alcohol change passes final council vote
The Kalispell City Council on Monday passed a second reading of its amended alcohol ordinance, putting the final approval on the city code change.
Governor Steve Bullock visits Kalispell
President of the Chamber of Commerce Joe Unterreiner talks about the importance oft he Bypass for Kalispell at a gathering of city officials with Governor Steve Bullock on Tuesday, May 19. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
This reported poisoning won't be capital case
A case of poisoning was reported to the
Kidsports could get $1.5 million
This summer, a $1.5 million grant could become available for the increasingly popular Kidsports facility in north Kalispell.
Auction delayed for former Gateway Mall
The auction of a portion of the former Gateway West Mall in Kalispell has been rescheduled for June 15 at the request of the nonprofit Gateway Community Center.
People invited to join Virtual Dementia Tour
Prestige Assisted Living Kalispell invites the public to see what living with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia is like by hosting the Virtual Dementia Tour.
Special home for kids opens next month
For children in the Flathead Valley from unstable or less-than-stable homes, Intermountain Residential has served as a stabilizer since 2007.
Merry Beth Griffith, 66
Merry Beth Griffith, 66, passed away peacefully at her home in Lakeside on Saturday, May 16, 2015, after a truly courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Ethel Jean Purvis Graves, 88
Richard 'Dick' Klein, 63
Richard “Dick” Klein, 63, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Kalispell.
Rezac convertible
This photo of the Rezac family and Homer — a 1954 Ford Crestliner convertible — was one of the images found on the camera that was lost in Glacier Park’s Avalanche Creek three years ago. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Rezac)
Pamela Ann Magers, 59
The world is not quite as beautiful a place today after the passing of Pamela Ann Magers of Bigfork.
Expanding Your Horizons at Flathead Valley Community College
Jane Karas, president of Flathead Valley Community College, welcomes more than 400 students to the Expanding Your Horizons event on Tuesday, May 19, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Gov. Steve Bullock visits Kalispell
Monday, May 18
Pairings set for AA, A, B-C state softball
High school softball celebrates the end of the 2015 spring season this weekend with state tournaments for Class AA, A and B-C in three different Montana cities.
Lakeside man charged in alleged violent assault
A Lakeside man has been accused in a grisly account of domestic violence, including slamming a woman’s face into a door frame, according to police.
Wildlife board to meet in Polson
The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet Wednesday in Polson.
Man fined for killing grizzly bear
A Wisconsin man owes the state $2,235 in fines and restitution after mistakenly killing a grizzly bear while black bear hunting near the Wilderness Lodge in the Spotted Bear Ranger District on Saturday.
Man accused of possession of child pornography
A Kalispell man has been arrested for alleged possession of child pornography and drugs.
BNSF furloughs workers
BNSF Railway Co. confirmed Monday that the company is in the process of placing workers on furlough and reducing its hiring plans.
Guzzling golfers cordial with police
A group of “extremely” drunken men were kicked off a golf course near U.S. 93 after arguing with staff. The caller narrowed the search by describing them as “carrying golf clubs and wearing golf attire.” A
Forest extends comment period for Ten Lakes plan
The Kootenai National Forest has extended the public comment period for the Ten Lakes Management Plan to May 29.
Tribes respond to water compact lobbying complaint
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on Monday formally responded to a lobbying complaint filed against them last month, writing to the state Commissioner of Political Practices that “grassroots lobbying” in support of the tribal water compact was not subject to reporting under Montana law.
Hospitality training comes to Whitefish
Local businesses, large and small, are invited to take advantage of customer service training in Whitefish.
Former Whitefish couple lead relief effort in Nepal
Earthquake aftermath
A former Whitefish couple who provide education and shelter for children in Nepal are now on the front line of earthquake relief efforts in the Kathmandu area.
Filmmaker taps Kickstarter to tell family's story
One day while in the first grade in Argentina, Lisa Bonaccorso’s mother came to pick her up unexpectedly from school in the middle of the day.
Student questions Daines' commitment to public lands
East shore truck traffic must end soon
Are feds trying to depopulate the rural West?
Neo-cons are really socialists in disguise
Fossil fuels go first; but animal foods next on list
Self-induced blindness one way to avoid seeing hard truths
Dagmar Madsen Parish, 92
Lisa Bonaccorso
Film producer Lisa Bonaccorso is in the process of producing and directing her first feature film, Caught in the Crossfire, which tells the true story of her parents' struggle to survive in war-torn Latin America in the 1970s.
FBJ 051815 cover
FBJ 051815
DIL 051015 cover
Homes May 2015 cover
Nepal Earthquake
Courtesy Photos of the earthquake damage to Nepal by Don Nelson of Whitefish.
Sunday, May 17
Black and Blue fall to Helena in rugby semis
HELENA — The Kalispell Black and Blue couldn’t find its footing on a mud-soaked pitch, falling flat against fifth-seeded Helena 25-20 in the semifinals at the MYRA state rugby championships on Saturday. Helena would go on to beat second-seeded Bitterroot 27-20 to win the state title.
Legion Baseball: Lakers A win Canadian Days Tournament
The Kalispell Lakers defeated the Ferris Saxons 16-3 on Sunday to claim the A championship of the Canadian Days Tournament at Griffin Field.
License left in police cruiser
A man called the
Michael Allen Illi, 44
Our beloved son, father, brother and husband, Michael Allen Illi, after a brief illness, “went to heaven” from Missoula, on May 15, 2015.
Kalispell home a total loss after early morning fire
Board looks into teacher evaluation questions
Bigfork parents and concerned community members are closer to reaching answers to questions on teacher evaluations after weeks of addressing Bigfork School District administrators and school trustees.
House fire
Barbara Schwarz
Barbara Schwarz reaches the summit of Aconcagua on Jan. 7, 2014. An Argentine mountain in the Andes, Aconcagua is the tallest peak outside the continent of Asia, jutting almost 23,000 feet above sea level.
Whitefish council continues 'doughnut' transition
Whitefish is still dealing with the aftermath of losing planning jurisdiction over the “doughnut” area outside the city. Two of three public hearings tonight will deal with lakeshore regulation ramifications.
Officials hope new state property tax system will help taxpayers
Property tax assessments will likely start landing in Montana property owners’ mailboxes in early July, and following an overhaul of the state property tax system by the 2015 Legislature, state officials hope they finally will be comprehensible to ordinary taxpayers.
Council to vote on alcohol ordinance
The Kalispell City Council has a light agenda for tonight’s regular meeting but could give final approval to an amended alcohol ordinance.
Grant will allow local climber to scale South American peaks
Barbara Schwarz will be living her dream for the next 10 years, thanks to some help from the American Alpine Club.
John Dunnigan details his journey back to health
The weekend that began Jan. 22 was a busy one for John Dunnigan. Busy, but not all that unusual. At least not when it started.
Community rallies around longtime local performer
Dunnigan Fest: 'One heck of a party'
Four bars, dozens of musicians and a townwide celebration and fundraiser: That’s what Dunnigan Fest will be all about on May 28.
Military couple earn special salute
For the Griffith family, a somber time was made a little lighter recently when hospice workers presented flags and a plaque in honor of decades of service to the United States.
dil 051715
Whitefish mayor, manager explain city's budget
Saturday, May 16
Frenchtown whips Whitefish
WHITEFISH — The Frenchtown Broncs collected 16 hits in a 26-0 Northwestern A softball victory over the Whitefish Bulldogs on Saturday.
Twins sweep Rangers; win streak at 8 games
WHITEFISH — The Glacier Twins A pushed their win streak to eight games Saturday evening by sweeping an American Legion baseball doubleheader from the Kootenai Valley Rangers.
Kalispell Lakers A beat A's, Cardinals
The Daily Inter Lake
Rugby: Black and Blue slips at state tourney
HELENA — The Kalispell Black and Blue couldn’t find its footing on a mud-soaked pitch, falling flat against fifth-seeded Helena 25-20 in the semifinals at the MYRA state rugby championships on Saturday. Helena would go on to beat second-seeded Bitterroot 27-20 to win the state title.
Lakers AA down Redbirds, Dukes
The Kalispell Lakers AA are heading to the championship.
Bigfork boys, girls Western B track champions
MISSOULA — Bigfork cleaned up on the team trophies, claiming both the boys and girls on Saturday during the second and final day of the Western B track and field divisional.
Outlaws prepping for first professional baseball season
Cracking bats and popping gloves resonated throughout Memorial Park on Saturday as the Glacier Outlaws kicked off their preseason training just five days away from the inaugural season of the Mount Rainier Professional Baseball League.
Glacier girls Western AA track champs
MISSOULA — The Glacier girls placed in six of nine events and clinched the Western AA divisional track and field championship by one point over Missoula Big Sky on Saturday at Missoula County Stadium.
Whitefish boys, C-Falls girls claim NW A track crowns
LIBBY — Jed Nagler swept the sprints and also won a field event to guide Whitefish’s boys to the Northwestern A divisional track and field championship on Saturday.
Legislation by coalition is nothing new
The recently adjourned session of the state Legislature was characterized in both House and Senate by compromise and coalition. Democrats and Republicans teamed up to pass key pieces of legislation which largely resulted from negotiations between Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, and the few remaining traditional legislative Republicans.
City Hall location makes good sense
By John Kramer
What about nature? Author laments possible delisting and demise of the grizzly
The Flathead National Forest unveiled their latest con-job version of a collaborative management revision plan at their well-attended open house on March 17 in Kalispell, and, as expected, the plan was not friendly to grizzly bears and other wildlife.
Environmental issue part of a larger plot?
What will be left after Obama gets finished?
Putting Whitefish budget in context
There’s been a lot of buzz this week about a proposed 63 percent increase in Whitefish’s budget, especially because the city’s number crunching for the coming fiscal year coincides with the construction of a new $14.6 million City Hall and parking complex.
Bigfork boys second at Class B-C state tennis
GREAT FALLS — The Bigfork boys claimed second place at the Class B-C state tennis tournament on Saturday.
President needs to take fight to ISIS
Man leaves child in car to go drink
The
Doris Irene Runyan, 92
David Lee Nelson, 79
Michael C. Gwynn, 74
Jeffery 'Jeff' Lee Foster, 60
George Miles Flint Jr., 71
C. R. 'Art' Weaver, 82
Velma Bradley, 101
Velma Bradley passed away peacefully at Brendan House nursing facility on May 13, 2015, ten days after her 101st birthday.
Language, borders and culture: A meditation
Question: What’s the difference between a migrant and a settler?
Brentley Curtis Bibb, infant
Brentley Curtis Bibb, born April 28, 2015, passed May 6, 2015, “to be with our Lord.”
Launch of the container garden at Russell Elementary
Hand-painted tiles made by students waiting to be assembled on Saturday morning, May 16, for the launch of the container garden at Russell Elementary School in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier Outlaws Tryouts and Evaluations
Former Kalispell Lakers catcher Cody Dopps throws the ball back to the pitcher as Bret Blevins of West Virginia steps back up to the plate during the first day of Glacier Outlaws tryouts and evaluations at Memorial Park in Whitefish on Saturday. The Outlaws play in the Mount Rainier Professional Baseball League. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Friday, May 15
Bigfork boys, girls top Western B track
MISSOULA — The Bigfork boys and girls had a banner day at the Western B Divisional track and field meet on Friday at Dornblaser Stadium.
Legion baseball: Lakers AA blow out Okotoks
The Kalispell Lakers AA racked up 17 hits and four pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter in a 30-2 rout of Okotoks on the opening night of the Canadian Days American Legion baseball tournament on Friday at Griffin Field.
Dogs, Cats lead NW A track
LIBBY — Carla Nicosia of Columbia Falls was the lone individual to win two events on the first day of the Northwestern A divisional track and field meet.
Glacier's Blalack 2nd in AA state tennis singles
HELENA — In his quest for a state singles championship, Hunter Blalack came up just short.
Tennis: Polson girls, Libby boys net champs
LIBBY — Polson ran off with the girls team title while Libby pulled through with a tight victory over Whitefish and Polson for the boys team championship on Friday at the Northwestern A divisional tennis tournament.
Softball: Libby hangs on to beat Polson
POLSON — Libby’s Dayln Germany and Devon Gallagher each drove in two runs as the Loggers held off the Polson Lady Pirates for a 7-4 Northwestern A softball victory on Friday.
Glacier's Hill breaks 800 mark at divisional track
MISSOULA — Freshman Annie Hill of Glacier posted her best time in the 800-meter run on the season, crossing the finish line in 2 minutes, 10.05 seconds for the fastest time in the state at Friday’s Western AA divisional track and field meet.
Jordt, Martel 2nd in doubles for Bigfork at B-C state tennis
GREAT FALLS — Bigfork’s Adam Jordt and Isaac Martel finished second in doubles play at the Class B-C state tennis tournament on Friday.
Advisory panel formed for aluminum plant
Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. and its parent corporation, Glencore, are moving ahead with plans to decommission and clean up the plant site and have launched a public-relations campaign to solicit input from the local community.
Students learn life skills with makeshift village
Building funky town
Building Funky Town at Kila School was a month in the making.
Father, son accused of stealing, pawning tools
A string of tool thefts has been linked to a Columbia Falls man and in one case his son, who allegedly pawned the stolen items.
Family home reduced to ashes
Stan Ortel stood next to his family’s home Thursday evening, pausing for a minute to look at the house that still was belching smoke.
Driver takes strange child-care measures taken by Kalispell driver
A
Lynx trapping may be limited near parks
HELENA (AP) — Montana wildlife officials are considering stricter regulations in an effort to reduce the chances of Canada lynx being caught in traps set for other animals outside Glacier and Yellowstone national parks.
Expansion would cost $12 million to $14 million
Bigfork School District has its sights on expanding the high school.
Speaker: Sky's the limit for FVCC grads
What about nature?
Nate Chute/Daily Inter Lake A young grizzly bear walks along a rocky surface below the West Side Tunnel on Tuesday.
Flathead Valley Community College Commencement
C. R. 'Art' Weaver, 82
C. R. “Art” Weaver, 82, passed away on May 11, 2015, in Kalispell. A celebration of life for Art will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Darlene (Tuscher) Ramsey, 75
Darlene Ramsey was born Darlene Annette Tuscher in Grand Rapids, South Dakota, on July 10, 1939. There she grew up with her parents, Felix and Doris, older brother Calvin and younger sister Phyllis. Upon the sudden passing of her father, the remaining family moved to Kalispell. They lived on the farm with their grandfather while attending school in town at St. Matthew’s Catholic School. Doris soon married Arthur Gilbertson, and with his family, they all built a house in town. Darlene attended Flathead County High School and graduated 1957.
Kalispell Lakers 2015 Canadian Days Tournament
Kalispell first baseman Spencer Pisk (7) makes the out at first in the game against Calgary on Friday, May 15, in the Kalispell Lakers 2015 Canadian Days Tournament in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Funky Town at Kila School
Anna Belle Tretter, a second grader in Amanda Aleman's class, gives her presentation on why students should visit and shop at her Funky Town Recycling Center on Friday, May 15, at Kila School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Boston Marathon bomber sentenced to death
John Dunnigan
John Dunnigan at the Great Northern Bar in Whitefish on May 14. In the middle of a portrait session Dunnigan saw a friend and had to wave.
Congratulations, Class of 2015
Tonight, we will celebrate Flathead Valley Community College’s 47th graduating class. More than 400 graduates will take center stage and be recognized for the commitments and sacrifices they have made to get to this day.
Thursday, May 14
Track: Final weekend for athletes to hit state marks
With state qualifying standards in Classes AA, A and B, 38 boys and 42 girls from the region’s high schools have already secured another week to their season entering this weekend’s divisional track meets in Libby and Missoula.
Lakers off and running into Canadian Days Tournament
Just 11 games into the American Legion baseball season and the Kalispell Lakers AA are on pace to demolish last year’s stolen bases mark.
Big Sky sweeps Bravettes in state play-in series
MISSOULA — Missoula Big Sky defeated Flathead 6-1 and 4-2 to sweep a best of three state tournament play-in softball series on Thursday afternoon.
AA state tennis: Glacier's Blalack in state singles title match
HELENA — Despite heavy winds and rain that forced the tournament inside, Glacier’s Hunter Blalack is one match away from a state championship.
Local fighters set for Kalispell Kombat
The Kalispell Kombat mixed martial arts fights are back tonight for another gala event at the Hilton Garden Inn.
B-C state tennis: Vikings in 2nd during Thomson's big day
GREAT FALLS — Kyle Thomson of Bigfork posted victories in his first two singles matches on Thursday at the Class B-C state tennis tournament.
Softball: Loggers beat Wildkats on walk-off grand slam by Gallagher
LIBBY — A walk-off, grand-slam home run by Devon Gallagher in the bottom of the seventh inning gave Libby a 5-1 Northwestern A softball victory over Columbia Falls on Thursday.
Man visits deputy when faith questioned
A man claimed that members of a church told him that he “doesn’t have Jesus in him” and kicked the man out. A
Park plows at the pass
Plowing crews on the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park have reached Logan Pass and now need to start burrowing through the Big Drift.
Whitefish ready to start building City Hall
The demolition of Whitefish City Hall is on track to start in September, making way for a new three-story City Hall and parking structure on the same site.
Honoring state's fallen troopers
Two Montana Highway Patrol troopers who died in the line of duty in Northwest Montana during the 1970s were honored last week with separate dedication ceremonies.
Births, published May 15, 2015
Veteran leads the way at FVCC
Since arriving at Flathead Valley Community College, Scott Brooke has attempted to be a resource for other students.
Structure Fire in Columbia Falls
Firefighters battle flames enveloping a house on Thursday afternoon, May 14, on Brunner Road southwest of Columbia Falls. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Structure Fire near Columbia Falls
JoAnn Rosaaen, 70
Fire destroys home, garage
Fire tore through a house on Brunner Road southwest of Columbia Falls Thursday evening, creating a total loss for the main home and garage.
Machiko McMasters, 77
Mariko, as she was fondly known by her friends, “went peacefully to her heavenly home” May 8, 2015, with loving family by her side.
Ex-Governor-Mine Claim
FILE - This Sept. 6, 2012 file photo Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer addresses the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. A court-appointed commission says a group including Schweitzer is not entitled to any compensation after its mining claims were taken to make way for a silver and copper mine. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite,File)
051515 intermountain exterior 3 cl color.JPG
051515 intermountain interior 5 cl color.JPG
APTOPIX Amtrak Crash
A flat bed truck hauls a section of new railroad track to the site of Tuesday's deadly train derailment, Thursday, May 14, 2015, in Philadelphia. At least seven people are dead and more than 200 people aboard injured, when the New York City bound Amtrak train derailed. Federal investigators have determined that the train was barreling through the city at 106 mph before it ran off the rails along a sharp curve where the speed limit drops to just 50 mph. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Heather Davis Schmidt
Scott Brooke
wf supt davis schmidt 1 cl color.JPG
Missoula educator to lead Whitefish schools
Heather Davis Schmidt of Missoula has been selected as the new Whitefish School District superintendent.
Kalispell woman dies in highway rollover
Alcohol was a factor in a fatal crash early Thursday on Montana 206 south of Columbia Falls, an official said.
twif 051415 cover
twif 051415
This Week in the Flathead | May 14-20
Bigfork Summer Playhouse kicks off summer season
The Bigfork Summer Playhouse will kick off its 56th season this weekend with “Smokey Joe’s Cafe.”
Wednesday, May 13
Briones, Getts top singles seeds for divisional tennis
The field is set, and state qualifying bids are on the line in Libby as the Northwestern A divisional tennis tournament start today at 10 a.m.
Terry column: Eighth grader gives golf pros his best shot
Facing professional golfers, college seniors, high school state champions and seasoned amateurs, Libby’s Ryggs Johnston led the field after the opening nine holes at the U.S. Open Qualifier at Missoula Country Club on Tuesday.
State Tennis: Flathead, Glacier in Helena; Bigfork heads to Great Falls
For prep netters, this is the final chance for glory.
Class B State Golf: Potkonjak ties for 2nd; Bigfork boys share 3rd
BILLINGS — Bigfork junior Joseph Potkonjak made a hard push at the top of the leaderboard but couldn’t quite erase the 8-stroke lead of Manhattan’s Joey Peter, finishing in a tie for second place at the Class B state golf tournament at EagleRock Golf Course on Wednesday.
Bravettes at Big Sky for AA softball series; winner goes to state
It’s playoff time for Class AA softball as the Flathead Bravettes hit the road for a postseason softball series against Missoula Big Sky.
After session, changes ahead for hunters, anglers
The 2015 legislative session is over. Our legislators passed and modified a wide range of hunting and fishing laws that will affect every person in Montana who hunts and fishes.
Paddle Fest planned at Wayfarers State Park
Montana State Parks is hosting the Northwest Paddle Fest at Wayfarers State Park in Bigfork on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Logger seeks $2.5 million in damages
A Rexford-based logger is seeking $2.5 million in damages from the U.S. Forest Service for what a federal court in February deemed the wrongful termination of his logging contract in the Kootenai National Forest.
Students win university scholarships
Sixteen students from five high schools in Northwest Montana are recipients of Montana University System Honor Scholarships.
American people being left out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership
There is a draconian trade deal being negotiated between the United States and 11 Pacific Rim Nations, kept secret from the public, called the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Timber-sale appeals a costly mess
The conclusion of a recent academic study should come as no surprise to anyone: Timber-sale appeals cost money both for the community and agencies dealing with the appeals.
Sewer project closes bike-path segment
As of Wednesday, part of the bike path south of Appleway Drive in Kalispell is closed for public safety because of construction of the new sewer main involving boring under U.S. 93 Alternate Route.
Dog blocked bullet zooming at man's head
HAMILTON — Gunfire that struck a Hamilton bartender as he carried his injured dog outside his house after a shift likely would have killed him if it hadn’t hit the pit bull first, the man’s brother said this week.
Newberry case taking shape
Attorneys plan evidence, witnesses for potential murder trial
Details about possible key witnesses and evidence are emerging in the case of Brandon Newberry, the 21-year-old Evergreen man accused of murdering a toddler in February.
Man accused of drinking after sixth DUI
A Kalispell man was arrested for an alleged sixth DUI last week.
Big timber project appealed
A massive logging project in the Kootenai National Forest has been put on hold after it was challenged by the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, a Helena-based conservation group.
Flame of Hope
Mason Wood runs with the Special Olympics' Flame of Hope on Main Street in Kalispell during the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run on Wednesday. Wood is on the Kalispell Schools Special Olympics team and will participate in bocce ball, turbo javelin and run the 800-meters at the Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games in Missoula next week. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Late-night cowboys needed in south Kalispell
Births, published May 14, 2015
Violet 'Vi' Presnell 90
Violet “Vi” Presnell 90, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2015.
Mack Days 2015
Mike Benson of Lonepine, fishing in rough weather conditions near Yellow Bay on Thursday, May 7, on Flathead Lake. Benson has won top honors in three of the Mack Days Tournaments and been in the top five in 15 of them. Mack Days is a biannual fishing tournament that takes place weekends in the spring and fall. The current tournament began on March 20, and will wrap up at 3 p.m. on May 17. This video was shot while on a ride along with Jason Mahlen of Kalispell. Mahlen is currently in first place in the tournament.
Accident on U.S. 93
A Montana Highway Patrolman takes pictures of the two-vehicle wreck on U.S. 93 South on Wednesday. The accident closed down the northbound lanes of the highway and traffic was redirected on Snowline Lane. The accident was still under investigation at press time. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Smokey Joe's Cafe
Glacier Park art deadline extended
The deadline for students to submit artwork for the Glacier National Park Annual Park Pass art contest has been extended to Monday, May 18.
Edward John Sherle, 86
Edward John Sherle passed away on May 10, 2015, after a long illness.
Trail Closed in Kalispell
Contruction of the new sewer main underway at the bike path near Appleway Drive and Fenn Way in Kalispell on Wednesday, May 13. The trail will be closed until construction is complete. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Amtrak Crash
Rescuers search for Amtrak crash victims
PHILADELPHIA — Rescue crews searched the mangled wreckage for victims Wednesday as investigators tried to determine why an Amtrak train jumped the tracks in a crash that killed at least six people, injured more than 200 and plunged screaming passengers into darkness and chaos.
Libby officials violated campaign law
Libby city officials violated Montana campaign laws during a 2013 mayoral election, according to Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl.
Great Grey owlet
Photo of a Great Grey owlet by Hunter Homes in the Dillon Road area of Columbia Falls on Monday evening, May 11.
Tuesday, May 12
Softball: Loyola bounces Eureka in play-in
MISSOULA — Missoula Loyola-Sacred Heart’s Joslynn Haran hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning and Hannah Hirning struck out 12 batters in five innings to boost the Breakers (15-8 overall, 11-7 Western B-C) to a 10-1 win over Eureka (5-17, 4-14) on Tuesday to advance to the Western B-C divisional tournament.
Legion Baseball: Lakers AA paddle Loggers 13-1
LIBBY — The Kalispell Lakers AA scored eight runs in the second inning and held Libby to just six hits to top the Loggers 13-1 in eight innings of nonconference American Legion baseball on Tuesday night.
Bigfork's Potkonjak in range at State B golf
BILLINGS — Bigfork junior Joseph Potkonjak is in a tie for fifth place after shooting a 4-over-par 76 at EagleRock Golf Club on Tuesday, the opening day of the Class B state tournament.
Mack Days leader has reeled in 1,338 fish
Spring Mack Days will come to a close this weekend on Flathead Lake and Kalispell angler Jason Mahlen is poised to take top honors for the third straight year.
Open house to discuss Lost Trail projects
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host an open house today to invite public comments on a road relocation and stream restoration project’s draft environmental assessment.
Kalispell Scout tops 2,000 mark in cookie sales
Sage Thompson sold more than 2,000 boxes of Girl Scouts cookies. (Photo courtesy of Misty Thompson)
Swap meet, car show roll Saturday
Local Roundup
The Glacier Street Rod Association’s sixth annual swap meet and car show is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Raceway Park on U.S. 93 north of Kalispell at mile marker 120.
Landfill fire ruled an accident
A massive fire at the county landfill on Sunday probably was started by heavy equipment work, according to a fire official.
School board considering decision on top position
A new Whitefish School District superintendent may be decided by tonight following the final two interviews with candidates on Tuesday afternoon.
Bike tour to look at Smith Lake birds
Join a local bird expert for a bike ride and birding adventure at the Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area on Saturday.
Daybook
Military News
Col. Gerald Schumacher (Ret.) was honored April 28 in a ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia, with induction into the U.S. Army’s Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.
Sara Ann 'Sally' Johnson, 97
Well-to-do squatter brings own plane
The owner of 130 acres near Lake Blaine was reportedly surprised to find an airplane on the property. In the adjacent house, someone had opened all the cupboards and moved the couch into the bedroom. The
Porter William Gifford III, 68
Symes
Gerald Schumacher and Alice Clay
old jail.JPG
Scott Novak removes the concrete form panels for the foundation of the Flathead County's historic old jail building. The nearly $4 million renovation and expansion of the building is scheduled to be complete by April 2016.
roof dog 1.JPG
Roxy patiently waits as its owner Jeff Howell of All Seasons Property Maintenance works on a yard in Kalispell on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
roof dog 2.JPG
Pickup strikes bus
Three students were injured when a pickup truck rammed into the rear of a stopped school bus Monday afternoon on Montana 35 east of Polson. The pickup driver was arrested and taken into custody in Lake County. (Trip Burns/Lake County Leader)
Students hurt when pickup smashes into school bus
Several students were injured — none seriously — when a pickup truck driving at 78 mph slammed into the back of a school bus near Polson on Monday afternoon.
Nepal Earthquake
A Nepalese rescue team inspects the site of a building that collapsed in an earthquake in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. A major 7.3 earthquake has hit Nepal near the Chinese border between the capital of Kathmandu and Mount Everest less than three weeks after the country was devastated by a 7.8-magnitude quake. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Monday, May 11
Citizen scientists 'blitz' Stillwater River
It would have been hard to plan better weather for a group of citizen scientists at Flathead Valley Community College’s inaugural BioBlitz.
FVCC to graduate 404 students on Friday
On Friday, Flathead Valley Community College will graduate its 47th class at 7 p.m. in the Trade Center Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds at 265 North Meridian Road in Kalispell.
Band, choir combine for Kalispell show
The Flathead Valley Community Band and Columbia Falls Community Choir will present a “May Music Spectacular” concert on Wednesday, May 13, at the Flathead High School Auditorium in Kalispell.
Whitefish School Board hears from superintendent candidates
Two candidates interviewed for the Whitefish School District superintendent position on Monday, giving the school board insight from two different positions.
Man finds relief on woman's car
Seniors take flight over Glacier
Three lucky senior citizens at Columbia Falls’ BeeHive Assisted Living homes were treated to an aerial adventure last week to check an item off their bucket lists.
Kalispell apartment fire started by smoker
Hot ashes from a cigarette or pipe caused around $20,000 in fire damage to a westside apartment building on Sunday.
College offers camp for theachers
Flathead Valley Community College is offering a new training opportunity for area teachers.
Evelyn Marie Fletcher Edwards, 84
Evelyn Marie Fletcher Edwards passed away peacefully at her eldest daughter’s home in Corvallis, Oregon, on April 24, 2015, at the age of 84.
Betty Lou Parshall Gray Fritz, 87
John Bongiani, 88
John Bongiani, 88, passed away on May 6, 2015, at the Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork.
Florence M. Rutledge Leighton, 96
Whitefish contractor dies at Glacier Park lodge
A Whitefish man died Saturday while working at Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park.
Glacier plows claw through final stretches toward pass
Heavy snow was falling less than half a mile from Glacier National Park’s Logan Pass on Monday while the west-side plowing crew continued pushing east through snow as deep as 15 to 20 feet.
bioblitz 3.JPG
Steve Gniadek points to a bird during the BioBlitz at Flathead Valley Community College on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
bioblitz 4.JPG
Ryan Symmes searches for birds during the BioBlitz at Flathead Valley Community College on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
cf truck fire 4 cl color.JPG
BioBlitz
Glacier blower and excavator
Glacier Park guardrail 2
Glacier Park guardrail work
Glacier Park road clearing
Glacier Park excavator
Glacier Park blower
Bears on bridge cause scare for tourists
Dramatic video captured by a Montana wildlife official shows a mother black bear with cubs running toward a knot of camera-clicking tourists as the animals try to cross a bridge in Yellowstone National Park.
MFWP yellowstone bear video
Landfill salvages metal after massive fire
Officials are finding a silver lining from a fire that roared through part of the county landfill for nearly six hours on Sunday.
Honoring Veterans
Merry and Jack Griffith are honored for their military service by hospice Chaplin Michael Baer in a ceremony at their home on Friday, May 8, in Lakeside. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Man gets 20 years for killing his neighbor
After repeated attempts to withdraw his plea, a Marion man was sentenced Monday for killing his 60-year-old neighbor.
DIL 050315 cover
Sunday, May 10
Dave Downey
Dave Downey has been a longtime Friends of Lawrence Park member.
Whitefish on list for Best Town contest
Whitefish is one of 64 towns across the country in the running for Best Town in America in an Outside Magazine online contest.
Inner tube return no cause for alarm
A man called the
Births, published May 11, 2015
Local schools lead fight against childhood hunger
Schools around the valley participated in events to fight childhood hunger with two notable standouts in Kalispell and Bigfork.
Eva Bruce
Veterans of Czech liberation sought
A call is out for veterans who participated in the liberation of the city of Pilsen in western Czechoslovakia during World War II.
Park group founder promises more to come
Dave Downey’s handiwork is all over Kalispell’s Lawrence Park.
Landfill fire
Smoke fills the air as firefighters hose down a massive fire at the Flathead County Landfill on Sunday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead County Landfill fire
Landfill
A front-end loader moves debris at the Flathead County Landfill on Sunday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Firefighters at landfill
Landfill smoke plume
DIL 051015
Landfill fire spectators
Spectators watch smoke billow from of the fire north of Kalispell at the county landfill at about 3 p.m. on Sunday. The photo was taken from behind Spencer's restaurant on U.S. 93. (Daily Inter Lake photo)
Saturday, May 9
Bigfork girls qualify 5 players for state tennis tournament
BIGFORK — The Western B Divisional girls tennis tournament wrapped up early Saturday with the completion of four consolation matches in singles play.
C-Falls girls blank Hamilton in tennis
HAMILTON — The Columbia Falls girls tennis team tuned-up for divisional play by dumping Hamilton 7-0 in a Class A dual on Saturday.
Nicosia wins 3 events for Wildkats at ABC track meet
POLSON — The Flathead Valley was well represented at Saturday’s ABC track and field meet, claiming 10 individual first-place finishes and two relay titles.
Legion baseball: Lakers, Red Sox split doubleheader
It was a tale of two games for the Kalispell Lakers AA on Saturday afternoon in a nonconference American Legion baseball doubleheader against the Bitterroot Red Sox at Griffin Field. Kalispell split the games, winning the first 10-6 and losing the second 10-1.
Polson, Libby post 4 wins at Laverne Combo
BUTTE — Polson wrapped up a successful weekend at the Laverne Combo softball tournament by posting two more victories on Saturday.
Bigfork boys, girls 2nd at District 7-B track meet
EUREKA — Carson Cantrell and Tyler Iverson were double event winners for Bigfork on Saturday at the District 7-B track meet.
Intoxicated man needs new friends
A man might need to reassess his life after his friends left him in an extremely intoxicated state lying on a sidewalk — in his own vomit — for a reported 45 minutes outside a East First Street bar according to
Prophet Cartoon Contest Shooting
In this photo provided on Monday, May 4, 2015 by Geert Wilders, Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-Islam Freedom Party, center, poses for a photograph with police officers who responded to a shooting outside a provocative contest for cartoon depictions of Prophet Muhammad in Garland, Texas. Two gunmen were killed Sunday, May 3, 2015 in Texas after opening fire on a security officer outside a provocative contest for cartoon depictions of Prophet Muhammad, and a bomb squad was called in to search their vehicle as a precaution, authorities said. (Geert Wilders via AP)
Whitefish budget may soar 63 percent
City considers $66 million spending plan
The city of Whitefish proposes a 63 percent budget increase for the coming fiscal year and expects to significantly raise property taxes for the first time since 2009.
The high cost of timber litigation
Millions at stake
A study published by the University of Montana on May 5 asserts that the Forest Service region containing Montana has the highest rate of litigated timber sales, and is costing the agency and surrounding communities tens of millions of dollars.
Judge drops case as double jeopardy
An Oregon man whose prostitution case was heard in federal and state courts in Missoula has now had his case dismissed in Flathead County.
'Beast' mode
Sean Hastings completes a water obstacle during the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday at the Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork. The Montana Spartan Race added the more difficult Beast obstacle course this year. The Beast covers 14 miles and has about 40 obstacles whereas the traditional Spartan Sprint Race covers five miles and has about 25 obstacles. The Sprint will be held today starting at 7:30 a.m. Admission for spectators is $25 at the gate. Paid parking is located at the junction of Montana 82 and Montana 35, with free shuttle service to the race.
Motherhood comes full circle
It’s impossible to remember the details of every Mother’s Day I’ve celebrated since having children three decades ago.
Kalispell man indicted on federal gun charges
A 40-year-old Kalispell man has been indicted in U.S. District Court on gun-related charges.
A monumental change for Sun Road
What does the future hold for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor that runs through the heart of Glacier National Park?
Session was a bipartisan success
In the run-up to the 2015 legislative session, expectations were low. Montanans expected this session to be more about politics and less about performance. Four months later, I’m pleased to report that the 64th legislative session has been anything but.
70 years since the Allies celebrated Victory in Europe
In remembrance
Mom keeps daughter's memory alive
On May 21, Jamie Christensen will head to Ocean Shores, Washington.
Florence M. Leighton, 96
Florence M. Rutledge Leighton passed away peacefully at Prestige/Expressions Care Facility on May 4, 2015.
Evaleen Weter, 92
Evaleen Weter who died on May 8, 2015, was born June 26, 1922, in Newark, Missouri. Her parents, Leslie and Marie Levengood, came to Butte from Missouri when Evaleen was an infant.
Marjorie Jean Anderson, 86
Marjorie Jean Anderson, passed away April 12, 2015, in Gig Harbor, Washington, at Cottesmore of Life Care Center. She was 86.
Dale Kusumoto, 84
Dale Kusumoto, 84, served his family, community, church and nation throughout his lifetime.
Nurses bid farewell to beloved doctor
Friday, May 8
Tennis: Flathead sends four to state
In a battle of top two seeds, seniors Abigail Davidson of Great Falls High and Flathead’s Jenna Jensen did not disappoint.
Tennis: Glacier boys take fifth straight divisional crown
MISSOULA — The Glacier boys won the team title at the Western AA divisional tennis meet on Friday, the fifth straight divisional championship for the Wolfpack after winning the last four in the Northern AA.
Tennis: Valkyries win singles, doubles titles
BIGFORK — The Bigfork Valkyries’ tennis trophy case just got a little more crowded.
Softball: Wall homers twice for Polson
BUTTE — Polson senior Kaelen Wall had a pair of homers, a double and four RBIs to lead the Pirates to a pair of wins at the Laverne Combo on Friday.
Troy principal wins state honor
Troy High School Principal Jacob Francom was named the principal of the year by the Montana Association of Secondary School Principals for his outstanding leadership and success in providing exceptional learning opportunities for students.
Youths get an education in the woods
Alexis Keller, 11, of Lakeside Elementary School struggled to carry the full weight of a professional smokejumper’s water, pack, helmet and other equipment on Friday, an experience she described as “embarrassing.”
Neighbor's nails fuel long feud
Next-door residents on Caroline Road have had an ongoing spat since the late 1980s, according to a Flathead County Sheriff’s Office report. The latest escalation involved throwing nails on the neighbor’s driveway.
Flathead student wins state welding title
Wyatt McHenry has brought home a gold medal in arc welding after competing in the SkillsUSA state competition.
Local students compete in international conference
In the competitive world of business, Whitefish High School and Glacier High School DECA students put their skills to the test recently at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Wanda Ross Lemonds, 73
Wanda Ross Lemonds, 73, passed away May 7, 2015, in Kalispell due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Marie V. Rodriguez, 85
Marie V. Rodriguez, 85, passed away in Brendan House on May 6, 2015.
Vet clinic plans MRI for pets
An animal hospital in Eureka will soon become the only place in Montana with an MRI machine for pets.
Boat stopped with invasive mussels
Invasive mussels were found on a Minnesota boat headed to Whitefish Lake on Wednesday.
aa tennis 1.JPG
Flathead's Jenna Jensen smashes a return in her Northern AA semifinal match against Lucia Barbeito at Flathead Valley Community College on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Tennis
Flathead's Elle Barreth charges the net in a 2015 Northern AA semifinal match against Great Falls' Abiagail Davidson at Flathead Valley Communtiy College.
family forestry 3.JPG
Lakeside fifth-grader Rylee Milasevich leads her group to the next event during the Family Forestry Expo at Trumbull Creek Experimental Forest on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
forestry 2.JPG
Edgerton fifth-grader Abby Garza holds up a crayfish at the fisheries station of the Family Forestry Expo at Trumbull Creek Experimental Forest on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Family Forestry Expo
John Duncan Livingston, 83
John Duncan Livingston, 83, of Eureka and formerly of Great Falls, died Tuesday, May 6, 2015, at his home with his family by his side.
Five-time state champ coach Finberg resigning
After a career that included five state championships, Cary Finberg is stepping down as head boys basketball coach at Columbia Falls High School.
Coach Cary Finberg
Football Fun
Scott Kinniburgh takes a break from Bitterroot Screen Printers to throw a football to his chocolate lab Libby on Wednesday afternoon, May 6, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Mack Days
Mike Benson of Lonepine, fishes under the light of a halo around the rising sun near Yellow Bay on Thursday, May 7, on Flathead Lake. Benson has won top honors in three of the Mack Days Tournaments and been in the top five in 15 of them. Mack Days is a biannual fishing tournament that takes place weekends in the spring and fall. The current tournament began on March 20, and will wrap up at 3 p.m. on May 17. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
050715 band.JPG
Zaybin Stewart of Trinity Lutheran plays the tymphanies during the Rural Music Teachers Association Advanced Band Festival at Cayuse Prairie School on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
APTOPIX Severe Weather Nebraska
Brandon Houts walks from his house through floodwater to get supplies from a friend Thursday, May 7, 2015, in De Witt, Neb. Communities in several southern Plains states set to work cleaning up Thursday after a night of storms that spawned tornadoes, assessing the damage under sunny skies but with the threat of even worse weather on the horizon. (Matt Ryerson/The Journal-Star via AP)
Spokane Plane Crash
The Spokane County Sheriff's dive team and other emergency personnel search the wreckage of a small plane that crashed into the Spokane River, Thursday, May 7, 2015, near Felts Field in Spokane, Wash. (Colin Mulvany/The Spokesman-Review via AP) COEUR D'ALENE PRESS OUT
whitefish deca 2015 3 cl color.JPG
wyatt mchenry skills usa 2 cl color.JPG
ghs student tech club_4 cl color.JPG
Plum Creek Foundation awards a $5,458 grant for the Glacier High School Technology Student Association to purchase of robot-building kits. The association will VEX Robotics components so that more students can build the computerized machines. Association members will then enter the robots in high school competitions.The Technology Student Association meets weekly to practice programming challenges they might face in competitions. The school hopes to host a robotics competition during the 2015-16 school year.
Bernie L. Warrington, 89
Bernie L. Warrington, 89, passed away May 8, 2015, at Expressions in Columbia Falls.
Thursday, May 7
Cook a triple winner in Glacier's track dual
Austin Cook won three events for Glacier in a dual track meet Thursday afternoon with visiting Columbia Falls.
C-Falls netters split with Libby
COLUMBIA FALLS — Seniors Hailey Sapa and Kaylee Flanigan went out in style by posting wins in their final prep home tennis match for Columbia Falls on Thursday in a dual with Libby.
Glacier advances two in singles, a doubles team to divisional semis
MISSOULA — Glacier will have two singles players and a doubles team on the court today for semifinal action at the Western AA Divisional tennis tournament.
Glacier Outlaws gear up for tryouts, opener
Glacier Outlaws field manager Mike Goss has mixed emotions as the countdown continues for the first practice with his Mount Rainier Professional Baseball League team.
Flathead, Libby end dual track tradition on high note
LIBBY — Flathead qualified three athletes for state on Thursday at the Libby-Flathead dual, finding success at the close of a decades-long track tradition.
Softball roundup: Polson holds off Columbia Falls
POLSON — Sarah Rausch belted a three-run homer in the first inning to head a five-run opening frame and lead Polson to a 6-5 Northwestern A conference victory over Columbia Falls on Thursday.
Flathead sends 4 singles players to divisional semis
For Flathead’s singles players, it was a good day.
Wolfpack wallops Bravettes in softball
As the fans were settling into their seats, the Glacier Wolfpack had already claimed the lead.
Kalispell water passes annual tests
Even with minute levels of lead, barium and chlorine, Kalispell’s tap water is safe to drink, according to a new report from the city.
Woman gets 3 years for hit-and-run accident
A Columbia Falls woman was sentenced Thursday to three years with a recommendation for treatment for hitting a person with a moving truck and driving away.
The next generation is in good hands
Improve Airport? Please don't
How America went down the tubes?
Plowing crews reach Oberlin Bend
Glacier National Park plowing crews are closing in on Logan Pass from both the west and east sides of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Don't rush to grab Superfund status
Fallen troopers to be honored Saturday
Top state officials will be on hand Saturday to honor two Montana Highway Patrol officers who died in the line of duty in Northwest Montana.
Streamflow forecasts decline as snow melts
The Flathead River’s high-elevation snowpack is melting earlier than normal, causing forecasters to decrease streamflow predictions for the rest of the year.
Where have the school nurses gone?
Search parties called out for prank
An 11-year-old told a front desk employee that a 7-year-old had wandered off from the U.S. 2 hotel. The
Births published May 8, 2015
Spartan Race back in Bigfork!
Grant will support summer nutrition program
The Kalispell Parks and Recreation department has received a $26,200 grant to improve children’s access to healthy food, nutrition literacy and physical activity outside of school.
Fire consumes workshop near Creston
A fire in a Creston-area workshop Thursday morning engulfed several vehicles, but nobody was injured on the residential property.
victoria 1920's.JPG
Beadwork and fringe were quintessential for dresses in the 1920s. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
victoria dress 1880s.JPG
A women's wool bodice and skirt and a child's silk taffeta dress worn in the 1880s are on display in a bedroom at the mansion. Catherine Conrad was born in 1885 and could have worn a dress like the one on display. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
victoria dress 5.JPG
Sarah Safford places a mannequin wearing a child's dress popular in the 1950s. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
victoria dress lead.JPG
Teresa Knutson, a volunteer curator for the Conrad Mansion, places a mannequin wearing a style of dress that was popular during the time Charles Conrad first arrived in Montana. The dress is part of the mansion's Celebrating 100 Years of Fashion. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
victoria-buttons.JPG
The iridescent buttons on a blouse worn in the 19th century shine as the sunlight reflects off of them. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
victoria_fashion plate.JPG
Sarah Safford, an assistant volunteer curator, holds a fashion plate showing the style of dresses popular during the 1860s and '70s during a rehearsal tour at the Conrad Mansion on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
tennis.JPG
Flathead's Kody Butts leaps in the air to return a ball at the net against C.M. Russell's Jeremy Ormseth at the AA Northern Divisional tennis tournament at Flathead Valley Community College on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Creston fire
Mack Days
Mike Benson of Lonepine, fishes under the light of a halo around the rising sun near Yellow Bay on Thursday, May 7, on Flathead Lake. Benson has won top honors in three of the Mack Days Tournaments and been in the top five in 15 of them. Mack Days is a biannual fishing tournament that takes place weekends in the spring and fall. The current tournament began on March 20, and will wrap up at 3 p.m. on May 17. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Krakauer-Missoula
In this photo provided by Jacob Green, author John Krakauer discusses his book "Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town" at a forum open to the public in downtown Missoula, Mont. , on Wednesday night, May 6, 2015. The Missoula audience gave the best-selling author of the book about the city's mishandling of rape cases a standing ovation Wednesday and then booed a heckler who had elbowed his way to the stage and called Krakauer a liar. (Jacob Green via AP)
creston shed fire 5 cl color.JPG
creston shed firefighters 4 cl color.JPG
mhp hedstrom.JPG
Richard Hedstrom
mhp michael ren.JPG
Michael Ren
Kalispell man identified as crash victim
Authorities have released the name of a man who died in a motorcycle crash Monday on Rhodes Draw.
twif 050715 cover
twif 050715
Competition winners looking to the future
Majestic Valley Arena Country Showdown
Melissa Forrette and Alea Leilani have been named the winners of the 2015 Majestic Valley Arena Country Showdown. They now advance to the state Country Showdown competition during the Montana State Fair in Great Falls from July 24 to Aug. 1.
This Week in the Flathead | May 7-13
Port Polson Players present 'Shillelagh'
Romance and rebellion
This weekend the Port Polson Players will premiere the Irish comedy “Shillelagh.”
Terry column: End of a long run
Change isn’t always easy.
Tennis: Flathead plays host to Northern divsional
The Flathead tennis teams will look to take advantage of a newly-lightened playing field when they host the Northern AA divisional tournament, beginning today at Flathead Valley Community College.
Tennis: Wolfpack on the road for divisional tournament
The Daily Inter Lake
Softball: Regular season ends with crosstown
The second installment of the crosstown softball rivalry comes on the final day of the regular season as the Glacier Wolfpack and Flathead Bravettes square off at Conrad Complex.
Wednesday, May 6
Daybook
Filing begins for city elections
Filing for City Council positions in Flathead County’s three incorporated cities began Monday and continues through July 2.
Crosstown Craze still needs public help
Things are getting crazy in the remaining weeks left to prepare for the Crosstown Craze, the annual senior post-graduation blowout for Kalispell high school students.
Beast Race joins lineup for Spartan weekend
Two days of Spartan Race events will get underway this weekend just south of Bigfork at Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge.
Recreational liability limits signed into law
Montana on Tuesday became the 48th state to legally recognize pre-activity liability waivers and release forms for outdoor recreation when Gov. Bullock signed House Bill 204 into law.
Thanks to all who 'Gave Local'
Oooh, that smell! Third floor vacated
Attorney general thanks three local legislators
Help group to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome
Polson likely not a resort community
Don't drink milk
Tested trolling tactics for trout
With Montana’s general fishing season opener just a couple of weeks away, many anglers are getting ready to hit their favorite rivers and streams.
New fees ahead for winter trail users
Effective Oct. 1, snowmobilers and fat bike riders using trails groomed with state money must purchase $18 snowmobile passes every three years.
Program aims to help parents of kids entering kindergarten
Ready, Set, Learn and Grow is a new program offered to families with children who will be entering kindergarten.
Give Local event brings donors, nonprofits together
While it didn’t reach its $100,000 goal, the 24-hour Give Local Flathead campaign got close in its inaugural event.
Website focuses on Whitefish fun
A new website focused on Whitefish events and activities is making its debut this month.
Spartan Race preparation
Cristal Lea Gilbert Rice, 55
Cristal Lea Gilbert Rice, 55, passed away April 24, 2015, at her home.
Gary Richard Ott, 63
Robert Ira Hislop, 96
Officer Shot-Idaho
Maya Averill, 9, attends a candlelight vigil for Sgt. Greg Moore, a 16-year veteran of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department who was shot after checking on a suspicious person in a neighborhood, Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in northwest Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The northern Idaho police officer shot by a man who stole his patrol car died of his injuries Tuesday evening, police said. (Kathy Plonka/The Spokesman-Review via AP) COEUR D'ALENE PRESS OUT
Kindergarten
Therapy for Parkinson's disease
Idaho man acknowledged killing Coeur d'Alene police officer
Army corps: cease and desist
Oil Train Derailment North Dakota
This photo provided by Curt Bemson shows smoke and fire coming from an oil train that derailed Wednesday in Heimdal, North Dakota. Officials say 10 tanker cars on the BNSF caught fire, prompting the evacuation of Heimdal, where about three dozen people live. No injuries were reported. (Curt Bemson via AP)
Oil train derails; North Dakota town evacuated
An oil train derailed and caught fire early Wednesday in a rural area of central North Dakota, prompting the evacuation of a nearby town where about 20 people live.
Softball: Whitefish softball drops pair in Cut Bank
CUT BANK — The Whitefish Bulldogs softball team dropped a pair of nonconference contest in Cut Bank on Tuesday, falling to Shelby 18-7 before losing to Cut Bank 20-10.
Softball: Glacier homers power walk-off win vs. Libby
The Glacier Wolfpack powered its way to a 12-1 nonconference home victory on Tuesday, belting three home runs to beat the Libby Loggers in six innings at Kidsport Complex.
Flathead to name new volleyball coach
Courtney Baker is set to be at the helm of the Flathead Bravettes volleyball program for the 2015-16 season after the FHS hiring committee recommended her to the school board on Monday.
Track & Field: Whitefish shines at Ken Good meet
WHITEFISH — A pair of Whitefish boys and girls won multiple events in a strong showing for the Bulldogs at the non-scoring Ken Good Invitational track meet on Tuesday at Whitefish High School.
Tuesday, May 5
Golf: Potkonjak ties for 2nd at divisionals
HELENA — Bigfork junior Joseph Potkonjak finished in a tie for second place, shooting a 3-over-par 75 to lead the Vikings to a third place team finish at the Class B divisional golf tournament at Bill Roberts Golf Club on Tuesday.
Council tweaks alcohol law for city parks
Events that serve alcohol in Kalispell parks would have a bit more wiggle room thanks to an amended city ordinance given initial approval on Monday.
Voters approve two school levies
Voters on Tuesday approved general fund operation and maintenance levy requests for Somers-Lakeside and Whitefish school districts.
Habitat launches Kalispell project
Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley will break ground Wednesday on the first of five single-family homes to be built in the Spring Creek Estates development in Kalispell.
Smart phones are smarter when parked
A man was reportedly “Facetiming” with a woman while she was driving a Hummer and the line went dead. The Whitefish Police Department was called to make sure the woman was all right, which she was, possibly because she stopped using her cellphone while driving.
Fractious legislative session 'a mixed bag'
The 2015 Legislature wrapped up early last week, once again characterized by moderate Republican lawmakers breaking with their caucus to support major Democrat-supported legislation.
Eldon David 'Dave' Smith, 72
Eldon David "Dave" Smith, 72, passed away in Kalispell on April 1, 2015.
Mary Penelope 'Penny' Armstrong, 75
Mary Penelope “Penny” Armstrong, 75, of Cape Carteret, North Carolina, died Monday, May 4, 2015, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter from cancer. She was with family and a dear friend.
Geraldine Emily Mills Mihalic, 95
Carol Lynn Nicholson, 62
Carol Lynn Nicholson, 62, was born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, on July 8, 1952, the only child to parents Melvin A. “Nick” and Grace (Sommerville) Nicholson. Early in life she found sports, beginning with bowling on a Saturday morning league at the age of 8, playing summer league softball before her high school years, and powderpuff football as a junior in high school. After graduating from Clarksville High School in 1970, she raced stock cars for two summers at the local track there in Jeffersonville.
Ronald 'Ron' Webb, 78
Ronald “Ron” Webb, 78, died Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from several medical issues. His loving family was by his side.
Fire spreads to 16 acres near Olney
Officials are urging caution after a 16-acre forest fire on Monday evening that spread in unseasonably dry conditions.
Cinco de Mayo
Dave Bailon and the members of the Latin Jazz band Cocinando play Sway with the Columbians at Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday, May 5, at Columbia Falls High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
optional cover.JPG
Amelia Riley Thornton of Dean and Riley belts out Dolly Parton's "Jolene," during the second night of the 2015 Majestic Valley Arena Country Showdown on Saturday night. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
showdown_riley.JPG
Amelia Riley Thornton of Dean and Riley belts out Dolly Parton's "Jolene," during the second night of the 2015 Majestic Valley Arena Country Showdown on Saturday night. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
showdown_tim.JPG
Tim Helnore of Eureka performs a Waylon Jennings song during the second night of the 2015 Majestic Valley Arena Country Showdown. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
country showdown cover.JPG
Asbestos Town
FILE - In this April 28, 2011 file photo, unidentified road workers wear protective gear against possible asbestos contamination as they load material from a road resurfacing project in downtown Libby, Mont. W.R. Grace, Inc., the chemical company blamed for polluting Libby, Mont. with asbestos dust that has killed hundreds of people, is pushing back against the Environmental Agency proposal and seeking to have it revised. A cleanup proposal for a Montana town where thousands have been sickened by asbestos exposure calls for leaving some of the dangerous material in place rather than removing it. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
diaper drive 4 cl color.jpeg.JPG
Melissa Forrette
Melissa Forrette performs Saturday, May 2, at the 2015 Majestic Valley Arena Country Showdown.
Alea Leilani
Alea Leilani, a 13-year-old from Lakeside, performs on Friday, May 1, at the 2015 Majestic Valley Arena Country Showdown.
Give Local Flathead: Fiesta of Philanthropy
Final EPA plan would leave some asbestos in Libby
A long-delayed U.S. government cleanup plan for a Northwest Montana community where asbestos contamination has sickened thousands would leave the deadly material in the walls of houses, underground and elsewhere — stirring worries among residents and state officials about future exposures.
Monday, May 4
Bigfork, Eureka at divisional golf tourney
Bigfork and Eureka are in Helena today for the boys and girls Division 3 golf tournament.
Softball: Polson rallies by Frenchtown, 4-3
POLSON — In a wild finish, Polson rallied for a 4-3 Northwestern A softball victory on Monday over Frenchtown.
Sun Road plan may aim for flexibility
The paradox of balancing the integrity of a natural landscape’s with its popularity is nothing new to Glacier National Park managers.
College invites public to join BioBlitz
Flathead Valley Community College invites the community to participate in the college’s first BioBlitz from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, on the college campus.
Red Eagle flies into familiar hands
Some things come full circle.
What lurks beneath Columbia Falls?
Two boys flagged down a
A conservative view of infrastructure bill
Vote for levy today
Get involved with Whitefish government review
Woman's write-in effort falls short
Joan Vetter Ehrenberg’s late effort to earn a spot on the Whitefish School Board was over before it began.
Online giving event aims to raise $100,000
A 24-hour online giving event gets underway Tuesday in the Flathead Valley with the goal of raising $100,000 for local nonprofit organizations.
Weekend structure fires caused by people
People caused two structure fires that burned near Columbia Falls on Saturday.
Anita A. Zavodny, 94
Bethany Ann Warner Weber, 66
College to raise tuition next year
The Flathead Valley Community College board of trustees unanimously voted Monday afternoon to increase tuition and fees by $4.60 per credit hour for the 2015-16 school year.
Spring Chores
Terry Sobczyk does some landscaping in his front yard on Monday, May 4, in downtown Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Fatal motorcycle accident
Flathead County Sheriff's deputies and troopers from the Montana Highway Patrol investigate the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident on Monday afternoon on Rhodes Draw in West Valley. West Flathead EMS and West Valley Fire and EMS also responded to the scene. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Motorcyclist crashes into water, dies
A man died on Monday after his motorcycle crashed on Rhodes Draw west of Kalispell.
DIL 042615 Cover
Sunday, May 3
Legion baseball: Doubleheader sweeps for Twins, Lakers
WHITEFISH — The Glacier Twins A pushed their winning streak to six games on Sunday afternoon with a baseball doubleheader sweep of the Belgrade Bandits A at Memorial Field.
Corridor plan, lake vendors top Whitefish agenda
Public hearings about commercial vendors on Whitefish Lake and a corridor plan for U.S. 93 West top a full agenda tonight for the Whitefish City Council.
Alcohol ordinance, board appointments on agenda for Kalispell
During its meeting tonight, the Kalispell City Council will consider an ordinance that loosens restrictions for alcohol use at city parks.
Underage bar patrons cause a scene
A 20-year-old woman snuck into a bar on Central Avenue, prompting a call to the
Monday Profile: Tamara Williams
Tamara Williams was recently presented with a Rotary Club Service Award.
Williams honored for community service
'Involved for the long haul'
In the world of community service, Tamara Williams is a mover and shaker.
Majestic Valley Arena Country Showdown: Top two singers advance to state
Country music has two new local rising stars to watch.
Rockin' doctors raise awareness for cancer 'below the belt'
Vagina isn’t usually a word you expect to see at the top of a story when you open your morning paper.
DIL 050315
Saturday, May 2
Archie Roe: Hill highlights fast day on track
Glacier freshman Annie Hill thought she could have gone faster in the 1,600-meter run at Saturday’s Archie Roe Invitational track meet at Legends Stadium.
Family Forestry Expo begins on Monday
The Family Forestry Expo kicks off for the 26th time this week at the Trumbull Creek Educational Forest between Columbia Falls and Whitefish.
Legion baseball: Glacier Twins A; Kalispell Lakers AA sweep Mavs, Bandits
WHITEFISH — The Glacier Twins A improved to 5-1 on the American Legion baseball season Saturday afternoon by taking a doubleheader from the Missoula Mavericks AA.
After stroke, nurse ends up in his own ICU
Donovan Cleveland had made a name for himself in Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit.
Softball: Glacier trips Hellgate; Libby tops Frenchtown
The Glacier Wolfpack defeated the Missoula Hellgate Knights 11-1 in six innings on Saturday afternoon for a Western AA home softball victory.
Majestic Valley Arena Country Showdown
Alea Leilani, a 13-year-old from Lakeside, performs during the 2015 Country Showdown at the Majestic Arena on Saturday. Leilani was one of two acts chosen by a panel of judges to advance to the state competition.
Cities no longer have to bet on gambling revenue
Follow the money — Montana’s annual gambling revenue stream of nearly $400 million — and you will find that the money leads directly to Helena, where the state claims 15 percent for its video gaming tax.
Polson netters defeat Stevensville, C-Falls in dual action
POLSON — Polson’s boys and girls topped Stevensville and Columbia Falls in dual tennis action on Saturday.
Bigfork's Martel, Jordt 2nd in doubles at Loyola Invitational
MISSOULA — Bigfork’s Isaac Martel and Adam Jordt finished second in doubles play at the Loyola Invitational tennis tournament on Saturday.
Glacier's Blalack nets 2nd at Helena Invitational
HELENA — Glacier High School’s Hunter Blalack finished second in No. 1 singles play at the Helena Invitational tennis tournament on Saturday.
Students save fishermen after canoe capsizes
Two Glacier High School students were at the right place and time to help save two men whose canoe tipped over in the Little Bitterroot Lake on April 25.
Expanded oncology center ready for patients
After a year of construction, the first phase of the expansion project at Northwest Montana Radiation Oncology will be ready for patients on Tuesday, May 5.
It's time to look deeper into teacher terminations
Langohr for trustee
Permanent levy in Somers-Lakeside found unacceptable
Bethany Ann Warner Weber
Raw milk has its own network of underground supporters
Session a major disappointment to this voter
Local atheist group celebrates Day of Reason on May 5
In-fighting kills infrastructure bill
FVCC candidate asks for your support
Stillwater School's music festival offers signs of hope
John Douglas Buchanan
Volunteers needed for Spartan Race
The Montana Spartan Race is back for the third year near Bigfork.
Rounding up bills makes a difference
Flathead Electric’s Roundup for Safety Program has been making the rounds around Northwest Montana for 18 years, ensuring our communities are safer places to live.
Mary Penney Rabener, 90
Mary Penney Rabener, long time resident of Alameda, California, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Felipe Care Home in Danville, California.
Mary Penney Rabener
George Benjamin Kimes Jr., 70
George Benjamin Kimes Jr., 70, of Vacaville, California, passed away April 28, 2015.
Bruce May, 78
Bruce May, 78, died April 23, 2015.
Eleanor Ann Hedstrom, 93
archie roe 100m.JPG
Flathead’s Monica White pulls away from the pack to win the 100-meter dash at the Archie Roe Invitational track meet at Legends Stadium on Saturday in 12.99 seconds. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
archie roe javelin.JPG
Glacier’s Keyawna Larson prepares to launch the javelin during the Archie Roe Invitational on Saturday. Her winning distance was 132 feet, 9 inches. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
archie roe high jump.JPG
Whitefish’s Jed Nagler attempts to set a school record in the high jump by clearing 6 feet, 8 1/2 inches at the Archie Roe Invitational track meet on Saturday. Nagler missed the record, but won the event by making 6-5. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
2015 Archie Roe Invitational
Glacier's Ahna Kreitinger pushes ahead of teammate Bailey Smith on the homestretch of the 800-meter run during the 2015 Archie Roe Invitational. Kreitinger and Smith finished one-two in the race. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Oncology expansion
Lake rescuers
Aloha Lorraine O'Brien, Infant
Friday, May 1
Softball roundup: Hellgate hangs on to beat Bravettes
MISSOULA — Missoula Hellgate broke a 1-1 tie with a three-run third inning and held on for a 5-3 Western AA girls softball victory over Flathead on Friday afternoon.
Tennis: Helena Invitational results - Day 1
Friday’s Results
Jumps loaded with talent for Archie Roe
Over the years, the Archie Roe Invitational track meet has been the starting point for a lot of state championship performances.
Softball: Glacier downs C-Falls
Vehement winds, blowing towards home plate, engulfed Kidsport Complex on Friday, but Ali Williams still went yard.
Archie Roe draws 18 schools, state's top athletes
Always one of the largest track and field meets in Montana, this year’s Archie Roe Invitational may also be one of the deepest.
Two districts seek levy approval on Tuesday
Somers-Lakeside and Whitefish school districts are seeking voter approval of two levies in Tuesday’s election.
Police warn of Facebook chat coercion
Online threats targeting high school girls around the Flathead Valley are being described as blackmail by Flathead High School Resource Officer Cory Clarke.
Room service only available to paying customers
Employees at a U.S. 93 South hotel thought it was odd when someone called the front desk from an unrented room. When they went to check, the suspect had left on foot with a dog. The Kalispell Police Department caught up with the suspected room raider and cited him for theft.
Firm reveals options for south Kalispell, city airport
City officials received an update on Wednesday on an effort aimed at revitalizing south Kalispell, which includes the fate of the Kalispell City Airport.
Jaunita Hollingsworth, 89
Four finalists named for Whitefish school job
Candidates who will interview for the Whitefish School District superintendent position have been announced.
Work begins on Whitefish Hampton Inn
The new Hampton Inn and Suites broke ground in Whitefish on Friday, kicking off a nearly year-long building process.
Judge denies man's request in homicide case
A Marion man who killed his neighbor in 2014 will be sentenced this month as scheduled after a judge denied his request to withdraw his plea.
Students pepper Zinke with questions
American history teacher Brian Fox’s seventh graders were not afraid to ask tough questions of U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., during a video chat session Thursday afternoon.
Survey outlines visitor attitudes on Sun Road
Glacier National Park’s five proposed actions for the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor plan were based in part on surveys conducted by a research team from the University of Montana in summer 2014.
Glacier unveils strategies for Sun Road corridor
Traffic restrictions, increased shuttle service and expanded parking are among a range of possible strategies Glacier National Park officials will consider as they develop a long-term corridor plan for Going-to-the-Sun Road, according to a list of preliminary alternatives released Friday.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Skyping with Zinke
glacier softball 1.JPG
Glacier shortstop Kayla Russell snags the ball as Columbia Falls Hannah Freeman steals second base during the Wolfpack's 5-2 victory at Kidsports Complex on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier's Ali Williams
Glacier ace Ali Williams winds up during the top of the third inning against Columbia Falls in this 2015 file photo. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Red Eagle Aviation
Red Eagle Aviation's new leaders are Dave Hoerner, front, Mark Tudahl, back left, and B.J. Holman. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Obit Ben E King
FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2011, file photo, singer Ben E. King smiles during a news conference in Tokyo. King, singer of such classics as "Stand By Me," "There Goes My Baby" and "Spanish Harlem," died Thursday, April 30, 2015, publicist Phil Brown told The Associated Press. He was 76. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)
Schoolyard Ducklings
In this photo taken Thursday, April 30, 2015, herded by teachers, from left, Jo Lokken and Tracy Larsen, and special needs assistant Ali Fischer, a mother duck and her babies are escorted from their nest in the courtyard at Lewis and Clark Middle School to nearby Spring Creek Park in Billings, Mont. (Casey Page/The Billings Gazette via AP)
Suspect Dies Baltimore
Adrian Roberson, right, celebrates as the Rev. Pamela Coleman, left, speaks on Friday, May 1, 2015, after State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby announced criminal charges against all six officers suspended after Freddie Gray suffered a fatal spinal injury while in police custody in Baltimore. Mosby announced the stiffest charge, second-degree depraved heart murder, against the driver of the police van. Other officers faced charges of involuntary manslaughter, assault and illegal arrest. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Baltimore Police Death
Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore state's attorney, speaks during a media availability, Friday, May 1, 2015 in Baltimore. Mosby announced criminal charges against all six officers suspended after Freddie Gray suffered a fatal spinal injury in police custody. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Donovan Cleveland
Baltimore police charges
Rage to relief in Baltimore as 6 officers charged
BALTIMORE — Rage turned to relief in Baltimore Friday when the city’s top prosecutor charged six police officers with felonies ranging from assault to murder in the death of Freddie Gray.
