Ellington

U.S. Women's National Team

In this July 5, 2015 file photo, the United States Women's National Team celebrates with the trophy after they beat Japan 5-2 in the FIFA Women's World Cup soccer championship in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

VIANO COLUMN: Biggest secret in sports

Sports have a secret they like to hide from us.

Whitefish's Nicole Heavirland

Whitefish's Nicole Heavirland rushes up the field for Team USA. Heavirland will make her debut for the U.S. National Rugby Sevens team next week in Atlanta. (Michael Lee/USA Rugby)

RUGBY: Whitefish's Heavirland to make Sevens debut for U.S. National Team

Whitefish resident joins Eagles for last home series before Olympics

CHULA VISTA, Calif. ­— Whitefish’s Nicole Heavirland will make her debut for the USA National Rugby Sevens squad at its matches in Atlanta next week, the team announced Thursday.

Ben C. Tempel, 83

LAW ROUNDUP: Ex's mess not eggs-actly nice

A Bigfork man became argumentative with a

Facebook useful for private investigator

Charles Pesola is the owner and head manager at Moonlighting Detective and Security Services in Kalispell. He's been reappointed to the State Board of Private Security, which advises the Department of Labor and Industry on security standards in the state. (Seaborn Larson/Daily Inter Lake)

Daybook, April 1

Kalispell man pleads guilty in sex sting case

A Kalispell man admitted Wednesday to responding to an online advertisement posted in August 2015 by undercover officers and expressing interest in sexual activity with an underage girl.

LETTER: Make sure now that you are registered to vote

I am sure you are all aware that we are about to enter a new election cycle. Voting is important, so it is a good idea to check out your registration status.  

LETTER: In reply - Here's what Jesus might say

Let’s educate Ms. Carol Santa, author of the March 20 letter, “What would Jesus say?”

LETTER: Gianforte choice for running mate is ideal

When I heard that Greg Gianforte had selected Lesley Robinson as his lieutenant governor running mate for the Montana gubernatorial race, I said to myself, “You could not have picked any better!”

LETTER: What will be next?

As I see all the bad news on TV and in the newspapers, I am beginning to wonder what is next.

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Golden Living

EDITORIAL: 50 years and growing for Creston Auction

The first Creston Auction in 1966 was a rather low-key neighborhood event that raised $486 to help keep the Creston Fire Department running. Farmers in that neck of the woods knew the importance of having a well-equipped fire department to protect their homes and fields, but they never could have imagined how big the auction would become over the span of 50 years.

Odd instructions lead officers to pot

A set of strange instructions given by a man to a witness of an arrest was just enough to lead authorities to a marijuana grow operation he was allegedly running.

Union negotiating for better adjunct pay at FVCC

The union representing adjunct teachers at Flathead Valley Community College continues to advocate for higher teacher pay as a third year of negotiations with the college begins.

County dives into major revision of floodplain regs

Flathead County is embarking on a major revision of its floodplain and floodway management regulations to coincide with new flood insurance rate maps adopted last year.

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP: Today's the last day to participate in FWP online fishing survey

Today is the last chance to take a survey concerning Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ online fish information and the development of a new fish and fishing information project.

Local students reap top science awards

Nearly 600 Montana middle and high school students displayed their scientific knowledge at the 61st annual Montana Science Fair March 21-22 at the University of Montana.

The big ones are still out there

It was the night before the first day of school, and as per usual, I was still at school in the wee hours. Last minute preparations and changes had kept me there until 3:30 a.m. Finally, I couldn’t find anything else to do, so I shut off the lights, locked up the building and climbed into my car to drive home.

COLUMN: Psst! Do you want to know a secret?

Many folks ask me, “Why do you give seminars? Aren’t you giving away all your secrets”?

'ROMEO' concert a benefit for Groovetrail

Making beautiful music

“ROMEO,” or Retired Old Man Entertaining with Others, is a benefit concert event, kicking off April for a good cause.

TERRY COLUMN: Sun's out, fun's out

The sun!

This Week in the Flathead | March 31 - April 6

Making beautiful music

Erica von Kleist practices "Beautiful Music" as she and Tony Hernandez rehearse at his home in Whitefish. They were rehearsing for "ROMEO" (Retired Old Man Entertaining with Others) which takes place Friday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Proceeds from the event benefit Grootetrail’s Gift of Music Program. 

Hatchery objects to Creston bottling plant

In a formal objection filed earlier this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service challenged the Montana Department of Natural Resources’ determination that a proposed water bottling plant in Creston would not adversely affect the nearby fish hatchery.

LAW ROUNDUP: Dark side is with alleged meth dealer

A transient in a Darth Vader shirt was told by

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Brian Ham lets Williow Henke, from left, Trekk Henke, Tayler Green and Jordyn Greene feed the fish at the Creston National Fish Hatchery on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Brian Ham, a fish biologist for the U.S. Wildlife and Fish Service, feeds the fish in the raceway at the Creston National Fish Hatchery on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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U.S. Wildlife and Fish Services' Tricia Cycz cleans a tank holding 4-month-old rainbow trout in a weather port at the Creston National Fish Hatchery on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Birthday Wheels

Ariella Rasmussen drives Emmett Merrill around in her Barbie Jeep Wrangler Power Wheel she just got for her third birthday in Creston on Wednesday.

Sheriff's office investigates death of 2-year-old girl

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a toddler who died Tuesday in Evergreen.

Tribal committee questions suicide prevention money

The State-Tribal Relations Interim Committee has criticized how the state plans to use money set aside to address the growing issue of American Indian youth suicide.

'Active shooter' simulation rescue

Lori Hafer, food services director at Kalispell Public Schools, reaches to shut a classroom door while Edgerton Elementary teacher Suzanne Elliott helps Bigfork Public Schools secretary Carol Venegas (not pictured) pull a wounded person inside the room during a simulated scenario during active resistance training at Flathead High School Tuesday. (Hilary Matheson/Daily Inter Lake)

Active shooter simulation

Flathead High School hosted active resistance training for educators and law enforcement around the Flathead Valley on Monday and Tuesday. The training involved an active shooter and different scenarios where participants were inside a classroom, hallway and cafeteria. Participants learned how to act quickly, improvise and fight back in a situation where an armed intruder enters a school. (Hilary Matheson/Daily Inter Lake)

Active shooter training held at school

At? the sound of gunshots, a group of seven adults sitting in a classroom at Flathead High School sprang from their seats and began shoving tables in front of the door, turning off lights and cinching an extension cord around the door handle, then drawing it back, so the armed intruder couldn’t pull it open.

Flathead music program earns award

Flathead High School is among 118 schools in the nation to receive a SupportMusic Merit Award from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.

Trinity students grab top awards at Lutheran tourney

The Lutheran Elementary School Tournament is quite the experience for students in the Northwest.

Local students excel in health science event

Bigfork, Flathead, Polson and Whitefish high schools brought home state winners following the 12th annual HOSA Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference in March.

New watercraft checkpoint opens in Pablo

With funding now in place, a third checkpoint to inspect watercraft for aquatic invasive species will open in Pablo today.

Family gets new start with new home

Five months after their home was destroyed by fire, Alex Shestak and his family of 13 on Tuesday moved back into the neighborhood west of Columbia Falls, bringing an entire new house with them.

Daybook, March 30

Kalispell council goes 'hands on' in learning about firearm training

Kalispell Police Chief Roger Nasset led City Council members into simulated combat Monday night to show the need for funding one of the best firearm training systems in the state.

Store pays $55,000 to settle for 2007 gas leak

The owner of Michael’s Convenience Store at U.S. 2 and Meridian Road in Kalispell has agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $55,000 for alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act in 2007.

LAW ROUNDUP: Video chat allegedly ends in blackmail

Vera 'Dodie' Aldine Davis Ream, 86

Vera “Dodie” Aldine Davis Ream, 86, formerly of Kalispell, passed away on Feb. 14, 2016, in Woodland, Washington. She was born Feb. 21, 1929, in Moorcroft, Wyoming.

Julius 'Jiggs' Burton Hill, 92

Jiggs died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 20, 2016.

H. James 'Jim' Oleson, 81

Lawrence 'Larry' William Weed, 88

Lawrence “Larry” William Weed, 88, passed away in Florence, Oregon, on Jan. 27, 2016 of natural causes.

Mary H. Smith, 94

Mary H. Smith, 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 24, 2016, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Simulated Training

#### LOC police Nasset DIL Chief of Police Roger Nasset explains the simulated shooting training to members of the City Council on Monday night, March 28, at Northwest Shooter in Columbia Falls. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Moving House by D&V Construction

The crew from D & V Construction makes last minute adjustments as they prepare to relocated a two story house over to Sandy Hill Lane near Whitefish on Tuesday morning, March 29. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Comedians talk about disabilities

This week two unlikely comedians took the stage at Flathead Valley Community College to talk about how people handle disabilities.

Report: Supplements could cause drug interactions

More seniors than ever are taking a multitude of supplements with their medications — a practice that puts them at risk for dangerous drug interactions, according to a recent report by the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

OPINION: Hold your nose and vote for Trump, Dems

I am writing this after watching Mitt Romney’s scathing attack speech against Republican candidate for the U.S. presidency, Donald Trump, on March 3.

LETTER: Commissioners got it right

The Flathead County commissioners did the right thing in taking a stand against refugee resettlement.

LETTER: What to expect if you invite refugees into area

I can no longer sit idly by while someone with no ties to reality tells us what bad Americans and fearmongers we are. My wife and I are from California, where we are both retired from state service, in a capacity directly involved with refugees, either by way of employment or by way of law enforcement. I propose that the following are FACTS, not speculation or opinion.

A life 'From Homestead Days to the Computer Age'

A Kalispell woman began writing pieces of her experiences on scrap paper and typewriters. The notes turned into the story of her life, which she finished in time for her 94th birthday, which she celebrated earlier this month..

Buckle collection becomes classroom tool

THE MUSIC OF ROCKS

As Steve Eckels studies the mesmerizing swirls of a piece of Polish flint, he sees the melody of the ancient stone.

Ronan roadway project planned for 2018

The Montana Department of Transportation is currently in the design stages of a highway project that will change the course of traffic in Ronan.

Bear spray attack may be linked to theft

Officers from the

In-depth presentations to examine Deep Aquifer

A pair of presentations this week will provide locals with a deep look into the massive aquifer underlying the Flathead Valley.

Bigfork works to create map of town's defibrillators

The Bigfork Fire Department has paired with the Chamber of Commerce to create a map of defibrillators throughout town.

Dora May (Thompson) Warren, 89

Dora May (Thompson) Warren chose March 19, 2016, to pass peacefully and with grace to the next life. In her final hours after a prayer, she made family and staff at Kalispell Regional Medical Center laugh and cry joking, “I don’t know how to do this. Do I just pump my arms in the air like Sanford and Son and say ‘Take me now, Lord!’” She enjoyed life and always found something to laugh about, even in her last days.

District closes to male mountain lion hunting

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks closed Hunting District 102 to male mountain lion hunting a half hour after sunset Monday night.

Author Doris Hall

Doris Hall outside her home in Kalispell on Monday, March 28. Hall is the author of “From Homestead Days to the Computer Age.” 

FVCC now accepting applications to Summer Experience program

Flathead Valley Community College is accepting applications from high school students for the opportunity to earn college credits over the summer.

Vietnam vets to be honored at Tuesday ceremony

The Vietnam Veterans of America Northwest Montana Chapter 1087 is hosting a Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day ceremony at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Home Buyer 2016

Home Buyer Guide 2016

Flathead Electric proposes bylaw changes

Flathead Electric Cooperative has mailed ballots to its members to vote on a pair of bylaw amendments and three candidates for uncontested seats on the board of trustees.

Connecting people with the outdoors

LIFESIDE FARMS

A Kalispell home-care agency has gained national recognition for connecting people with mental, aging and physical disabilities to a community outdoors.

Caregiving a way of life for Prestige director

The best part of Patty Cordell’s job is feeling like she has 64 grandparents under her roof at any given time.

Polson convict's request for new attorney denied

The Montana Supreme Court has denied a request by a Polson man to have a new attorney appointed to handle an appeal of his conviction for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

Tool thefts reported in Whitefish

Two different Somers Avenue residents called the

Bernice A Teigen, 99

Veteran's family pays it forward

The family of an Evergreen Navy veteran plans to remember their loved one by donating his humble home — a 22-foot 1983 camper — to a person in need.

LETTER: Free the Seeds event was a big success story

In early January 2016, a group of us gathered to talk about hosting a community seed swap. Ten weeks later, we produced the first annual “Free The Seeds!” Seed Fair at FVCC on March 19. In addition to a traditional seed swap, the fair hosted 19 skill-sharing workshops, 33 informational booths from local producers and gardening resources, and two roundtable discussions on topics key to supporting local food access: enhancing local farmer resources and building a local seed library.

LETTER: Tester is right on CFAC now, but wrong before

Well, let’s hear it for Sen. Jon Tester. He still wants to see the old aluminum plant designated as a Superfund site for clean up.

LETTER: Time to get rid of exemptions on property taxes

I read with dismay the article in the Daily Inter Lake about a religious organization potentially purchasing the historic Montana Building on First Avenue East. I am concerned that another non-profit organization is moving into the business district of downtown Kalispell.

LETTER: How do states handle refugees with child brides?

Numerous problems have been reported in Western countries which are taking in refugees from the Middle East and predominantly Muslim counties, but so far, in this country at least, not much publicity has been generated about the child bride problem.

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LETTER: Do we really think feds will get refugee program right?

Kristina Wilfore claims (“County wrong to take a stand against resettlement of Syrian refugees,” March 20 op-ed) that “Refugees … undergo the most rigorous and thorough security screening of anyone admitted into the United States.”  

LETTER: Love refugee neighbors as you love yourself

“The alien [foreigner] living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:34).

LETTER: Here are some facts that were not brought up about refugees

In response to “Don’t be afraid” on the Montana Perspectives page of the March 20 Daily Inter Lake, and also to “What would Jesus say?” in the same issue, I submit the following:

LETTER: 'Refreshing'

Thank you so much for publishing the article by Kristina Graber Wilfore on the March 20 Montana Perspectives page.

EDITORIAL: Polson is right to study resort tax

Polson is wading into choppy waters for a second go-round at considering a resort tax for the city at the south end of Flathead Lake.

OPINION: Look beyond surface to find 'truth' on Easter

“What is truth?” —Pontius Pilate (John 18:38)

OPINION: 'Don't be afraid?' Tell that to the Europeans

Please allow me to address the “Don’t be afraid” sentiments we are hearing from people who think there is nothing wrong with bringing in “unvetted” refugees.

OPINION: Refugee resettlement - fact or fiction

We must question some of the recent letters to the editor that have tried to address the letter that the Flathead County commissioners sent to the U.S. Department of State on March 10.

Births, published March 27, 2016

LAW ROUNDUP: 'Crotch rocket' revs up annoyance

Two people on a snowmobile and “crotch rocket” apparently thought they were straight out of the action movie “The Fast and the Furious,” when someone on Liberty Street told

Jury finds Flathead mobile-home salvager guilty of decay violation

A Columbia Heights property owner has been convicted of violating Flathead County’s community decay law for failing to dispose of more than 50 older mobile homes he moved to the property as part of a salvage operation.

COLUMN: Path to the Flathead began on an Easter morning

Twenty-five years ago, we loaded the kids in the minivan three days before Easter and set out on a 560-mile trip that forever would change our lives.

Sun Road plowing starts Friday

With spring here, Glacier National Park has dusted off its snowplows and is preparing for the annual snow-removal expedition up Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Planned burning ahead this spring

The Flathead National Forest plans to conduct spring prescribed fire projects, with timing depending on weather, fuel conditions and air quality.

Firefighters' popular fundraiser reaches 50th version

The Creston farmers who cobbled together their first neighborhood auction 50 years ago to raise money for firefighting equipment could not have imagined how big the event would become decades later.

COLUMN: A good day to meditate on evil and righteousness

Today is Easter, a remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus, and a reminder of God’s boundless love for mankind, but it is also just four days after the brutal attack in Brussels that took place on March 23 — a reminder of man’s destructive nature.

Polson revisiting resort tax issue

The city of Polson is re-examining the possibility of a local resort tax as an effort to rebuild streets in town.

Van McKinley Snyder, 66

Van McKinley Snyder, 66, “went to be with the Lord” March 16, 2016.

Ruby A. Dodge, 91

Ruby A. Dodge, our beloved mother, “went home to heaven” at the age of 91 on March 5, 2016.

Easter Egg Hunt

Addison Skinner, 8, of Columbia Falls and other members of Girl Scout Brownie Troop 3392 in Columbia Falls help set up for the 4th Annual Flathead Shelter Friends Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday afternoon, at Woodland Park in Kalispell. This is a service opportunity for the troop and the girls stuck around afterward to help with the clean up. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Maurice A. Buls, 74

Maurice A. Buls died unexpectedly in Palm Springs, California, March 18, 2016, at the age of 74.

Maurice A. Buls, 74

LAW ROUNDUP: Hair-product pitch gets aggressive

The

Somers district looks for new superintendent

Somers-Lakeside School District will interview candidates in April in the search for a new superintendent.

Two Kalispell businesses receive state grant money

Two Kalispell businesses have received state grants for future projects, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announced Thursday.

A bucket-list ride on a dog sled

In the Swan Valley snow, a woman looked at the six dogs attached to her sled Thursday before giving them the signal to go — marking another thing off the bucket list she has worked on between chemotherapy treatments for six years.

Sex offender admits role in Bigfork burglary

A sex offender admitted in Flathead District Court on Tuesday to violating terms of probation and parole by being involved in a Bigfork burglary spree.

Polson man denies federal drug charges

A Polson man with a history of brushes with the law is now facing federal charges for distribution of methamphetamine.

School calendar

— Most schools will be off for spring break Monday through Friday.

Students get stylish treatment - free

Flathead High School’s annual Prom Salon was well-attended this year for some pampering.

Glacier Park visitation still ahead of last year

Visitation to Glacier National Park through February is up 9.6 percent compared with last year.

Sheriff's Office releases dead woman's name

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on Friday identified the woman who was found dead in Lakeside earlier in the week.

Lottery winner

Kalispell man wins $75,000 in lottery game

Todd Fann of Kalispell hit paydirt this week on a “Gold Mine” scratch ticket, winning $75,000.

OPINION: It's time for Congress to save lives by fighting colorectal cancer

A simple medical screening could have saved my dad’s life. Frank B. Morrison Jr. lived and worked in Montana as a lawyer, judge, businessman and community leader for 36 years, including seven years on the Montana Supreme Court. He was fortunate always to have health insurance and had the benefit of good family genes. But, dad died unexpectedly at age 68 from something that could have been prevented — colorectal cancer.

LETTER: United States on moral precipice

We cannot save the world from itself. We have been blessed like no other nation on earth, and it would be wrong for us to just give away these blessings, especially to a country that is our enemy.

LETTER: Did you ever wonder who's getting all those state grants?

Where do your taxes go? Who is getting government grants? The information should be available to anyone, to keep government transparent and accountable.

LETTER: We the People can restore United States

I am writing out of concern that America must be restored. It developed the strongest civilization in history but is approaching collapse from diversity, migrants and outsourcing. The methods keeping it strong have been lost. Most migrants want free aid and state desire, even duty, to build their ways in America despite having a responsibility to assimilate. Most consider kids a method to gain aid, overwhelm America, and insert their ways.

LETTER: Our county commissioners should be ashamed

Our county commissioners are wrong to reject resettlement of Syrian war refugees in our community. Far from providing moral and political leadership, they choose to echo the irrational fear and stinginess expressed by some, including the bitterly anti-Muslim group, Act for America, which recently staged an anti-immigrant rally here. The Inter Lake’s front page of March 11 featured a large photo of self-satisfied people cheering the exclusion of desperate refugees.

Violating the community decay law

Mobile homes in varying states of decay stacked up against the property fence of William M. Russell in Columbia Heights on Thursday afternoon, March 24. Russell has been convicted of violating Flathead County’s community decay law for failing to dispose of the more than 50 mobile homes.  (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

EDITORIAL: Innovation is great for cherry growers

A cherry juice plant taking shape at Finley Point is good news for Flathead cherry growers. The new venture will produce high-quality fruit juices and culinary sauces using culled or damaged fruit that typically has been discarded or sold at a loss to farmers.

BASKETBALL: Glacier wins Les Schwab Shootout; Burns wins dunk contest

Kyler Burns played in 17 varsity basketball games for Columbia Falls this winter.

Les Schwab Shootout

Columbia Falls' Kyler Burns throws down a dunk during the dunk contest of the Les Schwab Shootout at Flathead High on Thursday. Burns won the contest. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Tester still wants Superfund cleanup

During a tour of the shuttered Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. on Thursday, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said he still hopes to see the site designated under the federal Superfund program and expressed skepticism about parent company Glencore’s resolve to fully remediate the property.

Kila woman indicted on drug charges

A Kila woman was indicted on a handful of federal charges on March 18 in U.S. District Court in Missoula for allegedly dealing methamphetamine.

Kila man charged with sixth DUI

Flathead County authorities issued a $30,000 arrest warrant on Tuesday for a Kila man facing a sixth driving under the influence charge while serving probation for his previous drinking and driving offenses.

Man charged in Essex crash

A man has been charged with felony negligent vehicular assault for an Oct. 18, 2015, crash near Essex that left two men seriously injured.

Stabbing charge against transient teen dropped

Charges have been dropped against a transient teenager who had been accused of stabbing someone at the Blue and White Motel on Sept. 13, 2015.

Man pleads guilty to second child sex offense

A Columbia Falls man pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Flathead District Court to his second sex offense committed against a child.

Jon Tester visits the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company

The deconstruction of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company continues on Thursday morning, March 24. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co.

Jon Tester visits Columbia Falls Aluminum Co.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and Steve Wright, environmental manager for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., discuss the site during a tour on Thursday. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Hailstorm leads to U.S. 2 crashes

Heavy hail contributed to two crashes and shut down portions of U.S. 2 near Martin City and Hungry Horse Thursday afternoon.

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Ali Gilmore pets some of the Base Camp Bigfork Inuit sled dogs after a ride at Porcupine Creek in the Swan Valley on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Ali Gilmore raises her arms in the air as her sister Shannon Kahn mushes a team of Base Camp Bigfork's Inuit dogs in Swan Valley on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Appreciating individuals

Dieter Grosswiler is the president of the Flathead Valley Community College disability support group Appreciating Individuality Challenges and Excellence and Shandra Bell is a member of the support group. Bell, who was born with Crouzon syndrome, said she she knows how difficult school can be with disabilities and wanted to give something back to community. "There's something really cool about being in a group that talks about those challenges. I know I'm not the only one, and I can do what other students do, just in different ways," Bell said. 

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Ali Gilmore mushes as her friend Meredith Letts sits in the sled as Base Camp Bigfork's Mark Schurke helps guide them during a dogsledding trip at Porcupine Creek in the Swan Valley on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Doctor's license suspended

On Tuesday, the Montana Board of Medical Examiners indefinitely suspended the license of a Helena doctor, saying he overprescribed narcotics.

LETTER: Zinke sounds like part of the political problem

In a recent op-ed by Rep. Ryan Zinke about the sudden death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, he opens with a tasteful tribute to the departed judge. Though I didn’t vote for Rep. Zinke, I thought how refreshing it was to see some class exhibited by a D.C. politician on an issue that has turned into a hornet’s nest of hidden, and not so hidden, agendas.

LETTER: About that anger, just who do you think is to blame?

Everywhere I turn these days, I am told how angry Americans are. Well, let us ask a few questions in trying to find wherein lies the blame for all of this hostility.

LETTER: What's worse? Medical marijuana or oxycodone?

I have recently been authorized to take medical marijuana. I have a neurological condition that has caused me agony for 40 years. This is a hereditary disease, which my mother had and my daughter currently has.

LETTER: Letting Lenio go is not justice

David Joseph Lenio threatened to kill schoolchildren and Jews on his Twitter postings. His stated reasons are his, but the reality as I understand it is that he made threats and started to prepare himself to carry them out. The facts around this man are well documented by both Flathead Valley excellent newspapers. The outcome of the situation, to date, is not so clear and satisfactory.

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EDITORIAL: It's time to fight back against Islamic terror

Charlie Hebdo. The Bataclan theatre massacre. San Bernardino. And now Brussels.

Local libraries offer something for everyone

Beyond books

When it comes to literature, the local library is the obvious choice. But music and movement? Craft classes? Art exhibits?

This Week in the Flathead | March 24-31

FEATURED: Glacier softball's championship connection

Bond between Williams, Connolly crucial to team's success

Catchers never get any glory.

TERRY COLUMN: Weathering early spring practices

You’ve heard the old adage.

WEDNESDAY BRIEFS: Hockey team headed to nationals, basketball stars on display at Les Schwab Shootout

The Montana Thunderblades 14U select hockey team will play at the USA Hockey Tier II national championships in Charlotte, North Carolina next week.

Fear of bomb threat was overblown

Joan Salansky, 82

Joan Salansky, 82, passed away on March 17, 2016, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Council diary: a summary of city council actions on Monday night

Whitefish city manager to retire

Whitefish City Manager Chuck Stearns has announced his intention to retire at the end of this year.

Youths have choices for Easter egg hunts

Bring your Easter baskets and your sense of adventure to these fun-filled Easter egg hunts happening around the Flathead Valley this weekend:

Gunshot leads to suspended sentence

A Bigfork man was given a suspended jail sentence on Tuesday for firing a gun in his neighborhood.

Man sentenced for eighth DUI

A man is headed to a 13-month treatment program for driving drunk for the seventh and eighth times.

Man pleads guilty to assaulting girls in park

A Kalispell man broke down in tears in Flathead District Court on Wednesday and appeared to be in a state of emotional distress as he confessed to sexually assaulting two young girls in Lawrence Park on Aug. 18, 2015.

Four local candidates disqualified

Four candidates for state House seats in the Flathead Valley have been disqualified from the 2016 election after failing to file campaign finance reports with the Commissioner of Political Practices office by the March 14 deadline.

Handkerchief Lake in line for fish treatment this fall

This fall, Handkerchief Lake is slated to become a genetic reserve for two imperiled fish native to Montana — westslope cutthroat trout and the only remaining Arctic grayling indigenous to the lower 48.

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A passerby takes a photo of the rear bumper of the Evergreen Fire truck that was hit by a gravel truck as the Evergreen Fire Department was responding to another accident at the intersection of U.S. 2 and and Montana 35 on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Monday Profile: Patty Cordell

Prestige Assisted Living Executive Director Patty Cordell holds Dexter at the facility on Wednesday.

Supreme Court overturns arsonist's sentence

The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned a Flathead District judge’s decision to go beyond a plea agreement and impose a harsher sentence for a man who set his ex-girlfriend’s Whitefish home on fire in October 2013.

Court rejects appeal to close Montana primaries

HELENA — The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal seeking to close Montana's Republican primary elections to only GOP-registered voters.

Fire truck damaged

Gravel truck clips fire truck at crash scene

A loaded gravel truck took out traffic cones and hit a fire truck near the intersection of U.S. 2 and Montana 35 in Evergreen on Wednesday morning.

Schools won't ask for tax levy approval May 3

Kalispell Public Schools will not request voter approval of special tax levies at the May 3 election.

Sheriff's office investigates woman's death

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said his office is investigating the death of a local 38-year-old woman whose body was found Monday morning on a barge docked in Lakeside.

This Week in the Flathead: Loud at the Library

Library Director Kim Crowley looks over the bookshelves into Storytime on Tuesday, March 22, at ImagineIF Library in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Beyond Books

Cami Matern, 4, of Kalispell, takes part in storytime at ImagineIF Library in Kalispell on Tuesday, March 22. 

LAW ROUNDUP: Driver crunches mailboxes on Martini

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Shirley Colleen Sakariason, 89

Shirley Colleen Sakariason, 89, passed away Monday, March 14, 2016. She had resided at Immanuel Skilled Care Center in Kalispell for the last four years.

James C. Jellesed, 57

James C. Jellesed, 57, passed away in Kalispell on March 20, 2016.

Judith Ann Darling Benson, 65

Judith Ann Darling Benson, 65, of Whitefish, died peacefully in her home March 18, 2016.

Glacier Softball Duo

Glacier catcher Christine Connolly, left, and pitcher Ali Williams have been playing softball together since they were 9 years old. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

New lawsuit challenges Montana campaign finance law

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A national gun-rights group has filed a lawsuit seeking to strike down parts of Montana's new campaign finance law as an unconstitutional violation of free speech.

Appeals court overturns drug conviction, criticizes judge

HELENA (AP) — A federal appeals court has overturned a pair of drug convictions and a 30-year prison sentence for a Minot, North Dakota man, ruling a federal judge in Montana made critical mistakes.

Arguments filed to Supreme Court in closed-primary lawsuit

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Attorneys for Montana and the state Republican Party have filed their arguments with the U.S. Supreme Court about whether or not the GOP should allow only registered party members to vote in its June 7 primary elections.

Property owners urge changes to county plan

Dozens of residents in the Karrow Avenue area have asked the Flathead County commissioners to leave the existing zoning in place in their neighborhood when county zoning in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish is adopted.

Kindergarten Connection

Faith Davis, who will be a kindergartener next year, plays with blocks during the Kindergarten Connection at the Head Start in Kalispell on Tuesday. The Kindergarten Connection allowed parents of incoming kindergarten students the chance to meet with teachers and principals to prepare them for next year. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Gianforte makes his case for state's top office

In a campaign marked by small-government rhetoric and frequent tours across the Treasure State, Republican Greg Gianforte has continued pushing for regulatory reform as he works to unseat Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock.

Medicaid signups surpass predictions

More than 38,000 previously uninsured Montanans have enrolled for health coverage from the state’s Medicaid expansion program — surpassing projections by thousands.

Student admits bringing gun to school

A Flathead High School student has been designated a serious juvenile offender after admitting Friday to bringing a gun, drug paraphernalia and alcohol to school on Jan. 29.

Last defendant in standoff still at large

The last named defendant in the armed occupation of an Oregon wildlife refuge was still at large Tuesday, drawing calls for supporters to flock to his Northwest Montana hometown and a local sheriff to urge outsiders to stay of it.

Kalispell girl wins Montana spelling bee

Eighth-grader Sarah Rye of Kalispell is the Montana spelling champion.

LETTER: Help women with depression

The tragedy of the Bozeman Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ family greatly  saddens me.

LETTER: Not happy with commissioners' letter on refugees

I read the article in the March 11 Daily Inter Lake reporting on the unanimous, cheering support for the commissioners’ letter banning all Syrian refugees to our Flathead Valley community.

LETTER: Churches should only get tax break on religious use

When does religion come in conflict with the business community and non-profit become a by-word for cheating?

Whitefish approves nondiscrimination ordinance

Annika Gordon says she is gay and that doesn’t make her any less of a person.

LETTER: Governor didn't stop Arch Coal

I am afraid gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte doesn’t know what he is talking about. He recently accused Gov. Bullock and his administration of “refusing” to issue a permit to Arch Coal for the proposed Otter Creek Mine.

LETTER: Bottling plant is symptom of a larger issue

It has been quite an effort by the neighboring property owners to draw attention to the impacts of the bottling plant. While the effort is more than justified it might be for naught. As previously said unless there is some technical, scientific, or other like factors, related to the state permit, that can counter what has been submitted by the applicant, the application will likely be approved.

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Kalispell OKs new core area zoning

A new zoning designation targeted toward developing Kalispell’s core area into a pedestrian-friendly urban district is now officially on the books.

Belgium Attacks

A woman is evacuated in an ambulance by emergency services after a explosion in a main metro station in Brussels on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Explosions rocked the Brussels airport and the subway system Tuesday just days after the main suspect in the November Paris attacks was arrested in the city, police said. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Dozens dead in bombings of Brussels airport, metro

BRUSSELS — Bombs exploded at the Brussels airport and one of the city's metro stations Tuesday, killing at least 31 people and wounding dozens, as a European capital was again locked down amid heightened security threats.

Smile of Hope dental program expands

A Whitefish nonprofit has expanded its program to connect a wider range of low-income women with free dental care.

Injured skier airlifted to safey

A Flathead County woman was airlifted from the Snowshoe Creek drainage in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Sunday afternoon, after sustaining an injury while skiing.

Douglas Donald Golden, 64

Douglas Donald Golden, 64, “went to the Lord with the angels” on March 18, 2016, with his family by his side.

Chet Wram, 68

Whitefish native Chet Wram passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2016, at home.

Demolition makes way for new shelter

On Monday, A Ray of Hope homeless shelter demolished a home across the street from its Kalispell location to create a building site for a new women’s and children’s shelter.

Local cherry growers get juice plant

A new cherry juice plant should make a splash this summer in the growers community along Flathead Lake.

Ray of Hope begins demolition

Demolition of a house on 5th Avenue West was in full swing Monday afternoon, March 21, in Kalispell. The property is slated to become a new shelter for women and children. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

New Maps from Jake Bramante

Detail of the three Day Hikes maps by Jake Bramante featuring Yellowstone, Glacier and Zion. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Developer, neighbors reach accord on subdivision

The developer of a proposed 41-unit subdivision on U.S. 93 in Whitefish has reached a deal with a neighborhood group concerned over the project’s proposed blended commercial and residential density.

Program tries to strengthen memory skills

Prestige Assisted Living of Kalispell is using technology, art and storytelling to tap into its residents’ memories.

Sheriff David Clarke Jr.

Top police expert to visit Flathead Valley

Sheriff Clarke to speak on April 5

A leading national speaker on police issues will give a talk about the state of law enforcement in the United States on April 5 in Kalispell.

Two Bear Air locates injured snowmobiler

MISSOULA — A man who believed his friends were stuck in an avalanche was seriously injured when he crashed his snowmobile into a metal gate as he rode to their rescue in the dark.

Man denies Whitefish crash

A man has denied driving drunk and taking out a street sign, trees, and another vehicle in downtown Whitefish on Feb. 28.

Weekend was filled with fights

JUNE 15-18: Outdoor Media Association convention

APRIL 10-12: State tourism conference

MAY 4-6: State human resource conference

Safety first

UPS driver marks 25 years of accident-free driving

Ready for spring

Stste Fund rewards Immanuel Lutheran Communities for safe workplace

FJ 32116

PreCheck enrollment begins today at airport

Beginning today, flight travelers can enroll in the Transportation Security Administration PreCheck program at Glacier Park International Airport.

Community weighs middle school options

Somers-Lakeside School District invited residents, parents and staff to weigh in at its first community meeting on the possibility of sending its middle school students to Kalispell.

Council looks to install Core Area zoning

The Kalispell City Council tonight will vote on putting a new zoning designation in the city code, a prelude to zone changes that will blanket the city’s Core Area.

Building a career of connecting people

At the Big Brothers Big Sisters office, Jesse Mahugh can reel off statistics that give shape to the children he hopes to reach.

Man admits firing gun during argument

A Bigfork man admitted Thursday to drunkenly firing a gun toward his wife was in on Oct. 28, 2015.

West Valley science fair features 200 students

About 200 students competed at the West Valley School science fair on March 7. A community night was held in conjunction with the large-scale science fair for family and community members to view the projects that focused on biological, physical and environmental sciences.

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LETTER: Not farming but industrial use

For over 100 years people from the Southwest have coveted water from the Flathead Valley. Now, when glaciers are vanishing from high peaks across the Americas and summers on average are becoming hotter and dryer, a new scheme is being hatched to steal our water — bottle it in 12 oz. bottles and ship it to the Southwest.

LETTER: Crazy to gamble

In the March 17 story “Crosstown Craze is not too far away,” we find out that “Students can test their luck on rolling the dice in a casino...”

LETTER: What would Jesus say?

I look around the valley and see many churches and signs supporting the Ten Commandments, and then I read the letter sent by the county commissioners announcing their opposition to bringing any refugees into our county and several hundred citizens applauding in support.

LETTER: Biased journalism?

Within the March 18 front page story about Mike Goguen’s money, “An ‘inspiring’ philanthropic commitment,” a text box referred readers to an opinion piece, “Remember all the good he does” on page A4.  

LETTER: Tragic accident made worse by loss of personal effects

On Feb. 24 at approximately 4 p.m. my wife was in a single car accident out in Kila, less than a half mile from home. I was the fourth person on the scene and was able to be with her while waiting for first responders to arrive.

OPINION: Marsy's Law will help crime victims

No one expects to be a victim of a crime. But when you are, the world crashes down around you. You want a remedy, justice, simply a return to what you had before. And you want the system to work for you to get there as quickly and smoothly as possible.

OPINION: Protect Second Amendment against any attempt to restrict it

A gun is fired in anger or insanity in our nation and our very own Muslim apologist president and chief socialist who resides in his great white palace in Washington, D.C., grabs the nearest microphone and starts babbling that we have to get control of guns — scary, but consistent.

OPINION: TIGER grant will let downtown roar again

Downtown Kalispell has long served as the economic and financial hub of the Flathead Valley. The recently awarded TIGER grant will provide critical investment in civic infrastructure to strengthen Kalispell as the leader in the economic resurgence in the Flathead Valley.

EDITORIAL: June primary could be interesting

In case you didn’t notice, the Montana presidential primary election on June 7 just might be relevant.

LETTER: Thanks to commissioners

We the people have legitimate security concerns with refugee resettlement.

LETTER: Don't compare refugees to 19th century immigrants

I am writing in regard to the letter by Steve Brady in the March 13 paper.

OPINION: County wrong to take a stand against resettlement of Syrian refugees

There are people like you in countries around the world who know a lot about Montana because of the stories I proudly tell of the Big Sky state during a normal day on the job.

Angry birds locked in combat

Challenging effort separates dueling eagles

Shortly after dawn on March 8, a Polson-area homeowner glanced out his window and noticed a group of crows pecking at what appeared to be a pair of dead bald eagles in his yard.

Births, published March 20, 2016

LAW ROUNDUP: Urine sinks trust in tenant

A person on Dakota Avenue reported to

Donna Berneice Hanson, 91

Born October 9, 1924, in Kalispell to Ora and Beulah Miller, Donna Berneice Hanson died at age 91 on March 18, 2016, in Port Townsend, Washington.

Ida Mae VonderHeide, 75

Patricia Jeane Morton Hibbard, 87

After a lengthy descent into Alzheimer’s, Patricia Jeane Morton Hibbard died March 15, 2016, on a chilly, but sunny and breezy day. She died at Heritage Place in Kalispell, where she had resided for the past 15 years.

COLUMN: Flathead Journal 2.0 coming Monday

Twenty-five years ago, I was the wire editor at the Daily Inter Lake, and watched the launch of a brand new publication called the Flathead Business Journal.

Tuesday session to look at Whitefish Lake report

Join researchers from the Whitefish Lake Institute on Tuesday to learn about the organization’s water resources report and what it means for you.

Man gets probation for growing pot in Flathead Forest

A Kalispell man received a probationary sentence on Thursday for growing marijuana with his cousin in the Flathead National Forest in September 2013.

Pair get in trouble in Flathead County while awaiting federal trial

A day after a man and woman took divergent paths in a federal drug case involving methamphetamine distribution in Havre, the pair were taken into custody for a handful of crimes in the Flathead Valley.

Nate Chute Banked Slalom

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Rocky Kramer goes around a gate in the gulley during the Nate Chute Banked Slalom at Whitefish Mountain Resort. About 130 boarders participated in the second longest running banked slalom race in the United States. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Chase Matteson gains speed as goes over the hill during the Nate Chute Banked Slalom at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Tyrel Bacon cuts a corner during the Nate Chute Banked Slalom at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Eagle duty

Child abuse, neglect cases double in local counties

The number of child abuse or neglect cases in Flathead County has doubled since 2011 and the number is on track to climb even higher in 2016, mimicking a statewide trend.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Lisa Hendrickson resigns as Flathead coach

Bravettes went 11-52 in her three seasons

Flathead girls basketball coach Lisa Hendrickson stepped down from her position on Thursday after three seasons at the helm of the Bravettes.

GIRLS SOCCER: Jenni Sipe tabbed new Flathead coach

Former college player was head coach at Gig Harbor (Wash.) H.S.

Jenni Sipe, the former head coach at Gig Harbor (Wash.) High School, has been named the new girls soccer coach at Flathead High School, pending school board approval.

Woman denies stealing from school organization

The former treasurer for the Somers-Lakeside Parent Teacher Association denied stealing thousands of dollars from the group.

LAW ROUNDUP: Man of many accounts explains himself

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Church hosts regional conference this weekend

Larry J. Echo Hawk, an attorney, legal scholar, former U.S. Marine and General Authority for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will speak in Kalispell this weekend at a regional conference.

Culinary teams shine at state level

Krysta Reichert, left, and Dana Van Luven measure sauerkraut for a reuben sandwich during a ProStart Culinary class at Flathead High School on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Refugee group plans to reopen Montana office

MISSOULA — An agency that helps resettle refugees plans to re-open an office in western Montana.

Applied Materials restructures workforce

Firm places 16 workers in separation program

Applied Materials in Kalispell has placed 16 employees in its separation program as the company restructures its work force to compensate for market demand.

Nursery specializes in native plants

Flathead nursery owners prepare for growing season

Somers Middle School

Somer's seventh-grader Shelby Daniels wears a hat for a fundraiser as she does her assignment during Tom Gillespie's history class at the middle school on Wednesday.

France Attacks Fugitive

Paris attack fugitive arrested in Brussels raid

BRUSSELS (AP) — The main fugitive from Islamic extremist attacks in Paris in November, Salah Abdeslam, has been arrested in Belgium's capital after four months at large, French police officials said Friday.

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Evan Barnett reacts as Braxton Bellmer cuts into a whitefish during a dissection in Molly Fisher's third and fourth-grade class at Olney-Bissell on Thursday. The dissection was part of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Hooked on Fishing program. The class also built lures earlier in the year and will go fishing in the spring for the program. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Olney-Bissell third-grader Tracy Hagadone reacts to dissecting a whitefish in Molly Fisher's third and fourth-grade class on Thursday. The fish dissection was part of the Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks

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Krysta Reichert, left, and Dana Van Luven measure sauerkraut for a reuben sandwich during a ProStart Culinary class at Flathead High School on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Whitefish juniors Alyssa Mcleod, left, and Emma Claire Spring won the restaurant management competition at the Montana ProStart Invitational in Bozeman and will compete at the national competition in Dallas. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Jesse Mahugh was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he attended Flathead Valley Community College and is now the executive director of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Monday Profile: Jesse Mahugh

Jesse Mahugh is the executive director of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County. 

LETTER: Time to narrow the wealth gap

The time has come for narrowing the wealth inequality gap for low-income childless American workers. Many among those care for our elderly, deliver papers, change our tires, or provide service in stores and restaurants. Tax time is stressful and discouraging especially for those whose payroll deductions have dragged them down into poverty no matter how hard they labor to survive.     

LETTER: Critics of refugee letter need to face 2016 realities

This letter serves to express my disapproval of the writer who disapproved of the commissioners’ approval of a letter opposing refugee settlement in Flathead County.

LETTER: Just a bad idea

My immediate reaction to the March 8 article on the bottling plant in Creston was simply, “That is a bad idea.” In this day and age, with what is happening to our environment, the last thing we need is someone contributing to the drought we are already experiencing by taking water from the land and putting it in PLASTIC bottles to further pollute our world.

LETTER: Don't be so quick to judge; we don't know the whole story

In regards to Michael Goguen ... use common sense.

EDITORIAL: Coffee and a chance to have a say

How can you make Kalispell better?

Births, published March 18, 2016

LAW ROUNDUP: Man suspects woman in death of dog

A man wanted a

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Glacier's Kris Salonen steps down as head coach

Led Wolfpack to four state tourneys in seven seasons

Glacier girls basketball coach Kris Salonen has resigned after more than six years heading the Wolfpack program.

Election Department moves to fairgrounds

The Flathead County Election Department has moved to the Flathead County Fairgrounds Country Kitchen building as the 2016 primary election cycle gets underway with voter registration and absentee voting.

Excavator

A fuel tank is moved from the flames with a excavator at Les Schlegel Enterprises north of Somers on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Fire

Slash fire threatens fuel tanks

Firefighters responded to Schlegel Enterprises north of Somers Thursday afternoon after a slash fire burned out of control and set a small fuel tank ablaze.

Fatal collision

C. Falls driver dies in crash on slick highway

A 22-year-old Columbia Falls woman died Thursday morning after a collision on Montana 206 just north of Rogers Road.

Goguen lauded for 'inspiring' philanthropy

Sex-abuse accusations have created anxiety among recipients of Goguen’s generosity

There’s no doubt the allegations of sexual abuse against Whitefish philanthropist Michael Goguen and his counterclaim of extortion by his accuser have raised eyebrows in the Flathead Valley.

Man airlifted after snowboard accident

Two Bear Air Rescue airlifted an injured snowboarder from Hellroaring Basin at Whitefish Mountain Resort Thursday morning.

Two Bear rescue

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Janaprakal Chandruang, a Flathead Valley Community College graduate and leader of the Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool, plays guitar before a rehearsal at the college on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Thaweerak Wongwai plays the ranad during a rehearsal at Flathead Valley Community Theatre on Wednesday. The Moradokmai Theatre Community will give two free performances at the college on Monday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Satang Punnipa Meejun, playing Wanthong, rests on Oh Woraphot Banchongiruchakul during a rehearsal of "The Trial of Wanthong,". The drama is based upon a Thai legend about a love triangle that ends in tragedy. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Tiu Suppameth Maimong plays the king in the "The Trial of Wanthong,". The Thailand theatre group will give two free perfomances on Monday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The cast of "The Trial of Wanthong," carry Tanadon Nuain as they sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water," during a reheasal on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The cast of "The Trial of Wanthong," carry Tanadon Nuain as they sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water," during a reheasal on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Gig Sureeporn Boonyaleka narrates the story during a rehearsal of "The Trial of Wanthong," at the Flathead Valley Community College Theatre on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The Moradokmai Theatre Community uses a ranad, a Thai xylophone, in the performance of "The Trial Wanthong,". (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

LETTER: Bottled water is bad; bottling plant even worse

Clean water is an absolute necessity to support life on this planet. As Montanans we are fortunate to have it at our disposal. So let’s not dispose of it!

LETTER: Just why doesn't landowner have right to develop bottling business?

So much for “property rights” in the Land of the Free. Mr. Lew Weaver, the villain farmer who has a well permit for the purpose of a water bottling venture, is lucky he doesn’t need Secret Service protection.

LETTER: Creston water bottling plant? We all lose

Define for me “adverse effects.” DNRC says well owners may need to drill deeper wells when the aquifer level recedes. Is Lew Weaver going to pay for my new well? DNRC? When the water is at a critical low level is water going to be trucked BACK here? I don’t think so.

LETTER: Clean Power Plan would be good for America

I was very disappointed to read about the Supreme Court’s recent decision to stay the “Clean Power Plan.” As a father and an educator, I am very concerned about the threat of climate change and have been working hard to do all that I can to support good policy on climate health. A huge number of climate scientists and public health experts have identified climate change as the most important health threat we face.

Goguen donation

U.S. cancels oil and gas lease on sacred land

BILLINGS — The Obama administration on Thursday canceled a disputed oil and gas lease just outside Glacier National Park that is on land considered sacred to the Blackfeet Tribe.

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Judge issues ultimatum on energy lease

BILLINGS — A federal judge accused the Obama administration of trying to “run the clock out” on a pending decision on an oil and gas lease near Glacier National Park that’s been held up for several decades.

EDITORIAL: Extending protest period was welcome

The nervousness of Creston area residents about a proposed water-bottling plant is entirely understandable, and we are glad the state has agreed to extend the protest period.

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the Montana ShamRockers

The Montana ShamRockers are bringing their unique Irish harmonies to Whitefish to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day.

This Week in the Flathead | March 17-23

TERRY COLUMN: Relax, let's watch some basketball

Very little work will be done today.

BASKETBALL: Four from Bigfork named all-state in Class B

Jordt, Landon, Berg, Campbell all recognized

The Bigfork basketball teams both went undefeated in District 7B, sweeping their way to the regular season and tournament titles.

HOCKEY: Whitefish Wolverines' playoff push heads to Idaho

WHITEFISH — The Whitefish Wolverines swept the Vancouver Rangers on the road last week in the first round of the Western States Hockey League playoffs.

The Montana ShamRockers

Births, published March 17, 2016

LAW ROUNDUP: Son might have some explaining to do for warrant

A woman called

Albert G. Frank, 86

Albert George Frank left us on March 13, 2016, “for his heavenly home.” He suffered a stroke on March 11 and waited peacefully for two days “for God to open heaven’s gate.”

U.S. 93 safety project planned in Somers

The Montana Depart-ment of Transportation is taking comments on proposed safety improvements for a quarter-mile stretch of U.S. 93 in Somers.

Man admits to role in Bigfork burglary spree

A man has pleaded guilty to his role in an Oct. 26, 2015, burglary spree in the Bigfork area.

Nine local youths qualify for state geography finals

Nine geography aficionados from Northwest Montana have qualified for the National Geographic Bee state competition April 1 at Montana State University-Billings.

Prom night arrives Saturday for local students

On Saturday, Flathead Valley high school students will step out in gowns and tuxes for prom.

Crosstown Craze is not too far away

The Crosstown Craze all-night party for graduating Kalispell high school seniors is quickly approaching, and fundraising and volunteering efforts are underway to make the celebration a night to remember.

Trustees debate tuition waivers for staff children

Although no action was taken, Kalispell Public Schools trustees provided input last week about waiving tuition for out-of-district students whose parents are district employees.

Kalispell taking bids for trio of projects

The city of Kalispell on Monday opened the bidding process for three infrastructure improvement projects.

Man charged with ninth DUI

A man has been charged with a ninth instance of driving under the influence of alcohol after a crash Friday night in Evergreen.

Rural Bigfork neighbors reactivate land-use group

The LaBrant-Lindsey Lane Land Use Advisory Committee has planned a public meeting Monday to rekindle interest in the neighborhood plan that covers an area north of Bigfork.

Trophy room a testament to adventurous life

Whether it’s a herd of caribou in Alaska, a grizzly in British Columbia or a polar bear in the Arctic Circle, retired outfitter Gene Lee has hunted just about every game animal there is in North America.

Man shot by police pleads not guilty

A man shot multiple times by Kalispell Police officers in January pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning to felony assault on a peace officer.

Pengelly in court

Obama Supreme Court

Federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland, right, stands with President Barack Obama as he is introduced as Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court during an announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Obama nominates appeals judge to Supreme Court

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said Wednesday he would nominate appeals court judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, urging Republicans to approve a long-time jurist and former prosecutor known as "one of America's sharpest legal minds."

Two districts planning levy elections

With school elections coming up May 3, some districts have decided whether or not to request voter approval of extra tax levies.

BASKETBALL: Glacier's Hailee Bennett named all-state for third time

Five others at Glacier, Flathead also honored

Hailee Bennett has been named a Class AA all-state selection for the third consecutive season, putting one final exclamation mark on the Glacier point guard’s record-setting career.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Three Columbia Falls juniors named Class A all-state

Columbia Falls juniors Kiara Burlage, Cydney Finberg and Peyton Kehr have all been named to the Class A all-state team after leading the Wildkats to a second place finish at last weekend’s state tournament.

LAW ROUNDUP: Man hit by car has no love for Montana, but goes easy on driver

Woman still in serious condition following fire accident

A Kalispell woman was still in serious condition Tuesday a week after she was burned in a fire on Wendt Way.

Alan Dale Raddatz, 78

Diane Wheeler Raddatz, Sept. 12, 1961 - Dec. 18, 2013

Beverly 'Bev' Ann (McAnally) Grotbo, 55

Anastasia Lynn 'Staci' Westley, 47

Anastasia Lynn “Staci” Westley passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Friday, March 7, 2016, in Kalispell.

Kalispell reiterates stance on highway zoning

The Kalispell City Council on Monday supported partial involvement in a Montana Supreme Court case between Flathead County and Citizens for a Better Flathead.

Transient sentenced for Evergreen fire

A transient man has been sentenced for stealing a car and accidentally burning down part of an Evergreen neighborhood in separate incidents last year.

College narrows location for student housing

Flathead Valley Community College has narrowed down a location for the school’s first on-campus student housing.

Traffic study details options for courthouse couplet

Creating an eastside bypass on Willow Glen Road and turning Kalispell’s First Avenues east and west into one-way streets are among the alternatives traffic engineers have identified for rebuilding U.S. 93 around the Flathead County Courthouse.

First set of bridge beams spans Old Reserve Drive

Crews worked through the night Monday to install bridge beams over Old Reserve Drive for the U.S. 93 bypass.

Recovering Eagle

A Great horned owl with a broken wing flies as it recovers on Tuesday, March 15, in Kalispell at Montana Wild Wings Recovery. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Questions raised about church's interest in building

The Fresh Life Church is negotiating the purchase of the historic Montana Building on First Avenue East with the building’s owners, according to building manager Ron Profitt, and tenants are concerned about what that means for them.

Smile of Hope

Cowboy Ron and the Cowboy Cabin/Old West Antiques and Interiors

Portrait of Cowboy Ron Turner in the new location of the Cowboy Cabin / Old West Antiques and Interiors at 5098 Hwy 93, south of Whitefish on Friday, March 11. Turner is an antiques dealer specializes in high-end Old West genuine historic merchandise. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Montana Building

Overpass

A 113 foot support beam on the tractor trailer that delivered it from Spokane on Monday evening, March 14. Five beams were delivered Monday and five more will be delivered tonight. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Overpass bridge work

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Prestige painting

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Will Tusick, a rancher from Polson, shears a sheep at Round Prairie Farms in Whitefish on Monday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

LIFESIDE FARMS

Dorothy Grace, left, of the Lifeside Farms Program, helps Julie Robinson skirt the fleece of a sheep at Round Prairie Farms in Whitefish on Monday. Grace has participated in the program for more than a year and has crocheted a sweater from the wool she has skirted.

OPINION: Voting at a crossroads

It is seldom that the fate of a nation can be traced to what happened on one particular day. But that may be what happens in the United States of America on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

OPINION: Loss of medical school good news?

Montanans had mixed reactions to news that a group of New Mexico investors have chosen a site near Boise, Idaho, to build a for-profit college of osteopathic medicine.

LETTER: Cowardly stance on Syrian refugees betrays American values

It is a sad thing to see cowardice in action. Especially in America, the land of the brave, and the Flathead Valley, the home of the Braves.

Glacier Park to boost its staff this summer

Glacier National Park will have a few more employees to help handle the record crowds expected this summer.

LETTER: Trump is better than a politician

I’ve been wondering why Mexico, China, India, Japan and South Korea are so opposed to Trump as our president? When it is none of their business … or is it?

LETTER: Trump vs. the establishment

Hasn’t this been an exciting election year? We have three major candidates running for the presidency: Donald Trump (a businessman), Bernie Sanders (a socialist), and Hillary Clinton (an establishment Democrat).

LETTER: Anybody but Donald Trump?

OK, I’ve had my say about Donald Trump and, apparently, a majority of voters in Republican primaries thus far don’t agree since he continues to win.

Montana election races finalized for primary

Monday marked the end of Montana’s candidate filing period, with many Democratic candidates for legislative districts in the state’s Northwest corner signing up during the final week.

Commissioner race the only contested primary

A Republican primary battle shapes up as the only Flathead County government election contest this year.

Man denies molesting girl

A Marion man has denied sexually assaulting a young girl.

Stand-up boarder not in distress

The

Marie Evelyn DeLaitsch Lockhart, 88

Clayton J. Hogue, 61

Benjamin Thomas Creech III, 26

Ben left us on March 10, 2016, at the age of 26.

Goguen: Woman's claims a 'shakedown'

Calling his accuser “a woman scorned” consumed by anger, obsession and jealousy, Whitefish philanthropist Michael Goguen says he is being extorted by a woman who claims in a lawsuit that he sexually abused her during their 13-year relationship.

Flathead jobless rate rises to 7.3 percent

Flathead County’s unemployment rate posted at 7.3 percent in January, up more than a full percentage point from 6.2 percent in December 2015.

Court release derailed by syringes, drugs

A woman was close to walking out of court Thursday with only a short lecture from Flathead District Judge Robert Allison but instead was sent back to jail for allegedly bringing syringes and drugs to the Flathead County Justice Center.

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Goguen files aggressive legal response

Whitefish philanthropist and former Sequoia Capital partner Michael Goguen responded forcefully Monday with a legal complaint against a woman who has accused him of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

At Home March 2016

Bond reduction denied for accused child abuser

Flathead District Court Judge Robert Allison on Thursday denied a request for bond reduction made by a man accused of slapping a toddler and shaking an infant.

Is your refrigerator running?

A Council Bluffs Drive resident told the

Council to hear courthouse traffic options

The Kalispell City Council work session tonight will cover a two-year study on traffic alignment around the Flathead County Courthouse.

Whitefish teachers get new contract

Teachers in Whitefish School District will receive a 2.75 percent salary increase for the 2016-17 school year as part of a one-year agreement.

Quest for citizenship an insightful journey

Coming to America

Thao Huynh was sure the plane had somehow landed in the wrong place when she and her parents and younger sister arrived in the Flathead Valley that stark winter day in 2010.

Pain patients push for new legislation

A group of Montana pain patients told a legislative committee on Friday that treatment for their chronic pain is a fundamental human right, but often out of reach.

Longtime court guardian set to retire

Many people wonder if they could last a day in jail, but Beverly Martinez has gone above and beyond what most people would consider a long stint in the slammer.

Judge: Suspect's drug money can't be used for bail

A Martin City man suspected of dealing drugs is going to have to find another way to scrape bail money together after a judge denied his request to have $6,000 seized in suspected drug payments released so he could bond out of jail.

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Class B state championship

Images from Bigfork's 67-59 loss to Choteau in the Class B state championship at the Butte Civic Center on Saturday, March 12, 2016.

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Bigfork’s Adam Jordt walks off the court after the Vikings loss to the Choteau Bulldogs 67-59 in the Class B State Championship at the Butte Civic Center on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork’s George Gibson dives to the ground for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of the Class B State Championship against Choteau. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork’s Adam Jordt charges into Choteau’s Dylan Pannabecker during the third quarter of the Vikings’ 67-59 loss in the Class B championship. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork’s Jonathan Landon shoots over a pair of Choteau defenders during the Class B State Championship at the Butte Civic Center on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

OPINION: North Fork Road saga could very possibly have no end

Regarding your story, “North Fork traffic may worsen next year,” talk about deja vu all over again!

OPINION: Angry America has known causes and predictable consequences

Somehow or other, the Trump Train seems to keep rolling along despite the best efforts of the Republican power brokers. Both Rubio and Kasich must now huddle in the corner and determine what’s next? But it has become quite clear to the populace that neither one of these individuals stands a chance to win anything.

OPINION: No adverse impact from water bottling plant - seriously?

Let’s see here ... we’ll suck a chunk of Flathead Valley water out of the ground annually amounting to 721 acre feet, 235.1 million gallons, or for another visualization — rope off a piece of Flathead Lake about 1.1 miles square and drain it down 1 foot. Hello! That’s a pretty big bucket of water right there — I don’t care who you are!

OPINION: Tired of being called a hater and racist

The “stand against violence, fear and hate” type groups that rallied recently in Depot Park, and all across Montana and America, are a coalition of a large number of paid lobbying groups such as the ACLU, Montana Human Rights Network, Love Lives Here, NARAL (pro-choice), Planned Parenthood, SEIU, CAIR (Council of American Islamic Relations), Move-On.org (George Soros group) and even joining in are Presbyterian and Unitarian Universalist churches (to name just a “few” of the non-profits behind this).

County to install heated sidewalks

Flathead County is poised to spend between $258,000 and $295,000 to install heated sidewalks at two high-traffic county buildings in an effort to improve public safety.

LETTER: Commissioners wrong to try to block refugees

This letter is to express my disapproval of the action by the commissioners to approve a letter opposing any refugee settlement in Flathead County.    

LETTER: The financial burdens of immigration

Let us consider the financial burdens of immigration:

OPINION: GOP establishment created Trump mania

The Republican Party does not have a Trump problem. Pointing at Donald Trump as the source of current GOP public image woes equates to pointing at an effect and calling it a cause. The source of the problem lies deep within the collective psyche of the GOP electorate itself — a trait their leadership has been systematically fostering for decades. Trump is merely the inevitable outcome.

OPINION: Doing whatever it takes to shine light on government

The week of March 13 is a busy one, including St. Patrick’s Day parades and shenanigans (especially in Butte) and the Western Art Week shows, sales and parties in Great Falls.

William 'Bill' Fergus Rauch Jr., 77

On the evening of March 6, 2016, with family and close friends present, William “Bill” Fergus Rauch Jr., 77, died peacefully after a long illness and a brief stay at Rocky Mountain Care Center in Helena.

EDITORIAL: Evergreen gets a welcome boost

Flathead County lost its bid to buy the Walmart building in Evergreen for a jail expansion, and that’s OK.

Aid sought for Kalispell woman's animals after she's burned

A Kalispell woman was severely burned in a fire last week, and a Missoula nonprofit and neighbors have stepped up to the plate to help make sure that her animals are taken care of during her recovery.

Robert 'Bob' Nordtome, 88

Robert “Bob” Nordtome, 88, of Fort Sumner, New Mexico, passed away on March 10, 2016, at his home.

Ellen 'Jean' Nally, 82

Ellen “Jean” Nally, 82, passed away March 9, 2016, at Kalispell Regional Healthcare.

Thomas Milo Jerrow, 66

Thomas Milo Jerrow, 66, died peacefully during an afternoon nap on Dec. 29, 2015, at his home in Hungry Horse.

Theodore J. Sokalowski, 90

Theodore J. Sokalowski, aka Ted Sok, aka Uncle Ted, 90, passed away March 6, 2016, at his home (the Sok Ranch) in Kalispell.

Ronald 'Cleve' Wilson, 79

Ronald “Cleve” Wilson of Columbia Falls passed away peacefully Feb. 29, 2016.

Columbia Falls' Allyson Gimbel

Allyson Gimbel (33) of Columbia Falls looks to take a shot against Butte Central in the first half of the state A girls basketball finals in Belgrade, Saturday, March 12. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)

Columbia Falls' Kiara Burlage

Kiara Burlage of Columbia Falls (32) goes up for a shot against a host of Butte Central defenders in the girls state A basketball tournament championship game in Belgrade, Saturday March 12. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)

Bigfork's George Gibson

Bigfork’s George Gibson dives to the ground for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of the Class B state championship game against Choteau. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Bigfork's Jonathan Landon

Bigfork’s Jonathan Landon (14) shoots over a pair of Choteau defenders during the Class B state championship game at the Butte Civic Center on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Bigfork senior Adam Jordt

Bigfork’s Adam Jordt (1) charges into Choteau’s Dylan Pannabecker during the third quarter of the Vikings’ 67-59 loss in the Class B state championship game. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Bigfork's Adam Jordt

Bigfork’s Adam Jordt walks off the court after the Vikings loss to the Choteau Bulldogs 67-59 in the Class B state championship game at the Butte Civic Center on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Bigfork edged by Choteau in Class B state championship game

Bulldogs win 2nd straight title

BUTTE — Bigfork fell behind double-digits in the first quarter and would never catch Choteau as the Bulldogs completed an undefeated season and won their second straight Class B state boys basketball championship, 67-59, at the Butte Civic Center on Saturday evening.

William 'Bill' Fergus Rauch Jr.

Thomas Milo Jerrow

Ronald 'Cleve' Wilson

Ellen 'Jean' Nally

Theodore J. Sokalowski

Robert 'Bob' Nordtome

Woman spotted driving with baby on lap

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Cedar Creek Lodge construction

A construction worker walks through what will be the main lobby of the Cedar Creek Lodge on Tuesday, March 1, in Columbia Falls. The 64 room hotel is aiming at opening in mid-June. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Mick Ruis: the blue-collar philanthropist

The Cedar Creek Lodge in central Columbia Falls is taking shape on land that once held a ramshackle collection of mobile homes.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Columbia Falls comes up short in state championship game

Butte Central finishes undefeated season with title

BELGRADE — The Columbia Falls girls didn’t have quite enough.

COLUMN: Shutting down free speech in college - and in politics

When I was trudging through my high school years, one thing that kept me going was the vision of “higher” education — the belief that once I got to college, I would be surrounded by intellectuals engaged in lively debate and the exchange of ideas. Think of Plato’s “Symposium” except on a grander scale.

Paisley Kay Kern

Saraya Palmer

Jeffrey Augustus Blaine Sharp

Addison May Wagoner

Annabelle Mae Sauter

Olympian Mahre headlines Ski Heritage Days

Olympic and World Champion skier Phil Mahre will be the guest of honor at the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation’s annual Hellroaring Ski Heritage Days March 18-19 in Whitefish.

Columbia Falls' Syndey Grilley

Wildkat Sydney Grilley (12) goes up for a shot against Browning in the first half of the Class A state basketball tournament semifinals in Belgrade on Saturday, March 11. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)

Columbia Falls' Allyson Gimbel

Allyson Gimbel (33) of Columbia Falls looks to take a shot against Browning's Tiara Gilham in the second half of Friday's Class A state tournament semifinal game in Belgrade. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Bigfork fells Big Timber, reaches state championship game

Vikings to meet defending champ Choteau Saturday night at 8:30

BUTTE — Bigfork led wire-to-wire and earned a chance to win a second state championship in three years, toppling Big Timber 63-51 on Friday night at the Class B state boys basketball tournament at the Butte Civic Center.

LAW ROUNDUP: No 'fowl play' involved in goose incident at park in Kalispell

Kalispell schools set calendar for next year

School calendars have been approved by Kalispell Public Schools trustees for 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.

Evelyn A. Warren, 90

Evelyn A. Warren, 90, “went home to her loving Father” on March 7, 2016, after battles that old age brings.

Mom, son collaborate on children's book

The cover of “Samson the Sock Monster,” which is illustrated by Kalispell artist Shane Morgan.

Sheriff's Office holds Citizen Academy starting in April

Flathead County sheriff’s deputies handle hundreds of calls each week, involving everything from armed people to quibbles over misplaced lawn art.

Ailing girl will get wish fulfilled

On Sunday, a Kalispell mother and daughter will take their first flight together that’s not on an air ambulance.

Ryker and Lilly Buchholz

Bo Leigh Selders

Rhett Lee Quenzer

Oslo Iverson Smart

Hudson James Boeckman

Aurora Vylee Scovel

Thaeo Michael Canada

Aleai Laine Grady

Center for Native Plants

Vice President David Noftsinger (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Man killed in crash was chasing wife

A Kalispell man who died following a vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on Farm to Market Road was chasing his wife prior to the crash.

Protest period extended for Creston water permit

The protest period for a preliminary water rights permit issued to the Montana Artesian Water Co. has been extended by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

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People line up to order a beer at the Backslope Brewery in Kalispell on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Carla and Darin Fisher opened the Backslope Brewery in Columbia Falls this week. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Carla and Darin Fisher opened the Backslope Brewery in Columbia Falls this week. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Teen arrested after highway chase

A teenager allegedly led Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies on a car chase Friday morning.

Site picked for county athletic facility

A site south of Kalispell has been selected for Flathead County’s multi-use recreational facility, allowing business and design plans to move full steam ahead.

Melvin G Woldstad, 92

Melvin G Woldstad, 92

Constance Ilene (Dial) Trinastich, 64

Constance Ilene (Dial) Trinastich, 64, passed away in her home suddenly on Thursday, March 3, 2016.

Carolee Joan Pfuhl, 84

Carolee Joan Pfuhl, 84

Robert A. 'Bob' Meseroll, Sr., 81

Helen Irene Gray, 75

Carie Lee Dodson, 54

Carie Lee Dodson, 54

BOYS BASKETBALL: Bigfork hangs on, reaches state tournament semifinals

Vikings will meet Big Timber Friday at 8 p.m.

BUTTE — Bigfork coughed up a halftime lead, but made just enough free throws down the stretch to survive a major scare in the first round of the Class B state boys basketball tournament at the Butte Civic Center, sneaking past Townsend, 55-53 on Thursday night.

LETTER: Ask for extension on comments about Creston bottling plant

Regarding the proposed Creston bottling plant:

LETTER: Chance for contamination needs to be considered

Imagine that your well quits producing water. Imagine that you hear of contaminated groundwater in the valley, and you are told it is too late to do anything about it. Imagine that your neighbor who has water rights for a gpm well suddenly wants to extract in excess of 236 million gallons a year. This is only the amount of water that will be used for bottling, to be extracted, and shipped out of our valley.

LETTER: Deep aquifer is a treasure to all

A bottling plant? Drawing down our precious deep aquifer? Not for the public good but to expand a privately owned business?

LETTER: Adverse effects? There are plenty

In the shadow of Glacier National Park, on a peaceful, pristine bend of the Flathead River, someone has applied for and will soon be granted a permit to plop down a factory that will truck in plastic, turn it into water bottles, fill up to 2 BILLION of them every year, truck them back out to sell, then output all chemical and geothermal waste on the banks of the river as well as back into the surrounding environment.

EDITORIAL: Honoring Nancy Reagan's legacy

Nancy Reagan will soon be laid to rest beside her husband in their hillside tomb at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in the beautiful Simi Valley, facing the Pacific Ocean.

Man killed in crash

A Kalispell man was killed in a vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon. 

Coal firm stops plans for major Montana mine

BILLINGS — Arch Coal suspended its application for a major mine in southeastern Montana on Thursday, two months after the mining giant filed for bankruptcy protection and amid broader struggles for the coal industry that have reversed its once-bright prospects in the state.

North Fork Road work gets broad support

A $1.6 million federal grant proposal to improve the North Fork Road from Polebridge to the Canadian border will likely be submitted by April 4, Flathead National Forest officials said Thursday.

Police chief explains challenges

Kalispell Police Chief Roger Nasset scribbled notes based on community comments and explained the unique issues involved in leading the city’s police department Wednesday evening.

Jesse Mahugh honored with alumni award from FVCC

Flathead Valley Community College has honored Jesse Mahugh with its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award for his work with nonprofit organizations across the state.  

Coming to America

Thao Huynh at Amore Salon in Kalispell on Thursday. Huynh will soon be taking the oath to become an American citizen. Salon owner Tracy Anderson said of Huynh: "This is a great story. She is living the American dream."

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Russ Sikorsky, who owns North Fork Pizza with his wife Kim, tosses dough at the pizzeria in Columbia Falls on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Carl Zohrer slices a pizza at North Fork Pizza in Columbia Falls on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Kim and Russ Sikorsky recently opened North Fork Pizza on Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Paisha Dillree smiles as she swings during a therapy session with her mom Leanne Dillree-Callerg and occupational therapist Sonia Petersen at All About Kids in Kalispell on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Paisha Dillree

Science Fair

Henry Spradlin, a sixth grader at Kalispell Montessori explains his project "Keep Calm and Multitask On" which questions whether or not people are capable of multi-tasking to judge Marianne Dyon at the Science Fair on Thursday morning, March 10, at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead Couny Commissioners letter regarding refugees

Both entrances to the County Commissioners meeting were filled and overflowing out into the hallways on Thursday morning, March 10, as the Commissioners heard public commentary on a proposed letter regarding the resettling of refugees in Flathead County. Public comment opened at 8:30 and the letter was approved by unanimous vote. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Commissioners letter regarding refugees

Commissioners: No refugees here

The Flathead County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday morning to send a letter to federal officials opposing bringing refugees to the Flathead Valley.

Parole Board agrees to release of rapist

A Kalispell rapist can be released from prison early if he follows through on treatment.

'Playing Monopoly with God' show comes to Whitefish

Every new parent worries about their first-born child. But Melissa Bangs’ first weeks of motherhood landed her in a psych ward.

Melissa Bangs

Melissa Bangs began using comedy to promote postpartum depression awareness in 2015 after giving birth to her daughter triggered a hormone imbalance that propelled her into a manic state for weeks.

Robert A. 'Bob' Meseroll Sr., 81

Bob Meseroll, 81, of Bigfork, and formerly of New Jersey, passed away at home on March 8, 2016, after a lengthy and courageous battle with health issues.

Carolee Joan Pfuhl, 84

Carolee Joan Pfuhl passed away peacefully in Whitefish early on March 6, 2016. She was not quite 85.

This Week in the Flathead | March 10-16

Alpine Theatre Project, Glacier Symphony and Chorale present 'Sweeney Todd'

Audiences should be prepared for a very close shave this weekend, when the Alpine Theatre Project and Glacier Symphony and Chorale combine forces to present “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

Melvin G Woldstad, 92

Melvin G Woldstad, 92, of Drummond, passed away from natural causes Monday, March 7, 2016 in Stevensville.

Heron rapist's court appeal denied

A Heron man convicted of five felony counts of sexual abuse of a girl over a 16-year period is likely to spend the rest of his days in prison after the Montana Supreme Court denied his latest appeal.

TERRY COLUMN: Brock Osweiler heads to Texas - was it the right move?

Everything’s bigger in Texas.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Bigfork in familiar position at state tournament

Vikings set sights on second title in three years

BUTTE — The Bigfork Vikings won a state championship just two years ago.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bigfork draws mighty Malta to open state tournament

Vals to face defending champs this morning

BUTTE — The Bigfork coaching staff had a chance to watch the Malta-Fairfield Northern B divisional championship game last week, and they came back with a clear message for their girls.

BRIEFLY: Glacier grad Hashley honored by Frontier Conference

WHITEFISH — Carroll College sophomore forward Cassidy Hashley (Glacier) was named to the second team all-Frontier Conference basketball squad, as the league announced the 2015-16 Women’s All-Conference Basketball team and individual award winners after balloting by the league’s coaches.

School leader's contract extended for one year

Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau’s contract was extended a year at a school board meeting Tuesday.

Colorectal cancer cases increase locally

Although national trends show fewer people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, Flathead Valley doctors have watched a growing number of people face the quiet disease.

Farmer explains water-bottling plans

While many Creston residents were surprised to hear about a proposed bottled water plant in the area, the man behind the plant says he was also surprised by the local response.

Marc Rold

Annual benefit races start March 19

The 17th Annual Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross kicks off March 19 at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Chute Foundation works to help at-risk youths

For most parents, coping with the suicide of a son or daughter would be unthinkable.

Commissioners set to oppose refugee resettlement

Flathead County commissioners are expected to vote this morning on sending a letter to federal officials voicing opposition to bringing refugees to the Flathead Valley.

This Week in the Flathead: Sweeney Todd

Members of the Glacier Chorale stand and sing at rehearsal for Sweeney Todd on Sunday, March 6. For the joint Alpine Theatre Project/Glacier Symphony and Chorale production the Chorale will be in the Orchestra Pit. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'

Luke Walrath as Sweeney Todd.

Osweiler goes to Houston Texans

Brock Osweiler is headed for Texas.

Lew Weaver

Monday Profile: Beverly Martinez

Flathead County Jail Commander Bev Martinez is retiring after 28 years of service.

Koocanusa Sunrise

Sunrise breaks over Lake Koocanusa on Saturday, March 5. The lake is a reservoir in Canada and Montana formed by the damming of the Kootenay River by the Libby Dam. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Pastor Shot

Idaho shooting suspect captured at White House

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — The man suspected of shooting and seriously wounding an Idaho pastor last weekend was arrested by U.S. Secret Service agents Tuesday after he allegedly threw items over the fence at the White House, police said.

LAW ROUNDUP: Can I shoot a mountain lion, officer?

Bond reduction denied for accused stabber

A Flathead County District Court Judge denied bail reduction on Tuesday for a man accused of a stabbing south of Kalispell on Dec. 28, 2015.

AnnaMae (Miller) Brander, 82

AnnaMae (Miller) Brander, 82, of Proctor, “went to be with her Lord and Savior” on Sunday, March 6, 2016. She was blessed to be able to spend her final days on earth being lovingly taken care of by her family at home. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, wonderful laugh, having the heart of a peacemaker and always putting others first.

Margaret Inez (Jenks) Ohs, 82

Margaret Inez (Jenks) Ohs, 82, was born March 8, 1933, in Columbus, Georgia.

Chester 'LeVern' Porter, 66

Reah Sullivan, 33

City Council backs new Core Area zone

The Kalispell City Council on Monday gave initial approval for a new zoning designation for the downtown area.

Questions raised about bottling plant

As news trickled out that a water bottling plant was in the works next to Egan Slough, a flurry of emails and phone calls started creating a stir in and around the farming community of Creston.

Water bottling property

Volunteers needed for Creston Auction

Volunteers are needed for the 50th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair and the accompanying auto, marine, recreational-vehicle and equipment sale.

Son accused of using bear spray on mom

A man accused of deploying bear spray against his mother on Friday has been charged with felony assault with a weapon.

County renews Sliter Park lease

Flathead County will extend its lease with PacifiCorp for Sliter Park in Bigfork for another five years, the county Park Board unanimously decided Monday.

Injured logger rescued in Swan Valley

An injured logger was rescued in the Swan Valley on Monday afternoon.

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Gene Lee's trophy room at his home in Bigfork. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Gene Lee stands in his trophy room at his house in Bigfork on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Gene Lee

School embezzling suspect appears in court

A woman accused of embezzling money from the Lakeside-Somers Parent Teachers Association last year had her first appearance in Flathead District Court on Thursday.

Open gate OK for workers on job

The

Seven Bigfork, Polson players in Mission Mountain All-Star Game

Bigfork and Polson will both have seven players competing in the 21st annual Mission Mountain All-Star Game on March 22nd at Salish Kootenia College in Pablo.

Sharon Lee Andres, 77

Daniel Baldwin, 63

Daniel Baldwin passed away March, 4, 2016, “into a much better place to soar with the best in a universe full of light and love.”

Snowpack levels better than last year

High-elevation snowpack levels and streamflow forecasts for Northwest Montana are looking good this year, especially compared with declining numbers by this time last year.

Gianforte running mate

Walmart building sold to U-Haul

The former Walmart building in Evergreen that had been studied for a future expansion of the Flathead County jail has been sold to U-Haul Co. of Montana.

Three people hurt in three-vehicle collision

Five people were involved in a three-vehicle collision Monday afternoon on Montana 35 north of Bigfork.

Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics Math Contest

Anna-Marie Dorsett of Flathead and others compete in the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics Math Contest for middle and high school students on Monday morning, March 7, at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Accident near Bigfork

U-Haul in Evergreen

Creston farmer plans bottling plant

Proposed water permit could fill 2 billion bottles a year

On one of the sprawling farms along the Flathead River’s Egan Slough, the Montana Artesian Water Co. is quietly working to open a plant that could bottle as much as 191.6 million gallons of groundwater per year.

Michigan wants accused stabber extradited

A man facing felony assault and theft charges is also facing out-of-state extradition.

Flathead firefighters third in Seattle competition

A Flathead Valley firefighting team finished third in Sunday’s Scott Firefighter Stairclimb race in Seattle.

Storyteller has lived interesting life

Before John “Jack” Dunne gives an interview in his Whitefish home, he provides a disclaimer:

Park gazebo project takes shape in Whitefish

The Whitefish City Council tonight will take the first step toward building a gazebo in Depot Park when it considers approving a $34,900 contract with Robert Peccia and Associates to design and oversee construction of the structure.

Gianforte picks rancher as running mate

Bozeman businessman Greg Gianforte chose a little known Hi-Line rancher and county commissioner on Monday as his running mate to reclaim the Montana governor's mansion for Republicans.

Building an ER for the 21st century

Kalispell Regional Medical Center emergency staffers are working in makeshift conditions while the hospital rebuilds its Emergency Services Department.

Whitefish to revisit transportation plan's projects

The Whitefish City Council is dusting off the city’s 1999 South Whitefish Transportation Plan to start looking at street and bridge improvement projects outlined in the long-range resource document.

Kalispell Council looks to add Core Area zoning

The Kalispell City Council will take the next step in the Core Area Plan tonight, hoping to open zoning regulations to resident-friendly business and residential development.

It was a party on wheels

A Diane Road resident called the

Marci Ann Hudson, 54

Marci Ann Hudson, 54, of Columbia Falls, died Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. The viewing will be Monday, March 7, at 10 a.m. at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell.

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At Home Cover

OPINION: Could we please have a little honesty concerning Trump?

During the contest for the Republican presidential nomination, my position of consistently opposing Donald Trump has been abundantly clear. I think we can and should do better in selecting the Republican candidate for president in 2016.

OPINION: The antidote to anti-public lands extremism

It’s been near impossible to miss the headlines about armed extremists and radical politicians trying to destroy our national public lands legacy. From Washington, D.C. to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, selfishness and delusional interpretations of the U.S Constitution have come together in support of a disastrous agenda aimed squarely at one thing: taking national public lands away from the American people.

OPINION: Democrats embrace socialism

I have found that while watching the Democrats debate that I am reminded of those during the earliest of the Russian conversion to communism led by the socialists.

OPINION: Montana fishing industry gutted by climate change

As Montanans we live close to the land. Our unique way of life is directly tied to the quality of our lands, waters, fish and wildlife. We are persons who are counting on cold, clean waters, and an abundance of trout. The quality of that resource directly impacts not only our personal recreation, but also our business interests, and our livelihoods.

OPINION: Is climate change rhetoric a new version of 'Lysenkoism'?

Bradley, a Ph.D. in molecular biology, (Daily Inter Lake, Feb. 7 guest opinion) admits he is “not an expert in climate science.” Yet, he makes irrational claims about climate science.

OPINION: Be wary of the agenda of Love Lives Here

Love Lives Here is an affiliate organization of the Montana Human Rights Network, a statewide organization focused on “equality” and monitoring “hate groups.” Love Lives Here brands itself as a do-gooder non-profit that is “committed to co-creating a caring, open, accepting and diverse community.”

OPINION: No patience with Trump or Republicans

I just read Jack Sollars’ letter, “Trump Is A Loser,” in The Daily Inter Lake issue of Feb. 11.  Wow! His words echo my opinion nearly to a “T.”

OPINION: Doesn't editor know that Trump is not a conservative?

I get it, Mr. Miele. Donald Trump is your man. I am surprised that someone who considers himself a true conservative would not only support but fawn over a hypocrite like Trump, but that seems to be the case with repeated “2 cents” columns defending Trump against all criticism.

EDITORIAL: County's jail problem just getting worse

OPINION: Help put renewable energy on ballot

A new study shows that many teachers aren’t aware of the strong consensus on human-caused climate change and instead overstate material from a thoroughly discredited minority.

John Ralph 'Jack' Wilson, 79

John Ralph “Jack” Wilson, 79, “went to be with the Lord” on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

John Landon Jr., 62

OPINION: Iranian arrogance: Failure to respond to acts of war emboldens evildoers

Iran’s recent capture of two U.S. Navy 47-foot Riverine Command Boats that were on a routine transit from Kuwait to Bahrain on Jan. 12 is another example of the arrogance and contempt Iran holds for America and our political leadership.

Kalispell woman denies drunken crash

A Kalispell woman has denied driving drunk and crashing into another vehicle while her young son was a passenger.

JUNIOR HOCKEY: Wolverines barrage cools Icemen

Whitefish scores five times in first period, hangs on for 5-3 win

WHITEFISH — The Whitefish Wolverines pounded Lake Tahoe 13-1 on Friday night, so when they roared out to a 5-1 lead against that same Icemen team on Saturday, it looked like another rout was on.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Polson squeezes past Ponies, finishes 3rd at state tournament

MISSOULA — The Polson Pirates capped of a successful season with a third-place finish Saturday evening at the Class A state boys basketball tournament at the University of Montana, narrowly beating Havre 66-65 in overtime in the consolation final.

Woman trips, gets ride to the hospital

Joanne Louise Hannon, 83

Joanne Louise Hannon, “GG,” passed away peacefully at the age of 83 in Kalispell.

Donald Elsworth Diggins Jr., 88

William James 'Jim' Weatherford

Joseph 'Joe' Samuel Kauffman, 87

Joseph “Joe” Samuel Kauffman, 87, died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, at Lebanon Rehab Center in Lebanon, Oregon.

Marion Hart, 73

Marion Hart passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016, at her home in Martin City, surrounded by family and friends. Marion was 73 years old.

John Ralph 'Jack' Wilson, 79

It's tough to find solutions for jail overcrowding

The Flathead County Detention Center population reached a record 126 inmates in February, a number that underscores the jail crowding crisis, local law enforcement officials say.

Columbia Falls man pleads not guilty to hurting youths

A Columbia Falls man on Thursday denied abusing children.

Man admits stealing from store payment boxes

A felon admitted in Flathead District Court on Thursday to bail jumping and stealing checks from Super 1 in Kalispell in April and October.

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Mary Krona twirls around Ella Mae Knebel as they dance to the music of the Swinging on High band during the inaugural Night Under the Stars ball at the Immanuel Lutheran Skilled Care Center on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Tanner Stone carves a pig from Spam as Nathan DeRosier looks on at the Garden Bar. DeRosier finished in second place with the shark he sculpted. Karen Atkinson finished first with her "Spamom". (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Brian Hunt carves a beer stein for the brewfest during the Spam-O-Rama contest in Bigfork on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Yana Dryden carefully places a piece of spam during the Spam-O-Rama at the Garden Bar on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Six-year-old Beckett Schreiber starts sculpting his Spam snowman during the Spam-O-Rama contest of the Bigfork Brewfest at the Garden Bar on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Wolverines defenseman Jonathan Ball

Whitefish Wolverine Johnathan Ball takes a shot during the Wolverines' blowout of the Lake Tahoe Icemen at the Stumptown Ice Den on Friday. Ball had four assists and a goal in the game. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Jail overcrowding

Somers meeting considers school switch

Somers-Lakeside School District wants the community to weigh in on potentially sending its sixth- through eighth-grade students to Kalispell Public Schools if a new middle school is built on Airport Road.

Youth extols value of Scouting

Jake Wilke is no tenderfoot when it comes to Scouting. He’s been involved with the Scouts program for almost six years now, first as a Cub Scout and now working on his second-class Boy Scout rank with Troop 1903 in Lakeside after earning his Tenderfoot rank last July.

Court ruling vexes pot providers, patients

Since the Montana Supreme Court ruled Feb. 25 that medical marijuana providers are limited to three clients, those providers are juggling how to stay open while serving just 10 percent of the state’s marijuana cardholders.

Options narrowed for school projects

At a facility planning meeting Wednesday, options were narrowed for Kalispell Public Schools’ four facilities in the high school district.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Polson survives scare, stays alive at Class A tournament

Pirates claim win with 0.3 seconds left in loser-out play

MISSOULA — With less than a second on the clock and the score tied, Polson senior Payton Lefthand rose up from beyond the arc and Pirates coach Randy Kelley thought his team was moving on in the Class A state tournament.

Columbia Falls boys coach quits, cites "toxic" environment around program

COLUMBIA FALLS — Columbia Falls boys basketball coach John Anderson has resigned after one season, claiming he couldn’t work in a “toxic” environment.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Glacier's season ends at Helena Capital

No Kalispell team reaches state tournament for first time since 2004

HELENA — Glacier couldn’t find the basket against a tough Helena Capital defense, falling 45-28 to the Bruins in a Class AA state tournament play-in game on Friday.

FRIDAY BRIEFS: Voisin wraps successful season, former Griz star inks big contract

SILVAPLANA, Switzerland — Whitefish skier Maggie Voisin finished third in the women’s skiing slopestyle World Cup season finale on Friday at Corvatsch Park.

Wolverine Hockey

Whitefish Wolverines' Keiffer Helbing skates pass a Lake Tahoe Iceman defender Cameron Serda during the first period of the Wolverines' blowout win at the Stumptown Ice Den on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Dorothy Payne, 89

Oscar E. Anderson Jr., 83

Oscar was born at Lake Blaine on May 25, 1932, to Oscar and Lillie Anderson.

Fictitious law officer seeks payment

The

Starla Barnes

Paraplegic to compete in Mrs. Montana pageant

A Kalispell woman who was paralyzed in a 2009 hit-and-run accident and then was injured again in another crash last year will be the first-ever wheelchair contestant in the upcoming Mrs. Montana pageant.

Sparrow's Nest

Sparrow's Nest Executive Director talks with Sister Judy Lund of St. Matthew's at the open house of the Sparrow's Nest homeless shelter in Whitefish on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Homes for the homeless nearly ready

College joins American Indian program

Book Signing with Kelly Potter and Ava Hall

Author and Co-Illustrator Kelly Potter and her second cousin, Ava Hall discuss sketches for their next collaborative book on Monday, February 29, in Somers.  (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Music of Rocks

A collection of nine stone belt buckles that are part of Steve Eckels' collection. From back to front, left to right the stones are: Trilobite, Brazilian Agate, petrified wood, Fluorite, Ammonite from Madagascar, Deschutes River Jasper, Septarian Nodule from Utah, Chrysocolla, and Brazilian Agate with Crystalized Quartz.

Dr. Daryl MacCarter

Dr. Daryl MacCarter in his office in Whitefish. MacCarter is a rheumatologist who uses musculoskeletal ultrasound to diagnose his patients.

A short homecoming

From right, Lt. Cmdr. Brad Hunsaker and Lt. j.g. Caleb Healy arrive at Glacier Park International Airport in their EA-18G Growler for a quick stop over and reunion with Healy's family on Friday, March 4. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

West Reserve Drive collision

Motor vehicle accident at Reserve Drive in Evergreen

Captain James Boyce holds a baby beside the wrecked minivan the child and family were traveling in on Friday, March 4, in Evergreen. Beside Boyce is Evergreen Fire Chief Craig Williams and an officer from the Montana Patrol. The two vehicle accident closed both lanes of Reserve Drive as four ambulances responded. Nine people were injured, eight were transported to the hospital two of these were in critical condition. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Former Columbia Falls coach John Anderson

John Anderson, who resigned Friday, March 4, cited a "toxic" environement within the basketball program. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)

Eight injured in West Reserve crash

Nine people were involved in a two-car collision Friday afternoon on West Reserve Drive northeast of Kalispell.

Prosecution deferred in online threat case

The Flathead County Attorney’s Office has agreed to defer prosecution of a case against a man accused of threatening Kalispell school children and religious leaders in online Twitter rants in 2015.

O.J. Simpson

In this May 14, 2013, file photo, O.J. Simpson sits during a break on the second day of an evidentiary hearing in Clark County District Court in Las Vegas. Los Angeles police are investigating a knife purportedly found some time ago at the former home of Simpson, who was acquitted of murder charges in the 1994 stabbing deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. (AP Photo/Ethan Miller, Pool, File)

Man charged after crash in Whitefish

A man was arrested and charged with one felony and two misdemeanors after allegedly driving drunk on Sunday and taking out a street sign, trees and another vehicle in downtown Whitefish.

Bears begin to awaken

The bears aren’t out in numbers yet, but wildlife managers have started encountering tracks and reports of grizzlies roaming around the mountains of Northwest Montana, including Glacier National Park.

Suspected heroin dealer arrested

The Northwest Drug Task Force nabbed a suspected heroin dealer in late February.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Big Sky bangs past Glacier, ends Wolfpack's season

Eagles rally in fourth quarter to earn state bid

The Glacier girls fell apart late, losing a 10-point halftime lead as Missoula Big Sky pounded the paint in the fourth quarter on the way to a 47-42 victory in a Class AA state basketball tournament play-in game on Thursday night at Glacier.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Rams bump Polson in first round of state tournament

Pirates lose late lead, fall to Billings Central, 47-43

MISSOULA — Billings Central hit a barrage of deep shots to begin the fourth quarter, overtaking Polson in a 47-43 first-round victory Thursday afternoon at the Class A state boys basketball tournament at Dahlberg Arena on the campus of the University of Montana.

Glacier's Hailee Bennett

Glacier's Hailee Bennett is fouled by Missoula Big Sky's Kendall Mooney as Kelsi McEnaney looks on during the Wolfpack's 47-42 loss in the state play-in game at Glacier on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier's Kali Gulick

Glacier's Kali Gulick shoots over Missoula Big Sky's Anna Gragg during the Wolfpack's 47-42 loss at Glacier on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Scammers threaten tipster's daughter

The

Edna Mae Naldrett, 86

Frederick John Jacob Trapp Jr., 93

Frederick John Jacob Trapp Jr. of Bigfork passed away on Feb. 29, 2016, peacefully in his home, at the age of 93.

Man sent to prison in stabbing case

A Kalispell man is headed to prison for stabbing a victim eight times on Feb. 3, 2015.

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Dave Burns takes measurements for the venting system of the emergency room expansion at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Kalispell Regional Medical Center

Jim Mauro of RDJ Brothers carries sheetrock into one of the new offices of the emergency room expansion at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Thursday.

Projects include ties, new rails between East Glacier, Whitefish

BNSF Railway Co. will replace 7,000 ties and 11 miles of rail between Whitefish and East Glacier this year as part of a $180 million capital improvement program.

Two legislative districts have GOP contests

With 10 days to go before the filing deadline for state legislative office, a pair of Republican primary contests have emerged in Northwest Montana while most area districts have yet to attract Democratic contenders.

Agency ready to lift Yellowstone grizzly protections

BILLINGS — The federal government is proposing to lift threatened-species protections for hundreds of Yellowstone-area grizzlies, opening the door to future hunts for the fearsome bears across parts of three states for the first time since the 1970s.

County pays $8,500 to settle demolition lawsuit

Flathead County will pay $8,500 in a negotiated settlement with LM Excavating to end a legal battle over the demolition of the county-owned Kalispell Feed & Grain facility south of Kalispell, the commissioners unanimously decided Thursday.

Medical Marijuana

HomeAndGarden

DIL 022116 Cover

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Man charged after bar incident, police chase

A man is facing a handful of charges in Flathead District Court after allegedly throwing a tantrum at Stockman’s Bar Saturday night and leading officers on a chase.

Betty Marie Ann Kelly, 72

Betty Marie Ann Kelly passed away Feb. 26, 2016, in her home surrounded by family. She was 72.

Bruce W. Metz, 64

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City, Illinois, for Bruce W. Metz, 64, of Marion, formerly of Crescent City who passed away Feb. 17, 2016, at his home in Marion.

Bringing swing to Whitefish

'Cocktails with a Crooner'

Crooner Johnny Boyd and his band are preparing to swing into Whitefish on a tour stop on Friday, March 18. The concert event, hosted by Whitefish Theatre Co., will cap a week of swing dancing classes by veteran instructors Peter Flahiff and Lauren Stanley.

Lawrence Jay 'Larry' Blekkenk, 59

After a short bout with cancer, Larry Jay Blekkenk passed away on Feb. 22, 2016, while at St. Pat’s Hospital in Missoula.

This Week in the Flathead | March 3-9

Ronald Gene Belt, 78

Ronald Belt, 78, of Mesquite, Nevada, passed away March 1, 2016.

Federal official provides information on patents

A presentation on intellectual property and patents Friday at Flathead Valley Community College attracted more business owners and investors than college students.

TERRY COLUMN: Pirates plan to pillage Class A crown

Polson is close.

Ice fishing's over; time for open water

Well, the 2015-16 ice fishing season has seemingly come to an abrupt close, after not much of a start.

Whitefish home lost to fire

A home east of Whitefish was left unlivable by a Tuesday night fire.

Income falls $25 million short for highway department

Revenue for the Montana Department of Transportation is expected to fall $25 million short of budget projections, Director Mike Tooley said Wednesday, possibly placing a handful of statewide highway projects on hold.

Student scientists win regional honors

Five students from Columbia Falls and Flathead high schools received awards — including two silver medals — at the annual Montana Tech Division I Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Cedar Creek Lodge construction update

Project Manager and owner's representative Levi Diehl (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Grain elevator demolition gets restraining order

The demolition of a grain elevator south of Kalispell was begun last week by Spoklie Gravel and Oilfield Service. A temporary restraining order has been issued while legal action commences over the project.  (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Grain elevator demolition

Court order halts grain elevator demolition

A temporary restraining order issued Tuesday by a Flathead District Court judge has halted the demolition of grain elevators at the county-owned Kalispell Feed & Grain property while a legal battle plays out over a missing cover page in the winning bid application.

MountainFilm tour stops in Whitefish

On March 10, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation will bring the MountainFilm on Tour to Whitefish for the 10th straight year.

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Bigfork eighth-grader Connor Lawrence speaks to judges Ahna Fox, left, and Shannon Frizell about his exhibit on the Roman Colosseum during the National HIstory Day Fair at the middle school on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork eighth-grader Adam Wermer speaks to the judges about his exhibit on how the railroad shaped Whitefish during the National History Day Fair at the middle school on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Crowd rallies to support refugee resettlement

Around 80 people stood shivering at the edge of Depot Park in Kalispell Tuesday evening with signs showing support for refugee resettlement in Montana.

Immigration rally

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'Cocktails with a Crooner'

Peter Flahiff works with dancers in a workshop by watching closely and offering corrections as they practice, during a workhop in Bozeman last March.

This Week in the Flathead: Johnny Boyd, Peter Flahiff and Lauren Stanley bring swing dancing to the O'shaughnessy Center in Whitefish

Peter Flahiff and Lauren Stanely observe a couple in a private lesson in Bozeman. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Sign-up begins for dust-control program

Flathead County residents who own property along county-maintained gravel roads can participate in a cost-share program to have dust control on roads near their land.

Boating check stations open early

Two regional watercraft check stations will open this week.

Sharon K. Micklewright, 63

Sharon K. Micklewright, 63, of Kalispell, passed away at home surrounded by family on Feb. 26, 2016.

Ronald Gene Belt

Edward J. Gray (then)

Bruce W. Metz

Shirley Ann Wise

Patricia Maria Horvat (nee Eichhorn)

Patricia Maria Horvat (nee Eichhorn), beloved travelling companion of Patrick Horvat, and loving mother of Samuel and Matthew Horvat, passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Sunday, February 28th, 2016 at the age of 55 years, where she succumbed to complications from metastasized colon cancer.

David Ray Thornton

Edward J. Gray (now)

Betty Marie Ann Kelly

Sharon K. Micklewright

Lawrence Jay 'Larry' Blekkenk

Patricia Maria (Eichhorn) Horvat

Edward J. Gray, 92

Ed passed away peacefully on Feb. 27, 2016, at The Springs at Whitefish.

David Ray Thornton, 80

David Ray Thornton, 80, passed away on Feb. 29, 2016.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Wolfpack bites back, ends Flathead's season

Glacier saves season, stifles Braves, 52-37

Glacier had four days to stew about what happened.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Season ends for Bravettes in Helena

Slow first half dooms Flathead in 53-34 loss

HELENA — Helena Capital shut down the Flathead girls in the first half, ending the Bravettes’ season while running away with an easy 53-34 victory in the first of two Western AA state basketball play-in contests this week.

LAW ROUNDUP: Couple drunkenly laugh off alleged abuse

Glacier's Jake Willich

Glacier's Jake Willich is fouled by Flathead's C.J. Dugan during the Wolfpack's 52-37 in the state play-in game at Flathead on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier's Noah Lindsay

Glacier's Noah Lindsay crashes into Flathead's Seth Adolph (4) as Sam Elliott (33) looks on during the Wolfpack's 52-37 win at Flathead on Tuesday. Lindsay was called for an offensive foul on the play. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier's Blayne Bailey

Glacier's Blayne Bailey shoots over Flathead's Bridger Johnson during the Wolfpack's 52-37 win in the state play-in game at Flathead on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Kalispell speech coach joins elite group

With 13 state championships under his leadership, Greg Adkins, Glacier High School speech and debate head coach, will be inducted Friday into the Montana High School Association/Montana Forensic Educators Association Coaches Hall of Fame.

College hosts health-care open house

In an effort to address the growing demand for health-care workers, Flathead Valley Community College is hosting an open house Thursday to introduce students to what life in a health-care career would be like.

Western B Divisionals

Images from the Western B Divisional boys' championship game and girls consolation game at Flathead High School on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016.

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Bigfork's Garrett Beville

Garrett Beville holds up the Western B Divisional Championship trophy after the Vikings defeated the Florence Falcons 65-54 at Flathead on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Bigfork's Adam Jordt

Bigfork's Adam Jordt flies past Florence's Levi Clagett, left, and Daniel Parson for a basket in the Vikings' 65-54 championship victory at the Western B Divisionals at Flathead on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

2016 Western B Divisional

Bigfork's Jaime Berg (20) celebrates after the Valkyries' win over Florence on Feb. 27 at Flathead High School. The win clinched a state tournament berth for Bigfork. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Montana Life: Artist and Winemaker

Dana Berardinis pours a pear wine to taste on Tuesday, February 23, at her shop in downtown Polson. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Group won't appeal Jesus statue case

A statue of Jesus is no longer at risk for possible removal from Whitefish Mountain Resort after a nonprofit group decided not to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

County alters load limit to aid farmers

The load limit on the west end of Church Drive will be revised to allow truckloads of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer to reach West Valley farmers during the spring breakup season.

Embezzler receives deferred sentence

Flathead District Court Judge Heidi Ulbricht sentenced a Kalispell man on Thursday to a six-year deferred sentence for stealing more than $42,000 from a real-estate company where he worked.

Man pleads not guilty to stabbing

A felon with a long criminal history has denied stabbing a man at a home south of Kalispell on Dec. 28, 2015.