Ellington

Local firefighters question wildfire bill

A Thompson Falls lawmaker is pushing for more local firefighting authority on state and federal land, but local firefighters and emergency-response officials have expressed concern that the measure will cause more harm than good.

Walter Ned Douglas Tinlin, 91

Walter Ned Douglas Tinlin was born on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 1926, to Agnes Sterns Tinlin and Walter Douglas Tinlin. He lived on Wind Mountain in Home Valley, Washington, with his parents and sister Margaret, until his father’s death when Walter was 11. At that time, the family moved to the Portland area to be close to extended family.

Mabel A. Johnson, 90

Mabel A. Johnson, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Feb. 25, 2017, at the Montana Veterans Home.

Man visited by 'beer'glar

The alleged victim of an attempted burglary called the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to his home, claiming he was sure someone had tried to break into his house the night before. Authorities were unable to find any evidence of a break-in other than a lone beer can left on the resident’s doorstep.

Act would expand Bob Marshall, open timber harvest

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., announced last week that he is introducing the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, a proposal that includes expanding the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex by 79,000 acres while opening up timber harvest and recreational use elsewhere in the region.

Applications now available for campus housing

Flathead Valley Community College has begun to collect applications for its first on-campus student housing. At the same time, the college has recorded another slight enrollment increase this spring.

Bill addresses Lincoln Co. election blunder

Imagine finding out that your county’s elections have been conducted improperly for the past seven years.

House votes down physician-assisted suicide bill

A proposal to make physician-assisted suicide illegal in Montana won’t pass this legislative session, after lawmakers Wednesday failed to advance the bill with a 50-50 vote in the House.

Bill to replace Columbus Day moves forward

Following a 40-minute discussion centered on the indigenous history of America, the Montana House of Representatives on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a measure that would replace Columbus Day with “Montana Heritage Day” in the state’s public-school system.

Bobby 'Bob' G. Hand, 84

Bobby “Bob” Gene Hand passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 18, 2017. After a spirited fight he succumbed to heart failure.

Venus Gloria Guest, 91

Venus Gloria Guest, a longtime resident of Kalispell, passed away Feb. 22, 2017, in Portland at the age of 91.

Kalispell woman killed in Ronan crash

Authorities have identified Kalispell resident Cheryl Ann Brown as the woman killed in a collision with a school bus north of Ronan on U.S. 93 Monday morning.

Whitefish lifts boil water advisory

Whitefish lifted its boil water advisory at 9 a.m. Tuesday after tests showed the city’s water supply was safe to drink.

Kalispell Senior Center opens doors of new art facility

The Kalispell Senior Center has opened the doors to its Art Program facility. Though the program’s space is new, organizers say the goal remains the same: offer affordable art lessons to seniors in the Flathead Valley.

Tribes release hunting, fishing and recreation regulations

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have released hunting, fishing and recreation regulations for the 2017-18 license season, which begins March 1.

Blacktail road construction review finalized

The Flathead National Forest announced this week it has finalized its environmental review of a restoration and stabilization project on 10 miles of Blacktail Road.

Kalispell plans major water main work this summer

The city of Kalispell plans to replace a section of water main and reconstruct the street on Fourth Avenue East this summer.

Legals February 28, 2017

No. 24303 NOTICE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT REQUEST FOR FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT The Flathead County Floodplain Administrator has received the following Floodplain Development Permit application: FDP-16-11 A request Wes and Sue Plummer for the placement of fill and improvements to existing structures within the 100-year Floodplain of Church Slough. The applicants will place 13 cubic yards of material within the slough and add wings to the existing removable dock. The project is located at 2195 Lower Valley Road near Kalispell, MT, and further described respectively as Tract 2B in Section 31, Township 28 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. The complete application may be viewed at our office. Written or oral comments concerning the above requests should be directed to the Floodplain Administrator at the Flathead County Planning & Zoning Office, Earl Bennett Building, 40 11TH Street West, Suite 220, Kalispell, Montana 59901, (406) 751-8200. Comments should be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 17, 2017. /S/ Mark Mussman Mark Mussman CFM® Planning Director Flathead County Planning & Zoning February 28, 2017 MNAXLP

Zinke vote expected today or tomorrow in U.S. Senate

The Senate cleared the way for a vote on President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Interior Department.

Canine kiss ends in quarantine

After a kiss gone wrong, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office placed a Yorkie on house arrest for allegedly biting a 13-year-old boy on the mouth. The boy was treated for the bite wound and had no other injuries.

Polson lawmaker introduces, then kills tribal law enforcement bill

In the policymaking sprint of Montana’s every-other-year Legislature, not every bill is destined to pass. Nor are they necessarily intended to, as was the case with

United to add round-trip daily flight to San Francisco

United Airlines is expanding its service to

Panel tables bill restricting use of crash-scene photos

After a debate centered on First Amendment protections for the press, a legislative panel on Monday tabled a bill place limits on media posting photos of fatal accidents.

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TODay

One dead in collision between SUV and bus north of Ronan

RONAN (AP) — The driver of a sport utility vehicle died after the SUV collided with a school bus on U.S. Highway 93 just north of Ronan.

Silverbrook Estates amendments OK'd by Kalispell council

Kalispell City Council has approved a few amendments to the Silverbrook Estates planned-unit development agreement aimed at stimulating interest within the commercial area of the neighborhood.

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Water main break hampers Whitefish

Boil water order in effect

Kalispell council mulls business district, dog park

The Kalispell City Council takes on two big local issues at tonight’s work session — a plan to expand the city’s Business Improvement District and further discussion about the proposed Begg Park Dog Park.

Kalispell home to many black standout athletes

Major League Baseball didn’t see desegregation until 1947. The National Football League had some black players before 1933, but from 1934 until 1946, the leagues followed a whites-only policy. Even the NBA kept blacks out until 1950.

Gibbs family was 'almost an institution' in Kalispell

When Howard and Leona Gibbs decided to move their family from Kalispell to Spokane in 1971, the community felt the loss deeply.

Legals February 27, 2017

No. 24279 INVITATION TO BID SCHOOL PAPER AND RELATED PRODUCTS The Flathead Schools Cooperative Paper Group will accept bids for the annual paper and school supplies cooperative order. Bid information is available at the office of the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools at 935 First Avenue West, Suite SS, Kalispell, Montana 59901. Bids will be accepted at the office of the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools, 935 First Avenue West, Suite SS, Kalispell, Montana 59901 until 5:00 PM, March 24, 2017. Bids will be opened at 9:00 AM, March 27, 2017. The Flathead School Cooperative Paper Group and/or the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive irregularities and formalities and to accept the bid deemed in the best interest of the group. Dated this 6th day of February, 2017. Flathead Schools Cooperative Paper Group Flathead County, Montana /S/ Jack Eggensperger Jack Eggensperger Flathead County Superintendent of Schools February 27, and March 6, 2017 MNAXLP

Vals, Vikes lose challenge hoop games

RONAN — Florence used a fast start and the scoring power of Danielle Zahn to drop Bigfork in a Western B girls divisional basketball challenge game Monday evening 65-59 at the Ronan Events Center.

Access a concern in race-track zone change

Citing concerns about highway access and the future character of the neighborhood, Flathead County commissioners on Thursday tabled a zoning request that would set the stage for a 57-lot subdivision near Raceway Park.

Woman stranded in the bathroom

A woman called the Columbia Falls Police Department from inside a Nucleus Avenue business. The woman said she was inside the establishment’s bathroom when “they shut the lights off on her.” She said she had been yelling to get someone to turn the lights back on, but had been unsuccessful. Before officers could respond to offer assistance, she told dispatch she was able to find her way out of the bathroom and decided to walk home.

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TODay

Legals February 26, 2017

No. 24282 INVITATION FOR BIDS The City of Kalispell, Montana will receive sealed bids for the Sand Shed Project. The project primarily consists of furnishing materials, labor, and equipment required to construct an approximately 3,800 square foot shed for the storage of sand and other aggregates. Plans and specifications can be examined beginning MONDAY, February 20, 2017, through QuestCDN. QuestCDN is easily accessed using the City of Kalispell website at: http://www.kalispell.com/clerk/projects_bids_proposals.php. In the left-hand navigation click on the project title, a page will open which will allow you to either view or download the plans and view or print the plan holders list. For this project we will be accepting online electronic bids through QuestCDN. Electronic plan download and electronic bidding shall be completed through QuestCDN for a fee of $20.00. To access the electronic bid form, download the project documents and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement. For electronic bids, scanned copies of electronic bid documents will be accepted. Construction of the Sand Shed Project shall be performed by a Contractor who is registered with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. The Contractor shall be properly registered at the time of submitting the Bid. Any bidder wishing further information may obtain the same from the City of Kalispell Public Works Department, 201 First Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana 59901. Phone 406-758-7720. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held in the City Hall Lower Level Conference Room, 201 First Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana 59901 at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Interested Bidders are encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Meeting. Bids will be received by QuestCDN until 2:30 PM on Thursday, March 9, 2017. All bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:30 PM on Thursday, March 9, 2017 in the Main Level City Hall Conference Room, 201 First Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana 59901. Authorized by order of the City Council of the City of Kalispell, Montana, in a regular meeting held on August 15, 2016. City of Kalispell, Aimee Brunckhorst, CMC, City Clerk February 19, 26, 2017 MNAXLP

Longtimers, news archives recall Kalispell's early black community

Some of Kalispell’s earliest black residents were born into slavery before they later made their way to Montana after the Civil War.

A country at war

Yep, it’s a second revolution, and it’s long overdue

I don’t know about you, but I am so fed up with all this namby-pamby tears-in-the-eye nonsense about all these poor refugees!

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Do you live in Montana and earn over $400,000 or $ 500,000 a year? Well, neither do I, but if we did we would be feeling so relieved! Why, you may ask. Because the House Taxation Committee defeated a measure to raise our taxes. Thank goodness!

A mother's advice helps Kalispell native navigate racial waters

Sylvester Douglas Thompson’s mother gave him some sage advice at an early age: no matter how ugly the words, they can’t hurt you.

February 2017 and the fate of the Flathead

In early November, state officials announced the first documented presence of zebra and quagga mussels in Montana, after positive tests at sites in the Missouri River system.

It's past time to fight dangerous drugs

Will Legislature step up to the plate and take a swing?

It seems certain our current legislative session will confirm the fact that Montana will remain in the backwaters of political thought for the foreseeable future. Many states have embraced new approaches to the governance of their respective states in the form of job creation and for exercising their own opinion and authority in the governance of respective locales. However, Montana seems doomed to repeat the same old prescribed legislative dance to the same old worn-out tune.

Black history project underway at Central School museum

Kimberly Pinter, office manager at the Museum at Central School in Kalispell, has embarked on a project to document the history of the Flathead Valley’s early black families.

BNSF hiring again in Montana

After a two-year period without hiring in the Flathead Valley, BNSF Railway now has positions available.

Bill seeks to charge doctors assisting in suicides

Montana lawmakers are considering a bill that would criminalize physicians for helping terminally-ill patients die.

Venus Gloria Guest, 91

Venus Gloria Guest, 91, of Kalispell, died Feb. 22, 2017, in Oregon.

Al Lauckner, 73

Al Lauckner, 73, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at Deaconness Medical Center in Spokane with his family at his side.

Pamela Christine Schreckendgust Derrickson Howe, 61

Pam passed away on Feb. 17, 2017, after a lengthy battle with heart disease with her family at her side.

Ronald Eugene Zabel, 70

Ronald Eugene Zabel, 70, passed away at his home Feb. 22, after a hard fought battle with plasma cell leukemia.

Flossie Ann Elizabeth Uskoski, 84

Flossie Ann Elizabeth Uskoski was born on July 17, 1932, to John and Mildred Sarkinen in Gackle, North Dakota.

Evelyn 'Louise' Grothe Woodring, 88

Evelyn “Louise” Grothe Woodring, born March 3, 1928, in Hugoton, Kansas, to Robert Grothe and Maude Mae (Hawk) Grothe, “left this Earth” on Feb. 20, 2017, at 7:11 a.m. at her home in Kalispell.

Opal Theresia Lynch, 94

Opal Theresia Lynch passed away on Feb. 23, 2017, at her home in Madison, Ohio, after her battle with Alzheimer’s.

Lynn Marie (Lethert) Dukelow, 75

Lynn Marie (Lethert) Dukelow, 75, of Somers, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home of natural causes on Dec. 15, 2016.

Robert 'Bob' Arthur Lucke, 61

Robert “Bob” Arthur Lucke passed on Feb. 16, 2017, at the age of 61, in a cycling accident in Tucson, Arizona.

Daniel C. Bush, 63

Daniel C. Bush, 63, ended his journey in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Jan. 30, 2017, after a long and difficult illness. Family members were able to care for him until his last day, as was his wish. His son, Jeffrey, provided the major portion of his care.

Noisy neighbors tune down subwoofers

Whitefish Police Department received a noise complaint from a caller on Montana Avenue, whose neighbors had allegedly been been playing loud music. The caller stated that they had “very loud subwoofers” and a “very loud bass.” Officers made contact with the caller’s neighbors and they agreed to keep the music down.

Accident photos are big responsibility; so is freedom

One of the hardest things to do in the news business is explain to a family member why a photograph of a gory accident scene ran in the newspaper, especially if someone died in the crash.

'Black in the Flathead': The evolution of a DIL news project

One year ago in January, I was a guest in the Museum at Central School’s John White Speakers Series, where I participated in a panel discussion on “Flathead News.”

School calendar

• The Kalispell Mini Maker Faire will be will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in the Expo Building. For more information visit http://kalispell.makerfaire.com/.

Legals February 25, 2017

No. 24298 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF FLATHEAD IN THE MATTER OF: T.E.C., YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE. Cause No. DN-15-055(A) SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION To: Crystal Lynn Ford YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition has been filed in the above-entitled Court by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division, 121 Financial Drive, Suite C, Kalispell, MT 59901, requesting Termination of Parental Rights with Permanent Legal Custody and Right to Consent to Adoption of the above-named child. NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear on Monday, March 20, 2017 and Tuesday, March 21, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days before the Honorable Amy Eddy, District Judge, Flathead County Justice Center, 920 South Main Street, Third Floor, Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why the Petition should not be granted. The child was born on November 8, 2010 in Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana. The birth father is Jeffrey David Clark. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent you. Your failure to appear at the hearing constitutes a denial of your interest in the above-named child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. A copy of the Petition is filed with the Clerk of District Court for the Eleventh Judicial District Court in and for Flathead County, Montana, telephone (406) 758-5870. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 21st day of February, 2017. PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: SHARA ARNT Deputy Clerk February 25, and March 4, 11, 2017 MNAXLP

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Truth in the Word ministries will offer weekly Sunday services at 10 a.m. in the conference room below Sykes Diner beginning March 5.

Stillwater girls fall to Foothills in MCAA state title game

GREAT FALLS — Stillwater Christian School fell behind early and never recovered in falling to Foothills Community Christian School (Great Falls) 54-34 in the championship game at the Montana Christian Athletic Association state girls basketball tournament on Saturday at Great Falls Central High School.

'Kats koast to Western A title

HAMILTON — The Columbia Falls girls made quick work of Corvallis in the championship game at the Western A divisional basketball tournament on Saturday at Hamilton High School, winning 71-40 to enter the Class A state tournament with the West’s top seed.

Johnson, Meredith help Bravettes upset Sentinel

The Daily Inter Lake

Helpful honk not appreciated

A woman reported to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office that she honked at the driver of a truck to let him know his trailer was losing items while it was driving down the road, including a deer carcass that was dragging behind. She was flipped off.

Man sentenced for leading chase in BNSF truck

A Kalispell man convicted of stealing a BNSF Railway vehicle last December and leading police on a high-speed chase, as well as stealing a pickup truck in a separate incident last June will serve time in the Montana Department of Corrections.

Making way for 'makerspaces'

Schools and libraries around the valley are increasingly setting aside room for “makerspaces” where students can tinker, innovate, design, create and build.

FVCC grad making waves with chemistry invention

A Flathead Valley Community College graduate has tweaked the designs of a $30,000 chemistry machine to make a similar product for less than $100. Now, he’s hoping the tool can get in the hands of citizen scientists across the globe.

Bill would restrict media use of accident photos

Montana lawmakers on Friday listened to emotional testimony as a House committee considered a proposal that would prohibit news organizations in the state from publishing photos of fatal accident scenes on social media before officials notify next of kin.

Starting Sunday, the Inter Lake presents a look at the black community in the Flathead's early years

As Black History Month concludes, the Daily Inter Lake presents an in-depth look Sunday and Monday at how black families have played an important role in the Flathead since the pioneer days.

MacKenzie River Pizza expands to South Dakota

WHITEFISH — The Glacier Restaurant Group continues to expand its Montana-themed MacKenzie River Pizza Grill Pub with franchise partners Colin Higgins and Mark Thompson’s new location in Rapid City, S.D.

Creative hiring solutions for worker shortage

As employers are faced with the challenge of finding workers in what the state Department of Labor and Industry has described as a “looming workforce shortage,” elderly workers, people with disabilities and felons are being considered to fill in the gap.

Painting parties take hold in the Flathead

Imagine a typical high school or college art class. It could be any medium — painting, drawing, sculpting — the basic principle is the same. A professor gives instruction on how to create a work of art, lecturing as he or she adds a line here and some color there. Students do their best to follow the instructions, and maybe some succeed, while others might only receive a passing grade.

Montana Senate pushes forward with abortion limits

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Abortion foes have won a round in the Montana state Legislature, winning preliminary passage for a bill that would transform abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy into a medical procedure to save a potentially viable fetus.

2 killed in head-on crash near East Helena

EAST HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Two Helena men died in a fiery head-on crash on U.S. Highway 12 near East Helena.

Legals February 24, 2017

No. 24295 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE'S SALE on June 5, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the East door of the Flathead County Justice Center located at 920 South Main Street, Kalispell MT 59901, the following described real property situated in Flathead County, Montana: A TRACT OF LAND IN THE NORTH HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 28, TOWNSHIP 29 NORTH, RANGE 21 WEST, M.P.M., FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT 554.65 FEET NORTH 89°45' EAST OF THE CENTERLINE OF THE GREAT NORTHERN RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY, AND ON THE NORTHERLY LINE OF THE SAID NORTH HALF NORTHEAST QUARTER; THENCE AT RIGHT ANGLES SOUTH 00°15' EAST, A DISTANCE OF 30.00 FEET TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHERLY BOUNDARY LINE OF A COUNTY ROAD AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE TRACT OF LAND HEREIN DESCRIBED; THENCE CONTINUING SOUTH 00°15' EAST, A DISTANCE OF 208.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE SOUTH 89°45' WEST AND PARALLEL TO THE NORTHERLY BOUNDARY OF THE SAID NORTH HALF NORTHEAST QUARTER, A DISTANCE OF 200.00 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO A POINT IN THE CENTER OF SPRING CREEK, SAID POINT BEING NORTH 89°45' EAST, A DISTANCE OF 382.3 FEET FROM THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY; THENCE NORTHERLY AND ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF SAID SPRING CREEK TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID COUNTY ROAD, SAID POINT BEING A DISTANCE OF 160.0 FEET SOUTH 89°45' WEST FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 89°45' EAST, A DISTANCE OF 160.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. EXCEPTING THEREFROM RIGHTS OF THE PUBLIC IN AND TO THAT PORTION OF THE PREMISES KNOWN AS ROSE CROSSING. Rachel Mullenix and Christopher J. Mullenix, as Grantors, conveyed said real property to Charles (Broadwater) J Peterson, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., as nominee for America`s Wholesale Lender, as Beneficiary, by Deed of Trust dated on February 1, 2007 and recorded on February 2, 2007 under Document No. 200703311450. Deed of Trust was Re-recorded on February 5, 2016 under Document No.201600002411. The beneficial interest is currently held by THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3. First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Flathead County, Montana. The beneficiary has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust by failing to make the monthly payments beginning March 1, 2010, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. The total amount due on this obligation as of December 3, 2016 is $202,492.19 principal, interest totaling $111,477.30 late charges in the amount of $6,054.56, escrow advances of $31,721.20, and other fees and expenses advanced of $7,094.85, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other costs and fees that may be advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee's fees and attorney's fees, costs and expenses of the sale and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected, and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier's checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee's Deed without any representation or warranty, including warranty of Title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The grantor, successor in interest to the grantor or any other person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the trustee's sale, may pay to the beneficiary or the successor in interest to the beneficiary the entire amount then due under the deed of trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney's fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the default. The scheduled Trustee's Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 15 days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the trustee for up to 120 days by public proclamation at least every 30 days. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: January 23, 2017 Kaitlin Ann Gotch Assistant Secretary, First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. Successor Trustee Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339 Blackfoot ID 83221 STATE OF Idaho ss. County of Bingham On this 23rd day of January, 2017, before me, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Kaitlin Ann Gotch, know to me to be the Assistant Secretary of First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., Successor Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same. Rae Albert Notary Public Bingham County, Idaho Commission expires:09/06/2022 February 24, and March 3, 10, 2017 MNAXLP

Montana budget picture starts shaping up amid cash shortfall

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A budget analysis shows the work that the Montana Legislature has done so far this session would leave the state in the black financially but with about half the cash reserves that Gov. Steve Bullock wants.

Shirtless suspects seen throwing rocks

A caller told the Whitefish Police Department that there was a group of young people near a bridge on Good Avenue who were allegedly throwing rocks at cars. The caller said the boys looked to be between 7 and 12 years old, and weren’t wearing shirts. Officers couldn’t locate any suspects.

Bill would allow Native graduates to wear regalia

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Advocates for a bill that would allow Native American students in Montana to wear Indian regalia at graduation ceremonies are attempting to force the bill onto the Senate floor.

Advocates urge judge to keep injunction on Yellowstone dam

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Wildlife advocates are urging a federal judge to keep in place an injunction blocking a $57 million irrigation dam and fish passage proposed for the Yellowstone River.

Smith pushes Stillwater girls to MCAA title game

The Daily Inter Lake

Polson boys, C-Falls girls clinch spots for Class A state hoops

The Daily Inter Lake

Secretary of State, GOP chair oppose mail-in ballot

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's secretary of state and the chairman of the state Republican party oppose a mail-in ballot for an expected special election to replace U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, saying that while it would save counties money it would give Democrats an advantage.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock vetoes 2 gun bills

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed his first two bills of the legislative session on Thursday, one that would have allowed guns in post offices and another that would have eliminated the need for concealed weapons permits.

GOP chair opposes mail-in ballots

HELENA (AP) — Montana’s secretary of state and the chairman of the state Republican party oppose a mail-in ballot for an expected special election to replace U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, saying that while it would save counties money it would give Democrats an advantage.

83-mile Flathead Classic sled dog races this weekend

Twenty-one years ago, he thinks, Steve Riggs was flipping through the Thrifty Nickel and saw an advertisement for a used dog sled.

Tribe endorses Gorsuch for Supreme Court

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on Wednesday announced their endorsement of President Donald Trump’s nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch.

Highway resurfacing projects proposed

The state highway department is proposing to resurface an 11-mile stretch of the Swan Highway in 2019.

Whitefish home-schooler glides to county spelling bee championship

It was a swift win for home-schooled eighth-grader Hope Compton who became the Flathead County Spelling Bee champion Thursday.

James Craig Bartlett, 67

One month shy of his 68th birthday, James Craig Bartlett passed away on Feb. 21, 2017. He collapsed with liver cancer and went so fast and too soon.

Jerry Robert Johnston. 66

Jerry Robert Johnston, known by many of his family and friends as “JJ,” passed away on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017 from esophageal cancer.

Eileen M. Morey, 85

Eileen M. Morey, 85, of Libby, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at home. She was with family and friends and will be missed for a lifetime.

Bill would boost tourism marketing on reservations

Tourism is increasingly becoming big business in Montana, with visitors to the state accounting for a more than $5 billion economic impact in 2015, according to the most recent data compiled by the University of Montana. With that in mind, a Cut Bank lawmaker is also working to broaden the Treasure State’s appeal to include the cultural and recreational opportunities on its reservations.

Kalispell opens event alcohol sales to businesses

The Kalispell City Council on Tuesday approved amendments to the rules involving alcohol sales on city property that would extend opportunities to for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Felony charges considered in animal cruelty case

A 70-year-old Creston woman could be facing felony and misdemeanor cruelty to animal charges after 37 dogs were seized from her property.

Legals February 23, 2017

No. 24278 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE MONTANA ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FLATHEAD COUNTY ROCKY MOUNTAIN BANK, a Montana banking corporation, Plaintiff, vs. DMAC HOLDINGS, L.L.C.., a Montana limited liability company; DEBORAH L. CARLSON, an individual; MARK A. CARLSON, an individual; BEST WASH, INC., a Montana corporation; and FIRST INTERSTATE BANK, a Montana banking corporation, Defendants. Cause No. DV 11-674D Judge: David M. Ortley NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE To be sold at sheriff's sale on the 9th day of March, 2017, at 10:00 o'clock A.M. in the lobby of the Flathead County Justice Center, Kalispell, Montana, the following described real property situated in Flathead County, Montana, and more particularly described as follows: TRACT 2 OF CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY NO. 12018, SITUATED, LYING AND BEING IN THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER AND IN THE SOUTH WEST QUARTER OF SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 30 NORTH, RANGE 21 WEST, P.M.M., FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA. Commonly known as 4405, 4415 Whitefish Stage Road, Whitefish, MT. Dated this 10th day of February, 2017. Civil Department Flathead County Sheriff's Office February 16, 23, and March 2, 2017 MNAXLP

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Most of the actors in “The Neverending Story,” the latest production from the Whitefish Theatre Co. that opens this weekend at the O’Shaughnessy Center, weren’t even born when the surreal fantasy tale first came to the big screen in 1984.

Auditions for 'Love Song' Feb. 27-28 in Whitefish

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for a Black Curtain theatre production of “Love Song,” Feb. 27 and 28 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. each night.

Crown Guitar Festival sets lineup

It’s the eighth year for the Crown Guitar Workshop and Festival, scheduled to take over Bigfork from Aug. 27 through Sept. 2.

Just for Fun

Since it’s beginning to look like I may be writing this column for a while, maybe it’s time to be clear what I’m writing about.

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Take it from Bonsai: Vinyl isn't dead ... yet

The term “spinning wax” goes all the way back to the invention of recorded audio in the 1880s and Thomas Edison’s phonograph with its wax cylinders as a recording medium. German inventor Emile Berliner would kill the phonograph with his gramophone, which used a flat disc instead of a cylinder, and in 1940 vinyl would become the dominant format.

Portrait artist offering spring classes

Diana Neville Knowles is planning her 2017 spring portraiture workshops in the Flathead Valley.

Flathead grinds by Glacier

By JOSEPH TERRY

Braves close out Wolfpack

By JOSEPH TERRY

Divisional Hoops Troy girls trip Loyola

RONAN — Allie Coldwell scored 21 of her game-high 31 points in the opening half as Troy rolled past Missoula Loyola 67-47 in first-day action at the Western B divisional girls basketball tournament on Thursday at the Ronan Events Center.

Whitefish civic leader and trekking guide, Don Nelson, dies at 69

Don Nelson had a passion for his hometown of Whitefish and a deep connection to the people and culture of Nepal.

Glacier's Lake McDonald Lodge gets a makeover

On a frigid afternoon earlier this month as a light snow fell, Cornelius Jirod was busy carefully cutting out an old log support from the famed Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park.

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TODay

Shelter takes in 37 seized dogs

Nearly 40 dogs paced the cages of the Flathead County Animal Shelter on Wednesday morning. The shelter operator said that up until last week, the animals had lived in their own feces.

Proposal aims to shake up state parks

On the heels of a bill to remove most of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ authority over the state parks system, a second measure has been introduced into the Montana House that would move the division entirely into the Department of Commerce.

Labor shortage still plaguing Flathead

Concerns over the possibility of a continued labor shortage and a lower-than-average real estate inventory took center stage during the Flathead Forecast at Flathead Valley Community College on Tuesday.

Keith Clement Schauf, 71

Keith Clement Schauf, 71, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, at his home in Columbia Falls.

Annabel 'Ann' Messing, 93

Annabel “Ann” Messing, 93, passed away Jan. 22, 2017, at the BeeHive Home in Columbia Falls.

Donald James Nelson, 69

Donald James Nelson, 69, of Whitefish, passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, on Feb. 17, 2017, from complications following a motor vehicle accident in Thailand.

Leona “Lee” (Campbell) Byington, 86

Leona “Lee” (Campbell) Byington, 86, of Whitefish, passed away Feb. 17, 2017.

Dog suspect of 'bite and run'

A dog allegedly entered a Whitefish store, bit a man and walked out. The man went to the emergency room and told the Whitefish Police Department he had no idea where the dog came from. The dog was described as a brown lab with a black collar, no tags, no owner and no boundaries.

Sen. Daines touts Supreme Court nominee amid protesters

HELENA (AP) — U.S. Sen. Steve Daines arrived Wednesday at the Montana state Capitol to tout the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court and found himself surrounded by a swarm of demonstrators demanding the senator convene a town hall.

Lake County bomb threat suspect nabbed in Kalispell

Authorities have apprehended a man wanted for allegedly threatening to bomb the Lake County Detention Facility and kill detention officers.

3-vehicle crash blocks U.S. 93 near Somers

A three-vehicle wreck on U.S. 93 south of Somers blocked traffic around the west side of Flathead Lake for a few hours Wednesday afternoon.

Legals February 22, 2017

No. 24273 WILLIAM M. BERG, ISBN 5342 Berg, McLaughlin & Nelson, Chtd. 414 Church Street, Suite 203 Sandpoint, ID 83864 Telephone: (208)263-4748 Facsimile: (208)263-7557 Attorneys for Plaintiff IN THE DISTRICT COURT FOR THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF BONNER PETER G. HOLZEMER and LOUISE E. BEACH, Plaintiffs v. HEIRS OF JOHN HOLZEMER and FLORENCE R. HOLZEMER, husband and wife, deceased; and any persons having an interest in the following real property ("Subject Property"): Lot 2, Block 6, Southmayd, McKinney and Wilson Addition to Sandpoint, Idaho, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Book 1 of Plats, page 53, records of Bonner County, Idaho. Defendants NO. CV 2017-0048 SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: HEIRS OF JOHN HOLZEMER and FLORENCE R. HOLZEMER, husband and wife, deceased; and any persons having an interest in the claiming an interest in the property legally described in the caption. You have been sued by PETER G. HOLZEMER and LOUISE E. BEACH. the Plaintiff, in the District Court in and for Bonner County, Idaho, Case No. CV 2017-0048. The nature of the claim against you is quiet title to a one-half undivided interest in the Subject Property, and for partition of the real property by sale. Any time after 21 days following the last publication of this Summons, the court may enter a judgment against you without further notice, unless prior to that time you have filed a written response in the proper form, including the case number, and paid any required filing fee to the Clerk of the Court at 215 South First Avenue, Sandpoint, Idaho 83814 and the telephone number of the court is (208) 265-1432 and served a copy of your response on the Plaintiff through its attorney William M. Berg, whose mailing address and telephone number are: BERG, McLAUGHLIN & NELSON, Chtd., 414 Church Street, Ste 203, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864, (208) 263-4748. A copy of the Complaint and Summons can be obtained by contacting either the Clerk of the Court or the Plaintiffs' attorney. If you wish legal assistance, you should immediately retain an attorney to advise you in this matter. DATED this 3 day of February, 2017. BONNER COUNTY CLERK OF THE COURT By: Michael Rosedale Deputy Clerk February 15, 22, and March 1, 8, 2017 MNAXLP

Flathead's gym brings its own charm

There’s nothing quite like it.

Polson boys crush Corvallis in Western A opener

HAMILTON — Polson got off to a fast start in its 65-47 win over Corvallis in the first round at the Western A Divisional basketball tournament on Tuesday at Hamilton High School.

Police informed of potty emergency

A 6-year-old called the Kalispell Police Department to report that he had “leaked his pants” and “couldn’t go to the potty.” The child informed dispatch that they could not speak to his dad.

Margaret Marie 'Sis' Truax, 76

Margaret Marie “Sis” Truax passed away on Feb. 7, 2017.

Marion D. Howe, 82

Marion D. Howe, aka James Virgil Howe, was born June 5, 1934.

Betty L. (Crowder) Mann, 86

Betty L. (Crowder) Mann was born in Sun Prairie, south of Malta on March 13, 1930.

Violet Elizabeth Olsen, 96

Violet was born in Schuyler, Nebraska, to Czechoslovakian parents Adolph and Ann Novak, who were also born in Schuyler. Together with her older brother Orville and younger sister Loretta

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• ImagineIF Libraries board meets at 9 a.m., meeting room, Kalispell. Call Kim Crowley, 758-5826.

Schools project lower tax burden

With a sale of some or all school district bonds planned in March, Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau said the cost to taxpayers is now projected to be lower than initial estimates based on current interest rates.

County-tribal law enforcement agreement could see changes

A Polson lawmaker is advancing a bill in the Montana Legislature that would obligate the state to cover law enforcement costs for counties prosecuting felony crimes on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Montana's House seat goes quiet as Zinke awaits vote

While Montana’s sole U.S. House representative awaits a full Senate confirmation vote deciding whether he’ll be the next secretary of the Department of the Interior, his voting record has dropped off a ledge. Depending on if and when Rep. Ryan Zinke is confirmed, Montanans could be waiting until summer to have a member in the U.S. House speaking for the state again.

City to discuss water replacement project

The city of Kalispell will hold a public meeting Thursday to discuss plans to replace a water main on Fourth Avenue East.

Lecture series examines change

Flathead Valley Community College’s 2017 Honors Symposium will unfold the stories of changing environments, cultures, communities and wilderness over the next month.

Andrew Schneider had big impact on Libby

Author Andrew Schneider, who died Friday at age 74, was best known for writing about the asbestos crisis in Libby.

University of Montana fall graduates

The following area students are University of Montana degree candidates or have been awarded their degrees for fall semester 2016.

Local students advance to DECA International conference

A total of 33 students from Glacier and Whitefish high schools will advance to the DECA International Career Development Conference after competing at state.

Lawmakers consider palliative care bill

Former Oroville chief of police reflects on past

For the last week, the small city of Oroville, California, has found itself in the national limelight, as heavy rain and snowmelt created fears of a failure at the nation’s tallest dam and forced evacuations in Oroville and other towns below.

Kalispell City Council to amend alcohol addendum

At its meeting today the Kalispell City Council plans to amend legislation surrounding the sale of alcohol by nonprofit organizations on city property.

Legals February 21, 2017

No. 24232 Montana 11th Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of: Alfred Rudolph Gaytan Jr. Alfred Rudolph Gaytan Jr. Petitioner Cause No: DV-17-021C HEIDI J ULBRICHT Notice of Hearing On Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Alfred Rudolph Gaytan Jr. To Alfred Rudolph Gaitan Jr. The hearing will be on 2/22/2017 at 8:30 a.m. The Hearing will be held at the Courthouse in Flathead County located at 920 South Main Street, Kalispell, Montana. Dated: January 9, 2017 /s/ Susanne Vining Judicial Assistant January 31, 2017 and February 7, 14, 21, 2017 MNAXLP

Wolfpack can't hold Sentinel

The Glacier girls roared back after a slow start against top-ranked Missoula Sentinel, holding the lead late before the Spartans pulled out a narrow victory on Tuesday in a Western AA conference game at Glacier High School.

Glacier boys shoot past Spartans, secure top seed

The Daily Inter Lake

Charles F. 'Chuck' Spindler, 81

Charles F. “Chuck” Spindler passed away Feb. 18, 2017, at his home in Stevensville with family at his side.

Dorothy Jean (Jacquemart) Lyon, 86

Dorothy Jean (Jacquemart) Lyon, better known as “Jeannie” or “Jeannie Pie,” decided her time on Earth was done on Feb. 16, 2017 at her home in Kalispell, leaving to join the love of her life, John, her family and by countless friends she has not seen in a long time. Jeannie will be missed by many.

James F. 'Jimmy' Gerrity, 53

James F. “Jimmy” Gerrity, 53, of Polson, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, doing what he loved, loading logging trucks in the woods.

Presentation tackles opiate abuse, addiction

The Kalispell Police Department and STOP Prescription Drug Abuse in the Flathead Coalition held a town hall meeting at the Red Lion Hotel last week to address the epidemic of opiate abuse sweeping across the nation.

Windshield damaged by angry owner

A man was reportedly seen slumped over in the front seat of a car with bullet holes in the windshield. The Whitefish Police Department responded and found that the man was fine. The man told officers that he had gotten frustrated with his car while previously out in the woods and put the bullet holes in the vehicle himself.

Man denies rape charges

A man from Flathead County has denied charges that he raped a 17-year-old girl while she was asleep.

Pastor marks 25 years at Easthaven Baptist

Daniel Lambert was the lone pastor and the only person on the church staff when he arrived at Easthaven Baptist Church 25 years ago, feeling “a little green and wet behind the ears.”

Whitefish proposes City Beach rangers, tighter regs

No dogs — even on a leash.

Judges, volunteers needed for science fair

Roughly 120 judges and other volunteers are needed to help with the Flathead County Science Fair in March.

New brewery in the works for Kalispell

There’s a new brewery coming to downtown Kalispell, but craft beer connoisseurs will have to wait the better part of a year to take the first sip.

Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board to meet Wednesday

The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regional headquarters in Kalispell on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

UM traveling exhibit 'Motion' coming to Lakeside

Children and families can explore the world of physics at the University of Montana’s traveling “Motion” exhibit. On Feb. 23 and 24, the Lakeside Elementary gym will be transformed into an interactive science museum, featuring hands-on exhibits and activities that explore physics and engineering.

Police make note of license plate theft

A Fifth Avenue East resident called the Kalispell Police Department to report that his license plates allegedly had been stolen off his vehicle sometime overnight.

Allen Herset, 62

Allen Herset, age 62, passed away after a 28-year battle with multiple sclerosis on Feb. 15, 2017, at Immanuel Lutheran Home surrounded by his family.

Legals February 19, 2017

No. 24256 INVITATION TO BID Columbia Falls Riverwood Estates SID Separate sealed bids for construction of the Riverwood Estates SID Project will be received by the City of Columbia Falls, Montana until 11:00 AM, local time, Wednesday, March 1st, 2017, for construction of the project described herein. All Bids that have been duly received will be publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 1st, 2017 in the Columbia Falls City Council Chambers at 130 6th Street West, Columbia Falls, Montana 59912. Proposals shall be addressed to the City Manager, 130 6th Street West, Room A, Columbia Falls, Montana, 59912, and titled Riverwood Estates SID. The project primarily includes extending City water and sewer service to the existing Riverwood Estates Subdivision and associated road reconstruction. The proposed work generally consists of removing the existing asphalt concrete pavement, placement of new gravel and asphalt, abandonment of existing septic systems, new sewer mains and services, new fire hydrants, water main extensions and vertical adjustments with new services, and other miscellaneous improvements. All bids must be in accordance with the Contract Documents on file with the City of Columbia Falls, 130 6th Street West, Columbia Falls, Montana, (406) 892-4391; and Robert Peccia & Associates, 102 Cooperative Way, Suite 300, Kalispell, Montana, (406) 752-5025. Digital project bidding documents are available at Robert Peccia & Associates web site (www.rpa-hln.com). Click on the link titled "Current Projects Bidding". You may download and print the Contract Documents at no charge, however, all Prime Contractors that intend to offer a bid for this project must contact Robert Peccia & Associates at the address stipulated above to obtain an "official" Bid Proposal form and to get their name added to the Planholders List. A non-refundable deposit of $30.00 will be required to obtain the "official" Bid Proposal. The entire set of bidding documents may also be obtained in the form of printed construction drawings, specifications and the "official" Bid Proposal for a non-refundable deposit of $150.00, if the Contractor chooses not to download and print their own documents. No bids will be considered unless they are submitted on the "official" Bid Proposal form and the Contractor's name has been included on the Planholders List. A pre-bid conference will be held, commencing at the Columbia Falls City Council Chambers, 130 6th Street West in Columbia Falls, Commencing at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017. Those interested in bidding the project should plan on attending this meeting. Work at the site is to commence within 10 calendar days after the written Notice to Proceed is issued. Completion of the work is required within 90 calendar days, following commencement of work. The project includes liquidated damages that will be assessed as set forth in the Special Provisions per calendar day if the work is not complete within the allotted contract time. CONTRACTORS and any of the CONTRACTOR'S subcontractors doing work on this project will be required to obtain registration with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Forms for registration are available from the Department of Labor and Industry, P.O. Box 8011, 1805 Prospect, Helena, MT 59604-8011. Information on registration can be obtained by calling (406) 444-7734. CONTRACTORS are not required to have registered with the DLI prior to bidding on this project, but must have registered prior to execution of the construction agreement. All laborers and mechanics employed by CONTRACTORS or subcontractors in performance of the construction work shall be paid wages at rates according to the current Montana Prevailing Wage Rates. The CONTRACTOR must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Each bid must be accompanied by a Certified Check, Cashier's Check, or Bid Bond payable to the City of Columbia Falls, in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid. Successful BIDDER(S) shall furnish an approved Performance Bond and a Labor and Materials Payment Bond, each in the amount of one-hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount within seven (7) calendar days after the Notice of Award is issued. Insurance as required shall be provided by the successful BIDDER(S), and a certificate(s) of that insurance shall be provided. The City of Columbia Falls reserves the right to reject all proposals and bids received, to waive informalities, to postpone the award of the contract for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days, and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid that is in the best interest of the City of Columbia Falls. THE CITY OF COLUMBIA FALLS By: ss/ Susan Nicosia City Manager February 12, 19, 2017 MNAXLP

Can we now have a national debate about abortion?

With the ubiquitous fury of the most divisive and consequential election since 1860 behind us, perhaps we may pose some questions to ourselves.

Legislator: Bridge and Road Safety bill will fix problem

I’ve spent three decades involved in improving public safety. The people that know me recognize it remains one of the great passions in my life. It’s that passion that has driven me in my life as a police officer, as a community volunteer and in my role in our Legislature.

NRA: Confirmation of Ryan Zinke a sound move for hunters

The 5 million men and women of the National Rifle Association are eager to see Rep. Ryan Zinke confirmed as the 52nd secretary of the Interior. His confirmation will mark the end of an era of hostility toward hunters and sportsmen at the Interior Department.

Zinke needs to remember the wildlife

I wrote to Ryan Zinke to congratulate him on his many successes in life, especially the latest pending appointment and congressional acceptance as the new secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior ... which includes eight different resource agencies, excluding only the Forest Service (which is under the Department of Agriculture). Zinke will rule it all. He will be in charge of everything of interest to me in my world. He wrote back thanking me.

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The Republican members of Congress are falling all over themselves in the rush to repeal the Affordable Care Act that was instituted in 2010. They promise that the 20 million previously uninsured Americans who have health coverage through this act will have an equivalent health program available to them. To date there is no replacement program — this even though the Republican Party has had six years to develop one.

Zinke's delayed confirmation n Approval is considered inevitable, put politics has vote on hold

Tracking stolen property makes sense

Sheriff Chuck Curry last week presented the Flathead County commissioners with the draft of an ordinance that would require pawn shops within the county to use online software to connect their inventory to the Sheriff’s Office.

President's soft on Russia, hard on press? Must be FDR

FVCC hosts womens boxing club for 50th celebration

In 2014, Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas heard a talk by Garret Garrels of Pink Gloves Boxing. It made an impression. Three years later, Karas asked Garrels to be the keynote speaker to kick off the college’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Hospitals rebuke idea of imposing pricing regs

In the wave of rising health-care costs, one Montana legislator is taking the state’s hospitals to task for having too much control and too little competition. This week, he told lawmakers in Helena that pricing regulations might be the fix.

Woodturners demonstrate their craft

Local woodturners demonstrated their craft Saturday at Kalispell Center Mall, turning wood on lathes set up to show how pieces are made, and displaying their work for passersby to admire.

100 DAYS OF SOLITUDE

Whither the wandering soul, be she moose or man?

Driving into retirement

Greg Eisinger has been at the wheel of Eisinger Motors in Kalispell for 23 years and spent decades in the car business before that.

Helen Amelia (Demarest) Weber, 100

Helen Amelia (Demarest) Weber was born in Great Falls on Nov. 29, 1916, to Harry and Amelia (Brown) Demarest.

Richard Curtis Lindsay, 83

Richard Curtis Lindsay died of natural causes at his home in Kalispell on Jan. 15, 2017.

Ida A. Knutson, 96

Ida was born Feb. 24, 1920, at home near Proctor. Her father, Peder Underdal, came to America in 1901 from Norway, going back in 1906 to get his soon-to-be wife.

Riley Gordon Childers, 73

Riley Gordon Childers, 73, of Bigfork, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, in Kalispell.

Billie Jean (Munson) Horn, 72

Billie Jean (Munson) Horn, of Spokane Valley, Washington, passed peacefully in her home in Kalispell on Feb. 13, 2017 after a long illness.

Roberta Carol (Herriges) Rocks, 76

On Dec. 9, 2016, after a long battle with cancer, Roberta Carol (Herriges) Rocks, age 76, died peacefully in her home, with family by her side.

Loretta Jean Scovel Fidler, 90

Loretta Jean Scovel Fidler, 90, died Feb. 4, 2017, in her home of 56 years, Scottsdale, Arizona, of natural causes.

Intoxicated man 'stumbles' downtown

Officers with the Whitefish Police Departmet were unable to located an intoxicated pedestrian who was reporteldy seen on Highway 93 South. A local business manager called to report the man after he had allegedly walked into the business carrying a bottle of alcohol. When asked to leave, the man reportedly chugged the entire bottle before “stumbling” toward downtown.

John Endsley, 73

John “Little John” Endsley was “called to Our Lord” on Feb. 15, 2017.

Legals February 18, 2017

No. 24253 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE'S SALE on June 5, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the East door of the Flathead County Justice Center located at 920 South Main Street, Kalispell MT 59901, the following described real property situated in Flathead County, Montana: LOT 83 OF HILLTOP HOMES, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA. CHRISTINE BRIDWELL and RAYMON S. BRIDWELL, as Grantors, conveyed said real property to 1st American Title, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for American Homestead Mortgage, as Beneficiary, by Deed of Trust on May 14, 2010, and recorded on May 14, 2010 as Document No. 201000011185. Modification Agreement recorded April 4, 2013, as Instrument No. 2013-00008175. The beneficial interest is currently held by U.S. Bank National Association. First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Flathead County, Montana. The beneficiary has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust by failing to make the monthly payments beginning March 1, 2014, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. The total amount due on this obligation as of February 1, 2017 is $187,564.99 principal, interest totaling $21,804.48, escrow advances of $11,352.37, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other costs and fees that may be advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee's fees and attorney's fees, costs and expenses of the sale and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected, and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier's checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee's Deed without any representation or warranty, including warranty of Title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The grantor, successor in interest to the grantor or any other person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the trustee's sale, may pay to the beneficiary or the successor in interest to the beneficiary the entire amount then due under the deed of trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney's fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the default. The scheduled Trustee's Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 15 days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the trustee for up to 120 days by public proclamation at least every 30 days. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: January 23rd, 2017 Rae Albert Assistant Secretary, First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. Successor Trustee Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339 Blackfoot ID 83221 STATE OF Idaho ss. County of Bingham On this 23rd day of January, 2017, before me, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Rae Albert, know to me to be the Assistant Secretary of First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., Successor Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same. Kaitlin Ann Gotch Notary Public Bingham County, Idaho Commission expires: 07/29/2022 February 11, 18, 25, 2017 MNAXLP

7B Hoops Bigfork boys, Troy girls take tourney titles

EUREKA —Beau Santistevan carried the offensive load for Bigfork, scoring a game-high 32 points as the Vikings edged Thompson Falls 69-66 in the District 7B boys basketball championship game on Saturday evening.

Hellgate upsets Glacier

Missoula Hellgate found a way to limit Glacier on the court, handing the Wolfpack its first loss in nearly two months in a 67-56 Western AA boys basketball game on Saturday afternoon at Glacier High School.

Glacier's Hill wins 3,200 at Simplot Games

POCATELLO, Idaho — Glacier junior Annie Hill used a dramatic final kick to pass a pair of runners on the hometretch, winning the 3,200-meter run at the Simplot Games on Saturday at Holt Arena on the campus of Idaho State University.

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Angel Roger Tipton, son of Michael Thomas Tipton and Edna Yarneth Garavito, was born Nov. 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Allen R. 'Bud' Meek, 87

Allen R. “Bud” Meek of Bigfork, passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 6, 2017 at the age of 87.

Lawmakers examine liquor license quotas

Arguing that Montana’s current quota system for liquor licenses is hurting downtown business in his district, a Belgrade-area lawmaker is sponsoring legislation that would give municipalities the power to raise or lower the number of available liquor licenses within city limits.

Montana art exhibit reveals life with drug addiction

Words of former drug addicts, their witnesses and family members, are hanging on the walls of Flathead Valley Community College this month.

Man gets 40 years for Arlee murder

POLSON — The murder case involving a couple who lived for months with the body of a dead relative hidden inside their Arlee trailer came to a close in Lake County District Court Wednesday in Polson, with the husband receiving a 40-year prison sentence.

Republicans seek to bar Motl from political practices work

HELENA (AP) — Montana’s commissioner of political practices, Jonathan Motl, again came under scrutiny from legislative Republicans on Friday as they sought to bar him for six years from working for the office he is about to vacate.

Rusty screwdriver worries woman

A woman reported a rust-covered screwdriver to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. An officer disposed of the screwdriver.

Man denies assault on partner, child

A Kalispell man has denied allegations that he beat his partner unconscious and assaulted a 7-year-old child.

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TODay

Libby officials rally to stop ice jams

Excavators are working along Flower Creek in Libby to dig away ice formations that have at times this week stopped the channel from flowing into the Kootenai River.

Historic high school roof collapses

Just shy of its 100th birthday, a building that’s been a high school, elementary school, community college and once promised to become condos — a building that was once spared from a wrecking ball and the source of a major lawsuit — had part of its roof collapse this week.

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School calendar

Variety of seats allow students to rock, bounce, pedal and recline

It’s not uncommon for teachers to reprimand their students for leaning back in a chair.

Vikes, Vals in title games in 7B tourney play

The Daily Inter Lake

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Legals February 17, 2017

No. 24251 NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION HIGHWAY 93 NORTH ZONING DISTRICT The Board of Commissioners of Flathead County, Montana, hereby gives notice pursuant to Section 76-2-205(5), M.C.A., that it passed a resolution of intention (Resolution No. 837CU) on February 6, 2017, to change the zoning designation in a portion of the Highway 93 North Zoning District from SAG-10 (Suburban Agricultural) to I-1H (Light Industria - Highway). The boundaries of the area proposed to be amended are described as: Tract of land in the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 1, Township 29 N, Range 22 W, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point that bears North a distance of 690.00 feet and West a distance of 174.40 feet from the Southeast corner of said Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter, Section 1; thence West a distance of 1107.60 feet to the Easterly right of way of Highway 93; thence North along said right of way a distance of 627.50 feet to the North line of said Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 1; thence East along said North line a distance of 787.90 feet to the Westerly right of way of the County road; thence Southerly along said Westerly right of way of the county road a distance of 706.40 feet to the point of beginning. EXCEPTING THEREFROM that portion conveyed to the State of Montana for highway purposes by Bargain and Sale Deed, recorded May 7, 1991 as Document No. 91-127-16050, records of Flathead County, Montana, and also EXCEPTING THEREFROM that portion conveyed to the State of Montana for highway purposes by Bargain and Sale Deed, recorded July 18, 2006 as Document No. 2006-199-08100, records of Flathead County, Montana. Also EXCEPTING THEREFROM rights of the public in and to that portion of the premises known as Scenic Ridge Road. The regulations defining the SAG-10 and I-1H zones are contained in the Flathead County Zoning Regulations, on file for public inspection at the Office of the Board of Commissioners, Courthouse, 800 South Main, Room 302, Kalispell, Montana, at the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, 40 11th Street West, Kalispell, Montana, and on the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office's website, at: http://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/downloads.php. Documents related to the proposed zone change are also on file for public inspection at the Of¬fice of the Board of Commissioners and the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office. For thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice, the Board of Commissioners will receive written protests to the change proposed for a portion of the Highway 93 North Zoning District from persons owning real property within Flathead County whose names appear on the last completed assessment roll of Flathead County and who either are registered voters in Flathead County or execute and acknowledge their protests before a notary public. DATED this 6th day of February, 2017. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Gary D. Krueger Gary D. Krueger, Chairman February 10, 17, 2017 MNAXLP

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‘Bleed Blue’ assembly

Speaker to discuss mental health and education

Kalispell Public Schools is hosting Mike McKay, director of the Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Montana Coffee Traders plans move to Main Street

Montana Coffee Traders in Kalispell has recently leased space on Main Street in downtown Kalispell with plans to move into the new location before summer.

James Michael Gibson, 61

James Michael “Mike” Gibson, 61, of Columbia Falls, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in his home surrounded by his loved ones after a hard fought battle with cancer.

James A. Cranmer, 90

James A. Cranmer, 90, of Great Falls, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, at a local care facility.

Ice foils man's attempt to pursue woman

A “creepy” man reportedly “came out of the bushes” and started walking toward a woman who was in her car, which was parked on First Street West. The woman told Kalispell Police Department that the man was allegedly slipping on the ice in his attempt to come after her. Officers were unable to locate the suspect.

TIF districts are valuable tool for cities

We were glad to see opposition out in force to House Bill 359, which would needlessly cripple city governments that use tax-increment finance districts as a means of funding renewal and redevelopment projects.

Legislator says transparency will help narrow gender-based pay gap

A state Senate panel heard a bill Wednesday aiming to bridge the state’s gender-based pay gap before tabling a similar proposal.

Legals February 16, 2017

No. 24239 MONTANA ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FLATHEAD COUNTY IN RE THE GRANDPARENT-GRANDCHILD CONTACT OF C.W.L. AND M.M.L. Minors. KENNETH W. AND LINDA L. LEARN, Petitioners, -vs- KENNETH W. LEARN II and CHARDALE L. POOL, Respondents. CAUSE NO. DR-16-812D SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO CHARDALE L. POOL: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Petition in this action, which is filed in the office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Petitioners' attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default, for the relief demanded in the Petition. Witness my hand and the seal of said Court, the 24th day of January, 2017. /s/ Peg L. Allison Clerk of the District Court /s/ Casey L. Emerson Casey L. Emerson, Attorney for Petitioners February 2, 9, 16, 2017 MNAXLP

Bumps in the road: Trump vs. Obama

The resignation of national security adviser Michael Flynn has the anti-Trump media declaring the new administration a “mess,” in “turmoil” and thrown into “chaos.”

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While attending the County Planning Board public hearing on short-term rentals on Feb. 8, Mr. Sirucek, a member of the county planning board, addressed Mayre Flowers, the executive director of Citizens for a Better Flathead, regarding the timing of her comment submissions to the board regarding short term rentals. These comments were sent to the board two days before the meeting.

THE SWEETEST SLEDDING SPOTS One benefit of this extra-white winter: Plenty of spots to go slip-sliding down some well-packed snow. Here are some of Northwest Montana's best spots

One benefit of this extra-white winter: Plenty of spots to go slip-sliding down some well-packed snow.

'Murder on the Nile'

After more than two seasons of focusing exclusively on comedy, the Bigfork Community Players stretch their reach this month with a murder mystery, Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile,” with six performances beginning Friday at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

Children's auditions open for Bigfork's 'Friday Knight Fever'

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater invites students in grades five through 12 to audition, Tuesday, Feb. 21, for the cast of the retro musical “Friday Knight Fever.”

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Whitefish Review celebrates 10-year anniversary

The Whitefish Review’s 20th issue, “Out of Time,” will be released Saturday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. with a party at Casey’s Pub and Grill in Whitefish.

Kehr, Columbia Falls girls roll past Whitefish

COLUMBIA FALLS — Columbia Falls dominated on senior night, beating Whitefish 80-11 in a Northwest A girls basketball game on Thursday at Larry Schmautz Memorial Gym.

Paul David Holmquist, 89

Paul David Holmquist was born at home on the farm in Kalispell on June 28, 1927. He was the seventh child out of eleven siblings.

James Michael Gibson, 61

James Michael “Mike” Gibson, 61, of Columbia Falls, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in his home surrounded by his loved ones after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Owners get terrible housewarming gift

Renovations to an old home reportedly revealed a large blood stain on the flooring underneath old carpeting that the new owner was ripping up to replace. The homeowner contacted the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to make sure no foul play was involved.

Judge allows couple to resume contact

A man and woman, separated by Flathead District Court Judge Amy Eddy after being charged with felony criminal endangerment, both pleaded down to misdemeanors on Feb. 9, and were allowed to resume contact.

Congress blocks rule barring mentally impaired from guns

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress on Wednesday sent President Donald Trump legislation blocking an Obama-era rule designed to keep guns out of the hands of certain mentally disabled people.

Grant supports rural mental health services

A Montana grief resource center is plugging a $50,000 grant into improving mental health support and education for families in rural Montana communities.

Upcoming Flathead Forecast focuses on local economy

The 15th annual Flathead Forecast on Feb. 21 brings economist Joe Mahon back for an encore performance to discuss economic trends and how companies are implementing creative solutions to combat the workforce shortage impacting communities from Minnesota to Montana.

Program offers free tax prep assistance

Free tax preparation assistance will be available through the federal tax season through the American Association of Retired Persons Tax-Aide program.

Synthetic turf OK'd for Legends field

Synthetic turf will be installed at Legends Stadium, following a unanimous vote by the Kalispell Public Schools board of trustees on Tuesday.

Bill aims to expand air service in Montana

Business groups and airport executives lined up Wednesday in support of a proposal to create a $2 million state grant program that would help fund efforts to incentivize airlines to expand service in Montana.

Senate OKs bill to change net metering reimbursement rate

A bill aiming to change the rate at which solar and other “net metering” utility customers are reimbursed for their excess wattage received preliminary approval from the Montana Senate Wednesday.

Blaze rips through Evergreen equipment shop

A construction equipment shop in Evergreen suffered extensive damage Wednesday in an early morning structure fire that temporarily shut down U.S. 2.

Bill seeks to clarify process of irrigation elections

Following last year’s messy election for the joint irrigation district served by the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, a Polson legislator is pushing a proposal to clarify Montana’s guidelines for future irrigation elections.

Legals February 15, 2017

No. 24273 WILLIAM M. BERG, ISBN 5342 Berg, McLaughlin & Nelson, Chtd. 414 Church Street, Suite 203 Sandpoint, ID 83864 Telephone: (208)263-4748 Facsimile: (208)263-7557 Attorneys for Plaintiff IN THE DISTRICT COURT FOR THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF BONNER PETER G. HOLZEMER and LOUISE E. BEACH, Plaintiffs v. HEIRS OF JOHN HOLZEMER and FLORENCE R. HOLZEMER, husband and wife, deceased; and any persons having an interest in the following real property ("Subject Property"): Lot 2, Block 6, Southmayd, McKinney and Wilson Addition to Sandpoint, Idaho, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Book 1 of Plats, page 53, records of Bonner County, Idaho. Defendants NO. CV 2017-0048 SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: HEIRS OF JOHN HOLZEMER and FLORENCE R. HOLZEMER, husband and wife, deceased; and any persons having an interest in the claiming an interest in the property legally described in the caption. You have been sued by PETER G. HOLZEMER and LOUISE E. BEACH. the Plaintiff, in the District Court in and for Bonner County, Idaho, Case No. CV 2017-0048. The nature of the claim against you is quiet title to a one-half undivided interest in the Subject Property, and for partition of the real property by sale. Any time after 21 days following the last publication of this Summons, the court may enter a judgment against you without further notice, unless prior to that time you have filed a written response in the proper form, including the case number, and paid any required filing fee to the Clerk of the Court at 215 South First Avenue, Sandpoint, Idaho 83814 and the telephone number of the court is (208) 265-1432 and served a copy of your response on the Plaintiff through its attorney William M. Berg, whose mailing address and telephone number are: BERG, McLAUGHLIN & NELSON, Chtd., 414 Church Street, Ste 203, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864, (208) 263-4748. A copy of the Complaint and Summons can be obtained by contacting either the Clerk of the Court or the Plaintiffs' attorney. If you wish legal assistance, you should immediately retain an attorney to advise you in this matter. DATED this 3 day of February, 2017. BONNER COUNTY CLERK OF THE COURT By: Michael Rosedale Deputy Clerk February 15, 22, and March 1, 8, 2017 MNAXLP

Epperly to be inducted in coaches' hall of fame

The Daily Inter Lake

Treasure state basketball hits homestretch

With all the success of the first two state tournaments of the winter, why not get ready for a few more?

Donna Kurtz, 55

Donna (Udell) Kurtz, 55, passed away Jan. 24, 2017 at her home in Somers due to cancer.

William 'Bill' Stephen Sullivan, 78

Bill was born Feb. 25, 1938, in Santa Monica, California, to Johnny and Charlene Sullivan. He entered the Army after high school and served in Berlin, Germany, from 1956 to 1958. Upon returning to the states he attended San Jose State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

Beulah Robertson Clothier, 96

Beulah Robertson Clothier of Kalispell passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 8, 2017, just one week short of her 97th birthday.

Paul David Holmquist, 89

Paul David Holmquist, 89, passed away at his home in Kalispell on Feb. 5, 2017.

Inez Brown, 92

Inez Brown passed away Feb. 10, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Acclaimed nature photographer dies

World-renowned wildlife photographer Tom Ulrich of West Glacier died Friday at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri, from a rare form of leukemia.

Budget panel weighing proposals to curb spread of mussels

Officials tasked with formulating the Montana’s long-term response to invasive mussels are working to convince budget-conscious lawmakers to spend more than $12 million over the next two years as they weigh deep spending cuts elsewhere in state government.

Local students qualify for national speech and debate

Fifteen speech and debate competitors from three local high schools have qualified to compete nationally.

Plane crash causes minor damage

A rogue remote-controlled airplane reportedly crash-landed on someone’s roof, allegedly causing minor damage, according to the Kalispell Police Department. The person reporting the incident claimed no one had shown up to claim the plane.

Police to host opioid awareness meeting

The Kalispell Police Department and STOP Prescription Drug Abuse in the Flathead Coalition will hold a town hall meeting at Red Lion Hotel Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m.

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• Evergreen Water and Sewer District board meets at 7 a.m. at the district office, 130 Nicholson Dr.

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Angels come in all shapes and sizes. Mine came today in the shape of a large white diesel truck with a plow blade attached to the front. I am 65 and work full-time. I didn’t have time to clear my driveway after the snowstorms, rain and subsequent freezing. There was a two-foot ice-boulder berm that I was chopping away at for six hours when this young couple pulled up and asked if I needed help.

Montana House votes to eliminate Commissioner of Political Practices office

The Montana House of Representatives on Tuesday narrowly approved a Kalispell lawmaker’s bill to eliminate Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices, following a heated floor debate Monday evening.

Jeffrey Todd Kintzler, 54

Jeffrey Todd Kintzler, 54, passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell surrounded by his loving family.

Legislator sued over emails related to Lands Council

A organization that advocates for government transparency filed suit Monday against Thompson Falls Sen. Jennifer Fielder, alleging that the Republican legislator has violated Montana’s open-record laws.

Legals February 14, 2017

No. 24232 Montana 11th Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of: Alfred Rudolph Gaytan Jr. Alfred Rudolph Gaytan Jr. Petitioner Cause No: DV-17-021C HEIDI J ULBRICHT Notice of Hearing On Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Alfred Rudolph Gaytan Jr. To Alfred Rudolph Gaitan Jr. The hearing will be on 2/22/2017 at 8:30 a.m. The Hearing will be held at the Courthouse in Flathead County located at 920 South Main Street, Kalispell, Montana. Dated: January 9, 2017 /s/ Susanne Vining Judicial Assistant January 31, 2017 and February 7, 14, 21, 2017 MNAXLP

Politics, concert schedule don't mix

A potential scheduling conflict for Rob Quist has caused the cancellation of a New Big Sky Singers concert that had been scheduled Sunday at Flathead High School.

People First join art students to spread the love

On Monday, People First of Kalispell member Joe Bennett dipped a paintbrush into blue watercolor and painted against a block of red onto wet paper creating a diffused and striking effect.

Board favors West Valley zone change

A proposal to change the zoning on 200 acres of West Valley farmland to suburban agricultural zoning won a favorable recommendation from the Flathead County Planning Board last week.

Family fights through house fire aftermath

A family from Lakeside is continuing to piece their lives back together after their home was destroyed in a fire on Feb. 4.

Whitefish schools receive grants

Whitefish High School and middle school will benefit from two grants and a donation totaling $50,000.

Locals use web to look for love

A new survey names Montana as the fourth best state in the country for singles. When the survey landed on my desk, I wanted to test the results by chatting with people actively trying to flirt, date and love in the Flathead.

FVCC announces Senior Institute program details

Flathead Valley Community College is still accepting participants into this year’s Senior Institute program.

Troy boys top Eureka in District 7B play-in

EUREKA — Troy hit 11 3-pointers in a hot-shooting performance to beat Eureka 65-60 on Tuesday in a District 7B boys basketball play-in game.

Two dogs attempt shopping spree

Two dogs reportedly tried to enter a store in Kalispell multiple times before an employee called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to remove them. The dogs’ owner retrieved them before authorities arrived and before the dogs could get any shopping done.

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TODay

Jail reimbursement bill hits roadblock

A proposal to force the Montana Department of Corrections to reimburse county jails housing state prisoners at their true cost was tabled by a budget committee Wednesday, despite overwhelming support from the state House on a preliminary vote.

Fake deputy tries to scam woman

Kalispell Police took a complaint on Saturday afternoon from a woman who said she had received a scam call from someone pretending to be a deputy with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. The fake officer told the woman, “Listen to me closely... You are in trouble for not showing up for jury duty.” The caller ID showed that the call originated in Three Forks.

Coffee with the Chief set for this Wednesday

The date for Coffee with the Chief has been changed to Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Sykes Diner in Kalispell.

Design options narrowed for courthouse couplet

A four-lane highway design identified 23 years ago as the preferred alternative for the U.S. 93 couplet around the Flathead County Courthouse continues to be among the top design options, a traffic engineer said Feb. 9.

FVCC supports bill to allow bonding authority

A Kalispell lawmaker is proposing a bill that would allow community colleges to operate on the same terms as universities when they seek funding for building projects.

Schools focusing on mental wellness

The belief that mental health plays a key role in education is gaining traction at Kalispell Public Schools.

'Mr. A' makes it all worthwhile

Going to the principal’s office is usually a good thing at Peterson Elementary.

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Flathead grapplers back on top

BILLINGS — It wasn’t perfect, but the Flathead wrestling team clinched its first state championship since 2010 on Saturday, despite going winless in the finals.

Perfect season for Graves; Eureka wins 1st state title

BILLINGS — It’s been a year of longshots for Eureka’s Garrett Graves. And the Lions senior has been deft at finding a timely Hail Mary.

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OSHA’s new requirements

Whitefish girls state A swim champions

GREAT FALLS — Whitefish, led by Caroline Dye and Annie Sullivan, won the Class A girls state swim title on Saturday afternoon at Bill Swarthout Field.

Braves battle back to beat Bruins, 54-44

Flathead battled back from a slow start to upend Helena Capital 54-44 in a Western AA boys basketball contest on Saturday afternoon at Flathead High School.

Pruitt: EPA and/or bust

Last week, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted on President Trump’s nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency — Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt.

Sheriff proposes county pawn ordinance

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry on Thursday presented a draft pawnbroker ordinance to the county commissioners that aims to help law-enforcement officers recover stolen property.

Liberals need to toughen up and take it

By DOUG ADAMS

Trump may just ignite a revolution

Viva la revolucion! The GOP is playing with fire in their mad dash to one-party rule, as an obscenely wealthy donor class happily gums up the works with wads of greasy cash.

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This is the first of 10 amendments to the Constitution passed by Congress on Sept. 25, 1789.

911 funding remains critical

Some important local issues seem to linger unresolved for decades. The Kalispell bypass was one, and the courthouse couplet is another, but as important as those have been to the character and development of our community, they were not life-and-death issues.

Water bottling plant raises numerous concerns

My name is Jerry Williams and I live in Columbia Falls. Last night I attended a meeting at Flathead High School conducted by Water for Flathead’s Future in opposition to the water bottling plant proposed in the Creston area.

Library eyes two potential building sites

ImagineIF Library in Kalispell has identified two potential future sites for a new library — both along the railroad tracks that one day will become an urban trail — and is working with Montana West Economic Development on grant funding for a feasibility study.

New home for MT Historical Society just makes sense

Gov. Steve Bullock’s request to the current Legislature to expand and upgrade the 65-year-old Montana Historical Society facility has been misrepresented by some as unneeded “pork.” This characterization is both wrong and ridiculous. Fortunately, however, members of both political parties recognize the real and critical need to care for and provide access to priceless collections belonging to the people of Montana and provide economic development ongoing — jobs during construction and development of enhanced tourism dollars in the future.

Final easements secured for Foy's to Blacktail Trail

The Flathead County commissioners on Feb. 9 approved permanent public trail easements that will set the stage for completion of the Foy’s to Blacktail Trail from Herron Park to Lakeside.

Stand with Montana: Confirm Scott Pruitt

The new year and new administration in Washington, D.C., offer new opportunities for Montana. Perhaps the most important of these is the chance for Montana to once again chart its own energy future. That opportunity to regain control starts with President Trump’s choice as head of the EPA, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt.

Love is all you need

“Love letters” can take many forms — handwritten, scented and postmarked. A small note tucked into a bouquet. An emoji-laced text message. A heart traced in the steam on the bathroom mirror.

Choir's crooning raises money for adoptions

Members of the Heritage Learning Homeschool Academy choir are counting on love come Valentine’s Day.

Bill proposes to shake up oversight of state parks

A proposal to reshape the authority over Montana State Parks got its first look Feb. 7 during a lengthy hearing before the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee.

Home prices surge in 2016; another good year on tap

The Flathead Valley real-estate market is poised to see another strong year for sales and new development after home prices surged in 2016, according to a recent report from Kelley Appraisal in Kalispell.

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TODay

Sliding, tumbling down Sugar Hill

Competitors lined up their barstools, bouncy horses, outhouses and hot rods at the top of Main Street in Martin City for the 39th annual barstool races Saturday.

Lola V. Smith, 99

Lola Vernice Conover Smith, 99, passed away Feb. 2, 2017.

Helen Irene Jacquemart Schnee, 86

Helen Irene Jacquemart Schnee passed away on Nov. 30, 2016, in Shelby, surrounded by her family.

Michael Lee Newgard, 68

Michael “Mike” Lee Newgard was born July 12, 1948, to Leland and Neva Jones Newgard in St. Ignatius. He grew up and attended schools in Polson, graduating from Polson High School in 1966.

Dogs reported for 'serial pooping'

Dogs were reportedly defecating on a bike path and on residential properties, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office report. Owners of the alleged serial poopers were given copies of the city’s dog ordinance by the property’s landlord.

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Legals February 11, 2017

No. 24253 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE'S SALE on June 5, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the East door of the Flathead County Justice Center located at 920 South Main Street, Kalispell MT 59901, the following described real property situated in Flathead County, Montana: LOT 83 OF HILLTOP HOMES, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA. CHRISTINE BRIDWELL and RAYMON S. BRIDWELL, as Grantors, conveyed said real property to 1st American Title, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for American Homestead Mortgage, as Beneficiary, by Deed of Trust on May 14, 2010, and recorded on May 14, 2010 as Document No. 201000011185. Modification Agreement recorded April 4, 2013, as Instrument No. 2013-00008175. The beneficial interest is currently held by U.S. Bank National Association. First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Flathead County, Montana. The beneficiary has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust by failing to make the monthly payments beginning March 1, 2014, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. The total amount due on this obligation as of February 1, 2017 is $187,564.99 principal, interest totaling $21,804.48, escrow advances of $11,352.37, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other costs and fees that may be advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee's fees and attorney's fees, costs and expenses of the sale and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected, and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier's checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee's Deed without any representation or warranty, including warranty of Title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The grantor, successor in interest to the grantor or any other person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the trustee's sale, may pay to the beneficiary or the successor in interest to the beneficiary the entire amount then due under the deed of trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney's fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the default. The scheduled Trustee's Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 15 days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the trustee for up to 120 days by public proclamation at least every 30 days. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: January 23rd, 2017 Rae Albert Assistant Secretary, First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. Successor Trustee Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339 Blackfoot ID 83221 STATE OF Idaho ss. County of Bingham On this 23rd day of January, 2017, before me, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Rae Albert, know to me to be the Assistant Secretary of First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., Successor Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same. Kaitlin Ann Gotch Notary Public Bingham County, Idaho Commission expires: 07/29/2022 February 11, 18, 25, 2017 MNAXLP

Trump and FDR: Precedents for a brash president

It’s no wonder that President Trump has been rebuked and challenged by those on the left for his unprecedented mix of brash outspokenness, stubborn determination to remake America, overweening confidence in his own abilities, and willingness to counterpunch when attacked.

Prepping for the prom

Amie Bartell and Anne Trout were mere hours from walking down the red carpet, so naturally they were seated inside their salon.

County board tables controversial proposal

A zoning proposal to regulate short-term rental housing throughout much of Flathead County was tabled Wednesday by the Planning Board following an exhaustive public hearing that included testimony from both supporters and opponents.

Council delays vote on district boundaries

Kalispell City Council Feb. 6 delayed a planned vote on its business improvement district after council member Phil Guiffrida stated the meeting materials prepared by city staff did not address questions and comments raised during a public hearing last month.

Montana panel defeats tax increase on state's wealthiest

HELENA (AP) — A Democratic-led effort to increase taxes on Montana’s wealthiest residents died in a legislative committee Friday, underscoring the deep philosophical divide among lawmakers over taxes and spending that could hamper a budget deal.

Lakeside home destroyed in blaze

Residents managed to escape uninjured as their home in Lakeside was destroyed by a fire reported at 8:16 p.m. on Thursday.

Passenger attempts dare-devil jump

The passenger of a vehicle that was described as being “all over the road” allegedly attempted to jump out of the car while it was still moving, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The driver of the vehicle allegedly pulled the passenger back into the car before tuning into a fast food drive-through.

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School calendar

Wild about music

The sounds of battling Jedis and eerie, child-snatching witches filled Flathead High School auditorium along with hundreds of elementary students from around the valley who went “Wild about Music” on Friday during a Glacier Symphony concert.

State of disaster declared

A state of disaster was declared Friday for the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and in Glacier and Lincoln counties in response to a series of winter storms that dumped record amounts of snow over portions of northwest Montana this month.

Glacier corridor reopens to vehicle and rail traffic

Traffic was allowed to resume along U.S. 2 between Essex and East Glacier Friday afternoon after a winter storm shut down the mountain corridor for the second time this week.

Legals February 10, 2017

No. 24251 NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION HIGHWAY 93 NORTH ZONING DISTRICT The Board of Commissioners of Flathead County, Montana, hereby gives notice pursuant to Section 76-2-205(5), M.C.A., that it passed a resolution of intention (Resolution No. 837CU) on February 6, 2017, to change the zoning designation in a portion of the Highway 93 North Zoning District from SAG-10 (Suburban Agricultural) to I-1H (Light Industria - Highway). The boundaries of the area proposed to be amended are described as: Tract of land in the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 1, Township 29 N, Range 22 W, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point that bears North a distance of 690.00 feet and West a distance of 174.40 feet from the Southeast corner of said Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter, Section 1; thence West a distance of 1107.60 feet to the Easterly right of way of Highway 93; thence North along said right of way a distance of 627.50 feet to the North line of said Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 1; thence East along said North line a distance of 787.90 feet to the Westerly right of way of the County road; thence Southerly along said Westerly right of way of the county road a distance of 706.40 feet to the point of beginning. EXCEPTING THEREFROM that portion conveyed to the State of Montana for highway purposes by Bargain and Sale Deed, recorded May 7, 1991 as Document No. 91-127-16050, records of Flathead County, Montana, and also EXCEPTING THEREFROM that portion conveyed to the State of Montana for highway purposes by Bargain and Sale Deed, recorded July 18, 2006 as Document No. 2006-199-08100, records of Flathead County, Montana. Also EXCEPTING THEREFROM rights of the public in and to that portion of the premises known as Scenic Ridge Road. The regulations defining the SAG-10 and I-1H zones are contained in the Flathead County Zoning Regulations, on file for public inspection at the Office of the Board of Commissioners, Courthouse, 800 South Main, Room 302, Kalispell, Montana, at the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, 40 11th Street West, Kalispell, Montana, and on the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office's website, at: http://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/downloads.php. Documents related to the proposed zone change are also on file for public inspection at the Of¬fice of the Board of Commissioners and the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office. For thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice, the Board of Commissioners will receive written protests to the change proposed for a portion of the Highway 93 North Zoning District from persons owning real property within Flathead County whose names appear on the last completed assessment roll of Flathead County and who either are registered voters in Flathead County or execute and acknowledge their protests before a notary public. DATED this 6th day of February, 2017. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Gary D. Krueger Gary D. Krueger, Chairman February 10, 17, 2017 MNAXLP

Glacier's Burnham sets school mark at state swim

GREAT FALLS — Nate Burnham, a senior at Glacier High School, broke the school record in the preliminaries of the 500 freestyle on Friday at the Montana State All-Class Swim Meet at the Great Falls High Pool.

Rademacher knocks down 6 3s as Glacier rolls by Capital

Brec Rademacher was on target from long range, scoring a game-high 18 points to lead Glacier to a 55-40 Western AA boys basketball victory Friday night over Helena Capital.

Flathead's Hume making up for lost mat time at state

BILLINGS — Flathead junior Payton Hume was back in his element on Friday at the All- Class State Wrestling Tournament at the MetraPark.

Class A, B/C Eureka off to fast start

BILLINGS — Eureka continued its remarkable year with a dominant first day at the Montana All-Class State Wrestling Tournament on Friday, moving into first place in Class B/C over defending champ Colstrip.

Class AA Braves 'in driver's seat'

BILLINGS — Flathead looked in championship form on the opening day of the Montana All-Class State Wrestling Tournament on Friday at the MetraPark.

Lawmakers support 2 air ambulance regulation bills

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana lawmakers on Thursday moved forward with two measures that seek to prevent patients from receiving huge bills from air ambulance providers that are not in network with their insurance plans.

Esther G. Hand, 88

Esther Gabrielson Hand passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She succumbed to a stroke.

Montana lawmaker seeks to ban some deer urine imports

HELENA (AP) — A Montana lawmaker is proposing a ban on deer and elk urine that hunters use to attract bucks, if it comes from a state with documented cases of chronic wasting disease.

Montana legislator asserts voter fraud in pushing ID law

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana legislator seeking to toughen the state's voter ID law alleged Thursday that voter fraud is occurring at polling places across the state, as opponents sought to kill the bill as an unnecessary barrier to voting.

Half a dozen horses running wild

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding six horses running back and forth on the highway near Ponderosa Lane toward Kalispell. The horses sprinted south down the highway into the northbound lane, and were later coralled and returned to where they belong.

Proposal hopes to support low-income students

State lawmakers are considering a bill to create a tuition grant program for students in two-year, tribal and community colleges who feel the weight of rising costs in higher education.

Daycare suffers smoke damage

The Nature Childcare Center in Columbia Falls suffered an electrical fire Saturday, Feb. 4. The fire didn’t destroy the building, but it did cause heat and smoke damage, leaving the center temporarily inoperable, according to Aleigha Russell, who works at the center.

Glacier corridor closed again

All traffic was shut down Thursday on U.S. 2 between Essex and East Glacier after a 200-foot-wide natural avalanche rolled through the area.

City officials pan proposal addressing redevelopment districts

Kalispell’s city manager was among a parade of city officials, developers and others who testified at the Montana Capitol on Wednesday against a bill they said threatens urban-renewal projects throughout the state.

Legals February 9, 2017

No. 24239 MONTANA ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FLATHEAD COUNTY IN RE THE GRANDPARENT-GRANDCHILD CONTACT OF C.W.L. AND M.M.L. Minors. KENNETH W. AND LINDA L. LEARN, Petitioners, -vs- KENNETH W. LEARN II and CHARDALE L. POOL, Respondents. CAUSE NO. DR-16-812D SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO CHARDALE L. POOL: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Petition in this action, which is filed in the office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Petitioners' attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default, for the relief demanded in the Petition. Witness my hand and the seal of said Court, the 24th day of January, 2017. /s/ Peg L. Allison Clerk of the District Court /s/ Casey L. Emerson Casey L. Emerson, Attorney for Petitioners February 2, 9, 16, 2017 MNAXLP

Valentine's in the Valley

Tuesday is Valentine’s Day.

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Trumbull Creek easement is great news

A 7,068-acre conservation easement in Trumbull Creek north of Columbia Falls was given a final signature of approval last week. Add that to the 3,022 acres in nearby Haskill Basin protected in a similar transaction last fall, and it equals a win-win for the entire Flathead Valley.

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I would like to respond to the editorial in the Jan. 29 Daily Inter Lake regarding the Retired Senior Volunteer Program not being renewed. The editorial had some misinformation in it.

Hillary Clinton's 'Future Is Female' femme-a-goguery

All that was missing from Hillary Clinton’s video address to a left-wing women’s group this week was a pink pussyhat and a “BOYS SUCK” T-shirt.

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The area known simply as “The Canyon” has a quite the reputation.

Polson boys, Bigfork girls net hoop wins

POLSON — Matthew Rensvold posted a double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds as Class A Polson notched its seventh straight win by beating Class B Bigfork 62-34 on Thursday evening in a nonconference boys basketball contest.

Swimmers finish prep season in Great Falls

Nate Burnham of Glacier and Colton Babcock of Columbia Falls will close out their stellar prep swim careers today and Saturday with the all-class state meet at the Great Falls High School pool.

Braves, Lions eye state titles

By DAVID LESNICK

Woman suspects neighbor of cat-napping

One of a woman’s three cats was reported missing after her neighbor allegedly threatened to kill them, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

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Ayla Ann Lee Stumpf, daughter of Tiffany Ann Lea Stumpf, was born Nov. 16 at North Valley Hospital.

Foster care rights bill passes Montana House

HELENA (AP) — The Montana House on Wednesday passed a bill that lays out the rights of foster children and parents and allows them to lodge a complaint with the state if they believe those rights have been violated.

Montana may try novel approach in public defender overhaul

HELENA (AP) — Montana officials moved forward Wednesday with an effort to overhaul the state’s public defender system, which has been long beset with sinking morale and a growing caseload that puts pressure on what officials say is an overburdened staff.

Local protesters upset over GOP silence of Warren

About 30 people gathered to demonstrate outside of U.S. Sen. Steve Daines’ Kalispell office Wednesday afternoon to express their concerns about the Senate Republican majority vote Tuesday to silence U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

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TODay

Hundreds of bison sent to slaughter over tribes' objections

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Yellowstone National Park on Wednesday started shipping hundreds of wild bison to slaughter for disease control, as a quarantine facility on a Montana Indian reservation that could help spare many of the animals sat empty due to a political dispute.

Snow-loaded roofs of concern

Rain and snow expected this week falling on top of a deep snowpack across the valleys of northwest Montana is cause for concern for homeowners, according to local weather authorities.

'Weak but durable growth' to continue

Economic experts at the Economic Outlook Seminar in Kalispell on Tuesday sumarized the national economy for 2016 as “weak but durable growth” — a trend expected to continue throughout 2017.

Flathead High senior honored with service award

Flathead High School senior Sophia Skwarchuk was named one of Montana’s top two youth volunteers by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Cayuse Prairie Honor Roll

The following students have made the honor roll for the third quarter of the school year at Cayuse Prairie School.

Legislation aims to bridge wage gap

Citing studies ranking Montana’s women near the bottom of nationwide wage earnings compared to men, a Missoula lawmaker on Tuesday presented legislation she said would help bridge the state’s wage gap.

Workforce housing proposal stalled

The Whitefish City Council on Monday put the brakes on a proposal to allow workforce housing in the city’s business district.

Legals February 8, 2017

No. 24245 PUBLIC NOTICE The Board of County Commissioners of Flathead County did this 2nd day of February, 2017 approve payroll and claims for payment in the amount of $5,822,437.53 for the period beginning January 1, 2017 and ending on January 31, 2017. The full and complete claim list is available for public view in the Office of the Clerk & Recorder, Flathead County Courthouse, Kalispell, Montana. Individual requests for personal copies will be accepted by the Clerk and Recorder. Dated this 2nd day of February 2017. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Gary D. Krueger Gary D. Krueger, Chairman By: /s/ Debbie Pierson Debbie Pierson, Clerk & Recorder February 8, 2017 MNAXLP

Industrial zone created near landfill

A proposal to change the zoning on nearly 12 acres of land near the county landfill from suburban agriculture to light industrial highway zoning got a favorable nod from the Flathead County commissioners on Monday.

Pistorese plowing path for new year

Baseball season never looked so cold.

Critics take fight to Capitol

Legislation introduced to the Montana Senate on Tuesday would place a new requirement before the controversial proposal to build a water bottling facility in Creston — one of several methods local citizens are employing in an attempt to halt the project.

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TODay

Energy company stresses safety measures in the winter

After the recent bout of cold and snow across the state, NorthWestern Energy has released some information on safety measures involving carbon monoxide and natural gas.

Proposal addresses unpaid child support

In an attempt to chip away at a statewide child-support backlog totaling $147 million, the Legislature is considering a bill that would prohibit those who owe payments from hunting and fishing in the state.

U.S. 2 reopens with speed reductions

The winding segment of U.S. 2 along the Glacier National Park’s southern border reopened to through-traffic Tuesday afternoon, after heavy snows closed the mountain corridor for over 24 hours.

From 'hero' to 'monster' Domestic abuse survivor tells story

Editor’s note: The Western News published an article on Jan. 31 titled “Lincoln County domestic violence in numbers.” Lynette Haines, a survivor of domestic violence, came forward to The Western News last week wanting to tell her story of abuse and how she was saved by law enforcement. She wanted to tell her story in hopes of commending the law enforcement officers who saved her life and to remember Sheena Devine, a victim of domestic violence who was murdered by her boyfriend last year.

Flu-related deaths on the rise

According to a new report from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, six Montanans have died due to flu-related illnesses so far this season — three of which occurred in Flathead County, according to local health department officials.

Legals February 7, 2017

No. 24231 MONTANA ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FLATHEAD COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ALLEN WHITAKER, Deceased. PROBATE NO. DP-17-013B NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Pamela Curtis Whitaker, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Box 171, Olney, Montana 59927, of filed with the Clerk of the above Court. /s/ Pamela Curtis Whitaker Pamela Curtis Whitaker, Personal Representative. February 7, 13, and 20, 2017 MNAXLP

Zinke should embrace stewardship

Secretaries of the interior are called to be public stewards. On behalf of all Americans, they oversee our great national heritage of forests, grasslands, fisheries, national parks, wildlife, waterways and mineral wealth.

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While much attention is being paid to our state’s physical infrastructure, so, too, are basic community-based mental-health services crumbling beneath our feet.

Winter storm closes schools, snarls roads

A severe winter storm battered Northwest Montana over the weekend, dropping up to three feet of snow in some areas, closing schools and creating widespread traffic impacts that included the closure of U.S. 2 and the BNSF Railway tracks south of Glacier National Park.

Doctors ask for statewide approach to patient care

Kalispell doctors are keeping their eyes on a state legislative bill that would set goals for how health facilities provide care to patients with a chronic illness beyond filling their immediate medical needs.

Man reflects on life as a centenarian

Living to be 100 is still considered newsworthy in most places. Prestige Assisted Living announced that within the last month, three of its residents have turned 101.

Skiers enjoy powder days; avalanche warnings in effect

While the weekend’s severe winter storm made for hazardous road conditions in Northwest Montana and created extreme avalanche danger in high-elevation areas, skiers and snowboarders received three days of deep powder at local ski areas.

James E. Hawley, 76

“A simply wonderful life” is how one would describe the life of James E. Hawley, who died on Jan. 31, 2017, at approximately 18:50 at Kalispell Regional.

Cops respond to clogged toilets, stolen cash

A Whitefish business employee called Flathead County Sheriff’s Office after someone allegedly entered the facility, clogged the toilets and stole employees’ tip money.

Man pleads not guilty in intimidation case

A man who allegedly told officers he would “violate, violate, violate” an order of protection to see his children pleaded not guilty to charges of felony intimidation in Flathead District Court on Feb. 2.

Woman denies driving drunk with child in car

A woman allegedly caught driving under the influence with a child in the car pleaded not guilty on Feb. 2 in Flathead County District Court.

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TODay

Local traffic allowed along U.S. 2 to Essex

3 p.m. update

Schools closed; emergency travel only; U.S. 2 blocked at West Glacier

Icy highways and blowing snow on Monday morning have led to a winter driving emergency across Northwest Montana.

Whitefish considers workforce housing proposal

Acknowledging a dire need for workforce housing, the city of Whitefish has proposed a number of zoning amendments to create more housing opportunities.

Presentations address drug abuse, addiction

The Stop Prescription Drug Abuse in the Flathead Coalition is bringing FBI Special Agent Shane Dana from Quantico, Virginia, and Michael Kulstad, FBI Public Affairs adviser from Washington, D.C., to Kalispell for several school presentations and community discussions this months.

Legals February 6, 2017

No. 24226 NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION FLATHEAD COUNTY ZONING REGULATIONS The board of Commissioners of Flathead County, Montana hereby gives notice pursuant to Section 76-2-205(5), M.C.A. that it passed a resolution of intention, Resolution No. 1323B, to consider amending the text of the Flathead County Zoning Regulations. The proposed amendment would amend Section 3.39 of the Flathead County Zoning Regulation as described as follows: 1. By removing Dwelling, Family Hardship as a permitted use; 2. By adding Dwelling unit, Accessory as a conditional use and Dwelling, Family Hardship as an administrative conditional use; 3. By adding language that states setbacks are "grandfathered"; 4. By adding setback requirements from all property lines; 5. And by adding definitions of Bed and Breakfast, Caretaker's Facility, Dwelling unit, Accessory, Dwelling, Family Hardship, and modifying the definition of Guest House. The Flathead County Zoning Regulations are on file for public inspection at the Office of the Clerk and Recorder, 800 South Main, Kalispell, Montana, at the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, 40 11th St. West, Kalispell, Montana, and on the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office's website at: http://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/downloads.php. Documents related to the proposed amendments, including the Flathead County Zoning Regulations showing the proposed amendments to the text along with the current Flathead County Zoning Regulations, are available for public inspection at the Office of the Board of Commissioners and the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office. For thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice, the Board of Commissioners will receive written protests to the change proposed for a portion of the Flathead County Zoning Regulations from persons owning real property within that District whose names appear on the last completed assessment roll of Flathead County and who either are registered voters in Flathead County or execute and acknowledge their protests before a notary public. DATED this 25th day of January, 2017. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Philip B. Mitchell Philip B. Mitchell, Pro-Tem Chairman January 30, and February 6, 2017 MNAXLP

Kalispell City Council to vote on business district

With the Kalispell Business Improvement District set to expire, the Kalispell City Council will vote tonight on whether to expand its boundaries.

Music promoter sees lively future in Kalispell

For a guy who got into the business by “complete accident,” Kenny Stiffler has big plans for reviving the long-dormant downtown Kalispell music scene.

Police assist with unruly passenger

An Amtrak official contacted the Whitefish Police Department for assistance with an allegedly unruly train passenger. Officers made sure the disorderly woman was off the train and on her way.

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• AARP Driver Safety Course, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 751-4500.

Flathead braces for blizzard

Blizzard conditions with near-zero visibility are expected to persist through Monday as an extreme winter storm bears down on the Flathead Valley.

Our justice system demands openness

In a bit of parliamentary shenanigans our lawmakers are so good at, a state House of Representatives committee has cavalierly amended a bill to do exactly the opposite of what it was intended to do.

Neighbors sound off about vacation rental proposal

A proposal to add short-term rentals to conditional uses allowed in many neighborhoods throughout the county has drawn a substantial amount of public comment, both in support and against the zoning text amendment.

Local chef focuses on homemade freshness

Nick Visconti got his start cooking in kitchens in Tucson, Arizona, but his passion for food is a lifelong obsession. With his Sicilian roots, Visconti has memories of helping in the kitchen with his mother, father and grandparents from a very young age.

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My wife and I are summer residents of Lakeside, having purchased a cabin there in 2006.

Bigfork vacation rentals – a blessing or a curse?

When my spouse and I bought our 20-acre property in Bigfork, we thought we had found just the right place to both raise our children and also retire.

Hobby Lobby plans Feb. 13 opening

Hobby Lobby is expected to open Monday, Feb. 13, in Kalispell, offering 55,000 square feet of retail space featuring craft and home décor products.

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Glacier Bancorp reports 4th quarter earnings up

Proposal aims to regulate short-term rentals

A proposal to add short-term rental housing to Flathead County zoning regulations as a conditional use is an effort to regulate such rentals — currently an illegal use — and create a process for accountability.

Don't let pet peeves turn to road rage

I don’t condone any type of road rage — or traffic tantrums as they’re also called — even if it’s as slight as shaking your finger at another driver. There’s no place for verbal insults or physical threats directed at a fellow motorist.

Water-bottling plant puts risk on neighbors

In my opinion, if the Montana Artesian Water Company is allowed to commence operations, many wells on the inter-connected shallow, intermediate and deep aquifers will eventually go dry. Because this will occur gradually over years and decades, it may be difficult to see the company’s impending pumping of the deep aquifer as a critical and pressing issue. The issue, however, is brought into jarring and painful focus by examining the potential drilling cost of $5,100 to $6,800 per new well and the cumulative drilling costs to the Flathead Valley in the tens of millions of dollars.

Why Winston Churchill belongs in the Oval Office

On Friday, Jan. 27, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May will lend a bust of Winston Churchill to President Donald Trump, which will stand in the Oval Office as a symbol of the strength of the relationship between the U.K. and the U.S.

Kalispell man pleads guilty to felony jail break

A Kalispell man on Feb. 2 pleaded guilty in Flathead District Court to a charge of felony attempted escape.

Plungers raise $51,000 for Special Olympics

From foxes in socks to cats in hats, 300 participants took an icy dip at the Penguin Plunge at Whitefish’s City Beach on Saturday.

Extreme snowstorm targets the Flathead; 24-30 inches possible

Weather experts are predicting an extreme snowfall event for northwest Montana on Sunday and Monday unlike any the region has seen in decades.

Gunning to be king of the desert

Two years ago, Marty Mann and Tom More drove the more than 1,200 miles from their homes in Kalispell to Johnson Valley, California, to see the fabled King of the Hammers off-road endurance race for the first time.

Michael James St. Peter, 53

Michael James St. Peter, 53, passed away on Jan 18, 2017, after 12 days in the Tufts Medical Center Intensive Care Unit, Boston. Michael suffered a severe brain injury after choking on food while at a local jazz bar/restaurant near his apartment in Boston’s South End. He was surrounded by family and close friend Sarah Ahearn with recordings of his own musical arrangements playing in the background providing comfort for family and medical staff.

Ralph Burton Holmquist Jr., 55

Ralph Burton Holmquist Jr. passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2017. He passed away after a short battle with large cell lymphoma.

Linda Rae (Nelson) Spencer, 74

Linda Rae (Nelson) Spencer, 74, a longtime resident of the Whitefish area, died Jan. 29, 2017, at Diamond Retirement Living in Henderson, Nevada. She and Ronald G. Spencer were married for 25 years, and he departed this life roughly two years ago.

Janet Kerr Mohn, 94

On Jan. 27, 2017, Janet Kerr Mohn “entered into eternal life.” In keeping with her independent and determined spirit, she chose to tell this brief story of her life.

Sydnie Ann Hale Watson, 77

Sydnie Ann Hale Watson was born in Whitefish on March 1, 1939, to Arnold and Ann Hale. She graduated from Whitefish High School and was a graduate of Montana State University. Sydnie held a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology as well as a Master of Science degree in immunology that she earned from California State University.

Barbara Kemler, 85

Barbara “Barb” Kemler, 85, passed away Jan. 11, 2017, with her family by her side.

Man reportedly approached by 'evil man'

The Whitefish Police Department received a report of someone being approached by an Islamic radical allegedly claiming to be “here to kill as many Americans as possible.” The person reportedly attempted to “convert him to Jesus,” but the radical allegedly told him that he “was an evil man.”

Legals February 4, 2017

No. 24212 NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION WESTSIDE ZONING DISTRICT The Board of Commissioners of Flathead County, Montana, hereby gives notice pursuant to Section 76-2-205(5), M.C.A., that it passed a resolution of intention (Resolution No. 678AX) on January 25th, 2017 to change the zoning designation in a portion of the Westside Zoning District from R-1 (Suburban Residential) to I-1 (Light Industrial). The boundaries of the area proposed to be amended from R-1 (Suburban Residential) to I-1 (Light Industrial) are described as: Parcel 1: A tract of land 482.00 feet long and 422.00 feet wide located in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 30, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead County Montana, more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point 30.00 feet West of the Northeast section corner of Section 30, which said point is located at the intersection of the North boundary line of said section with the West boundary line of the county highway; thence South and along the Westerly boundary line of said county highway, a distance of 30.00 feet to the True Point of Beginning of the tract described herein; thence South and along the Westerly boundary line of said county highway, a distance of 422.00 feet; thence West and parallel with the North boundary line of said section, a distance of 482.00 feet; thence North and parallel with said Westerly boundary of said county road, a distance of 422.00 feet; thence East and parallel with said North boundary line of said section, a distance of 482.00 feet to the True Point of Beginning. Parcel 2: A tract of land 382.00 feet long and 30.00 feet wide situated in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 30, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead County Montana, more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point 130.00 feet West of the Northeast section corner of Section 30, which said point is located 100.00 feet West of the intersection of the North boundary line of said section and the West boundary line of the county highway; thence from said Point of Beginning running South and parallel with said Westerly boundary of said county road, a distance of 30.00 feet; thence West and parallel with said Northerly boundary of said section, a distance of 382.00 feet; thence North and parallel with said boundary of said Section 30; thence East and along said North boundary line, a distance of 382.00 feet to the Point of Beginning. Parcel 3: A tract of land 100.00 feet long and 30.00 feet wide situated in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 30, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana, more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point 30.00 feet West of the Northeast section corner of Section 30, which point is the point of intersection of the North boundary line of said section with the Westerly boundary of the county highway; thence from said Point of Beginning, running South along the Westerly boundary of the said county road, a distance of 30.00 feet; thence Westerly and parallel to the Northerly boundary of said Section 30, a distance of 100.00 feet; thence North and parallel to the Westerly boundary of said county road, a distance of 30.00 feet to the North boundary line of said Section 30; thence Easterly along said section line, a distance of 100.00 feet to the True Point of Beginning. The regulations defining the R-1 (Suburban Residential) to I-1 (Light Industrial) zones are contained in the Flathead County Zoning Regulations, on file for public inspection at the Office of the Board of County Commissioners, 800 South Main, Room 302, Kalispell, Montana, at the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, 40 11th Street West, Kalispell, Montana, and on the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office's website, at: http://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/downloads.php. Documents related to the proposed zone change are also on file for public inspection at the Office of Board of County Commissioners and the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office. For thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice, the Board of Commissioners will receive written protests to the change proposed for a portion of the Westside Zoning District from persons owning real property within Flathead County whose names appear on the last completed assessment roll of Flathead County and who either are registered voters in Flathead County or execute and acknowledge their protests before a notary public. DATED this 25th day of January, 2017. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Philip B. Mitchell Philip B. Mitchell, Pro-Tem Chairman January 28, and February 4, 2017 MNAXLP

Agency sues state over alleged fraud, breach of contract

Montana Peaks, a Flathead Valley-based human services agency, is suing the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services over allegations of fraud, breach of contract and negligence in the state’s dealings with the agency.

A century of football: The 'ideal' and risk of 'decadence'

The Super Bowl will be played today between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. Longtime readers of this column will know that, as a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan, I had hoped for a different outcome even before the game is played.

Glacier boys grab 1st place from Sentinel

The Daily Inter Lake

Eureka B/C mat champs, has 7 individual winners

MatCats claim 5th straight Western A divisional title

DILLON — Columbia Falls rules again in Western A divisional wrestling.

Flathead has 7 champs, qualifies 22 for state wrestling

The Daily Inter Lake

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School calendar

Virtual learners

A trip to Egypt and tour of Ramesses VI’s tomb was on the itinerary for Hedges Elementary third-graders in Brooke Samson’s class Thursday.

7,068-acre easement finalized

A $9.5 million, 7,068-acre conservation easement has been finalized for the Trumbull Creek area north of Columbia Falls, the Trust for Public Land and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Park announced Friday.

Gaming degree pushes students further into tech world

Instructors are expanding the doorway for students interested in the world of technology as they create a new Flathead Valley Community College degree around programming and game design.

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Lyric Robert Petersen, son of Christopher and Sonya Petersen, was born Nov. 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Man in pj's spends night in lobby

Authorities picked up a man wearing his pajamas and no shoes on his porch after he was allegedly locked out of his apartment by his girlfriend because of an argument between the couple. According to the Kalispell Police Department, the man spent the night in the lobby of the police station after authorities were reportedly unable to contact his girlfriend.

Carnival gets a serving of Seuss

Sneetches, Wockets and Nizzards will march alongside the yetis, penguins and divas at the 58th annual Whitefish Winter Carnival this Saturday.

Senate panel advances bill addressing air ambulance costs

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Senate committee has advanced legislation that would prevent patients from receiving huge bills from air ambulance providers that are not in-network with their insurance plans.

Legals February 3, 2017

No. 24235 NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE HSBC BANK USA, National Association, Plaintiff/Counter Defendant, vs. RICHARD G. ANDERSON; LIMEGROVE OVERSEAS, LTD, Defendants/Counter Claimants. Cause No. DV-12-614D To Be Sold at Sheriff's Sale: On the 7th day of March, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at 920 South Main, FLATHEAD COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER LOBBY, KALISPELL, in the County of Flathead, State of Montana, that certain real property situated in said Flathead County, and particularly described as follows: Tract 1: LOTS 29, 30, 31, 32 AND 33 OF BRITELLS POINT OF PINES, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA. SHOWN AS TRACT 1 OF CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY NO. 14355. Tract 2: LOT 28 OF BRITELLS POINT OF PINES, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA. Tract 3: A TRACT OF LAND SITUATED, LYING AND BEING IN GOVERNMENT LOT 4, SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 31 NORTH, RANGE 22 WEST, P.M.M., FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA, AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE NE CORNER OF GOVERNMENT LOT 4, SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 31 NORTH, RANGE 22 WEST, P.M.M., FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA; THENCE ALONG THE NORTH BOUNDARY OF SAID SECTION 4 NORTH 89 52'00" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 138.68 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF A COUNTY ROAD KNOWN AS PINES LANE WHICH IS THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE TRACT OF LAND HEREIN DESCRIBED; THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY SOUTH 62 20'00" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 8.71 FEET TO A POINT AND THE P.C. OF A 280.00 FOOT RADIUS CURVE, CONCAVE SOUTHEASTERLY, HAVING A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 28 50'00"; THENCE ALONG AN ARC LENGTH OF 140.91 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE SOUTH 33 30'00" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 133.76 FEET TO A POINT AND THE P.C. OF A 70.00 FOOT RADIUS CURVE, CONCAVE NORTHEASTERLY, HAVING A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 124 40'0"; THENCE ALONG AN ARC LENGTH OF 152.31 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 21 50'00" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 105.92 FEET TO A POINT AND THE P.C. OF A 330.00 FOOT RADIUS CURVE, CONCAVE SOUTHWESTERLY, HAVING A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 20 23'41"; THENCE ALONG AN ARC LEGTH OF 117.46 FEET TO A POINT ON SAID NORTH BOUNDARY OF SECTION 4; THENCE LEAVING SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY AND ALONG SAID NORTH BOUNDARY SOUTH 89 52'00" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 409.73 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3542 EAST LAKESHORE DRIVE, WHITEFISH, MONTANA. Dated this 30th day of January, 2017. Chuck Curry Sheriff of Flathead County, Montana By: Jeff Weyh Jeff Weyh, Civil Clerk February 3, 10, 17, 2017 MNAXLP

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I wrote the following letter to Rep. John Lewis on Jan. 18, when he announced he would not be attending the inauguration.

Not all refugees are welcome

For years, left-wingers would contest my use of the term “open borders lobby” because, they sternly rebuked me, nooooobody in America seriously believes in open borders.

Heavirland helps U.S. into Sydney 7s final

SYDNEY — Whitefish’s Nicole Heavirland played a key part in helping the U.S. women’s national sevens rugby team reach the finals of the HSBC Sydney Sevens Cup on Saturday, setting up a pair of tries in a 19-12 semifinal victory over New Zealand.

Bulldogs claw past Corvallis

WHITEFISH — The Whitefish boys found their form in the second half against Corvallis, scoring 22 fourth quarter points to rally for a 55-50 Class A nonconference basketball victory on Friday.

C-Falls has 9 in semis, Polson 7 at Western A divisional wrestling

The Daily Inter Lake

Weekend storm to bring snow, rain

A potent Pacific weather system is expected to bring a mixed bag of precipitation to the Flathead Valley this weekend while area mountains could get a much-needed dose of fresh snow.

Man denies assault on officer

A 61-year-old man who allegedly tried to spear a Kalispell police officer pleaded not guilty on Feb. 2 in Flathead County District Court.

Woman shot by deputy pleads no contest

A woman who was shot by a Flathead County Sheriff’s deputy in October 2013 entered a no-contest plea Feb. 2 to misdemeanor negligent endangerment.

Rayna Marie (Ball) Larsen, 75

Rayna Marie (Ball) Larsen, 75, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, after a long battle with cancer.

Bigfork woman attacked by cat

A woman in Bigfork called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to report an assault on her employee, who was allegedly bitten by a feral cat. The woman stated that she planned to set traps for the cat.

Two Bear benefactor now a crew member

There was nothing particularly out of the ordinary about the mission the Two Bear Air rescue helicopter completed early Sunday morning north of Priest Lake, Idaho.

'Solar Guy' packs Kalispell brewery for energy-policy talk

“Net metering” might not sound like a classic barn-burner of a presentation topic. But scores of Flathead residents packed into Kalispell Brewing Co.’s taproom Tuesday afternoon for an hour-long talk on the issue, along with other renewable-energy policies up for debate before the Montana Legislature.

Solar energy up for debate in Helena

“Solar Guy” Brad Van Wert’s series of policy talks comes as a bevy of bills are being pushed in the state House and Senate to reshape the landscape of incentives for renewable-energy generation in Montana, particularly solar producers who use net metering.

Bullock to lawmakers: Cut your own spending first

HELENA (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock used his veto power Thursday to send a message to lawmakers: Cut your own spending before reducing other government agencies’ budgets.

Montana Senate endorses anti-Sharia law bill

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Senate has given initial approval to bill to prevent state judges from applying foreign laws in their courtrooms.

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Today

Lingerie trunk show staged in Whitefish this weekend

A Whitefish entrepreneur is kicking off the Valentine’s Day season with a lingerie and gift trunk show today and Saturday in Whitefish.

Bigfork lawmaker to propose houseboat regs

POLSON — With local and state agencies scratching their heads over how and whether to regulate houseboats on Flathead Lake, a Bigfork lawmaker plans to introduce a bill to give the state authority over the floating homes.

Legals February 2, 2017

No. 24239 MONTANA ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FLATHEAD COUNTY IN RE THE GRANDPARENT-GRANDCHILD CONTACT OF C.W.L. AND M.M.L. Minors. KENNETH W. AND LINDA L. LEARN, Petitioners, -vs- KENNETH W. LEARN II and CHARDALE L. POOL, Respondents. CAUSE NO. DR-16-812D SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO CHARDALE L. POOL: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Petition in this action, which is filed in the office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Petitioners' attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default, for the relief demanded in the Petition. Witness my hand and the seal of said Court, the 24th day of January, 2017. /s/ Peg L. Allison Clerk of the District Court /s/ Casey L. Emerson Casey L. Emerson, Attorney for Petitioners February 2, 9, 16, 2017 MNAXLP

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THURSDAY, FEB. 2

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So Dana Scranton, where did the name Herald the Hark come from?

'The Laramie Project'

Glacier High School’s Wolfpack Theatre Co. will perform “The Laramie Project,” a story based around the heinous 1998 murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard, Feb. 3 and 4 at 6:33 p.m. at the high school.

'Star Wars, Dark Matter and Dvorak'

Conductor John Zoltek and the Glacier Symphony will perform ‘Star Wars, Dark Matter and Dvorak’ at a pair of Flathead Valley locations Feb. 11 and 12.

Glacier glides past Braves, 57-41

By JOSEPH TERRY

Wolfpack girls slug Flathead

By JOSEPH TERRY

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COLUMBIA FALLS — Kiara Burlage led a balanced Class A Columbia Falls offense with 19 points as the Wildkats cruised by Class B Bigfork 63-21 in nonconference girls basketball play Thursday evening.

Push for state wrestling starts this weekend

By DAVID LESNICK

Milo Yiannopoulos' UC Berkeley talk canceled

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — A talk at the University of California at Berkeley by Milo Yiannopoulos, a Breitbart News editor, was canceled Wednesday out of safety concerns after anti-fascist and socialist protesters hurled smoke bombs, broke windows and started a bonfire.

Plea made for county pawn ordinance

A Kalispell couple whose home was burglarized twice during the past year have asked the Flathead County commissioners to consider a countywide pawn-shop measure that would work in tandem with the city of Kalispell’s ordinance, which requires pawn and secondhand shops to use online software to connect their inventory to the police department.

Campaign regulator can remain until replacement is confirmed

HELENA (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl’s term has expired, but he can remain in office until a successor is found.

Medical marijuana patient seeks ruling on 'usable' marijuana

BILLINGS (AP) — A medical marijuana patient is asking the Montana Supreme Court to rule whether the state can prosecute him and other patients for possessing more than one ounce of marijuana, even if the plant is not yet dry.

Electric co-op breaks record in efficiency program

Flathead Electric Co-op helped a record number of businesses save money by offering a rebate for installing energy efficient light fixtures last year.

Whitefish fly shop OK'd for move to Spokane Avenue

Whitefish City Council Jan. 17 gave its approval for Lakestream Fly Shop to operate out of a recently remodeled building on Spokane Avenue.

C-Falls teachers wear red in support of public schools

Several teachers at the Columbia Falls Junior High wore “Red for Ed” last week. The Red for Ed movement supports public education and public schools, and is also against President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of education, Betsy DeVos.

County, cities search for 911 center funding

How to pay for the Flathead County consolidated 911 dispatch center resurfaced as a major issue this week when the county and its incorporated cities met to revise the county’s 911 interlocal agreement.

FVCC Chef's Table events to begin Friday

The students of the Culinary Institute of Montana at Flathead Valley Community College will present several Chef’s Table events this spring in the FVCC culinary kitchen.

Flathead Basin Commission meets today

Members of the Flathead Basin Commission will hold a meeting at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Smith Valley School seeks approval for $6 million bond

Smith Valley School District will seek voter approval of a $6 million bond issue in an upcoming mail-ballot election to expand facilities and accommodate enrollment growth.

Kalispell local chased by feral feline

A feral cat has been tormenting a resident of Twin Peaks Road in Kalispell, allegedly chasing the person as they leave their house. The resident spoke with Flathead County Sheriff’s Office about how to handle the cat’s unwanted advances.

Chairman makes plea for political cooperation

Urging state lawmakers to place the shared values of Montanans above the divisiveness and “extremes” pervading national politics, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council Chairman Vernon Finley provided the State of the Tribal Nations address to the Montana House of Representatives on Wednesday.

FVCC Senior Institute registration opens Feb. 1

Registration for Flathead Valley Community College’s annual Senior Institute opens Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 8 a.m. Designed for seniors ages 65 years and older, the program promotes lifelong learning and allows seniors to learn new information, develop and enhance skills, connect with other seniors and stay active during the winter months.

Legals February 1, 2017

No. 24214 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF FLATHEAD IN THE MATTER OF: C.A.S., YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE Cause No. DN-13-026(B) SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION To: Raymond Owen Bonner a/k/a Robbie Bonner and any Unknown Father YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition has been filed in the above-entitled Court by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division, 121 Financial Drive, Suite C, Kalispell, MT 59901, requesting Termination of Parental Rights with Permanent Legal Custody and Right to Consent to Adoption of the above-named child. NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear on Monday, February 27, 2017 and Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days before the Honorable Robert B. Allison, District Judge, Flathead County Justice Center, 920 South Main Street, Third Floor, Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why the Petition should not be granted. The child was born on March 10, 2012 in Whitefish, Flathead County, Montana. The birth mother is Brittney Kole Sellars. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent you. Your failure to appear at the hearing constitutes a denial of your interest in the above-named child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. A copy of the Petition is filed with the Clerk of District Court for the Eleventh Judicial District Court in and for Flathead County, Montana, telephone (406) 758-5870. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 19th day of January, 2017. PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: SHARA ARNT Deputy Clerk January 25, and February 1, 8, 2017 MNAXLP

ViZn Energy on business alliance's watch list

ViZn Energy of Columbia Falls has been named one of 15 Montana companies to watch in 2017 by the Montana High Tech Business Alliance.

Speedy 'Cat heading to Griz

Braxton Reiten had one of the most remarkable senior seasons in the history of football in the Flathead Valley.

Flathead, Glacier hoops square off with lots on the line

The first crosstown basketball meetings of the year tip off tonight at Glacier High School.

Voisin a top qualifier for U.S. Grand Prix

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. — Whitefish skier Maggie Voisin was one of the top qualifiers for this weekend’s U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort.