Stories for April 2020

Thursday, April 30

April 30, 2020 3:38 p.m.

Kalispell Regional continues ramping up services

Beginning next week, some operative and interventional procedures will once again be offered by Kalispell Regional Healthcare as part of the hospital system’s second phase of its reintroduction plan.

There are two positions on the Flathead Community College Board of Trustees and three candidates who are running for them. All appear well qualified, and all are outspoken advocates of an effective system of public education. All believe in a vibrant and prosperous community supported by quality educational opportunities. In short, it would appear they support continuing the current excellence of FVCC of which we in the Flathead Valley are so proud.

April 30, 2020 1 a.m.

Cleona “Tommy” Lenore Lybeck, 86

Born Feb. 24, 1934, to Thomas and Adella McClelland in Kalispell, Tommy grew up on the family farm and attended Helena Flats grade school and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1951.

April 30, 2020 1 a.m.

Reserve Drive re-designation ‘a huge step’ toward upgrade

The Transportation Commission of the Montana Department of Transportation on Tuesday re-designated Reserve Drive in Kalispell from an urban route to a primary route in the state highway system, a move that changes the road’s funding source and likely will accelerate the time-line for widening the road and improving the busy intersection of Reserve Drive and Whitefish Stage Road.

April 30, 2020 1 a.m.

Abnormal caller promises not to be crazy

Someone called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office because he wanted to know if law enforcement could tell his location based on the call. He claimed he was a new resident at a property where there used to be “legal problems.” He informed the Sheriff’s Office he was “not going to be crazy.”

April 30, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 30 2020

Wednesday, April 29

April 29, 2020 5:34 p.m.

Column: Keenan balances the good and unpredictable

Ryan Keenan, raised in Bigfork and educated at Flathead High School, has been balancing the good with the unpredictable.

April 29, 2020 4:17 p.m.

National parks balancing demands for cell service, silence

National parks are grappling with how to expand cellphone service while preserving the serenity of nature

April 29, 2020 4:14 p.m.

Bullock hopes to ramp up COVID-19 testing capacity

Gov. Steve Bullock announced a plan to increase testing capacity in Montana – with a goal of reaching 60,000 COVID-19 tests conducted per month – during a call with the press on Wednesday afternoon.

April 29, 2020 2:54 p.m.

Whitefish duo won’t get a sequel

What Whitefish tennis coach Pat Dryden calls “the perfect duo” happened by accident, though Olivia Potthoff and Aubrey Hanks have known each other since before kindergarten.

April 29, 2020 2:03 p.m.

3 men sue Montana Council of Boy Scouts, claim sexual abuse

Three men filed lawsuits against the Montana Council of the Boy Scouts of America and two sponsoring agencies, alleging they suffered sexual abuse at scouting camps decades ago

April 29, 2020 10:25 a.m.

Districts to continue remote learning for the remainder of the school year

Kalispell Public Schools will continue with remote learning through the end of the school year on June 9.

April 29, 2020 9 a.m.

Lake County detention officer charged with misconduct

A Lake County detention officer is facing charges that he illegally transferred items and messages to an inmate under his watch.

April 29, 2020 5 a.m.

Clinician offers advice for families as pandemic drags on

Given the uncertain times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to daily routines and the loss of the structure and social interaction the school day once provided, children and parents may be experiencing heightened anxiety, stress or depression.

April 29, 2020 1 a.m.

Unmanned boat found at Echo Lake

A small, unmanned boat drifted into Echo Lake Bay. A nearby homeowner and his wife said he saw it float in from the end of the peninsula but he did “not recognize it as a boat they have seen before.” The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office determined, “At this point it is unknown where the boat drifted from or where it came from.”

April 29, 2020 1 a.m.

Kelly Anne Fredenberg, 61

Kelly Anne Fredenberg, age 61, passed away on April 21, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

April 29, 2020 1 a.m.

Bullock discusses reopening economy, out-of-state visitors

Gov. Steve Bullock said Montana is in better shape than most other states as it begins to reopen its economy, but said “we’re certainly not out of the woods” during a virtual discussion with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday afternoon.

April 28, 2020 2:48 p.m.

In rural U.S., fears of virus seem far away as stores reopen

Parts of the U.S. are starting to lift closures, and some of the quickest to reopen have been rural states like Montana, Vermont and Alaska

April 28, 2020 9:13 a.m.

Photos: Stillwater Christian spirit parade

Stillwater Christian School parents and students held a school spirit parade for grades K-5 outside the school on Friday, April 24. Parents were invited to decorate their car, wear Cougar Gear drive through the parking lot to honk and wave to teachers.

April 28, 2020 1 a.m.

Regier, Tutvedt square off in House District 6 Republican primary

Editor’s note: This is the first of a series of question-and-answer articles about contested state legislative races in Flathead County. Early voting begins May 8 for the June 2 Primary election.

April 28, 2020 1 a.m.

Valley goes two weeks with no new virus cases

Monday marked two weeks since Flathead County has reported a new positive case of the novel coronavirus — a milestone in controlling the outbreak that comes as many local businesses begin to reopen under state guidelines.

April 28, 2020 1 a.m.

Benno Michael Ober, 76

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Benno Michael Ober, age 76.

April 28, 2020 1 a.m.

Kalispell driver charged with insurance fraud

Ronald Lee Glover, 22, of Kalispell, is facing one felony count of criminal insurance fraud after a traffic accident last summer.

April 28, 2020 1 a.m.

Bear just hangs around Whitefish

Someone on Suncrest Drive reportedly saw an adult black bear on a deck. The bear wasn’t getting into anything it was just standing on the porch. Whitefish Police Department alerted the neighbors.

April 28, 2020 1 a.m.

Job Service directs self-employed workers to benefits

Self-employed workers and others who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment insurance were able to begin filing for benefits last week, and Job Service Kalispell remains as busy as ever trying to help the local workforce navigate its unemployment options.

April 28, 2020 1 a.m.

Flathead Electric Co-op won’t raise rates this year

April 27, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 27 2020

Sunday, April 26

April 26, 2020 3:18 p.m.

Kalispell musician plays Navy tribute in Italy

Kalispell native and United States Navy musician Matthew Jones is bringing his talents from the Flathead Valley to Italy in support of the people that have been some of the most severely affected by COVID-19.

April 26, 2020 1 a.m.

Jay Harlan Goodwin, 89

April 26, 2020 1 a.m.

Local businesses eager, but cautious to restart

As the first phase of the state’s plan to reopen some sectors of the economy rolls out in the wake of the coronavirus restrictions, some local business owners are eager to get back to business, while others worry about their capacity to safely invite customers back into their establishments.

April 26, 2020 1 a.m.

Libby history museum gets National Register listing

Saturday, April 25

April 25, 2020 6:27 p.m.

George Ivan Zavalney, 77

George Ivan Zavalney, 77, passed away April 4, 2020.

April 25, 2020 3:36 p.m.

Tudor hired as Bravettes basketball coach

Sam Tudor, who coached the Bigfork Vikings to back-to-back titles, has been tapped to take over the Flathead Bravettes basketball program.

April 25, 2020 3:36 p.m.

Flathead tabs Johnsrud as next boys’ coach

Dirk Johnsrud, a longtime assistant basketball coach at Flathead High School, has been recommended to coach the Braves’ varsity boys’ basketball team.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Kalispell man charged with sex assault

A Kalispell man is accused of rape after the alleged victim came forward to report the incident more than a year later.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Timeline for Glacier reopening unclear

While federal, state and local governments prepare to reopen the United States economy, officials with Glacier National Park say it is uncertain when park gates will open again, but a “gradual reopening” will occur in coordination with Flathead and Glacier Counties, the Blackfeet Nation and Montana state.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Park Side Credit Union provides free online course for students

COVID-19 has transformed the living room into the classroom for most students, and to help with this remote learning Park Side Credit Union has provided an online financial literacy course to students at 19 schools in the valley.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Man can’t keep up with female jogger

A woman was running in Columbia Falls and a suspicious man tried to run with her, she told the Columbia Falls Police Department. When the trench-coat-wearing man stopped running, he yelled at the runner’s dog to “shup up.”

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Trial set for case involving war veteran, Kalispell police officers

A trial date has been scheduled in the case of a Kalispell war veteran who sued after he was shot by two Kalispell Police Department officers inside his home more than four years ago.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Area high schools get iGraduate grants

Polson High School, Troy High School and Ronan School District are each recipients of a $10,000 iGraduate Montana grant to promote high school graduation and workforce development. Libby Middle High School was awarded a $5,000 grant.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Abell touts his blue-collar, pro-business vision for county

Editor’s note: The Daily Inter Lake will be publishing profiles of the Flathead County commissioner candidates through Sunday, and will feature state legislative races next week. Early voting for the June 2 primary election begins May 8.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Boards to decide next week on restarting schools

As part of the first phase of the state’s phased reopening, Gov. Steve Bullock announced that in-classroom learning could begin on May 7 in a limited fashion. But local superintendents are leaning toward finishing the school year remotely.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Survey measures virus impacts on local businesses

Just over a month ago, LC Staffing’s job board evaporated.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Buffalo Hill residents serenade the neighborhood

Buffalo Hill Terrace residents Dorothy Donahoe and Lynda Collins recently decided to add some fun to the facility’s shelter-in-place directive during the COVID-19 pandemic by starting a singing group that has been serenading the neighborhood every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

ImagineIF Libraries to provide curbside pickup starting May 4

ImagineIF Libraries will offer curbside pickup starting May 4 in response to state and local plans to progressively reopen Montana. In the meantime, Imagine IF will retrofit its facilities throughout the county in order to safely open its doors to the public at a later date.

April 25, 2020 1 a.m.

Bigfork man accused of hatchet assault

Friday, April 24

April 24, 2020 7:39 p.m.

Tudor hired as Bravettes basketball coach

Sam Tudor, who coached the Bigfork Vikings to back-to-back titles, has been tapped to take over the Flathead Bravettes basketball program.

April 24, 2020 7:39 p.m.

Flathead tabs Johnsrud as next boys’ coach

Dirk Johnsrud, a longtime assistant basketball coach at Flathead High School, has been recommended to coach the Braves’ varsity boys’ basketball team.

April 24, 2020 1 a.m.

National speech and debate tourney moves online

Flathead, Glacier and Whitefish high school speech and debate competitors who qualified for nationals will still have a chance at getting the last word of the season as the tournament moves online due to COVID-19 health concerns.

April 24, 2020 1 a.m.

Vermiculite find highlights dispute over cleanup costs

Renovation work in Lincoln County last month uncovered vermiculite, and the property owner notified Lincoln County’s Asbestos Resource Program.

April 24, 2020 1 a.m.

Raymond Robert Sorenson, 79

Raymond Robert Sorenson was born in Malta to Richard R. and Mary Craft Sorenson and died on April 20, 2020.

April 24, 2020 1 a.m.

Three candidates vie for two FVCC trustee positions

Three candidates are running for two positions on the Flathead Valley Community College Board of Trustees, including incumbents Kelly Dowling Stimpson and Peter Akey, and challenger Eric Fulton, a tech entrepreneur from Whitefish.

April 24, 2020 1 a.m.

Adams says he’ll take strong stand on property rights

Elliot Adams said he “wants to be able to take a stand for people’s individual rights” if he is elected the next Flathead County commissioner.

April 24, 2020 1 a.m.

Praying man doesn’t need assistance

A man seemed “distraught” in a park when he was seen “hunkered over in a fetal position” and heard “screaming and yelling.” However, he told the Kalispell Police Department he was praying and did not need any assistance.

April 24, 2020 1 a.m.

Teddy bear displays a beacon of hope during pandemic

A lone teddy bear sits in a chair in a corner window on Third Avenue East North in Kalispell. Behind the panes painted with bright flowers and white fluffy clouds, the stuffed sentinel looks out on a world much quieter than it should be. Four large blue letters in the upper left corner of the windows: HOPE.

April 24, 2020 1 a.m.

Flathead Electric Co-op incumbents win re-election

Three incumbents were re-elected to the Board of Trustees for Flathead Electric Co-op.

April 24, 2020 1 a.m.

University of Montana researchers work on COVID-19 vaccine

MISSOULA – Researchers in the Center for Translational Medicine at the University of Montana have been awarded $2.5 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health to identify and advance a COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

April 24, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 24 2020

Thursday, April 23

April 23, 2020 6:14 p.m.

Approval of oil pipelines delayed after environmental ruling

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has suspended a nationwide program used to approve oil and gas pipelines, power lines and other utility work

April 23, 2020 5:37 p.m.

Kalispell man dead after high-speed pursuit

A 22-year-old Kalispell man is dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase late Wednesday night.

April 23, 2020 3:20 p.m.

Somber Congress delivers nearly $500B more in virus aid

Congress has delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending, almost unanimously rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs

April 23, 2020 3 p.m.

Kalispell, Whitefish superintendents recommend remote learning continue

Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt says Whitefish Schools should continue with remote learning only for the remainder of the school year.

April 23, 2020 1:48 p.m.

10K in Montana claim unemployment; self-employed can file

Another 10,500 Montana residents filed new unemployment claims last week, bringing the total over the past five weeks to nearly 81,000

April 23, 2020 1:32 p.m.

Glacier plow crews beyond the Loop

Plowing crews in Glacier National Park are making progress on the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

April 23, 2020 10:28 a.m.

Kalispell man dead after police chase

A 22-year-old Kalispell man is dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase late Wednesday night.

April 23, 2020 1 a.m.

Grizzly bears pass on the pork

A woman was home alone when she told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office a grizzly bear and two cubs got into her pig pen. She had two pigs in the pen that she was worried about, but she said the bears ran away.

April 23, 2020 1 a.m.

Kalispell council OKs temporary shelter

The Kalispell City Council met virtually through Zoom videoconference on Monday evening to discuss an emergency resolution related to sheltering-in-place, concerns about an official on the Flathead City-County Health Board and other matters .

April 23, 2020 1 a.m.

Brockman sees need to diversify Flathead economy

Editor’s note: The Daily Inter Lake will be publishing profiles of the Flathead County commissioner candidates beginning today, and will feature state legislative races next week. Early voting for the June 2 primary election begins May 8.

April 23, 2020 1 a.m.

Letters to the editor April 23

I remember sitting in Dick Chapman’s entertaining Mythology course at Flathead High in 1982. The teacher illustrated the ancient concept of the dilemma. Odysseus returning home from the Trojan War consulted an Oracle before sailing through the Bosporus. The Oracle foretold that the ship would encounter the giant whirlpool Charybdis on one side, or the nine-headed monster Scylla on the other. Scylla would claim nine lives if Odysseus passed that way. Charybdis would either claim none or all of the ship’s sailors. Odysseus chose the path of Scylla for he knew he could not risk the entire ship and crew. He placed himself at the head of the ship and fought Scylla furiously but in the end, as foretold, nine of his fellow sailors were tragically lost.

April 23, 2020 1 a.m.

Bears and wildfires: Sure signs of spring

Signs that spring has finally sprung are all around us as we enter the last half of April. Tree buds and some flowers are beginning to make their grand entrance, robins are all a flutter and evening daylight is lingering well past the dinner hour.

April 23, 2020 1 a.m.

Time to find a way to increase access to Montana state lands

It’s spring time in Montana and outdoor recreational opportunities abound in great abundance.

April 23, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 23 2020

Wednesday, April 22

April 22, 2020 6:57 p.m.

Man taken into custody after police standoff

A 56-year-old Kalispell man was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for a mental health evaluation after an hours-long standoff Wednesday with law enforcement officers.

April 22, 2020 6:38 p.m.

Whitefish spiker signs with UM-Western

DILLON – Outside hitter Kaiah Moore of Whitefish is among three players that signed letters of intent to play volleyball for University of Montana-Western, Bulldogs coach Katie Lovett announced.

April 22, 2020 6:37 p.m.

Local ADs reaction to cancellation

Moments after Gov. Bullock’s press conference detailing the phased reopening plan for the state Wednesday, the Montana High School Association issued a statement canceling spring sports.

April 22, 2020 6:36 p.m.

Column: Those big Lady Griz shoes to fill

To the oddities surrounding Shannon Schweyen’s dismissal we can add Wednesday’s press conference introducing Mike Petrino as coach of the Montana Lady Griz, brought to you by Zoom.

April 22, 2020 1:14 p.m.

Firefighters get Plains wildfire under control

Western Montana firefighters are doing mop up work on a 40-acre wildfire that occurred Tuesday afternoon in the Henry Creek drainage, about 5 miles east of Plains, on the Lolo National Forest.

April 22, 2020 11:12 a.m.

Bullock announces first phase of reopening Montana

HELENA (AP) — Montana’s churches can hold services on Sunday and some businesses will be able to reopen Monday as long as they practice social distancing, Gov. Steve Bullock said Wednesday in easing coronavirus restrictions.

April 22, 2020 9:42 a.m.

‘Tank’ keeps advancing toward results

While Brooks Michaels throws a shot around his grandmother’s back yard and looks forward to going to the same college as his brother Bret, we are left to ponder.

April 22, 2020 9:11 a.m.

Flathead, Toole Counties announce additional COVID-19 fatalities

The Flathead City-County Health Department announced the second coronavirus-related death of a Flathead County resident early Wednesday morning.

April 22, 2020 1 a.m.

Slow mail day must mean thievery

A man told the Whitefish Police Department he was convinced his mail was being stolen and he suspected a woman he saw near the mailboxes was the thief. Even though he was “not sure specifically what is missing,” he insisted he “does not typically go three days without receiving any mail.”

Editor’s note: Edna Cotton had been selected as the featured quilter for this year’s Teakettle Quilt Guild show that was recently canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

April 22, 2020 1 a.m.

Sam Mark Porrovecchio, 87

Sam Mark Porrovecchio, 87, passed away on April 15, 2020, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, after suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

April 22, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 22 2020

Tuesday, April 21

April 21, 2020 3:58 p.m.

Governor issues directive to ensure telehealth coverage

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock issued two directives Tuesday related to the coronavirus outbreak

April 21, 2020 3:58 p.m.

Firefighters douse blaze near Grandview Park

Firefighters from West Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue extinguished a blaze near Grandview Park near Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell Monday night.

April 21, 2020 2:36 p.m.

Blacktail wildfire burns 8 acres

Multiple fire agencies responded to a wildfire near Blacktail Mountain Ski Area above Lakeside on Tuesday afternoon.

April 21, 2020 1 a.m.

Churches unite to feed front line workers

Pastor Randy Passons of CrossRoads Christian Fellowship had his arms full Thursday afternoon outside the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. Donning a cloth mask covered in words like “hope” and “faith”, he transported dozens of sack lunches into the patrol room to the delight of the deputies on duty. Each bag was loaded with a variety of goodies — granola bars, beef jerky, fruit and other high-energy staples — that officers can easily grab on their way out the door to snack in between calls.

April 21, 2020 1 a.m.

Man wonders about ‘citizen’s arrest’

A man allegedly had questions for Flathead County Sheriff’s Office about making a “citizen’s arrest” on a public official in Kalispell. The man purportedly wanted to know what his rights were for taking such an action with public officials who violate federal or state statutes. He was advised to seek legal counsel and advice from the county attorney in addition to the state and federal attorney general offices. Officers also reportedly discussed some state statues and told him to do further research on local and state laws, advising him, “not to violate any state or local law in his pursuit of action and change,” and “to carefully weigh the value of the intended result against the cost of action and unintended consequence.”

April 21, 2020 1 a.m.

Virtual Earth Day celebration planned locally

This year environmental protection advocates in the Flathead Valley and beyond will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day virtually through an online event organized by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

April 21, 2020 1 a.m.

Swan River Hall seeks funding to repair floor

The Swan River Community Hall has served as an anchor for the people of the greater Bigfork area for 87 years.

April 21, 2020 1 a.m.

Cherry growers have hope for fruitful season

COVID-19 social distancing concerns may have caused the cancellation of the annual Flathead Lake Cherry Growers spring cooperative meeting, but growers are moving full-speed ahead with this year’s crop.

April 21, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 21 2020

Monday, April 20

April 20, 2020 5:24 p.m.

John C. Mueller, 79

John C. Mueller, 79, went home to be with his mom and family very peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2020, with his wife by his side as they were for 49 years. His passing was at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish after a long fight with being ill.

April 20, 2020 3:17 p.m.

Animal shelter director credits staff, county and donors for facility’s success

Perched on a wall above Clifford “Cliff” Bennett’s work desk is a faded photo of him and his former companion, Dodger. The picture shows a younger Bennett sporting the same iconic mustache he wears today “on the wrong side of 65,” but Dodger’s graying muzzle leaves one to think the spaniel was likely in its senior years.

April 20, 2020 2:13 p.m.

Stay connected to your co-op

It is very unfortunate that this COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial challenges for so many people in our community. We have not witnessed times this tough since people were struggling to come out of the most recent recession. Because of these financial challenges, I want to remind Co-op members who are having trouble paying their electric bills about the importance of keeping in touch with us.

April 20, 2020 2:10 p.m.

Reopening the Montana way

When COVID-19 first came to Montana, we took quick and aggressive measures to slow the spread and keep Montanans home during this critical period.

April 20, 2020 2:10 p.m.

Letters to the editor April 20

Dr. Annie Bukacek was appointed to the Flathead County Health Board in the name of diversity. However, her kooky, fringe views are the antithesis of the mission of public health. COVID-19 virus is not a hoax and should be taken seriously. She must be removed.

April 20, 2020 1:51 p.m.

Montana officials euthanize 2 bears for killing livestock

Two grizzly bears have been euthanized by wildlife officials in Montana for killing livestock

April 20, 2020 1:51 p.m.

1 dead in twin-engine airplane crash near Billings airport

Yellowstone County officials say one person was killed when a twin-engine airplane crashed west of the Billings airport

April 20, 2020 1:48 p.m.

Photos: ‘Kruise Kalispell’ draws big turnout

Photos from the first ‘Kruise Kalispell’ car parade on Main Street in downtown Kalispell on Friday, April 18. The event, organized though a Facebook group, is expected to continue every Friday evening at 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 19

April 19, 2020 7:13 p.m.

Hundreds of Montana residents protest stay-at-home order

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Montana state Capitol to call on Gov. Steve Bullock to ease stay-at-home and business restrictions enacted to combat the spread of the coronavirus

April 19, 2020 9:01 a.m.

No one injured in fire at FVCC dorm

No one was injured in a fire incident that occurred in Founders Hall on the Flathead Valley Community College campus in Kalispell early Sunday morning.

April 19, 2020 1 a.m.

Mom’s fate is out of our hands

I got a text from my brother Rodney early Friday morning, with a screenshot of the notification he’d just received from the nursing home in Minnesota where my 91-year-old mother is a resident. It was what we feared would happen: one of the residents there had tested positive for COVID-19 that morning.

April 19, 2020 1 a.m.

Surge in online sales helps digital company give back

The COVID-19 outbreak in Montana has resulted in widespread business closures, but some local businesses have managed to stay busy throughout the crisis, and that has presented a new opportunity to support the local community.

April 19, 2020 1 a.m.

Precision Rifle Series competitions put distance shooters to the test

A slight breeze cut through the crisp morning air at the Butte Gun Club as the shooters toted their rifles to the firing line. One by one, the competitors took their positions. At one stage, a man stepped into an old claw-foot bathtub and rested the front of his rifle on the metal rim. To his right, another shooter contemplated how to best support his rifle on a giant rubber tire while the shooter on the stage to his left took to his stomach on a rickety-looking raised wooden platform.

April 19, 2020 1 a.m.

Bigfork couple serenades neighbors nightly

April 19, 2020 1 a.m.

A wartime president?

With the COVID-19 virus beginning to ramp up in the U.S. the President is beginning to do what he always does in such situations – Deceive, Deny, Deflect and blame everyone but himself for his bungled response. So, here’s the actual timeline of the virus, told in the President’s own words:

April 19, 2020 1 a.m.

Pandemic likely to heavily impact Whitefish budget

The COVID-19 pandemic could result in a significant financial impact for the city of Whitefish.

April 19, 2020 1 a.m.

Lakeside, South Kalispell emergency responders join forces

The Lakeside Quick Response Unit is joining forces with the South Kalispell Fire District to extend its emergency services to the South Kalispell area.

April 19, 2020 1 a.m.

Rep. Gianforte responds to accusations about profiting from pandemic

Montana Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Fox recently accused U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Montana, of “insider trading” and investing in companies that stand to profit off the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are some encouraging results emerging from recent projections on Montana’s coronavirus outbreak. According to data that is available, the state and Flathead County appear to have hit a plateau and the number of new cases is on a downward trajectory. Montana’s curve appears to be flattening.

April 19, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 19 2020

Saturday, April 18

April 18, 2020 9:41 a.m.

Canada, US extend border restrictions for another 30 days

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the U.S. and Canada have agreed to keep their border closed to nonessential travel for another 30 days

April 18, 2020 1 a.m.

Man accused of assaulting, threatening police officers

When Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a possible trespass call on South Fork Drive on Easter Sunday, they found a man who didn’t go quietly.

April 18, 2020 1 a.m.

Columbia Falls teen accused of sex crime

A Columbia Falls teenager has been accused of a sex crime against a developmentally disabled female.

April 18, 2020 1 a.m.

Several districts have contested school board elections

About 911 ballots have been mailed. Three candidates are vying for two open seats on the board.

April 18, 2020 1 a.m.

‘The drug house’ is at it again

A man wanted the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to do extra patrol in his area because “the drug house is at it again.” He said he had already called the drug task force and they were “well aware of it.”

April 18, 2020 1 a.m.

Woman accused of DUI with children in vehicle

A Kalispell woman recently was charged with driving drunk with two 4-year-old children in a vehicle.

April 18, 2020 1 a.m.

Mildred “Millie” Estel Walter, 95

Mildred “Millie” Estel Walter, 95, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at her home in Temecula, California.

April 18, 2020 1 a.m.

Flathead unites on emergency shelter project

An emergency shelter is on track for Kalispell, after community members and organizations donated more than $60,000 within a week to bring the project to fruition.

April 18, 2020 1 a.m.

Projections suggest Montana’s virus cases ‘leveling out’

Flathead County’s Public Health Officer said Thursday that based on current projections and what data is available, the coronavirus outbreak in Flathead County and Montana as a whole “appears to be leveling out and starting to go down.”

Friday, April 17

April 17, 2020 3:30 p.m.

Bullock to start easing restrictions next week

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock says he will begin a phased re-opening of the state's economy after April 24 but didn’t provide specifics about what that means

April 17, 2020 2:32 p.m.

Bullock raises $3.3M in 3 weeks after announcing Senate run

Campaign finance reports show Montana Gov. Steve Bullock raised more than $3 million in the first three weeks of his campaign against Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines in what has emerged as a critical race in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate

April 17, 2020 12:38 p.m.

Kalispell Schools awarded ‘No Kid Hungry’ grant

A $15,000 grant has been awarded to Kalispell Public Schools to support the district’s work to reach families in need of meals as part of the response to COVID-19.

April 17, 2020 11:28 a.m.

The chairwoman of Montana's Legislative Audit Committee said she doubts the state can justify spending all of the $1.25 billion it will receive in the federal coronavirus relief bill

April 16, 2020 4:55 p.m.

Public alleges Health Board member’s behavior ‘reckless’

Many community members who tuned into the Flathead City-County Board of Health’s virtual meeting on Thursday asked board members and the county commissioners to consider removing Dr. Annie Bukacek from her position on the board, citing an incident in which she organized members of the public to protest the city of Kalispell’s recent state-of-emergency declaration, among others.

April 16, 2020 4:37 p.m.

Eighth Montanan dies of COVID-19

An eighth Montana resident, a Toole County resident, has died from COVID-19, Gov. Steve Bullock said in a press release late Thursday.

A man had questions for Animal Control after he complained to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office about his neighbor’s dog running at large on his property. His neighbor apparently told him he “didn’t move to Montana to tie up his dog.” The complainant decided to put up a camera and provide his neighbor with a copy of the city’s dog ordinance, but he wasn’t ready for Animal Control to get involved.

April 16, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 16 2020

Wednesday, April 15

April 15, 2020 4:33 p.m.

Glacier plows making progress

Glacier National Park plow crews are making progress on plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The goal is to make it to the Loop by week’s end, a park official said, citing an email update from the plow crews. Crews are through the West Side Tunnel.

April 15, 2020 4:33 p.m.

Gianforte sees paths forward in virus treatment, business re-openings

Montana Rep. Greg Gianforte said he is “betting on American ingenuity” to find solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic during a virtual discussion with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.

April 15, 2020 4:32 p.m.

Chamber plans for ‘responsible’ economic reboot

On Monday, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said there is currently no timeline for businesses to reopen following the COVID-19 outbreak. But that doesn’t mean it’s too early for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce to start planning for the eventual restart of local businesses, or to advocate for ways to support the business community in the meantime.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Donald Arthur Doyle, 88

Donald Arthur Doyle passed away Jan. 15, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Hospital. He was 88 years old.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Phillip R. Iversen, 96

Phillip R. Iversen, 96, passed away on April 7, 2020, at his home in Kalispell with his family by his side.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Alberta Julia (Paturzo) Smith

Alberta Julia (Paturzo) Smith passed away on March 25, 2020, two days before her 94th birthday, in Kalispell.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Myra Lee Richards, 85

Myra Lee Richards, age 85, went home to be with the Lord on April 8, 2020.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Doris E. Sloan, 93

Doris E. Sloan, 93, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2020. Her large, dispersed and quarantined family was with her in spirit.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Peggy Darlene Hayek, 82

Peggy Darlene Hayek, 82, passed away on April 12, 2020, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Roger William Graham, 84

Roger William Graham, Hungry Horse, received his heavenly diploma graduating from this life into heaven on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, at 9:05 p.m. He was at his home, “Peaceful Pines,” after a brief struggle with heart and kidney complications. His departure was gentle and peaceful with his wife Darlene, daughter Dani, and son Doug at his bedside.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Timeline charts state’s first month of virus battle

Monday marked one month since the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services announced the state’s first confirmed cases of COVID-19 on March 13 and since then, much has unfolded. Here is a recap of what has happened between then and now in the United States, in Montana and in the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Sizable condo project planned near Whitefish golf course

The Whitefish Planning Board will discuss a conditional use-permit for a large condominium project on the west side of Whitefish during its remote meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

Airport receives $11M in emergency funding

Glacier Park International Airport will receive $11 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration to help with recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak.

April 15, 2020 1 a.m.

‘Oh, the Places You Cannot Go,’ and what you can do otherwise

Before the COVID-19-related closures, many children celebrated Dr. Seuss’ March birthday at school.

April 15, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 15 2020

Tuesday, April 14

April 14, 2020 7:08 p.m.

Russell Muscle: A determined Flathead senior sets sights on Naval Academy

As Tanner Russell pushes toward another goal – flying a Hornet or Sea King, maybe – it would serve to take stock of his determination.

April 14, 2020 7:07 p.m.

Rademacher signs with Montana Tech

Aubrie Rademacher, a standout senior basketball player for the Glacier Wolfpack, will continue her hoops career at Montana Tech in Butte.

April 14, 2020 4:55 p.m.

Fire officials investigate blaze in Evergreen

Flathead County fire officials are investigating a blaze of “questionable circumstances” after a fire destroyed a home in Evergreen early Monday morning.

April 14, 2020 3:55 p.m.

Fortine woman accused of hitting child in vehicle appears in court

April 14, 2020 1 a.m.

Suspicious clown not found funny

Kalispell Police Department received a few calls about a man allegedly described wearing clown makeup, a dress and carrying a bag, who was walking around and knocking on doors asking for money. Officers made contact with the man on 10th Avenue West and Seventh Street West and asked him to move along.

April 14, 2020 1 a.m.

Local nonprofit rescues abused dwarf pig

Sherry Lewis-Peterson did not set out to rescue an abused pig — but after taking one look at the skinny pig locked in a small kennel, she loaded the helpless animal into her van and did not think twice about it.

April 14, 2020 1 a.m.

AG Fox sues tobacco companies for $43M

Montana Attorney General Tim Fox announced his office is suing a number of major tobacco companies to recover a total of $43 million owed to the state of Montana.

April 14, 2020 1 a.m.

Green Auto offers grocery pickup, transportation

Green Auto Group, which operates Green Nissan and Green Hyundai, is offering free grocery delivery and transportation in its shuttle van to essential appointments such as medical visits and pharmacy pickups. The free service is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 406-755-2277.

April 14, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 14 2020

Monday, April 13

April 13, 2020 2 p.m.

Hospital announces pay cuts, furloughs due to virus

Citing concerns over steep declines in revenue due to the coronavirus, officials with Kalispell Regional Healthcare on Monday announced hospital executives, physicians and executive directors will be taking pay cuts, and about 600 employees system-wide will be furloughed or experience a reduction in hours and shifts.

April 13, 2020 7:13 a.m.

Flathead resident dies of coronavirus

The Flathead City-County Health Department on Monday morning confirmed the first death of a Flathead County resident related to COVID-19 in Flathead County.

April 13, 2020 1 a.m.

Spring brings birds, the middle kind

A woman lacking social graces allegedly flipped off another woman who confronted her about putting a leash on her German shepherd while out walking on East Oregon Street.

April 13, 2020 1 a.m.

C-Falls opts to delay resort tax start date

The Columbia Falls City Council last week voted to delay an implementation of a proposed 3 percent resort tax until October 2021.

April 13, 2020 1 a.m.

Toole County has 25 coronavirus positives, mostly senior citizens

Toole County has 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday — a number composed of mostly adults 60 years of age and older.

April 13, 2020 1 a.m.

Injection mold firms ramp up Montana Mask production

efforts to supply first responders

Local makers of the sought-after Montana Mask are taking operations to the next level in an effort to equip a wider swath of front-line responders with filtration masks to protect against the coronavirus.

April 13, 2020 1 a.m.

From military service to hunting, boat inspector has led a full life

Garland “Ham” Hamilton is a man with plenty of stories and he’s very willing to share them.

April 13, 2020 1 a.m.

Harriet Ione Berg Pierce, 89

Harriet Ione Berg Pierce passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 30, 2020. She was 89 years old.

April 13, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 13 2020

Sunday, April 12

April 12, 2020 10 a.m.

Online Easter services planned

Editor’s note: This list is not all-inclusive, but includes several local churches that reached out to the Inter Lake.

April 12, 2020 7:58 a.m.

Invisible enemy unveiled by Montana lab researchers

Researchers at Montana's Rocky Mountain Laboratories have been working hard to put a face on an invisible enemy that has turned the world upside down

April 12, 2020 7:58 a.m.

Montana novelist remembered as a 'writer's writer'

Montana novelist Peter Bowen has died at age 74

April 12, 2020 3 a.m.

Memories still vivid 40 years after Mount St. Helens eruption

No one knew in the early morning hours of May 18, 1980, what catastrophe the day would bring.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Eric Lee Powell, 50

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

The right choice for managing the Bison Range

In the late 1800s, Latatí (Little Falcon Robe), a Qlispé (Pend d’Oreille) Tribal member, established a wild bison herd on the Flathead Reservation as the species was being wiped out across the Great Plains. Latatí’s heroic action helped save the species from extinction and was pivotal in the establishment of herds elsewhere in the U.S. and Canada.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Governor making the right calls, but outcome in all our hands

For those of us old enough to remember or to watch reruns of the 1950s classic “Dragnet,” we can easily recall Sgt. Friday’s quote, “Just the facts, ma’am.” That quote became locked into America’s lexicon, highlighting a simple ask of all of us to be honest with each other. The facts unfolding before us regarding COVID-19 are no different.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Landlords call on Bullock for compromise

The Montana Landlords Association calls on our governor to follow the Montana State Constitution to protect both tenants and landlords during these treacherous times.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Area residents recall eerie aftermath of volcanic eruption

Annie McLaughlin of Whitefish was six months pregnant and headed to work at the Roundup (now the Town Pump) in Whitefish when she saw the ash cloud moving in from the catastrophic Mount St. Helens volcanic eruption.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Officers play Easter bunny to spread joy to children

A late-night idea turned into hundreds of Flathead Valley children getting Easter baskets this weekend from area law enforcement officers.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Canvas Church holds drive-thru Easter celebration

Canvas Church in Kalispell gave out over 1,000 bags containing around 22,000 eggs for the Easter holiday.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Outdoor apparel firm makes masks and gowns

Andy Techmanski is always on the hunt for new ways to use business to help others. That’s why the Whitefish businessman recently transformed his new outdoor apparel company FORLOH (For the Love of Hunting) into production facilities for personal protective equipment (PPE) to support health-care workers battling COVID-19 in the Flathead Valley and beyond.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Mail service largely uninterrupted

through mail

Neither snow, nor rain, nor a pandemic stops the U.S. Postal Service from delivering mail.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Jigsybelle: an Easter bunny for all time

Editor’s note: This column originally was published April 25, 2011, in the Daily Inter Lake.

April 12, 2020 1 a.m.

Self-employed workers struggle to navigate unemployment

The infectious COVID-19 virus has touched every corner of the Flathead Valley’s business community, including self-employed workers such as hairstylists and massage therapists. For many of these independent entrepreneurs, the designation of their work as “non-essential” has cut off their only source of revenue and plunged their businesses into uncertainty.

April 12, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 12 2020

Saturday, April 11

April 11, 2020 8:31 p.m.

Local food banks to benefit from Town Pump grant

In the four weeks since the coronavirus made its way to Montana, food banks in communities across the state have experienced a shortage of food and also an alarming increase in demand.

April 11, 2020 3:31 p.m.

Canvas Church holds drive-thru Easter celebration

Canvas Church in Kalispell gave out over 1,000 bags containing around 22,000 eggs for the Easter holiday.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

FVCC hosts online fundraising workshop for nonprofits

For many local nonprofits, fundraising can be a challenge, but a new online workshop offered by Flathead Valley Community College may help pave the way to greater success.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

Whitefish Liquor Store donating April profits

The Whitefish Liquor Store will donate 100% of its profits for the month of April to the Whitefish Community Foundation.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

Robert L. Mills, 82

Robert L. Mills, 82, passed away March 28, 2020.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

C-Falls teachers weigh in on distance learning transition

Across Montana, bedrooms and living rooms are becoming classrooms.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

Lack of appetite seems concerning

A caller was “concerned” about a man she saw “holding food” but “not eating.” She reported he seemed “almost catatonic.” The Kalispell Police Department determined there was “not enough to warrant [a] response” but they promised to drive down to the location later in the day to check on the man.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

Lions Club plans drive-thru Easter Egg hunt in C-Falls

The Columbia Falls Lions Club Easter egg hunt should go on Easter Sunday, albeit in a closed fashion due to concerns about the novel coronavirus.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

Glacier, Flathead principals report on remote learning

Along with other schools throughout the Flathead Valley, Glacier and Flathead high schools also are adapting to student instruction amid the coronavirus pandemic.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

Kalispell pastor uses green screen for worship service

Many community boards, teachers and religious leaders have taken various approaches to continue reaching their audiences virtually after Gov. Steve Bullock initiated the COVID-19 shelter in place directive.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

When home becomes the classroom

Tuesday morning spent at the Carpenter residence offered a glimpse into one family adjusting to a new, albeit temporary, normal of public school being held at home.

April 11, 2020 1 a.m.

Local seniors face graduation without big celebrations

The end of senior year is typically a time of celebration: prom, commencement, graduation parties and senior trips. It is a time to reflect on high school achievements and finally reap the rewards of four years of hard work.

April 11, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 11 2020

Friday, April 10

April 10, 2020 5:26 p.m.

Governor visits Shelby following local coronavirus outbreak

For the better part of Montana’s coronavirus outbreak, many have focused their attention on how more populous counties will handle their outbreaks: Gallatin, Missoula, Yellowstone, Flathead. But in the last two weeks that focus has grown to include Toole County along the rural Hi-Line, which ranks fifth in the most positive cases in Montana.

April 10, 2020 1:37 p.m.

Report: Plea deal reached in Montana cattle starvation case

A prosecutor says a rancher has agreed to plead guilty to felony aggravated animal cruelty after more than 100 cows died of starvation in central Montana

April 10, 2020 1:15 p.m.

Whitefish Theatre cancels remainder of season

Whitefish Theatre Co. canceled the remained of its 2019-20 season on Friday, including productions of “Sense and Sensibility.” “Seminar,” “The Revolutionists” and a show by the Derina Harvey Band. The community theater’s fundraiser, Project Whitefish Kids Wine and Food Fest that was originally scheduled for May 6, has also been canceled.

April 10, 2020 12:44 p.m.

Montana schools chief: Expect to finish academic year online

The superintendent of Montana schools told districts to expect to finish out the academic year with distance learning amid the coronavirus outbreak

April 10, 2020 8:31 a.m.

Feds propose increasing hunting on wildlife refuges

The federal government has made a proposal to increase hunting and fishing chances on wildlife refuges across the country, including two in Western Montana.

April 10, 2020 1 a.m.

Attorney to plead guilty to felony criminal endangerment

A Kalispell attorney accused of driving drunk and crashing his vehicle with his son inside last spring is scheduled to enter a guilty plea relating to the alleged offense.

April 10, 2020 1 a.m.

Ongoing dispute over family jewels

A man told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office his daughter stole his deceased wife’s jewelry and he wanted it back. The daughter said she had returned the jewelry and her father had lost it when he was intoxicated one night. The father decided to try to enlist his other children to recover the allegedly stolen jewelry.

April 10, 2020 1 a.m.

Montana snowpack remains above normal

State hydrologists are optimistic about Montana’s deep mountain snowpack heading into spring runoff season.

April 10, 2020 1 a.m.

Ross Holcomb, 32

Ross Holcomb—father, son, brother, friend, Marine and dedicated public servant—died on Friday, April 3, 2020, at his home in Ronan. He was 32 years old.

April 10, 2020 1 a.m.

Hospital employees join nationwide protest for protective equipment

A handful of employees with Kalispell Regional Healthcare gathered briefly on Thursday afternoon outside of Montana Children’s to join in a nationwide protest asking the federal government to supply an adequate amount of personal protective equipment to hospitals during the coronavirus outbreak.

April 10, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 10 2020

Thursday, April 9

April 9, 2020 4:24 p.m.

Coronavirus forces new approaches to fighting wildfires

They are two disasters that require opposite responses: To save lives and reduce the spread of COVID-19, people are being told to remain isolated

April 9, 2020 4:21 p.m.

Data suggests state’s curve flattening

Case statistics from the state health department and data from Google suggest social distancing and isolation measures are helping to flatten Montana’s coronavirus curve and also provide insight to how communities have mobilized in recent weeks since the start of the state’s outbreak.

April 9, 2020 2:55 p.m.

Murder victim’s family relieved after killer dies in prison

The family of a Flathead Valley woman who was murdered by her husband in 1979 is feeling relief after the killer died in the Montana State Prison.

April 9, 2020 1:23 p.m.

Montana issues permits for mine over advocates’ protests

Environmental regulators have approved plans for a long-disputed copper mine in central Montana

April 9, 2020 12:37 p.m.

Yellowstone closure likely to delay summer tourist season

The superintendent of Yellowstone National Park says it likely won’t reopen until May or later, delaying the start of its traditional summer season for millions of tourists because of the coronavirus outbreak

April 9, 2020 12:10 p.m.

Hiker fends off grizzly attack in Montana prairie

A hiker is recovering after fending off a bear attack with his pistol Wednesday evening in the prairie east side of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

April 9, 2020 11:48 a.m.

Snow, damaging winds on tap Saturday

Flathead Valley residents enjoying the recent warm weather should brace themselves for a big change this weekend. Winter weather returns with a vengeance beginning Friday night as a cold front ushers in damaging winds, near-record cold and snow.

April 9, 2020 7:49 a.m.

Column: Found on the cutting room floor

As the interviews rolled in and the stories piled up about the 1988-89 Flathead Braves, I had this dread about all the good stuff among the 7,000 words that wouldn’t make the April 5 Daily Inter Lake.

April 9, 2020 1 a.m.

Child’s unkempt hair upsets ex-wife

A man reportedly wanted to advise Whitefish Police Department that his ex-wife was angry with his current wife about the condition of their child’s hair, accusing him of child abuse. He thought she might make this claim to police, which he said was not true.

April 9, 2020 1 a.m.

Troy woman a tried and true believer in bear spray

The bears are out and wildlife officials are sounding their refrain to “be bear aware.”

April 9, 2020 1 a.m.

Boat anglers must be cautious

Ready to go fishing? If you are an ice fisherman, I think you are out of luck until next December. If you are a boat fisherman, you have some limited options.

April 9, 2020 1 a.m.

CSKT lands, boat launches only open to tribal residents due to COVID-19

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council recently passed a resolution to limit access of its lands for recreation.

April 8, 2020 4:19 p.m.

C-Falls council meeting marred by obscenities from hackers

A Columbia Falls City Council meeting Monday night by Zoom videoconferencing was repeatedly sabotaged by hackers, who yelled out racial slurs, made pornographic references, swore and were generally disruptive.

April 8, 2020 4:11 p.m.

Driver who hit Olney girl charged with criminal endangerment

The driver of a vehicle who ran over a little girl getting off a school last year has been charged with criminal endangerment.

April 8, 2020 4:03 p.m.

2 women arraigned in Montana man's strangulation death

Two Montana women have been arraigned on charges related to the death of a man whose body was found between a washer and dryer with a plastic bag over his head

April 8, 2020 4:03 p.m.

Man killed in shooting at a south-central Montana trailhead

Carbon County officials are investigating a shooting that left one man dead at a trailhead south of Red Lodge in south-central Montana

April 8, 2020 4:03 p.m.

Montana's Fort Peck tribes report 2 COVID-19 cases

Montana's Fort Peck Tribes have reported two cases of COVID-19, believed to be the first on any Indian reservation in the state

April 8, 2020 3:09 p.m.

Rise of Vanterpool: Wolfpack ace’s work paid off with stellar 2019 campaign

By FRITZ NEIGHBOR

April 8, 2020 2:51 p.m.

Legion Baseball cancels national, regional tournaments

American Legion Baseball announced Tuesday that is cancelling its national tournament as well as all of its eight regional tournaments for 2020, amid worries about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

April 8, 2020 2:45 p.m.

No headline

American Legion Baseball announced Tuesday that is cancelling its national tournament as well as all of its eight regional tournaments for 2020, amid worries about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

April 8, 2020 1 a.m.

John Creel Steward, 58

John Creel Steward, 58, was peacefully invited to meet his maker in heaven on the morning of March 31, 2020.

April 8, 2020 1 a.m.

Local collaborative aims to secure temporary homeless shelter

A group of local Flathead County shelters, mental-health providers, churches, homeless teens and domestic violence organizations, law enforcement and other entities are working to secure a location to provide additional temporary shelter for homeless individuals during the coronavirus outbreak.

April 8, 2020 1 a.m.

Donald ‘Dewey’ Dolezal, 97

Donald “Dewey” Dolezal decided to leave this earthly place on March 25, 2020, and join his beloved wife of 73 years, Virginia, to work their fields together in a better place.

April 8, 2020 1 a.m.

Barbara K. Burch, 64

Barbara K. Burch, age 64, passed away very unexpectedly on the evening of March 29 from a pulmonary embolism.

April 8, 2020 1 a.m.

Campaign to help nonprofits counter COVID-19 effects

In an effort to help nonprofits suffering operationally from the coronavirus outbreak, the Whitefish Community Foundation will participate in the global Day of Giving and Unity by hosting an online donation campaign for local charities in May.

April 8, 2020 1 a.m.

Woman ready to pitch in at work

Some people carry briefcases to work, while others carry pitchforks. Flathead County Sheriff’s Office made contact with such a woman who was allegedly carrying a pitchfork on U.S. 2. She told deputies she was on her way to work in Kalispell and did not want to share her name.

April 8, 2020 1 a.m.

West Valley School District cancels election

West Valley School District canceled its May election after the board decided not to request a $175,000 technology levy.

April 8, 2020 1 a.m.

Hop to it: Virtual Easter egg hunt underway

With Easter Sunday hopping closer and closer, “The Great Online Easter Egg Hunt” is on for children in the valley.

April 8, 2020 1 a.m.

Columbia Falls woman details journey home from Peru

Head pounding and muscles aching from her 30-hour trip, Brooke Sample looked out the window of her Canadair regional jet as it approached the runway at Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell the evening of March 31. She had never been so happy to be home.

April 8, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 8 2020

Tuesday, April 7

April 7, 2020 3 p.m.

Kalispell declares state of emergency

Daily Inter Lake

April 7, 2020 2:40 p.m.

Bullock extends stay-at-home order until April 24

Gov. Steve Bullock issued a directive on Tuesday extending statewide stay-at-home orders for at least two more weeks.

April 7, 2020 12:18 p.m.

Evidence of community spread emerges in Flathead County

Community spread of the coronavirus has officially been documented in Flathead County, according to a Tuesday press release from the Flathead City-County Health Department.

April 7, 2020 8:43 a.m.

Flathead County’s COVID-19 positive cases exceed 30

As of Monday afternoon, there were more than 30 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Flathead County, according to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

April 7, 2020 1 a.m.

Lights upset machete-wielding blonde

A man allegedly told Kalispell Police Department that a blonde woman, who was possibly “tweeking on drugs,” showed up in a U-Haul outside an office, knocked on his door, brandished a machete and asked “why the outside overhead light next door to her was flashing.”

April 7, 2020 1 a.m.

Glacier High student uses 3D printers to make masks

Glacier High School sophomore Trevor Seals has been fascinated with 3D printers ever since he began working with them in Troy Smith’s engineering class.

April 7, 2020 1 a.m.

Builders team up to support health-care workers, restaurants

Kelcey and Tawnya Bingham sympathize with the stress weighing on first-responders and health-care workers who are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

Whitefish council to consider new Town Pump

The Whitefish City Council will discuss awarding a conditional-use permit for a gas station at a major intersection on the south end of Whitefish at its meeting tonight at 7:10 p.m.

April 6, 2020 1 a.m.

Kalispell to consider declaring state of emergency

The Kalispell City Council will meet at 7 p.m. tonight via online video conferencing, and the meeting will be streamed at https://www.kalispell.com/480/Meeting-Videos.

The comment period for the proposed Somers Beach state park along Flathead Lake’s north shore has been extended to Wednesday.

April 5, 2020 1 a.m.

Fitness centers go online to keep members in shape

Even though fitness centers, yoga studios and most parks are closed to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Flathead Valley, plenty of local residents are still staying active while staying home. A lot of the fitness facilities and trainers who have closed their doors during the pandemic have switched to innovative online classes to keep their athletes in shape at home.

April 5, 2020 1 a.m.

Daniel Eigeman, 85

Daniel Eigeman, 85, passed away on March 25, 2020.

April 5, 2020 1 a.m.

John Maney Embry III, 63

John Maney Embry III, 63, passed away at his home in Georgia with his family on March 26, 2020. John was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He will be truly missed.

April 5, 2020 1 a.m.

Virtual event to replace annual ALERT fundraiser

Due to COVID-19, Kalispell Regional Healthcare has opted to cancel its 42nd annual A.L.E.R.T. banquet scheduled for April 25 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. The decision was made in collaboration with the A.L.E.R.T. Advisory Board, in order to adhere to current state restrictions, the hospital stated in a press release.

Many say a story is only as good as its source.

April 5, 2020 1 a.m.

Politicization of a disease

Rep. John Fuller’s perspective (March 29, “A problem more destructive than disease”) that we’ve “abandoned one’s own responsibility” in trying to reduce the rate of infection by a virus that everyone is susceptible to, reminds me of a phase from my grandfather who said he wouldn’t let facts get in the way of his opinion.

April 5, 2020 1 a.m.

Two local teens taking the world of model jet competitions by storm

The engines roar as the jets cut through the air just off Whitefish Stage Road north of Kalispell. The two young pilots show exceptional skills as they maneuver their fighter craft through a series of tricky stunts. Their F-16 fighters are just like the real thing, but are one-fifth the size.

April 5, 2020 1 a.m.

Committed buyers, sellers keep real estate sales going in Flathead

Montanans, like most of the country, have been urged to stay at home to combat the spread of COVID-19. But staying at home becomes a bit more complicated for people who are still in the process of buying, selling or moving homes.

April 5, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 5 2020

Saturday, April 4

April 4, 2020 7:28 p.m.

Flathead at 23 COVID-19 cases

Flathead County had 23 positive cases of coronavirus as of Saturday evening, and the state recorded another virus-related death.

April 4, 2020 7:26 p.m.

Montana hospitals’ capacity in focus for pandemic

On March 15, Montana officials announced the state’s first four cases of coronavirus, and about three weeks later that figure is well on its way to the 300s. And as the case tally increases on a daily basis, questions related to hospital capacity are at the forefront of people’s minds as health-care providers brace for an outbreak officials say is far from peaking.

April 4, 2020 7:24 p.m.

Striping starts Monday on LaSalle Road, Sunset Boulevard

Striping work is set to start Monday on LaSalle Road and Sunset Boulevard in Kalispell.

April 4, 2020 5:15 p.m.

Hoopsters recall the Braves’ 1988-89 title season

If you’d asked at the time, probably nobody would have guessed that the 1989 State AA boys’ basketball title would be the Flathead Braves’ last.

April 4, 2020 4 p.m.

Flathead at 23 COVID-19 cases; state records 6th death

Flathead County had 20 positive cases of coronavirus as of Friday evening, and according to the state’s data the virus is spreading farther along Montana’s northern border through rural Glacier, Toole, Liberty and Hill counties.

April 4, 2020 1:01 a.m.

Virus outbreak threatens old-school business in Dells

LAKE DELTON, Wis. (AP) — There are places in this enclave of water parks, fudge shops and endless restaurants that offer nostalgia.

April 4, 2020 1 a.m.

Mental-health providers offer tips for keeping a level head

In this new normal, where government directives and information about the COVID-19 pandemic seem to change on a dime and the economic landscape has transformed seemingly overnight, it’s easy to find oneself asking: how are we going to get through this?

April 4, 2020 1 a.m.

Columbia Falls job-shadowing program teaches life skills

Columbia Falls High School is thinking big when it comes to expanding job skill opportunities for students in the special education program.

April 4, 2020 1 a.m.

Man jailed after alleged Costco robbery

An Evergreen man is facing a felony robbery charge after police say he and a companion stole items from Costco and nearly ran over a store employee who tried to stop them.

April 4, 2020 1 a.m.

Local churches prepare for online Holy Week amid pandemic

In the coming week Christians are preparing to celebrate several days of significant importance to their faith — Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.

April 4, 2020 1 a.m.

Kalispell man pleads guilty to endangering child’s life

A Kalispell man accused of running shirtless in traffic while holding his infant son and under the influence of methamphetamine pleaded guilty to the offense Thursday in Flathead County District Court.

April 4, 2020 1 a.m.

No proof of naughty videos at home

A man told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office a couple was sneaking into his house and “making pornography videos,” however, he said his mother, who was at the location, didn’t “believe him either.” He apparently made multiple calls to law enforcement over this issue within 24 hours, and all of the allegations were deemed to be unfounded.

April 4, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 4 2020

Friday, April 3

April 3, 2020 5:30 p.m.

Yellowstone settles $1M arsenic lawsuit with Park County

The U.S. government has agreed to pay $1 million to a Montana water district to settle a lawsuit over the amount of arsenic coming into its system from Yellowstone National Park

April 3, 2020 2:24 p.m.

Montana counties to conduct primary election by mail

Montana's June 2 primary will be conducted by mail in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus

April 3, 2020 1:27 p.m.

Bullock expands food benefits; expects to extend stay-at-home order

Gov. Steve Bullock provided an update on Montana’s COVID-19 situation and announced new measures to assist Montanans with food benefits during a press call on Friday.

April 3, 2020 1:23 p.m.

Washington state stay-at-home order extended through May 4

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has extended his order to keep non-essential businesses closed and most of the state’s residents home through May 4, saying that social distancing measures must remain in place an additional month in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19

April 3, 2020 1:22 p.m.

Montana father sentenced for continuing son's drug operation

A Montana man has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for taking up his son’s methamphetamine and heroin distribution operation

April 3, 2020 1:02 a.m.

Monopoly game ends in fight

An apartment dweller told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office heard “a lot of noise” from his upstairs neighbors and he said it sounded like “thumps” as though someone was repeatedly hitting the floor. It turned out the neighbors had gotten into a fight over a rousing game of Monopoly.

April 3, 2020 1 a.m.

Funeral homes, families challenged by virus restrictions

Death and grief are parts of life funeral home directors deal with every day, but they have never dealt with a situation like the COVID-19 outbreak.

April 3, 2020 1 a.m.

Woman accused of shooting at police pleads not guilty

A woman accused of exchanging gunfire with Flathead Valley law officers last week in Bigfork appeared in Flathead District Court Thursday and entered not guilty pleas to three felony charges.

April 3, 2020 1 a.m.

Uncertainty reigns for vacation rental operators

Earlier this week, something unimaginable happened for the small, tourism-based city of Whitefish: city officials sent a letter to short-term rental and lodging properties telling them to stop taking reservations.

April 3, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 3 2020

Thursday, April 2

April 2, 2020 4:11 p.m.

Trump admin moves toward promoting broader use of face masks

The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many, if not all, Americans wear face coverings when leaving home, in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus

April 2, 2020 4:04 p.m.

Company assures Weyerhaeuser lands will remain open

The company that purchased 630,000 acres of Weyerhaeuser timberlands in Montana said it fully intends to keep the property in the state’s block management program, which allows hunting and other access to the public.

April 2, 2020 3:57 p.m.

Navy fires captain who sought help for virus-stricken ship

The captain of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier facing a growing outbreak of the coronavirus was fired Thursday by Navy leaders who said he created a panic by sending his memo pleading for help to too many people

April 2, 2020 1:18 p.m.

Border wall, pipeline projects spur rural coronavirus fears

Major construction projects are moving forward along both U.S. borders and raising fears that the influx of workers could spread the coronavirus

April 2, 2020 12:07 p.m.

Stevensville man pleads not guilty to double homicide

A 25-year-old Stevensville man charged with killing his mother and the mother of his two children has pleaded not guilty to two counts of deliberate homicide

April 2, 2020 12:06 p.m.

Airport, train depot screening for COVID-19 starts Friday

All arriving passengers at airport terminals, train stations and most privately owned operations at major airports will be screened, Maj. Gen. Andrew Quinn, also the leader of the Montana COVID-19 Task Force, said in a press release.

April 2, 2020 1 a.m.

Innovative uses found for pants

The Kalispell Police Department received a report of a young man who was seen putting tools down his pants. In a separate call, someone was suspicious about a customer who had a package fall out of his pants that “looked like rock salt.” Perhaps cargo pants are back in style.

April 2, 2020 1 a.m.

Letters to the editor April 2

So, State Rep. John Fuller believes that “The present response to the coronavirus … has traded rational responses for irrational reactions.” (Daily Inter Lake, March 29). I think that most of us would agree that what we consider rational and irrational is greatly influenced by our world view. For some, ideologies and politics, shape what is rational. For others, the flourishing of all beings is their core rationality.

April 2, 2020 1 a.m.

Ernest Mantz Hutchinson, 74

Ernest Mantz Hutchinson, 74, passed away at his home in Kalispell on Feb. 24, 2020. Mantz spent his final years among a loving and cherished group of friends in the AA community and at Sykes Market where he lived, conversed and shared opinions.

April 2, 2020 1 a.m.

Webinar to address racism and bigotry during COVID-19

Racial and social justice leaders across Montana will host an online webinar Friday to discuss strategies for reducing racism and bigotry and increasing empathy and compassion as the coronavirus continues to spread across the state.

April 2, 2020 1 a.m.

Kalispell company to manage Glacier shuttles

Glacier National Park has awarded its labor services contract for the 2020 Visitor Transportation Service to LC Staffing of Kalispell.

April 2, 2020 midnight

Legals for April, 2 2020

Wednesday, April 1

April 1, 2020 5:42 p.m.

Column: No exchange rate on perfect endings

What does the Canadian Football League’s coach of the year for 2018 do during a pandemic?

April 1, 2020 4:06 p.m.

Directive addresses daycare guidelines during pandemic

Montana Governor Steve Bullock on Wednesday issued a directive providing additional guidance for childcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 1, 2020 3:51 p.m.

Whitefish survey calculates business loss at over $700K per day

Whitefish businesses are experiencing total revenue losses of more than $732,000 per day compared to this time last year, according to a survey conducted by the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

April 1, 2020 3:50 p.m.

Rights group asks justices to release inmates over COVID-19

Hours after Disability Rights Montana asked the state Supreme Court to order some prison and jail inmates be released to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the governor issued a directive that listed steps state agencies were already taking

April 1, 2020 3:47 p.m.

Three mussel-infested boats intercepted at Dillon station

Inspectors at the Dillon watercraft inspection station had a busy start to early season boat inspections.

April 1, 2020 3:45 p.m.

Hospital prepares beds, ventilators as officials point to late April peak

Kalispell Regional Healthcare officials said Wednesday current medical research suggests Montana’s coronavirus outbreak most likely won’t peak until late April. To further prepare for that reality, local health-care leaders have ordered additional ventilators and are exploring the hospital’s ability to expand bed capacity.

April 1, 2020 2:30 p.m.

241 coronavirus cases in Montana

The statewide tally of COVID-19 patients in Montana climbed to 241

April 1, 2020 2:16 p.m.

Weyerhaeuser closing Evergreen plant for a week

Weyerhaeuser closing Evergreen plywood plant for a week

April 1, 2020 noon

New owners hope to add rooftop deck to Whitefish brewery

The new property owners of the Great Northern Brewing Co. in downtown Whitefish have submitted an application to the city for a conditional-use permit that would allow them to own, operate and expand the brewery and restaurant to include a rooftop deck, among other features.

April 1, 2020 3:40 a.m.

Mass testing, empty ICUs: Germany scores early against virus

BERLIN (AP) — Late last year — long before most people had heard of the new coronavirus now sweeping the globe — scientists in Germany sprang into action to develop a test for the virus causing an unusual respiratory disease in central China.

April 1, 2020 3:32 a.m.

The Latest: Russia sending medical aid to United States

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

April 1, 2020 2:58 a.m.

UN General Assembly to decide on rival COVID-19 resolutions

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — How should the U.N. General Assembly and its 193 member states respond to the coronavirus pandemic? Members have been sent two rival resolutions for consideration — and under new voting rules instituted because the global body isn’t holding meetings, if a single country objects a resolution is defeated.

April 1, 2020 2:43 a.m.

Saudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virus

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A senior Saudi official urged more than 1 million Muslims intending to travel to Islam's holiest sites to perform the hajj to delay making plans this year due to the new coronavirus pandemic, according to reports Wednesday, comments that suggested the pilgrimage could be cancelled.

April 1, 2020 2:37 a.m.

Trump says 'life and death' at stake in following guidelines

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump warned Americans to brace for a “hell of a bad two weeks” ahead as the White House projected there could be 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the coronavirus pandemic even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.

April 1, 2020 2:27 a.m.

Fake news or the truth? Russia cracks down on virus postings

MOSCOW (AP) — Two weeks ago, an opposition-leaning radio station in Russia interviewed political analyst Valery Solovei, who alleged the government was lying when it said no one had died in the country from the coronavirus.

April 1, 2020 2:18 a.m.

Churchgoers flock to hear Louisiana pastor despite virus ban

CENTRAL, La. (AP) — Buses and cars filled a Louisiana church parking lot for another service Tuesday evening as worshippers flocked to hear a Louisiana pastor who is facing misdemeanor charges for holding services despite a ban on gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic.

April 1, 2020 2:09 a.m.

US again accused of killing civilians in Somalia airstrikes

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The U.S. military is facing more allegations of killing civilians with airstrikes in Somalia, and now says it will address the issue more fully in upcoming public reports.

April 1, 2020 2:06 a.m.

Experts say virus could kill up to 240,000 Americans

NEW YORK (AP) — As the number of coronavirus deaths continues to surge in the U.S., officials are warning the disease could kill between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans, even if people continue to stay home and limit their contact with others.

April 1, 2020 1:32 a.m.

Douglas Robert Bergeson passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 26, 2020.

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A worker on Alaska's North Slope tested positive for COVID-19, BP announced Tuesday.

April 1, 2020 12:19 a.m.

Nearly 3,000 sailors to leave carrier amid virus outbreak

U.S. Navy officials say nearly 3,000 sailors aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier where the coronavirus has spread will be taken off the ship by Friday as military leaders struggle to quarantine crew members in the face of an outbreak

April 1, 2020 12:10 a.m.

Early divisions as Congress weighs next help for economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — The bipartisan partnership that propelled a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package through Congress just days ago is already showing signs of strain, raising questions about how quickly calls for massive followup legislation may bear fruit.

April 1, 2020 12:10 a.m.

Liberal groups start effort to target 'corporate' Democrats

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A coalition of liberal groups has begun a campaign to target critical moderate New Mexico Senate Democrats who have blocked some liberal proposals.

April 1, 2020 12:09 a.m.

Trump allies warn against feud with swing-state governor

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — President Donald Trump's allies are trying to contain a politically risky election-year fight with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as he struggles to balance presidential politics with a global pandemic in one of the nation's most important swing states.

April 1, 2020 12:02 a.m.