Saturday, August 31
Legals August 31, 2019
No. 26470 Public Notice On or after the September 13th, 2019 Airport Mini Storage will have a public Auction. Gardner Auction Service will conduct the auction at 200 United Drive, Kalispell MT 59901. To be sold for cash, the personal items stored by: Mike & Meghan Mohr and others that have received notice per MCA 70-6-420. Airport Mini Storage Office: 282 4th Ave. WN, Kalispell MT 59901. 406-257-9066. August 31, September 7, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________
Kalispell council still mulling health levy increase
The Kalispell City Council held a work session Monday to discuss raising the city’s mill levy to provide increased funding for the Flathead City-County Health Department. The health department has asked for a mill levy of 5.99 for fiscal year 2020, an increase from last year’s 4.9 amount.
FVCC art students get creative with recycled materials
Honey the Bear is no ordinary bruin. It took more than 350 hours to construct. And it’s made up almost entirely of recycled cardboard.
Kmart closing Evergreen store by mid-December
Kmart in Evergreen will close by mid-December, the company’s public relations director announced in an email statement Friday.
Man sentenced for vehicle thefts, home burglaries
A Northwest Montana man who stole numerous vehicles from Sanders, Lake and Flathead counties, and burglarized several homes in Troy will spend time behind bars.
Woman loves to call cops 'for no reason'
A guest at a Kalispell motel called to complain about a street vendor she claimed “is constantly harassing kids.” However, it later came to light the caller “is always calling the cops on people for no reason” and “she is not a victim of anything,” according to the Kalispell Police Department.
C-Falls spikers win Tip-Off event, Flathead splits in Great Falls
BUTTE — Columbia Falls captured the title at the Northwest A/Southwest A Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday at the Butte Civic Center with a dramatic 25-23, 24-26, 15-14 volleyball victory over Corvallis.
Butterfield, Erickson win x-country titles at Libby
LIBBY — Aiden Butterfield of Bigfork and Lara Erickson of Columbia Falls were the individual winners for boys and girls at the Libby Invitational cross country meet on Saturday at J Neils Park.
Glacier boys tie Hellgate in season soccer opener 2-2
MISSOULA — The Glacier Wolfpack soccer team battled through injuries to three of its starters to tie Western AA foe Missoula Hellgate on Saturday in its season opener 2-2.
Labor Day Golf Tourney Lindholm, Gordon post low rounds
Kalispell’s Logan Lindholm shot 59 to tie his tournament course record on the Cameron 9 with a bogey-free round and two-time defending champion Kali Gordon of Okotoks, Alberta, shot a 4-under-par 70 on the Championship 18 as both top the leaderboard after the first day of play in the 82nd annual Labor Day Golf Tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.
Friday, August 30
Rumble in the Bay car show, Ferndale fly-in staged this weekend
Classic car fans can head to Bigfork this weekend for the 12th annual Rumble in the Bay car show.
Lake County plane crash victims ID'd
Three Indiana men died in a plane crash outside of St. Ignatius Thursday afternoon, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Legals August 30, 2019
No. 26455 Montana Eleventh Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Mary Elizabeth Ward: Mary Elizabeth Ward, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-671D DAN WILSON Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Mary Elizabeth Ward to Kaiden Alex Ward. The hearing will be on October 01, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Flathead County. Date: August 8, 2019 PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: /s/ SARAH ARRIGONI Deputy Clerk of Court August 23, 30, September 6, 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
James Anthony Kiley, 93
James “Jim” Kiley, 93, loving father, husband, friend and physician, died on Aug. 21, 2019, in Portland, Oregon, after a long illness. He was a family physician in Kalispell from 1972 until his retirement 15 years ago.
Wrong button pushed for cellphone help
A woman hung up after calling 911. When dispatchers called back, she said she didn’t have an emergency and purportedly thought a sliding button on her cellphone that read “Emergency SOS” meant getting help for her phone.
Diane Carver Anderson, 68
Diane Carver Anderson passed away peacefully on Aug. 27, 2019, at her home in Minneapolis.
Land-use advocacy group shutting down
A funding shortfall has forced Citizens for a Better Flathead to temporarily suspend operations and close its office after nearly 30 years of advocating for Flathead Valley’s water resources, agricultural heritage and the environment through planning and policy solutions.
Governor Bullock talks tech at West Valley School
Montana Governor and Democratic presidential candidate Steve Bullock on Thursday stopped for a visit at West Valley School to meet with student ambassadors, talk about education and highlight progress made throughout the state to upgrade broadband in schools.
Rev. Robert K. Pearce Sr., 91
Reverend Robert K. Pearce Sr., 91, was welcomed into his eternal reward on Aug. 27, 2019, surrounded by his loving children at the Beehive in Columbia Falls.
Soccer Stillwater girls split, boys drop 2 on Idaho trip
BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — Two late goals allowed Bonners Ferry to escape with a 2-0 boys nonconference soccer victory over Stillwater Christian School (0-2) on Friday afternoon.
C-Falls, Libby pace NW A spikers at Tip-Off Tourney
BUTTE — Columbia Falls and Libby led the way for Northwest A volleyball teams on Friday at the Northwest A/Southwest A Tip-Off Tournament at the Butte Civic Central.
Prep Football Roundup Townsend trips Bigfork; Libby, Eureka roll
BIGFORK — A 38-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trey Hoveland to Dawson Sweat with 7 seconds left before halftime put Townsend in front for good en route to a 20-14 Class B nonconference season opening football victory over Bigfork on Friday night.
Hawks blow by Braves
By KATIE BROWN
Glacier slams Skyview
BILLINGS — Junior quarterback JT Allen passed for 292 yards and four touchdowns and sophomore Jake Rendina ran for three more as Glacier slammed Billings Skyview 47-6 on Friday night in the Class AA football opener for both schools.
Thursday, August 29
American Airlines to fly direct to New York City
American Airlines will operate a direct flight from Glacier Park International Airport to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport starting next June, the airline announced Thursday.
Fire damages Weyerhaeuser's C-Falls plant
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a fire that occurred around 8 p.m. Wednesday night at the Weyerhaeuser medium-density fiberboard plant in Columbia Falls, according to plant officials.
Legals August 29, 2019
No. 26410 Montana Eleventh Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Sarah Jellison: Sarah Jellison, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-644D DAN WILSON Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Sarah Marie Jellison to Nic Arin Jellison. The hearing will be on September 17, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Justice Center in Flathead County. Date: July 26, 2019 PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: /s/ AYLA M HILL Deputy Clerk of Court August 8, 15, 22, 29, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Letters to the editor Aug. 29
It’s time! Thank the Lord for President Trump who has started the process of modifying and modernizing the Endangered Species Act.
Drinking leads to confusion over keys
Kalispell Police Department received a call from a woman who was slurring her words and reportedly said the emergency was that “Ashley took Amy’s keys.” Amy got on the line and told dispatchers there was no emergency and they didn’t need police, fire or medical help, and would sober up and call back tomorrow if they still wanted to report something.
The bears are back in town
Kids are back in school, nights are getting chilly and bears are roaming town — three sure signs that the end of summer is near in Northwest Montana.
Glacier, Flathead spikers start play on Saturday
It might be cooling off outside but things are heating up in the gym for the Flathead and Glacier high school volleyball teams.
Corvallis, Hamilton golfers lead way at Ronan Invite
RONAN — Macee Greenwood of Corvallis and Bryce Reed of Hamilton both shot 70 en route to medalist honors for girls and boys on Thursday at the Ronan Invitational golf tournament at Mission Mountain Golf Course.
Hat tricks for Getts, Windauer in C-Falls soccer sweep of Polson
POLSON — Hat tricks by Niels Getts and Josie Windauer carried Columbia Falls to a sweep of Polson in Northern A boys and girls soccer play on Thursday evening.
New season, fresh start for area football teams
The Daily Inter Lake
Wednesday, August 28
Two in custody following vehicle chase
A man and woman are in custody following a Tuesday morning pursuit of a reckless driver that ended at the intersection of U.S. 93 and Wyoming Street.
Letters to the editor Aug. 26
I am opposed to the red flag Laws that are being pushed on us by President Trump and the RINO Republican leadership. These laws violate the Second Amendment and my right to defend myself and this takes away our independence.
Legals August 28, 2019
No. 26380 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Board of Commissioners of Flathead County, Montana hereby gives notice, pursuant to Section 76-2-205(1), M.C.A., that it will hold a public hearing to consider a request by Charles A. & Jeannette M. Pisk to change the zoning designation in a portion of the Highway 93 North Zoning District from SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural) and AG-40 (Agricultural) to R-2.5 (Rural Residential). The boundaries of the area proposed to be amended from SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural) and AG-40 (Agricultural) to R-2.5 (Rural Residential) are described as: Parcel B of Certificate of Survey No. 18866, located in those portions of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 11, and in the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 14, all in Township 29 North, Range 22 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. The regulations defining the SAG-5, AG-40 and R-2.5 zones are contained in the Flathead County Zoning Regulations, on file for public inspection at the Office of the Board of Commissioners, 800 South Main, Room 302, Kalispell, Montana, at the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, 40 11th Street West, Kalispell, Montana, and online at: http://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/downloads.php. Documents related to the proposed zone change are also on for file for public inspection at the Office of the Board of Commissioners and at the Planning and Zoning Office. The public hearing will be held on the 12th day of September, 2019 at 10:00 o'clock a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, Third Floor, Old Courthouse, Kalispell, Montana. At the public hearing, the Board of Commissioners will give the public an opportunity to be heard regarding the proposed change to the Highway 93 North Zoning District. Written comments are encouraged and will be reviewed by the Commissioners if received at least three days prior to the hearing. DATED this 22nd day of July, 2019. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Philip B. Mitchell Philip B. Mitchell, Chair August 28, September 4, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________
Harold Nolan Barber, 89
Harold Nolan Barber, 89, died early Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2019, at his home in Lewistown as a result of an accident.
Shirley Ann Nadeau Matosich, 91
Shirley Matosich passed away peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 24, 2019, at the age of 91 at her home on Swan Lake after a brief and blessed relatively-pain-free battle with pancreatic cancer.
Browning team takes top honors at Indian Relay Races
The 2019 Leroy Skunkcap Memorial Indian Relay Races were held during halftime of the Northwest Montana Fair rodeo on Aug. 15-16, with the championship held Aug. 17 during the final night of rodeo action. The Black Rock relay team from Browning garnered first place in the championship race, and took home a $3,250 payout, plus saddles, buckles, jackets and blankets.
Yaak advocates describe trail route as 'giant train wreck'
The small population of grizzly bears in the Yaak Valley rarely encounters humans or their influences, according to Rick Bass, an acclaimed writer and conservationist long associated with the Yaak.
Vera M. (Sullivan) Good, 100
Vera M. (Sullivan) Good passed away Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, at Wel-LIfe Center in Kalispell.
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- ImagineIF Libraries board meets at 9 a.m., meeting room, Kalispell. Call Connie Behe, 758-5824.
Lorraine Gail Wise Schultz, 93
Our beloved little mommy left us on Aug. 26, 2019, to be reunited with many of her treasured family members.
FVCC students begin fall semester
Cracking spines on new textbooks.
Linforth Murray Sultzer, 86
Linforth Murray Sultzer, 86, passed away peacefully at Kalispell Regional Medical Center Sunday morning, Aug. 25, 2019.
Rebecca Ann Johnson, 63
Rebecca Ann Johnson, also known as Becky, passed away in her home in Kalispell on June 6, 2019, at the age of 63.
Salish Kootenai College gets funding for Indigenous Research Center
Salish Kootenai College will receive a $3.5 million National Science Foundation grant to fund an Indigenous Research Center on its campus in Pablo, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., announced Tuesday.
Closures expected with Kalispell trail construction
Construction will begin on a new segment of the multi-use trail along U.S. 93 North in Kalispell on Monday, Sept. 9.
Whitefish's Kahle top golfer with 72 at C-Falls Invitational
COLUMBIA FALLS — Cameron Kahle of Whitefish won his second golf title in two days on Wednesday with an even-par 72 in the Columbia Falls Invitational at Meadow Lake Golf Club. Kahle finished five shots ahead of Bryce Reed of Hamilton.
Explosion reported at Weyerhaeuser plant
COLUMBIA FALLS — Columbia Falls residents near the Weyerhaeuser plant reported hearing an explosion coming from the facility late Wednesday evening.
Tuesday, August 27
Active bears bring camping restrictions to St. Mary
The St. Mary Campground, located on the east side of Glacier National Park, is temporarily available to hard-sided camping only due to bear activity. The hiker/biker sites will also be temporarily unavailable at this campground due to the change.
Legals August 27, 2019
No. 26445 NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY TO: Richard L. Mason, 135 Cobler Village, Kalispell, MT 59901; Capital One Bank, 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, VA 22102-3491; Flathead County Treasurer, 935 1st Ave West, Suite T, Kalispell, MT 59901; The CIT Group/Sales Financing, Inc., 715 Metropolitan Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73108-2088; c/o Discover Bank, Rodenburg Law Firm, PO Box 4127, Bismarck, ND 58502-4127 ; Discover Financial Services, PO Box Financial Services, P.O. Box 30943, Salt Lake City, UT; Capital One Bank, c/o Rausch, Sturm, Israel, Enerson & Hornik, PLCC, 3209 W 76th Street, Suite 301, Minneapolis, MN 55435; The CIT Group/Sales Financing, Inc, 999 North West Grand Blvd. Suite 600, Oklahoma City, OK 73118; Unknown Interested Party, Address Unknown. Pursuant to section 15-18-212, Montana Code Annotated, Notice is Hereby Given: 1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: S20, T28 N, R22 W, TR 11CAE in SW4. Parcel No: 0000400562. Geo: 07-3965-20-3-03-25-0000. 2. The property taxes became delinquent on 01 June, 2016. 3. The property tax lien was attached as the result of a tax lien sale held on 15 July, 2016. 4. The property tax lien was purchased at a tax lien sale on 15 July, 2016, by Flathead County Treasurer, 935 1st Ave W, Ste. T, Kalispell, MT 59901. 5. The lien was subsequently assigned to LS Samantha Court, LLC, PO Box 97, Corbett, OR 97019. 6. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is: Taxes: $933.16 Penalty & Interest 146.49 Cost 694.85 Total: $1,774.50 7. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 6 must be paid by October 27th, 2019, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired. 8. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to October 27th, 2019, which is the date the redemption period expires, or on or prior to the date on which the county treasurer will otherwise issue a tax deed, a tax deed may be issued to the purchaser on the day following the date that the redemption period expires or on the date the county treasurer will otherwise issue a tax deed. 9. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Flathead County Treasurer, 935 1st Ave., W, Ste T, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone: (406) 758-5680. Further notice for those persons listed above whose addresses are unknown: 1. The address of the interested party is unknown. 2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance. 3. The interested party's rights in the property may be in jeopardy. Dated: at 5:00 pm this August 17th, 2019 /s/Suzanne McDaniel-Deibert Published August 20th, 2019 and August 27th, 2019 August 20, 27, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Patrick Brian Gulick, 73
Patrick Brian Gulick, 73, passed away June 30, 2019, in Blachly, Oregon.
Dwayne Allen Hamilton, 45
Dwayne Allen Hamilton, 45, passed away Aug. 2, 2019, at The HealthCenter in Kalispell.
Dam repairs planned for Lion Lake
The Flathead National Forest is preparing to make improvements to the Lion Lake dam located near Hungry Horse. The water level will be lowered three feet over the next several weeks so that additional studies can occur and to prepare for improvements.
Polson theater breaks ground on new complex
Showboat Cinemas in Polson is adding four new screens and auditoriums in the coming months.
Suspect pleads guilty in pretrial agreement over drug possession
A pretrial plea agreement has been reached involving Jaymes Dean Leduc, 28, of Kalispell, who agreed to plead guilty to two charges of felony possession of dangerous drugs in separate court cases.
Ryan Lamb pleads not guilty to amended homicide
Ryan Cody Lamb, who is accused of fatally stabbing his boyfriend with scissors, pleaded not guilty to an amended charge of felony negligent homicide in Flathead District Court Aug. 21.
County ready to adopt $99.2M budget Many property owners will see slight dip in taxes
A public hearing for the final consideration and approval of the fiscal year 2020 Flathead County budget, consisting of $99.2 million in total expenditures, tops the commissioners’ agenda on Wednesday.
Ethel McKenzie
Ethel McKenzie departed this life early in the morning of Aug. 9, 2019. She entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior whom she loved and served all her 95 years.
High School Golf Mercer nets medalist title at Missoula Invite
MISSOULA — Flathead’s Marcella Mercer collected her first medalist honors of the fall season at the Missoula Invitational on Tuesday.
Flathead, Glacier gearing up for AA football season
By KATIE BROWN
Monday, August 26
Lakeside foundation teaches unique art of wooden boat making
Susan Timmons pulls a small planing tool over a sloping piece of wood with methodic concentration. She keeps her eye trained on the surface, working carefully to achieve the perfect curve on her tiller — the steering arm of her sailboat-in-progress.
Cat perishes in structure fire
No people were injured but a cat died in a trailer fire on Maple Drive in Evergreen Sunday night.
Legals August 26, 2019
No. 26446 Doug Scotti Frampton Purdy Law Firm 530 West 19th St., Ste. 301 Whitefish, MT 59937 Phone: (406) 862-9600 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FLATHEAD COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of KAREN SIKES, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent 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 Donald K. Sikes, Jr., the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 530 W 19th Street, Whitefish, MT 59937, or filed with Clerk of the above Court. Dated this 15th day of August 2019. By: /s/ Donald K. Sikes, Jr. Donald K. Sikes, Jr. 16530 237th Avenue SE Issaquah, WA 98027 August 19, 26, September 2, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
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- AARP Driver Safety Course, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Libby Christian Church. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 283-7000.
Kalispell council mulls increased funding for health department
The Kalispell City Council will discuss a mill levy increase that would bump up city funding for the Flathead City-County Health Department at a work session this evening.
Man stuffs stolen socks in pants, flees
Kalispell Police Department received a report about a man seen stuffing things down his pants and then “left in a big hurry.” The man reportedly stole socks and a pair of sunglasses.
Flathead fire manager preaches preparation
Summer may be a time for rest, relaxation and vacation for many, but Lincoln Chute has a different approach to the season.
Flathead's Mercer leads at Missoula Invitational
Missoula — Flathead’s Marcella Mercer leads the Missoula Invitational golf tournament after Monday’s first round of play at Larchmont Golf Course.
Sunday, August 25
Births KRMC
Esther Cushman, daughter of Josh and Alyssa Cushman of Kalispell, was born June 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Legals August 25, 2019
No. 26442 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS COLUMBIA FALLS WELL No. 3 CITY OF COLUMBIA FALLS, MONTANA The City of Columbia Falls ("City") is soliciting Proposals from qualified consultants for professional engineering services on the Columbia Falls Well No. 3 Project. Drinking water for the City of Columbia Falls is supplied by two wells, the Louisiana Pacific (LP) Well and the Clare Park Well. The City's existing wells do not produce enough water to satisfy the City's current maximum day demand with the largest producing well out of service, as required by Circular DEQ-1. The City recently had a preliminary engineering report, (PER), completed for the water system. The PER recommends construction of a third well to address current and future water demands. The project will provide engineering services to design a new 1800 GPM municipal drinking water well and connections to the existing distribution system. The project includes engineering services for investigations, permitting, design, bid and construction of the well in accordance with the PER, drinking water regulations and as directed by the City. Respondents are required to submit their response to this Request for Proposals, (RFP) no later than 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019. Mail or hand deliver proposals to: City of Columbia Falls City Clerk 130 6th Street West Columbia Falls, Montana 59912 Respondents are encouraged to attend a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting at 10:00 AM. on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at City Hall Public Works Department, 130 6th St. West, Columbia Falls. Full RFP text, supporting documents and instruction packet are available on the City of Columbia Falls website at https://cityofcolumbiafalls.org/public-notices All questions concerning this request or the scope of work should be directed to Tyler Bradshaw, P.E., Public Works Director, (406) 892-4430 or email: bradshawt@cityofcolumbiafalls.com Barb Staaland, City Clerk August 18, 25, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________
Program offers a good way to 'age in place'
As the Flathead County Agency on Aging was formulating its new long-range aging plan earlier this year, agency leaders asked seniors what they feared most about aging. Many older adults concurred that losing their independence and being a burden to their families are two of their biggest worries.
Leonard Lewis Secord, 86
Leonard Lewis Secord, of Columbia Falls, passed away at the Brendan House on Aug. 14, 2019. He was 86.
Sun Road reconstruction was far from a sure thing
I’d like to congratulate Glacier National Park on completing the Going-to-the-Sun Road rehabilitation.
Fixing Montana's rural health-care crisis
Montana is Big Sky Country. Rangelands, forests, and farmer’s fields spread between our towns and cities. Rural life is at the core of our identity as a state and as a people. Yet, as our country expands and moves forward, in many ways too many Montana communities are stuck facing huge hurdles accessing quality healthc are.
Letters to the editor Aug. 25
Helena Rev. DeBree quoted Sen. Steve Daines in a letter printed in the Daily Inter (Aug. 18) Lake: “Many experts believe firearm restriction proposals would be ineffective in preventing violent crimes.”
County Syringe Exchange Program seeing positive results
For the first time since the Flathead County Syringe Exchange Program launched nearly six months ago, the Flathead County City-County Health Department has started taking in more syringes than it is giving out — a significant accomplishment for the young initiative that provides an avenue to disease prevention, addiction treatment, and more.
Robert 'Bobby' Alan Crawford Jr., 40
Robert “Bobby” Alan Crawford Jr., died unexpectedly in a work accident on July 11, 2019, in Dunn County, North Dakota, at the age of 40.
Slipper shuffler suspected of break-in
A woman told the Kalispell Police Department she believed her house had been broken into because “her slippers were moved” and the door seemed loose.
Richard Lee 'Rick' Klein, 80
Rick passed away July 24, 2019, at the Whitefish Care Center.
Fake raptors an ineffective deterrent for wise osprey
The great horned owl perches on a crossarm and peers through sightless eyes across McWenneger Slough.
Philip Cyrus Provence, 97
Philip Cyrus Provence passed away Aug. 13, 2019, in Kalispell.
Election will prove if Montana's independent spirit is still alive
As a longtime Helena resident, a previous legislator, and victim of dark money, I remain privy to insider Montana politics. The 2020 governor’s race has much in common with past “buy and bully” politics, where cattle barons and copper kings controlled Montana.
New franchise locations in North Kalispell
The latest addition to the U.S. 93 North commercial corridor in Kalispell will house a new Jimmy John’s sandwich shop and Spectrum store.
E. James 'Jim' Porteus, 80
E. James “Jim” Porteus, 80, of Bozeman passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019.
Potter's creations capture the spirit of Montana
Inside a dusky 102-year-old cabin in the remote town of Trego, Casey Fuson tells stories with clay.
Home-care service expands, flips name
After 12 years in the Flathead Valley, Agape Home Care is expanding across Montana. The home-care service is franchising its model and rebranding under the name Epaga, or Agape spelled backward.
Big pharma is out of control
Don’t be fooled by the current Washington, D.C. rhetoric about “reforming” the pharmaceutical industry. Most recently Sen. Chuck Grassley has been promoting his bill which would place inflation-based caps on Medicare drug prices. There are also proposals to eliminate “middlemen” and increase transparency in pricing. While these things would be an improvement, they don’t address the fundamental problem of a drug industry gone wild.
Saturday, August 24
Voisin offers scholarship to join freestyle team
Whitefish’s own slopestyle skiing superstar, Maggie Voisin, has announced she is offering a scholarship to cover the fees to join the Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Team, as well as the cost of a season pass for the upcoming year. The scholarship will be awarded to one athlete, male or female, skier or snowboarder.
Who let the dog out? Who knows
A dog owner claimed a neighbor’s boxer ran out of the yard a month ago and bit his dog but didn’t break the skin, according to the Whitefish Police Department. The boxer owners claimed the dog didn’t leave the yard or bite the other dog. Since there was a lack of conclusive evidence about whether the dog actually left the yard and bit the other canine, the case was dismissed.
Groundbreaking set for Whitefish housing project
A groundbreaking ceremony for Alpenglow Apartments, a new 38-unit workforce housing development in Whitefish, is planned at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the development site, 536 Edgewood Place.
E. James 'Jim' Porteus, 80
E. James “Jim” Porteus, 80, of Bozeman passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019.
Mental-health grant targets reservation students
Social, emotional and physical wellbeing are interlinked to a person’s overall wellness.
State to remove non-native fish from Cooney Creek
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks will use backpack electro-fishing equipment to capture and remove non-native brook and rainbow trout from Cooney Creek, a tributary of the upper Swan River.
Columbia Falls test orchard identifies keepers and 'dogs'
At least two things bore fruit this growing season at the Wildcat Garden in Columbia Falls.
Higher expectations for Flathead, Glacier soccer
By DAVID LESNICK
Friday, August 23
Pablo man acquitted of murder charge
A Pablo man charged with murder in the shooting death of 30-year-old Matthew Adam Posey Darnell, of Polson, was found not guilty by a jury this week, according to the Lake County Clerk of Courts Office.
Rabid bat scratches Glacier Park resident
A rabid bat scratched a park resident in the St. Mary area of Glacier National Park last Thursday, according to a press release from the Glacier County Health Department.
Two grizzlies captured, relocated from Flathead Valley
As autumn looms and fruit trees are bountiful, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks officials have been kept busy as bears seek food sources.
Legals August 23, 2019
No. 26437 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: ABANDONMENT OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY PETITION NO. 504 - PORTION 5TH STREET WEST, HUNGRY HORSE, MT Notice is hereby given that the Board of Viewers has reported to the Flathead County Board of Commissioners on the abandonment of that certain public right-of-way on a portion of 5th Street West in Hungry Horse, MT that can legally be described as follows: A tract of land, situated, lying, and being in a portion of 5th Street West, as shown on the plat of first addition to Hungry Horse City, and in Government Lot 9 and the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 6, Township 30 North, Range 19 West, Flathead County, Montana, and more particularly described as follows to wit: Commencing at a found iron pin being in the southwest corner of Lot 39, Block 14 of the plat of First Addition to Hungry Horse City (records of Flathead County, Montana), which is on the east right-of-way of 5th Street West; Thence West 60.00 feet to the true point of beginning of the tract of land herein described: Thence South 720.08 feet; Thence West 20.85 feet to the northeast corner of Lot 13, Block 5, of the plat of South Fork (records of Flathead County, Montana), which is on the west right-of-way of 5th Street West; Thence North 989.63 feet to a round iron pin being the southwest corner of Lot 26, Block 15 of the plat of First Addition to Hungry Horse City (records of Flathead County, Montana), which is on the south right-of-way of River Drive; Thence along said right-of-way S54o31'47"E 25.60 feet; Thence South 254.69 feet to the point of beginning and containing .470 ACRE. Notice is hereby given to the petitioners or landowners, as disclosed by the last assessment roll of Flathead County, owning land abutting the portion of the right-of-way on 5th Street West in Hungry Horse, as described above, that it is being considered for abandonment. The public hearing on this petition for the proposed abandonment is set for Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 9:15 o'clock a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, Third Floor, County Courthouse, 800 South Main, Kalispell, Montana. For further information, please call 758-5537. DATED this 13th day of August, 2019. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Philip B. Mitchell Philip B. Mitchell, Chairperson August 16, 23, 2019 MNAXLP ______________________
My Glacier Village part of national effort to assist older adults
Come mid-September, a nationwide movement known as The Village, which strives to help older adults independently “age in place” and develop social circles, will make its way to the Flathead Valley.
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Tie-breaker vote pushes Whitefish housing project forward
A split Whitefish City Council on Monday approved a controversial 54-unit apartment complex on Whitefish’s north side, but it took a tie-breaker vote to move the project forward.
Jury's still out on who owns Tinkerbell
The rightful owner of a chihuahua named Tinkerbell was up for dispute when a woman said her daughter had her dog and “she wants it back,” she told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. The woman claimed to have papers from a veterinarian proving the dog is hers.
Easements could protect habitat, ensure public access
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission recently unanimously approved the acquisition by the state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks of the Kootenai Forestlands conservation easement.
Rita Kathleen Greenup (Ostby) Ulrich, 72
Rita Kathleen Greenup (Ostby) Ulrich, 72, passed away peacefully in her sleep of natural causes on Aug. 19, 2019, in Cody, Wyoming. Rita’s death was an unexpected shock to family and friends, who enjoyed her vibrant, engaging personality to the very end.
Thursday, August 22
Deal protects elk habitat on Montana's Rocky Mountain Front
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation recently brokered a land transaction that will permanently protect 442 acres of wildlife and riparian habitat near Augusta along Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front.
King salmon in Montana
The uneducated angler might argue that there is no such thing as a “King” salmon in Montana…Take that bet! Just like in the Great Lakes, there are freshwater Chinook (or King) salmon populating the waters of Fort Peck Reservoir in Eastern Montana, and now is the time to get in on the action. For this fishery, you have two basic options. One is to bring a boat over that is equipped to successfully chase Lake Trout on Flathead Lake and the other is to hire a guide that specializes in this fishery. We have those guides in place on the reservoir and would be happy to assist you in getting a trip booked. More on that later.
Bigfork playhouse celebrates 60 years of curtain calls
In 1960, Bigfork was a far cry from the affluent artistic hamlet that it is today. There were a handful of restaurants and mom and pop shops that largely catered to the population of fishermen who frequented the area. In the winter months, the meager population depleted even further so that, as one resident said, you could roll a bowling ball down Electric Avenue and not hit a single car.
Film club screens 'Always,' filmed in Libby
The Historic Film Club screens the classic romantic drama “Always” at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, at the Museum at Central School.
Artists garner top awards at Hockaday's 'A Timeless Legacy'
Shanna Kunz was presented the Lucile Van Slyck Best in Show Award at the Hockaday Museum of Art’s “A Timeless Legacy” exhibit earlier this month. The award was given in recognition of the most outstanding presentation of three works of art.
Ninepipes program celebrates trumpeter swans
It is a thrill to see the big white trumpeter swans in the sky over the Mission Valley, and the Ninepipes Museum in Charlo is celebrating the trumpeter swans with a special program Saturday, Aug. 24.
Whitefish Theatre holds auditions for season opener
The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for the 2019-2020 season opening production of “Over the River and Through the Woods” at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Arrive early to fill out an audition application and review the script. Enter at the north side of the building near the conference room.
Hightail it to the Whitefish Trail Hootenanny
Celebrate local trails and open lands with Whitefish Legacy Partners’ annual Whitefish Trail Hootenanny event from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, in Depot Park in downtown Whitefish. All ages are welcome, and participants are encouraged to walk or ride their bikes to the event.
Camp restrictions posted at Rising Sun due to bear activity
Rising Sun Campground along the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east side of Glacier National Park is temporarily limited to hard-sided camping because of black bear activity, park officials said Thursday.
Legals August 22, 2019
No. 26410 Montana Eleventh Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Sarah Jellison: Sarah Jellison, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-644D DAN WILSON Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Sarah Marie Jellison to Nic Arin Jellison. The hearing will be on September 17, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Justice Center in Flathead County. Date: July 26, 2019 PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: /s/ AYLA M HILL Deputy Clerk of Court August 8, 15, 22, 29, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Letters to the editor Aug. 22
Antisemitism is on the rise and I don’t know why. There isn’t a group of people in the world who has contributed more to science, technology and medicine than the Jews. Israel is the only country in the Middle East that is democratic and truly functional. They have turned a desert into an oasis and produce food for export. The medical instruments they produce rival the Swiss, and their military is one of the most advanced in the world.
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- Glacier National Park grand opening of its new astronomical observatory, St. Mary Visitor Center. Tours 9-11 a.m. Dedication 6:15 p.m. Astronomy program 9:30 p.m. to midnight, weather dependent. Public invited.
Smith Valley to vote on fire department staffing levy
The Smith Valley Fire District is once again asking voters to support a mill-levy request that would allow the local fire department to bring on additional paid staff and thus, increase emergency response times.
Rebuilding Sperry is a marvel, even in modern times
The logistics of rebuilding the Sperry Chalet dormitory on a stone bluff high up in Glacier National Park are perhaps not as daunting as they were when the original chalet opened in 1913. After all, construction workers have the benefit of power tools and other modern amenities these days.
2 lions killed in Columbia Falls park
Two young mountain lions were shot and killed near River’s Edge Park in Columbia Falls over the weekend.
Full moon on display in coworker spat
An employee called Kalispell Police Department to report a man and woman in a parking lot on U.S. 93 South who allegedly wanted to fight their coworker. The dynamic duo were told to leave because they were reportedly drinking and “being belligerent.” The man, who was already wearing saggy pants, apparently mooned them.
Cross Country Glacier's Simon Hill one of AA's top returners
It’s a very short regular season— seven meets in six weeks — then state on Oct. 26 in Great Falls.
Wednesday, August 21
4-vehicle crash injures 2, snarls traffic
A four-vehicle crash late Tuesday afternoon near the intersection of U.S. 2 and West Reserve Drive in Evergreen sent two people to the hospital and snarled traffic for nearly two hours.
Clarity level of Flathead Lake leads Montana
Flathead Lake Biological Station director Jim Elser delivered his State of the Lake address during the bio station’s recent open house, honing in on the blueness of the lake as it relates to water quality.
Legals August 21, 2019
No. 26394 Weed & Parks Board Vacancy The Weed & Parks Board is a five-member panel responsible for the administration of the Flathead County Weed District and the Parks & Recreation Departments. Duties of trustees include promoting cooperative weed control with public education and outreach programs, developing public parkland, managing the County trail system, and providing recreational Opportunities that meet the present and future needs of the community. There is one position available that will begin upon appointment and expire on December 31, 2021. Letters of interest are being accepted until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the following address: Flathead County Commissioners 800 South Main, Room 302 Kalispell, MT 59901 Via email to malbertson@flathead.mt.gov For more information, please call 758-5537. July 28, August 4, 21, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Flathead reveals renovations, celebrates new era for school
The unveiling of the approximately $19 million Flathead High School construction project to the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday was a time to celebrate the future, but also remember the past.
Ryan Jackson Hensley, 22
Ryan Jackson Hensley, 22, of Kalispell, passed away on Aug. 12, 2019.
Sally Kay Bertelsen, 51
Sally Kay Bertelsen, 51, died of a pulmonary embolism June 18, 2019, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Frederick William Herman Griepp, 98
Frederick William Herman Griepp, 98, passed away on July 20, 2019, staying in his own home of 69 years and achieving his goal of not going to a nursing home. His death marks the end of an era as he was the longest-living person ever on both sides of his family.
Fair gate revenue up 13% from 2018
With gate revenue up four out of the five days of the Northwest Montana Fair, overall revenue increased 13% compared to last year, Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell told the county commissioners on Monday.
Dan Moore, 71
Dan Moore was born in Los Angeles on March 13, 1948. In 1960 his family moved to the Olancha/Lone Pine area and Dan started what became his lifetime passion — archery/bowhunting. The next years were school, then summers working the Cottonwood Pack Station, in the High Sierras.
Margaret A. Smith, 68
Margaret A. Smith, 68, of Kalispell, was born the seventh of eight children to Edward and Agnes Iona (Egan) Earley on May 27, 1951, in Binghamton, New York. She graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1969.
Scantily clad man reported to police
A man spotted in an alley wearing only a “very small loincloth” was reported to the Kalispell Police Department.
Henry A. Herman, 74
Henry A. Herman, 74, passed away on Aug. 18, 2019, at The HealthCenter in Kalispell.
Special CWD deer licenses snatched up quickly
Hunters quickly swooped up the 600 licenses that went on sale Monday morning as part of the Libby special Chronic Wasting Disease hunt.
Kalispell Council approves $80 million budget
The Kalispell City Council on Monday approved a $80 million budget for fiscal year 2020, but postponed a decision on the city’s financial contribution to the Flathead City-County Health Department.
Tuesday, August 20
Kalispell Police apprehend Washington fugitive
A wanted fugitive from Washington state was apprehended by Kalispell Police Monday afternoon near Woodland Park.
Glacier Park trails reopen following bear activity
Glacier National Park reopened the Highline Trail, Loop and the closed portion of the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail Tuesday morning after a day of patrol on Monday and a night of observation yielded no further bear sightings.
Legals August 20, 2019
No. 26429 NOTICE Whereas, the Board of Pardons and Parole has officially received an application for Executive Clemency concerning Rocky William Carr, convicted of the crime of Forgery (RSS), committed in Kalispell, Montana, in the county of Flathead, State of Montana and on June 20, 1978, was sentenced and received 5 years. Therefore, be it ordered that Thursday, the 29th day of August, 2019 be set apart for the consideration of said Executive Clemency matter; and all persons having an interest therein desiring to be heard either for or against the granting of the Executive Clemency, are hereby notified to contact the Board of Pardons and Parole, 1002 Hollenbeck Road, Deer Lodge, Montana 59722, phone (406) 846-1404, to be present at 1:00 pm at the Board of Pardons & Parole office at 1002 Hollenbeck Road, Deer Lodge. Further, ordered that a copy of this order be printed and published in the Daily Inter Lake in Kalispell, Montana, once each week for a two-week period. Sincerely, BOARD OF PARDONS & PAROLE Cathy Leaver, Administrative Officer August 13, 20, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________
Man's report fit for a country song
A man calling from Montana 40 in Columbia Falls told Flathead County Sheriff’s Office he reportedly believed his ex stole his boat. His report started sounding like a country song when he claimed the mother of their two children and his ex-friend of five years stole his firearms, a boat, a bed and photographs.
Kalispell Schools move forward with $68.1M budget
Kalispell Public Schools will operate on a $68.1 million budget for the 2019-20 school year.
Tribes, Lake County spar over road
A dispute about jurisdiction over an access road to a recreational vehicle park in Big Arm led the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to sue Lake County in federal court in May, citing claims the road remained in trust for the tribes with the United States government.
Preliminary work for final phase of bypass begins
Beginning this week, the Montana Department of Transportation will begin to study what will become the final phase of the U.S. 93 bypass in Kalispell.
Monday, August 19
Grizzly activity causes temporary trail closures in Glacier
Glacier National Park temporarily closed access to the Granite Park area Sunday due to what officials described as unusual grizzly bear activity.
Legals August 19, 2019
No. 26446 Doug Scotti Frampton Purdy Law Firm 530 West 19th St., Ste. 301 Whitefish, MT 59937 Phone: (406) 862-9600 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FLATHEAD COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of KAREN SIKES, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent 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 Donald K. Sikes, Jr., the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 530 W 19th Street, Whitefish, MT 59937, or filed with Clerk of the above Court. Dated this 15th day of August 2019. By: /s/ Donald K. Sikes, Jr. Donald K. Sikes, Jr. 16530 237th Avenue SE Issaquah, WA 98027 August 19, 26, September 2, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Woman breaks the bank over man
Kalispell Police Department responded to a call about a woman screaming for help who was allegedly being pushed by a man. The man calimed she jumped in front of his truck trying to keep him from leaving. He alleged she had thrown a piggy bank at him earlier. The woman and their son were purportedly supposed to be “gone from his home.”
Kalispell council to vote on $80M 2020 budget
The Kalispell City Council will vote tonight on an $80 million budget for fiscal year 2020. The final budget comes in almost $2 million higher than the preliminary budget proposed in July.
Couple train minds and bodies through aikido
The Japanese term “Ai” translates to harmony, “Ki” to the things of which everything is and what holds everything together, and “Do,” to a dedicated path. And when placed together to form the word aikido, the meaning becomes a proverb of sorts: a path toward harmonizing with the natural flow of the universe.
Whitefish council to vote on controversial apartment project
A proposal to build a 54-unit apartment complex on Skyles Place in Whitefish could be rejected by the Whitefish City Council tonight as it makes a final decision on the project.
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- Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
Golf season begins for Flathead, Glacier
GREAT FALLS — The high school golf season got started on Monday with the 36-hole Great Falls Invitational.
Sunday, August 18
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Crew Ezekiel Charlebois, son of Dillon and Ashlee Charlebois of Kalispell, was born June 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Legals August 18, 2019
No. 26417 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Blackfeet Tribe is soliciting bids to prepare an Environmental Assessment for the construction of the Heart Butte Senior/Community Center with HUD-ICDBG Funds; (a) In order to assure that the policies of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other provisions of Federal law which further the purposes of that act (as specified in 24 CFR 58.5) are most effectively implemented in connection with the expenditure of ICDBG funds, the grantee shall comply with the Environment Review Procedures for Entities Assuming HUD Environmental Responsibilities (24 CFR part 58). The EA determines whether or not a federal action has the potential to cause significant environmental effects. The EA shall include a brief discussion of: 1) The need for the proposal Alternatives (when there is an unresolved conflict concerning alternative uses of available resources; 2) The environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives; 3) A listing of agencies and persons consulted. If the agency determines that the action will not have significant environmental impacts, the agency will issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). If the EA determines that the environmental impacts of a proposed Federal action will be significant, an Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared. The Blackfeet Tribe will comply with the Indian Preference requirements in accordance with 24 CFR 1003.510 as it applies in this procurement. Request a complete RFP package via email to creevis@blackfeetnation.com or pick-up a copy at the Planning Department , 16 Old Person Road. Bids are accepted through the close of business August 28, 2019. Mail five (5) hard copies to: Blackfeet Planning Department, PO Box 850, Browning, MT 59417. The proposals may also be delivered to the Blackfeet Planning Department and emailed. If you have any questions, call 406-338-7406. August 11, 18, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Flood insurance company relocates Kalispell headquarters
Aon Edge Private Flood Insurance recently relocated to a new state-of-the-art facility on the west side of Kalispell. The new location at 1327 U.S. 2 West serves as the headquarters for the national private flood insurance company.
Flathead health center gets behavioral health grant
The Flathead Community Health Center recently was awarded a $167,000 grant that will go toward incorporating more integrated behavioral health services between the center and Gateway Community Services in Kalispell.
Crews work at feverish pace to complete rebuild by fall
Workers for the general contractor toil eight days straight, in 10-hour shifts, before hiking the 6-plus miles out for six days off.
Boyle a fitting moniker for new Flathead gym
Gene Boyle’s legacy was long and deep in the Flathead Valley, and we can’t think of a better person to commemorate in naming the new Flathead High School gymnasium.
Path to a 2nd House seat is by accurate, complete Census
Rather than helping Montana regain a second U.S. House seat, Republican Sen. Fred Thomas (Daily Inter Lake Aug. 11) has chosen to take partisan political potshots and spread misinformation surrounding the Trump administration’s now abandoned plan to include a “citizenship question” on the 2020 Census.
Pikachu takes the cake at fair cookie contest
The Crafty Cookie Contest at the Northwest Montana Fair has been going on longer than most of its participants have been alive.
Soap maker touts eco-friendly products
Coconut at Sea Soap Co. founder Sarah Harding of Whitefish has a simple philosophy about her new eco-friendly business: “We help people get clean without mucking up the planet.”
Trump's affinity for tyrannical leaders
I couldn’t disagree more with the points Mickale Carter was attempting to make in his letter (July 25). In particular, Mr. Carter’s view that Trump’s rhetoric regarding the so-called “Squad” is a mere “political disagreement” cannot be reasonably supported.
Repressive legislation and mass hysteria
Violent criminal acts that result in the deaths and injuries of multiple victims, like the shootings in El Paso and Dayton last weekend, are without a doubt symptoms of serious social dysfunction in the American polity today, one sign among many of a malaise broadly affecting our country and our world today, the causes of which are not easily identified nor agreed upon, let alone addressed in a meaningful way by legislation or other political action or independent social action.
Flathead jobless rate lowest since 2008
Flathead County’s unemployment rate has dipped to its lowest point since 2008, according to Kalispell Job Service Manager Laura Gardner, who has tracked local employment trends for years.
AG Fox is wrong on oil trains
On July 17, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox joined North Dakota seeking to block a Washington state law that would help protect its citizens from exploding oil trains. Fox needs to reconsider his position, particularly as oil trains rolling through the Flathead Valley could harm West Glacier, Columbia Falls, Whitefish and our priceless Flathead water.
Glacier High School restarts attendance incentive
Glacier High School is reintroducing an attendance incentive this year with a goal to reduce absenteeism.
Montanans should be alarmed by choice of new BLM chief
Imagine for one unsettling moment what it would mean to Montana if Glacier, Yellowstone, the Bob Marshall, the Beartooth Mountains, and all other lands and waters belonging to the American people were sold off.
Letters to the editor Aug. 18
I support rational gun control as a fourth-generation Montanan, a pastor, the mother of a victim of gun violence, the widow of a Navy vet who served as a deputy sheriff, and as a hunter.
Bike raffle suspected to be fraudulent
Someone complained to the Kalispell Police Department about a “scam panhandlers are pulling near [an] intersection.” He reported a “panhandler” would “sell” tickets to passersby for a chance to win his “nice bike.” The caller suspected “the panhandlers aren’t even homeless,” so he was “annoyed by what they’re doing.”
Saturday, August 17
'Angering the gods' is risky business
One rightfully could call this year’s spring and summer weather in the Flathead fickle. While local long-timers know June is considered “the rainy month,” this year glorious dry June weekends jump-started our warm-weather recreating.
Richard Dennis Cohen, 66
Richard Dennis Cohen was born May 13, 1953, and passed away July 13, 2019. He lived each precious day of his 66 years to their fullest, with a wide-open sense of wonder and profound love for life. Richard moved from California to Whitefish in 1980 after attending Sonoma State University and the University of California, Berkeley. In the early days Richard operated a snowplow business, then moved on to help develop, build and distribute Phoenix Composting Toilet Systems with his friend and mentor Glenn Nelson. Eventually Richard became a licensed master electrical contractor specializing in solar installations. True to form, many of Richard’s customers became friends as did the young electricians he mentored.
Ryan Jackson Hensley, 22
Ryan Jackson Hensley, 22, of Kalispell, passed away on Aug. 12, 2019.
Lucille E. Nelson, 92
On Aug. 3, 2019, Lucille E. Nelson, 92, went home to be with the Lord and her many friends and descendants. Lucy was surrounded by her loving family as she passed.
Total at fair stock sale tops $560,000
Gross sales at the Northwest Montana Fair Stock Sale this year totaled $562,291, a bit lower than last year’s sales total, according to fair officials.
Legals August 17, 2019
No. 26436 Public Notice On or after the August 26th, 2019. West valley Storage will have a public Auction. Gardner Auction Service will conduct the auction at 200 United Drive, Kalispell MT 59901. To be sold for cash, the personal items stored by: Ashley Fox and others that have received notice per MCA 70-6-420. West Valley Office: 282 4th Ave. WN, Kalispell MT 59901. 406-257-9066. August 17, 24, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Local doctors to present real-life procedures
Next Thursday, four doctors in the Flathead Valley will take audience members behind the scenes into real-life procedures and treatments performed at North Valley Hospital, Kalispell Regional Medical Center and Montana Children’s Specialities.
Veterans facility gets sizable donation
An anonymous donor has given $150,000 to the Camp Ponderosa Veterans Retreat and Learning Center in the Swan Valley, with the goal of inspiring other benefactors to consider financially supporting the new facility for veterans.
Beer burglar says he's sorry
The Kalispell Police Department was informed that three teenage boys stole beer, and one had already opened one and taken a drink when the caller caught up to him. The teen apologized.
Kalispell survey seeks input on trail plan
The Kalispell Planning Department is seeking participants to take a survey about walking and biking in Kalispell.
Fair comedian aims to bring joy to the masses
Bill Robison can hardly sit still inside the Northwest Montana Fair office — his hands fly about while he speaks, matching his expressive face as he bounces from one story to the next.
Lt. governor tours Olney marijuana testing facility
Montana Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney spent Thursday afternoon touring Stillwater Laboratories in Olney — the longest-standing state-certified medical marijuana testing facility in the state.
City of Kalispell gearing up for changes to utility rates
The Kalispell City Council is reviewing and updating its utility rates for the first time in eight years and delved into the process of setting new sewer and water rates during a work session Monday night.
Fair parade winners announced
The 2019 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo Parade made its way down Kalispell’s Main Street Friday morning with a theme of “Capture Montana’s Best Days of Summer!”
Lakers' Stultz on AA all-state Legion baseball team
The Daily Inter Lake
Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo Few changes on final night
Final night, full house, but just a few changes in the final standings at the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
PHOTOS: PRCA Rodeo at NWMT Fair
Photos from the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell on Aug. 15-17.
Friday, August 16
Douglas Eugene Hedman, 63
Our dearest son, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, Douglas Eugene Hedman from Kalispell, left this world on Aug. 14, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
Two arrested in local drug bust
Kalispell police officers on Wednesday arrested Kevin Gaethle and Nicole Chappel for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute.
Legals August 16, 2019
No. 26437 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: ABANDONMENT OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY PETITION NO. 504 - PORTION 5TH STREET WEST, HUNGRY HORSE, MT Notice is hereby given that the Board of Viewers has reported to the Flathead County Board of Commissioners on the abandonment of that certain public right-of-way on a portion of 5th Street West in Hungry Horse, MT that can legally be described as follows: A tract of land, situated, lying, and being in a portion of 5th Street West, as shown on the plat of first addition to Hungry Horse City, and in Government Lot 9 and the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 6, Township 30 North, Range 19 West, Flathead County, Montana, and more particularly described as follows to wit: Commencing at a found iron pin being in the southwest corner of Lot 39, Block 14 of the plat of First Addition to Hungry Horse City (records of Flathead County, Montana), which is on the east right-of-way of 5th Street West; Thence West 60.00 feet to the true point of beginning of the tract of land herein described: Thence South 720.08 feet; Thence West 20.85 feet to the northeast corner of Lot 13, Block 5, of the plat of South Fork (records of Flathead County, Montana), which is on the west right-of-way of 5th Street West; Thence North 989.63 feet to a round iron pin being the southwest corner of Lot 26, Block 15 of the plat of First Addition to Hungry Horse City (records of Flathead County, Montana), which is on the south right-of-way of River Drive; Thence along said right-of-way S54o31'47"E 25.60 feet; Thence South 254.69 feet to the point of beginning and containing .470 ACRE. Notice is hereby given to the petitioners or landowners, as disclosed by the last assessment roll of Flathead County, owning land abutting the portion of the right-of-way on 5th Street West in Hungry Horse, as described above, that it is being considered for abandonment. The public hearing on this petition for the proposed abandonment is set for Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 9:15 o'clock a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, Third Floor, County Courthouse, 800 South Main, Kalispell, Montana. For further information, please call 758-5537. DATED this 13th day of August, 2019. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Philip B. Mitchell Philip B. Mitchell, Chairperson August 16, 23, 2019 MNAXLP ______________________
Screws are loose on Kalispell city streets
Someone told the Kalispell Police Department she was worried about “plates on the roadway being held down by screws.” Apparently, the screws had become loose and were a potential danger to drivers, according to the caller. But it turned out many drivers had already driven over the plates “without any issues.”
Flathead Lakers hire executive director
The Flathead Lakers, based in Polson, has hired Kate Sheridan to replace Robin Steinkraus, who retired last month as executive director.
County gets grant to study Evergreen wastewater system
Flathead County is one of 19 Montana communities to receive a planning grant to support the development of infrastructure projects, according to a press release from the Montana Department of Commerce.
Bouncing bunnies hop to it in fair contest
It was a hopping good time in the Rabbit and Poultry Barn at the Northwest Montana Fair Thursday morning. Competitors ranging from young “sprouts” to experienced adults coaxed, cheered and tickled their rabbits through an obstacle course at the Rabbit Hopping Competition while a large crowd cheered on the bouncing bunnies.
FHS plans to name gym after Gene Boyle
Flathead High School wants to name its new gymnasium after Gene Boyle, a longtime coach, dean of students and activities director at the school.
Top mark for world champ bull rider Kimzey
Sage Kimzey had been waiting to draw the bull Excessive Force for a long, long time.
Twins' Clark-Dickinson all-state, all-conference in Legion baseball
Coby Clark-Dickinson of the Glacier Twins has been named to the Class A Montana/Alberta American Legion baseball all-state team from the Western District.
Thursday, August 15
D&T's cowboy fries with jalapeno slaw named best fair food
Visitors flock to the Northwest Montana Fair for many reasons.
Kalispell superintendent to retire at end of school year
Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau, who led the school district through a pivotal time of growth during the past several years, will retire at the end of the 2019-20 school year.
Charles Dean Weimer, 31
Charles Weimer, born in Minneapolis on March 13, 1988, died on Aug. 4, 2019, in a plane crash in Alaska. The cause of the crash is under investigation; the plane is speculated to have been caught in a down draft and was not able to clear the mountains. The aircraft had two controls and the second pilot in command was the owner of the plane; the person at the controls will remain unknown.
Legals August 15, 2019
No. 26434 AUDIT PUBLICATION STATEMENT An audit of the Bigfork County Water and Sewer District has been conducted by Denning, Downey & Associates, CPA's, P.C. The audit covered the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. Section 2-7-521, MCA, requires the publication of the following summary of significant findings. Summary of Significant Findings The audit report for the Bigfork County Water and Sewer District for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, were unmodified. The audit report also contained several other auditor's reports. Following is a list of the reports and a summary of the findings included in each. This is only a summary and is not intended to be used as an audit report. Report on Compliance and on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards. This report contained findings on the following matters: This report contained no findings. Report on Other Compliance, Financial and Internal Accounting Control Matters. This report contained no findings. Report on Audit Report Recommendations. This report summarized the findings from the prior audit report, and noted the action taken on them. This report contained no findings. Public Inspection of Audit Report The complete audit report is on file in its entirety and is open to public inspection at the District Office at 108 Harbor Heights Blvd. Bigfork MT. Julie Spencer- District Manager Bigfork County Water & Sewer District August 15, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Letters to the editor Aug. 15
Imagine if you will a typical small American town. In this town is quietly living a mother whose son holds extremely unpopular and racist beliefs. Also living in this town is a group of people dedicated to inclusiveness and love. Ironically, upon learning that this family is quietly living among them, one of the group decides that the best thing to do would be to threaten the mother’s business and try to purportedly extort money from her. This action in turn prompts a completely different racist to encourage other racists to harass the extortionist.
Not just another night at the opera
Alpine Theatre Project professional theatre company continues its “Summer of Inspiration” with “OperaLesque.”
Solar-powered outdoor films screen in Polebridge
Oscillation Transia Film Fest is returning to Polebridge Saturday, Aug. 17.
Music's in the air at the Northwest Montana Fair
The Northwest Montana Fair is in full swing this week at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. While you and your family are enjoying the rides, Midway games, great fair food and sights and sounds, take a break and take in some lively live entertainment.
An evening with Garrison Keillor and the Coeur d'Alene Symphony
Garrison Keillor will join the Coeur d’Alene Symphony for a special performance at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 to celebrate the opening evening of the remodeled Schuler Performing Arts Center on the North Idaho College campus.
No headline
- AARP Driver Safety Course, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Eureka High School. $20 fee ($15 for AARP card-holding members.) Call 293-6344.
Ancient ponderosa pine near Creston torched by lightning
Don Hauth believes the colossal ponderosa pine he once dubbed “the sentinel” was likely alive and growing in 1431 when Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in France.
Weekly events Aug. 15-24
THURSDAY, AUG. 15
Northwest Montana Fair results
Fine Arts – Open CLASS
Woman feels entitled to drugs
Kalispell Police Department responded to a report of a woman who allegedly was yelling and screaming that “everyone needs to buy her drugs.”
Dogs, subs are newest AIS detection tools
Dogs and submarines took center stage at the Flathead Lake Biological Station open house last week as a large crowd learned more about the station’s efforts to detect and prevent aquatic invasive species from entering lakes and waterways in the Flathead Lake watershed.
4-H showmen know hogs can have a mind of their own
Makenna Woody knew her first time in the swine showmanship ring would be a bit of a wild card.
Lakeside park expansion will benefit all
Philanthropy has benefited Flathead County communities in myriad ways, from improving our community college to building new sports complexes and performing arts centers. Our lives are richer here, thanks to the generosity of civic-minded folks.
High marks (90) for Elliott, Wright
By DAVID LESNICK
Wednesday, August 14
Flathead, Glacier golfers start fall play in Great Falls
A new coach, high expectations for a junior all-state player and plenty of optimism are the key items associated with high school golf this fall season for Flathead and Glacier.
George Patrick 'Pat' Lee, 88
“The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.” — Ronald Reagan
FFA student creates successful hog business
By KATE LUFKIN
Legals August 14, 2019
No. 26334 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Board of Commissioners of Flathead County, Montana hereby gives notice, pursuant to Section 76-2-205(1), M.C.A., that it will hold a public hearing to consider a request by Harlan and Lois Coverdell to change the zoning designation in a portion of the Bigfork Zoning District from SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural) to B-3 (Community Business). The boundaries of the areas proposed to be amended from SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural) to B-3 (Community Business) are described as: Lot 2 of Flathead Swan Junction Unit #1 in Section 13, Township 27 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana The regulations defining the SAG-5 and B-3 zones are contained in the Flathead County Zoning Regulations, on file for public inspection at the Office of the Board of Commissioners, 800 South Main, Room 302, Kalispell, Montana, at the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, 40 11th Street West, Kalispell, Montana, and online at: https://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/downloads.php. Documents related to the proposed zone change are also on for file for public inspection at the Flathead County Commissioners' Office and at the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office. The public hearing will be held on the 22nd day of August, 2019, at 9:00 o'clock a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, Third Floor, Old Courthouse, Kalispell, Montana. At the public hearing, the Board of Commissioners will give the public an opportunity to be heard regarding the proposed change to the Bigfork Zoning District. Written comments are encouraged and will be reviewed by the Commissioners if received at least three days prior to the hearing. DATED this 1st day of July, 2019. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Philip B. Mitchell Philip B. Mitchell, Chair August 7, 14, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Partying Canadians on the roof
Someone called Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to report a “vacation rental by owner” on U.S. 93 South had a group of Canadian guests who were making a racket and one morning there were allegedly eight to 10 people on the roof “clanging beer cans and blaring music.” The caller said they went over to ask them to keep it down and the group “seemed to agree,” but hadn’t “toned it down.”
Myrtle Lillian (Kramer) Hutchens, 94
Myrtle Lillian (Kramer) Hutchens, 94, peacefully passed into the arms of the Lord on Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, as a result of a heart attack.
Fewer trail miles proposed for Whitefish project
The United States Forest Service proposes to drop 12 miles of new trails originally tied to the proposed Taylor Hellroaring Project but would approve construction of trails totaling 28 miles in the Whitefish Face — the southernmost portion of the Whitefish Range.
The Mann Gulch fire took her brother
Millie Heister of Kalispell experienced two strong reactions when reading the Aug. 5 feature story in the Daily Inter Lake about the 70th anniversary of the Mann Gulch wildfire.
Richard Dennis Cohen, 66
Richard Dennis Cohen was born May 13, 1953, and passed away July 13, 2019. He lived each precious day of his 66 years to their fullest, with a wide-open sense of wonder and profound love for life. Richard moved from California to Whitefish in 1980 after attending Sonoma State University and the University of California, Berkeley. In the early days Richard operated a snowplow business, then moved on to help develop, build and distribute Phoenix Composting Toilet Systems with his friend and mentor Glenn Nelson. Eventually Richard became a licensed master electrical contractor specializing in solar installations. True to form, many of Richard’s customers became friends as did the young electricians he mentored.
County Planning Board considers subdivision for church
A request for preliminary plat approval for a subdivision that would span nearly 41 acres for a proposed Saint Herman Orthodox Church tops today’s Flathead County Planning Board agenda.
Brothers submit 100 entries in race for top exhibitor award
Each August, the Northwest Montana Fair showcases the Flathead’s finest — the best livestock, tastiest jams and jellies, largest vegetables and finest crafts.
Roger Ludwig Jr., 63
Roger Ludwig Jr., 63, passed away in his home in Columbia Falls on Aug. 10, 2019, from cancer after a courageous fight, surrounded by his loving family.
Frederick William McFarland, 81
Frederick William McFarland, 81, passed away on Aug. 9, 2019, in Kalispell.
Tuesday, August 13
Girl killed by falling rocks in Glacier Park
A 14-year-old girl died Monday from injuries she suffered when falling rocks struck a vehicle on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in which she was a passenger, according to a press release from Glacier National Park.
Legals August 13, 2019
No. 26405 BNSF Railway Company Former Tie Treating Plant Somers, Montana COMMUNITY MEETING Please Join Us! August 14, 2019 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and BNSF Railway Company will hold a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING with a presentation and discussion of the ongoing and future activities at the Former Tie Treating Plant. Join us to learn more about the cleanup, groundwater monitoring and future plans to address the remaining environmental conditions. Somers Volunteer Fire Department 27 Leslie Ave Somers, MT 59932 Information Repositories EPA Superfund Records Center; 10 West 15th Street; Suite-3200 Helena, MT 1-866-457-2690 (toll free) Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Couple aims to expand Lakeside's Volunteer Park
They’re at it again.
Local man pleads guilty to homicide
A Flathead Valley man accused of murdering a Coram resident on Valentine’s Day this year pleaded guilty to the offense Aug. 8, in Flathead County District Court.
Sailors escape serious injury in storm
Six people and one dog were rescued Saturday evening by Lake County Search and Rescue after three sailboats beached on Bull Island in Flathead Lake during a severe storm with winds upwards of 50 mph. Only minor injuries were reported by the sailors on board, although some boats sustained damage to their hulls and engines.
New feature provides interactive education area
New this year to the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo, the Discovery Stage is located in the Expo Building and features an interactive educational area designed to teach and showcase the many talents, hobbies and learning opportunities available to everyone in the community.
Town Pump eyes zoning change for new facility
A request from Town Pump to rezone its property on the southwest corner of Cemetery Road and U.S. 93 South tops the Kalispell Planning Board agenda at tonight’s meeting. The zone change would allow them to build a new convenience store and casino on the property.
Woman thinks she discovered meth lab
A woman called Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, believing she “located a meth lab on the Pig Farm Trails.” Deputies found the structure she described, but only found a few empty water bottles inside.
Fair to feature 3 big nights of PRCA rodeo action for the fair
If you are undecided on which night is the best one to attend the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo, it doesn’t really matter as the lineup for all three performances is once again loaded with talent.
Monday, August 12
Man dies in fall at Lost Prairie Boogie
An experienced skydiver who was skydiving at the Lost Prairie Boogie near Marion died Saturday morning after a parachute malfunction.
No headline
- Creston School board meets 7 a.m.
Irene Braaten, 93
Irene Braaten passed away at the age of 93 the morning of Friday, August 2, 2019, at Palouse Country Assisted Living, Fairfield, Wash., a farming town South of Spokane. Irene was the widow of Howard Braaten, a WWII veteran who died in 1964.
Pauline Voorhees, 88
Pauline Voorhees, age 88, died on August 8, 2019, in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Pauline was born on September 23, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Henry and Helen Van Duine. She attended Hope College, married Hank Voorhees and lived in Michigan, Illinois, California, Montana and North Carolina.
Earl Eugene Lowery, 76
Earl Eugene Lowery, 76, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family, after succumbing to his battle with kidney and heart disease.
George Robert Mahoney, 67
George Robert Mahoney passed away Aug. 2, 2019, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a long brave battle with cancer. He passed from the loving hands of his wife into the hands of our Savior. George was born June 27, 1952, in Wilmington, Delaware, to John and Violette Mahoney. His father worked as a personnel officer for the Veterans Administration Hospitals and Centers. Therefore, the family lived all over the United States.
Christa Kloetzke, 84
Christa Kloetzke, 84, passed away on July 4, 2019, at her home in Columbia Falls.
Donald R. Larsen, 93
Donald R. Larsen, 93, passed away June 17, 2019, at Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork.
Data shows unusually high distribution of painkillers in NW Montana at height of crisis
Data recently released by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration shows more than 245 million prescription pain pills were supplied to Montana from 2006 to 2012, with about 13 percent of that total being confined to Flathead County.
Legals August 12, 2019
No. 26405 BNSF Railway Company Former Tie Treating Plant Somers, Montana COMMUNITY MEETING Please Join Us! August 14, 2019 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and BNSF Railway Company will hold a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING with a presentation and discussion of the ongoing and future activities at the Former Tie Treating Plant. Join us to learn more about the cleanup, groundwater monitoring and future plans to address the remaining environmental conditions. Somers Volunteer Fire Department 27 Leslie Ave Somers, MT 59932 Information Repositories EPA Superfund Records Center; 10 West 15th Street; Suite-3200 Helena, MT 1-866-457-2690 (toll free) Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Valley cleans up after severe storm
On Sunday, residents around the Flathead Valley were out with chainsaws, handsaws, blowers and rakes cleaning up broken branches, fallen trees, leaves and other debris after a powerful thunderstorm moved through the Flathead Valley Saturday night.
Mystery of Sen. Thomas Walsh's death
His sensational investigation of the Teapot Dome scandal made Montana U.S. Sen. Thomas Walsh a national figure, known for his ironclad honesty, and his earnestly disciplined approach to his senatorial duties. There is no known picture of him smiling.
Alleged bicycle thieves beat man up
A man told Kalispell Police Department that he was being followed by a black car while riding his bicycle home when the vehicle allegedly pulled in front of him and three people wearing red bandannas on their faces beat him up and stole his bicycle.
Kalispell considers updating sewer, water rates
The Kalispell City Council will hold a work session this evening to discuss a study of the city’s water and sewer rates. The meeting will include an overview of the process of analyzing the city’s current rates in order to propose updated utility rates.
Longtime Rotary volunteer oversees popular sports program
Scott Williams has dedicated much of his adult life toward improving the lives of children in the Flathead Valley through youth sports.
Letters to the editor Aug. 12
How sad that one of the last female grizzlies in the Cabinets has been shot dead by backpackers. Instead, a couple of cans of bear spray could have allowed her not only to survive, but also to learn a valuable lesson for the future.
DATA SHOWS UNUSUALLY HIGH DISTRIBUTION OF PAINKILLERS IN NW MONTANA AT HEIGHT OF CRISIS
Data recently released by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration shows more than 245 million prescription pain pills were supplied to Montana from 2006 to 2012, with about 13 percent of that total being confined to Flathead County.
Sunday, August 11
Kalispell man dead in motorcycle wreck
A 65-year-old Kalispell man died in a traffic accident Saturday morning on U.S. 2 west of Marion.
No headline
Larry Bradley, son of Clay and Lauren Bradley of Whitefish, was born June 17 at North Valley Hospital.
Bertha R. Watson, 84
Bertha R. Watson, 84 passed away Aug. 5, 2019 surrounded by family at the home of her daughter Barbara “Bobbie” Franson in Olney. Bertha was born Nov. 3, 1934 in Shelby.
Storm leaves thousands without power in Bigfork area
Thousands of homes were without power Sunday after a powerful thunderstorm passed through the Flathead Valley Saturday evening.
Legals August 11, 2019
No. 26405 BNSF Railway Company Former Tie Treating Plant Somers, Montana COMMUNITY MEETING Please Join Us! August 14, 2019 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and BNSF Railway Company will hold a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING with a presentation and discussion of the ongoing and future activities at the Former Tie Treating Plant. Join us to learn more about the cleanup, groundwater monitoring and future plans to address the remaining environmental conditions. Somers Volunteer Fire Department 27 Leslie Ave Somers, MT 59932 Information Repositories EPA Superfund Records Center; 10 West 15th Street; Suite-3200 Helena, MT 1-866-457-2690 (toll free) Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Whitefish boutique crosses half-century mark
The Village Shop in Whitefish is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Tami Yunck has owned the clothing store since 2006, and she said the shop has “made a lot of changes” in the past half-century.
Census Bureau to begin verifying homes
Over the next few weeks and into October, workers with the U.S. Census Bureau will be verifying housing units to ensure a more accurate mailing list is compiled for the 2020 census count that begins next spring.
No headline
- Whitefish Huckleberry Days Arts Festival, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission.
2020 Census: Second seat in Congress on the line
As the Districting and Apportionment Commission begins their work, I am encouraged by the leadership of the Commission’s presiding officer, Sheila Stearns. After speaking with her early on, I believe the Montana Supreme Court did a fine job in selecting her for this important role.
Pendley's appointment great news for Montana
The hysterical reaction by the left to the appointment of William Perry Pendley to serve as director of the BLM deserves a response.
Caskets
Frontierswoman Josephine Doody, the bootlegger lady of Glacier National Park, lies buried amidst the muckety mucks — the two former governors, the doctors and lawyers and business executives of early Kalispell.
Seeing an old farm in a new light
Sometimes, finding one’s “happy place” is as simple as rediscovering a backyard.
Past opioid use staggering, but correctable
Most Americans are well aware of the opioid crisis fueled in past years by the rampant abuse of prescription painkillers. It’s been in the headlines again and again, and opioid addiction has been a heartless and often deadly intruder in many families.
Letters to the editor Aug. 11
Let’s look at things a little differently and shift from the Second Amendment argument to the First Amendment. The following opinion is meant to examine a small segment of the population: Unstable persons with clear violent intent.
New restaurant features traditional Vietnamese soup
Pho 888 held a delayed grand opening on July 29 after a few weeks of extra preparation, but owners Thomas and Shannon Trinh have been getting ready to open their own Vietnamese restaurant in Kalispell for far longer.
New BLM director Pendley is fooling no one
Montanans are not fools. Hunters, anglers and outdoorspeople, we know how to spot a wolf – especially when they are in wolf’s clothing. New Bureau of Land Management head William Perry Pendley is fooling no one. He’s not even wearing a disguise.
Whitefish gets state variance for water connections
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has granted Whitefish a deviation variance that once again allows for new water connections to the city system.
Marine partners with nonprofit for adaptive wakeboarding excursions
Fifteen year old Tristan Dishon bobs in the water outside the Marina Cay Resort, hands on the rope, ready to go. Two volunteers wade beside him, positioning his adaptive wakeboard into position for launching. The boat pulls forward slightly until the rope grows taught.
Saturday, August 10
First rabid bat of season identified
The Flathead City-County Health Department identified the first rabid bat of the season this week, according to a press release.
Legals August 10, 2019
No. 26405 BNSF Railway Company Former Tie Treating Plant Somers, Montana COMMUNITY MEETING Please Join Us! August 14, 2019 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and BNSF Railway Company will hold a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING with a presentation and discussion of the ongoing and future activities at the Former Tie Treating Plant. Join us to learn more about the cleanup, groundwater monitoring and future plans to address the remaining environmental conditions. Somers Volunteer Fire Department 27 Leslie Ave Somers, MT 59932 Information Repositories EPA Superfund Records Center; 10 West 15th Street; Suite-3200 Helena, MT 1-866-457-2690 (toll free) Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Locals ketchup with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile
When the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile rolled into the Kalispell Super 1 Foods parking lot Friday morning, Val Heisler could hardly contain her excitement. She had her phone at the ready halfway down the parking lot as she half-walked, half-jogged toward the iconic hot dog-shaped vehicle. The Wienermobile stopped at Super 1 stores in Kalispell and Evergreen on Friday and will visit grocers in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls over the weekend, before heading to Spokane. The hot dog on wheels that visited the Flathead Valley is one of six vehicles traveling the country spreading joy, hot dog samples and puns wherever they go.
Road rage: sledgehammer vs. baseball bat
There was more road rage in the Flathead Valley, with an incident reported between a heavily tattooed man with a sledgehammer and another driver with a baseball bat. The disputing drivers apparently went their separate ways, according to the Kalispell Police Department.
Kalispell embarks on transportation plan update
The city of Kalispell has one of the most outdated long-term transportation plans in the state, despite being part of the second fastest growing county in Montana, but city officials and the Montana Department of Transportation are looking to change that.
Stillwater student gets top score on national entrance exam
Seventeen-year-old Tessa Harmon earned a perfect score of 36 on her first attempt taking the ACT.
Friday, August 9
Executive leader of Montana Children's resigns
The executive leader of Montana Children’s, Teresa Fisher, has resigned from her role after less than two months on the job, according to Kalispell Regional Healthcare.
1 armed robbery suspect remains at large
One suspect wanted in connection to an armed robbery in Missoula remained at large Friday, while another turned himself in to authorities Thursday night, according to Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino.
Flathead Valley faces Team Germany in legendary mat dual
It was a touch under 90 degrees as wrestlers from the Flathead Valley and Germany started their warmups at Legends Stadium ahead of their dual on Wednesday.
Bigfork man claims $70K in state lottery
The Montana Lottery has awarded over $192,000 in prizes this month, including big payouts to two Flathead Valley residents.
Legals August 9, 2019
No. 26405 BNSF Railway Company Former Tie Treating Plant Somers, Montana COMMUNITY MEETING Please Join Us! August 14, 2019 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and BNSF Railway Company will hold a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING with a presentation and discussion of the ongoing and future activities at the Former Tie Treating Plant. Join us to learn more about the cleanup, groundwater monitoring and future plans to address the remaining environmental conditions. Somers Volunteer Fire Department 27 Leslie Ave Somers, MT 59932 Information Repositories EPA Superfund Records Center; 10 West 15th Street; Suite-3200 Helena, MT 1-866-457-2690 (toll free) Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Police get scoop on ice cream thief
A food delivery service told Flathead County Sheriff’s Office a man reportedly stole a 1-gallon tub of chocolate or vanilla ice cream on First Avenue in Martin City. The ice cream was valued at $10.99.
Fall semester continuing ed registration opens
Registration opened this week for more than 170 courses in Flathead Valley Community College’s continuing education program.
No headline
- Red Cross blood drives: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Glacier Bank, Bigfork; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
Police investigate Village Greens drive-by shooting
Officials with the Kalispell Police Department are seeking any information related to a drive-by shooting that occurred in the Village Greens neighborhood early on July 25.
Bigfork artist's work featured at Target stores nationwide
Take a walk down one of Target’s personal-care aisles and you just might stumble across the work of local artist Mya Bessette. The Bigfork painter’s piece entitled “Infusion” was selected to be featured on a line of soap products by a natural cleaning company called method, in collaboration with online art marketplace Minted.
Class AA athletics adjust to expansion
By DAVID LESNICK
Thursday, August 8
Man in anthem attack convinced Trump ordered it, lawyer says
MISSOULA (AP) — A Montana man charged with assaulting a 13-year-old boy who refused to remove his hat during the national anthem believed he was doing what President Donald Trump wanted him to do, his attorney said.
Biden, Bullock kick off Iowa State Fair blitz talking guns
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Former Vice President Joe Biden and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock opened the Iowa State Fair's 2020 presidential blitz on Thursday by blistering President Donald Trump and promising to push new gun restrictions.
Judge agrees with $14 million settlement in Whitefish neo-Nazi case
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen on Thursday adopted a federal magistrate judge’s recommendation that Andrew Anglin, publisher of the neo-Nazi website the Daily Stormer, must pay more than $14 million in damages to Tanya Gersh of Whitefish, who received a relentless barrage of antisemitic threats and messages via an online troll storm from Anglin and his followers.
Air quality expected to improve with incoming rain
Smoke from wildfires burning in Washington, Idaho and Canada contributed to deteriorating air quality Thursday across Northwest Montana.
Pray Lake drowning victim ID'd
Glacier National Park officials have identified the man who drowned Tuesday in Pray Lake as Wales Wai Ming Poon, 64, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He was visiting the park with family members when the accident occurred.
Wanted robbery suspects remain at large
Two wanted robbery suspects were still at large as of Thursday evening, according to Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino.
Legals August 8, 2019
No. 26405 BNSF Railway Company Former Tie Treating Plant Somers, Montana COMMUNITY MEETING Please Join Us! August 14, 2019 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and BNSF Railway Company will hold a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING with a presentation and discussion of the ongoing and future activities at the Former Tie Treating Plant. Join us to learn more about the cleanup, groundwater monitoring and future plans to address the remaining environmental conditions. Somers Volunteer Fire Department 27 Leslie Ave Somers, MT 59932 Information Repositories EPA Superfund Records Center; 10 West 15th Street; Suite-3200 Helena, MT 1-866-457-2690 (toll free) Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Backpackers say grizzly shooting was self-defense
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported Tuesday they are investigating the death of a grizzly bear from a reported self-defense shooting in the Cabinet Mountains south of Troy.
Public resources and electioneering don't mix
Gov. Steve Bullock came under scrutiny last month in an ethics complaint filed by the Montana Republican Party for his alleged use of public resources to campaign for the Democratic nomination for president. The GOP’s complaint took issue with a Montana Highway Patrol security detail that travels with the governor during his out-of-state campaign trips. The complaint argued that using public resources for campaigning violated a Montana ethics code that prevents public officers from using “public time, facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel or funds” for election purposes.
Odd evidence - signs of the times?
Someone calling from Country Way South in Kalispell told Flathead County Sheriff’s Office someone allegedly took down signs on a section of the road that had served as an old easement, but has been blocked for years, and left behind a hatchet and a “Trump hat.”
Letters to the editor Aug. 8
Second mass shooting in 24 hours. Not to worry. Local gun-right organizations remain confident that these mass shootings will soon stop ... all by themselves, for no reason at all.
Wednesday, August 7
Man believed drowned in Glacier National Park
Rangers in Glacier National Park responded around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a man drowning in Pray Lake.
Legals August 7, 2019
No. 26405 BNSF Railway Company Former Tie Treating Plant Somers, Montana COMMUNITY MEETING Please Join Us! August 14, 2019 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and BNSF Railway Company will hold a PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING with a presentation and discussion of the ongoing and future activities at the Former Tie Treating Plant. Join us to learn more about the cleanup, groundwater monitoring and future plans to address the remaining environmental conditions. Somers Volunteer Fire Department 27 Leslie Ave Somers, MT 59932 Information Repositories EPA Superfund Records Center; 10 West 15th Street; Suite-3200 Helena, MT 1-866-457-2690 (toll free) Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
KLJ Engineering tapped for transportation plan update
The Kalispell City Council on Monday selected KLJ Engineering to provide the engineering services for the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan Update.
Barbara L. Thomas, 92
Barbara L. Thomas, 92, passed away on July 27, 2019, in Kalispell. Barbara was born in 1927 high in the Cascade Mountains, where her father was a forest ranger, beginning her life deeply connected to the Earth. Her family were non-tribal Eastern Cherokee, having escaped the Trail of Tears to settle in Southern Illinois. The recipient of a generous Langham Scholarship, Barbara was the first in her family to attend college. She met Ralph I. Thomas at the University of Puget Sound, married and embraced by his family, they were together for 51 years until his death in 2000.
Danny Lawrence Henry, 62
Danny Lawrence Henry went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 26, 2019.
Clara Elizabeth Albrecht, 87
On Aug. 4, 2019, our Lord and Savior called Clara Elizabeth (Grewe) Albrecht to his heavenly home.
Myra (Hagerman) Finck, 90
The family of Myra Finck nee’ Hagerman, announce her passing on Aug. 5, 2019.
Delbert 'Bud' Lowitz, 80
Delbert “Bud” Lowitz, 80, went to be with the Lord, surrounded by family on Aug. 4, 2019. Bud now has answers to all of the questions that Pastor Reiner and Pastor Cutler told him to ask when he gets there.
Electric co-op plans blood-donation event
Flathead Electric Cooperative is seeking those who would consider making a monetary donation and/or making an appointment to donate a pint of blood during the co-op’s Pulse Project event, scheduled for Sept. 11 and 12. The Pulse Project is designed to support the community by achieving two goals: providing energy assistance for members in need, and collecting donations for our two blood service organizations, the American Red Cross and Vitalant.
Mindfulness group offers community meditation
Visitor unwelcome in Whitefish's 'hoboville'
A man who wanted to have lunch with friends at a park gazebo called Whitefish Police Department to report the area had turned into “hoboville.” He alleged the people who appeared to be camping there had it set up “like it’s their living room.” When he approached the residents of hoboville, they reportedly told him to “(expletive) off and find somewhere else to eat,” and threatened to beat him up. Incensed, the man told dispatchers “thousands of children are upset about the hoboville,” and wanted law enforcement officers to contact him “with results.” Someone — either the man or law enforcement — spoke with the individuals and they reportedly were “going to behave.”
Bigfork receives sizable grants for new library
Two generous grants from organizations with ties to the Bigfork community have been awarded to ImagineIF Libraries and will be put toward securing a new facility in Bigfork.
Thelma May Tutvedt Johnson, 92
On Norwegian Independence Day, May 17, 1927, Thelma May was born to Norwegian Immigrants Hans and Andora Tutvedt in Kalispell. She was a little early and was baptized right at the hospital not sure if she was going to survive. She did and welcomed three siblings after herself. Harold in 1929, Paul in 1931, and Doris in 1936. They grew up on a farm in the Stillwater community. Their life was that of a Norman Rockwell Painting — hard work, grow your own delicious food, church at Stillwater Lutheran on Sundays and lots of love.
Tuesday, August 6
Authorities: Man drowns in McGregor Lake
Officials on Tuesday were investigating the death of a man who apparently drowned in McGregor Lake, west of Marion.
Fire danger raised to very high
Cooperating Interagency Fire Officials across Northwest Montana on Wednesday raised the fire danger level from “high” to “very high.” This includes the Flathead Forest, Glacier National Park and state lands.
Constance J. Clark, 85
Constance J. Clark, 85, of Manhattan, passed away July 24, 2019. She was born Feb.12, 1934, to Thomas O’Dea and Mary (Healy) O’Dea in Anaconda.
Audrey N. Ainley-Roubos, 86
On Nov. 18, 2018, Audrey N. Ainley-Roubos, formerly of Kalispell, loving wife and mother, passed away at age 86 in West Jordan, Utah.
Theresa Logan, 75
Theresa Logan, devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister and dear friend, left us to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 1, 2019.
Paul David Kellenberger, 67
Paul David Kellenberger, 67, born March 1, 1952 passed away Monday afternoon, July 15, 2019 in Kalispell. Dave was preceded in death by his older brother James, his father Robert, his wife Rita (Hewitt) and mother Alma. He is survived by his brother John, sisters Joan and Karen, one niece and two nephews. Dave knew a lot of people and those who called him Dave knew him as a friend. If there is one word that could describe Dave, that word would be “perseverance”. His friends and family miss him. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Dave’s Family.
Dale G. Harvey, 86
Dale G. Harvey — father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and professor —passed away at his home on July 23, 2019.
Bear hazing goes awry in Glacier
Rangers in Glacier National Park ended up euthanizing a black bear Monday in the vicinity of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn after the animal suffered an injury from a rubber projectile hazing round.
BNSF investigating report of petroleum sheen
BNSF Railway Co. will be working in the Whitefish River today following a report of a petroleum sheen in the river.
Hunter education classes open for registration in Region 1
Hunter education courses are open to registration in several communities across northwest Montana, including Kalispell, Rexford, Pablo, Trout Creek and Bigfork.
Legals August 6, 2019
No. 26373 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 1:00 PM, a Public Hearing will be held in Room (207) of the Sanders Building, at 111 North Sanders in Helena, for the purpose of receiving comments on the draft Department of Public Health and Human Services "2020/2021 Community Services Block Grant State Plan". The public may attend via a conference call by dialing 1-406-444-4647, using the access code 854983. Draft copies of the proposed application will be available upon request at the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Intergovernmental Human Services Bureau, 1400 Carter Drive, P.O. Box 202956, Helena, MT 59620-2956 on Monday, August 5, 2019. Written comments must be received by 5:00 PM, Wednesday, August 14, 2019. August 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Bookmobile helps C-Falls kids keep reading all summer long
Summer is the time to sit back, relax, and if you’re a Columbia Falls youngster, perhaps read a book from the bookmobile.
Susan Renee' Braden, 70
Susan Renee’ Braden, daughter of Bernard and Caroline (Bair) Braden, was born in Glendive on March 11, 1949.
Group pulls together farmers, advocates to streamline all facets of valley agriculture scene
Under a warm morning glow, farmer Todd Ulizio kneels between rows of vibrant lettuces, picking heads in colors of purple, green and reddish brown. He clips each plant so the leaves fall into a large tub to be washed, bagged and sold at the Thursday-evening farmers market in Columbia Falls.
Van might be meth lab in disguise
Kalispell Police Department received a call from someone who allegedly thought a van with windows covered up with a “bunch of propane tanks in the back” was a “mobile meth lab.”
State office investigating local nonprofit
It has been just over two weeks since Potter’s Field Ministries and other associated nonprofits closed their doors amid a wave of allegations against the organization’s founders — a folding that displaced dozens of church members, put the ministry’s assets in limbo and created a rift in financial transparency between the ministry and its donors.
Eamus, Hurlbert, Pearsall share State Seniors golf lead
BILLINGS — Dave Eamus of Billings, Craig Hurlbert of Magnolia, Texas, and Jerry Pearsall of Billings all shot 5-under-par 67s to share the lead after the first round of the Montana State Seniors golf tournament on Tuesday at Lake Hills Golf Club.
Bobcats 14th, Griz 25th in preseason football poll
Montana State is ranked 14th and Montana 25th in the STATS FCS Preseason Top 25 football poll released Tuesday.
Monday, August 5
Officials keep eye on Snow Creek Fire
Officials are keeping a close eye on a wildfire that is burning in the South Fork drainage of the Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Man dies of suspected drowning in Flathead Lake
POLSON (AP) — Lake County officials are investigating a possible drowning after a man died at Flathead Lake over the weekend.
Roger 'Scott' Sorensen, 79
With indefatigable grace and courage, Roger “Scott” Sorensen died July 30, 2019, at his home in Whitefish.
Potter's Field founder's autobiography sheds light on allegations
The Daily Inter Lake has attempted to speak with Potter’s Field Ministries founders Michael and Pam Rozell multiple times since learning about the allegations of abuse in their intern program. Ministry representatives have said the Rozells are unavailable “due to their schedules” and would like to keep their silence “out of respect to those who have been hurt.”
Legals August 5, 2019
No. 26374 Montana Eleventh Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Heather Holloway: Heather Holloway, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-535B ROBERT B ALLISON Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Heather Nicole Holloway to Heather Nicole Franks. The hearing will be on September 11, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. The hearing will be at the Justice Center in Flathead County. Date: July 10, 2019 PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: /s/ AYLA M HILL Deputy Clerk of Court July 22, 29, August 5, 12, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________
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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.
Shoplifter achieves 'frequent-flyer' status
An uncooperative, screaming woman, who had two young children in tow, was detained at a big box store where she reportedly had a reputation as a “frequent flyer.” She allegedly had items in her purse and “switched some tickets.” She was cited and released.
Council mulls 54-unit apartment proposal
A proposal to build a 54-unit apartment complex on Skyles Place is the focus of a public hearing before the Whitefish City Council tonight.
Council ponders transportation plan update
The Kalispell City Council tonight will focus on how to proceed with a long-overdue update of the city’s transportation plan.
Remembering Mann Gulch - Kalispell woman's memories still vivid of fire that killed her brother-in-law
The Mann Gulch fire blew up as winds intensified on an especially hot, dry August evening. Estimates suggest the lightning-caused blaze covered 3,000 acres in 10 minutes.
Sunday, August 4
Parents reflect on case to be reviewed by U.S. Supreme Court
Kalispell parents Kendra Espinoza and Jeri Anderson and Bigfork parent Jaime Schaefer are the faces of a Montana case regarding religious schools and funding that will have its day in the United States Supreme Court.
Legals August 4, 2019
No. 26403 INVITATION FOR BIDS The City of Kalispell, Montana will receive sealed bids for the Four Mile Drive Water Transmission Project. The project includes furnishing labor, materials and equipment required to install a new 18" PVC water main between the termination points of existing water mains at Three Mile Drive and Stillwater Road. The total project includes approximately 14,300 feet of 18" PVC and 800 feet of 24" HDPE (directionally drilled) water main installation. Also included in the project are; water valves, fire hydrants, and street reconstruction. Construction of the Four Mile Drive Water Transmission 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. Bidding documents may be examined at the City of Kalispell Public Works Department, 201 First Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana 59901. Plans and specifications can also be examined beginning MONDAY, August 5, 2019, through QuestCDN. QuestCDN is located 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. The City will be only accepting online electronic bids through QuestCDN. Electronic plan download and electronic bidding can be completed through QuestCDN for a fee of $25.00. 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, scans of required electronic bid documents will be accepted. 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 3:00 PM on Thursday, August 15, 2019. Interested Bidders are encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Meeting. Bids will be received by QuestCDN until 3:00 PM on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud 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 20, 2019. City of Kalispell Aimee Brunckhorst City Clerk & Communications Manager August 4, 11, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Letters to the editor Aug. 4
While shopping at the Kalispell Costco late in the afternoon on July 30, I encountered something both wonderful and unfortunate. I heard the most wonderful singing from a food court employee. It immediately conjured up images of the market section of Old Town Italy on a warm summer afternoon; shop owners and roaming peddlers would sing as they catered to the public.
Vietnamese restaurant opens on busy corner
“It takes a long time, but it’s worth it,” Chi Tran said to describe the mentality of her new Vietnamese restaurant, Chi Café. This mindset not only refers to the restaurant’s months-long opening process, but also to the products she serves and her approach to the business.
Facilities proliferate to fill growing desire for storage space
Don’t blame unbridled American consumerism alone for the proliferation of self-storage facilities in the Flathead Valley.
It's time for a ratepayer rebellion
We are writing in response to Brad Johnson’s opinion piece (June 23) regarding baseload power. As concerned Montana parents and grandparents, we don’t trust Johnson right now any more than we trust NorthWestern Energy.
Caterer switches to take-out barbecue in Whitefish
After serving the Flathead Valley barbecued meat for 15 years as a mobile caterer, Ed McGrew has transformed his business into Ed McGrew’s BBQ joint on Spokane Avenue in Whitefish.
Additional public lake access needed
Local infrastructure is bearing the weight of Northwest Montana’s booming tourism industry and a rapidly growing population.
Stop playing politics with Land and Water Conservation Fund
A recent campaign led by a Montana political action group placed multiple op-eds and letters in Montana newspapers critical of Senator Steve Daines’ efforts to secure funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. These misguided, misinformed political attacks deserve a response.
Montanans need Daines to pull through on LWCF funding
In the coming weeks, bow hunting season kicks off in states across the West. Every year, thousands of Montanans and visitors hike deep into our public lands to camp, hunt and pass down the traditions that are the backbone to our way of life.
Saturday, August 3
100 Fold designs playground equipment for school
Somers Middle School received an innovative set of playground storage structures this week, courtesy of 100 Fold Studio in Lakeside.
PHOTOS: Evergreen Show 'n Shine
Scenes from the 2019 Evergreen Chamber of Commerce Show ‘n Shine at Conlin’s Furniture in Evergreen on Saturday, Aug. 3.
Legals August 3, 2019
No. 26363 Peg L. Allison Clerk of District Court Flathead County Justice Center 920 South Main Street Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 758-5906 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: B.B.B. YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE. Cause No. DN-19-029(B) SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION To: Unknown, birth father of the above-named child: 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 emergency protective services, adjudication of child as a youth in need of care, and temporary legal custody, a determination that preservation/reunification efforts need not be provided, termination of parental rights and permanent legal custody of the above-named child. NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. before the Honorable Robert B. Allison, District Judge, Department 2, 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. B.B.B. was born on April 5, 2019 in Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana. The birth mother is Amy Birch. You have the right to representation 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 proceedings, in the Court entering judgment by default against you for all 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, 920 South Main, Third Floor, Kalispell, Montana, 59901, telephone (406) 758-5870. WITNESS my hand and Seal of this Court this 12th day of July, 2019. PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: /s/ CASSANDRA M. LOVELESS Deputy Clerk July 20, 27, August 3, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Pet goose goes wild at local lake
The Kalispell Police Department received complaints that a woman took her pet goose swimming in a lake and it attacked and bit several children. She explained the goose couldn’t wear his harness because he was shedding. The parent of one of the children asked her to leave, but she apparently refused and “went back out to swim with the goose in the lake.” The caller was informed that geese can’t transmit rabies and the incident doesn’t violate state law or county ordinance. But the police advised, “she cannot harbor a goose in the city limits of Kalispell.”
Economic forum addresses aging workforce
Montana’s aging workforce will continue to challenge employers, but the state’s transient nature of residents “constantly moving in and out” can work to businesses’ advantage, a top Montana economist told the audience at the Montana Chamber Foundation’s annual Economic Update Series in Kalispell Thursday.
Conference on Aging to honor centenarians
The Department of Public Health and Human Services wants to honor Montana centenarians during the 51st annual Governor’s Conference on Aging Sept. 24 to 26 in Billings. Centenarians will be honored at a banquet at 4:45 p.m. Sept. 24.
Moths damaging Douglas-fir trees across western Montana
Moths described as voracious feeders are damaging Douglas-fir trees throughout western Montana, according to a news release from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Proposed bill takes aim at vets' pension predators
Companies that prey on veterans’ pensions could face penalties under the FREE Veterans Act, introduced by Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont. on Thursday.
Columbia Falls teen wins national O-Mok-See title
Some people are just born to ride. Just ask friends of the family of Violet Erickson.
Friday, August 2
Special hunt planned in Libby area
A special hunting season this fall, and a plan to cull deer from the Libby urban area after the season, is Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ latest efforts to curtail the extent of chronic wasting disease affecting deer, elk and moose in Northwest Montana.
Legals August 2, 2019
No. 26395 PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO PROTEST ONE ORIGINAL NEW MONTANA ALL-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES LICENSE Hillside Pub and Grub, LLC (Members: Ronda Kay Mosher, Joseph C. Curtis) has applied for One Original New Montana All-Alcoholic Beverages with Catering Endorsement License No. 07-999-2398-002 to be operated at Hillside Pub & Grub, 7950 Montana Highway 35, Bigfork, Flathead County. The public may protest this new license in accordance with the law. Who can protest this transfer? Protests will be accepted from residents of the county of the proposed location (Flathead), residents of adjoining Montana counties (Lincoln, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, Lewis & Clark, Powell, Lake, Sanders), and residents of adjoining counties in another state if the criteria in 16-4-207(4)(d), Montana Code Annotated (MCA), are met. What information must be included? Protest letters must be legible and contain (1) the protestor's full name, mailing address, and street address; (2) the license number (07-999-2398-002) and the applicant's name (Hillside Pub and Grub, LLC); (3) an indication that the letter is intended as a protest; (4) a description of the grounds for protesting; and (5) the protestor's signature. A letter with multiple signatures will be considered one protest letter. What are valid protest grounds? The protest may be based on the applicant's qualifications listed in 16-4-401, MCA, or the grounds for denial of an application in 16-4-405, MCA. Examples of valid protest grounds include: (1) the applicant is unlikely to operate the establishment in compliance with the law; (2) the proposed location cannot be properly policed by local authorities; and (3) the welfare of the people in the vicinity of the proposed location will be adversely and seriously affected. How are protests submitted? Protests must be postmarked to the Department of Revenue, Office of Dispute Resolution, P.O. Box 5805, Helena, Montana 59604-5805 on or before September 2, 2019. What happens if the transfer is p rotested? Depending on the number of protests and the protest grounds, a public hearing will be held in Helena or Bigfork. All valid protestors will be notified of the hearing's time, date and location. Hearings typically are scheduled within 90 days. A protester's hearing testimony is limited to the grounds in the protester's letter. Following the hearing, the Department of Revenue will notify the public whether the license transfer is approved or denied. How can additional information be obtained? The cited MCA statutes are online at leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/. Questions may be directed to Patty Kautz, Compliance Specialist for the Department of Revenue's Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, at (406) 444-0017 or pkautz@mt.gov. August 2, 9, 16, 23, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Roberta Joyce (Motichka) Elgin, 81
Roberta Joyce (Motichka) Elgin, 81, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by her family on July 30, 2019, from natural causes related to dementia.
Columbia Falls seeks volunteers for resort tax committee
The Columbia Falls City Council is requesting applications from interested citizens who would like to serve on a resort tax advisory committee.
Redesignation request part of statewide road review
A proposal to redesignate West Reserve Drive in Kalispell from a state urban route to a state primary route — a plan that could expedite funding for improvements to the busy road — is now in the hands of Montana Department of Transportation Director Mike Tooley.
Weekend update
Concert fundraiser
Road rage ensues on Kalispell streets
A caller told the Kalispell Police Department a black Ford Ranger was driving like a maniac, had cut off several vehicles and flipped him the bird.
Agencies seek comment on Flathead River plan
One a recent Saturday rafters by the dozens floated the North Fork of the Flathead River and many other people with similar plans drove up the dusty North Fork Road toward Polebridge or beyond.
Van Lake Road temporary closure announced
The Flathead National Forest announced Tuesday that a portion of the Van Lake Road on the Swan Lake Ranger District will be closed for public safety from Aug. 5 through Sept. 30 for the Van Lake Improvements Project.
Crews battle fire near Lower Thompson Lake
A wildlife located near where Sanders, Flathead and Lincoln counties meet was human-caused, according to fire officials.
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- Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.
Audrey N. Ainley-Roubos, 86
On Nov. 18, 2018, Audrey N. Ainley-Roubos, formerly of Kalispell, loving wife and mother, passed away at age 86 in West Jordan, Utah.
Thursday, August 1
Park Service releases video narrative of Howe Ridge blaze
The National Park Service has released a
Child's body identified as missing son of dead couple
The body of a 2-year-old child who was found at a campground in the West Fisher Creek area in Lincoln County last week has been identified as the son of an Oregon couple who died in a murder-suicide last week near Kalispell.
Legals August 1, 2019
No. 26384 SEWER RATE AND CHARGE MODIFICATION AND PUBLIC HEARING The District proposes to charge for the use and availability of the sewer system of the District (the "System") by an equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) methodology, which is based on the size of the water service. A 3/4 inch or 5/8 inch service, which is the standard for single family residential users, is one EDU. The table below, as supplemented by the paragraph immediately following the table, reflects the proposed rates and charges for the use and availability of the System. Diameter Cost per EDU Mulitiplier Annual charge 3/4" & 5/8" $629.50 $1.00 $629.50 1" $629.50 $1.79 $1126.81 1 1/2" $629.50 $4.00 $2518.01 2" $629.50 $7.14 $4494.65 2 1/2" $629.50 $11.16 $7075.22 3" $629.50 $16.00 $10072.05 4" $629.40 $28.57 $17984.82 In addition and notwithstanding anything in this notice to the contrary, (i) each owner of a condominium unit would be charged the Annual Charge for the use and availability of the System, and if a condominium unit is for residential purposes, it would be ascribed one (1) EDU; and (ii) undeveloped lots, tracts, or parcels that are currently served by a sewer service line stubout (but not otherwise connected to the System) would be charged an Annual Charge corresponding to one (1) EDU. For administrative convenience, the Annual Charge will continue to be placed on an owner's real property tax statement. Approximately one-half of the Annual Charge would be due and owed by each November 30, commencing November 30, 2019 and approximately one-half of the Annual Charge would be due and owed each May 31, commencing May 31, 2020. A public hearing to hear comments on the proposed sewer rate and charge adjustment will be held August 6, 2019, commencing at 7:00 pm in the Northern Lights Room of the Kandahar Lodge 3824 Big Mountain Rd Whitefish, MT 59937. Further information about the proposed rate and charge adjustment may be obtained by contacting Leslie Bales at 406-249-5669. Done by Order of the Board of Directors of Big Mountain County Sewer District, Montana, this 22nd day of July, 2019. Leslie Bales Secretary July 25, 28, August 1, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Hot dog! - Wienermobile is rolling into town
Good news for those who relish a classic American hot dog — the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is coming to town. The 27-foot hot dog on wheels will be making an appearance at several Flathead Valley grocery stores Aug. 9 to 11. The Wienermobile that’s headed for Montana is one of six mobile hot dogs traveling the country at any time. Each one is piloted by a team of two “hot-doggers” who spread snacks, smiles and hot-dog puns at more than 50 cities in at least 25 states during their year-long journey.
Somers lake access impacted by high summer traffic
It’s the middle of a Sunday afternoon and the Somers Fishing Access is swarming with boaters. The site’s 28 parking spots are filled, yet a long stream of truck and trailers wait to enter from U.S. 93. The highway itself is lined with vehicles on either side and pedestrians and cyclists flow in from the bike path along the shoreline. Inside the lot, the scene is equally chaotic, as drivers jockey for position to either load or launch their watercraft on the two-lane boat ramp.
Vet Center's mission worthy of praise
For 40 years the Kalispell Vet Center has been an important safety net for veterans in need of readjustment counseling and other resources.
Letters to the editor Aug. 1
Evan Barrett’s 600+ word letter (July 28) claiming President Trump launched a racist attack on “four women of color” was precisely what you could expect from a man who has devoted his life to the DNC from the state to the national level.
Man defines the meaning of 'restroom'
A store manager asked Kalispell Police Department to remove a man found sleeping in a bathroom. After the manager woke him up, he reportedly refused to leave, instead, he began eating chips he stole from the store.
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- Flathead High School Class of 1969 50th reunion today through Aug. 3. Register at wwwflatheadhsclassof69.com