Tuesday, May 31
LAW ROUNDUP: Hog on the highway makes it home
Helen Strom Blush Eglsaer, 95
Chris Christensen Jr., 78
Jerry Lloyd Dressler, 74
A grim past but a bright future
Stillwater High School 2016 graduate Natasha McClure sits in the school's foyer on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Permit application for shooting range withdrawn
The man who proposed a commercial shooting range near Echo Lake has withdrawn his application for a conditional use permit after a contentious hearing before the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee on Thursday.
Spray-painting vandals hit vehicles, church, stadium
Kalispell Police are investigating widespread vandalism on the southwest side of town Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
Vandalism 2
A van was one of the vehicles vandalized. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Vandalism
Wild Mile
A kayaker goes over a rapid at the start of the giant slalom kayak race of the 41st annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A kayaker goes over a rapid at the start of the giant slalom kayak race of the 41st annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A kayaker goes around an upriver gate as fans watch from the Big Rock during the giant slalom kayak race of the 41st annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A kayaker lines himself up to enter the big drop at the start of the giant slalom kayak race of the 41st annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A kayaker enters the big drop during the giant slalom kayak race of the 41st annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A kayaker is loss in the wash as he goes down the big drop during the giant slalom kayak race of the 41st annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
2016 Bigfork Whitewater Festival
Images from the Bigfork Whitewater Festival on the Wildmile of the Swan River Sunday, May 29, 2016.
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A kayaker takes a breath after going through the rapids at the start of the giant slalom kayak race of the 41st annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
One man's continued journey down a rare, deadly path
White-tailed deer numbers soaring
White-tailed deer are doing well in Northwest Montana — so much so that state wildlife managers believe the population could double within the next two to three years.
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BF Class 2016 Cover
BF Class 2016
Health Link 052016 Cover
From amateur to expert: 5 gardening hacks you need to know
At Home May 2016 Cover
Furniture and Design Cover
Youth finds courage to be himself
CLASS OF 2016: PROFILES IN PERSEVERANCE
Monday, May 30
Legion baseball: Lakers AA sweep Memorial Day series from Twins A
Andrew Schleusner doubled, homered and drove in five runs to power the Kalispell Lakers AA to a 10-4 victory and a Memorial Day series sweep of the Glacier Twins A on Monday evening at Griffin Field.
Take control of your type 2 diabetes treatment plan with these 6 rules
Child takes golf cart for joyride
A caller told the
Harold 'Walky' Wachsmuth, 89
Memorial Day 2016
Connor Waggener, 15, of Kalispell, plays Taps during the Memorial Day Ceremony at Glacier Memorial Gardens north of Kalispell on Monday morning, May 30. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Health Link 052016
Moldova to Montana: A comeback story
Rival clinics set up next door to each other
DUELING DIALYSIS
For roughly a decade, people living in and around Polson facing kidney failure have been separated from treatment by long highway drives.
Sheriff's Office warns about scamming charities that look legitimate
A mailer sent to Flathead County residents in early May exudes urgency and need from what looks like a local-based charity, but law enforcement say that the flier is the latest in a years-long scam based out of Washington that keeps swindling well-meaning Flathead Valley residents out of their money.
Sunday, May 29
Legion baseball: Lakers seek sweep in Memorial Day series with Twins
The Daily Inter Lake
Kalispell Fire Department responds to basement fire
At about 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, the
Shirley Marie Scherpenseel, 89
Shirley Marie Scherpenseel, 89, passed away on Dec. 30, 2015, in Denver, Colorado.
OPINION: Why Islam influx is not same as other immigration waves
I have watched the exchange between the pro- and con-Syrian immigration letter writers. I have previously stated that I would support the admission of Syrian Christian refugees as a safe alternative to Syrian Muslims and a way to reduce the Christian genocide in the region. We should not be allowing even a handful of potential terrorists to enter our country.
Ronan ceremony will honor missing World War II soldier
The family of a World War II gunner who went missing in action 72 years ago will be presented with a U.S. flag during a special Honor Guard ceremony Monday at Mountain View Cemetery near Ronan.
LETTER: Holmquist for commissioner
It’s an easy decision to vote for Pam Holmquist for another term as Flathead County commissioner.
LETTER: How could Zinke endorse Trump?
I used to think Congressman Ryan Zinke was a pretty smart fellow. I mean he was the commander of a Navy SEAL team, and I’m sure they don’t pick idiots for that job. But when I read that he is endorsing Donald Trump for president, I have my doubts about Mr. Zinke’s intelligence.
LETTER: 'Doughnut' doesn't speak with one voice
As a 33-year resident of the former Whitefish planning jurisdiction or “doughnut,” I am deeply offended by Rick Blake’s continued use of the term “we doughnut residents.”
WW II gunner honored in flag ceremony
A World War II bombardier gunner who survived a crash-landing in France will be honored during a Memorial Day flag-raising ceremony at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
LETTER: Attacks on Skees are wrong
I am saddened and surprised of the erroneous attack ads against Derek Skees. It appears that the issues are no longer political arguments; rather, they are lies created to make false perceptions of someone’s character.
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OPINION: Secular humanism can't nudge out other 'religions'
The tedious attack on Christianity and its influence in our government by opinion writer Rodrik Brosten in a Feb. 25 letter was juvenile, but must be answered lest the ignorant and simple-minded think that no answer signifies truth.
LETTER: How could you abandon kittens?
I’m writing an open letter to the troubled soul who dumped a box of kittens on Highway 40.
LETTER: Gianforte's tax math is taxing
I am responding to Mr. Greg Gianforte’s op-ed letter of May 15. Greg, you only use two values in your stance on the current state income tax structure: $17,100 TAXABLE income and 6.9 percent top tax rate. I think it is important to get all the numbers out there to show how that $17,100 value is arrived at.
LETTER: Are we ready for clean politics?
Some may find it interesting that the right wing Republicans in our valley seem miffed that the other side is excoriating them in advertisements. Scandalous! Not fair! “Bullying.”
LETTER: Grow up, Donald
Donald Trump, America needs you as its president. The major reason you are the only person for the job is you are a very successful businessman and you are NOT a politician (hence not beholden to the “pork barrel, self serving office holders” who have lined their own pockets at the expense of our countries welfare.
Club's fundraiser destined for diabetes fund
Lions Club offering Dream Vacations
LETTER: Keep Holmquist
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
LETTER: Juras for court
As our Montana election quickly approaches, and we may find it difficult to know what Supreme Court candidate best reflects our conservative values, I would like to offer a personal recommendation.
Events across valley mark Memorial Day
United Veterans of the Flathead Valley will present military honors at various locations and cemeteries around the valley Monday on Memorial Day.
Firebrand Hotel set for July 1 opening date
Developers of a new downtown Whitefish hotel are closing in on a July opening date.
OPINION: Trump is now best chance to preserve our freedoms
RINOs would rather destroy the Republican Party than support Trump.
At Home May 2016
LETTER: Holmquist for property rights
It is rare in Flathead county that we re-elect our county commissioners. We have an opportunity to re-elect Pam Holmquist and keep our county moving forward in a positive direction.
LETTER: Barragan is the wise choice
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jean Barragan for 15 years. She struck me immediately as a person of great integrity and high moral standards and I have never had occasion to change that opinion.
LETTER: Regier respected
I have great respect for the people from our communities who offer their time and services in state government to keep Montana great. I have seen the amount of time it takes to study bills, talk to other legislators and people in their districts, attend meetings, and in general, invest themselves 100 percent. It is a big commitment.
Wayfarers State Park adds watercraft concession
Firm gets exclusive rights three days a week this summer
LETTER: Harmon for real change
Tim Harmon is running for county commissioner. I would like to encourage all registered voters to vote for change. Tim stands for common sense and is completely reachable.
Polson hospital receives grant
St. Joseph Hospital in Polson will receive $99,023 to address health-care needs in rural areas, according to a news release from U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.
LETTER: Senate District 3 wants Don 'K' - a fresh face
My family has lived in what is now Senate District 3 for more than a century. I have lived here in the Whitefish community all my life. I have always been interested in politics, and I’ve paid close attention to who has represented us over the years in the state Legislature.
LETTER: Skees for House District 11
I urge all conservatives, all freedom-loving folks and all constitutionally minded to vote to put Derek Skees back in Helena. These are the things that matter to those of us in HD11 and beyond.
Eureka bicyclist badly injured in highway robbery
A sex offender is expected to be charged in Lincoln County District Court after allegedly running over a Eureka bicyclist with a car at 50 to 60 miles per hour on May 9 in order to rob the victim.
OPINION: Remembering the fallen & their families on Memorial Day
How can we best remember the courage, quality and sacrifice of the fallen on Memorial Day? Every Memorial Day, the question of how to remember those that fell defending our nation challenges us because the question of how to remember is so simple and, ultimately, so heart-rending and difficult.
Seniors speak out: 'We screwed up'
Flathead High School students Miles Terry and Jake Miller, both 18, aren’t looking for a pity party.
Border collie trained to work at Logan Pass
Amid concerns about the increasingly bold mountain goats and bighorn sheep that lurk around Logan Pass in Glacier National Park, Gracie, a specially trained border collie, is set to join the park staff this summer.
Town Pump prepares for early June opening
Construction crews are in the finishing stages at the new Town Pump on West Reserve Drive near U.S. 93, according to project manager Derek Swank of Swank Enterprises.
DAYBOOK, May 29
EDITORIAL: No time to spare on fixing Reserve
Those who drive U.S. 93 and West Reserve Drive on a regular basis know the headache of getting caught in traffic gridlock, especially during peak times of the day. And we know that starting this weekend — the kickoff to the summer visitor season — the traffic will get even worse for the next several months.
COLUMN: Local history chapter nears its centennial
The Montana State Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1894, five years after Montana gained its statehood. Today’s organization has 12 chapters statewide and more than 550 members.
Anthony F. 'Tony' Bolken, 48
Anthony “Tony” Forest Bolken passed away at the age of 48 on Dec. 28, 2015, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He was surrounded by loved ones at his residence in Whitefish.
Gale Ritter, 72
For anyone who’s an avid RVer, cowboy at heart, or lover of life, read on for a great tale! What follows is the life story of Gale Ritter, born Dec. 7, 1943, who on Friday, May 13, 2016, “left for her final adventure.”
Aftershock
Corkscrew
Timber Terror
Saturday, May 28
Flathead's Jake Perrin
Flathead's Jake Perrin chats with a few fellow runners after winning the boys 3,200-meter finals on Saturday at the Class AA state meet at Missoula County Stadium. (Tommy Martino/Missoulian)
Glacier's Nikki Krueger
Glacier's Nikki Krueger hurls the discus during the girls AA finals on Saturday at Missoula County Stadium. Krueger won the discus with a throw of 128 feet, 9 inches. (Tommy Martino/Missoulian)
STATE SOFTBALL: Glacier falls just short, finishes 2nd in Class AA
Wolfpack surrenders late lead, state title to C.M. Russell, 3-1
The state’s best pitcher went head-to-head against the state’s best hitter and lost.
STATE TRACK: Glacier girls second in Class AA; Flathead's Perrin sets another record
MISSOULA — More state records fell on the final day of a historic weekend at the Class AA state track and field championships on Saturday at Missoula County Stadium.
SOFTBALL NOTEBOOK: Grizzled bear walks away
Glacier’s Williams fights fatigue, illegal pitches; Kriskovich ends storied career
SOFTBALL: Columbia Falls takes 4th at Class A state tourney
BELGRADE — Columbia Falls couldn’t keep pace with a tough Belgrade side, falling 16-4 to finish in fourth place at the Class A state softball tournament on Saturday.
LAW ROUNDUP: Vehicle legal, driver maybe not so
A
COLUMN: Never Trump? Don't stop there! Never anybody!
The Never Trump movement may be dead, but like Frankenstein’s monster, it keeps being sewn back together out of a hodgepodge of scary parts.
Gale Ritter, 72
Anthony F. 'Tony' Bolken, 48
Firebrand Hotel set for July 1 opening date
The new Firebrand Hotel in downtown Whitefish contains 86 rooms on three floors. (Seaborn Larson/Daily Inter Lake)
Firebrand Hotel
From left, Jessica Helander, Lisa Jones, Becky Lomax and Edna White on the rooftop of the Firebrand Hotel in Whitefish in June 2016. (Seaborn Larson/Daily Inter Lake)
Club's fundraiser destined for diabetes fund
Jay Flynn had to learn to live with Type 1Diabetes as a healthy guy in his 20s and has had to learn to manage his life around the condition. He is sharing his story to help raise awareness of Diabetes and to help the Kalispell Lions Club with their Dream Vacation raffle. Proceeds from the raffle will be divided between local food banks, eyeglass purchases and the Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation diabetes fund. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Border collie trained to work at Logan Pass
A woman photographs goats along the Hidden Lake Trail in Glacier National Park. (Chris Peterson/Hungry Horse News)
Town Pump prepares for early June opening
The Town Pump near the corner of West Reserve Drive and U.S. 93 is targeting a June 9 opening date. (Seaborn Larson/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier softball 2nd in Class AA
The Wolfpack waits to receive the second-place trophy after its 3-1 loss to the Rustlers in the championship game of the Montana Class AA state softball tournament on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier comes up short in state final
Glacier pitcher Ali Williams, right, and Sarah Stern embrace outside of the dugout after the Wolfpack's 3-1 loss to Great Falls C.M. Russell in the championship game of the Montana Class AA softball tournament on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier softball finishes 2nd in state
Glacier third baseman Alivia Atlee, left, and shortstop Anna Schrade embrace after the Wolfpack's 3-1 loss to Great Falls C.M. Russell in the championship game on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier in state finals
Glacier third baseman Alivia Atlee catches the ball as Great Falls C.M. Russell's Savanna Voyles steals third during the championship game of the Class AA state softball tournament at the Kidsports Complex on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Man accused of stealing Social Security benefits
A man is facing two felony charges after allegedly taking unwarranted Social Security benefits and then threatening the children who were supposed to be the beneficiaries.
Man charged for allegedly pepper-spraying woman
A Kalispell man awaiting trial on two felony charges was jailed Saturday for allegedly assaulting a woman with pepper spray.
Second teen sentenced for Col. Falls vandalism case
A second teen was sentenced Friday for causing more than $7,400 in an incident where walls were spray-painted and windows were shot out at Columbia Falls High School on Sept. 22, 2014.
Man jailed for allegedly shooting at delivery driver
A man was taken to jail early Friday morning after he allegedly shot at a Daily Inter Lake delivery driver working his morning route in Evergreen.
FVCC changing placement methods evaluation
Flathead Valley Community College is changing how students will be evaluated for their course placements by replacing one high-stakes test with a medley of placement methods.
Furniture and Design
Court denies killer's appeal
The Montana Supreme Court has denied the appeal of a Ronan murderer who had asked that he be released from prison and all charges against him dropped.
Group packages 50,000 meals in an hour
Packaging 50,000 meals in an hour and a half is a lofty goal, yet that’s just what Whitefish High School’s STAND club accomplished, and with time to spare.
High school French students earn top ranks
Four Glacier High School students have ranked in the top 30 nationwide and broke into the top five at the state level in the French competition, Le Grand Concours.
Four approaches up for public review
Flathead National Forest released the draft environmental statement for its revised forest plan Friday, unveiling four possible approaches to guide management of the 2.4 million-acre landscape under the federal agency’s authority.
Flathead High School history teacher honored
Flathead High School social studies teacher and department head Sean O’Donnell has been named the Montana history teacher of the year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
DAYBOOK, May 28
Friday, May 27
Flathead's Jake Perrin
Flathead's Jake Perrin finishes strong during the 1,600-meter run with Missoula Hellgate's Peter Kirgis in tow at the Class AA state track meet at Missoula County Stadium. (Tommy Martino/Missoulian)
STATE SOFTBALL: Glacier still battling in Class AA
Underclassmen rally Wolfpack to win, keep Glacier alive
Leave it to Glacier’s little sister to rescue the Wolfpack’s season.
TRACK: Flathead's Perrin breaks all-class state record
Glacier’s Hill 2nd in 3,200, third in 800
MISSOULA — Opening day at the Class AA state boys and girls track meet turned out to be a record-setting event for runners from Flathead, Helena High and Billings Senior on Friday at Missoula County Stadium.
TENNIS: Whitefish girls win state championship
’Dogs take top 2 spots in doubles to clinch first title since 2004
BOZEMAN — The Whitefish girls locked up the school’s first Class A state tennis championship since 2004 before the finals even started on Friday.
SOFTBALL: C-Falls keeps season alive at Class A state tourney
BELGRADE — Columbia Falls won three games on Friday at the Class A state softball tournament, keeping its season alive until the final day of play.
STATE SOFTBALL: Glasgow knocks out Ronan in Class B/C
Ronan found 13 hits and seven runs against Glasgow, but couldn’t get outs when it counted, falling to the Scotties 10-7 in a loser-out game on Friday afternoon at the Class B/C state softball tournament at Kidsports Complex.
Glacier softball stuns West
Billings West junior Cody Rogers walks off the field as the Wolfpack celebrate their 4-3 win. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier softball stays alive
Glacier Wolfpack Anna Schrade (13), Christina DuFour (4) and Meg Hornby run off the field after Schrade caught the final out in the Wolfpack's 4-3 win over Billings West in the fourth-place game of the Montana Class AA Softball Tournament at Kidsports on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Crash victim's name released in fatal crash
Authorities have identified the man killed in a collision between a loaded wood-chip truck and a pickup on U.S. 93 Thursday morning.
Gateway to Glacier Trail finally a reality
Key segment from Coram to West Glacier to be built this year
Group packages 50,000 meals in an hour
From left, Katie Dolan, Emily Iyga, and Heather Luedka fill packages with specifically measured out amounts of fortified soy, rice, dried vegetables and other ingredients as they participate in the Kids Against Hunger event on Tuesday morning, May 24, at Whitefish High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Panel opposes shooting-range plan
At a packed hearing Thursday night to consider a proposed shooting range near Echo Lake, the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee voted unanimously in opposition to the proposal after local residents criticized its potential safety, noise and environmental impacts.
Stay safe from mosquito-borne illnesses with these simple tips
LETTER: Regier has proven himself
Keith Regier has served us well in the Montana House of Representatives for four sessions. His experience included Republican majority whip and majority leader. Keith has earned the respect of his fellow legislators across the state.
LETTER: Why support Trump? Because he's not Clinton
Bob McClellen asked a question in the opinion page Sunday: “How could we think of electing Donald Trump?” Through the entire length of his candidacy, I have asked the same question.
LETTER: Attack mailers by 'anonymous cowards'
Well, they’re back ... On Friday, May 13, I received the first attack mailer of the 2016 election season. You know these things: full-color glossy postcards, pre-sorted, bar-coded, mailed under a permit number and put together by a graphics-bulk mail business. They’re usually sent by what I call “anonymous cowards.”
OPINION: Taking care of our veterans
Some in Washington may tell you that the dust is finally settling after over a decade of war. I would say those folks aren’t seeing the whole picture — and the 80 servicemembers from Montana’s 219th RED HORSE Squadron who recently returned from their deployment to the Middle East might say that, too.
LETTER: Holmquist for commissioner
Pam Holmquist is a person of great integrity and work ethic. She is approachable, knowledgeable, and studies in great depth the issues pertinent to her office of county commissioner.
EDITORIAL: Make time to honor slain heroes
Monday marks one of our more solemn holidays when we observe Memorial Day.
Forest campgrounds open for holiday weekend
Flathead National Forest campgrounds started opening in early May and all campgrounds, weather permitting, are scheduled to be open for the Memorial Day weekend.
WEEKEND UPDATE: RV campout
Rocky Mountain Rollers Good Sams RV Chapter hosts its May campout and jam today through Sunday at Lone Pine Community Center in Lone Pine.
Police ramp up traffic enforcement for Memorial Day
Holiday weekends typically see an increase in vehicle crashes and drunken driving, so authorities are encouraging people to buckle up, travel sober, and count on being stopped by an officer if they don’t.
LOCAL ROUNDUP: Flathead dems to hold delegate selection
The Flathead County Democrats will hold their 2016 Democratic Delegate Selection County Convention at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 9, in the community room at the Kalispell VFW, Post 2252, 330 First Ave. W.
Flood repair delays plowing in Glacier
Snowplowing has stalled at least through Tuesday on Going-to-the-Sun Road as Glacier National Park crews work to repair portions of washed-out road shoulder at the foot of Lake McDonald.
Graduation week ahead for high school seniors
Hundreds of students around the Flathead Valley will be able to say “that’s a wrap” on their high school education as graduation ceremonies start Saturday and continue through June 4.
LAW ROUNDUP: Man takes justice into his own hands during alleged dog attack
The
Timothy Edward Strachota, 54
Timothy Edward Strachota, 54, passed away unexpectedly in Bigfork on April 13, 2016.
DAYBOOK, May 27
Thursday, May 26
STATE SOFTBALL: Glacier blanks Billings West in Class AA
Wolfpack homers four times in first round win
In a four-hour odyssey that included two rain delays and two softball complexes, the Glacier girls teed off in their Class AA softball tournament opener, hitting four home runs in a 6-0 drubbing of Billings West.
VIANO: State tournaments saved by move north
Mother nature must be a fan of high school sports, because she’s not acting like she wants the spring season to end.
STATE SOFTBALL: Huntley Project edges Ronan in Class B/C
Maidens fall 8-6 in ninth inning in state B/C opener
Ronan couldn’t find its offense when play moved north, causing the top-seeded Maidens to drop a first round game to Huntley Project in the Class B/C state softball tournament on Thursday at Kidsports.
STATE TRACK: Glacier's Hill, Senior's Aragon to set pace in Class AA
State meets begin Friday in Missoula, Bozeman
Record-setting runners on opposite ends of the state, the last time Glacier’s Annie Hill and Billings Senior’s Christina Aragon met they ran the fastest race in the country.
TENNIS: Polson girls lead Class A state tournament
Pirates, Whitefish both in running for title
BOZEMAN — The girls teams from Polson and Whitefish are both still in contention for a state championship after strong showings on day one of the Class A state tournament at Montana State University on Thursday.
SOFTBALL: Columbia Falls, Polson both fall at Class A tournament
Wildkats win first game, blanked in round two
BELGRADE — Columbia Falls scored 21 runs in a wild opening round win at the Class A state tournament at the Belgrade Softball Fields on Thursday but couldn’t scratch across a single tally in a second round loss, sending the Wildkats to the consolation bracket alongside Northwestern A rival Polson.
Glacier softball at state tournament
The Wolfpack wait for Anna Schrade at home plate after Schrade's second home run in Glacier's 6-0 win against Billings West in their opening game of the Montana Class AA Softball State tournament at Kidsports on Thursday, May 26, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
LAW ROUNDUP: She'll need a jackpot to pay her bail
Timothy Edward Strachota, 54
Fans duck hail at state softball
Fans take shelter under umbrellas as hail pelts down during the Glacier vs. Billings West game at the Montana Class AA Softball Championship at the Conrad Complex on Thursday, May 26, 2016. The game was suspended and moved to Kidsports. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Ronan Softball
Ronan's Carston Rhine safely slides home as Huntley Project pitcher Tessa Hultgren attempts to tag her as Rhine steals home during the opening round of the Montana B/C Softball tournament in Kalispell on Thursday, May 26, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/ Daily Inter Lake)
Monday Profile: Michelle Howke
City Clerk Michelle Howke in the temporary offices for City Hall in Whitefish on Tuesday, May 24.
Kids Against Hunger
Luke May carries boxes filled with food packaged by Whitefish High School students to pallets for shipping on Tuesday, May 24, at Whitefish High School. May and around 500 other students and faculty members were involved in the Kids Against Hunger packing event that put together 50,000 meals, 15,000 of which will remain in the Flathead Valley. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Softball weather
Weather shuffles schedule at state softball tournaments
The first day of play Thursday in the Class AA and Class B-C state softball tournaments was abruptly interrupted by spring weather.
Donald Trump
Big Montana crowd greets Trump in Billings
BILLINGS — A crowd of thousands, buoyed by word that Donald Trump had just locked down the Republican presidential nomination, gathered in a Billings arena Thursday to cheer the New York businessman and his unlikely ascent to the top of his party.
C.F. parents pull children from school because of threat
Many Columbia Falls parents kept their children home from school on Thursday after a threat of a school shooting was found scrawled on a restroom wall Monday night.
Trouble hearing? Why you need to do more than just turn up the volume
Man gets prison time for killing Yaak grizzly
Federal Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch went beyond the recommendations of prosecutors on Monday and sentenced a Washington man to six months in federal prison for killing a grizzly bear in Lincoln County in 2015.
Why bedbugs are winning at our favorite hotels
Tips for caretakers to help their loved one get better nutrition
Cool summer renovation ideas keep homes more comfortable when the heat is on
Swamped this summer? 7 tips to keep your family healthy
Rocket Launch.jpg
West Valley eighth-grader Colton Reum launches a rocket at Glacier High School during the Flathead Valley Rocket Rally on Thursday. West Valley engineering studenst and the eighth-grade science students at Kila competed in the rally and Glacier High School judged the competition. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Kila eighth-grader Kollyn Morgan launches a rocket at Glacier High School during the Flathead Valley Rocket Rally on Thursday. West Valley engineering studenst and the eighth-grade science students at Kila competed in the rally and Glacier High School judged the competition. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Water compact bill introduced in Congress
The water rights compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will begin its path to federal ratification with a $2.3 billion price tag, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., announced Thursday.
Husband killer appeals case to U.S. Supreme Court
The Kalispell woman who killed her husband by pushing him off a cliff in Glacier National Park in 2013 has appealed her conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against another appeal in November 2015.
Pickup-truck driver dies in collision with chip truck
A 42-year-old Woods Bay man died Thursday morning in a collision between a pickup truck and a loaded wood-chip truck at Somers.
Fatal collision
Bike path
A view of the bike path connecting Hungry Horse and Coram on Thursday morning, May 26. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
LETTER: Re-elect Pam Holmquist
We need to keep Pam Holmquist in the Flathead County commissioners’ office to protect our property rights, water rights, our freedoms and to promote businesses and jobs in Flathead County.
LETTER: Three officials who honor Constitution
Keith Regier, Derek Skees and Pam Holmquist, upon being seated as Montana elected officials, have all sworn, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the state of Montana, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity (so help me God).”
Black chin distinguishes this hummingbird
The arrival of spring is a special time for all of us who enjoy birdwatching. I especially enjoy the end of April and the first part of May as these weeks typically mark the return of our hummingbirds with their jewel-like colors and frantic display flights.
LETTER: Harmon will do the job right
I am writing to urge you to vote for Tim Harmon for Flathead County commissioner. I have known Tim for over 30 years and consider him a man of principles and conviction. He takes on challenges with patience and wisdom. His willingness to examine the issues and listen closely to the public sets him apart from the other candidate.
LETTER: Vote for Holmquist
Pam Holmquist, the Republican county commissioner running for re-election is an outstanding commissioner. Pam is a conservative that has run a very positive campaign. There is no question were Pam stands on the issues.
LETTER: Support Don 'K'
I have had the privilege of knowing Don K for almost 20 years. Don is a dear personal friend. I am honored to be able to share my support for Don.
LETTERS: Vietnam War veterans to be honored June 2
In March of 1965, President Lyndon Johnson committed the first combat troops to Vietnam. American military personnel had been fighting and dying in Vietnam for many years, but officially they were only there as “advisers.” Consequently, the accepted beginning of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War is 1965.
Area bear hunters enjoy a banner year
Regional harvest of 666 bears in 2015 the highest in 18 years
EDITORIAL: Vacation rentals right for Kalispell
Let’s face it. Flathead Valley residents need every break they can get making ends meet.
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Conference tackles Montana housing issues
The 2016 Montana Housing Partnership Conference concluded Wednesday after four days of considering issues such as affordable housing and community revitalization.
Get alarmed! Protect your home from the dangers of smoke and fire
COLUMN: Plenty of buzz about big smallmouth
There has been quite a buzz in the local angling community lately about a new state record fish caught in Northwest Montana — in Flathead Lake, in fact.
Trace Adkins coming to Northwest Montana Fair in August
Tickets on sale now for show at Northwest Montana Fair
River races planned Saturday, Sunday
Bigfork will host its longest-running annual event this weekend — the Bigfork Whitewater Festival.
OUTDOORS ROUNDUP: Field trips look at wildflowers, plants
The Flathead Chapter of the Montana Native Plant Society is hosting a pair of field trips: a plant identification hike on Saturday and a native plant garden tour on Wednesday.
Jack K. Brabender, 80
Jack K. Brabender, 80, died Sunday, May 22, 2016, at his home Sandpoint, Idaho, following a long illness.
Burke W. Despain, 64
Burke W. Despain, 64, died April 9, 2016. Burke was born on Sept. 10, 1951, in Roosevelt, Utah, to Weston Griffith Despain and Pauline Marsing Despain.
What makes you feel fulfilled? Uncovering the secret to living your best life
Mary Jo Hurly Fox, 91
Mary Jo Hurly Fox, 91, a longtime Kalispell resident, “went home to be with the Lord” on May 16, 2016. She died of natural causes in her home at the age of 91.
This Week in the Flathead | May 26 - June 1
Making music with Doug Montgomery
Pianist Doug Montgomery will be performing on the Steinway concert grand at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 4. The world-class entertainment on a world-class instrument will benefit the Steinway Fund. Joining him on stage will be vocal guests and a violinist. Montgomery performs everything from classical favorites to movie themes, musical theater hits and more.
DAYBOOK, May 26
101 2016
101 2016 Cover
Wednesday, May 25
STATE SOFTBALL: Montana turns eyes to Kalispell
Conrad Complex to host Class AA, B-C tournaments beginning today
More than a year ago, the Montana High School Association had a small problem — no one bid to host the Class B-C state tournament in the spring of 2016.
State tournament bracket
Class A tournament bracket
Class B-C tournament bracket
Class AA tournament bracket
TERRY COLUMN: Glacier softball hoping for some home cookin'
There’s no place like home.
STATE SOFTBALL: Polson, Columbia Falls hit diamond in Belgrade
NW teams have won state tourney the last nine seasons
BELGRADE — Columbia Falls earned a statement win over three-time defending state champion Frenchtown in the regular season finale.
TENNIS: Whitefish, Polson well represented at state
Tournament play begins Thursday in Bozeman
BOZEMAN — Deep squads in Polson and Whitefish have both schools setting their sights on a Class A state championship as play in the two-day state tournament begins Thursday.
LEGION BASEBALL: Kalispell Lakers AA overwhelm Loggers
LIBBY — Haydn Schlepp and Dawson Smith each drove in five runs and the Kalispell Lakers AA scored nine times in the fourth inning to smash the Libby Loggers 22-5 on Wednesday night.
Police complete vandalism investigation
Flathead High School Resource Officer Cory Clarke has completed his investigation into the May 10 vandalism at the school that has been described as a senior prank gone awry.
Doug Montgomery
Pianist Doug Montgomery will play in Whitefish June 4.
Jack K. Brabender, 80
Burke W. Despain, 64
Mary Jo Hurly Fox, 91
Inifinite Bridge
Detail of the glass handprints in the “Infinite Bridge” sculpture outside the Linderman Education Center on Wednesday afternoon, May 25 in Kalispell. When the piece was being made students from Linderman went to the workshop of glass artist Lee Proctor to help with blowing the glass and adding their handprints to special sand to create hands. The sculpture was made using pieces of the old Holt Stage Road bridge. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Zinke backs Trump on eve of Montana rally
BILLINGS — Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., on Wednesday became the most prominent Montana Republican to endorse Donald Trump, one day before the presumptive nominee for the Republican presidential nomination arrives to rally supporters in the Treasure State.
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Most of the water has receded from Blankenship Road by Wednesday morning. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A bulldozer works to repair a section of Rabe Road on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A dumptruck unloads dirt as crew work to repair about a 50-foot section of Rabe Road where a creek washed over it on Monday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Diabetes Awareness
Jay Flynn had to learn to live with Type 1Diabetes as a healthy guy in his 20s and has had to learn to manage his life around the condition. He is sharing his story to help raise awareness of Diabetes and to help the Kalispell Lions Club with their Dream Vacation Raffle. Proceeds from the raffle will be divided between local food banks, eyeglass purchases and the Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation diabetes fund. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
NOTICE: Albertsons advertising insert in Wednesday's paper is for wrong week
The Albertsons grocery store advertising insert in Wednesday's Daily Inter Lake print edition was for the wrong week. The correct insert will be published in the Thursday Inter Lake. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Students barred from graduation ceremony
Around 350 seniors are set to graduate from Flathead High School, but 20 of them cannot participate in the June 3 commencement ceremony because of a May 10 break-in to carry out a prank that escalated into vandalism.
Mushroom Burgers
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Lower Valley Processing Co-owner Jason Mahlen stacks burgers with mushrooms mixed in them during a test run at Lower Valley on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Bigfork filmmaker sheds light on sex trade
Slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865, but the latest work of Bigfork’s Academy Award-winning producer Jerry Molen shows that millions of people around the world and some in the United States are still held against their will.
Reservoir road reopens
Post-flooding cleanup under way
Road crews were working in Glacier National Park and the North Fork area on Wednesday, repairing damaged thoroughfares after several days of heavy rain led to flooded roads at the beginning of the week.
Man charged in shooting incident
A Hungry Horse man is facing charges of felony assault with a weapon after allegedly firing two shots and injuring a man Saturday.
Whitefish reopens East First Street
To alleviate summer traffic congestion in downtown Whitefish, the city will reopen East First Street between Central and Baker avenues to one-way traffic today.
Group sues over proposed bison-range transfer
An organization of former public employees announced Monday it has filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for alleged violations of federal environmental law after the agency announced a possible transfer of administration of the National Bison Range to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Landowner's proposal facing review
An Echo Lake landowner’s proposal for a rifle shooting range, which has stirred some opposition from neighbors, will be the subject of a hearing Thursday afternoon.
LOCAL ROUNDUP: Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center opens Friday
The Bureau of Reclamation will open the Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center for the 2016 summer season on May 27.
Cassie Norden, 28
Cassie Norden, 28, of Roaming Shores, Ohio, died Saturday, May 14, 2016.
DAYBOOK, May 25
Doris Lou (Amberson) Dunlap, 89
Doris Lou Dunlap, 89, passed away suddenly on Monday, May 23, 2016, in Monroe, Washington.
Emma Jean 'Rita' Ranes, 91
Emma Jean “Rita” Ranes, 91, “rode off into the sunset” on Sunday, May 22, 2016, after a long battle with COPD.
Reece L. Glines, 85
Adventure Cover 2016
Adventure 2016
Adventure Cover
Tuesday, May 24
Flathead keeps it in the family, hires Tricia (Samson) Dean as girls basketball coach
Sister of Braves’ football coach, tabbed to take over Bravettes
If Tricia Dean has questions about resurrecting a program, she won’t have to look far for answers.
Cassie Norden, 28
Emma Jean 'Rita' Ranes, 91
Previous gun range upheld in court
The debate over Michael Krachun’s rifle-range proposal near Echo Lake is not the first time property owners in Flathead County have opposed a shooting range.
Valley Voices Gala Concert
Noreen Wood and the Valley Voices kick off the Gala Concert with a performance of “New York, New York” by the choir members on Sunday, May 22, at Glacier High School. The concert and auction was a fundraiser for the 40 members of the choir who are going to perform at Carnegie Hall. The choir will be raising money until November with the goal of raising $100,000 to take care of the travel expenses. “We really didn’t have a set goal with the Gala,” said Choir Director Allyson Kuechmann. “We were just trying to see how much money we could raise within the community and with our musical friends there to encourage us.” People interested in helping to the choir can still purchase raffle tickets for the free trip to New York to hear the Valley Voices at Carnegie. Tickets can be purchased from any choir member or by contacting Allyson Kuechmann via their website: http://valleyvoiceschoir.com/ The raffle will be drawn at the ice cream social at the Conrad Mansion on July 4th. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead High School grad
(Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Federal diver sentenced for assault in Glacier Park
A former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scuba diver from Bigfork has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for sexually assaulting a co-worker during a work trip in Glacier National Park.
Glacier Park flooding
Reservoir flooding
Flooding affects more than 25 homes
Residents of flooded areas spent Tuesday pumping water and cleaning up after three days of massive rains spawned localized flooding in Northwest Montana.
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Bigfork seventh-grader Kadance Mischke laughs as Deer Park seventh-grader Taylor Weaver puts a cast on her as volunteer Jean Stanberry looks on during the Casting Your Horizon workshop of Expanding Your Horizons event at Flathead Valley Community College on Tuesday. More than 400 junior high students from local schools attended the event, which was organized to encourage girls to pursue science, math and technology studies. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Columbia Falls eighth-grader Kimberly Peacock takes a photo of a pollinating flower during a Global Positioning System workshop of the Expanding Your Horizon event at Flathead Valley Community College on Tuesday. There were more than 30 workshops at the event. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Whitefish seventh-grader Ali Hirsch uses a extruder gun to take a fingerprint off a golf ball as Columbia Falls seventh-grader Dillen Hoerner looks on as the two work to solve a crime during a workshop during Expanding Your Horizons. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Polson eighth-grader Esme Yarbrough, left, and Columbia Falls eighth-grader Jordyn MacNeill draw a diagram of the sand filter they made during a workshop at the Expanding Your Horizons event on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Whitefish Middle School students Jessica Henson and Caroline Dye are working on an education campaign aimed about the health risks and costs of idling vehicles.
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Sage Cornelius leads his heat of the 800 in the Western A track meet Saturday in Frenchtown.
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Barrett Gray competes in the 3,200 at the Western A track meet Saturday in Frenchtown.
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Lauren Schulz holds off Columbia Falls for a second place in the 1,600 relay Saturday at the Western A track meet in Frenchtown.
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Lydia Kryshak leads off the 1,600 relay with Jackie Fuller cheering her on Saturday at the Western A track meet in Frenchtown.
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Emily Gunlikson leads her heat of the 200 sprint in a driving rain Saturday at the Western A track meet in Frenchtown.
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Cevana Lawshe competes in high jump Saturday at the Western A track meet in Frenchtown.
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Alice Wilde reacts to clearing her personal best height of 4-10 and qualifying for the State A meet.
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Jansen Anderson competes in the 300 meter hurdles at the Western A track meet in Frenchtown.
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Umbrellas were out on Monday as potent rain storm moved into Whitefish.
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Plows clear the parking lot May 13, 2016 at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park.
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Slain toddler's mom charged with negligent homicide
A month after an Evergreen man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for killing a toddler on Feb. 18, 2015, the slain child’s mother has been charged in relation to the murder.
Rain closes Going-to-the-Sun Road
Worsening flooding again prompted Glacier National Park to close Going-to-the-Sun Road to all vehicle traffic shortly after noon on Tuesday.
LETTER: Vote Skees for House District 11
I have known Derek Skees for roughly 10 years. He and his wife have been two of our staunchest allies in the fight to protect the rights of those most vulnerable in our human family — the unborn, disabled, and elderly.
LETTER: Holmquist has fought for our property rights
I have seen Pam Holmquist at important meetings fighting to protecting our rights and freedoms for decades, long before she ever became Flathead County commissioner.
LETTER: Regier the right choice
I would like to endorse Keith Regier for Senate District 3. Keith has been a valuable asset to the citizens of both the Flathead Valley and Montana while he has served four terms in the House of Representatives.
LETTER: A vote for Holmquist, Skees and Regier
Pam, Derek and Keith share important characteristics of hard work, citizen involvement and honesty that benefit ALL Montanans.
LETTER: Holmquist's record not as good as she suggests
I’m writing this letter in an attempt to present a different point of view about the current county commissioner election.
LETTER: Harmon puts others first
I am writing today to voice my support for Tim Harmon as county commissioner for District 2. Since moving to the Flathead in the latter part of the last century, I have had the privilege of befriending many fine people and a handful of extraordinarily good people, who truly put the thought of others in front of their own self-interest.
LETTER: In support of Regier
Yes — We each drive a Jeep, but we will be voting for Keith Regier for Senate District 3 this June.
LETTER: Holmquist deserves to be re-elected
Pam Holmquist is running for re-election as Flathead County commissioner. She has my support and my vote. Here’s why:
LETTER: Support Holmquist for county commissioner
Pam Holmquist was a very effective and participatory board member of the Evergreen Water and Sewer District for many years. As Flathead County commissioner, Pam has carried forward the same traits: listening, investigating and deciding the matters that make government more responsive, streamlined and effective.
LETTER: Don 'K' is right person for state Senate
Like many of you, I was excited to learn that my friend Don “K” Kaltschmidt has decided to run for the Montana Senate in District 3. I hope to share with you why I think he’s the right person for the job.
Montanore mine getting new owner
Hecla Mining Co. has reached a nearly $30 million deal to acquire Mines Management Inc., the owner of the Montanore Mine in Northwest Montana, company officials announced Tuesday.
Crystal Creek
LETTER: Don't change horses in midstream
Changing horses in midstream has always been a bad idea. We have a proven, knowledgeable, experienced, dedicated, honest, qualified, ethical conservative who has served Montana well. He is being challenged by a car salesman who is a family man. Make your choice.
LETTER: Keep Holmquist
We need to keep Pam Holmquist in the county commissioners office to protect our property rights, our water rights and our wallets. Please join us in supporting Pam Holmquist in the primary election on June 7. —Don and Isabel Larsen, Kalispell
LETTER: Vote for 'champions against tyranny'
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing it value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”
LETTER: A vote for 'community involved' Don 'K'
Don “K” Kaltschmidt will get my vote next month. I have known Don for 10 years. He is a man of substance and integrity. He is a successful entrepreneur and is very involved in local community organizations (Rotary, Flathead Business and Industry Association, Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, American Legion). He also donates his time and talents to many worthy causes. “Community involved” truly describes Don K.
LETTER: Hillary not that impressive
Mr. Baum, your “bomb”-astic Guest Opinion gave me purpose to respond to your “Hillary Clinton and animal plea.”
OPINION: When does free speech pass over into anarchy?
Under the First Amendment of the Constitution, we are granted the right to assembly and freedom of speech; these are two of the “wights” which we have as a free people. We have that “right” to exercise when we are not in agreement with our government .
Roads reopen after flooding
Following massive rains for three days, there was continued flooding Tuesday morning of small creeks in the Columbia Falls area, according to the National Weather Service.
LAW ROUNDUP: Bears In, Garbage Out
'Volunteering helps people live a purposeful life'
One Kalispell man’s retirement led him to years of listening to stories told by the generations his life followed.
Kila residents go hog wild
A Kila Road resident as well as several passers-by called the
Western A track and field
Whitefish High School competes at the Western A track and field meet May 20-21 in Frenchtown.
Monday, May 23
Defending champ Glacier opens AA state softball tournament with Billings West
Glacier, the defending Class AA state softball champions, will face Billings West on Thursday in a 2 p.m. first-round game at the 2016 state tournament at the Conrad Complex.
Board considers graduation discipline
Kalispell Public Schools trustees are expected to decide tomorrow whether or not students who participated in a break-in and vandalism at Flathead High School on May 10 will get to attend their graduation ceremony.
High water closes three roads
Sun Road, North Fork Road closed
Heavy rain caused localized flooding and road closures in the North Fork and Hungry Horse areas on Monday, along with Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
Rabe Road flooding
North Fork flooding
Access restricted to flooded Sun Road
Single-lane traffic was restored and then limited again Monday on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park after flooding closed the road near Lake McDonald.
Fresh Life not renewing Montana Building leases
Fresh Life Church, the religious organization that bought the Montana Building in downtown Kalispell on April 12, announced last week through its building manager that it would not renew tenants’ leases.
Valley Voices Gala Concert
Jason Foy and the members of Tra le Gael perform at the Valley Voices Gala Concert fundraiser on Sunday afternoon, May 22, at Glacier High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Teacher willing to listen to both sides
House District 11
During her first foray into legislative campaigning, Republican Jean Barragan hopes to draw on her strengths as an “open book” willing to hear both sides of the issues and as a longtime Lakeside resident with deep ties to House District 11.
Jean Barragan
Derek Skees
Former legislator touts experience
House District 11
Seeking to return to the Legislature after a prior two-year stint, Montana House District 11 candidate Derek Skees touts his familiarity with the legislative process and his outspoken conservative convictions as evidence that he would be an effective Republican legislator if elected.
Columbia Falls High School senior
Daniel Batt will be graduating from Columbia Falls High School this year and working in Glacier National Park this summer as he considers his options for college.
Whitefish High School senior
Alex Curry will be graduating from Whitefish High School this year.
Glacier High School grad
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The Montana Building
Flooding
Forest takes comments on proposed watershed project work
The Flathead National Forest is seeking public input on the proposed Whitefish Municipal Watershed Fuel Reduction Project northeast of Whitefish.
Glacier's Sun Road closed by flooding
Flooding has prompted the closure of Going-to-the-Sun Road along Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.
Man killed, woman injured in ATV crash
A 37-year-old man was killed and a 36-year-old woman was injured Friday in an all-terrain crash on wet roads near Troy.
Taste of Flathead Cover
EPA addresses ongoing cleanup of Somers tie plant
Ongoing cleanup at the former railroad tie plant in Somers will be outlined at a community meeting Thursday in Somers.
Accounts frozen during investment probe
The Montana State Auditor’s Office has frozen the investment accounts of a Columbia Falls woman under investigation for allegedly investing money without proper registration and mishandling more than $1 million in a suspected Ponzi scheme.
Youth program director makes an impact
While the Flathead Valley justice system is currently overflowing with offenders, the Center for Restorative Youth Justice is actively working to help the next generation avoid a life aligned with the legal system.
Sunday, May 22
Wildlife call will quack you up
A resident on Velva Drive called the
Man charged with sexually assaulting three children
A Kalispell man is facing three counts of felony sexual assault after children he was baby-sitting claimed he touched them inappropriately under the guise of teaching them proper hygiene.
Nicholas Aubrey Wayne Ainsworth, 25
Former energy exec backs fossil fuels
Advocating for U.S. energy independence and expanded development of fossil fuels, local energy expert Bill Whitsitt discussed the federal Energy Information Administration’s 2016 Energy Outlook Assessment on Thursday night.
Man convicted of DUI, child endangerment
A man admitted Thursday in Flathead District Court that he drove drunk with a young child in his vehicle September 2015.
LETTER: Tell Obama we won't go for trans bathrooms
Gender identity (crisis?) is nothing but the legalization of indecent exposure! God made each of us as male or female. We did not have a choice when we were conceived, and we don’t have a choice now. I would assume that more than 95 percent of the U.S. population is content with their gender.
LETTER: Refugees who won't assimilate need not apply
I am writing in support of the excellent article “Don’t Be Afraid” by Caroline Soloman. I attended the ACT meeting sponsored by her group, with was conducted with the same expertise as evidenced in her letter.
LETTER: FHS student shares gratitude
I am a sophomore at Flathead High School, and as part of Flathead’s “Give Back Day,” I wish to express gratitude for all of the excellent education we receive.
LETTER: Protect river from potential oil spill
More than 30 million gallons of Bakken crude oil pass down the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Flathead corridor each week, crossing many smaller streams and passing along Whitefish Lake. There were 37 train derailments along this stretch between 2000 and 2012. Until now, that has mostly seen corn, rice or frozen turkeys in our river. Oil train traffic has increased by more than 5,000 percent nationwide since 2009 and the dangers to our water and wildlife are compounded.
Montana West president leaving in August
Montana West Economic Development is looking for a new leader.
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Taste of Flathead
LETTER: Obama's policy on bathrooms is latest effort to topple the order
NBA players make a million dollars a year, PayPal makes a million dollars a minute, and Bruce Springsteen makes a million dollars a performance. What do they all have in common? All three are blackmailing the states of Georgia and North Carolina by refusing to perform in their states, while endangering mothers and children in public washrooms. All three choose to appease the aberrant desire of a few confused people. All three demand that states open up any restroom to any person for any reason.
Flathead jobless rate declines to 5.6 percent
Flathead County’s unemployment rate improved during the first four months of 2016, posting at 5.6 percent in April.
West Reserve traffic 'a huge problem'
Talk begins about best fix for gridlock
LETTER: Don Kaltschmidt for state Senate
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Don “K” Kaltschmidt and doing business with him for over 30 years. I remember in the late 1980s, when Don bought a small car dealership in Whitefish. Now, in 2015, it is one of the premiere dealerships in Montana and led the entire state in car sales.
LETTER: Holmquist for county commissioner
There is an old saying that goes, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” That sums up how we feel about the possibility of losing Pam Holmquist as one of our county commissioners.
LETTER: What are Don Kaltschmidt's motives?
Don Kaltschmidt, who is running against Rep. Keith Regier for Senate District 3, has no visible involvement in the Republican Party. He has not been involved with the Republican Central Committee or written letters supporting Republican priorities.
Kalispell receives $400,000 grant for property assessment
The city of Kalispell has received a $400,000 Environmental Protection Agency grant to assist property owners begin the redevelopment process, the federal agency announced Friday.
LETTER: Tim Harmon for commissioner
Tim Harmon is an outstanding individual. I’m supporting Tim for Flathead County commissioner.
LETTER: Don't believe smears against Gianforte
The crazy season for attack ads has arrived in Montana with the biggest money being spent attacking entrepreneur Greg Gianforte, who is running for governor. His signature campaign plank is to provide new ideas for good paying jobs to Montana’s young, who face a state ranked 38th in median average income.
Event to raise awareness of fickle disease
On patients’ good days, multiple sclerosis can be an invisible disease that eases into the background of people’s thoughts and concerns. On the bad days, the disease can leave its host crippled.
Photographer aims to 'show the life'
World-renowned for capturing breathtaking photographs of mountain goats in Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies, wildlife photographer Sumio Harada has turned his lens on Glacier’s other denizens in his latest photo book, “Wild Harmony of Glacier National Park.”
Two new clinics ahead for Kalispell
A new dental clinic and a new medical office are in the works in Kalispell.
Somers school survey: Keep our students here
Somers-Lakeside residents apparently would prefer to keep their middle-school students in Somers rather than send them to classes in Kalispell.
EDITORIAL: Turning the page on child services?
The numbers are staggering: Montana has nearly 3,200 children in foster care this year, up more than 100 percent from the 1,507 children in the program in 2008.
COLUMN: This milestone birthday is cause for reflection
Wasn’t it just yesterday I was bemoaning my 50th birthday? Now it’s 10 years later and I’m on the precipice of another milestone.
DAYBOOK, May 22
Donald W. Shea, 80
Monsignor Donald W. Shea, 80, died on May 17, 2016, at Brendan House.
Nicholas Ainsworth, 25
Nicholas Ainsworth, 25, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.
Emma Rosina Finbeiner Templin Metzker, 94
Emma Rosina Finbeiner Templin Metzker, 94, passed away from natural causes at Edgewood Vista in Kalispell on April 20, 2016.
Saturday, May 21
TENNIS: Libby boys win state championship
Loggers boys claim Class B-C title; girls finish second
MISSOULA — It took one extra day to finish the Class B-C state tennis tournament, but all that meant was the parade was pushed back a day.
TRACK ROUNDUP: Kalispell runners sweep divisional distance races
Perrin, Hill make quick work of long races; Flathead boys, Glacier girls both finish second
HELENA — The Flathead boys were a few points short of a team victory at the Western AA divisional track and field championships on Saturday, finishing in second place. The Glacier girls also finished in second place.
BASEBALL: Lakers romp at Canadian Days tourney
Kalispell's AA, A teams unbeaten in Saturday's play
Dawson Smith dazzled on the mound in game one and Leif Ericksen had a busy day at the plate to lead the Kalispell Lakers AA to two blowout wins at the Canadian Days tournament Saturday afternoon at Griffin Field.
SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Helena Capital ends Flathead's season in playoff sweep
HELENA — Flathead softball battled Helena Capital to a draw for five innings before the wheels fell off on a wet Saturday in the Western AA playoffs.
Libby's Jhamaal Sykes
Libby's Jhamaal Sykes lines up a return in this April 12, 2016 file photo. Sykes finished sixth at the Class B-C state tournament, helping Libby win its first team tennis championship in school history. (Paul Sievers/Western News)
FIGHTING BRIEFS: Ash knocked out at Bellator; Bartlett wins bronze in Germany
BOISE — Straight Blast Gym North head coach Hamilton Ash was knocked out by Vince Morales in the third round of his bout at Bellator 155 Friday afternoon at CenturyLink Arena.
Hamilton Ash feature
Adam Bartlett feature
LAW ROUNDUP: Jokes about robbery don't sit well
COLUMN: Our '1984': An equal opportunity gender disaster
My daughter has been reading George Orwell’s “1984” in high school this month. Too bad it’s not required reading for all citizens — especially before they vote. If it were, then perhaps Americans would not be so gullible about everything the government tells them.
Donald W. Shea, 80
Emma Rosina Finbeiner Templin Metzker, 94
Montana West president leaving in August
West Reserve traffic 'a huge problem'
Traffic lines up on West Reserve between U.S. 93 and Whitefish Stage Road on Wednesday evening. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Walk MS: Kalispell 2016
Stephanie Tinney and her son Aidan, 8, together in their back yard on Thursday, May 19, near Ferndale. Tinney will be taking part in Walk MS: Kalispell 2016 on Sunday, May 22, in Lawrence Park in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Photographer aims to 'show the life'
A mountain lion eats a bighorn ewe carcass. (Photo by Sumio Harada)
Couple facing multiple theft charges after alleged theft
A couple is facing more than a dozen felony charges in Oregon and Flathead District Court after allegedly getting caught in Oregon with more than $30,000 worth of property from a residence off Prairie View Road near Kalispell.
Parole revoked for Kalispell rapist
A rapist could be headed back to Montana State Prison after violating the terms of his parole.
RELIGION ROUNDUP: Church hosts 'Kidz Blitz' event
Stream fishing opens: Careful catch-and-release encouraged for anglers
With Montana’s stream fishing season kicking off today, the state encourages anglers to conserve the resource by using best practices when catching and releasing fish.
Area high school students earn honors at state music festival
Area music students participated in the Western State Solo and Ensemble Festival in Helena recently where music specialists listened to and judged each performance.
East, west plows meet at Big Drift
Snow-clearing operations on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road took a symbolic step forward this week as plows working from the east and west sides met atop the 60-foot snowdrift near Logan Pass.
DAYBOOK, May 21
Betty V. Snell Bjornrud, 93
Betty V. Snell Bjornrud, 93, passed away on May 18, 2016, at her home in Kalispell.
Friday, May 20
Lakers AA, A teams rained out at Canadian Days baseball tournament
The Kalispell Lakers annual Canadian Days American Legion baseball tournament is off to a wet start.
Divisional track roundup: Glacier girls lead at Western AA; Flathead boys in second place
HELENA — The Flathead boys had three individual event winners and the Glacier girls look on their way to a repeat victory after the first day of the Western AA divisional track and field meet on Friday at Vigilante Stadium.
Roundup: Ronan thumps Loggers in B/C divisional softball
ANACONDA — Ronan’s offense exploded to blow away a pair of close games at the Western B/C divisional softball tournament on Friday and secure a spot in the state tournament.
Tennis roundup: Ten divisional titles in row for Polson girls; Whitefish boys win first since 2008
Polson’s Mollie Lemm pulled off the upset of the tournament, her teammate Marlee Congdon won the singles title and the Pirates picked up enough other wins along the way to claim their 10th consecutive Northwestern A divisional tennis championship on Friday at The Summit.
Crystal Mears warrant
Amy Newman warrant
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Brittney Smith kisses her son Bentley Plympton as she gets her picture taken before the Flathead Valley Community College 2016 Commencement at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade Center on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Abbey Bryson peaks out the curtain before the Flathead Valley Community College 2016 Commencement Ceremony. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Danielle Davis laughs with Jake Haverkorn after getting her picture taken before the Flathead Valley Community College 2016 Commencement Ceremony on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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The class of 2016 walk to their seats during the processional of the Flathead Valley Community College 2016 Commencement Ceremony. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
East, west plows meet at Big Drift
Vehicle tracks go through snow in the East Tunnel on Going-to-the-Sun Road last week in Glacier National Park. (National Park Service photo)
Women accused of locking 3 kids in basement
Two Kalispell women each face three charges of felony criminal endangerment in Flathead District Court after they allegedly locked three children in a dark basement without any access to food or a proper toilet.
Whitefish Tennis
Whitefish's Brendan Bulls charges the ball during the Northwestern A divisional doubles consolation match with teammate Austin Reese against fellow Bulldogs Ryan Brown and Cole Turgeon at The Summit on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead student Shawn Pranger pulls weeds in front of the high school during the schools Give-Back Day. Students cleaned up the school and surrounding neighborhood and hosted a barbeque for the local social service agencies. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead students Sam Gonzales, left, and Matthew Cronk put trash in the bag as Miles Terry holds the bag open as students pick up trash on Fourth Avenue West for Give-Back Day. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Makena Tanko, from left, Ethan Hundley, Michael Shelton and Brandon Pyron clean a bench in front of the school for the senior class and student council organized Give-Back Day on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead student Wyatt Smith picks dandelions in front of the school during the school's Give-Back Day on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Edgerton fourth-graders Chrysi Little Eagle, front, and Hannah Byers carry a bag of westslope cutthroat trout to Buffalohead Pond during a Hooked on Fishing field trip on Thursday. The Edgerton fourth grade stocked the pond with about 500 cutthroats between 6 and 12 inches. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Edgerton fourth-graders Kamron Bigoness-Hunter, front, and Phaedra Chrz release westslope cutthroat trout into Buffalohead Pond during a Hooked on Fishing field trip with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Active Senior: Marcus Keithly
Marcus Keithly, right, delivers a meal to Paul Beliveau during his volunteer Meals on Wheels route on Friday.
LETTER: Regier has proven record
The Senate seat in District 3 that is now highly contested by two well-known, well-liked candidates demands attention. We must not allow this contest to disintegrate into a pure and simple, but spirited, popularity contest.
LETTER: GOP voter wake-up call!
The three local Republican races, Tim Harmon v. Pam Holmquist, Don “K” v. Keith Regier, and Jean Barragan v. Derek Skees, represent the split in the Republican Party.
LETTER: Earth Day is for extremists
Earth Day, April 22, passed with small notice. The environmental movement is decimated by extremism, graft and even a murder here and there (Fortino, Buffin et al). The best thinkers of our time suspect that man’s span upon the planet is limited to fewer than another 300-years. Because of environmental activism gone awry, it is too late to do anything about it.
LETTER: Democratic delegate process listens to voters
I want to join Jesse O’Hara (see letter in May 13 Inter Lake) in emphasizing the importance of transparency and public confidence in the processes our political parties use to select presidential candidates.
LETTER: 'Exempt' rule change will hurt state, employers
All employers in Montana should be informed of a new rule, thanks to “a Big Brother move” by the U.S. Department of Labor. This proposal would significantly change which employees are eligible to be salaried and which must be hourly workers.
LETTER: Don 'K' for Senate District 3
As we approach the time to vote here in Montana, I have realized it is time to begin a process that I hope resonates across the country, let alone the state. And that is, simply — vote.
OPINION: Congratulations to the FVCC Class of 2016
Tonight, Flathead Valley Community College will celebrate our 48th commencement. More than 370 graduates will be recognized for the commitments and sacrifices they have made to get to this day. They are four-year university bound students, hardworking parents, displaced workers, veterans and determined individuals who want to build better lives for themselves and their families. They are our neighbors, our family members, our friends and our fellow community members. We are proud and honored to recognize these dedicated individuals who help make our valley extraordinary.
Man convicted of molesting second child
A Kalispell man was convicted of a second instance of sexually assaulting a child Thursday and could face decades in prison and chemical castration, according to Flathead District Court Judge Heidi Ulbricht.
LETTER: Sticks and stones and attack ads
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words cut to the soul of me. I have had to learn to grow thick skin and not let the power of words cut into me because I will not give that power over to those who seek to destroy, all on the reason of political gain.
WEEKEND UPDATE: FVCC graduation
Electronics grad already landed job
For many high school graduates, college is the expected next step. For Ryan Cole of Kalispell, it didn’t cross his mind as a possibility until after he spent 12 years working in labor and service jobs.
Sunken barge back afloat
A dock-building barge that sank near Finley Point a week ago is back afloat, its captain said Wednesday.
LETTER: Keith Regier for Senate District 3
Montana needs strong, principled leadership in the Senate, and Keith Regier is the right man for the job.
LAW ROUNDUP: Lawn ornament thrown through window
Whitefish developing bike path master plan
The city of Whitefish is conducting an online survey to gather input as the city develops a new bicycle and pedestrian master plan.
Former Bigfork priest Shea dies
Monsignor Donald Shea, a decorated U.S. Army chaplain who spent the last chapter of his life as pastor of St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork, died Wednesday at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was 80.
DAYBOOK, May 20
David Merideth Minister Jr., 90
David Merideth Minister Jr. passed away on April 25, 2016, at Day View Adult Family Home in Renton, Washington.
EDITORIAL: Nystuen deserving of FVCC honor
Flathead Valley Community College bestowed its 2016 Eagle’s Award on longtime board trustee Bob Nystuen this week.
Terri Leigh (Hatch) Cortez, 54
Terri Leigh (Hatch) Cortez, 54, “went home to her Lord” on May 15, 2016, after a courageous three-year battle with a rare type of cancer — appendicial cancer.
Thursday, May 19
SOFTBALL: Glacier punches ticket to state tournament
Wolfpack secures spot with Hellgate sweep
The Glacier softball team swept seventh-seeded Missoula Hellgate in a best-of-three Western Division playoff series on Thursday at Kidsports Complex to reclaim a spot at the Class AA state tournament and keep its title defense roaring.
VIANO COLUMN: Labor laws sports' next big battle
Changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act, announced Wednesday by the Obama administration, figure to have a far-reaching impact on the American workforce with a ripple effect felt in the lower- and middle-classes all the way through corporate boardrooms everywhere.
LEGION BASEBALL: Scaled-down Canadian Days Tournament begins Friday
Smaller field set for Lakers’ annual baseball showcase
The Canadian dollar’s dramatic dip is a boon for Montanans looking for a cheap getaway north of the border.
SOFTBALL: Flathead's playoff games pushed to Saturday
Severe weather in Helena causes delay
HELENA — The Class AA softball playoffs between Flathead and Helena Capital have been postponed until Saturday morning due to impending severe weather in the state’s capital.
TENNIS: Glacier's Spencer Johnson reaches Class AA state semis
Wolfpack doubles team also in semis after pair of wins
GREAT FALLS — Glacier’s Spencer Johnson weathered the rain and a pair of formidable opponents to reach the semifinals of the Class AA state tennis tournament at Hurd Courts and Meadow Lark Country Club Courts on Thursday night.
TENNIS: Rain hampers play at Class B-C state tournament
MISSOULA — Jason Brandt of Libby and Alex Buenz of Bigfork both were second-round winners in boys singles play on Thursday at the Class B-C state tennis tournament.
TENNIS: Columbia Falls' Getts, Whitefish's Smyley cruise into divisional semis
Two-time defending champion Emily Getts of Columbia Falls had no problems in the first two rounds, cruising into the semifinals of the Northwestern A divisional tennis tournament on Thursday in Kalispell.
TRACK: Divisional meets begin Friday
Glacier girls defending divisional champs; Flathead boys defending state champs
HELENA — There’s one final chance for the area’s track and field athletes to secure a spot at the state meet as divisional meets begin Friday around the state.
LAW ROUNDUP: Dad, not bandit, banging on door
Kalispell Police found a helpful dad instead of a suspected burglar after someone witnessed a man on First Street West bang on a door and then try to get it off its hinges. The man said that he was replacing the door for his daughter.
Terri Leigh (Hatch) Cortez, 54
Electronics grad already landed job
Flathead Valley Community College graduate Ryan Cole already has a job at a design company after earning his associate's degree in applied science electronic technician at the college this spring. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Traffic starts to backup between Whitefish Stage Road and U.S. 93 on West Reserve Wednesday evening. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Traffic lines up on West Reserve between U.S. 93 and Whitefish Stage Road on Wednesday evening. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Stillwater High School 2016 graduate Natasha McClure sits in the school's foyer on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Rainy day for Glacier softball
Fans on the bleachers sit under umbrellas as they watch the second game of Glacier versus Hellgate at a rainy Kidsports Complex on Thursday, May 19, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Monday Profile: Shareen Springer
Executive Director for the Center for Restorative Youth Justice Shareen Springer sits in the center on Thursday.
Glacier's Erin McHugh
Glacier first baseman Erin McHugh catches the ball in an attempt to pick off Hellgate catcher Sierrah Hardy on first base during the second game of the state play-in series at Kidsports Complex on Thursday, May 19, 2016. Glacier won 9-1 and 11-1 to advance to the Class AA state tournament. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Former Bigfork priest Shea dies
Sunken barge back afloat
Cora Reynolds
Cora Reynolds of Bigfork turned 100 on April 28.
LETTER: Holmquist puts principle first
Under George Washington’s presidency, Vice President John Adams watched in dismay the beginnings of the formation of political parties. Adams considered what he called the “poison of party” to be the greatest threat to the newly formed republic.
LETTER: Rep. Hertz needs to 'get out of the way'
As the saying goes, “Lead, follow or get out of the way.”
LETTER: Don 'K' is common-sense conservative
It’s rare that I send a letter to the editor to express my opinion. The elections are upon us, and if you are like me, the thought of picking our future leaders is not easy and is often confusing. One leader that I am not confused about is Don “K” Kaltschmidt. In my opinion, Don will bring common sense conservatism to Montana. He has spent his career working hard in the private sector to earn success and create jobs.
LETTER: 'Truthful' Regier is a superior statesman
I have worked with Rep. Keith Regier for the past four sessions in the Montana Legislature. In today’s world of politics it is hard to find someone like Keith. He is truthful, forthright, honest and dependable. His yes means yes and his no means no.
OPINION: For Hillary Clinton and for a better policy on wildlife
During this election year of voter frenzy over human issues it is easy for opinion page writers and editors to forget about the wildlife we share this country and the planet with. Except for the Native American Indians and us environmentalists, everyone else forgets to be good stewards of the lands and the animals during the distraction of election years.
Police Week
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Kalispell works with Google on special marketing for businesses
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is working with Google on two marketing projects aimed at helping Flathead Valley businesses.
Woman rescued from teetering truck
A woman was shaken up but avoided any injury after her vehicle slid off Good Country Road on Wednesday morning and teetered on the edge of a steep embankment.
Guided hike planned on Whitefish Trail
A series of guided hikes and environmental education opportunities hosted by Whitefish Legacy Partners begins this evening.
Doctor: 80 percent of celiac disease undiagnosed
The gluten-free industry has soared while the disease that largely propelled that growth has remained out of the forefront.
Flathead High seniors plan 'Give Back' day
The senior class of Flathead High School invites the public to a community barbecue at the school Friday as part of a “Give Back” student service day.
Stampede gets state grant for designs
Stampede Packing Co. took another step toward expanding its facilities on Wednesday with a state grant.
Chamber looks ahead at tourist economics
Cheaper fuel prices in 2015 spurred more non-resident travel to Montana compared to the previous year, but tourists left a lot of their savings behind in the form of increased spending while visiting the state.
Candidate profile: Keith Regier
House leader cites Helena experience
James 'Jim' H. Jensen, 84
On May 15, 2016, Pentecost Sunday, late in the evening, Jim was released from his “earth suit,” peaceful in his passing, with his family at his side.
Candidate Profile: Don Kaltschmidt
Auto dealer wants new leadership
Charles 'Chuck' Conrad, 82
Charles “Chuck” Conrad, 82, was born Dec. 8, 1933, in Kalispell, to Werner and Helen Hansen Conrad. Chuck passed away in the embrace of his loving family on May 16, 2016 in Kalispell. Chuck was a lifelong resident of the Flathead Valley. He suffered with congenital heart disease.
EDITORIAL: Boyle was a good-natured hero
It’s difficult to say how many students and fellow educators Gene Boyle mentored in one way or another over his 45-year career, but one thing is certain: Mr. Boyle was a force for good to generations of students. He was driven to help young people become the best possible versions of themselves.
Eugene Owen Boyle Jr., 73
Gene “Butch” Boyle passed away Monday, May 16, 2016, at Hidden Meadow Memory Care. His wife and two daughters were at his side.
Columbia Falls Community Market kicks off summer season
Community Vibes
The Columbia Falls Community Market began last year as an effort to utilize space inside an old lumber shed. The result by the end of the summer was a burgeoning gathering of locals and visitors alike, an awakening of a town struggling with its identity and ready to come out of hibernation.
COLUMN: Deer, antelope populations looking healthy
Here is some good news for hunters. Last week my wife and I had to make a quick trip back to Wisconsin to attend a funeral. On the way, I planned to stop at my farm near Malta to see how the farm had wintered. But prior to turning off U.S. 2, we experienced three hours of steady rain.
Valley Voices Gala to feature various musical acts
The road to New York is a long one, and the Valley Voices Community Choir, selected to represent Montana at a Carnegie Hall concert in November, is in the middle of a fundraising effort to get there.
This Week in the Flathead | May 19-25
Boyd Carlton Reeves, 77
Boyd Carlton Reeves of Bigfork “is in God’s hand at rest” after a struggle with cancer ending May 12, 2016.
Libby's Ryggs Johnston
Libby freshman Ryggs Johnston hits his drive on the first hole during the Class B state golf tournament on Wednesday, May 19 at Pryor Creek Golf Course in Huntley. Johnston shot an 8-under-par 63 on the final day to win by six strokes. (James Woodcock/Billings Gazette)
Wednesday, May 18
GOLF: Libby's Ryggs Johnston wins state title with record round
Freshman shoots 8-under 63 to win Class B, Bigfork claims team title
HUNTLEY — Libby freshman Ryggs Johnston made quick work of the Johnny Walker course at Pryor Creek Golf Club on Wednesday, shooting an 8-under-par 63 to pull away from the field at the Class B state golf championships, winning medalist honors by six strokes.
SOFTBALL: Glacier begins postseason title defense Thursday
Flathead in action Friday at Helena Capital
Missing out on the regular season conference championship means the Glacier Wolfpack have a little longer road to a second straight Class AA state championship.
TENNIS: Glacier, Flathead looking up at Bozeman entering state tournament
GREAT FALLS — The Class AA field is as stacked as ever as state tournament play begins today.
TENNIS: Whitefish, Polson favored at Northwestern A divisional
Weather may be the biggest story Thursday morning, but whether it’s outdoors at Flathead Valley Community College or inside at The Summit, by the end of the week the region’s top Class A tennis players will sort out who will advance to the state tournament next weekend.
TENNIS: Libby brings busload to State B/C tennis
MISSOULA — Libby has faired well in its first foray into Class B tennis, securing a pair of divisional singles titles and 14 contenders at this weekend’s state tournament, more than any other school.
LAW ROUNDUP: 'Why can't I shoot the trespassers?'
James 'Jim' H. Jensen, 84
Charles 'Chuck' Conrad, 82
Eugene Owen Boyle Jr., 73
Keith Regier
Don Kaltschmidt
Stampede gets state grant for designs
Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, left, shakes Stampede Meat Packing Co. plant manager Sam Laurens' hand after Cooney presented Laurens a $27,000 check Wednesday at the industrial park in Columbia Falls. The Big Sky Trust grant will be used by the company to research and design a new facility. The industrial park is the preferred site for a new plant. In the background is Columbia Falls City Manager Susan Nicosia.
Valley Voices Gala
The Valley Voices Gala on Sunday, May 22, will feature performances by Rob Quist, Andre Floyd, Tra le Gael and the Luke O'Connell Band. Doors open at 2 p.m. at the Glacier High School Performance Hall, and the performances will begin at 3 p.m.
Community Vibes
The New Wave Time Trippers perform at the Coop during one of the Columbia Falls Community Markets in 2015. The market will kick off its second season tonight.
Columbia Falls Community Market
Ryan Cole
Flathead Valley Community College graduate Ryan Cole already has a job at a design company after earning his associate in applied science electronic technician associate's degree at the college this spring. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
College honors longtime trustee
Glacier Bank President Bob Nystuen has received Flathead Valley Community College’s prestigious 2016 Eagle Award for his contributions to the college over many years.
FVCC Eagle Award
Ryan Pengelly 2
Defense Attorney Peter Leander embraces Ryan Pengelly after Pengelly's charges were dismissed with prejudice on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Ryan Pengelly
Charge dismissed against man shot by officers
Charge dismissed for man shot by police
Police Week
Candidates push computer science training
Republican candidates for governor and state school superintendent unveiled a plan Tuesday to broaden computer science education in Montana’s high schools.
Rapist caught allegedly trying to flee state
A rapist’s bond and release from jail have been revoked after authorities caught him allegedly trying to flee to Arizona.
Legislators to attend national GOP convention
Three Republican state legislators from Northwest Montana have been selected to attend the party’s national convention this year in Cleveland.
Vandalism investigation close to completion
The police investigation of vandalism at Flathead High School last week is almost wrapped up and the lead investigating officer expects to submit his report Thursday or Friday.
FVCC graduation planned Friday
Flathead Valley Community College will graduate its 48th class Friday during the college’s spring commencement ceremony.
Kalispell council OKs zoning amendments sets public hearing
The Kalispell City Council on Monday approved the first reading of 14 zoning code amendments.
LOCAL ROUNDUP: Event looking for volunteer help
The Event at Rebecca Farm is seeking volunteers for the annual equestrian triathlon slated July 21 to 24 near Kalispell. Volunteers can choose from a list of positions to suit their particular interests and skills, including those that require specific horse experience. However, most volunteer opportunities do not require experience.
Daybook, May 18
Betty Jean Ault, 87
Betty Jean Ault, born June 29, 1928, peacefully passed May 13, 2016, at age 87.
Tuesday, May 17
SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Columbia Falls clips Polson; Libby advances at divisional
Columbia Falls rallies to overtake Polson 6-5 in conference contest
COLUMBIA FALLS — Columbia Falls wiped away an early 5-0 deficit, scurrying back to sneak by Polson 6-5 on Tuesday night in a key late-season Northwestern A conference matchup.
GOLF: Bigfork, Libby stars share lead at state tournament
Vikings in second place in team race
HUNTLEY — The top golfers in Class B separated from the pack on the first day of play at the state tournament on Tuesday at the Johnny Walker course at Pryor Creek Golf Club.
RUGBY: Whitefish's Heavirland to represent United States in England
Whitefish resident part of young squad getting late season caps
CHULA VISTA, Calif. - A squad of 12 young women will represent the USA at a sevens rugby tournament on May 20-21 at Twickenham Stadium in London.
Columbia Falls softball
Columbia Falls shortstop Lottie Ellis jumps in Samantha Collins' arms after the Wildkats 6-5 win over Polson on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Columbia Falls vs. Polson
Columbia Falls shortstop Lottie Ellis attempts to tag Polson outfielder Lydia Dupuis as she safely steals second base during the Wildkats' 6-5 win in Columbia Falls on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
LAW ROUNDUP: First Amendment gets road tested
A
Betty Jean Ault, 87
Baker Avenue Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Construction of new larger water lines is underway in Whitefish on Baker Avenue on Tuesday morning, May 17. Baker will be closed again today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Gianforte and Arntzen in Kalispell
Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, center, and gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte take questions following a press conference on Tuesday, May 17, at Depot Park in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake
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Box of Rain manager Trevor Mack, right, helps Ron Hume choose a tomato start at the organic garden center in Kalispell on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Takota lays on the floor as a customer purchase organic garden supplies at Box of Rain on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Box of Rain Organic Garden Center owner Matt Thrasher holds a jalepeno start at the store on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Organic fertilizers and nutrients line the shelves at Box of Rain. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Judge strikes down state campaign donation limits
HELENA — For a second time in four years, a federal judge has ruled that Montana’s campaign contribution limits are unconstitutional, possibly opening a flood of money from political parties just three weeks before the state’s June 7 primary.
DAYBOOK, May 17
Don Fry reflects on his baseball coaching days
Don Fry taught two generations and hundreds of kids how to play baseball, even though he never had the opportunity to play on a team.
Cops take calls from confused man
The
Park Service birthday party is Wednesday
Glacier Country Tourism his hosting a 100th birthday party for the National Park Service in West Glacier on Wednesday.
Dean Clarence Sturz, 58
OPINION: Mom questions law on dog attacks
I used to think I was a good neighbor. I kept my eyes shut and my ears closed to the four rambunctious dogs that belonged to my backyard neighbor. Every time one of my three children was playing outside, or throwing the ball to our own dog, their dogs would bark incessantly.
Tribal wildlife board meets Wednesday
The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the North Lake County Public Library, 2 First Ave. E. in Polson.
Family wants consequences after dog bite
When 9-year-old Sofia Knapp visited the Kalispell City Attorney’s Office last month she was given a pencil with a double-ended eraser that was cleverly shaped like a gavel with the slogan “Justice for All” stamped on its side.
Safety event aims to reduce trauma incidents
As the Kalispell emergency room continues to receive a growing number of severe trauma cases each year, the organization is working to educate people on how to avoid crisis.
Man accused of assaulting child
A man is facing one felony count of assault on a minor after authorities say he hit a 4-year-old boy last month.
Monday, May 16
Softball: Troy rallies in 7th to nip Eureka, 10-8
EUREKA — Kaitlyn Downey doubled twice and drove in three runs to help Troy knock off Eureka 10-8 in a Western B-C divisional softball play-in game on Monday evening.
Chase begins for medalist, team titles in Class B state golf
Manhattan’s Joey Peters is back, last year’s individual state champion, along with Bigfork’s Joseph Potkonjak, who tied for second and was four shots off the pace at the Class B state boys golf tournament.
Glacier National Park joins Bioblitz project
Glacier National Park on Thursday announced Bioblitz, a summer-long centennial event that invites citizen scientists to document wildlife sightings within the park on a free iNaturalist phone app.
Flathead businesses featured in PBS documentary
An award-winning student-made documentary featuring two Flathead Valley businesses will air May 26 and June 5 on MontanaPBS.
Clay Marvin, 59
After a quick and fierce battle with cancer, Clay Marvin died on May 11, 2016, in Acampo, California, at the age of 59.
FJ May 2016 Cover
FJ May 2016
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Beloved educator and coach Gene Boyle dies
Longtime Flathead Valley educator, school administrator and coach Gene Boyle, whose high fives and hugs endeared him to generations of students, died Monday morning, less than a week shy of his 74th birthday.
Gene Boyle
Marriott Springhill Suites
Firebrand Hotel
The Firebrand Hotel is under construction on Friday, May 6, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Hampton Inn and Suites
The new Hampton Inn and Suites is now open on Friday, May 6, in Whitefish. The Hampton opened and began taking reservations on April 20. They will be having a grand opening on June 8. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Cedar Creek Lodge
The Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls is expected to open June 21.
What's new in the Flathead hotel scene?
Tyann Hermes
Tyann Hermes (Julie Meyers photo)
Troy True Value
Since Hermes took over the True Value Hardware and Kootenai Drug store in 2000, the building has had a full interior and exterior remodel. (Tyann Hermes photo)
Hermes, Yoga Days
Hermes leads a group of Troy students during Yoga Days. Hermes volunteers to teach the classes at Troy schools a few times a year. (Kathy Cotten photo)
Troy entrepreneur honored with Ambassador award
Findley and the smoker
Findley smokes meat for several days near his mobile vendor, Billy Bob's Chuckwagon Barbecue. (Seaborn Larson/Daily Inter Lake)
Mobile food trucks finding a market in the valley
Michael Findley Barbecue
Michael Findley outside his BBQ wagon located in the parking lot of the Blue and White Motel in Kalispell in the 600 block of East Idaho on Tuesday, May 10. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Sweet Peaks opens shop in Coeur d'Alene
Sweet Peaks opens new location
Sam and Marissa Dauenhauer, the owners of Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, have opened a new location in Coeur d’Alene. They currently have more than 70 employees in five locations which also include: Whitefish, Kalispell, Bigfork, and Missoula. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Spring into Safety
Hattie deVries-Treat, 3, of Kalispell, climbs into the BEAR, a tactical support vehicle for the Kalispell Police Department Special Response Team, on Saturday afternoon, May 14, at the Spring into Safety event at the Summit as Officer Dennis Bain, right, keeps watch.
Record-high jobs available in the Flathead
SUMMER OUTLOOK
Creating joy through music at life's end
Jenna Justice thinks about death a lot in her role as a hospice music therapist.
New department aims to help caseload
Child and Family Services
After statewide calls for improvement in an overburdened and understaffed Child and Family Services Division, state officials have created a new regional department to help alleviate high case load numbers in Northwest Montana.
Whitefish looks at horse-and-carriage operation
Will Whitefish be a one-horse town?
Kalispell council considers zoning amendments
The city of Kalispell will look to update its zoning ordinance tonight.
Sunday, May 15
Legion baseball: Lakers A split doubleheader with Helena Reps
The Kalispell Lakers pulled out an 8-7 win in the nightcap to split an American Legion Class A baseball doubleheader with the visiting Helena Reps on Sunday afternoon.
Deer and drivers don't mix
A driver called the
Kalispell budget not expected to raise taxes
The preliminary budget for the coming year is not expected to raise taxes for Kalispell residents, according to a memo from City Manager Doug Russell to the City Council.
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OPINION: Gov. Bullock lacks leadership on infrastructure funding
Recently, Gov. Bullock made a campaign stop in Billings to announce his proposal to spend $200 million to address what he called the “immediate needs of Montana’s communities.”
OPINION: Pay for not using city water? This doesn't make any sense
Imagine this:
House opens doors for cancer help
Darlene Buckingham knew what cancer looked like — it had wrapped itself around her family for so long. But she was shocked as she listened to the diagnosis from her doctor.
LETTER: Please mow lawn in public spaces
Congratulations! “Give Local Flathead” held on May 3 at the old Gateway West Mall was a great celebration of all the organizations that make the Flathead a wonderful place to live.
OPINION: Why didn't defender of Islam address real issues?
Wow, somebody touched a nerve!
OPINION: Letter writer says he'll stick with freedom of speech and decline sharia
Responding to “It’s wrong to run letters that question Islamic minority,” by Arsalan Bukhari, in the May 1 Daily Inter Lake, I have to first say it’s NOT wrong to question the Islamic minority. It’s not wrong to question anything, so therefore, saying it’s wrong to question the Islamic minority does nothing but set Islam up in a special class that demands nothing but blind obedience to whatever it says, which is exactly what Muhammed and all sharia jihadists do.
LETTER: Protect public lands from politicians
If you are an avid outdoors person like me (hunt, fish, hike, camp, etc.) this upcoming primary election is very important. There is a real push to transfer “our” federal public lands to the state. This is a real bad idea that could have any number of disastrous effects for the outdoors loving public.
LETTER: Zinke: Don 'K' will make great state senator
I’ve known Don “K” Kaltschmidt for a long time as both a leader in the community and as a friend.
Teen faces two felony sex charges
A Kalispell teen is facing one felony count of sexual assault and another felony account of sexual intercourse without consent after he allegedly abused a young girl for a number of years in multiple incidents that escalated in severity.
LETTER: Vote Keith Regier
We have known Keith Regier as our representative for HD 3 and were always so glad to see his name on the ballot. He may be termed out for the House now, but it’s wonderful that he is running for the Senate. Regier may not have huge name recognition like Don “K” has on the back of every license plate, but his purposeful and consistent demeanor in representing our state is a record we should all be proud of.
Former artists now run sustainable farm
Among farmland that alternates between fields of wheat and cow pastures is a small sustainable farm that came out of a family’s desire to have fresh food.
LETTER: Don't take animals' suffering for granted
John Muir, the renowned 19-century naturalist, once came across a dead bear while hiking in the Yosemite wilderness. He stopped and tried to imagine what this beautiful creature’s life had been like. Did the bear rejoice when it felt the sun and wind on its back? That night, in a reflective mood, Muir wrote in his journal, “God’s charity is broad enough for bears.”
Judge wants to conclude Shelter Island lawsuit by end of the year
Flathead District Judge David Ortley held off Tuesday issuing an immediate ruling in a case in which an insurer says it is not liable for claims made by a California real estate mogul who constructed a multimillion-dollar mansion on an island in Flathead Lake.
OPINION: Political fallout from a rough-and-tumble election
It is now apparent that Donald J. Trump will be the nominee for the Republican Party and the “establishment” Republicans are scared silly. But it is not only the Republican that are running scared; the Democrats are as well. For this election, unlike any other I have seen in my lifetime, has made the American public aware of just how out of date the selection process is and how corrupt it is with regard to the vote of the general population.
Challenger wants proactive, transparent county government
Tim Harmon wants to steer Flathead County down a path of tackling county issues with a proactive approach rather than reacting to challenges after the fact.
LETTER: Is change coming to our political system?
Just a brief analysis: The “Grand Old Party” is anything but grand these days. Their candidate for president has definitely tapped into Americans being fed up with “establishment” politics. Bernie Sanders has tapped into this, too, but not with the drama and fiery rhetoric which attracts people and excites our media with its frenzy of coverage.
Incumbent touts conservative values, her accountability
Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist said she has spent the past 5 1/2 years making good on campaign promises she made in 2010 and intends to stay true to her conservative values.
Chamber trip to China: a blended experience
After 10 days in the world’s most populated country, Kalispell travelers found China to have several connections with sparsely populated Montana.
LETTER: Don 'K' has been AWOL
All hat, no show. That describes state Senate candidate Don “K”.
LETTER: Harmon is a true leader
As Election Day draws nearer, the Flathead Valley is becoming decorated on every street, lawn, fence post — and everything else in-between — with political campaign posters. Everyone knows who Donald Trump is, but who are the other guys?
OPINION: GOP candidate for governor explains tax plan
Do you earn a little more than $17,100 a year in taxable income? If so, count yourself among the near 236,000 Montanans who pay the highest state income tax rate of 6.9 percent. That’s right, as of 2014, more than 63 percent of Montanans pay taxes in the highest income tax bracket.
LETTER: Vote for Don 'K'
I take a moment to write a letter for a friend, Don “K” Kaltschmidt. I know Don and have observed his life, family and business for some years, coaching several of his kids and seeing his community involvement.
LETTER: Thanks to Trump for gutting GOP
I have written often in opposition to Donald Trump being considered to be president of the United States. He is the most unqualified candidate in American history to run for this office.
Louise Payne Bundhund, 79
Louise Payne Bundhund “was brought home by her heavenly Father” on May 8, 2016. She passed from this world from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Debra Granrud, 58
Debra Granrud was born on April 8, 1958, to Harlow and Enola Lea in Minneapolis, and “went to sleep in Jesus” on May 3, 2016, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Donald Dudgeon Snow, 88
Donald Dudgeon Snow of Kalispell passed away in hospice on Dec. 2, 2015, at the age of 88.
Suzanne Kameon, 85
Suzanne Kameon passed away peacefully on April 29, 2016, in Whitefish.
COLUMN: Park volunteers contribute in many ways
Glacier National Park Associates don’t let any dust collect under their feet – unless it’s sawdust.
EDITORIAL: Vote like your country depended on it
The time has arrived for Montanans to stop talking and take action — in other words, it’s time to vote.
Patti Daun McWhorter Mathwig, 55
Patti Daun McWhorter Mathwig, 55, passed on to a better life on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2016, in Davenport, Iowa.
Saturday, May 14
TRACK ROUNDUP: Columbia Falls, Whitefish win ABC titles
POLSON — The Columbia Falls boys and Whitefish girls ran away from the field on Saturday at the Nelson/Thomas ABC track meet, winning the team titles among some impressive marks on the last day of competition before divisional meets.
SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Polson, Libby go 2-0 on final day in Butte
BUTTE — A five-run second inning was enough to carry Polson to a 5-3 victory over Lewistown on Saturday at the Laverne Combo softball tournament.
FOOTBALL: Mike Reilly returns for Boys & Girls Club event
Former Flathead QB set to begin defense of Grey Cup title
Former Flathead quarterback Mike Reilly’s phone was full of text messages after he and the Edmonton Eskimos won the 2015 Grey Cup.
Columbia Falls' Braxton Reiten
Braxton Reiten of Columbia Falls stretches out during the long jump at the Nelson/Thomas ABC meet in Polson Saturday. (Kylie Richter/Lake County Leader)
Polson's Lydia Bowman
Polson’s Lydia Bowman competes in the pole vault during the Nelson/Thomas ABC meet in Polson Saturday. (Kylie Richter/Lake County Leader)
BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Glacier Twins win opener; Kalispell Lakers AA wins two
FLORENCE — The Glacier Twins settled down after a rocky start to beat the Bitterroot Bucs 9-3 in the Class A American Legion baseball conference opener for both teams on Saturday.
TRACK: Local collegians compete in postseason
GREELEY, Colo. — The Montana men finished second in the team standings of the Big Sky Conference outdoor track and field championships on Saturday on the campus of the University of Northern Colorado. Montana State finished in fifth.
RUGBY: Kalispell Black and Blue take two at MYRAFest
HELENA — The Kalispell Black and Blue rugby team swept a pair of contests at MYRAFest to remain undefeated in 15-man play this season.
LAW ROUNDUP: Furry fiends flee in jail break
COLUMN: Consent of the governed and judicial tyranny
If you had thought the far-left lunacy that has taken over Washington, D.C., could not possibly reach into Montana and cancel out our Big Sky common sense, then you had better check your dose of medical marijuana.
Pam Holmquist
Holmquist is running for reelection against Tim Harmon. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Tim Harmon
Portrait of Tim Harmon, who is running for Flathead County Commissioner against Pam Holmquist. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
House opens doors for cancer help
The Cancer Support Community had a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Former artists now run sustainable farm
Mandy Gerth plants a tray of lettuce with her husband Jay Cummings at their farm on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Chamber trip to China: a blended experience
(Photo by Kate Lufkin, courtesy of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce)
Louise Payne Bundhund, 79
Debra Granrud, 58
Suzanne Kameon, 85
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Kalispell's Amber Steed leads Zachary Smith down the notch trail during the first lap of the Herron Hammer at Herron Park on Saturday. Steed went on to win the Women's Pro Category with a time of 2:20:40. Ingrid Lovitt took second and Heidi Meierbachtul finished in third. Smith finished in third in the Men's Category Two, with Ross Toelcke finishing in first and Ryan Bibko finishing in second. Payson Partridge won the Men's Pro Category One. Toby Meierbachtul finished second and Matt Butterfield finished in third. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Matt Hoyne takes a corner on the Notch Trail during the first lap of the Herron Hammer at Herron Park on Saturday. Forty-five riders raced at the event. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Man accused of DUI, assaulting officer
A man was charged Tuesday with two felonies and a misdemeanor for allegedly assaulting a Columbia Falls Police officer in February.
Man allegedly flees scene of drunken crash
A Polson man is facing a charge of felony driving under the influence of alcohol after allegedly crashing into another vehicle and unsuccessfully trying to flee.
Woman accused of editing porn for man
A Kalispell woman is wanted on a $25,000 warrant issued Tuesday after she was charged with felony sexual abuse of children.
Libby Dam flows increase Monday
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun its annual water releases from Libby Dam to augment flows for endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon downstream.
Whitefish to build watercraft inspection station
The Whitefish Lake Institute and several community partners are building an addition to the hovercraft garage at Whitefish City Beach to house a watercraft inspection station.
Flathead grad gets top power-agency job
The Bonneville Power Administration last week announced that Flathead High School graduate Dan James will be its new deputy administrator.
Candidates tested on issues at Kalispell forum
Primary candidates in districts that overlap Kalispell made their cases to the voters at a City Council forum Thursday evening — providing answers to questions on infrastructure, governance philosophy and the county’s struggle to manage its jail and 911 dispatch center.
Learn the basics of citizen science
The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center at Glacier National Park will host a series of one-day citizen science training workshops this summer to celebrate the National Park Service Centennial.
Tester tours bypass project
Federal and state officials met at the U.S. 93 Alternative Route construction site in Kalispell on Friday to survey the work completed during the last seven months.
Madeline 'Flora' Anderson, 93
Madeline “Flora” Anderson, 93, passed away May 12, 2016, at the Immanuel Skilled Care Center.
Pansy J. Hurd, 92
Pansy J. Hurd, born Nov. 20, 1922, passed Sept. 15, 2015, at the age of 92.
DAYBOOK, May 14
Gary Joseph Hewson, 82
On Sunday, May 8, 2016, Gary Joseph Hewson passed away peacefully at the age of 82, surrounded by family and friends.
Friday, May 13
Legion baseball: Libby drops opener to Pioneers
LIBBY — Libby matched the Missoula Pioneers in hits, but not in runs as the visitors pulled out a 4-0 victory to spoil the American Legion baseball season opener for the hosts at their annual Loggertown Wood Bat Classic Friday night.
Softball: Polson pounds Dillon, Stevi in tourney
BUTTE — Hannah Potter had three RBIs and Ashley Benson, Hannah Fryberger, Lydia Dupuis and Quinn Motichka had two RBIs each to power Polson’s offense in a 17-1 victory over Dillon on Friday at the LaVerne Combo softball tournament.
Bigfork, Libby dominate B-C tennis
BIGFORK — Bigfork and Libby netters dominated the action Friday on the first day of tournament play at the Western B-C divisional.
Glacier sweeps AA divisionals
The Glacier boys eked out a sixth straight championship and the Wolfpack girls followed with a title of their own on Friday afternoon at the Northern AA divisional tournament at Flathead Valley Community College.
LAW ROUNDUP: Slithery fright actually tricky sight
The
Tester tours bypass project
Senator Jon Tester takes a tour of the ongoing construction at the bypass in Kalispell on Friday afternoon, May 13. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Madeline 'Flora' Anderson, 93
Gary Joseph Hewson, 82
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Glacier's Holland Blalack, left, congratulates teammate Spencer Johnson after Johnson won the Northern AA Divisional Championship. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier's Spencer Johnson
Glacier senior Spencer Johnson smashes a ball during the championship match against teammate Holland Blalack at the Northern AA Divisional Tournament at Flathead Valley Community College on Friday, May 13, 2016. Johnson won in straight sets and only lost one game the entire tournament. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Glacier's Holland Blalack returns the ball against teammate Graham Friedman during the semifinal match of the Northern AA Divisional Tournament. Blalack won 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the finals. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Monday Profile: Jenna Justice
Jenna Justice, the branch director of Frontier Hospice, uses music for therapy with her clients.
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Flathead sophomore Ellie Berreth returns the ball during her semifinal match against Great Falls' Anna Johnson at the Northern AA Divisional Tournament. Berreth won 7-5, 6-1 to advance to the finals. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Pansy J. Hurd, 92
Tester visits the bypass
Senator Jon Tester takes a tour of the ongoing construction at the bypass in Kalispell on Friday afternoon, May 13. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Jenna Justice
Jenna Justice, the branch director of Frontier Hospice, uses music for therapy with her clients. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Sofia Knapp
Nine-year-old Sofia Knapp stands in her home in Kalispell on Thursday. Knapp was recently attacked by a neighbor's dog.
Scott Warnell at Child and Family Services
Scott Warnell, formerly of the Kalispell Police Department, outside his new office at Child and Family Services on Friday, May 13, in Kalispell. Warnell has become the new regional administrator for Region 6 of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Child and Family Services department. Region 6 covers Flathead, Lincoln, Glacier, Pondera, Toole, Teton and Sanders counties.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Snowplowing
LETTER: Don 'K' will make us proud in Helena
Don “K” Kaltschmidt is the kind of man who makes me proud and excited to vote on Election Day.
LETTER: Candidate responds to letter
In the May 8 opinion section of the Daily Inter Lake, Dennis Haverlandt made some comments about my Montana Legislature service that had some truth and some misguided facts.
LETTER: Delegate process hijacked by GOP establishment?
I am proud that Montana Republicans nominated me to represent them at six previous national presidential conventions. While there, and irrespective of my personal choice, I was honor bound to vote the preference of “We the people of Montana” as expressed in the voting booth.
Man accused of assaulting officer, escaping custody
A man is facing one felony and two misdemeanor charges after allegedly fleeing probation officers twice on May 5 and injuring an officer in the process.
WEEKEND UPDATE: Flowering rush
Salish Kootenai College extension agent Virgil Dupuis and ecologist Peter Rice share what they’ve learned about flowering rush and its control at a free Walk & Talk Tour from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. today. The public is invited.
No charges yet in school vandalism
Vandalism believed to have been perpetrated by 21 students at Flathead High School on Tuesday morning was a prank that went awry, Kalispell Police Chief Roger Nasset said Wednesday night.
Kalispell doctor to give talk on gluten facts, fads
Kalispell Regional Healthcare will host an event Tuesday to distinguish the truth about gluten.
Robert Lee Halloran Jr., 79
Robert Lee Halloran Jr., 79, of Bigfork, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2016.
EDITORIAL: Kudos to FHS for innovative idea
It’s a long shot, but you have to give credit to Flathead High School for having even a 1 in 70 chance of winning a $10 million grant to bring its idea of a “Community School” to fruition.
Chelsea Alexandra Collom, 21
Chelsea Alexandra Collom, 21, was born Jan. 5, 1995, and passed away Feb. 17, 2016.
Carol Cushman Keim, 82
Carol Cushman Keim, 82, died peacefully in her sleep on May 9, 2016, at the age of 82.
Thursday, May 12
SOFTBALL: Glacier blasts Flathead in crosstown
Wolfpack hits 8 homers in senior night sweep of Flathead
Glacier softball put an exclamation point on the regular season, sweeping Flathead in a doubleheader on Thursday at Kidsports Complex.
TENNIS: Glacier ahead of pack at Northern AA divisional
Wolfpack boys, girls lead after rainy day one at FVCC courts
Glacier’s boys and girls each hold one point leads after a rain-shortened first day of the Northern AA divisional at Flathead Valley Community College on Thursday.
VIANO COLUMN: Baseball's so much fun, again
I am, and always have been, a big fan of Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, but he was sorely mistaken about one thing earlier this spring.
TRACK: Flathead, Glacier dual with Whitefish, Columbia Falls in track
Flathead and Glacier tuned up for Western AA Divisional track action next week in Helena with nonscoring dual outings on Thursday at Class A Whitefish and Columbia Falls, respectively.
TENNIS: Polson sweeps Columbia Falls; Getts perfect in singles
POLSON — Polson swept a Northwestern A tennis dual with Columbia Falls on Thursday while Emily Getts finished up her third-straight regular season undefeated in conference play.
LAW ROUNDUP: Sweet tooth the least of her problems
Robert Lee Halloran Jr., 79
Carol Cushman Keim, 82
Glacier plows reach Logan Pass
Snow melt helps road clearing effort
Crosstown softball
Flathead catcher Abbie O'Brien walks away from home plate after Glacier outfielder Christina DuFour hit a two-run homer during the Wolfpack's 16-1 victory on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Kidsports Complex. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Water-plant objections validated
Opponents of a proposed water bottling plant in Creston got some good news recently after the state validated dozens of formal objections to a preliminary water rights permit granted in January.
Motorboat restrictions
Draft motorboat restrictions get initial OK
Flathead River no-wake zone would be expanded
Rivers and streams across Montana could have increased restrictions for motorized watercraft under an initiative given preliminary approval by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Thursday.
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A construction crew works on an oral surgery facility on Timber Wolf Parkway on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Northern AA divisional tennis
Glacier's Jazmyn Austin charges a ball during a doubles match with teammate Megan Denna in a match against Great Falls during the divisional tournament at Flathead Valley Community College on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Wreck on US 2 in Evergreen
Montana Highway Patrol, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Evergreen Fire and Rescue responded to the scene of a two vehicle wreck on Thursday afternoon, May 12, in Evergreen. The wreck blocked both lanes of north bound traffic on U.S. 2 near the Army Navy Store and traffic was restricted to one lane north and one south as crews worked to clear the scene. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Make over at the Conrad Mansion
Jeff Miller of the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store on W. Idaho paints the office at the Conrad Mansion on Thursday, May 12. There are two Kalispell Sherwin-Williams locations, W. Idaho and near Super 1 Foods, and they partnered to donate paint, supplies and labor to take care of a make over of both the office and the gift shop at the Conrad Mansion. Their combined community service project is part of the National Paint Week in which Sherwin-Williams stores across the country choose service projects to benefit their local communities. According to Miller work began on Thursday and they expect to be mostly wrapped up on Friday. For this particular project the stores went with a flat paint, for historic accuracy, and were also highly careful in dealing with all of the wood trim. The make over comes at a perfect time for the Mansion said Gennifer Sauter, executive director. The Mansion is currently preparing to open for their tour season which begins on Sunday, May 15 and will continue until October 15. For the first month the Mansion will be open Wednesday through Sunday. In the height of the season, beginning mid-June the Mansion will be open to tours Tuesday through Sunday. The Mansion is getting cleaned up and readied for the public tours coming off their most well attended Death By Chocolate ever. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
LETTER: Keith Regier for Senate District 3
I have spent time in Helena during the four legislative sessions (eight years) when Keith Regier has served as House Representative. As president of Montana ProLife Coalition, my focus was testifying for bills to protect the vulnerable unborn children, disabled and elderly. I also paid attention to whether or not Republicans voted for Second Amendment gun rights and other bills that protect our individual freedom by stopping the intrusion of government where government doesn’t belong.
LETTER: Don 'K' is leader Montana needs
Don “K” Kaltschmidt is the kind of leader and legislator Montana needs for today and tomorrow, and that is why I am endorsing Don for the Montana Senate.
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A bulldozer pushes a mound of snow off of the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Oberlin Bend near the top of Logan Pass on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier Plowing 2.jpg
A rotary snowplow shoots a stream of snow as it clears the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Oberlin Bend in Glacier National Park on Wednesday. The pioneering crew have reached the Logan Pass parking lot. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier Plowing 3.jpg
A rotary snowplow, bulldozer and excavator work to clear the Going-to-the-Sun at Oberlin Bend in Glacier National Park on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier Plowing 4.jpg
An excavator drops a bucket of snow as a crew works to clear the Going-to-the-Sun road at Oberlin Bend on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
LETTER: Let the voters decide what kind of Republican to elect
Don “K” has been accused of being a RINO. What is a RINO? Who gets to decide what a RINO is? For that matter, what is a Republican? And who gets to decide what a Republican is?
Joanne Drake, 87
Joanne Drake, 87, left this life Sunday, May 8, 2016. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, at home with her family.
LETTER: Harmon has the character and ideas to be commissioner
I lived in the Flathead Valley for 15 years and since moving away in 1999, I have missed the friendly people and wholesome lifestyle of Flathead County. I miss being around people with big hearts, common sense, solid values and community pride.
LETTER: Let voter beware
Some of the longest held truths such as, by their fruits you will know them, are powerful. You and I can agree that looking at a person’s closest friends and confidants we can find a realistic picture of what a person is all about.
Man admits sexually assaulting young girl
A Kila man admitted in Flathead District Court on Wednesday to sexually assaulting a child.
Groups host bike, bird tour on Saturday
Flathead Land Trust, Flathead Audubon and the Flathead River to Lake Initiative are hosting a bike and bird tour of McWenneger Slough and Fairview Marsh from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
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Sanders in Missoula
Students win state honor scholarships
Local students have been announced as winners of Montana University System Honor Scholarships.
Darrow property preserved by land trust
The Flathead Land Trust on Tuesday closed a 200-acre conservation easement on property owned by the family of the late George Darrow, a well-known civic leader and conservationist from Bigfork.
Cyclists get shuttle boost from nonprofit
Fundraising bike tour raised $100,000 in inaugural Glacier ride
Montana dairy fees to be expanded to processors
Montana’s cheese makers and other businesses that process milk products will begin paying fees to the Department of Livestock under a new rule approved by the state Board of Livestock Wednesday.
Plows nearing Logan Pass
A rotary snowplow shoots a stream of snow as an excavator and bulldozer work to clear Going-to-the-Sun Road less than a mile from Logan Pass on Wednesday in Glacier National Park. This year the park received average snowfall, but is experiencing an above-average snowmelt. (Aaric Bryan photos/Daily Inter Lake)
Betty Jane Haymaker Layton, 86
Betty Jane Haymaker Layton, 86, passed away at Brendan House in Kalispell on Monday evening, April 18, 2016. A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. May 20 at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. She will be laid to rest next to her husband Richard B. Layton.
COLUMN: Gather all your intel before fishing new waters
A few columns back, I wrote about why I conduct seminars and how lucky we are in the Flathead Valley to have so many experienced anglers, guides and charter captains who are willing to give their time and share their experiences to help make you and I better anglers.
Summer at the Playhouse
The Bigfork Summer Playhouse will open its 57th season with “Church Basement Ladies” this weekend.
EDITORIAL: A remarkable feat for a great athlete
Just last week, Inter Lake sports columnist Andy Viano extolled the brilliant pitching career of Ali Williams and noted her prowess is “breathtaking.”
Carol Ann Nielsen, 60
Carol Ann Nielsen, 60, passed away on April 19, 2016, at The Springs at Whitefish assisted care facility.
This Week in the Flathead | May 12-18
Wednesday, May 11
FEATURED: Libby's Jim May Logging Out
Longtime Libby coach scaling back after 20 years
The journey, as Jim May sometimes likes to call it, will continue.
TERRY COLUMN: Last chance to shine
Time is running out for local athletes to make their mark on the spring season.
SOFTBALL: Crosstown twinbill set to close regular season
Glacier, Flathead face off in final games before AA playoffs
Today’s doubleheader between the Flathead and Glacier softball teams is the last scheduled meeting between the two teams before the state playoffs begin next week.
TENNIS: Northern AA divisional begins today at FVCC
The Glacier boys put a five-year title streak on the line as action gets underway in the Northern AA divisional tennis tournament at Flathead Valley Community College.
Plows nearing Logan Pass
A rotary snowplow shoots a stream of snow as an excavator and bulldozer work to clear the Going-to-the-Sun Road less than a mile away from the top of Logan Pass on Wednesday. This year the park received about an average snowpack, but is experiencing an above average snow melt. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Cyclists get shuttle boost from nonprofit
Caeli Quinn (left) and Denny Gignoux and their two children, Luca and Marin, were among the first bicyclists to try the new NPS Hiker-Biker Shuttle from Lake McDonald Lodge to Avalanche on Saturday, May 7. The shuttle bus and bike trailer service is part of a demonstration project that the park launched for the NPS Centennial. The service runs daily between Lake McDonald Lodge and Avalanche from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. through June 26 or when the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens to vehicles, whichever comes first. Funding for the project was raised by Gignoux's organization Climate Ride, which sponsor's a long-distance bicycle ride across the region to raise funds to reduce the effects of climate change on Glacier National Park. (National Park Service photo)
LAW ROUNDUP: Park streaker later develops shy streak
Sanders draws a crowd in Missoula
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is pictured after his speech Wednesday in Missoula. (Kat Werner photo)
Sanders draws crowds in Montana
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders told supporters in Montana Wednesday that he faces a "steep climb" to close Hillary Clinton's lead in the Democratic presidential primary, but still has a chance to get more voter-backed delegates than his rival.
Bigfork Summer Playhouse
'Church Basement Ladies'
The musical comedy "Church Basement Ladies" opens this weekend in Bigfork.
GNP Plow.jpg
A rotary snowplow shoots a stream of snow as an excavator and bulldozer work to clear the Going-to-the-Sun Road less than a mile away from the top of Logan Pass on Wednesday. This year the park received about an average snowpack, but is experiencing an above average snow melt. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A rotary snowplow shoots a stream of snow as an excavator and bulldozer work to clear the Going-to-the-Sun Road less than a mile away from the top of Logan Pass on Wednesday. This year the park received about an average snowpack, but is experiencing an above average snow melt. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A bulldozer works to clear the Going-to-the-Sun Road near the top of Logan Pass on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
Jason Parce of the Kalispell Police Department, left, and Mason Wood, 17, of Kalispell, carry the torch the last leg of its journey to Kalispell in the Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on Wednesday afternoon, May 11, south of town heading toward Lion’s Park. The torch began the day in Marion.
Garden Sanctuary in Whitefish
Detail of one of the “guardians” Steve Johnson has built. They surround his home and garden. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Michael Findley Barbecue
Detail of freshly smoke brisket from Michael Findley. Findley has been doing barbecue for more than 20 years. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Pam Holmquist
Flathead County Commissioner Pamela Holmquist in the historic courthouse on Tuesday, May 10, in Kalispell. Holmquist is running for reelection against Tim Harmon. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Court strikes down last piece of anti-immigrant law
HELENA — The Montana Supreme Court has barred state officials from reporting the immigration status of people seeking state services, striking down the last piece of a voter-approved law meant to deter people who are in the U.S. illegally from living and working in Montana.
21 youths suspected in school vandalism
Kalispell Police say as many as 21 youths were involved in the break-in and vandalism early Tuesday at Flathead High School.
Bigfork couple escape home fire
A Bigfork couple escaped a fire in their Swan View Trail house just after midnight Tuesday.
Kalispell man denies theft of $11,000 in jobless benefits
A Kalispell man pleaded not guilty to felony theft in Flathead District Court on Thursday for allegedly falsifying his work history and taking more than $11,000 in illegal unemployment benefits.
More parking spaces to be added along Holt Drive
Flathead County commissioners approved a Bigfork project on Monday to expand public access to Flathead Lake.
Short-term rental owners defend their ventures
After hearing the positives of short-term rentals from owners on Monday, the Kalispell City Council decided to continue discussion on conditions to allow them in Kalispell.
Garage fire kills chickens
A Kalispell family lost its garage, chicken coop and chickens in a fire early Tuesday morning.
Daybook, May 11
Vandals strike Flathead High School
School and law authorities spent Tuesday morning trying to figure out who broke into Flathead High School and did significant damage during the night.
LOCAL ROUNDUP: Gear swap planned Saturday in Whitefish
Whitefish Parks and Recreation will host its third annual Spring Gear Swap on Saturday, May 14.
Arvilla Elizabeth Hahn, 92
Arvilla “went to be with the Lord” on May 7, 2016, at the age of 92. She passed away peacefully in her home with her family.
Neil Xavier McNeilly, 85
Neil Xavier McNeilly, 85, of Kalispell, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2016, of natural causes.
Tuesday, May 10
SOFTBALL: Glacier's Ali Williams throws second perfect game
UNTOUCHABLE
The word perfect just doesn’t do it justice.
GOLF: Libby freshman Ryggs Johnston takes Division 3 title
Potkonjak leads Bigfork to state berth at Old Works
ANACONDA — Libby freshman Ryggs Johnston didn’t flinch in his first postseason tournament, carving up Old Works Golf Club for a four-stroke victory in the Division 3 golf tournament on Tuesday.
Libby's Ryggs Johnston
Libby freshman Ryggs Johnston makes an approach shot on hole No. 6 during the Division 3 golf tournament on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Old Works Golf Club in Anaconda. Johnston won the tournament with a 6-under-par round of 66. (Blake Hempstead/CS Photo LLC)
Bigfork's Joseph Potkonjak
Bigfork senior Joseph Potkonjak lofts an approach shot on hole No. 6 during the Division 3 golf tournament at Old Works Golf Club on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 in this file photo. (Blake Hempstead/CS Photo LLC)
SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Flathead downs Polson; Columbia Falls nipped by Frenchtown
POLSON — Flathead pounced on Polson freshman pitcher Lauren Vergeron, piling up four runs in the first inning on the way to a 9-5 nonconference victory over the Class A Pirates on Tuesday.
LAW ROUNDUP: Thieves make off with business trailer
Neil Xavier McNeilly, 85
Arvilla Elizabeth Hahn, 92
Vandals strike Flathead High School
Garage fire kills chickens
A fire at approximately 1:35 a.m. completely destroyed a detached garage at 769 Seventh Ave. WN. No injuries were reported. A heat lamp is believed to have caused the fire. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Man who died at falls was from Browning
Clint Cory Not Afraid, 26, of Browning has been identified as the man who died after jumping off a waterfall in Glacier National Park on May 4, according to a press release Tuesday.
Glacier's Ali Williams
Glacier pitcher Ali Williams fires a pitch in the first game of a doubleheader against Butte at Kidsports on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Williams threw a perfect game and struck out 20 of the 21 batters she faced in the 6-0 victory. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier's Emma Shew
Glacier junior Emma Shew slides under the tag of Butte third baseman Isabelle Bonney as she steals third base during the Wolfpack's 6-0 victory Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Kidsports Complex. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Libby's Jim May
Libby coach Jim May talks to the Loggers' 4x100-meter relay team after a race at Archie Roe at Legends Stadium on Saturday, May 7, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Disease hits Rogers Lake grayling
Anglers looking for trophy-sized grayling might want to rethink heading to Rogers Lake for the time being, since state wildlife officials are investigating a disease outbreak affecting the popular fishery southwest of Kila.
FHS vandalism
Vandals hit Flathead High School
School and law authorities spent Tuesday morning trying to figure out who broke into Flathead High School and did significant damage during the night.
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Ian Hose, left, and Matt Kempson jump over a fire at the finish line to win the Montana Spartan Beast together at Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge on Saturday. Kempson waited for Hose so they could finish together. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Jamie Duff emerges from the water after going under an obstacle near the end of the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. The Beast was a nearly 14-mile course with about 30 obstacles. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Christy Griesse kicks a bell at the end of a ladder obstacle during the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Ryan Colvin carries an atlas ball during the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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William Senft yells as he hits the barb wire during the barb wire crawl of the Montana Spartan Race on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Matt Kempson crawls under the barb wire near the end of the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Matt Simon nears the top of the rope climb during the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Montana Spartan Race 2016
Images from the Montana Spartan Beast race in Bigfork on May 7, 2016.
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Flathead High School Construction Class senior Nick Held shows Insured Titles Patti Nelson the Edison light fixtures during the open house of the three-bedroom, three-bathroom, student-built house in west Kalispell on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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People tour the Flathead High School Construction Class's built house at 663 Corporate Drive in west Kalispell during the open house on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Garage Fire
Sexually transmitted disease cases growing in county, state
For the second year in a row, Flathead County has experienced a growth in cases of sexually transmitted diseases. The jump has mirrored a trend across Montana.
Fire hits Kalispell garage, chicken coop
A Kalispell family lost its garage, chicken coop and chickens in a fire early Tuesday morning.
Sex offender's suspended sentence revoked again
Attorneys dispute man’s contact with children
Primary ballots to be mailed this week
Absentee ballots for the June 7 primary election will be mailed out Friday and late voter registration begins today in Flathead County.
Monday, May 9
Plant thief strikes north Kalispell
A driver called the
Mildred Irene Zellmer Nielsen, 98
Remodeling ahead at Bigfork library
Facility will be closed May 13-16
After waiting roughly two years, Bigfork’s library has made the list to be remodeled to provide more room and tools for its patrons to tap into their creativity.
Jury sides with Columbia Falls in civil case
The city of Columbia Falls is not responsible for the 2008 skateboarding death of Casey Kent, a Flathead District Court jury decided Monday.
Bigfork library
Flathead Journal: New Hotels
The new Hampton Inn and Suites is now open on Friday, May 6, in Whitefish. The Hampton opened and began taking reservations on April 20. They will be having a grand opening on June 8. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Don Fry
Don Fry in his home at Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell on Monday, May 2. Fry was a local Pee Wee baseball coach for 43 years.
Presidential candidate Sanders to visit Missoula
The Democratic candidates seeking the party's nomination for president have begun focusing some attention on Montana ahead of the June 7 primary.
Attorney says sex offender may not be fit for trial
A defense attorney asked Flathead District Judge David Ortley on Thursday to delay the arraignment of a sex offender accused of not registering with authorities because he might be mentally unfit to proceed to trial.
Kalispell council revisits short-term rental rules
After tabling a decision on conditions for short-term rentals in Kalispell last week, the City Council will revisit the issue at Monday night’s work session.
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Convict sentenced for crimes in three counties
A career criminal will spend the next 20 years under the supervision of probation and parole officers after a yearlong crime spree that spanned three counties.
Emergency leader: Dual helping careers
When an emergency strikes in the Flathead Valley, Mary Granger may or may not be physically present at the scene, but it is very likely that Granger somehow has a hand in keeping folks safe.
FHS in the running for $10 million award
Flathead High School is one of about 350 semifinalists in the running for a chance at $10 million to bring their idea of a “Community School” to fruition as part of the XQ Super School Project competition.
Sunday, May 8
Daybook, May 9
TODay
Canines trained to sniff out aquatic invaders
Mussel dogs
Dogs possess an olfactory aptitude that few animals can rival. With the proper training, they’re known for sniffing out drugs, bombs, bodies, truffles and even cancer.
Patricia 'Pat' Babcock Cantrell, 86
Patricia “Pat” Babcock Cantrell, 86, of Swan Lake, passed away March 27, 2016.
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Northern Lights over the Flathead
The Northern Lights put on a spectacular display early Sunday morning, May 8. This image was taken at 2:41 a.m. over Upper Stillwater Lake north of Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
New series depicts 'off-grid' lifestyle
A new reality TV show titled “Building Off the Grid: Big Sky Ranch” aired Thursday on the DIY Network depicting two people preparing to take on the task of off-grid living.
LETTER: A surprise vote for Trump
I am sitting at my computer, listening to my playlist of patriotic music. Marilyn Horne has just finished bringing tears to my eyes with her operatic rendition of “God Bless America” as I gaze out my window at my flag of the United States of America flying proudly in front of my house.
Glacier centennial celebrations may be muted
With the National Park Service’s 100-year anniversary this year, national parks and their gateway communities are preparing for a banner year for visitors.
OPINION: Questioning assimilation is a reasonable approach
When reading a recent guest opinion by Arsalan Bukhari, I was stunned to see him condemning the service provided by the Daily Inter Lake of printing the opinions of other Americans. My question to Mr. Bukhari would be simply, why are you bothered by an American privilege of citizen rights? Your article is also based on those rights and it is there for all to see. Isn’t that what you wanted?
LETTER: Elect Holmquist for her wise use of money, temperament
Pam Holmquist has proven that she has the fiscal ability and the temperament to be a great county commissioner. She has worked hard to meet the needs of the county and still maintain a healthy reserve.
OPINION: Educate yourself about Islam, and stop calling names
As is so common in modern political discourse these days, Mr. Bill Cox’s April 15 letter on so called “Muslim bashing” opened with a derisive attack on people he does not know and a national security issue about which he apparently knows very little.
LETTER: Senate District 3 needs Regier
Montana needs Keith Regier’s leadership in the Senate. During the time I served with Keith in the Legislature, I found him to be a man who can be trusted to do what he says he will do and will follow through on his commitments. Keith is true to his convictions and will not be influenced by outside interests and lobbyists.
OPINION: Old but still good advice for candidates
The best political advice I ever received was from the late United States Sen. Lee Metcalf. It was during the Vietnam War, and I was in Washington, D.C., with my fellow Montana State University student leaders, Kelly Addy from Shelby and Bob Quinn from Big Sandy.
LETTER: Don 'K' is better choice for SD3
I am a casual observer of Montana politics, but what I observed in the last legislative session was disturbing. Party politics were extreme, which meant that little was accomplished, deeply affecting you and me.
Brewery crafts special summer ale for Glacier Park summer
Flathead Lake Brewing Co. on April 28 began brewing its Lone Walker Ale, a summer ale named after Lone Walker Mountain southwest of Upper Two Medicine Lake in Glacier Park.
Rotating Somers home offers changing views
If Alan and Deanna DeLeon don’t like the morning sunshine glaring through their bedroom window, they simply flip a switch, rotate their home to a shady spot and crawl back into bed.
LETTER: Elect 'statesman' Keith Regier
Within the realm of legislative elections, it is rare to find an individual running for office that is actually a statesman, instead of a politician. While a politician runs for office just to get elected and to serve his or her own interest, a political agenda, or a donor, a statesman has the passion to serve the people he or she represents, and makes decisions based on facts and principles. A statesman’s primary concern is to secure freedom and liberty for future generations.
County building projects nearly completed
$11 million for two buildings
LETTER: Holmquist has proven record as commissioner
I urge you to vote for Pam Holmquist for Flathead County commissioner. Pam has a proven record of protecting our freedoms, our property rights and working to create an environment friendly to business and job growth in Flathead County.
OPINION: Fighting aquatic invaders is a key regional mission
We must keep quagga and zebra mussels out of Montana, and preventive efforts may be doubled thanks to the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER), the group with the “gold standard reputation” for Canada/U.S. relations.
Whitefish budget down 23 percent
The city of Whitefish’s preliminary budget for the coming year is $14.6 million less than last year (a 23 percent decline) and property taxes are projected to decrease about 5 percent.
LETTER: Don 'K' proved himself in the Marines
Joining the armed forces of this great country in your teens can be both humbling and exciting at the same time. You’re full of pride and anxiety, trying to do your best in a totally new environment. But soon you learn discipline, teamwork and quite simply how to get things done.
LETTER: Endorsements by Sanders County GOP
The following people are endorsed for Montana’s June 2016 election as the most conservative and constitutionally principled candidates for public offices that will protect the people of Sanders and Mineral counties in accordance with our U.S. Constitution, Montana Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Dean Clarence Sturz, 58
Dean Clarence Sturz, 58, suffering from complications of brain cancer, slipped peacefully from this world on the evening of May 3, surrounded by his loving family.
Evelyn Thompson, 80
Evelyn Thompson, 80, of Columbia Falls, died at 3:15 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2016, in Tijuana, Mexico, after battling cancer and various complications for 10 weeks.
Daybook, May 8
Kim Alan Brown, 55
Kim Alan Brown died peacefully on the morning of Saturday April 30, 2016, in Kalispell, Montana at the age of 55 after a prolonged illness.
A. Marie Burnside, 74
A. Marie Burnside was born in Palacious, Texas, on March 27, 1942.
EDITORIAL: Infrastructure brawl continues
It was just over one year ago when the Inter Lake published an editorial condemning the political dysfunction that had resulted in funding for infrastructure being left undone for the second legislative session in a row.
Don 'DJ' Spranger Jr., 52
Sadly, Don “DJ” Spranger Jr., 52, was fatally injured in an auto accident on Thursday, April 21, 2016.
Warrant issued for man accused of stealing from local restaurant
An arrest warrant has been issued for a former Kalispell Burger King employee accused of stealing from the business.
Sherri Lea Sproul, 67
Sherri Lea Sproul, of Kalispell, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at the age of 67.
Saturday, May 7
TRACK: Records fall early at Archie Roe
Three marks set on a fast day at Legends Stadium
It took less than 10 minutes for the first record to be broken at the Archie Roe Invitational track meet on Saturday at Legends Stadium.
SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Glacier blanks Hellgate; Libby, Eureka roll to wins
Williams HRs twice, Connolly rips grand slam in Wolfpack victory
MISSOULA — Glacier used home runs and another dominating performance by its all-state pitcher to blank Missoula Hellgate 10-0 in five innings on Saturday in a Western AA softball contest.
BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Lakers AA, A each win twice
Leif Ericksen tossed a three-hit shutout in game two and the Kalispell Lakers AA team scored 22 times in just nine offensive innings in a one-sided doubleheader sweep of the Mission Valley Mariners A at Griffin Field on Saturday afternoon.
TENNIS ROUNDUP: Columbia Falls' Getts stays undefeated; Whitefish drops Hamilton
COLUMBIA FALLS — Emily Getts cruised to 6-0, 6-0 victory at No. 1 singles in leading Columbia Falls to a 6-1 dual win over Hamilton on Saturday in Class A tennis play.
LAW ROUNDUP: Bike believed to be stolen
A woman on Edgewood Place reported to
Dean Clarence Sturz, 58
Patricia Pat Babcock Cantrell, 86
Evelyn Thompson, 80
A. Marie Burnside, 74
Kim Alan Brown, 55
COLUMN: Love of country-the key to Trump's success?
It appears the Montana presidential primary will once again be relegated to irrelevance, at least on the Republican side, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Montana doesn’t have considerable influence on the national debate.
Don 'DJ' Spranger Jr., 52
Renovations and upgrades in Kalispell
View of one of the newly renovated offices inside the old jail. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
New series depicts 'off-grid' lifestyle
Jon and Etta Smith have taken on the task of building a bison ranch off the grid. A camera crew followed them through the first fall and winter for a new show “Building Off the Grid: Big Sky Ranch.” (DIY Network photo)
Montana Life: The Twisted Moose
A view of the kitchen area of The Twisted Moose, the octagon shaped house was designed to rotate. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Rotating Somers home offers changing views
A series of photos taken as The Twisted Moose rotates. Alan DeLeon said that at top speed the house completes a full rotation in 13 minutes. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Brewery crafts special summer ale for Glacier Park summer
David Brendgard brews the new Lone Walker Ale on Thursday, April 28, at Flathead Lake Brewing Company in Bigfork. The beer will be available this summer at the Flathead Lake Brewing Company and as a draft beer at the lodges in Glacier National Park. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier's 400-meter relay team
Glacier senior Aaron Robinson takes off after getting the baton from Scout Willcut during the 400-meter relay at the Archie Roe Invitational at Legends Stadium on Saturday. The Wolfpack set a meet record. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Ian Hose, left, and Matt Kempson jump over a fire at the finish line to win the Montana Spartan Beast together at Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge on Saturday. Kempson waited for Hose so they could finish together. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Jamie Duff emerges from the water after going under an obstacle near the end of the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. The Beast was a nearly 14-mile course with about 30 obstacles. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Christy Griesse kicks a bell at the end of a ladder obstacle during the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Ryan Colvin carries an atlas ball during the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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William Senft yells as he hits the barb wire during the barb wire crawl of the Montana Spartan Race on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Matt Kempson crawls under the barb wire near the end of the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Matt Simon nears the top of the rope climb during the Montana Spartan Beast on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier's Taylor Salonen
Glacier senior Taylor Salonen lands in the sand during the triple jump at the Archie Roe Invitational on Saturday, May 7. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead's Gillian Maness
Flathead runner Gillian Maness rounds the corner at the start of the second lap of the 800-meter run during the Archie Roe Invitational at Legends Stadium on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Students show off house they built
All-day open house planned on Tuesday
Panel wants to merge bond votes
Local elementary, high school projects could total $90 million
High temps knock down snowpack
Snowpack in Northwest Montana took a hit during April, a month in which high temperatures in Kalispell averaged 8 degrees above normal, driving record melting in some mountain areas.
Fred Kammerdiener, 74
Fred Kammerdiener, 74, passed away May 3, 2016, due to heart problems.
Daybook, May 7
Friday, May 6
SOFTBALL: Flathead fires back against Hellgate
Bravettes explode for 24 runs in nightcap victory to earn Hellgate split
Abbie O’Brien went 6 for 7 in the final two home games of her high school career and Flathead erupted for 24 runs in four innings in game two, but the Bravettes were forced to settle for a Friday night split of a doubleheader with Missoula Hellgate at Boyle Field at the Conrad Complex.
TRACK: Distance aces take aim at Archie Roe Invitational
Kalispell’s Hill, Perrin in striking range of records at prestigious meet
With more than 1,000 competitors from 15 schools represented, the Archie Roe Invitational track meet will once again host a field of the best athletes in Montana when it kicks off today at Legends Stadium.
SOFTBALL: Frenchtown hammers Polson, 17-8
FRENCHTOWN — Polson scored a run in every inning, banged out 12 hits but it still wasn’t enough as Frenchtown rolled to a 17-8 Northwestern A softball victory Friday evening.
TENNIS: Libby, Bigfork, Troy share court time
Libby beat and tied Bigfork’s boys and girls, respectively, while Bigfork swept Troy in Class B dual tennis action Friday in Libby and Troy.
LAW ROUNDUP: Room at the inn, but none at the jail
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Missoula Hellgate senior Dusty Calouri slides into home before Flathead catcher Jayden Russell can get the tag down during the top of the sixth at Boyle Memorial Field on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead third baseman Kylee Becarri gets into position to scoop up a groundball during the top of the fifth against Missoula Hellgate at Boyle Memorial Field on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead second baseman Abbie O'Brien rips a double during the bottom of the fourth against Missoula Hellgate on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead's Kaileigh Denna
Flathead third baseman Kaileigh Denna gets into position to scoop up a ground ball during the top of the fifth against Missoula Hellgate at Boyle Field at the Conrad Complex on Friday, May 6, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Missoula Hellgate senior Dusty Calouri slides into home before Flathead catcher Jayden Russell can get the tag down during the top of the sixth at Boyle Field at the Conrad Complex on Friday, May 6, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead senior Abbie O'Brien
Flathead second baseman Abbie O'Brien rips a double during the bottom of the fourth in game one against Missoula Hellgate at Boyle Field at the Conrad Complex on Friday, May 6, 2016. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Students show off house they built
Flathead High School Construction Class students Sam Marty, from left, Boyd Hicks and Nathon Soehl shovel away the excess asphalt the driveway was paved at the student-built house on Thursday. The three-bedroom, three-bath house in west Kalispell is the first house the class has built. There will be an open house May 10 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Ismay, a black Labrador trained to detect invasive mussels, stands where handler Deb Tirmenstein, placed mussels on a truck during a training session at the Gateway Community Mall on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Ismay, a black Labrador trained to detect invasive mussels, smells a truck for mussels. (Aaric Bryan /Daily Inter Lake)
Local campaign spending ramps up for primary
Those political signs and mailers appearing across Northwest Montana aren’t free, and the first round of campaign finance reports shows tens of thousands of dollars have already been spent in 2016 legislative contests.
Firefighters respond to fiery toilets
Authorities believe that fires in two portable toilets Thursday evening were intentionally set, according to Kalispell Fire Chief Dave Dedman.
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ImagineIf Bigfork Library advisor Carolyn Naso, left, and branch manager Annie Leberman talk to a patron at the library on Thursday. The library will be closed May 13 to May 16 for remodeling. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
LETTER: Kaltschmidt for state Senate
I endorse Don “K” for state Senate. My reason for this choice can be summed up as favoring “results” over “activities.” Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two.
LETTER: Pay tribute to 'forgotten' mothers
On Mother's Day across our country, mothers, grandmothers, step-mothers and adoptive mothers will rightly be acknowledged and honored, but many other mothers will be forgotten.
LETTER: Kaltschmidt won't play political games
Don “K” Kaltschmidt is a common guy who has accomplished a lot. He started out working in the woods, and has a chainsaw scar on his knee to prove it. While he has gone on to succeed in business, he is still fundamentally an ordinary hard-working guy who likes people. As he has succeeded, he hasn’t forgotten to share his success with the people of our community.
LETTER: Vote Trump for real change
The June 7 primary election in Montana is approaching. In this campaign cycle, it has become clear for the first time in decades that the delegate process nationwide is crooked, just as things are in Washington, D.C.
Second Libby recall petition rejected
A second draft petition to recall Libby Mayor Doug Roll was denied by the Lincoln County election administrator on Wednesday for drawing legal conclusions.
OPINION: Kaltschmidt looks like RINO to one voter
In reading the letters of support in favor of the candidacy of Don “K” Kaltschmidt, I am struck by how ambiguous, vague and irrelevant they are when calling voter’s attention to his “qualifications” for a state Senate seat.
WEEKEND UPDATE: 'Cash for Critters'
Lighthouse artist gets show at Bigfork center
The Bigfork Art and Cultural Center will showcase a series of clock paintings tonight that were created by a woman whose obsession became her artwork.
Shuttle service debuts for Glacier bikers
The growing tradition of early-season bicycling on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road will get a boost with the launch of a new shuttle to transport bicycles and riders on Saturday.
Workshop aims to help mothers share their stories
When the doctor handed her newborn to Christine Lazorishak, she knew she had symptoms of postpartum depression. Her nurses said it was natural to feel less excited about her second child — that her history of anxiety could be playing a role in creating the fear inside her head. They said everything was OK.
Seattle man Peter Metzelaar tells harrowing tale of survival
Although he came out of the Holocaust alive, Peter Metzelaar of Seattle was one of millions of survivors who paid the price of intolerance, prejudice, hate and violence.
Daybook, May 6
EDITORIAL: Spartan Race is an economic beast
A host of competitors will converge at Averill’s Quarter Circle Ranch this weekend for the fourth annual Spartan Races.
George John Schrade, 84
George John Schrade passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 28, at the age of 84 and a half in Lakeview Terrace Assisted Home in Bigfork.
June Marie Netherly, 86
June “went to be with the Lord” on April 30, 2016, shortly after she celebrated her and Dave’s 68th wedding anniversary that same day. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Thursday, May 5
SOFTBALL: Glacier strikes early, stops Polson
Glacier cranks out 12 hits in 8-5 win
Ali Williams likes batting in the leadoff spot, and Thursday night’s game was just the reason why.
LACROSSE: SharpShooters snipe Flathead
Upstart Kalispell squad rides early, late runs to victory
The Northwest SharpShooters lacrosse club wasn’t intimidated by its older neighbors, dominating the first quarter to take a commanding lead in an 8-5 victory over cross Valley rivals Flathead Lacrosse on Thursday at Glacier High School.
VIANO COLUMN: In appreciation of an all-time great
It’s hard, sometimes, to appreciate what’s right in front of you.
SOFTBALL: Columbia Falls whips Whitefish 15-0
COLUMBIA FALLS — Peyton Kehr homered for the fourth time this season, KJ Schweikert tossed a three-inning no-hitter and Kerry Lanners drove in four runs as Columbia Falls (9-5 overall, 2-1 Northwestern A) crushed Whitefish 15-0 in a softball game shortened by the 10-run rule.
TENNIS: Whitefish dominates Columbia Falls
It was all Whitefish in a tennis dual with Columbia Falls on Thursday afternoon.
Polson shortstop Kaelyn Smith
Polson shortstop Kaelyn Smith throws to first after getting an out at second base against Glacier on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Lacrosse action in Kalispell
Flathead Lacrosse Club attacker Jack Blair fends off Northwest SharpShooter midfielder Lincoln Jones during the third quarter of the SharpShooter's 8-5 victory at Glacier on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier pitcher Ali Williams
Glacier pitcher Ali William lunges to pick up a ground ball during the Wolfpack's 8-5 victory over Polson at Kidsports on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
LAW ROUNDUP: Dogs accused of 'murder most fowl'
June Marie Netherly, 86
George John Schrade, 84
Seattle man tells harrowing tale of survival
Rabbi Francine Green Roston speaks with Holocaust survivor Peter Metzelaar before he recalls his experiences in front of a packed house at Glacier High School on Thursday morning, May 5. Metzelaar and his mother were the only members of their family to survive the Holocaust. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Christine Lazorishak
Christine Lazorishak outside her home near Whitefish on Wednesday, May 4. Lazorishak is writing a story on Postpartum Depression in advance of Mother’s Day. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Lighthouse artist gets show at Bigfork center
Leanne Shepherd's artwork is displayed at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center. Her work will be featured at the center on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Superintendent of Bigfork Schools Matt Jensen speaks to a crowd during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Bigfork High School renovation at the school on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Leanne Shephard's artwork is displayed at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center. Her work will be featured at the center on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Leanne Shephard stands in front of her collection of stuffed animals and clocks in her room at the Lighthouse Christian Home in Somers on Thursday. There will be a reception for Shephard's artwork at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A group of black angus steers stand in a pasture at Lower Valley Farms on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Jay Cummings and Mandy Gerth pull the cover off a row of vegetables in a hoop house at Lower Valley Farms on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Mandy Gerth picks radishes from their farm on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Mandy Gerth uses a stirrup hoe to get the weeds out of a row of lettuce. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A Katahdin ewe walks with a lamb at Lower Valley Farms on Wednesday.
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Mandy Gerth plants a tray of lettuce with her husband Jay Cummings at their farm on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Profile: Christine Lazorishak
Christine Lazorishak outside her home near Whitefish on Wednesday, May 4. Lazorishak is writing a story on Postpartum Depression in advance of Mother’s Day. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Profile: Tim Harmon
Portrait of Tim Harmon who is running for Flathead County Commissioner against Pam Holmquist. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Holocaust Survivor Peter Metzelaar speaks at Glacier High School
Holocaust survivor Peter Metzelaar speaks to students at Glacier High School on Thursday morning, May 5. Metzelaar told students about his experience of visiting the concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau he described it as the “worst hell man ever created for man.” (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Invasive Species: Pink Flamingos
A field of pink flamingos add bright spots of color to a field off of Holt Stage Road east of Kalispell. The flamingos are a welcome to spring planted by Jim Lackey and his six-year-old daughter Carys Lackey. (Brenda Ahear/Daily Inter Lake)
Man dies after jump from Glacier Park waterfall
A man died Wednesday after jumping from a waterfall on the east side of Glacier National Park.
LETTER: Don K for state Senate
My wife and I have owned the Athlete’s Foot in Kalispell for many years. We were very excited to hear that Don “K” had thrown his hat into the ring and made the decision to run for state Senate! As small business owners, we enthusiastically support Don “K”!
LETTER: Gianforte for governor
It’s that time again when we must decide who will lead and direct the business of our state for the next four years. Voting calls for mature thinking and basic informed decisions.
LETTER: Regier has earned re-election against worthy opponent
It’s a shame, in this day and age, to have to pick between two very talented candidates for public office, namely, Keith Regier and Don Kaltschmidt, who are running for Senate District 8 in the June 7 primary.
LETTER: Holmquist for commissioner
Let’s re-elect Pam Holmquist for another term.
EDITORIAL: Lots more chances to 'Give Local'
Technical issues with the national Give Local America website threw a monkey wrench into the 24-hour Give Local Flathead fundraising blitz on Tuesday, but organizers are going the distance to make lemonade out of lemons. The donation deadline has been extended to May 10 to give everyone an opportunity to have their donation counted as part of the campaign.
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Spray painter has to pay restitution
Authorities have agreed to defer prosecution for a man accused of spray-painting sexually themed messages on restrooms at fishing accesses and other state recreation facilities.
Woman charged with sixth DUI
A woman still on probation for her fourth and fifth convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol has been charged with a sixth instance of the crime.
Kila man convicted of sixth DUI
A Kila man has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol for the sixth time.
Bigfork history buffs head to nationals
Nine Bigfork Middle School students are raising money for travel expenses to get to Maryland and compete in the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day contest June 12-16.
Spartan Race returns to Flathead
Weekend events expected to attract 7,500 people
OUTDOORS ROUNDUP: Audubon speaker to talk about owl banding
Marco Restani of Montana Audubon will be the featured speaker at Flathead Audubon’s annual meeting on Monday.
Health clinic to open in Hungry Horse
Starting May 26, Canyon residents will have access to health care without having to drive to the Flathead Valley.
Burglary suspect crashes truck
A man is facing two counts of felony burglary and several misdemeanor citations after he allegedly was caught stealing from a home in Olney, took off and crashed a truck and trailer on U.S. 93 on Saturday night.
Infrastructure a key focus in governor campaign
HELENA — The issue of infrastructure was front and center in the Montana governor’s race Wednesday, as the two leading candidates traded barbs over who to blame for the political deadlock over a funding source to pay for roads, bridges, sewers and other projects.
Family Forestry Expo
David Pemble puts a backpump on sixth-grader Steven Crosier during a lesson about fire to the Heritage Learning homeschool group during the Forestry Expo on Wednesday at the Trumball Creek Educational Forest. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
COLUMN: Trapping opponents pursuing initiative again
For the third time in the last several years, animal-rights advocates, funded by mostly out-of-state money, are attempting to get public trapping banned on over 30 million acres of Montana public land. This effort is now underway, trying to get thousands of Montana citizens in numerous legislative districts to sign petitions to allow the anti-public-land trapping initiative to get on the November ballot. Similar efforts in 2012 and 2014 failed.
This Week in the Flathead | May 5-11
Council Diary, May 5
A summary of city council actions across the valley on Monday night:
Running Eagle Falls
Wednesday, May 4
FEATURED: Rising from Ash
Local fighter has taken winding path to Bellator 155
Hamilton Ash thought he was a pretty tough kid.
TERRY COLUMN: Ex-teammates build Valley's newest rivalry
Rivalries can spark quickly.
Hamilton Ash's Big Fight
Hamilton Ash, a mixed martial arts fighter with Straight Blast Gym of Montana, is fighting in Bellator 155 on May 20 in Boise, Idaho. His fight will be streamed live online at www.spiketv.com. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
WEDNESDAY BRIEFS: Pitch, Hit & Run on deck; torch to run through Valley
Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit and Run competition will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Kidsports Complex.
LAW ROUNDUP: Grisly mystery stains prompt investigation
Family Forestry Expo
Whitefish Middle School fifth-graders Mary Whitt Carlos, from left, Avree Richardson, Jackson Kemm, Logan Kunz and Mollie McCarthey put their hands in Trumbull Creek during a lesson about riparian areas and aquatic health during the Forestry Expo at Trumbull Creek Educational Forest on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Olney accident
Give Local fundraising effort extended until May 10
The Give Local Flathead fundraising campaign for 70 area nonprofits has been extended through May 10 due to technical problems with the national Give Local America website that shut out Flathead area donors.
Give Local Flathead dancers
Challenger wins seat on Evergreen fire board
A challenger unseated an incumbent and will serve on the Evergreen Fire District Board following a mail-ballot election that ended Tuesday.
Man sentenced for sexually assaulting girl
A man was given a probationary sentence Thursday for inappropriately touching a young girl in Columbia Falls in 2013.
Man accused of stealing, driving vehicle to California and burning it
A warrant was issued Thursday for a Kalispell man accused of stealing a vehicle from an automotive dealership and taking it to California.
Women help home-building effort
Women in the Flathead Valley will participate this week in Habitat for Humanity’s ninth annual National Women Build Week to help address the need for affordable housing.
Sparrow's Nest gets council OK
A former church building in west Kalispell got the green light Monday from the Kalispell City Council to become a shelter for homeless high school students.
'Good conversations' at Coffee with the Chief
After two open meetings with the public, Police Chief Roger Nasset says his department has gained a lot of insight about crime on the streets of Kalispell.
New Libby city attorney resigns under pressure
Libby residents haven’t had much to cheer about lately. A group of residents is working to recall the mayor and the new city attorney faces a formal complaint alleging seven counts of professional misconduct.
Daybook, May 4
Mickey Patrick McHugo, 83
Mickey Patrick McHugo, 83, passed away May 1, 2016, in Whitefish.
Jesse Perry Eayrs, 89
Jesse Perry Eayrs, 89, passed away April 30, 2016, in Kalispell.
Tuesday, May 3
TENNIS: Glacier sweeps Flathead to close unbeaten dual seasons
Glacier’s Johnson sets school record for individual wins
The Glacier boys and girls tennis teams closed out their dual seasons in record-setting fashion in a sweep of Flathead on Tuesday at Flathead Valley Community College.
Glacier's Spencer Johnson
Glacier senior Spencer Johnson smashes a return against Flathead's Ridge Lembke during the No. 1 singles match at Flathead Valley Community College on Tuesday. Johnson won the match 6-0, 6-0 to set the Glacier wins record. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead's Ellie Berreth
Flathead's Ellie Barreth chases down a ball during her match against Glacier's McKenna Tinseth at Flathead Valley Community College on Tuesday. Barreth won the match 6-0, 6-1. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
TRACK ROUNDUP: Columbia Falls sweeps sprints at Ken Good
Polson sweeps Lake County, Libby claims Lincoln County
WHITEFISH — Columbia Falls’ Mary Baker and Tanner Dana swept the four sprint races at the Ken Good Invitational on Tuesday at Whitefish High School.
GOLF: Bigfork second at Seeley-Swan
SEELEY LAKE — Bigfork senior Joseph Potkonjak carded a 1-under-par 71 to lead the Vikings to a second place finish at the Seeley-Swan Invitational at Double Arrow Golf Course on Tuesday.
TUESDAY BRIEFS: Glacier grad 2nd in Big Sky golf; FVCC wraps logger sports season
BOULDER CITY, Nev. — Idaho junior Ryan Porch closed the final round of the Big Sky Conference golf championship on a tear, helping the Vandals to a second straight conference title on Sunday at Boulder Creek Golf Club.
Creston levy passes; Whitefish, Marion requests defeated
Unofficial results are in from Tuesday’s school election and Creston was the lone school district achieving voter approval of a levy request.
LAW ROUNDUP: Kids steal the darnedest things, grandpa says
Jesse Perry Eayrs, 89
New Libby city attorney resigns under pressure
Libby residents haven’t had much to cheer about lately. A group of residents is working to recall the mayor and the new city attorney faces a formal complaint alleging seven counts of professional misconduct.
Marion pilot's inability to fly in clouds caused crash
SEATTLE — The crash of a small plane in Washington’s Cascade Mountains last July that killed the pilot and his wife from Marion and sent their teenage step-granddaughter on a harrowing survival trek was caused by the pilot’s decision to fly during bad weather even though he was not trained to fly in the clouds, federal investigators say.
Give Local Flathead
Fundraising event in full swing
Fundraising efforts were in full swing Tuesday for the Give Local Flathead event.
Time for art: Whitefish Gallery Nights
Young Girl in a Tea Dress by artist Mark Matthews on display at The Walking Man Frame Shop and Gallery.
LETTER: Put the brakes on oil trains
The Montana Public Service Commission’s recent announcement of its plan to complete a risk assessment and rail safety plan within the next six months is welcome news to the Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
LETTER: When institutions lose their bearings
There is a subtle danger in all of our institutions. I am thinking of institutions as groups or organizations that we develop to address certain needs and goals that we believe we can achieve better in numbers. The underlying foundation of these institutions is the needs and goals we are driven to achieve. The danger is when these institutions take on a life of their own that is outside of the purposes we define.
Burglar ordered to pay back auto shop
A man was given a probationary sentence and ordered to pay restitution on Thursday for burglarizing a Kalispell automotive shop in December 2015.
LETTER: Zinke rhetoric on CFAC found to be off-target
Having read Rep. Zinke’s recent letter, and having heard his story/photo-op stop at the now shuttered CFAC plant, I must respond. Being that I go back to the late Anaconda Aluminum era into the Atlantic Richfield era, as one of the Purchasing Department employees who ended up as the purchasing manager handling all major raw materials, with a budget of $56 million per year, a response is required. I have the utmost respect for Rep. Zinke, but his take on “things” as this plant is being torn down is off center.
At Home May Cover
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Special donation event runs all day today
GIVE LOCAL FLATHEAD
A total of 70 local nonprofit organizations will join today for Give Local Flathead, an annual one-day online crowd-funding event.
Planting trees to save riverbanks
SHORELINE CONSERVATION
One cottonwood sapling at a time, a local conservation program is slowly stemming the tide of erosion along the Flathead River’s ever-changing course through the lower Flathead Valley.
Man steals $38,000 in unemployment pay
A former Plum Creek worker was given a probationary sentence in Flathead District Court on Thursday and ordered to pay more than $38,000 in restitution for taking unmerited unemployment benefits.
County jail sets inmate record
The number of inmates housed at the Flathead County Detention Center set another record Sunday night, with 128 prisoners crammed into the jail.
Monday, May 2
Whitefish whips Browning in softball
WHITEFISH — Whitefish scored a run in every inning but the fourth to blast Browning 12-2 in Class A softball play Monday afternoon.
Widow alleges C. Falls at fault for 2008 death
Monday kicked off a seven-day jury trial in Kalispell to determine whether the city of Columbia Falls is liable in the 2008 death of Casey Kent, who died from head injuries after a skateboarding accident in the Cedar Pointe Estates subdivision.
Spring weather spurs suspicions
A man allegedly enjoyed Sunday’s spring weather enough to remain seated on his bicycle next to an Evergreen bar for two hours. The
Judy L. Whirry, 65
Judy L. Whirry of Columbia Falls passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at North Valley Hospital of health complications.
Second man sentenced for growing pot on forest land
A second man was sentenced on Thursday for growing marijuana on the Flathead National Forest.
River scare prompts call for searchers
A man rescued himself from a close call on the Flathead River on Sunday evening.
City of Kalispell hosts forum for candidates
The Kalispell City Council and mayor have invited local primary-election candidates to participate in a forum on Thursday, May 12, at 7 p.m.
Structure fire in Whitefish
The Whitefish Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 345 JP Road on Sunday morning, May 1 in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Renovations and upgrades in Kalispell
Detail of plans for the new Flathead County Agency on Aging and the Kalispell Senior Center. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
County jail sets inmate record of 128
The number of inmates housed at the Flathead County Detention Center set another record Sunday night, with 128 prisoners crammed into the jail.
Hockaday names new executive director
The Hockaday Museum of Art has announced the hiring of a new executive director, Tracy Johnson, who will begin her official duties tomorrow.
Whitefish council looks at Lion Mountain annexation
Annexation is back on the agenda tonight as the Whitefish City Council considers its options for bringing areas around Whitefish Lake into the city.
Winning class gets red bus ride
Excitement was in the air for Lorrie Gomez’s Lakeside Elementary fourth-graders as two modern Glacier National Park red buses pulled up to their school Friday.
Levy, trustee decisions face voters Tuesday
Whitefish, Creston and Marion school districts have levy requests facing voters in Tuesday’s school election.
Council to hear request from Sparrow's Nest
A community organization is moving forward tonight on a group home development nearly two years in the making.
Sunday, May 1
Legion baseball: Kalispell Lakers AA take 2 from Helena Senators
Kalispell Lakers AA never trailed in the opening game, but had to hang on for a 4-3 victory over the Helena Senators AA at Griffin Field on Sunday in nonconference American Legion baseball play.
Empty house no cause for concern
A Meadowlark Lane resident called the
Convicted sex offender sent back to prison
A sex offender will serve the last four years of a 1997 sentence for sexual intercourse without consent in Montana State Prison after he was kicked out of a sex offender treatment program.
Bigfork woman celebrates 100th birthday
CORA REYNOLDS of Bigfork celebrated her 100th birthday at the end of April.
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911 Board to hire expert to examine dispatch staffing
The Flathead Emergency Communications Center Administrative Board voted in a special meeting Wednesday to hire an outside expert to examine staffing levels at the Flathead 911 Emergency Dispatch Center.
LETTER: How can anyone be against a right to health care?
What can possibly be a logical argument against a nation’s people all having the right to affordable and available health care?
LETTER: Water compact not as rosy as advertised?
I just saw the full page ad in the April 27 Daily Inter Lake (and numerous other papers around the state) supporting the Montana Water Compact. This endorsement was placed in the papers by Farmers and Ranchers for Montana (FARM), an organization that must be truly desperate!
At Home May
OPINION: Law Day 2016 focuses on Miranda
Every year since 1958, the nation has marked Law Day on May 1. Law Day provides an opportunity for us to commemorate our national ideals of liberty, justice, and equality under the law and affords us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to those great principles.
OPINION: PayPal prefers Cuba to North Carolina
It’s probable that most of the readers of this piece, including those in my own family, use PayPal. It’s efficient, quick, and reliable.
OPINION: It's wrong to run letters that question Islamic minority
As a proud member of a military family — two of my uncles are proud U.S. Army veterans, formerly stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and my brother-in-law a proud U.S. Navy veteran, formerly stationed active duty in Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii — and as a practicing Muslim, I am writing to express my deep concern about your choice to publish a bigoted, ill-informed and highly inflammatory opinion piece. This article, “Real Muslims won’t really assimilate?” was published in the Daily Inter Lake on April 19.
OPINION: Is it prejudice?
President Obama’s cavalier attitude toward the Brussels terrorist bombing (a Benghazi bump in the road) — as well as his detachment from and “no-show” at last November’s Paris gathering of 41 world leaders showing their solidarity against the Islamic jihadi terrorist attacks — was an embarrassment for all Americans. His aloofness should not come as a surprise.
Teen gets probation for bringing gun to school
A Kalispell teen will serve nine months on probation for bringing a gun, alcohol and drug paraphernalia to Flathead High School in January.
Sex offender charged with failure to register
A transient man has been arrested for felony failure to register as a sex offender after he was investigated for indecent exposure in Kalispell.
Fly shop moving to Main Street in Kalispell
Inside a small house converted to a retail shop on Airport Road, the three employees and family members operating Mystique Fly Shop are bracing for more space to cast a line.
Three candidates vie for Evergreen school board
Evergreen School District’s trustee election on Tuesday includes two seats with three-year terms. There are three candidates: Brant Karlstad and incumbents Dave Lowitz and Tamara Williams.
Whitefish woman visits all 411 National Park sites
Beginning in 1973 with a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and ending early last month at the future site of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., Pat Hierl of Whitefish has visited every one of the 411 sites in the National Park System.
Spring Prairie developments stride into summer work
A new shop and two restaurants are planned in the North Kalispell commercial district.
Man sent to prison for raping disabled girl
A man is headed to prison for preying upon and impregnating a developmentally disabled 15-year old girl.
Man pleads not guilty to ninth DUI charge
A man has denied driving drunk and causing a crash in Evergreen on March 11.
Janessa Jaimes Wagar, 23
“A limb has fallen from our family tree.”
Rolland 'Ron,' 'Rolly' Haskell, 87
Rolland “Ron,” “Rolly” Haskell, 87, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016.
Bobbie Krogstad, 60
Bobbie Jean (Morton) Krogstad passed away peacefully surround by her family on April 26, 2016, after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer. Bobbie was determined to do whatever it took to get better. Unfortunately, she wasn’t given the time to do so.
COLUMN: Help build a mountain of food
Summer should be a time of fun for children, not one of worrying whether there will be enough to eat.
EDITORIAL: Easier tests won't make better lawyers
It was with considerable interest that we read in Thursday’s Inter Lake that the dean of the University of Montana Law School is asking the state Supreme Court to lower the minimum passing score on the state’s bar exam to 266.
