Tuesday, January 7
Luann Westerhaus Peterson, 86
An energetic, hardworking teacher and petite, curly-headed dynamo, Luann was born June 3, 1938, at the hospital in Kalispell.
Legals for January, 7 2025
Law roundup: Resident fed up with snowplows
Concerned with the lack of rules around plowing, a resident told the Kalispell Police Department that he believed snowplow operators should be required to get a special license. The roads around town, in his estimation, would have been better off left unplowed after the recent storm. Officers recommended he contact Kalispell City Council with his ideas regarding plowing.
Dealer sold to undercover agents in Whitefish bar, court docs say
A man who allegedly arranged the sale of cocaine to a pair of undercover agents of the state Division of Criminal Investigation in Whitefish in October 2023 is facing a drug distribution charge in Flathead County District Court.
Letters to the editor Jan. 7
Letters to the editor Jan. 7
Jimmy Carter: A moral compass for our times
My wife and I took our daughters to Disney World in 1997, and after doing so took a quick side trip into southern Georgia to visit the Andersonville Stockade where our Civil War ancestor was held in the rebel prison.
Proud to have led Office of Public Instruction
Serving as your state superintendent has been an honor.
Republican leaders outline plan for judicial reform in Montana
Montana Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, doesn’t believe the tension between the courts and the state legislature should be characterized as a war between two coequal branches of government; however, he does believe that lawmakers have an obligation to check the power of the judicial system during the upcoming legislative session.
Bison top Bobcats
NDSU holds off MSU for 10th FCS title
FRISCO, Texas — The Montana State Bobcats and the Big Sky Conference are going to have to wait a while longer for that elusive championship, thanks to familiar foe North Dakota State.
Monday, January 6
PHOTOS: Bobcats take on Bison in FCS Championship
North Dakota State won their record 10th Football Championship Subdivision title, beating top-seeded and previously undefeated Montana State 35-32 on Monday night.
Stock market today: Nvidia and other tech stocks pull Wall Street higher
NEW YORK (AP) — Rising technology stocks on Monday are helping U.S. indexes recover more of their holiday-season slide that bridged the new year.
Congress certifies Trump won the election without challenge
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress certified President-elect Donald Trump as the winner of the 2024 election in proceedings that unfolded Monday without challenge, in stark contrast to the Jan. 6, 2021, violence as his mob of supporters stormed the Capitol.
CES 2025 is here. What can we expect from the annual show of all things tech?
The multi-day event, organized by the Consumer Technology Association, kicks off this week in Las Vegas — where swaths of the latest gadgets and advances across industries like personal tech, transportation, health care, sustainability and more are set to be on display. And, like last year, artificial intelligence is everywhere you look.
What to know about Apple's $95 million settlement of the snooping Siri case
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the company of turning its virtual assistant Siri into a snoop that eavesdropped on the users of iPhones and other trendy devices in a betrayal to its long-standing commitment to personal privacy.
Top Federal Reserve bank regulator, under fire from GOP, to step down next month
The Federal Reserve's top financial regulator said Monday that he would resign next month, avoiding a potential confrontation with the incoming Trump administration and Republicans in the Senate. Fed governor Michael Barr said in a letter to President Joe Biden that he would step down as vice chair of supervision Feb. 28, or earlier if a successor was confirmed. Yet Barr said he would remain on the Fed's board of governors.
Canada's Trudeau resigns as Liberal Party leader, spelling end to time in power
TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation Monday in the face of rising discontent over his leadership and after the abrupt departure of his finance minister signaled growing turmoil within his government.
Council to consider development proposals in North Kalispell
Kalispell City Council is kicking off the new year with a full plate of subdivision and road construction proposals to consider during Monday’s meeting.
Whitefish to approve legislative priorities
Whitefish City Council on Monday is expected to set its legislative priorities on the same day the 2025 legislative session begins.
District Court Judge hangs up robe after lengthy career
The Flathead Valley native had been an attorney for 37 years by then. Opening a general civil practice in 1975 after a stint in the Army National Guard and graduating from the University of Montana Law School, Allison had handled an array of legal matters, including family law matters, probate, and juvenile and dependent neglect cases.
Sunday, January 5
Photos of 2024 by Daily Inter Lake photographer Casey Kreider
A compilation of favorite photos taken throughout 2024 by Daily Inter Lake photographer Casey Kreider.
Griz topple Eastern Washington at 2nd Winter Classic
For the second straight year Montana hockey is leaving Woodland Park with a win.
Collection tells Carter’s story
Apart from the toothy grin and the accent, I only have another hazy memory of Jimmy Carter as president: how he put on a cardigan to encourage Americans to sweaterize rather than boost the thermostat.
Bobcat women use late run to down Eagles
BOZEMAN — Katelynn Martin scored 19 points and Montana State used a late 16-0 run to close out a 66-54 victory over Eastern Washington Saturday in Big Sky Conference women’s basketball.
Logan Health to close inpatient rehabilitation unit
Logan Health is closing its inpatient rehabilitation facility in February with plans to turn the facility into a surgical unit. It’s a decision hospital Co-CEO Kevin Abell announced at the beginning of December in an email to staff.
Idaho women use strong second half to beat Montana
MISSOULA — Hope Hassmann scored 20 points and Idaho defeated Montana 63-50 Saturday in Big Sky Conference women's basketball.
Letters to the editor Jan. 5
Letters to the editor Jan. 5
Robert 'Phil' Rognlien, 87
Robert "Phil" Rognlien, 87, was born on May 5, 1937, to Gordon and Myrna Rognlien in Kalispell.
Diana Elaine Keagy, 78
Diana Elaine Keagy, 78, entered into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father on July 8, 2024, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
Flathead Business Watercooler
Happenings related to business
Skin care company focuses on natural ingredients
Products that are all natural, all organic and sourced from the woods of Montana when possible.
Glacier boys sixth at Pacific NW Classic
SPOKANE — Behind tournament champions Aiden Sweat, Jerin Coles and Niko Coles, Glacier placed sixth at the Pacific Northwest Classic Saturday.
Flathead wrestlers take 2nd twice in Bozeman
BOZEMAN — The Flathead wrestling teams got a sweep of sorts Saturday, placing second in the boys and girls versions of the Tom LeProwse Invitational.
Community rallies for Kalispell business destroyed by fire
A fire ripped through Tanner and Jana Roach’s Kalispell business, Beck and Cap, in the early morning hours of Dec. 17, destroying everything within its walls.
Mellott wins Payton Award
FRISCO, Texas – The nation's best offensive player again resides in the Big Sky Conference, as Montana State’s Tommy Mellott was named the 2024 Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award winner at the annual national awards banquet on Saturday evening.
Griz men hold off Idaho
MOSCOW, Id. — Montana swung the momentum their way in the second half behind Malik Moore’s 18 points to pick up a road win against the Idaho Vandals 73-71 Saturday in Big Sky Conference basketball.
Montana State drops road game to Eastern Washington
CHENEY, Wash. — Montana State lost their fifth-straight game and remain winless in conference play, after dropping a game to Eastern Washington 68-63 Saturday night in Big Sky Conference play.
Roy Kemp, 75
Roy Patrick Kemp, 75, passed away at his home on Dec. 22, 2024, of metastatic lung cancer.
Polson girls edge past Hamilton
HAMILTON — Rylee Taylor-Jefferson scored 19 points, Samantha Rensvold added 14 and Polson rallied past Hamilton 42-38 in non-conference girls basketball action Saturday.
Law roundup: Arrow lodged in truck a bullseye, not accident
An arrow was reportedly found lodged in a work truck in Kalispell and the person who called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department didn’t think it was an accident.
Cats ready to make history in Frisco
More than four decades has passed since Montana State University won an FCS football national championship. That was a 19-6 win over Louisiana Tech in 1984, for those whose memory might have fogged a bit over the years.
Biden's decision to block Nippon Steel takeover creates uncertainty for U.S. Steel workers
By blocking a Japanese company's takeover of U.S. Steel, President Joe Biden says he is protecting good jobs in the American heartland. He may be putting them at risk instead. In making its nearly $15 billion bid for the storied Pittsburgh-based steelmaker, Nippon Steel had promised to invest $2.7 billion in U.S. Steel's aging blast furnace operations in Gary, Indiana, and Pennsylvania's Mon Valley.
Legals for January, 5 2025
City removes 51 hazardous trees in Kalispell, urges watering amid dry conditions
City crews felled 51 hazardous trees in Kalispell parks and along boulevards in the autumn months.
Host Ronan Maidens win wrestling tourney
RONAN — With Tirza Two Teeth winning her bracket and two more wrestlers reaching the finals, the host Ronan Maidens won the Western Montana Invitational here Saturday.
G. George Ostrom, 96
"Through fate and something within me, I am blessed to have done so very many interesting things." All quotes attributed to G. George Ostrom.
Wildlife commission must follow science, listen to input
We are 40 retired state, federal and tribal Montana biologists with a combined 1,280 years of professional experience. We are extremely concerned about the Fish and Wildlife Commission’s conflicts of interest, lack of due process to involve the public in decisions, and rejection of science and facts in favor of personal opinions when developing wildlife management regulations. Fifteen of us worked at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Lawmakers back memorial bridge for Vietnam hero
An effort to honor a young man from Libby who heroically died on the battlefield in Vietnam prompted the creation of one of the first bills coming before the 69th legislative session in Helena.
Pressing challenges demand leadership
Two weeks ago, a friend relayed a life-changing lesson he learned in high school. Entering his third-period history class, he encountered a mess — books strewn across the floor, desks overturned, papers everywhere.
Sherry Caverly, 93
Sherry Caverly, 93, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
Saturday, January 4
PHOTOS: 53rd annual Sunriser Lions Ice Fishing Derby
Scenes from the 53rd annual Sunriser Lions Ice Fishing Derby held on Smith Lake in Kila on Saturday, Jan. 4.
Two killed in icy crash at Evaro
Two people were killed Friday, including a Columbia Falls teenager, when the vehicle they were in was struck by a semi-trailer that jackknifed and slid out of control down U.S. 93 at Evaro, authorities say.
Effort to rename Libby bridge after fallen soldier headed to Legislature
When the state Legislature convenes next Monday in Helena, Sen. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, will introduce a bill to rename the Montana 37 bridge over the Kootenai River as it exits Libby in memory of former resident Arthur J. Rambo.
Montana Supreme Court orders judge to review Gianforte’s bill-tracking documents
The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Gov. Greg Gianforte may have legitimate legal reasons to withhold documents that could shed light about which legislation he supports or opposes, but that he can’t refuse to turn those over without having a district court judge review them. Furthermore, the court said that state law doesn’t confer any special privileges to withhold documents just because he’s the governor.
Friday, January 3
Big Sky Now: FCS Championship Preview -- Can the Cats top the Bison?
The FCS Championship is here, and it’s a clash of titans!
Bobcat men fall at Idaho Thursday
MOSCOW, Idaho — A sluggish first half put the Montana State men's basketball team behind the sticks in their Big Sky opener, leading to a 69-64 defeat at Idaho on Thursday night at ICCU Arena.
Mellott is FCS ADA offensive POY
BOZEMAN — Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott earned his second national player of the year award Friday, when the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) named him 2024 FCS ADA Offensive Player of the Year.
Radio personality George Ostrom dies
George Ostrom was a radio personality, newspaper owner, author, longtime newspaper columnist for the Hungry Horse News, avid hiker and humorist.
Big Mountain area to vote on resort tax
Residents of the Big Mountain Resort Area District will vote on implementing a resort tax this month. Mail-in ballots are due Jan. 21.
Law roundup: Firebug targets Ford Focus with Molotov cocktail
Bystanders doused a lit Molotov cocktail that was thrown underneath a white Ford Focus by a man who later fled the scene. Investigators found a Coca-Cola bottle filled with gasoline and stuffed with a rag still lit and smoldering when they arrived.
Marilyn Jean Miller, 89
Marilyn Jean Miller, 89, passed away on Dec. 11, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.
Flathead Lake Biological Station saw no invasive species slipped into local waters this past summer
Flathead Lake Biological Station released its 2024 Aquatic Invasive Species report recently, after pitching in to inspect more than 100,000 boats for invasive species. Nearly half of those boats originated from states with known infestations.
Holmquist to chair county commissioners
Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist has been voted chair of the three-member commission.
Jury convicts Ronan man of exposing his child to fentanyl
A Lake County jury last month found a Ronan man guilty of negligent homicide in the death of his child due to fentanyl exposure.
Legals for January, 3 2025
Mercer to seek appointment to open 20th District Court judge seat
The abrupt resignation of judge-elect Britt Cotter last week reopened a seat in the 20th District Court that had already been plagued with turmoil.
Bobcats built 15-0 record by getting sturdy in trenches
When North Dakota State played upstart Montana State on Jan. 10, 2022 for the FCS title, the Bison emphatically won their fourth championship in five seasons (and ninth in 11), 38-10.
Federal judge to hear arguments next week in Glacier National Park house case
Oral arguments in a case on whether the Flathead Conservation District has the authority to order a home removed from the banks of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park are scheduled for Jan. 8 in federal court in Missoula.
Jerome Andrew Lipp, 72
With much sadness our family and friends have learned of a wonderful man's passing on Dec. 28, 2024, Jerry Lipp.
Thursday, January 2
With heavy hearts, Lady Griz top Idaho
MISSOULA — MJ Bruno scored 15 points and four more Montana players reached double figures as the Lady Griz beat Eastern Washington 78-70 Thursday in Big Sky Conference women’s basketball.
Concerts and speaker on tap for January at the Wachholz
The Wachholz College Center lineup for the new year features jazz, country and acoustic concerts along with a Changemaker Series Speaker.
North Kalispell bustling with construction while more on the horizon
Some of the projects were approved just last year and others have been in the works for more than a decade. Construction is underway on a hotel on the west side of U.S. 93, while plans have been submitted to the city for a new Costco warehouse to the east.
Legals for January, 2 2025
Real problem, wrong solution
There are apparently differences in the expectations of those in the new Trump administration who oppose immigration. Some like Laura Loomer, influencer at-large, expected that all immigration would be curtailed and undocumented immigrants expelled.
Letters to the editor Jan. 2
Letters to the editor Jan. 2
Yonder Mountain String Band to promote latest album with spring concert
Grammy-nominated bluegrass group Yonder Mountain String Band is slated to promote its latest studio album, “Nowhere Next,” in a March 7 concert at the Wachholz College Center in Kalispell.
UM scientists help Montana understand its future with grizzly bears
In early 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will decide whether to delist some populations of grizzly bears in the U.S. Northern Rockies. As Montanans consider their future with grizzly bears, University of Montana scientists are helping inform the social, ecological and policy aspects of the dialogue.
I’m honored to serve; here’s my mission
Montana, earning the chance to serve you as your next U.S. Senator is truly the greatest honor of my life. To those who voted for me, thank you. To those who did not, I’m ready to serve you too. In the military, I took an oath to serve all Americans, and on January 3rd, I’ll take an oath to serve all Montanans.
Montana sues Yellowstone National Park over bison management plan
Department of Livestock and FWP join Gov. Gianforte in suing the park over its plan to increase the park’s bison population and increase tolerance for bison presence outside of park boundaries.
Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre opens auditions for musical comedy
Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre is seeking children in grades second through sixth to audition Jan. 7 for an upcoming production of the musical comedy, “When in Rome.”
Law roundup: Teens excited about TV in scene ripped from the movies
A woman reportedly saw a group of teens sprint out of a store carrying a TV while being chased by a security officer and told the Kalispell Police Department it was like a scene from a movie and provided a license plate number and photo. Officers spoke to the security employee who countered the teens were just excited ...
Northwest Montana History Museum speaker series begins Jan. 5
On Jan. 5, Jack Gladstone presents “C.M. Russell: Heritage and Legacy.” Gladstone is an award-winning musician and speaker who illustrates American Indian culture through a mosaic of music, lyric poetry, and spoken word narrative.
Wednesday, January 1
Kalispell woman killed in New Year's Day collision near Creston
A 37-year-old Kalispell woman died in crash early New Year's Day near Creston after another vehicle crossed the center line and struck her vehicle head on, authorities report.
The world welcomes 2025 with light shows, embraces and ice plunges
From Sydney to Mumbai to Paris to Rio de Janeiro, communities around the world welcomed 2025 with spectacular light shows, embraces and ice plunges.
After driver rams New Year's revelers in New Orleans, FBI investigating as 'act of terrorism'
A driver wrought carnage on New Orleans' famed French Quarter early on New Year's Day, killing 10 people as he rammed a pickup truck into a crowd before being shot to death by police, authorities said. More than 30 people were injured as Wednesday's attack turned festive Bourbon Street into macabre mayhem. The FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism and said an Islamic State group flag was found in the vehicle.
Woman arrested following New Year’s Eve incident at Logan Health
A woman is in custody after an alleged incident involving a knife at Logan Health on New Year’s Eve.
MSU Notes: Bobcats, Bison return to FCS title game
It’s fitting that the 2024 Division I Football Championship, as we officially call the FCS title game, pits the Montana State Bobcats against the North Dakota State Bison.
Legals for January, 1 2025
Accountability is in the eye of the beholder
As we enter the 2025 legislative session, prepare yourself for a plethora of education bills.
Letters to the editor Jan. 1
Letters to the editor Jan. 1
Law roundup: Stranger wags finger at woman
A stranger wearing a brown jacket and cowboy hat reportedly went up to a woman shaking a finger in her face and said “If I ever catch you ...” but she did not understand whatever else he said.
Tourism experts say influx of visitors during fall shoulder season a good sign
September and October broke visitation records in Northwest Montana, which bodes well for sustainable revenue, say local tourism experts. But the late season spike made only a slight difference in the state’s overall visitation numbers.
