Flathead, Glacier primed for boys AA state track meet

Flathead and Glacier have most of the events covered for the boys Class AA state track and field meet today and Saturday at Legends Stadium.

Coach debate unfolds before board

The chairs were filled at Tuesday’s Kalispell school board meeting for one agenda item in particular — the acceptance of the resignation of Flathead High School head football coach Russell McCarvel after seven seasons.

Harold Leslie, 86

On April 23, 2010, Harold Leslie, 86, was released by his Lord and Savior from the bonds of this earth and allowed to go home. Harold passed away from complications of dementia at a care facility in Great Falls. Harold was born to Samuel and Mabel (Spear) Sauerbier on Oct. 21, 1923, in Kalispell. He was educated in the Flathead Valley. He was unable to attend high school because he was needed on the family farm. As a young man he served honorably in the Army during World War II. He was stationed in Europe, working on the railroad transporting troops. It was a time he did not talk about, but once in a while he would tell stories about being transported on the large troop ships over the ocean. On June 28, 1947, he married the love of his life, Florence Cordell, in Kalispell. Harold worked on the construction of Hungry Horse Dam, a job he was very proud of. He also worked for the city of Kalispell and Flathead County as a heavy equipment operator. Harold and Florence were the proud parents of daughters Judy and Jerry. The most important thing in Harold s life was his family. He and Florence moved to Great Falls three years ago to be near family. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters. Harold is survived by his wife, Florence; daughter, Judy Crump and Tom of Entiat, Wash.; grandson, Justin Crump and Kassia of Pateros, Wash.; daughter, Jerry Zahller and David of Great Falls; grandson, Jeff Zahller and Holly of Monroe, Wash.; great-granddaughter, Genevieve of Monroe; and grandson, Matt Zahller and Kimber of Boise, Idaho. Harold Leslie was a cowboy at heart. His favorite things as a child were riding his horse, hunting and fishing. He loved the Flathead Valley and his family with all of his heart. He loved to go camping and be in the woods. He instilled in his children a love of the outdoors, the smell of pine trees and the quietness of the forest. He loved dancing and singing country music, especially Johnny Cash. Harold Leslie would do anything for his wife and family, from trying to sew a Barbie doll outfit for a Girl Scout project, to gently holding the hands of his daughters between bunks in the camper when they were afraid of the dark. The love he and Florence shared was noted by many Flathead residents during the years they lived in Kalispell. They could frequently be seen walking on the west side, holding hands, or driving along with Florence sitting closely beside Harold. Cruelly, the disease he suffered from separated them the last few months of his life due to his care needs, but it never stopped the incredible love they shared. No greater compliment or testimony can be given to a person than to say that he lived honorably and always did the best he could for his family. The country song Daddy s Hands fitted him perfectly. Harold Leslie will be remembered by his family as a man of quiet courage, gentleness, loyalty and trust. The family believes he is now sitting on his horse, wearing his favorite black hat. He has ridden long and hard, the journey has been difficult, but now he sits quietly on the top of the hill, overlooking his beautiful valley again. All pain and loneliness are gone. He feels strong and good on this beautiful morning. Visitation for Harold will be from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, April 30, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at Glacier Memorial Gardens with Pastor Todd Hart of Faith Alliance Church officiating. The family suggests memorials may be sent to Special Olympics Montana, P.O. Box 3507, Great Falls, MT 59403. May you rest in peace dear husband, father and grandfather. God richly blessed our lives with your presence and love. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Harold s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Harold s tribute wall.

Legals for October, 22 2020

A fond farewell to educators

At this time of year, as we send off our high school and college graduates to their next stage of life, itÕs also time to bid farewell to many of those who taught and mentored those students.ItÕs worth giving a salute to the years of service put in by retiring educators who helped mold young minds in our schools. Consider David Hashley, who brought drama to the forefront in his 37 years at Flathead High School (and who even had the school theater named after him) or Gene Boyle, the beloved principal of St. MatthewÕs School, or Kent Paulson, the longtime administrator at Whitefish High School.They are just a few among the many who, as they cap their careers as educators, deserve kudos from all of us for their devotion to our kids. For the best among them, teaching is not just a profession; it is a true calling.

Man gets probation for thefts

A Kalispell man implicated in a string of petty thefts and break-ins stretching back to November 2007 has been sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution.

Firefighters to be lauded for efforts

As another intense forest-fire season swirls around us, we should remember that we owe appreciation to the firefighters on the lines of a host of major fires.

Online voting can help Bigfork win $10,000

Bigfork High School is competing in a Facebook contest sponsored by Ford that pits 64 schools across the country against each other for who produced the best video.

A big boost from small arms

When one thinks about economic recovery in Northwest Montana these days, it’s not always a positive picture that comes to mind.

Is the planned hospital merger in our best interest?

Major changes are brewing in health care for the Flathead Valley and its surrounding areas which would affect every one of us, but none of us seem to really know what is afoot.

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.

Kyle Samson, brother Marc added to Northern Hall

Montana State-Northern added two familiar names to its athletic hall of fame this week: Brothers Kyle and Marc Samson.

Bert Lenon, 65

Bert Lenon, 65, passed away April 11, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Award-winning kids musician Bill Harley to play in Kalispell

Grammy award-winning children’s musician Bill Harley will play three days of shows in Kalispell, culminating with a public performance Friday at 7 p.m. at Flathead High School.

Water compact needed to avoid multiple lawsuits

The Water Compact (Senate Bill 262) between the state of Montana and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is now before our Legislature. 

Black and Blue off to strong start

MISSOULA — The Flathead Black and Blue rugby team’s quest for a third straight state title is off to a strong start.

LETTER: Commissioners wrong to try to block refugees

This letter is to express my disapproval of the action by the commissioners to approve a letter opposing any refugee settlement in Flathead County.    

Deputies arrest man in assault

Flathead County sheriff's deputies arrested a man in connection with partner or family member assault after a disturbance on Eastman Drive between two men who are roommates.

FFA chapter wins third in state contest

The Flathead FFA Chapter veterinary science team placed third in the state after competing in the newest Career Development Event.

FVCC makes military-friendly list

Flathead Valley Community College has been recognized by G.I. Jobs as one of 1,220 colleges and universities in the nation to make its 2011 Military Friendly Schools list.