Ellington

Leone Pugh, 94

In loving tribute to our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend —

Brittany Ann Richmond, 29

Brittany Ann Richmond, 29, passed away on Dec. 24, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.

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William R. ‘Bill’ Knapton, 65

William Knapton passed away early on the morning of Dec. 17, 2016, at Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence, Oregon.

Gerald Leroy 'Jerry' Gates, 64

Gerald Leroy “Jerry” Gates, 64, passed away in the early morning of his favorite holiday, Christmas, 2016, after a brave battle with dementia.

Matthew Juelfs, 47

Matthew Juelfs, 47, passed away Dec. 29, 2016, at Kalispell Regional Hospital surrounded by his family and friends.

Growth, job loss and driving ahead

The Flathead business community was bustling in 2016, a year that appears to have set the stage for continued growth in 2017.

Bloody deer cause of mess, not crime

Whitefish Police Department informed a man that a deer, not a person, had been injured after he found a suspicious combination of animal tracks, human footprints and a puddle of blood. Police were called to handle the injured animal.

Christine Lynn Samora Hill, 44

On Dec. 20, 2016, at 12:20 p.m. Christine Lynn Samora Hill, 44, “went to be with our Lord” after four long years of fighting stage 4 colon cancer.

Woman who injured 7 in drunken crash accused of continued alcohol abuse

A Kalispell woman who injured seven people in a drunken driving crash in Evergreen in 2009 will go before a judge this week to face allegations that she has continued to abuse alcohol.

Two new judges join the bench

Longtime Kalispell attorney Eric Hummel received a new work uniform on Friday as he was sworn in as Flathead County’s newest justice of the peace.

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TODay

Jerry Barlow, 84

Today, Jan. 1, would have been Jerry’s 85th birthday. He was born Jan. 1, 1932, in Oakland, California, to Wanda and Wallace Barlow. However, he passed away on July 20, 2016, this past summer.

New pilot program connects nurses with high-need patients

A nationwide effort to prevent medical emergencies before they reach the hospital has come to Montana in the form of a pilot program that disperses nurses into patients’ homes, doctor appointments and daily habits.

Questions still unanswered about restored Glacier murals

When 13-year-old Ethan McCauley stood in the lobby of the Lake County Courthouse on Dec. 19 dressed in his Eagle Scout uniform, he was stationed beneath a weary and mysterious traveler.

A triumph nothing short of miraculous

By FRANK MIELE

Columbia Falls home lost in fire

A home was left uninhabitable on Saturday morning after a fire in Columbia Falls.

Bigfork VFW plans to refurbish Masonic Lodge

Bigfork Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4042 has embarked on an expansion project that involves purchasing the Masonic Lodge in Bigfork and transforming it into a restaurant and bar, recreational facility and community center for other organizations.

Foley's Whitefish Lake home for sale

Bill Foley, board chairman of Fidelity National Financial and majority owner of Whitefish Mountain Resort, is selling his Whitefish Lake home and property for $26.7 million.

Ringing in 2017 The Daily Inter Lake's guide to New Year's Eve in the Flathead Valley

Whitefish Mountain Resort

AP Poll: US election voted top news story of 2016

NEW YORK (AP) — The turbulent U.S. election, featuring Donald Trump's unexpected victory over Hillary Clinton in the presidential race, was the overwhelming pick for the top news story of 2016, according to The Associated Press' annual poll of U.S. editors and news directors.

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TODay

Snow slide blocks highway

A minor avalanche between West Glacier and Essex pushed about 6 feet of snow onto U.S. 2 early Friday morning, blocking one lane of the mountain corridor south of Glacier National Park.

Longtime trustee Dave Fern reflects on service

When Dave Fern first became a school board trustee in 1992 he saw it as an investment.

First Night Flathead shuttered after 17 years

First Night Flathead, downtown Kalispell’s annual family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, has canceled this year’s event citing financial difficulties.

Political practices commissioner to remain in office for now

HELENA — Montana’s commissioner of political practices will remain in office until a state judge rules on a lawsuit seeking to keep Commissioner Jonathan Motl in office for a full six-year term.

Avalanche crosses Highway 2 near West Glacier

Highway crews have finished clearing snow from an early-morning avalanche that struck U.S. 2 east of West Glacier on Friday, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

Legals December 30, 2016

No. 24150 NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION BIGFORK ZONING DISTRICT The Board of Commissioners of Flathead County, Montana, hereby gives notice pursuant to Section 76-2-205(5), M.C.A., that it passed a resolution of intention (Resolution No. 956DE) on December 19, 2016, to change the zoning designation in a portion of the Bigfork Zoning Districts from SAG-10 (Suburban Agricultural) to SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural). The boundaries of the area proposed to be amended from SAG-10 to SAG-5 are described as: Tract 2 of Certificate of Survey No. 18233, situated, lying and being in the Government Lots 3 & 4 and in the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NE 1/4 SW 1/4 ) of Section 14, Township 27 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. The regulations defining the SAG-10 and SAG-5 zones are contained in the Flathead County Zoning Regulations, on file for public inspection at the Office of the Board of County Commissioners, Courthouse, 800 South Main, Kalispell, Montana, at the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, 40 11th Street West, Kalispell, Montana, and on the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office's website, at: http://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/downloads.php. Documents related to the proposed zone change are also on file for public inspection at the Office of Board of County Commissioners and the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office. For thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice, the Board of Commissioners will receive written protests to the change proposed for a portion of the Bigfork Zoning District from persons owning real property within Flathead County whose names appear on the last completed assessment roll of Flathead County and who either are registered voters in Flathead County or execute and acknowledge their protests before a notary public. DATED this 19th day of December, 2016. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Pamela J. Holmquist Pamela J. Holmquist, Chairman December 23, 30, 2016 MNAXLP

Speak up to defend your river access

All recreationists, fishermen, hunters, boaters and all businesses that deal with recreation and tourism need to be aware of an initiative in the works that could change the Flathead’s waterway uses.

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•Unwelcome national story was unnecessary

A new New Year's tradition?

Lakeside offers a fun new way to end the old year or start the new one as the Flathead Lake Skijoring Championships kick off what we hope will be a long tradition. The new event will be held Saturday, Dec. 31, and Sunday, Jan. 1, on a private airstrip at the Lakeside Club south of Lakeside. Skijoring, in case you don’t know, is a fantastic event that combines horsemanship and skiing in a wild ride that makes for a fun spectator sport.

Big subdivision planned near Raceway Park

A 57-lot subdivision proposed next to Montana Raceway Park north of Kalispell has raised concerns among several government entities over a number of issues ranging from access and density to developing land within white-tailed deer winter range.

Airport names new director

Robert Ratkowski has been appointed airport director of Glacier Park International Airport, effective Jan. 1.

Frigid weather from Siberia headed toward Flathead

Forecasters on Thursday ratcheted up predictions for an Arctic weather event next week that has the potential to bring white-out and blizzard conditions to the Flathead Valley and other parts of Western Montana on Sunday.

Skijoring puts spotlight on Lakeside

Steve Patyk doesn’t mince words when it comes to his adopted hometown.

Moonlit walk turns into ugly dispute

Kalispell Police responded to Third Avenue East where a caller had allegedly run into a drunken pedestrian who allegedly flipped the caller off and threatened to beat the caller into the “god---- ground.” The caller threatened to “drop” the drunkard if he approached, despite the fact that the caller did not have any weapons. The drunken person was given a ride home.

James Haldeman Armstrong Sr.

A celebration of life service for Dr. James Haldeman Armstrong Sr., 87, who died Dec. 20 will be held in the spring.

Daisy Jolanna (Berg) Handford, 30

Daisy Jolanna (Berg) Handford “went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” on Dec. 18, 2016.

Woman accused of calling in her own prescription

A woman has been arrested for allegedly pretending to be a health-care provider and trying to get prescription drugs to sell.

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TODay

John White speaker series returns to Museum at Central School

The annual John White speaker series returns to the Museum at Central School in January and February.

US considers mining limits in West to save sage grouse

By DAN ELLIOTT

Montana Republicans set fee for US House candidates

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Republican Party is charging a $1,740 fee to people interested in replacing U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, who has been nominated to lead the Interior Department.

Man arrested for indecent exposure near schools

Kalispell Police have arrested a man suspected to have committed several alleged acts of indecent exposure around Flathead High School and Linderman Education Center.

Man accused of speeding 100 mph through accident scene

A Kalispell man is facing felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor driving under the influence charges after he allegedly drove drunk through an accident scene at nearly 100 miles per hour and almost hit several first responders on Dec. 21.

Legals December 29, 2016

No. 24127 PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO PROTEST ONE NEW MONTANA RETAIL ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION BEER AND WINE WITH CATERING ENDORSEMENT GAMING RESTRICTED LICENSE Keats Maxwell has applied for one new Montana Retail On-Premises Consumption Beer and Wine with Catering Endorsement Gaming Restricted License No. 07-901-2601-312 to be operated at 323 South Main, Kalispell, Flathead County. The public may protest this license in accordance with the law. Who can protest this license? Protests will be accepted from residents of the county of the proposed location (Flathead), residents of adjoining Montana counties (Lincoln, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, Lewis & Clark, Powell, Lake, Sanders), and residents of adjoining counties in another state if the criteria in 16-4-207(4)(d), Montana Code Annotated (MCA), are met. What information must be included? Protest letters must be legible and contain (1) the protestor's full name, mailing address, and street address; (2) the license number (07-901-2601-312) and the applicant's name (Keats Maxwell); (3) an indication that the letter is intended as a protest; (4) a description of the grounds for protesting; and (5) the protestor's signature. A letter with multiple signatures will be considered one protest letter. What are valid protest grounds? The protest may be based on the applicant's qualifications listed in 16-4-401, MCA, or the grounds for denial of an application in 16-4-405, MCA. Examples of valid protest grounds include: (1) the applicant is unlikely to operate the establishment in compliance with the law; (2) the proposed location cannot be properly policed by local authorities; and (3) the welfare of the people in the vicinity of the proposed location will be adversely and seriously affected. How are protests submitted? Protests must be postmarked to the Department of Revenue, Office of Dispute Resolution, P.O. Box 5805, Helena, Montana 59604-5805 on or before January 9, 2017. What happens if the license is protested? Depending on the number of protests and the protest grounds, a public hearing will be held in Helena or Kalispell. All valid protestors will be notified of the hearing's time, date and location. Hearings typically are scheduled within 90 days. A protester's hearing testimony is limited to the grounds in the protester's letter. Following the hearing, the Department of Revenue will notify the public whether the license transfer is approved or denied. How can additional information be obtained? The cited MCA statutes are online at leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/. Questions may be directed to Patty Kautz, Compliance Specialist for the Department of Revenue's Liquor Control Division, at (406) 444-0017 or PKautz@mt.gov. December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016 MNAXLP

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•Don’t mess with Electoral College

Egan Slough landowners sue county

The Egan Slough Community has sued the Flathead County commissioners over their recent denial of a petition to expand a zoning district to include land where a water bottling plant is proposed near Creston.

Trump wishes us a happy thermonuclear new year

Now that the presidential election is over, will it ever really end? Not if Donald J. Trump and the cable news networks get their way. Having made the election into a pro-wrestling spectacle, the Twitter-addicted president-elect and his ratings-hungry enablers at CNN, Fox News, etc. appear determined to turn the United States government into an endless reality TV program.

Jumping the firing gun

Two years isn’t enough.

Wright building's future still a puzzle

The fate of the historic Frank Lloyd Wright building in Whitefish seems to still be up in the air.

Arctic blast predicted for New Year

The National Weather Service is predicting a frigid, snowy start to 2017.

Bryan D. Wilhelm, 57

Bryan D. Wilhelm, 57, died Dec. 20, 2016, at his home in Whitefish.

Noreen Elizabeth Vuckovich, 80

Noreen Elizabeth Vuckovich, 80, passed away on Christmas Eve morning, 2016.

Arthur Scott Begay, 55

Arthur Scott “Art” Begay, 55, went to be with “his Lord and Savior” Christmas Eve, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.

Brian James Henley, 54

Brian James Henley, 54, of Bigfork, died Dec. 27, 2016, at a local hospital.

James Leroy McBride, 74

James Leroy McBride, 74, of Kalispell, died December 24, 2016, at his home.

Alvin C. Schroeder, 69

Alvin C. Schroeder, 69, of Kalispell, died Dec. 26, 2016, in Kalispell.

Kenneth L. Frost, 77

Kenneth L. Frost, 77, of Eureka, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Victor Morris 'Vic' Miles, 73

Victor Morris “Vic” Miles was born in Missoula, Sept. 1, 1943, to Grace Fly and Morris W. Miles.

James C. Price, 28

James C. Price, 28, of Kalispell, died Dec. 23, 2016, at his home.

Whitefish sets rates for parking garage

Leases for parking spaces inside Whitefish’s downtown parking structure have been set at $30 and $40 per month.

Felon accused of threating officers investigating child sex assault

A man who already served time at an Oregon prison for conspiracy to commit murder and manslaughter is now facing felony charges after he allegedly threatened investigators who were looking into allegations that he impregnated an underage girl.

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TODAY

Spencer says threats of armed march just a 'joke'

Richard Spencer says he doesn’t want any negative publicity for Whitefish and that the threats of a neo-Nazi march through the city aren’t actually going to happen.

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•Sympathy for Whitefish, but also for parents of Spencer

Legals December 28, 2016

No. 24161 CITY OF KALISPELL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council on the 19th day of December, 2016, passed Resolution No. 5793 declaring an intention to create a Downtown Business Improvement District within the City of Kalispell, pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 12 Montana Code Annotated. The exterior boundaries of the business improvement district are more particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached to the Resolution. Said Resolution No. 5793 declares that the creation of such a business improvement district will promote the health, safety, prosperity, security, and general welfare of the inhabitants thereof and is in the best interest of the City of Kalispell; and will be of special benefit to the property within the boundaries of the district. NOTICE is further given that for a period of fifteen (15) days after December 28, 2016, that date being the first day of publication of this Notice in the Daily Inter Lake, the City Clerk will receive from the property owners in the area proposed to be included in the business improvement district, written protests against the creation of the district to be assessed, or both. The City Council of the City of Kalispell shall hold a public hearing on the 17th day of January, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, City Hall, Kalispell, Montana and consider all communication received by the City Clerk pursuant to this Notice. After considering the same, the Council shall proceed to hear and pass upon all protests and may duly and regularly pass and adopt a Resolution approving the creation of the Downtown Business Improvement District as described in Exhibit "A". Its decision shall be final and conclusive. If passed, the time when the said Resolution shall go into effect shall be fixed by said Resolution. Aimee Brunckhorst, CMC, City Clerk December 28, and January 8, 2016 MNAXLP

Fusion hosts Winter Classic this weekend

The ninth annual U-19 girls’ Winter Classic hockey tournament begins today at Woodland Ice Center, featuring four teams from around the Northwest.

“Ski with Maggie” today at Whitefish Mountain Resort

WHITEFISH — Whitefish professional slopestyle skier Maggie Voisin and Whitefish Mountain Resort will be holding a “Ski with Maggie” day and autograph signing today on Big Mountain.

'Love not Hate' community event planned in Whitefish

A pair of friends upset with the negative attention a white-nationalist leader and an anti-Semitic blog have brought their hometown are responding with a free community block party and concert on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Resort joins attempt at world-record ski lesson

Even if you aren’t Olympic skiing material, that doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of a world record.

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Reggie Webber, son of Robert Webber and Jalynn Calf Boss Ribs, was born Aug. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Two injured in Kalispell collision

Montana Highway Patrol responded to an accident at 10:09 a.m. Tuesday on Hidden Waters Lane in Kalispell that resulted in a two women with leg injuries. A van reportedly rear ended a pickup truck that was stopped on the side of the road after running out of gas, according to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Thoreson.

Bryan D. Wilhelm, 57

Bryan D. Wilhelm, 57, died Dec. 20, 2016, at his home in Kalispell. He was born Jan. 11, 1959, in Kalispell to Joseph and Eleanor Wilhelm.

Donnajo Chaney, 79

Donnajo Chaney, 79, died Dec. 25, 2016, at Mountain View Manor in Eureka.

Clay Hunter Edgmon, 20

Clay Hunter Edgmon, 20, is at peace after passing on Dec. 22, 2016.

Dorothy Mae Danford, 86

Dorothy Mae Danford, 86, passed away in Kalispell on Dec. 23, 2016, surrounded by her family.

Arthur S. Begay, 55

Arthur S. Begay, 55, died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Kalispell.

Flathead communities share in grants to boost graduation

Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Libby and Polson share in grants totaling $11,500 to support ongoing Graduation Matters efforts and community partnerships to ensure more high school students graduate college and career ready.

Lakeside skijoring races slated for this weekend

The Flathead Lake Skijoring Championships take place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1, in Lakeside.

Officials respond to call for armed protest in Whitefish

Montana public officials have come together in unified opposition of the recent intimidations made against the Jewish community in Whitefish.

Lakeside man killed in U.S. 93 crash identified

Authorities have identified the man killed in a head-on collision Friday along U.S. Highway 93 that shut down a stretch of the road in the Mission Valley for nearly six hours.

Dems to push priorities despite tight fiscal outlook

Editor’s note: This article is the fourth and final in a series previewing some of the issues facing the 2017 Montana Legislature. Legislators convene Jan. 2 in Helena.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes introduce new program to battle Type 2 diabetes

As the number of Montana residents with diabetes continues to grow, Tribal Health of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is set to offer a lifestyle-change program to counter the trend.

Montana State Parks announce New Year's hikes

Montana State Parks will join a national initiative to draw more people to spend time outdoors in 2017 by offering free, guided hikes in parks scattered throughout the Flathead Valley on New Year’s Day.

Here's why zoning is so important

By Bill and Nancy McGunagle

Man killed in U.S. 93 crash Friday afternoon

A 22-year-old man is dead following a head-on collision along U.S. 93 in the Mission Valley the day before Christmas Eve, according to Montana Highway Patrol.

Emergency mistaken for drinking issue

A person flagged down Whitefish Police Sunday night to report a man had passed out behind a bar after a presumably long night of drinking. Police found the man had actually suffered a stroke and called an ambulance.

Marlene 'Polly' B. Carr, 92

Marlene “Polly” B. Carr, 92, “went to be with her Lord and Savior” Dec. 22, 2016, at Immanuel Skilled Care Center.

Two camp and retreat center proposals pitched

’Tis the season for camp and retreat center proposals.

Clinic offers more than midwifery

Certified nurse midwife Honey Newton is the type of person who greets people with a hug instead of a handshake. Her face, sprinkled with freckles, emanates a peaceful joy.

FVCC Foundation awards $33,000 for faculty projects

The Foundation at Flathead Valley Community College recently announced grant awards totaling more than $33,000 to FVCC faculty and staff for projects that enhance student learning experiences.

County poised to watchdog legislative issues

Fifth judge, infrastructure needs among Flathead concerns

Man gets probation for stealing unemployment benefits

A Kalispell man was ordered Dec. 15 to serve a probationary sentence and pay restitution for stealing unemployment benefits from January 2009 until July 2011.

Legals December 26, 2016

No. 24164 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE'S SALE on April 6, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the East door of the Flathead County Justice Center located at 920 South Main Street, Kalispell MT 59901, the following described real property situated in Flathead County, Montana: TRACT 2 OF CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY NO. 17686, A TRACT OF LAND IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 29 NORTH, RANGE 20 WEST, P.M.M., FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA. WILLIAM F TREBAS JR, as Grantor, conveyed said real property to First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., A Montana Corporation, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS) as nominee for Guild Mortgage Company, a California Corporation, as Beneficiary, by Deed of Trust on March 30, 2012, and recorded on April 4, 2012 as Document No. 201200007234. The beneficial interest is currently held by Ally Bank. First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., a Montana Corporation is the Trustee. The beneficiary has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust by failing to make the monthly payments beginning November 1, 2014, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. The total amount due on this obligation as of August 12, 2016 is $467,058.79 principal, interest totaling $32,645.49 late charges in the amount of $683.58, escrow advances of $13,477.28, and other fees and expenses advanced of $10,611.99, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other costs and fees that may be advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee's fees and attorney's fees, costs and expenses of the sale and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected, and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier's checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee's Deed without any representation or warranty, including warranty of Title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The grantor, successor in interest to the grantor or any other person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the trustee's sale, may pay to the beneficiary or the successor in interest to the beneficiary the entire amount then due under the deed of trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney's fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the default. The scheduled Trustee's Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 15 days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the trustee for up to 120 days by public proclamation at least every 30 days. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: November 21st 2016 Kaitlin Ann Gotch Assistant Secretary, First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. A Montana Corporation Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339 Blackfoot ID 83221 STATE OF Idaho ss. County of Bingham On this 21 day of November, 2016, before me, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Kaitlin Ann Gotch, know to me to be the Assistant Secretary of First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. A Montana Corporation, Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same. Rae Albert Notary Public Bingham County, Idaho Commission expires: 9-6-2022 December 26, and January 2, 9, 2016 MNAXLP

Police assist man walking in the snow

Someone called the Whitefish Police Department to report a man with a walker having trouble walking on Wisconsin Avenue. The caller said the man was trying to push his walker through the snow, and was concerned because the man was allegedly in the road and the caller thought that was unsafe. Officers located the man in question, who was on his way to the store to pick up a few items. Officers gave the man a ride home after he bought what he needed.

Teenager charged in alleged sexual attack

A 15-year-old Flathead County teen was charged Dec. 6 with felony sexual intercourse without consent after allegedly forcing another teen to have sex.

Legals December 25, 2016

No. 24152 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FLATHEAD COUNTY PLANNING BOARD REGULAR MEETING The Flathead County Planning Board will hold their regular meeting on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, beginning at 6:00 PM in the 2nd Floor Conference Room, South Campus Building, 40 11th Street West, Suite 200, Kalispell, Montana. During this meeting, the Board will hold a public hearing to consider the agenda items described below and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners who will take final action. 1. A zone change request by Micheal L. & Sharon A. Tikka in the Westside Zoning District. The proposal would change the zoning on a parcel containing approximately 10.196 acres from AG-80/WVO (Agricultural/West Valley Overlay) to R-1 (Suburban Residential). The subject property is located at 294 Stillwater Road and can legally be described as follows: The Southeast Quarter of the Government Lot 1 of Section 2, Township 28 North, Range 22 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. (Parcel A of Certificate of Survey No. 13878) The agenda item above will be reviewed by the West Valley Land Use Advisory Committee on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 @ 7:00 pm at the Stillwater Grange Hall, 1810 West Reserve Drive, Kalispell, MT. 2. A request from APEC Engineering, Inc., on behalf of Thornton Motorsports, LLC for Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Preliminary Plat approval of Montana Raceway Subdivision, a 57-lot residential subdivision located at 3790 Highway 93 North near Kalispell. Containing approximately 40.6 acres, the subject property is located within the Highway 93 North zoning district and is currently zoned AG-40 Agricultural. The applicant has also requested a zone change from AG-40 to R-1 with an overlay PUD to increase density. The lots would be served by a public water supply and individual wastewater treatment systems with common drain fields. The property can further be described as follows: The Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SW 1/4 NE 1/4 ) of Section 12 in Township 29 North, Range 22 West, M.P.M., Flathead County, Montana. The agenda item above was reviewed by the Riverdale Land Use Advisory Committee at a legally noticed meeting held on Monday, December 19, 2016 @ 6:30 pm, at Majestic Valley Arena, 3630 Highway 93 North, Kalispell, MT 3. A publicly initiated text amendment to the Flathead County Zoning Regulations proposed by the Flathead County Planning Board. The proposed text amendment will create a new overlay use district entitled SWO Highway 93 South Whitefish Overlay. And add the new overlay use district to the Flathead County Zoning Regulations as section 3.51. The general character of the proposed SWO Highway 93 South Whitefish Overlay is to institute increased design standards for new development within the Highway 93 corridor south of the City of Whitefish. The text amendment proposes to add additional landscaping and buffering standards, to add architectural standards, and add standards to reduce the visual impacts of signs and lighting. 4. A publicly initiated zone change request by the Flathead County Planning Board in the Rural Whitefish and Blanchard Lake zoning districts. The proposal would change approximately 51.8 acres from SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural) to B-2A (Secondary Business), approximately 4.4 acres from R-2.5 (Rural Residential) to B-2A (Secondary Business), approximately 218.5 acres from SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural) to BSD (Business Service District), and approximately 148 acres from AG-20 (Agricultural) to SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural). In addition, this entire rezoned area would also be placed in the SWO (Highway 93 South Whitefish Overlay district. The property is located adjacent to the southern boundary of the City of Whitefish extending approximately 1.5 miles south and approximately 1/4 mile east and 1/4 mile west of the Highway 93 right-of-way in Sections 12 and 13, Township 30 North, Range 22 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. Documents and maps pertaining to these agenda items are on file for public inspection in the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, South Campus Building, 40 11th Street West, Ste. 220 in Kalispell. All decisions made by the Planning Board are considered recommendations and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action. Please check the County Commissioners page of the County website, http://flathead.mt.gov/commissioner, or contact the Commissioners' office for the scheduled date and time of a particular item. Interested persons are encouraged to attend the hearing and make their views and concerns known to the Board. For additional information contact the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office at (406) 751-8200. Written comments are strongly encouraged to be submitted and should be received by the Flathead County Planning & Zoning Office no later than January 11, 2017 @ 5:00 p.m. Please note agenda items are subject to change without notice. Any modifications to agenda items will be posted on the county website, http://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/events.php Please note agenda items are subject to change without notice. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Elaine Nelson at the Flathead County Commissioner's Office at 758-5503 or TTY (800) 335-7592, or call Montana Relay at 711. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. /s/ Mark Mussman Mark Mussman, CFM® Planning Director December 25, 2016 MNAXLP

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Who can I love?

Countless workers give unappreciated 'gift'

This holiday season, take a moment to recognize and thank the hard-working men and women who perform “routine” tasks in our community. They are all around you. One simply need to take a moment to notice. The janitor, maid, garbage man, food server, cook, cashier, clerk, receptionist, newspaper delivery person, and countless others give their very best, every day, serving you.

Liberal churches shedding members along with traditions

The music in the malls is always a sign that we’ve hit the holiday season, and people get started making their Christmas preparations. In addition to shopping for the perfect gift, some advance planners go through the process of checking when their neighborhood church is holding its annual Christmas service.

Is it time to vote against the Electoral College?

Back in 1969, by a whopping vote of 339 to 70, Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives united to pass legislation to do away with the Electoral College.

A grandmother's lament for a holiday without loved ones

After reading about Maurita Johnson’s appointment to the Division of Child and Family Services, I am hoping that Ms. Johnson will take on the task of cleaning up an extremely broken system that is causing far more harm to our children, and families, than good.

Faith leaders stand with the Jewish communities of Montana

As leaders of Montana communities of faith and practice, we are called to respond to the recent surge of white supremacist and neo-Nazi activity in our state. Distribution of pro-Nazi, anti-Semitic flyers in Missoula and intimidation of Jewish community members in the Flathead Valley moves us to speak out against actions of those who attack the Jewish citizens of our state, and any other minority group, with false assertions and threatening language.

Stained-glass windows reflect Christianity, Whitefish history

The historic stained glass windows at First Presbyterian Church in Whitefish tell the story of Christianity.

Where on earth is peace?

In the early 1990s when I was working at the Hungry Horse News, a huge semi-truck came through Columbia Falls and ripped away the “Peace” sign tethered between two light poles on U.S. 2, carrying the town’s banner with it down the road.

New owner reloads Remington with fresh look

Sometimes business growth follows a carefully planned trajectory, set by a board of directors in a stuffy meeting room. And then sometimes you just get lucky.

Governor: 'We will not tolerate hate'

When the snow started falling all across our state last week, Montanans got to work.

Christmas 1916: A 'jubilant' spirit

It is always illuminating to look at our contemporary circumstances through the prism of history.

Infrastructure takes center stage in Helena

Editor’s note: This article is the third in a series previewing some of the issues facing the 2017 Montana Legislature. Legislators convene Jan. 2 in Helena.

A Christmas message

Every year about this time, liberals like to taunt conservatives such as myself by asking, “So how’s that war on Christmas going?” The implication from the disdain in their voices is that there is no such thing as a war on Christmas, and that only an idiot would say there is.

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Tourist concerned about safety in Whitefish

A Jewish tourist coming into Whitefish called the Whitefish Police Department and requested to speak with an officer regarding concerns of safety and security. He was advised to contact the FBI.

John Thomas McGrew, 70

John Thomas McGrew, 70, of Kalispell, was “welcomed home by our Heavenly Father” on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016.

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Rosalind Karina Williams, daughter of Danny and Nikki Williams, was born June 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Curtis Oliver Peterson, 85

Curtis Oliver Peterson completed his journey on earth on Dec. 22, 2016, at his home, in the loving care of his family.

Daniel Jon Hensley, 55

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dan Hensley.

Nativity sets depict manger scene where Jesus was born

Every year they come from around the world, traveling long distances to be part of the annual Community Christmas Celebration in Kalispell.

James Haldeman Armstrong Sr., 87

Dr. James Haldeman Armstrong Sr., 87, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at his home in Kalispell.

Charles 'Chuck' Arthur Breslin, 74

Charles “Chuck” Arthur Breslin, 74, of Missoula and Bigfork, passed away Dec. 16, 2016, at his home in Missoula after a strong and courageous battle with prostate cancer. He endured three battles with cancer in the last 15 years and he fought each one with valiant courage and a strong heart.

Public comment period open for U.S. 93 road project

The Montana Department of Transportation last week announced public comment is open regarding a new resurfacing project between U.S. 2 and Flathead Valley Community College.

New program provides grants to homebuyers

The Montana and Idaho Community Development Corporation, an economic development organization focused on boosting small and growing businesses, has awarded a Flathead Valley couple with the first down payment on their new home.

Legals December 24, 2016

No. 24085 MONTANA ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FLATHEAD COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRAD WAYNE TREAT, Deceased. Case No: DP-16-230D NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Somer J. Treat, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, in care of Thad A. Huse, HUSE LAW OFFICE, P.C., 430 Ryman St., P.O. Box7796, Missoula, Montana, 59807, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED THIS 8th day of November, 2016. By: /s/ Somer J. Treat Somer J. Treat Personal Representative DATED this 9th day of November, 2016. Huse Law Office, P.C. By:/s/ Thad A. Huse Thad A. Huse December 10, 17, 24, 2016 MNAXLP

Solidarity

People from across state and country send support to Whitefish community

• ‘For justice, freedom, love’

Political parties align ahead of special election

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke is still a month away from presumptively resigning from his U.S. Representative seat, and Montana Republican Central Committee Chairman Jeff Essmann said on Wednesday he’s already taken on a massive workload to coordinate the party’s next step in selecting a nominee.

Volunteers fill important role at medical center

There’s a growing department at Kalispell Regional Medical Center that’s not on the hospital’s payroll. And most of its members are dressed in pink.

Man with deadly criminal history given probation for burglary

Flathead District Court Judge David Ortley gave a Kalispell man with a long, deadly history of felony crimes a probationary sentence for a felony burglary on Dec. 15, over recommendations of a prosecutor to send him to prison.

Bryan D. Wilhelm, 57

Bryan D. Wilhelm, 57, of Kalispell died Dec. 20, 2016,

John Thomas McGrew, 70

John Thomas McGrew, 70, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, in Kalispell.

Marlene B. Carr, 92

Marlene B. Carr, 92, of Kalispell, died Dec. 22, 2016, in Kalispell.

Daniel Jon Hensley, 55

Daniel Jon Hensley, 55, of Kalispell, died Dec. 20, 2016, in Kalispell.

Curtis O. Peterson, 85

Curtis O. Peterson, 85, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at his home in Kalispell.

Woman retracts account of bar fight

A Kalispell woman called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to retract her statement as a witness to a bar fight that broke out the night before because she allegedly was highly intoxicated when she gave the account.

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n Freeze Out Camp through Kalispell Parks and Recreation will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elrod Elementary. Open to ages 5-13. Cost is $30 per day. Children should dress for the weather and be ready to play outside. Children should also bring a sack lunch and snacks. For more information call 758-7975.

Boy finds spirit of giving in annual toy drive

Six-year-old Carter Colby collected a record 262 toys this year for Christmas, but the toys aren’t for him.

Legals December 23, 2016

No. 24150 NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION BIGFORK ZONING DISTRICT The Board of Commissioners of Flathead County, Montana, hereby gives notice pursuant to Section 76-2-205(5), M.C.A., that it passed a resolution of intention (Resolution No. 956DE) on December 19, 2016, to change the zoning designation in a portion of the Bigfork Zoning Districts from SAG-10 (Suburban Agricultural) to SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural). The boundaries of the area proposed to be amended from SAG-10 to SAG-5 are described as: Tract 2 of Certificate of Survey No. 18233, situated, lying and being in the Government Lots 3 & 4 and in the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NE 1/4 SW 1/4 ) of Section 14, Township 27 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. The regulations defining the SAG-10 and SAG-5 zones are contained in the Flathead County Zoning Regulations, on file for public inspection at the Office of the Board of County Commissioners, Courthouse, 800 South Main, Kalispell, Montana, at the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, 40 11th Street West, Kalispell, Montana, and on the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office's website, at: http://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/downloads.php. Documents related to the proposed zone change are also on file for public inspection at the Office of Board of County Commissioners and the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office. For thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice, the Board of Commissioners will receive written protests to the change proposed for a portion of the Bigfork Zoning District from persons owning real property within Flathead County whose names appear on the last completed assessment roll of Flathead County and who either are registered voters in Flathead County or execute and acknowledge their protests before a notary public. DATED this 19th day of December, 2016. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Pamela J. Holmquist Pamela J. Holmquist, Chairman December 23, 30, 2016 MNAXLP

Hunter's sentence may send wrong signal

A Kalispell hunter says it was simply an honest mistake that led to a hefty $32,000 fine and the loss of his hunting and fishing privileges for 2 1/2 years. We tend to believe him, which makes the sentence rather extraordinary.

Montana native picked for Whitefish manager job

A Montana native who is the current village administrator of Kimberly, Wisconsin, will be Whitefish’s new city manager.

Coby Edgerton, 82

Coby Edgerton, 82, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, in Bigfork.

Ramone Eugene Corbeille, 88

Ramone Eugene Corbeille, 88, “met his maker” Dec. 8, 2016.

Kirk McElroy, 60

Kirk McElroy, 60, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, in Kalispell.

Brett Douglas Johnson, 57

Brett Douglas Johnson, 57, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at Kendall Memorial Hospital in Miami.

Daniel Jon Hensley, 55

Daniel Jon Hensley, 55, of Kalispell, died Dec. 20, 2016, in Kalispell.

Group of ruffians loose in downtown Kalispell

Kalispell Police were unable to locate a group of kids in downtown Kalispell who reportedly were trying to fight with strangers. A downtown business employee approached the youths before calling and the apparent leader, described as wearing a bandanna and a tank top, swung at the caller. Another person called about the same rowdy group, which apparently had chased the second caller for a few blocks. Neither caller wished to pursue charges after police were unable to locate the hooligans.

Suspended sentence revoked, then reinstated for sex offender, burglar

A man who was given a probationary sentence for his fifth felony conviction in June, with a stern warning from Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy to not return to court, was found in violation of the probationary sentence on Dec. 15. But at his sentencing hearing on Thursday, Eddy gave the man another chance in the community, with two new sentences, both suspended.

Two more charged in Ptarmigan Village thefts

A man and a woman have been charged in relation to a major burglary at Ptarmigan Village in Whitefish that occurred in October.

Wilderness and recreation activists find agreement on Bob Marshall expansion

Wilderness, conservation and recreation activists have wrapped up a proposal 10 years in the making that aims to extend 80,000 acres of designated wilderness to the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat and Mission Mountain areas.

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TODay

Man accused of burglarizing former employer

A Columbia Falls man has been charged with burglarizing an Evergreen business where he once was employed.

Lawmakers seek relief for encumbered justice system

Editor’s note: This article is second in a series previewing some of the issues facing the 2017 Montana Legislature. Legislators convene Jan. 2 in Helena.

Glacier adds 17 student-athletes to Wall of Fame

Glacier High School added 17 student-athletes to its Wall of Fame on Tuesday evening in a special ceremony prior to the Missoula Big Sky at Glacier wrestling dual.

Brock will be back

Don’t be mad at the Houston Texans.

Slick road a factor in bus crash

Upward of 35 students escaped relatively unscathed after a school bus tipped over Wednesday on a snow-packed KM Ranch Road near Whitefish.

Hunter hit with costly penalties after mishap

Jeff Fleming wishes he could take back the most expensive three seconds of his life.

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Rosalind Karina Williams, daughter of Danny and Nikki Williams, was born June 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bullock cancels Whitefish event

Gov. Steve Bullock has canceled today’s press conference in Whitefish, a spokesperson for the Governor’s Office said Wednesday.

Legals December 22, 2016

No. 24115 Montana 11th Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Mary Host: Mary Host, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-16-950B ROBERT B ALLISON NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Mary Elizabeth Host to Mary Elizabeth Clabo The hearing will be on 01/04/2017 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Flathead County. Date 11/25/16 PEG L ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: SARA EDMONDSON Deputy Clerk of Court December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2016 MNAXLP

OUT WITH A BANG Previewing the Flathead Valley's New Year's Eve celebrations

How about this year, huh? The calendar will flip from 2016 to 2017 in a matter of days and in some parts the end can’t come soon enough. It’s a year that’s been marred by increased tension both domestically and abroad, and speckled with the untimely deaths of some of the world’s great entertainers.

Jameson and the Sordid Seeds unveil new EP

‘Me and Eugene’ release party Dec. 30 at Craggy Range in Whitefish

Jameson and the Sordid Seeds’ latest EP may only be five tracks long, but the four-piece band packed a long line of Flathead Valley musicians to complement its own unique sound in ‘Me and Eugene,’ the quartet’s latest release.

Marjorie Louise (deWit) Lindsey, 76

Marjorie Louise (deWit) Lindsey, 76, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, after a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer, years after surviving breast cancer in her 40s.

'Paint with Passion' parties spread message of peace

The first time Leslie Clayborn and Brooke Nelson brought a dozen or so of their friends together for a night of wine, cheese, painting and catharsis — shortly after this year’s election — it was supposed to be a one-time thing.

Wildkats shoot past Bigfork

BIGFORK — Columbia Falls made 11 3-pointers in its nonconference girls basketball game against Bigfork on Thursday, burying the Vals in a 58-22 victory to stay unbeaten this season.

Vikings blast Columbia Falls

COLUMBIA FALLS — Bigfork built huge leads in the first and third quarters to overtake Columbia Falls 65-51 in a nonconference boys basketball contest on Thursday night.

Whitefish wrestlers split dual action

WHITEFISH — Mateo Quinones (113), Owen Targerson (120), Bridger Wenzel (132) and Parker Adler (138) all won by pin as Polson defeated Whitefish 51-22 in a Northwest A dual wrestling match on Thursday evening.

Montana's oldest fishing derby

Northwest Montana residents love to fish and love friendly sports competition. So it’s natural to combine both of these loves into ice fishing contests.

Conservation groups challenge Swan timber sale

Four conservation groups filed suit in Federal District Court in Missoula on Friday, challenging a large logging and fuels-reduction project near Condon in the Flathead National Forest.

Stand up against evil and stand with your neighbors

It is deeply troubling that our community — one of the most blessedly serene and inviting places in the world — has been targeted by outsiders with an agenda of intolerance and hatred.

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TODay

New Herberger's department spotlights local crafts

The Kalispell Herberger’s this month became a bit more localized with the addition of a new department highlighting local crafters and merchandise.

Legals December 21, 2016

No. 24153 LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposals Availability of Land for Lease The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Kalispell Unit Office (KU) is Requesting Proposals for the Lease of Lands Owned by the State of Montana. The property proposed for lease is approximately 1.26 acres in size and is a portion of the Spring Prairie Planned Unit Development located within the City of Kalispell, Montana. More specifically, the property is located SW1/2 SW1/4 NE1/4 Section 36, Township 29 North, Range 22 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. The subject property is bounded on the NE by Old Reserve Drive, on the NW by Treeline Road (constructed and will be dedicated as part of the subdivision) and on the south by the Kidsports complex. A full grade separated interchange at US 93A and Old Reserve Drive and was recently completed in fall of 2016. All private and public utilities and services are located nearby. The successful proponent will be required to complete a ground lease on the subject property within sixty (60) days of selection. Request For Proposal (RFP) documents and additional information can be found at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/real-estate/commercial-leasing/available-for-lease-now . Questions and additional information requests should be addressed to the DNRC Kalispell Unit Office, Attn: Anne Shaw Moran, 655 Timberwolf Parkway, Suite 2, Kalispell, MT 59901 or via email by submitting a request to Anne Shaw Moran at the following email address asmoran@mt.gov with "Treeline One Lease Proposal" in the subject line. The Kalispell Unit Office must receive all proposals by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2017. Late proposals and postmarks will not be accepted or considered. The DNRC reserves the right to reject all proposals and extend the proposal deadline. /s/ Anne Shaw Moran Anne Shaw Moran, Unit Planner DNRC-KU December 21, 28, 2016 MNAXLP

Whitefish stands up to neo-Nazi offensive

In the wake of a vicious neo-Nazi online campaign to harass and “troll” Whitefish businesses, its Jewish community and the Love Lives Here advocacy group, community residents today are dropping off notes of support and gift baskets for those targeted by the social media blitzkrieg.

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Glacier girls blast Butte in basketball

BUTTE — Glacier held Butte to four points in the opening quarter and just three for the second half for an easy 48-16 Class AA nonconference girls basketball victory on Wednesday.

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Kalispell man sentenced in underage sex sting

Flathead District Court Judge David Ortley told a Kalispell man at a Dec. 15 sentencing that he did not adhere to the idea that felony charges resulting from an online sex sting amount to a “victimless crime.”

Tribes declare 'invasive species emergency'

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes announced Tuesday evening they have declared an “invasive species emergency” on the Flathead Indian Reservation in response to invasive mussels detected in Central Montana last month.

Man sentenced for serious crash

A man received a 10-year suspended sentence Dec. 15 for felony criminal endangerment after causing a 2014 crash that left him and woman seriously injured.

No new signs of mussels

Testing of water samples taken throughout Montana has been completed with no new detections of invasive mussel larvae, according to the incident-command team assembled last month to address the issue.

Invasive species funding emerges as legislative priority

Editor’s note: This article begins a series previewing some of the issues facing the 2017 Montana Legislature. Legislators convene Jan. 2 in Helena.

Drug users in trees leave needles behind

Columbia Falls Police received a report of a syringe left in a tree behind the caller’s building. The caller told dispatch that the syringe was full of some substance, but didn’t know what.

Allen Hawley, 79

Allen Hawley, 79, died Dec. 19, 2016, in Kalispell.

Lynn Marie Dukelow, 75

Lynn Marie Dukelow, 75, of Somers, died at her home on Dec. 15, 2016.

Allen Whitaker, 74

Allen Whitaker, 74, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, in Whitefish.

Katherine Gray, 87

Katherine Gray, 87, died Dec. 20, 2016, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Etheljane 'E.J.' Clutter, 85

Etheljane “E.J.” Graffis Clutter, 85, passed away on Dec. 10, 2016, in Kalispell.

Virginia L. Lockner, 71

Virginia L. Lockner, 71, died Dec. 18, 2016, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.

Kacey Camille Scott, 40

Kacey Camille Scott was born in Fresno, California, on Oct. 28, 1976, and died at Oro Valley Hospital, Arizona, on Dec. 9, 2016, of organ failure.

Diane Marie Stevens, 60

Diane Marie Stevens, 60, of Kalispell, passed away Dec. 18, 2016.

Pedestrian recovering after Monday incident

A man struck by a Ford pickup truck on East Idaho Street in Kalispell Monday evening is recovering in fair condition at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, according to a hospital spokesman.

Three new officers join Kalispell police force

New police officers Sean Keller, Dan Williams and Justin Turner were confirmed Monday by the Kalispell City Council.

Xanterra buys new lodge in Columbia Falls

Developer Mick Ruis has sold the Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls to Xanterra Parks and Resorts.

Man sentenced for 6th DUI

A man has been given a suspended sentence for driving under the influence of alcohol for a sixth time after allegedly taking out a guardrail in a Sept. 30 crash.

Man claims mental illness caused assaultive rampage

A man testified Thursday that he was not in his right mind when he went on an assaultive rampage at the Appleway Apartments in Kalispell on Aug. 6.

Nominations taken for Peacemaker of the Year

Nominations are being sought for an individual or organization to be named Flathead Valley’s “Peacemaker of the Year.”

Gift brightens firefighter's holidays

A former volunteer fireman will have his wish come true this Christmas thanks to his son-in-law’s resourcefulness.

Family ice sculpture a beacon for holiday spirit

It’s probably hard for drivers to not stop at the sight of a 20-foot-tall, Christmas-lit ice structure in the Olsen family’s yard between their home and Helena Flats Road. At night, the stalactites make the structure look like a glacial chandelier illuminated by Christmas lights woven underneath the ice.

Massive display is centerpiece for Blasdels' Christmas

There’s a reason why Connie Blasdel sets up her display of ceramic Christmas houses every other year — it’s a labor-intensive project.

Legals December 20, 2016

No. 24148 PUBLIC NOTICE FOR AIR QUALITY PERMIT Notice of Application for a Montana Air Quality Permit (MAQP), pursuant to Sections 75-2-211 and 75-2-215, MCA, and the Air Quality Rules. CHS Mountain West Co-op - Kalispell has filed, on or about December 13 2016, an application for a MAQP or a modification to an existing MAQP from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Applicant(s) seeks approval of its application for: Construction of a grain elevator and dry fertilizer plant. The facility will have truck receiving and rail and truck shipping for grain; it will have truck and rail receiving and truck shipping for dry fertilizer. The facility will have a grain dryer, associated structures, and unpaved driveway access. The proposed location is approximately one mile northeast of central Kalispell in an area that is being developed as an industrial park. The legal description of the site is: Section 8, Township 28N, Range 21W in Flathead County, Montana. Within 40 days of the receipt of a completed application, the Department will make a preliminary determination whether the permit should be issued, issued with conditions, or denied. Any member of the public with questions or who wishes to receive notice of the preliminary determination, and the location where a copy of the application and the Department's analysis of it can be reviewed, or to submit comments on the preliminary determination, must contact the Department at the Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Bureau, Permitting Services Section Supervisor at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, MT 59620-0901, telephone (406) 444-3490. Any comments on the preliminary determination must be submitted to the Department within the specified timeframe (within 15 or 30 days after the preliminary determination is issued). Dec. 20, 2016 MNAXLP

Erling Donald Kruse, 66

Erling Donald Kruse, 66, of Great Falls, passed away Dec. 6, 2016, at home.

Pedestrian injured by vehicle

A man was struck and seriously injured by a motor vehicle on East Idaho Street late Monday evening, between the overpass and the Woodland Avenue intersection.

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Christmas spirit hacked away

Glacier takes first in regional speech and debate tournament

At least six Class AA schools dropped out of the Western Regional Speech and Debate Tournament due to severe weather on Friday and Saturday. This left only Flathead and Glacier to compete in Class AA. Eight teams in Class A and Class B-C from as far as Corvallis braved frigid temperatures to compete in Kalispell this weekend.

Ronan girls continue hot start to season

RONAN — The Ronan girls dominated Missoula Loyola-Sacred Heart in the first half to run away with a 65-39 District 6B conference basketball victory on Monday.

Stillwater girls silence Glacier sophs

The Stillwater Christian girls built up a large lead in the first quarter and rode it to a 35-21 nonconference victory at the Glacier sophomores on Monday.

Salvation Army finds gold coin in Bigfork bucket

The Salvation Army has struck gold again.

Good Samaritans deliver tasty fare to those in need

Dick and Marian Reed’s Christmas gift to the Flathead Valley’s less fortunate residents is a dish familiar to many: rotisserie chicken from Costco.

C. Falls' generosity tops Salvation Army competition

Call it a “four-peat” for Columbia Falls.

Police ask for help finding indecent exposure suspect

Kalispell Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man reportedly involved in an indecent exposure incident that occurred Monday around 8 a.m. near Linderman Education Center in Kalispell.

Polson High School makes the honor roll

Polson High School has made the honor roll.

Botanist finds balance in theater

It’s no wonder Jen Asebrook was hired as the publicist for the Whitefish Theatre Co.

Author donates to families affected by illness

Angela Townsend’s young son, Levi, was going blind.

Legals December 19, 2016

No. 24111 NOTICE OF SALE FOR STATE SCHOOL TRUST LAND The Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will offer the following parcels of state land located in Flathead County, for sale at public auction on January 25, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., at the DNRC Northwest Land Office, 655 Timberwolf Parkway, Suite 1, Kalispell, MT, under terms and conditions provided herein. Sale No. 828 Acres: 0.879 Legal Description: Lot 24, COS 18885, Echo Lake, Sec. 5, T27N-R19W Minimum Bid for Land: $160,000 Value of Improvements on Property: $240,000 Location: 1898 La Brant Road #24, Bigfork, MT 59911 Sale No. 829 Acres: 1.54 Legal Description: Lot 34, COS 18885, Echo Lake, Sec. 5, T27N-R19W Minimum Bid for Land: $300,000 Value of Improvements on Property: $80,000 Location: 1690 La Brant Road #34, Bigfork, MT 59911 Sale No. 830 Acres: 2.708 Legal Description: Lot 28, COS 19909, McGregor Lake, Sec. 16, T26N-R25W Minimum Bid for Land: $220,000 Value of Improvements on Property: $180,000 Location: 690 McGregor Lane, Marion, MT 59925 Sale No. 833 Acres: 4.15 Legal Description, SW4NW4, Sec. 28, T32N-R23W Minimum Bid for Land: $150,000 Value of Improvements on Property: $230,000 Location: 6501 N US Highway 93N, Olney, MT 59927 BID PARTICIPATION A bid packet containing an Offer to Purchase and Bid Deposit Receipt Form and Invitation to Purchase State Land at Public Oral Auction and General Terms & Conditions for Sale is available on the website: http://dnrc.mt.gov/cabinsitesales or from DNRC upon request. For Open House dates go to http://dnrc.mt.gov/cabinsitesales. All persons wishing to participate in the auction, on or before January 5, 2017, must submit a bid deposit in the form of a certified check made payable to DNRC equal to five percent (5%) of the minimum bid indicated for that parcel. In addition, an Offer to Purchase and Bid Deposit Receipt Form must be completed and submitted with each bid deposit. Failure to submit the Offer to Purchase and Bid Deposit Receipt Form as provided herein will prohibit participation in the auction. All Offer to Purchase and Bid Deposit Receipt Forms and payments must be sent to the address shown below. DNRC, Attn: Alex Ceaicovschi, PO Box 201601, 1539 11th Ave., Helena, MT 59620-1601, (406) 444-1445 or aceaicovschi@mt.gov. TERMS OF SALE for SALE Nos.828, 829, 830 & 833: 1. The improvements and any other personal property on the cabin/home sites are owned by the lessee or other 3rd party. The successful bidder shall be required to pay the appraised value of the improvements in addition to the purchase price of the cabin/home site determined by the highest bid at the auction in accordance with M.C.A. §77-2-318. 2. The minimum acceptable bids for the land are the values indicated above. 3. The parcel will be sold to the high bidder of that parcel. However, the current lessee of the parcel shall retain the option to exercise their preference right for purchase by matching the high bid for that parcel. If that right is exercised, the lessee will be deemed the purchaser of the parcel. If the preference right is not exercised, the high bidder shall be deemed to be the purchaser. The high bidder will be responsible to pay the lessee for the value of improvements located on the property. 4. In addition to the purchase price for each parcel and the purchase of the improvement, the purchaser shall also be responsible for the following costs (if applicable to that particular sale) including, but not limited to: Advertising, Appraisal, Filing fees, Water Right Transfers, Cost of Closing. All inquiries, bid deposits, or requests for forms are to be sent to: DNRC, Attn: Alex Ceaicovschi, PO Box 201601, 1539 11th Ave., Helena, MT 59620-1601, (406) 444-1445 or aceaicovschi@mt.gov. November 28, and December 5, 12, 19, 2016 MNAXLP

Monday Profile: Jen Asebrook

Ryan Zinke brings honor to state and country

We are unashamedly Ryan Zinke boosters.

Howard Duane Hamilton, 87

Howard Duane Hamilton, 87, passed away Dec. 12, 2016, at his home in Whitefish surrounded by those he loved dearly.

Brian Hensleigh, 28

Brian Hensleigh was born on July 15, 1988, in Kalispell, to Tom and Mitzi Hensleigh. 

Virginia Lee Colvin, 87

Virginia Lee Colvin, 87, formerly of Rollins, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas.

Holiday luncheon built around special china

One of Francis and Karlene Osario-Khor’s beloved Christmas traditions began with Karlene being in the right place at the right time.

Winter season direct flights launch this weekend

The holiday flight schedule is up and running at Glacier Park International Airport, bringing new visitors to the Flathead Valley from key metropolitan areas.

Legals December 18, 2016

No. 24143 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FLATHEAD COUNTY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT The Flathead County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on the items listed below on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 beginning at 6:00 PM in the 2nd Floor Conference Room of the South Campus Building, 40 11th Street West, Ste 200, Kalispell, Montana. 1. A request by Scott & Megan Lester for a conditional use permit to establish a 'Camp and Retreat Center' on property located within the Highway 93 North Zoning District and zoned R-2.5 Rural Residential. The subject properties are located at 230 and 250 Bauer Way and contain approximately 65 acres. The applicants are proposing to develop a camp and retreat center incorporating farming and agricultural themed educational and recreational outdoor activities and cabins for farm stays. The properties can legally be described as Tracts 6, 6E, 6F and 6G in Section 19, Township 29 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. 2. A request by Monica Harris & Lisa Gilbert for a conditional use permit to establish a 'Camp and Retreat Center' on property located within the Bigfork Zoning District and zoned AG-20 Agricultural. The applicant intends to develop a camp and retreat center incorporating a wilderness retreat with agricultural themed educational outdoor activities and 'artists in residence.' The subject property is located at 500 Wild Swan Trail and contains approximately 20 acres. The property can legally be described as Tract 2AA in Section 36, Township 27 North, Range 19 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. This item will be reviewed by the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee (BLUAC) on Thursday, December 29, 2016 @ 4:00 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Highway 35 in Bigfork. 3. A request by Tailing Loop Winery, LLC for a conditional use permit to establish a 'tavern' specifically a domestic winery and tasting room on property within the Willow Glen Zoning District and zoned 'B-2/EEO General Business/Evergreen Enterprise Overlay'. The subject properties are located at 1490 and 1498 Highway 35 in Evergreen and contain approximately 1.3 acres. The parcels can legally be described as Tracts 4-2 and 4-3 in Section 04, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. All decisions made by the Board of Adjustment are considered final actions. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting to make their views or concerns known to the Board. Written comments are strongly encouraged and should be received by the Flathead County Planning & Zoning Office, no later than 5:00 pm, January 3, 2017. Information and documents pertaining to the above requests are on file in the Flathead County Planning & Zoning Office, 40 11th Street West, Ste 220 Kalispell, MT 59901, and may be reviewed during regular office hours, or you may call (406) 751-8200 for more information. Please note agenda items are subject to change without notice. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Elaine Nelson at the Flathead County Commissioner's Office at 758-5503 or TTY (800) 335-7592, or call Montana Relay at 711. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. /S/ Mark Mussman Mark Mussman, CFM® Planning Director December 18, 2016 MNAXLP

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Kootenai tree destined for Capitol lawn in 2017

Northwest Montana will supply an extra member to the Treasure State’s delegation in Washington, D.C., next Christmas.

An appeal to Whitefish: Live and let live

Through a series of fortuitous events in 2004, we discovered Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. On our first trip, we knew this was the place we wanted to build a future for our family. We bought our lot on Big Mountain, began a lasting friendship with our Realtor and his wife, and set our plans in motion to build our home, with dreams of creating many memories for us, our children, and grandchildren: skiing, fishing, hiking, sharing Christmases with friends and family and enjoying all that this very beautiful part of the world has to offer.

Can't we all just get along? Not on the internet apparently

Perhaps etiquette will catch up with the internet some day, but I am doubtful.

Braves knock off Wildcats

The Flathead boys held off a late rally from Columbia Falls to pull out a 55-45 nonconference basketball victory at home on Saturday night.

Columbia Falls girls beat Bravettes

Columbia Falls continued its undefeated start to the season, pulling away from Flathead in the second quarter to win a girls nonconference basketball game on Saturday at Flathead High School, 57-42.

Alt-right shadow hangs over Whitefish

The national spotlight that continues to illuminate white nationalist leader Richard Spencer and his alt-right movement also has put Whitefish in the limelight in ways that are uncomfortable not only for the town’s residents but also Spencer’s own parents.

Family ice sculpture a beacon for holiday spirit

It’s probably hard for drivers to not stop at the sight of a 20-foot-tall, Christmas-lit ice structure in the Olsen family’s yard between their home and Helena Flats Road. At night, the stalactites make the structure look like a glacial chandelier illuminated by Christmas lights woven underneath the ice.

Legals December 17, 2016

No. 24117 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF FLATHEAD IN THE MATTER OF: I.W.S., YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE Cause No. DN-16-001(A) SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION To: Camille Waloke Bratton YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition has been filed in the above-entitled Court by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division, 121 Financial Drive, Suite C, Kalispell, MT 59901, requesting Termination of Birth Mother's Parental Rights with Permanent Legal Custody and Right to Consent to Adoption and for Approval of Permanency Plan of the above-named child. NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. before the Honorable Amy Eddy, District Judge, Flathead County Justice Center, 920 South Main Street, Third Floor, Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why the Petition should not be granted. The child was born on September 23, 2015 in Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana. The birth father is Tyler Scott Smith. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent you. Your failure to appear at the hearing constitutes a denial of your interest in the above-named child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. A copy of the Petition is filed with the Clerk of District Court for the Eleventh Judicial District Court in and for Flathead County, Montana, telephone (406) 758-5870. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 28th day of November, 2016. PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: RACHAEL C MITCHELL Deputy Clerk December 3, 10, 17, 2016 MNAXLP

BBALL ROUNDUP: Stillwater smokes FVHS

Austin Brown scored 34 points to lead Stillwater Christian to an 85-43 Montana Christian Athletic Association Western Division boys basketball vicotory over rival Flathead Valley Homeschool on Friday night at Stillwater Christian School.

Energy company considering Flathead for new plant

A Whitefish businessman is trumpeting plans to build a manufacturing facility in the Flathead Valley capable of supporting 1,000 new jobs. While the proposed venture has been met with cautious optimism from local business and community leaders, a number of significant hurdles stand in the way.

Students share veterans' stories in new calendar

Faith Blackaby, 13, and Jillian Wynne, 12, of Kalispell spent last summer brainstorming on a project to help the community. What the pair learned through the process affected them in a way they didn’t anticipate. 

Blacktail opening brings frigid temps, warm smiles

Opening day at Blacktail Mountain saw a host of faithful powder hounds despite temperatures at 9 below zero.

Special election likely to decide Zinke successor

Trinity Lutheran Kindergarten Christmas Carols

From left, Graham Rennie, Noah Carter, and Samuel Burns, along with other students in Susan Junk's afternoon kindergarten class at Trinity Lutheran sing Christmas carols to residents at Welcov Healthcare Assisted Living on Friday, December 16, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

White nationalist eyes Zinke's congressional seat

White nationalist leader Richard Spencer said Friday he is considering running for Montana’s lone congressional seat if the U.S. Senate confirms Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Whitefish, as President-elect Donald Trump’s secretary of the interior.

Author Angela Townsend

Author Angela Townsend at McGarvy and Townsend offices on Friday, Dec. 16, in Kalispell. Townsend is donating copies of her book to kids at Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia.

Montana Life: Nativity Scenes Display

The hundreds of Nativity sets on display represent the work of artists from around the world. They’re offered for display by residents from the greater Flathead Valley area, as far south as Paradise and as far north as Eureka. Some crèche collectors share their collections for the event. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Before you cruise, embark on a fun-finding mission in your port city

'Tracking Gobi Grizzlies'

Viscosity Cabaret

Legals December 16, 2016

No. 24119 MONTAN ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FLATHEAD COUNTY Dakota Brown, Petitioner, Vs. Jeffery W. Pierce-Metteer Respondent. Your Case No. DR-16-808C Summons for Publication THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: You the Respondent, are hereby summoned to answer the Petition in this action, which is filed with the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Petitioner within twenty days after service of this Summons, Exclusive of the day of service: and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. This action is brought to obtain resolution and agreement on Permanent Parenting Plan. DATED this 29th day of November, 2016 PEG L ALLISON Clerk of Court By: RACHAEL C MITCHELL Deputy Clerk December 2, 9, 16, 2016 MNAXLP

Zinke confirms he will accept nomination as secretary of interior

BBALL ROUNDUP: Wildkats fend off Frenchtown

COLUMBIA FALLS — The Columbia Falls girls ran out to a 22-2 lead in the first quarter and held off a fiesty Frenchtown squad for a 58-49 win in a Northwest A conference basketball game on Thursday night.

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BASKETBALL: Flathead girls romp Polson

Bravettes defense strong in 52-17 nonconference win

The Flathead girls dominated Polson in a 52-17 nonconference win to move to 3-1 this season.

Zinke's accepts job as Trump's interior secretary

Ryan Zinke, the Republican Congressman representing Montana’s at-large U.S. House district, on Thursday announced he had accepted President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Secretary of the Interior.

Special election likely to decide Zinke successor

With Montana’s lone congressman set to join President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet, Montana officials anticipate a special election being held for the open seat in the U.S. House sometime early in 2017.

Fate of Frank Lloyd Wright building still undecided

Plans to redevelop the commercial property where the historic Frank Lloyd Wright building is located in downtown Whitefish are still moving forward, but the building owner also is exploring whether the 1958 masonry building can be moved.

Salvation Army City and Chamber of Commerce Kettle Competition

Columbia Falls City Councilman Dave Petersen uses money from Smith's to match a donation from Leeann Lantrip at the Smith's grocery store in Columbia Falls on Thursday, December 15. Bell ringers were at locations around the valley including Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Evergreen, Bigfork and Lakeside competing to see who can raise the most money in a single day. This year Kalispell was not able to participate this year due to a scheduling conflict. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Blacktail opens Friday with 100 percent of terrain

Blacktail Mountain in Lakeside opens Friday with fresh snow and 100 percent of its terrain ready for skiers and snowboarders.

Arctic intrusion to bring subzero wind chills, drifting snow

An arctic air-mass out of Canada is expected to bring dangerous conditions into Western Montana later today. Blowing and drifting snow is expected to begin this evening around 9 p.m., and get worse through the overnight, the National Weather Service in Missoula warned Thursday. 

Joseph Lyle Cunningham Jr., 85

Whitefish resident Joseph Lyle Cunningham Jr. died in the early evening on Dec. 13, 2016, in Kalispell. Passing away after a long illness, he was 85 years young. Known as Lyle by all who knew him, he was surrounded by members of his family at the time of his passing. 

Jean Brooner Tyler, 89

Jean Brooner Tyler, 89, passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 11, 2016, in Salt Lake City. 

Zinke confirms he will accept nomination as Interior secretary

This Week in the Flathead | Dec. 15-21

'Yuletide XIII' poised for another sold-out run

The 12-year sell-out streak isn’t about to come to an end.

Vacant showroom is site of disco fundraiser

Whitefish event to benefit Share Your Voice foundation

In early November, when Piney Creek Interiors moved its store from 100 Central Ave. in Whitefish to a more convenient space across town, real estate agent Tanya Gersh had a sprawling, hollow room and an idea.

'Fight Before Christmas' cabaret hits Whitefish bar

The Viscosity Cabaret takes the stage at the Great Northern Bar in Whitefish for three nights, Dec. 19-21, with its raucous holiday show “Fight Before Christmas.”

Legals December 15, 2016

No. 24115 Montana 11th Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Mary Host: Mary Host, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-16-950B ROBERT B ALLISON NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Mary Elizabeth Host to Mary Elizabeth Clabo The hearing will be on 01/04/2017 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Flathead County. Date 11/25/16 PEG L ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: SARA EDMONDSON Deputy Clerk of Court December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2016 MNAXLP

Dispensaries restocking shelves; patients renewing registration

A week after a judge cleared the path for expanded access to medical marijuana in Montana, dispensaries are working to restock shelves and patients are trying to reinstate their cannabis registration with the state. 

Whitefish author, biologist tracks Mongolian bears

For the better part of the last five years, Doug Chadwick’s mornings began with the soft glow of the sun rising over the hard, tan earth of the Gobi Desert. While his Mongolian colleagues slept, Chadwick would hike the hills and mountains alone before returning to camp for a breakfast of noodle soup with dried camel meat. 

Communities ringing Thursday for red-kettle collections

Columbia Falls is aiming for a fourth consecutive win in the annual Salvation Army City and Chamber of Commerce Kettle Competition that gets underway Thursday in the Flathead Valley.

Montana Life: Christmas Collection

Detail of the Christmas house collection of Connie Blasdel. The collection consists of more than 350 pieces and is so large she only sets it up every few years rather than every year. The collection will be up until at least the end of January. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Spotted Bear ranger named Forester of Year

The Flathead Chapter of the Society of American Foresters has honored Deb Mucklow with the 2016 Field Forester of the Year award.

Legals December 14, 2016

No. 24126 CITY OF COLUMBIA FALLS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING INTENT TO CREATE SID 38 The Columbia Falls City Council will hold a public hearing for the purpose of declaring their intent to create SID 38, Riverwood Subdivision water and sewer services and roadway reconstruction, Monday, December 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 130 6th ST. West, Columbia Falls, MT. The SID 38 Riverwood Subdivision details are available for review at the office of the City Clerk, City of Columbia Falls 130 6th Street West, Columbia Falls, MT. Persons may testify at the hearing or submit written comments prior to the meeting. Written comment may be addressed to the City Clerk at 130 6th Street West, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 or delivered in person to the City Council during the hearing. Dated this 5th Day of December, 2016 Barb Staaland City Clerk December 7, 14, 2016 MNAXLP

BASKETBALL: Glacier hoops sweeps Polson

Trailing most of the game to a tough Polson squad, the Glacier boys retook the lead late in the fourth quarter and held on to win a nonconference basketball game 58-53 on Tuesday.

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Ryan Zinke at Trump Tower

Rep. Ryan Zinke, right, R-Mont., arrives in Trump Tower, in New York, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Trump taps Zinke for interior secretary

A Whitefish native and Montana’s lone U.S. Congressman, Republican Ryan Zinke has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to join the next administration’s Cabinet as Secretary of the Interior.

City sniffs out funding options for dog park

Residents hounding for a dog park in Kalispell are closer than ever to getting their wish. 

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Casey Palmer of Natural Solutions stands in his shop on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Flathead Valley Community College Associate Professor of Surveying and Natural Resources demonstrates the uses of the GIS augmented reality sandbox at the college on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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With the GIS augmented reality sandbox students are able to create 3-D topographic display. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Legals December 13, 2016

No. 24142 The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Stillwater Unit, is proposing the Glen Mud Timber Sale Project, which would harvest 1 to 3 million board feet (MMbf) of sawtimber. Regeneration harvests as well as commercial and pre-commercial thinning operations would occur on 200-300 acres of State Trust lands located approximately 5 miles east of Eureka, MT. Harvesting would occur in portions of sections 16 and 36, T36N, R26W in Lincoln County. The Common Schools trust would receive income from this project. To obtain further information, contact Montana DNRC Stillwater Unit, Tye Sundt, P.O. Box 164, Olney, MT 59927, 406-881-2674; or email Tye Sundt at tsundt@mt.gov. The comment period is open until January 11, 2017. December 13, 2016 MNAXLP

Reports: Trump taps Zinke for Interior

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has offered Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke the job of interior secretary, though it's unclear whether the congressman has accepted, two people with knowledge of the offer said Tuesday.

New director named for avalanche center

The director of the avalanche center in Crested Butte, Colorado, has been selected to lead avalanche forecasting for Northwest Montana beginning this winter.

Country Country Skiing in Whitefish

From right, Megan Keenan and Ingrid Anderson take to the trails at the Glacier Nordic Club on Tuesday, December 13, in Whitefish. Anderson is pulling her 7-month-old daughter Eloise along for the ride. The club opened to the public on Monday, December 5. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Karlene Osorio-Kohr and her husband Francis place silverware as they prepare for their anuall Christmas luncheon at their home in Kalispell on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Spode china adorns the table for the annual Christmas luncheon. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Tips to 'get a grip' this winter

Regaining Confidence and Intimacy After Childbirth

5 parent tips for picking the right video games

At Home Dec 2016 Cover

At Home Dec 2016

6 green gift ideas everyone can love

Event raises awareness, funds for homeless youth

‘When the Night Comes’

Despite a chilling temperature of just 12 degrees and an ample amount of snow, about 84 people camped outside Saturday night in tents and vehicles to raise awareness and donations to shelter homeless, unaccompanied teens in the Flathead.

The Top 5 Most Common Eye Health Risks

Winter Day View

A winter view from Good Creek Road in Olney on Monday morning, December 12. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Everyday gourmet: 5 simple ways to dress up your dishes

Staying safe on winter roads

Rebel against rogue investing and the dark side of market forces with these 7 tips

5 tips to make your holiday driver safer this year

Onward! 4 ways explorers can enjoy China's ancient capital

Get the big bow ready: 4 tips for buying a used car

The greatest gift: How big data will help save lives this holiday season

How youth team sports are shaping kids' and teens' values on and off the field

Assisted living worker documents residents' lives

While a lot of people spend a minority of their time with their community’s elders, Julia Sweeney has always been drawn to older generations, who she calls her teachers. Her curiosity around stories of the past pulled her into a career surrounded by clusters of aging societies.

Monday Profile: Julia Sweeney

The Springs at Whitefish Life Enrichment Director Julia Sweeney on Friday, Dec. 9. 

Kalispell man's Christmas collection spans 50 years

Duane Enger likes to collect things. Antiques and souvenirs from around the world line the shelves of his Kalispell home. This time of year, though, many of his usual displays are tucked away to make way for a Christmas collection the 87-year-old has assembled over a half century.

Hattie Victoria (nee Jirges) Polensky, 89

Hattie Victoria (nee Jirges) Polensky, 89

Donald G. Lucas, 86

Donald G. Lucas “entered into eternal rest” peacefully Dec. 8, 2016, following complications of Parkinson’s disease. 

Eldon 'Roy' Truman, 59

Eldon “Roy” Truman passed away, surrounded by family and friends, Dec. 5, 2016. 

Dennis H. Stack, 82

Dennis passed away Nov. 30, 2016, in St. George, Utah, from congestive heart failure, with his wife Karol and daughter Erin by his side. 

Like her politics or not, Rankin's place in history is undisputed

Two important anniversaries converged in the past month that provide a significant vantage point on Montana’s penchant for independence and darned cussedness — as personified by one lone congresswoman.

Basketball roundup: Wolfpack can't wrangle Rustlers

The Glacier girls dropped their opening game of the season on Saturday, falling to Great Falls C.M. Russell 49-41 at home in a nonconference Class AA basketball game.

Flathead Electric is county's biggest taxpayer

Flathead Electric Cooperative is far and away the biggest property taxpayer in Flathead County and will pump more than $5.2 million into Flathead County tax coffers for the 2016 tax year.

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Glacier forward Anna Schrade (23) and guard Cadie Williams (5) go for a loose ball as C.M. Russell's Mady Skawinski passes it to a teammate. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Dylan Singleton, 6, goes off a jump as Otis, a Labrador-St. Bernard mix, chases him down the hill while sledding at Dry Bridge Park in Kalispell on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Six-year-old Dylan Singleton is chased by Otis, a Labrador-St. Bernard mix, as he sleds down the hill at Dry Bridge Park in Kalispell on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier guard McKenna Hulslander splits two Rustler defenders as she puts up a shot during the third quarter at Glacier on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

'When the Night Comes'

Timber industry urges tariff on Canadian imports

For the first time in more than a decade, the U.S. lumber industry is again pushing to impose trade tariffs on Canada over alleged timber subsidies.

Food processors tap into Sykes' commercial facility

Dan Erickson spent several hours dicing 65 pounds of tomatoes on Friday before he launched into making a big batch of salsa in Sykes’ commercial kitchen in Kalispell.

Enrollment report shows most schools gain students

Most Flathead Valley classrooms are more crowded than last year, according to a recent county-wide enrollment report.

Flathead nips CMR in triple OT

Eric Seaman hit a free throw with less than a second to play in the third overtime, giving Flathead a 70-69 Class AA nonconference boys basketball win over Great Falls C.M. Russell on Friday evening at Flathead High School.

Kalispell girl battling cancer granted special wish

For Thelma Mae Briney, the only thing better than going to Disney World with her family will be a 45-minute one-on-one visit with Donald Duck.

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Flathead guard Eric Seaman puts up a shot between two Rustler defenders during the first quarter at Flathead on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Verona Harshbarger, 77

Medicaid changes loom with Trump election

As Montana’s Medicaid expansion turns a year old next month, supporters and opponents are looking to the act’s future with the looming possibility of national health-care reform.

3 tips to protect your home this winter

Flathead Electric

Flathead Electric Cooperative workers repair a power pole and lines on Shady Lane in Kalispell on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

24 Days of Christmas Cover

24 Days of Christmas

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Thelma Mae Briney, 3 makes Donald Duck smile in her bedroom in Kalispell on Wednesday. Briney and her family are getting a Make-a-Wish trip to Disney World and she will get to meet Donald Duck. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Thelma Mae Briney, 3, holds a stuffed animal Donald Duck in her bedroom in Kalispell on Wednesday. Briney and her family are getting a Make-a-Wish trip to Disney World and she will get to meet Donald Duck. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Brad and Mandy Briney stand with their children Elliott and Thelma Mae at their home in Kalispell. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

County pickup truck lost in roadside fire

No one was injured when a Flathead County-owned asphalt truck caught fire off U.S. 2 north of Evergreen on Friday afternoon.

5 smart steps to preserving brain health

Sykes' Commerical Kitchen

Daniel Erickson, “Dan the Salsa Man” chops tomatoes as he does the prep work for a batch of his Blaine Mountain Salsa on Friday morning, December 9, in the commercial kitchen at Sykes’ in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

How technology can save your love life

6 simple strategies for eliminating holiday stress

Man sent to prison for rape, child abuse

A Columbia Falls man was sentenced to 35 years in Montana State Prison on Thursday for shaking a three-month-old and causing long-lasting brain injuries, slapping a toddler, and in another case, having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Richard James Peterson

Richard James Peterson

Top four tips for planning the perfect mom's girlfriend getaway

5 tips to get fit and stay fit

Thankful for every moment while living with lung cancer

Truck fire

A Flathead County-owned pickup truck burns in a parking lot off U.S. 2 north of Evergreen.

Margie Elaine (Nelson) Ortman, 91

Margie “went home to the Lord Jesus” on Dec. 4, 2016, in Kalispell.

Harold Richard 'Dick' Baker, 89

Chocolate Extravaganza

Results from annual Chocolate Extravaganza

The annual Republican Women’s Chocolate Extravaganza took place Dec. 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.

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Fifth-graders at Hedges Elementary start a science lesson at the school on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

4 no-fuss beauty hacks for the holidays

Former astronaut, U.S. Sen. John Glenn has died at 95

WASHINGTON (AP) — John Glenn, whose 1962 flight as the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth made him an all-American hero and propelled him to a long career in the U.S. Senate, died Thursday. The last survivor of the original Mercury 7 astronauts was 95.

5 cornerstones of an unforgettable African travel experience

Yes! Screen time can be good for young kids: Experts agree digital education may help young kids learn

"A Christmas Carol" radio play

SCOTT ROSKAM plays Bob Cratchit in the Bigfork Community Players' radio-show production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," playing Dec. 9 and 11 at Conrad Mansion Museum. (Joleen Beaubien photo)

Evergreen mother sentenced for role in son's death

The mother of a toddler killed in a 2015 child abuse case has been sentenced to 20 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with 15 years suspended for her role in the child’s death. 

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Takara Juntunen cries during her sentencing for mitigated negligent homicide at the Flathead County District Court on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Ever wonder who participates in medical studies? People like you

A digital safe vault to protect your information

TWIF 120816 Cover

TWIF 120816

Volunteer program provides winter items for Head Start

The world of Head Start students and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program members overlapped Tuesday morning as volunteers helped pair each child with a hat and matching mittens for the Kalispell kids to stay warm this winter.

This Week in the Flathead | Dec. 8-14

Warm Drinks for Snow Season

Wednesday’s temperatures sent even the toughest, bravest, ice-fishing-est, polar-bear plunging snow lover shivering back into the house for an extra set of mittens and earmuffs.

Your moments at the gas pump are about to get more entertaining

Board defends plan to sell skating rink

The board meeting of the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country drew a crowd of concerned citizens who were worried by news that the club was selling the roller rink on Shady Lane in Evergreen.

Obit John Glenn

In this Feb. 20, 2012, file photo, U.S. Sen. John Glenn talks with astronauts on the International Space Station via satellite before a discussion titled "Learning from the Past to Innovate for the Future" in Columbus, Ohio. Glenn, who was the first U.S. astronaut to orbit Earth and later spent 24 years representing Ohio in the Senate, has died at 95. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)

Another round of snowstorms forecast this weekend

Winter may have gotten off to a slow start in the Flathead Valley, but weather forecasters are predicting a potentially significant round of snowstorms hitting Western Montana beginning Thursday night.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

A skier plows through thigh-deep powder on Marmot at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Wednesday, Dec. 7. (Matt Baldwin / Daily Inter Lake)

Senior volunteers

Sherry Haegele of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program helps Weston Brininger put on the hat he selected. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish Mountain opens with blue sky, cold smoke

The thermometer hovered around zero Wednesday morning, opening day at Whitefish Mountain Resort, as Garret Caffrey and his friends Cameron Akers and Emmanuel Khodyrev claimed their spot at the front of the Chair 1 lift line.

5 holiday entertaining tips for space and budget conscious hosts

This Week in the Flathead: Hot Drinks

THE HUCKLEBERRY Hot Chocolate at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is made with huckleberry vodka, hot chocolate, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and topped with a mint leaf. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)

Montana Life: Mechanical Christmas Toys

Detail of a plush mechanical toy that plays Christmas music. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Tips on how to pair seafood and wine

Dick Dillon

Dick Dillon stands in his home in West Valley on Wednesday. Dillon, a former business owner, serves as a mentor for Service Corps of Retired Executives. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Star chef shares his secret to a juicy rib-eye: Cooking with air [Video]

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Bigfork 53, Eureka 29

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Share the sweetness of the holidays with a new kind of cookie exchange

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Awareness Makes a Family's Struggle More Manageable

Family entertainment: Holiday tips for parents

Consejos de regalos para la familia en estas fiestas decembrinas

Building a Tiny House with Plastics [Video]

Jennie Garth's best tips for savoring the holiday season

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Valkyries edge Eureka for first win of season

BIGFORK — Bigfork edged past Eureka 39-33 in a low-scoring District 7B basketball game on Tuesday night.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Bigfork blasts Eureka in home opener

BIGFORK — The Bigfork boys got their season off to a strong start, blowing away Eureka in the first quarter on the way to a 53-29 rout in a District 7B conference basketball game on Tuesday.

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Bigfork center Beau Santistevan drives past Eureka's Jake Cardinale during the first quarter of the Vikings' 53-29 victory in Bigfork on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork guard Anders Epperly is tripped up as he drives past Eureka's Matt Anderson during the second quarter in Bigfork Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork junior Reese Nissen puts up on shot during the first quarter against Eureka at Bigfork on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Pearl Harbor led veteran to radar work in South Pacific

Don Lilienthal was 21 and working in a Seattle aircraft factory the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and catapulted America into World War II.

Frank C. Lopez, 71

Phyllis N. Funk, 87

Laid-off Weyerhaeuser workers search for answers

Administrative employees may not qualify for federal assistance

Six months after Weyerhaeuser announced it would shutter two of its three Montana mills, federal assistance programs have begun to filter into the Flathead Valley. But nearly half of the workers facing layoffs may not be eligible for the new benefits, according to Flathead Job Service.

Pearl Harbor Veteran

U.S. Marine veteran Don Lilienthal holds a picture of himself at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish Mountain to open with 17 trails, 5 lifts

First chair officially lifts off at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Wednesday for the 2016-2017 ski season. 

Game on! 5 reasons to be excited about gaming in 2017

4 tax changes that could impact your 2016 return

5 last minute tips to have your holiday shopping done in a flash

Will new school lunch mean less veggies?

5 things life insurance companies don't always tell you

Shopping for small business solutions? Tech talk translations for SBOs

Why a check from grandma could be the worst gift for a child with special needs

You deserve a WOC nurse [Video]

Program features performance, workshops

Montana Shakespeare in the Schools

Tragedy, treachery, guilt, loyalty, betrayal and unrequited love took center stage at Kalispell Middle School on Dec. 2 with a performance of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

Pipeline delays cost builder millions, risking contract loss

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The completion of the Dakota Access oil pipeline has been delayed after the U.S. Army declined to grant an easement for the final few thousand feet under a Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota pending further study. Pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners originally was expected to finish the pipeline before the end of this year, but the Army’s move likely delays it by several months. That will be costly to the Dallas-based company, but industry experts say it’s unlikely to kill the project completely. Here’s a look at some of the ways the delay could impact the pipeline:

Valkyries claw past Lady Lions

BIGFORK — Bigfork edged past Eureka 39-33 in a low-scoring District 7B basketball game on Tuesday night.

Bigfork blasts Eureka, 53-29

BIGFORK — The Bigfork boys got their season off to a strong start, blowing away Eureka in the first quarter on the way to a 53-29 rout in a District 7B conference basketball game on Tuesday.

Oil Pipeline Protest Digging In

In this Nov. 25, 2016 satellite image taken by DigitalGlobe, the construction site of the the Dakota Access pipeline is seen near Cannon Ball, N.D. (DigitalGlobe via AP)

Study: Whitefish needs 1,000 more homes by 2020

Whitefish needs nearly 1,000 more dwellings to compensate for current workforce housing shortages and keep up with demand through 2020, a new affordable housing needs assessment reveals.

4 ways your smartphone is your ultimate holiday helper this season

Winter Wonderland

Stephanie Marin, wife of the pastor of Whitefish Foursquare Church, shovels snow and plays with her children along the front walk of the church on Monday afternoon, December 5. Evelyn, 5, and Jack, 2, kept her company as they played in the snow. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish Crossing

3 ways to plan ahead for the 2017 tax season

Matthew S. Dymkoski, 71

Muldown Elementary

Water drains from the ceiling into garbage cans at the Muldown cafeteria on Dec. 1. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

4 easy, meaningful ways to give back this holiday season

How to Breathe Easier with Asthma this Winter: Setting Asthma Goals Now Can Keep You Chilled Out for the Holidays and Beyond

New neutrals dominate the color trends of 2017

A senior-friendly workout to improve movement and prevent injury

Skier Hilary Lindh returns to Whitefish

Long before she would go on to become a world champion downhill skier and Olympic silver medalist, a 15-year old Hilary Lindh competed in her very first International Ski Federation race on Big Mountain in Northwest Montana.

APTOPIX Oil Pipeline

Law enforcement vehicles line a road leading to a blocked bridge next to the Oceti Sakowin camp where people have gathered to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline in Cannon Ball, N.D., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Army Corps blocks route of Dakota Access oil pipeline

CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Sunday that it won't grant an easement for the Dakota Access oil pipeline in southern North Dakota.

Anti-Semite charge bounces off Trump and sticks to Democrats

For months, Democrats have been taking shots at Donald Trump and his chief strategist, Steve Bannon, formerly the CEO of Breitbart.com, as notorious anti-Semites, people who hate Jews.

Splashy start for swimmers

When it comes to swimming, it’s all about having a good time and encouraging others as far as Columbia Falls senior standout Colton Babcock is concerned.

Juanita Ellen (Anderson) Lind

Melinda Kay Veile, 42

Shipping companies embrace Christmas rush

With the holiday season officially underway, a tidal wave of gifts is flooding shipping systems across the country.

Forecasts indicate La Niña will persist through the winter

Ski hills and snow enthusiasts in Northwest Montana are cautiously optimistic that a developing La Niña system will consistently dump powder for the next few months, but the periodic weather cycle has had an inconsistent impact on winters over the past two decades.

Sidney W. Golie

Sidney W. Golie, 77, passed away Dec. 1, 2016, at his home in Whitefish.

Shipping business

Chris Vidulich wraps a custom-made Ferrari fender to be shipped out of Kalispell. Vidulich said the fabricator is a regular customer, and ships these out throughout the year. (Seaborn Larson/Daily Inter Lake)

Matthew S. Dymkoski, 71

Matthew S. Dymkoski, 71, passed away on Nov. 25, 2016, in Kalispell in the loving arms of family, following a courageous and dignified battle with cancer.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Tim Healy, a slope maintenance member at Whitefish Mountain Resort, checks a snow-making machine on Ed's Run at the resort on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Resorts and skiers eager for opening day

Whether you’re tuning your ski setup this weekend or hiking into the backcountry before the lifts officially open, the anticipation leading into the ski season is palpable in the Flathead Valley.

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Glacier's Nate Burnham takes a breath during the 200-yard freestyle at the Kalispell Invitational at The Summit on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Flathead's Emily Cephers does the butterfly during the 200-yard individual medley at the Kalispell Invitational at The Summit on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead Civil Air Patrol squadron largest in Montana

In the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Americans were worried about their ability to protect the country’s coastlines from foreign invaders.

Committee settles on Bigfork bridge options

The voices steering the future of Bigfork’s beloved, yet decaying, historic Swan River Bridge have landed on two options. Both plans have a roughly $2 million price tag, and the need for repair comes as the state’s bridge funds have a waiting list stacked through 2024. 

Record rains keep Flathead Lake near full pool

Flathead Lake is still bearing the brunt of record-breaking rainfall in October, and the lake’s elevation remains within a foot of full pool well after the seasonal draw-down typically begins.

Jeannine Boles Johnston Williams, 87

Lauri Kola, 71

Allen D. Anderson, 72

Allen D. Anderson, 72, passed away Nov. 21, 2016, in Whitefish.

Options narrowed for aging Whitefish elementary school

With winter fast approaching, Whitefish School District Maintenance Director Chad Smith has his work set out for him to keep Muldown Elementary safely operating — starting with shoveling the roof to lessen heavy snow loads.

Sparking a young audience interest in STEM with great music and apps [Video]

Less Havoc, More Magic: Easy Tips to Simplify the Holidays

Arctic weather targets the Flathead; snow, single-digit temps likely

Beginning Saturday night into Sunday, Northwest Montana’s first major winter storm of the season is expected to bring moderate to heavy snowfall, plummeting temperatures and windy conditions throughout the region.

Shakespeare in the Schools

Kalispell Middle School eighth-grader Madison Becker smiles as she learn the art of stage combat in a workshop with performers from the Shakespeare in the Schools program on Friday, Dec. 2. The day began with a performance of "Hamlet" and continued with workshops including soliloquy, theatrical relevance/improv and fencing.

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Snow weighs down a wheat ear at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Peter Brown walks with his dogs Kramer, left, and Henry at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Jeremy Hess skins up Whitefish Mountatin Resort on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Salvation Army seeks volunteer bell ringers

From left, Deana Underwood, her granddaughter Shayly Towe, 5, and store manager Bert Bundrick, dressed as the Grinch, stand outside the doors of Smith's Food and Drug Store in Kalispell, ringing bells for the Salvation Army. Bundrick was waving and holding a handful of five dollar bills offering to match $5 donations. The Salvation Army is seeking volunteer bell ringers for their red donation kettles. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Carly Rae Jepsen Goes on a Shopping Spree with Kids in Need

This week, Carly Rae Jepsen, a multi-platinum Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, took to a different stage: In celebration of the holiday season, the “Call Me Maybe” singer joined JCPenney, in partnership with the Y, to spread joy to local communities across the country by hosting giving sprees throughout the month of December. The Canadian performer, […]

Mom's Beef 'N Noodles

There is an old saying, “You can’t go home again.” Well, I beg to differ, especially when it comes to food. We all have that one dish, that one meal. The minute it hits our lips, we are instantly transported back to our mom’s table. For me, this is one of those dishes. Now, yes, […]

Dancing with the Stars' Derek Hough on Heading Back to the '60s for Hairspray Live!

It’s 1962 Baltimore all over again when NBC produces its new incarnation of Hairspray Live!, based on the hit John Waters movie and the Tony Award-winning Broadway play. Hairspray is the story of zoftig teenager Tracy Turnblad (newcomer Maddie Baillio), whose dream it is to dance on The Corny Collins Show (Derek Hough as Corny […]

18 Easy Cast Iron Skillet Meals

Cast iron skillets are widely  considered one of the most prized possessions of Southern cooks.  Often skillets are handed down by families as heirlooms and after years of cooking and seasoning the flavor they produce is difficult to top. Cast iron skillets, dutch ovens and casseroles are extremely versatile kitchen tools due to the fact […]

Deadline to enroll in health insurance approaching

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Wednesday that 12,395 Montanans have either bought health insurance for the first time or renewed their coverage since open enrollment began Nov. 1.

Inter Lake Daybook for Friday

Friday, Dec. 2

Had Gael García Bernal Ever Conducted Before Mozart in the Jungle?

I love Gael García Bernal on Mozart in the Jungle. Has he ever had any experience conducting an orchestra before? He seems like a natural. —Raquel M., Henderson, Nevada Not exactly, but Gael García Bernal, 38, says the show—which takes viewers inside the world of classical music and returns to Amazon Prime December 9 for its third […]

Holiday Hijinks: Olivia Munn, Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston Get Rowdy in Office Christmas Party

‘Tis the season to be jolly—and for squabbles, stress and getting sauced. Enter the new movie Office Christmas Party, opening Dec. 9, which has all the holiday trimmings. There’s family tension, as brother Clay (played by T.J. Miller) and sister Carol (Jennifer Aniston) fight for control of their father’s company and, more importantly, his annual […]

What's Next for Billy Crudup?

What’s next for Billy Crudup? —Catherine K., Long Island, New York Billy Crudup, 48, has worked consistently since he played attorney Eric Macleish in last year’s Oscar-winning Spotlight. This month he’s in two movies. In Jackie, an intimate portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy (Natalie Portman) in theaters now, he plays a brusque reporter for Life magazine […]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain, the Academy Award-nominated actress for The Help and Zero Dark Thirty, stars in Miss Sloane, in theaters December 9, as a Washington, D.C., lobbyist who takes on the powerful gun lobby and discovers winning may come at too high a price. Here are five facts about the 39-year-old native Californian. She caught the […]

Jennifer Hudson on Hairspray Live!, Broadway Nerves and Her New Image

With the movie Dreamgirls and Broadway’s The Color Purple on her résumé, Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar- and Grammy-winning former American Idol contestant, 35, returns to TV December 7 to play Motormouth Maybelle, the owner of a Baltimore record store, in NBC’s musical holiday event Hairspray Live! Hairspray was originally a 1980s movie musical, then a […]

Allen D. Anderson, 72

CMT Releases the First Nashville Trailer and Reveals Date for a Sneak Peak

Fans of Nashville who just can’t wait for the January 5 premiere of the new season, won’t have to wait that long. CMT, who picked up the show from ABC earlier this year, revealed today that it would be doing a sneak peak of the first hour of the two-hour season premiere on Thursday, Dec. […]

EPA calls federal study of coal-export project flawed

LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency has criticized as inadequate a draft study the Army Corps of Engineers did on a proposed coal-export project in Washington state.

Bill pushes focus on $5.8 billion outdoor industry

Montana’s outdoor recreation industry is frequently cited as a top economic driver in the state, but aside from a scattering of privately funded studies and location-specific economic impact reports, the sector’s full scope remains largely unknown.

U.S. overhauls public land use planning

BILLINGS — U.S. government officials on Thursday finalized an overhaul of how they plan for oil and gas drilling, mining, grazing and other activities across public lands in the West.

Veterans' group criticizes vets joining pipeline protest

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Some military veterans in North Dakota disagree with the 2,000 veterans planning to join a protest opposing the four-state, $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline.

Sword attack alleged over borrowed car

A Kalispell man is being held in Flathead County Detention Center after he allegedly held a sword to a neighbor’s throat last week. 

Elderly woman escapes after damaging cars

Whitefish Police were unable to locate an elderly woman who allegedly backed into two cars on Central Avenue after a bystander reported seeing the accident. 

Audit: Public defender office owed millions, not collecting

HELENA (AP) — A financial audit of the Office of the State Public Defender found the agency doesn’t know how much money it is owed by criminal defendants and that the office is not trying to collect the money while facing a $3.5 million budget shortfall.

Some geese that landed on contaminated water in Butte die

BUTTE (AP) — Some of the more than 1,000 snow geese that landed to rest on the highly acidic water in a former open-pit copper mine in Butte have died.

Monday Profile: Hilary Lindh

Hilary Lindh won the silver medal in downhill skiing in the 1992 Olympics and is in the National Ski Hall of Fame. 

Boating restrictions enacted on Canyon Ferry, Tiber reservoirs

Montana has enacted restrictions prohibiting boats from launching in Canyon Ferry and Tiber reservoirs as part of its effort to reduce the threat posed by invasive mussel larvae, confirmed for the first time in state waters last month.

Tear gas deployment ends Evergreen standoff

A man was safely taken into custody after a standoff with police in Glacier Pines RV Park on Thursday afternoon in Evergreen, Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said.

The Ultimate Guide To Vegan Christmas Recipes

Christmas is coming! If you are planning your plant-based festive eats, then this Ultimate Guide To Vegan Christmas Recipes is for you. They all look absolutely fantastic, and I want to make and eat them all NOW. There is, quite literally, something for everybody, These recipes prove that it is totally possible to indulge, but in a […]

Movie Review: Natalie Portman Drills Deep to the Dark, Complex Core of Jackie

Jackie Starring Natalie Portman, Billy Crudup, Peter Sarsgaard and Greta Gerwig Directed by Pablo Larraín R In theaters December 2, 2016 More than 50 actresses have portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on TV and in the movies, including Jacqueline Bissett, Blair Brown, Katie Holmes, Gennifer Goodwin, Roma Downey, Minka Kelly and Gilda Radner on Saturday Night […]

10 signs you may have a bleeding disorder

Former fire chief denies stealing from department

Former Olney Fire Chief Ken Morehead appears in court for his arraignment on charges for felony theft on Thursday.

Former Olney fire chief denies stealing from department

A former chief of the Olney Fire Department has pleaded not guilty to a felony theft charge that arose after allegations that he stole more than $50,000 from the Olney Fire District.

Preschool program at Cornelius Hedges Elementary

Teacher Amy Diem and Teaching Assistant Hillary Sprengle, lead preschool students down the hall on Thursday, December 1, at Cornelius Hedges Elementary. Thursday was the first day of the expanded preschool program at Hedges. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Home for the holidays: What to look for when visiting your parents

5 must-see moments to watch for in the 2017 Rose Parade

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Hedges fifth-grader Solveig Baumgarten helps Melissa Conn crochet a washcloth during a craft for the classroom night at the school on Wednesday. Students also made whisper phones to help kindergartners and first graders to hear what they sound like when they read. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Former Olney Fire Chief Ken Morehead appears in court for his arraignment on charges for felony theft on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

University of Montana president to step down

Critics' Choice Award Nominations: The Complete List

Drumroll, please—the 22nd annual Critics’ Choice Award nominations are in! The awards, put on by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, highlight 27 categories including the familiar Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress awards as well as genre categories including Best Action Movie, Best Comedy and Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie. Director Damien Chazelle‘s romantic […]

Candy Cane Fluff

Calling all peppermint lovers! There is no better time of year to indulge in one of my favorite flavors! Christmas is here! It truly is the most wonderful time of year, for so many reasons. One, of course, being all the terrific food and sweets we get to enjoy. If you’re looking for a simple […]

LETTER: Commissioners' tactic on vote was troubling

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Man killed in industrial accident south of Kalispell

Survivor Millennials vs Gen X: Zeke Smith Looks Back on His Game

Months ago, the day before the 20 contestants of Survivor: Millennials vs Gen X flew out to Fiji, Zeke Smith had a plan. It involved paying tribute to the last time the show filmed in Fiji, twenty seasons earlier. “I’ve got some ideas about some fake immunity idol shenanigans that I want to play,” Zeke […]

BYOB – Bake Your Own Bread – 15 Homemade Bread Recipes

If there’s one thing I would say was the most intimidating to me as a new cook, when I was younger, it was homemade bread. I have since learned, by experience, that it doesn’t have to be. It’s really not that difficult! I actually enjoy baking bread…even the recipes that are more advanced. I’ve put […]

Carolyn Hennesy On Going from Daytime-General Hospital-to Primetime-Gilmore Girls

Carolyn Hennesy is making the rounds of some of TV’s favorite towns including General Hospital‘s Port Charles, Revenge‘s The Hamptons, and most recently she popped into Gilmore Girls‘ Stars Hollow for a role in Netflix’s 4-part revival. Hennesy appears in the final two episodes — Summer and Fall — as Emily Gilmore’s (Kelly Bishop) friend Toni […]

Holiday Gift Guides: Gifts For A History Buff

When around a history buff, you are constantly barraged with “fun facts” about the Trail of Tears or working conditions during the Industrial Revolution, all of which are decidedly NOT FUN.  There is no Holocaust documentary on Netflix he hasn’t watched, no presidential factoid too random to mention, no book too massive or tedious to read […]

LETTER: Hunter's hurtful attitude toward elderly couple found despicable

LETTER: Love Lives Here only loves those who agree with the organization

LETTER: Castro's Cuba provided much good for world

Bathroom renovations even the pickiest in-laws will love

Site plan proposed for new elementary

Kalispell Public Schools has narrowed down proposed layouts for a new south elementary school on Airport Road to one generalized floor plan and site concept.

EDITORIAL: Stein's recount effort is a sham

This Week in the Flathead | Dec. 1-7

'You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!'

The lines, the scenes and the characters are virtually sewn into the fabric of the holiday season.

Kalispell teen sentenced to probation for burglary spree

An 18-year-old Kalispell man received a probationary sentence on Wednesday for taking part in a string of burglaries on West Reserve Drive, including one incident in which he and an accomplice stole food from a family’s freezer, leaving them without anything to eat. 

Start Your Morning Right! 25 Savory and Sweet Breakfasts

People say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I agree! I have created a round-up of the most popular breakfast recipes on my site to help you get out of bed in the morning. There are sweet and decadent recipes like Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze, Baked Donuts with Maple Frosting and Bacon […]

Outdoor industry

Luca Johnson cleans a set of skis on Thursday, December 1, at the Sportsman & Ski Haus in Kalispell. The staff predicted that they have cleaned and waxed more than 300 skis since the annual Ski Cruncher Sale that happens in late September. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Evergreen Standoff

Montana Highway Patrol troopers block the entrance to Glacier Pines RV park during a standoff on Thursday in Evergreen. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)