Best of the Flathead 2017 results
BEST OF ENTERTAINMENT
Casino
1. Windiggers Casino, Kalispell
2. Brannigan’s Pub, Kalispell
3. Nickel Charlie’s Casino, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Lucky Lil’s, Scotty’s Bar
Dance studio
1. Academy of Performing Arts, Kalispell
2. Dance Elements, Kalispell
3. Northwest Ballet School & Co.
Honorable mention: Dream Dancers, Noble Dance
Golf course
1. Buffalo Hill Golf Club, Kalispell
2. Whitefish Lake Golf Club, Whitefish
3. Village Greens, Evergreen
Honorable mention: Meadow Lake Golf Course, Columbia Falls, Eagle Bend Golf Club, Bigfork
Local author
1. Levi Lusko, Kalispell, “Through the Eyes of a Lion”
2. Angela Townsend, Kalispell, author of the Angus MacBain series, Amarok, River of Bones and Moonflower series.
3. Christine Carbo, Whitefish, mystery and suspense writer
Honorable mention: Blake Passmore, Kalispell; Mark Ogle, Kalispell
Parade
1. Bigfork Fourth of July
2. Whitefish Winter Carnival
3. Kalispell Fourth of July
Honorable mention: Columbia Falls Night of Lights, Columbia Falls Heritage Days
Local band
1. Comatose Posse
2. Marshall Catch
3. New Wave Time Trippers
Honorable mention: Mike Murray, Jameson and the Sordid Seed
Local fine artist
1. Brett Wagner, Kalispell
2. Mark Ogle, Kalispell
3. Darcy King
Honorable mention: Jeff Fleming, James Corwin
Local musician
1. John Dunnigan
2. Tommy Edwards
3. Rheannon McFarland
Honorable mention: Mike Murray, Halladay Quist
Place for a reception
1. Diamond B Weddings, Lower Valley, Kalispell
2. Glacier Raft Co., West Glacier
3. Vista Linda, Somers
Honorable mention: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Whitefish; Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork
Place for a wedding
1. Glacier National Park
2. Diamond B Weddings, Lower Valley, Kalispell
3. Glacier Raft Co., West Glacier
Honorable mention. Pavilion at Creative Vision, Rufenach Lane, Kalispell; The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Roadside attraction
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road
2. Glacier National Park
3. Columbia Falls Community Market
Honorable mention: House of Mystery, Columbia Heights; Thursday Fest, downtown Kalispell
BEST OF FOOD AND DRINK
Asian restaurant
1. Alley Connection, Kalispell
2. Charlie Wong Saigon Garden, Kalispell
3. Tien’s Place Oriental Dining, Columbia Falls
Honorable mention: Blue Samurai Sushi Bar & Grill, Kalispell; Pho Ly Asian Cuisine, Evergreen
Bakery
1. Ceres Bakery, Kalispell
2. Polebridge Mercantile & Bakery, Polebridge
3. Rosauers, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Uptown Hearth, Columbia Falls; Super 1 Foods
Bar
1. Moose’s Saloon, Kalispell
2. The Raven, Woods Bay near Bigfork
3. Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside
Honorable mention: 406 Bar & Grill, Kalispell; Great Northern Bar & Grill, Whitefish
Barista
1. Mandy Ranney, Kalispell Koffee
2. Vanesha Hoerner, Mountain Mud
3. Tracy Blaylock, Daily Brew
Honorable mention: Yvonne Wolfe, Cimarron Cafe, Columbia Falls; Michelle Tafoya, Espressway, Kalispell
Bartender
1. Gabe Spencer, Whistling Andy Distilling, Bigfork
2. Irene Jensen, Spencer & Co., north of Kalispell
3. Brenda, Kila Pub
Honorable mention: Dynamic Duo-Greg Edward; Pat Murdog Murray
Barbecue
1. Desoto Grill, Kalispell
2. Nite Owl and Back Room, Columbia Falls
3. Piggyback BBQ, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Famous Dave’s, Kalispell; Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Kalispell
Beer selection
1. The Brass Tap, Kalispell
2. Montana Tap House, Whitefish
3. Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside
Honorable mention: Hop’s Downtown Grill, Kalispell; Bonsai Brewing Project, Whitefish
Bloody Mary
1. Craggy Range Bar & Grill, Whitefish
2. Montana Club, Kalispell
3. Whistling Andy Distilling, Bigfork
Honorable mention: The Raven, Woods Bay near Bigfork; Homestead Cafe Bar & Casino, Lakeside
Breakfast
1. Echo Lake Cafe, Bigfork
2. Sykes Diner, Kalispell
3. Buffalo Cafe, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Nickel Charlie’s Casino, Evergreen; The Farmhouse Restaurant, Lakeside
Burger by a chain
1. Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Kalispell
2. Frugals, Kalispell
3. Wendy’s, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Dairy Queen
Burger made locally
1. Mudman, Columbia Falls
2. Norm’s Soda Fountain, Kalispell
3. Hop’s Downtown Grill, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Burgertown Dairy Freeze, Bigfork; Bulldog Saloon, Whitefish; Scotty’s Bar, Kalispell
Butcher/meat processor
1. Perfect Cuts, Columbia Falls
2. Lower Valley Processing, rural Kalispell
3. Farm to Market Pork, rural Kalispell
Honorable mention: Redneck brand meats by Stampede Packing Co., Kalispell
Casual dining
1. Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside
2. Nickel Charlie’s Casino, Evergreen
3. Norm’s Soda Fountain, Kalispell
Honorable mention: The Raven, Woods Bay near Bigfork; Montana Club, Kalispell
Caterer
1. Vista Linda Catering, Somers
2. Cold Stone Creamery, Kalispell
3. Desoto Grill, Kalispell
Honorable mention: The Raven, Woods Bay near Bigfork; Indah Sushi, Whitefish
Cheap eats
1. Frugals, Kalispell
2. Taco Del Sol, Kalispell
3. Norm’s Soda Fountain, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Burgertown Dairy Freeze, Bigfork; Chick-fil-A, Kalispell
Chef
1. Brian ScottiBelli, 406 Bar & Grill, Kalispell
2. Lisa Cloutier, The Raven, Woods Bay near Bigfork
3. Tien Windauer, Tien’s Place, Columbia Falls
Honorable mention: Andy Blanton, Cafe Kandahar, Whitefish Mountain Resort; Watson Taylor, ScottiBelli’s, Kalispell
Cocktails
1. 406 Bar & Grill, Kalispell
2. Spotted Bear Spirits, Whitefish
3. Whistling Andy Distilling, Bigfork
Honorable mention: Tupelo Grille, Whitefish; Rainbow Bar & Casino, Evergreen
Dessert
1. Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, Kalispell, Whitefish and Bigfork
2. Cold Stone Creamery, Kalispell
3. Tupelo Grille, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Sykes Diner, Kalispell; Just Desserts, Kalispell
Coffee shop/espresso stand
1. Copper Mountain Coffee, Kalispell
2. Kalispell Koffee, Kalispell
3. Colter Coffee, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Montana Coffee Traders; Cowgirl Coffee; Moutain Mudd on East Idaho St., Kalispell
Distillery
1. Whistling Andy Distilling, Bigfork
2. Spotted Bear Spirits, Whitefish
3. Glacier Distilling Co., Coram
Honorable mention: Monkey Jays Distillery, Evergreen; Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits
Family-friendly restaurant
1. MacKenzie River Pizza Co., Kalispell and Whitefish
2. Nickel Charlie’s Casino, Evergreen
3. (Tie) Norm’s Soda Fountain, Kalispell; Sykes Diner, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Cislo’s Restaurant, Evergreen; Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside
Fine dining
1. Jagz Restaurant, rural Kalispell
2. Whitefish Lake Restaurant, Whitefish
3. 406 Bar & Grill, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Ciao Mambo, Whitefish; Tupelo Grille, Whitefish
Fish and seafood
1. Stillwater Fish House, rural Whitefish
2. Jagz Restaurant, rural Kalispell
3. Wasabi Sushi Bar, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Saketome Sushi, Bigfork; Flathead Fish & Seafood Co.
Food truck
1. Mountain Berry Bowls
2. Indah Sushi
3. Oso’s Smokin’ BBQ
Honorable mention: Mudman; D&T BBQ
French fries by a chain
1. Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Kalispell
2. Chick-fil-A, Kalispell
3. Frugals, Kalispell
Honorable mention: McDonald’s; Frugals
Local French fries
1. Mudman, Columbia Falls and Happy Valley
2. Norm’s Soda Fountain, Kalispell
3. The Raven, Woods Bay
Honorable mention: Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside; 406 Bar & Grill, Kalispell
Fried chicken
1. The Nite Owl and Back Room, Columbia Falls
2. Del’s, Somers
3. Super 1 Foods
Honorable mention: Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kalispell
Gluten-free meal
1. Bonelli’s Bistro, Kalispell
2. Zucca Marketplace Bistro, Whitefish
3. Mackenzie River Pizza Co., Kalispell and Whitefish
Honorable mention: 406 Bar & Grill, Kalispell; The Knead Cafe, Kalispell
Happy hour
1. 406 Bar & Grill, Kalispell
2. Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside
3. VFW Post 2252, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Moose’s Saloon, Kalispell; The Brass Tap, Kalispell
Ice cream
1. Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, Kalispell
2. Cold Stone Creamery, Kalispell
3. Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, Bigfork; Baskin-Robbins, Kalispell
Italian restaurant
1. Ciao Mambo, Whitefish
2. ScottiBelli’s, Kalispell
3. Moraldo’s, Bigfork
Honorable mention: When in Rome, Kalispell; Bonelli’s Bistro, Kalispell
Liquor store
1. O’Brien’s Liquor & Wine, Col. Falls
2. Montana Liquor and Wine, Kalispell
3. Murphy’s State Liquor & Wine, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Evergreen Liquor Store; Flathead Liquor, Kalispell
Local beer
1. Sip and Go Naked, Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside
2. Yard Sale, Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside
3. Two Ski Brewski, Kalispell Brewing Co., Kalispell
Honorable mention: Centennial IPA, Flathead Lake Brewing Co.; Queen Bee, Bonsai Brewing Project
Brewery
1. Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside
2. Kalispell Brewing Co., Kalispell
3. Bonsai Brewing Project, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Backslope Brewing, Columbia Falls; Flathead Lake Brewing Co., Bigfork
Local spirit
1. Whistling Andy Distilling Hibiscus Coconut Rum
2. Whistling Andy Straight Bourbon Whiskey
3. Whistling Andy Cucumber Gin
Honorable mention: Glacier Distilling Co. Fireweed; Spotted Bear Spirits Gin
Margarita
1. The Raven, Woods Bay near Bigfork
2. Casa Mexico, Kalispell
3. 406 Bar and Grill, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Los Caporales, Kalispell; Montana Club, Kalispell
Martini
1. 406 Bar and Grill, Kalispell
2. Montana Club, Kalispell
3. Spotted Bear Spirits, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Whistling Andy Distillery, Bigfork; Latitude 48 Bistro & Red Room, Whitefish
Mexican restaurant
1. Casa Mexico, Kalispell
2. Taco Mexico Restaurant, Bigfork
3. El Rancho Mexican Restaurant, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Mama Blanca’s, Whitefish; Los Caporales, Kalispell
New restaurant
1. Chick-fil-A, Kalispell
2. Blue Samurai Sushi Bar & Grill, Kalispell
3. Staggering Ox, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Mama Blanca’s, Whitefish; Blackslope Brewing, Columbia Falls
Pizza
1. Moose’s Saloon, Kalispell
2. Bullman’s Wood Fired Pizza, Kalispell
3. MacKenzie River Pizza Co., Kalispell and Whitefish
Honorable mention: Second Street Pizza, Kalispell and Whitefish; Jersey Boys Pizza, Whitefish
Restaurant to take a first date
1. 406 Bar & Grill, Kalispell
2. Ciao Mambo, Whitefish
3. Tamarack Brewing Co., Lakeside
Honorable mention: Wasabi Sushi Bar, Whitefish
Sandwich
1. Bonelli’s Bistro, Kalispell
2. Laurie’s Deli, Columbia Falls
3. Staggering Ox, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Pig & Olive, Whitefish; Phyggs Deli, Columbia Falls
Soup
1. Cislo’s Restaurant, Evergreen
2. Bonelli’s Bistro, Kalispell
3. Pho Ly Asian Cuisine, Evergreen
Honorable mention: Zucca Marketplace Bistro, Whitefish; The Knead Cafe, Kalispell
Steak
1. Spencer & Co. Steakhouse, rural Kalispell
2. Winchester Steak House, Kalispell
3. Whitefish Lake Restaurant, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Jagz, rural Kalispell; Montana Club, Kalispell
Sunday brunch
1. (Tie) Sykes Diner, Kalispell; and Echo Lake Cafe, Bigfork
2. Buffalo Cafe, Whitefish
3. Loula’s Cafe, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Back Room, Columbia Falls
Sushi
1. Wasabi Sushi Bar, Whitefish
2. Saketome Sushi, Bigfork
3. Blue Samurai Sushi Bar & Grill, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Indah Sushi, Whitefish; Midori, Kalispell
Waiter/Waitress
1. Aaron Barnes, 406 Bar and Grill, Kalispell
2. Gabriela ScottiBelli
3. Alicia Crail
Honorable mention: Lynne Engel, Spencer & Co. rural Kalispell; the entire staff at Sykes, Kalispell
Wine selection
1. Brix Bottleshop, Kalispell
2. Markus Foods, Whitefish
3. (Tie) 406 Bar & Grill, Kalispell; Super 1 Foods
Honorable mention: O’Brien’s Liquor & Wine, Columbia Falls
BEST OF HEALTH AND FITNESS
Athletic club
1. The Summit Medical Fitness, Kalispell
2. Flathead Health & Fitness, Kalispell
3. Fuel Fitness, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Access Fitness, Kalispell; The Wave Aquatic and Fitness Center, Whitefish; JIM, Columbia Falls
Audiologist
1. Glacier Ear, Nose and Throat, Kalispell
2. Moore Hearing, Kalispell
3. Costco Hearing Aid Center, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Dr. Hannah Meeker, Kalispell; Family Hearing Professionals, Kalispell
Children’s dentist
1. Kalispell Kidds, Kalispell
2. Big Sky Pediatric Dentistry, Kalispell
3. Smile Montana Dental Center, Columbia Falls
Honorable mention: Greg Eller Alpine Family Dental, Kalispell; Dalen Dental Clinic, Whitefish
Chiropractor
1. Basler Family Chiropractic, Kalispell
2. Big Mountain Chiropractic, Whitefish
3. Pisk Chiropractic and Physiotherapy, Kalispell and Whitefish
Honorable mention: Lake Family Chiropractic, Kalispell; Montana Spine & Neuro Development Center, Kalispell
Dentist
1. Dr. Dave Dodrill, Montana Center for Laser Dentistry, Whitefish
2. Dr. David Keim, Kalispell
3. Alpenglow Dental, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Smile Montana Dental Center, Columbia Falls; Dr. Heather Blanchard, DDS, Kalispell
Denturist
1. Glacier Denture Center, Kalispell
2. Kalispell Denture Studio, Kalispell
3. Restorations Denture Studio, Kalispell
Eye care
1. Dr. Jon Olsen, Glacier Eye Clinic, Kalispell
2. The Vision Clinic, Kalispell
3. Costco Optical, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Dolan Family Vision, Kalispell; Dr. Aaron Alme, Glacier Eye Clinic, Kalispell
Family physician
1. Dr. Jennifer Hawes, Balance Clinic, Kalispell
2. Laura Hall, Family Health Care, Kalispell
3. Dr. Christopher Gill, Family Health Care, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Dr. Dennis Winkel, Northwest Family Medicine, Kalispell; Dr. Eric Brandeberry, Columbia Falls Clinic
Massage therapist
1. Katie Hodges, Amore Salon & Spa, Kalispell
2. Johnny Cochrane Massage Therapy, Kalispell
3. Emily Dulac, A Whole New You Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Gena Mahilom, Deep Tissue Massage and Bodywork, Kalispell; Jessica Emily Dyott, Kalispell
Nurse
1. Curt Reimnitz, Kalispell Regional Medical Center
2. Elisha Hankinson, Kalispell Regional Medical Center
3. Jennifer Vernarsky, North Valley Hospital
Honorable mention: Chelsea Dunshee, Kim Reynen
Nutrition/health food store
1. Withey’s Health Foods, Kalispell
2. Natural Grocers, Kalispell
3. Mountain Valley Foods, Kalispell
Honorable mention: 406 Nutrition Co., Kalispell; Third Street Market, Whitefish
Orthodontist
1. Stebbins Orthodontics, Kalispell
2. Thurston Orthodontics, Kalispell
3. The Brace Place: Dr. Charles W. Mason, Kalispell
Orthopedist
1. Flathead Orthopedics, Kalispell
2. Dr. James Blasingame, Northwest Sports and Orthopedics, Kalispell
3. Dr. Al Olzewski, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Northwest Sports and Orthopedics; Dr. Benjamin Ward, Northwest Sports and Orthopedics, Kalispell
Pediatrician
1. Dr. Kenneth Graham, Sunny View Pediatrics, Kalispell
2. Dr. Michael Schwaller, Sunny View Pediatrics, Kalispell
3. Dr. Lynn Ann Dykstra, Sunny View Pediatrics, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Dr. J. Peter Heyboer, Family Health Care, Kalispell; Mary Ann Carlson, Columbia Falls
Personal trainer/fitness instructor
1. Dan Holguin, Unique Physique, Kalispell
2. Tim Price, Flathead Health & Fitness, Kalispell
3. Lacey Purdy, PURE Fitness, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Perrey Sobba, Ben Brake
Pharmacy
1. The Clinical Pharmacy, Kalispell
2. Sykes Pharmacy, Kalispell
3. Smith’s, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Shopko Pharmacy, Kalispell; Whitefish Discount Pharmacy, Whitefish
Physical Therapy
1. Professional Therapy Associates, Bigfork, Columbia Falls, two Kalispell locations, Polson, Lakeside, Whitefish
2. Orthopedic Rehab, Kalispell
3. Precision Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Berube Physical Therapy, Columbia Falls; Advanced Rehabilitation Services, Kalispell
Plastic surgeon
1. Glacier View Plastic Surgery, Kalispell
2. Dr. Sarah Nargi, Whitefish Plastic Surgery
Specialist surgeon
1. Dr. Richard Taylor, Northwest Women’s Healthcare, Kalispell
2. Dr. Leah Carlburg, Kalispell Regional Healthcare
3. Dr. Kim Stimpson, Northwest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Dr. Mitch Ramsey, Glacier Ear, Nose and Throat, Kalispell; Dr. Mirna Bowden, Alpine Women’s Center, Whitefish
Surgeon
1. Dr. Heath Miller, Northwest Women’s Healthcare, Kalispell
2. Dr. Karen Perser, Kalispell Regional Healthcare
3. Dr. Melissa Hulvat, Bass Breast Center, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Dr. Ben Ward, Northwest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Kalispell
Walk-in clinic
1. Family Health Care, Kalispell
2. MedNorth Urgent Care, Kalispell
3. Big Sky Family Medicine, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Glacier Medical Associates, Whitefish; Flathead Community Health Center, Kalispell
Yoga Instructor
1. Kisa Davison, The Yoga Room, Kalispell
2. Mollie Busby, Yoga Hive, Whitefish
3. Stacia Kimbell, PURE Fitness, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Megan Baker Wells, Christen Rak
BEST OF PERSONAL SERVICES
Accountant
1. Bryan Gilbertson, CPA, Kalispell
2. Jordahl & Sliter, PLLC, Kalispell
3. Heidi Valentine, Valentine Tax Service, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Steve Stahlberg, Stahlberg & Sutherland PC, Evergreen; Susan Schmid CPA, Kalispell; Tom Wynne, Wynne Consulting and Tax PC, Kalispell; Reed Gunlikson CPA, Kalispell
Attorney
1. Tim Wenz, Wenz Law Office, Kalispell
2. Mary Moss, Moss Law, Kalispell
3. Darin Westover, Best and Westover Law Office, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Sean Gilchrist, Johnson-Gilchrist Law Firm, Whitefish; The Law Offices of Brian C. Tanko, Kalispell
Auto body shop
1. Able Body Shop, Kalispell
1. Oh’s Body Shops, Whitefish, Kalispell
3. Jance’s Body Shop, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Sorenson Auto Body Repair, Kalispell; Barge’s Body Shop, Kalispell
Auto glass installer
1. Dempster Glass
2. Safelite AutoGlass
3. Glass Doctor
Honorable mention: Jako Auto Glas LLC; Lanktree’s Glass; Andy’s Auto Glass
Bank
1. Glacier Bank
2. Three Rivers Bank
3. First Interstate Bank
Honorable mention: Wells Fargo Bank
Bank teller
1. Amy Piilola, Whitefish Credit Union, Columbia Falls
2. Shaunna Wade, Glacier Bank
3. Jenn Freitag, First Interstate Bank
Honorable mention Taylor Moore, Wells Fargo Bank; Holly Dean, Three Rivers Bank
Barber
1. Tucker Landerman, TL Slicks, Kalispell
2. Greg Waller, Soucie Soucie Salon & Spa, Kalispell
3. Denny Soucie
Honorable mention: Jerrette Baker, Amore Salon & Spa, Kalispell; Rhonda Kearney, Montana Barber; Shonda, Montana Barber
Cabinet company
1. 4 West Cabinetry & Wallbeds, Kalispell
2. Distinctive Countertops & Cabinets
3. Direct Source
Honorable mention: Ted’s Beds & Home Source
Car salesman (individual)
1. Sam Scull, Eisinger Honda, Kalispell
2. Scott Taylor, Kalispell Toyota
3. Mike Bedford, Kalispell Toyota
Honorable mention: Anthony Juliano, Jim Spence
Car wash
1. Blue Cow Car Wash, Kalispell
2. Pro Clean Carwash
3. Sem’s Car Wash
Honorable mention, Clean Car
Carpet cleaner
1. Dick Tyree, Fibertech
2. All 4 U
3. Stat Restoration
Honorable mention: Xtreme Carpet Cleaning
Childcare facility
1. Big Sky Country Preschool, Kalispell
2. Nature Childcare, Columbia Falls
3. Kid Kare, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Firefly Children’s Center; Sprouts Club Drop-in Playcare, Kalispell
Cleaning service
1. Sheryl Price, Valley Wide Cleaning
2. Pure Cleaning Inc., Olga V.
3. A.V. House Cleaning
Honorable mention: Miss Pretty Picky, Inside Out Services
Credit union
1. Whitefish Credit Union
2. Park Side Credit Union
Customer service
1. Josh Harmon, Creative Body Piercing, Kalispell
2. Tech Operative, Whitefish
3. Flathead Health & Fitness, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Amore Salon and Spa, Kalispell; Kalispell Toyota
Dry Cleaner
1. Imperial Dry Cleaners, Kalispell
2. Sutherland Dry Cleaners, Kalispell
3. Natural Dry Cleaning, Kalispell
Electrician
1. Heaton Electric, Kalispell
2. Rob Giles Electric, Kalispell
3. Elliott Electric, Whitefish
Employment agency
1. Express Employment Professionals, Kalispell
2. LC Staffing, Kalispell
3. Kalispell Job Service
Esthetician
1. Britlee Penney, La Vita
2. Beauty Bar and Lash Lounge
3. Jess Bolinger, Posh 125, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Shanelle Dixon, Mad Hair; Jeff Fulford
Financial adviser
1. Joshua Boyce, D.A. Davidson & Co., Kalispell
2. Chance Barrett, Edward Jones, Kalispell
3. (Tie) Coco Enterprises, Whitefish; Jesse Mann, Edward Jones, Columbia Falls
Funeral home
1. Johnson-Gloshat Funeral Home & Crematory, Kalispell
2. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service, Evergreen
3. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home & Crematory, Kalispell
Garage door installer
1. Riverside Garage Doors, Kalispell
2. Kalispell Overhead Door Service
3. American Garage Door Inc., Kalispell
Gardner or landscaper
1. Stillwater Landscape
2. M & M Landscaping & Design
3. Rothermel’s Landscape
Hair stylist
1. Jerrette Baker, Amore Salon & Spa, Kalispell
2. Molly Lauderbach, Amore Salon & Spa, Kalispell
3. Ian, The Edge, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Melanie Hobbs, 406 Hair
Home builder
1. Westcraft Homes LLC, Kalispell
2. Ron Terry Construction Inc., Kalispell
3. TL Custom Homes, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Frontier Builders, Whitefish; Sawyer Creek Builders, Kalispell
Home inspector
1. Quinn Home Inspections & Mold Testing, Kalispell
2. Pillar To Post Home Inspectors, Kalispell
3. Procheck Home Inspection
Honorable mention: Dick Graf, Eagle Home Inspection; True North Inspection Service
Hotel
1. Hampton Inn, Kalispell
2. Mountain Lake Lodge, Bigfork
3. (Tie) The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Whitefish; SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Kalispell
Honorable mention: The Firebrand Hotel, Whitefish; Homewood Suites by Hilton, Kalispell
HVAC business
1. Performance Heating and Air Conditioning
2. All Valley Mechanical Inc.
3. McCrorie Heating & Cooling
Honorable mention: Carson Brothers Montana; Bill’s Superheat, Kalispell
Insurance agency
1. TJ Wendt State Farm Insurance, Evergreen
2. Matt Downing State Farm Insurance, Kalispell
3. Bailey Insurance Services
Honorable mention: PayneWest Insurance; Tim Murphy State Farm Insurance, Whitefish
Insurance agent
1. Rowdy Fee, Bailey Insurance Services, Kalispell
2. TJ Wendt, State Farm Insurance, Evergreen
3. Matt Downing, State Farm Insurance, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Joe Akey, State Farm Insurance, Whitefish; Danielle Waller, Bailey Insurance Services
Local copy shop/printer
1. Insty Prints, Kalispell
2. Paper Chase, Kalispell
3. Kalispell Copy Center
Honorable mention: Towne Printer
Local inn
1. Mountain Lake Lodge, Bigfork
2. North Forty Resort, rural Columbia Falls
3. Kandahar Lodge, Whitefish Mountain Resort
Honorable mention: The Islander Inn; Bridge Street Cottages
Locksmith
1. Anytime Lock & Safe, Kalispell
2. Great Northern Lock & Safe, Kalispell
Manicurist
1. April Page, Polished Nail Boutique, Kalispell
2. Garnet Jeffries, The Edge Salon, Kalispell
3. Aspen Rude, owner at Montana Spa & Boutique at J. Thomas Salon, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Jamesina Rawleigh, 406 Hair, Kalispell
Mechanic (individual)
1. Sabin Holcomb, Loren’s Auto Repair, Kalispell
2. Dean Buckallew, H & A Automotive, Kalispell
3. (Tie) Chance Buckallew, H & A Automotive, Kalispell; Ryan Sanford, Loren’s Auto Repair, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Matt Sanborn
Non-dealer auto repair
1. Loren’s Auto Repair, Kalispell
2. H & A Automotive, Kalispell
3. Cron Automotive, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Northwest Automotive; Kalispell Alignment & Auto
Office staff
1. Northwest Women’s Health Care, Kalispell
2. Park Side Credit Union
3. Glacier Medical Associates, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Flathead Valley Community College; Family Health Care, Kalispell
Painting contractor
1. Ian Hundley, HK Enterprises, Kalispell
2. Matt Driear, Legendary Finishes, Kalispell
3. Exclusive Finishes, Bigfork
Honorable mention: Hagestad Painting, Kalispell
Paving/seal coating
1. T-Bend Construction Inc., Columbia Falls
2. JC Sealcoating and Asphalt Maintenance, Kalispell
3. Double Diamond Contracting, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Paveco, Kalispell; LHC Inc., Kalispell
Pedicurist
1. April Page, Polished Nail Boutique, Kalispell
2. Nail Toepia, Kalispell
3. Garnett Jeffries, The Edge Salon, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Connie Maurer, Valerie Benkleman
Pest control
1. Bug Hunters Pest Control, Kalispell
2. Jones Pest Control, Kalispell
3. American Pest Control, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Pro Guard Pest Solutions, Kalispell
Pet groomer
1. Dog Gone Clean, Kalispell
2. Happy Pooch Professionals, Kalispell
3. Pawsitively Perfect, Kalispell
Honorable mention: K-9 Kutz, Kalispell; The Poodle Parlor, Kalispell
Photographer
1. Kiralee Jones, Kalispell
2. Kelly Kirksey Photography, Kalispell
3. Elsa Schuldheiss, Elsa Eileen Photography, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Aundrea Marie Photography, Kalispell; Amber McCann, Amber Lynn Photography, Kalispell
Place to get a haircut
1. Amore Salon and Spa, Kalispell
2. Soucie Soucie Salon & MediSpa, Kalispell
3. The Edge Salon, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Mad Hair Day, Kalispell; Salon G, Kalispell
Plumber
1. Jeremy Searcy, Meriwether Plumbing
2. Parish Plumbing & Heating, Bigfork
3. Mildren Plumbing, Bigfork
Honorable mention: Modern Plumbing and Heating, Kalispell; Lance at Frontier Plumbing
Property management
1. All Pro Flathead Property Management, Kalispell
2. Kalispell Property Management
3. Integrity Property Management, Kalispell
Honorable mention: CoRental Property Management, Kalispell
Real estate Agency
1. PureWest Real Estate/Christie’s International Real Estate, offices in Kalispell, Whitefish and Bigfork
2. Brett Kelly Group at Performance Real Estate, Kalispell
3. Keller Williams Realty Northwest Montana, Kalispell
Honorable mention: National Parks Realty, Whitefish; Chuck Olson Real Estate, Kalispell
Real estate agent
1. Michael Johnson, Glacier Park Realty, Kalispell
2. Sam Siddall, National Parks Realty, Whitefish
3. Wink Jordan, PureWest Real Estate, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Renee Howe, Howe Realty; Glenda Buckwalter, Keller Williams; Jon Calvert, Loft Real Estate
Restoration company
1. Complete Restoration LLC, Kalispell
2. Advanced Restoration, Kalispell
3. Stat Restoration, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Thompson’s Restoration Fire and Water, Kalispell
Security service
1. Alert Security & Investigation
2. Grizzly Security Alarms
3. Moonlighting Detective
Septic cleaning service
1. Ken Pedersen Pumping, Kalispell
2. Ready Freddy, Kalispell
3. Roto-Rooter, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Action Septic Pumping, Bigfork
Storage facility
1. Windmill Storage and Business Park, Col. Falls
2. Alpine Storage, Kalispell
3. Batavia Self-Storage, Kalispell
Tanning salon
1. Radiance Tanning Studio, Kalispell
2. Absolute Sun, Kalispell
3. Montana Beach Club, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Club Sun, Kalispell
Tattoo parlor
1. The Temple Decor, Kalispell
2. Collective Tattoo Society, Kalispell
3. (Tie) Bertelsen Art & Tattoo Studio, Kalispell; Unique Addiction Tattoos, Kalispell
Taxidermist
1. Eric Kallis, Bone Collector Taxidermy, Kalispell
2. Mark Delong
3. (Tie) Bone Collector Taxidermy, Kalispell; Russ Hadley, Skull Taxidermist, Kalispell
Honorable mention: AAA Taxidermy, Kalispell
Title company
1. Insured Titles, Kalispell
2. Alliance Title & Escrow Corp., Kalispell
3. Fidelity National Title Group, Kalispell
Honorable mention: First American Title Co., Kalispell
Towing service
1. Bolster’s Towing, Kalispell
2. Oh’s Towing, Kalispell
3. (Tie) Joe’s Roadside Assistance, Kalispell; Affordable Towing, Kalispell
Tree service
1. L&M Tree Service, Kalispell
2. (Tie) Bergman Tree Service, Whitefish and Kalispell; Okamoto Arbor Care, Kalispell
3. Dudley’s Trees Inc., Kalispell
Veterinarian
1. Central Valley Animal Hospital, Kalispell
2. Alpine Animal Hospital, Whitefish
3. All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Dr. Jevon Clark, Animal Clinic of Kalispell; Whitefish Animal Hospital
Window company
1. Valley Glass, Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Polson
2. Aluma Glass, Kalispell
3. Shepard’s Glass Inc., Kalispell
Honorable mention: Pella Windows and Doors, Kalispell
THE BEST OF SHOPPING
Antique shop
1. Southside Consignment Center, Kalispell
2. 4th Ave. by the Tracks, Kalispell
3. The Shops at Station 8, Columbia Falls
Honorable mention: Route 56 Designs, Evergreen; Kalispell Antiques Market, Kalispell
Appliance store
1. Fred’s Appliance, Kalispell
2. Lowe’s Home Improvement, Kalispell
3. Sears Hometown Store, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Home Source Gallery, Kalispell; Bud Block’s Services and Appliances, Kalispell
Art gallery
1. Route 56 Designs, Evergreen
2. (3-way tie) Sassafras, Kalispell; Eric Thorsen Fine Art Gallery, Bigfork; Jeff Fleming’s Bear Country Gallery, Kalispell
3. Going to the Sun Gallery, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Hockaday Museum of Art, Kalispell
ATV dealership
1. Penco Power Products, Kalispell
2. Leland’s Honda Suzuki, Kalispell
3. Jesco Marine and Power Sports, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Fastoys, Kalispell
Bike shop
1. Wheaton’s, Kalispell
2. Sportsman & Ski Haus, Whitefish and Kalispell
3. Glacier Cyclery & Nordic, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Great Northern Cycle & Ski, Whitefish
Boat dealership
1. Captain’s Marine, Kalispell
2. Jesco Marine & Power Sports, Kalispell
3. Kalispell Marine, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Mark Weed Auto Sales, Kalispell; Whitefish Marine & Powersports, Whitefish
Carpet and flooring studio
1. Hoffenbacker’s Discount Floors, Columbia Falls
2. Smith’s Carpet Center, Kalispell
3. (Tie) Masterpiece Carpet One Floor & Home, Kalispell; Cost Less Carpet, Columbia Falls
Convenience store
1. Town Pump, Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls
2. Michael’s Exxon, Kalispell
3. Markus Foods, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Woody’s, rural Kalispell; Appleway Conoco, Kalispell
Craft store
1. Hobby Lobby, Kalispell
2. JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts, Kalispell
3. Michael’s, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Route 56 Designs, Evergreen
Farming equipment
1. Murdoch’s Home and Ranch Supply, Kalispell and Columbia Falls
2. Parson’s Tractor and Implement, Kalispell
3. (Tie) RDO Equipment Co., Kalispell; North Valley Ag Center, Columbia Falls
Flower shop
1. Woodland Floral and Gifts, Kalispell
2. Flowers by Hansen, Kalispell
3. Mum’s Flowers, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Glacier Wallflower & Gifts, Columbia Falls; Angie’s Greenhouse & Nursery, Columbia Falls
Furniture store
1. Bitney’s Furniture, Kalispell
2. Wright’s Furniture, Whitefish
3. Conlin’s Furniture, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Gil’s Furniture and Mattress, Columbia Falls; Beckman’s Fine Furnishings, Kalispell
Garden supply/nursery
1. Hooper’s Garden Center, Kalispell
2. Plant Land, Kalispell
3. Columbia Nursery & Landscaping, Columbia Falls
Honorable mention: Swan River Gardens and Nursery, Bigfork
Gift shop
1. Flair Boutique, Kalispell
2. Crystal Winters, Whitefish
3. The Montana Scene, Bigfork
Honorable mention: Montana Marie, Kalispell; Route 56 Designs, Evergreen
Gun shop
1. Snappy Sport Senter, Evergreen
2. Extreme Tactical, Evergreen
3. Sportsman & Ski Haus, Kalispell and Whitefish
Honorable mention: Frontier Guns & Ammo, Evergreen; Cabela’s, Kalispell
Hardware store
1. Montana Ace, Kalispell
2. Sliters Lumber and Building Supply, Bigfork, Somers, Lakeside
3. Western Building Center, Columbia Falls
Honorable mention: The Hardware Store, Evergreen; The Home Depot, Kalispell
Home improvement store
1. Lowe’s Home Improvement, Kalispell
2. The Home Depot, Kalispell
3. Montana Ace, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Sliters Lumber and Building Supply; Nelson Hardware, Whitefish
Jewelry store
1. Jensen Jewelers, Kalispell
2. Keenan’s Jewelry, Kalispell
3. Riddle’s Jewelry, Kalispell
Honorable mention: McGough & Co., Whitefish
Mattress store
1. EZ Rest Mattress Outlet
2. Gil’s Furniture and Mattress, Columbia Falls
3. (Tie) Mattress Firm, Kalispell; Conlin’s Sleep Center, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Ted’s Beds & Home Furnishings, Kalispell
Place for women to shop
1. The Toggery, Whitefish and Kalispell
2. Herberger’s, Kalispell
3. TJ Maxx, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Maurice’s, Kalispell; Sportsman & Ski Haus, Kalispell and Whitefish
Place to buy children’s gifts
1. Imagination Station, Kalispell and Whitefish
2. Nature Baby Outfitter, Kalispell
3. Crystal Winters, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Beckman’s Fine Furnishings, Kalispell; Target, Kalispell
Place to buy shoes
1. The Toggery, Whitefish and Kalispell
2. Famous Footwear, Kalispell
3. Sportsman & Ski Haus, Kalispell and Whitefish
Honorable mention: Army-Navy Surplus, Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls; Payless Shoe Source, Kalispell
Pool and spa shop
1. Big John’s, Kalispell
2. Oasis HotSpring Spa & Sauna, Evergreen
3. Erickson’s Pools & Spas, Kalispell
Recreational vehicle dealership
1. Gardner’s RV, Kalispell
2. Pierce RV Supercenter, Kalispell
3. Creston RV, Creston
Honorable mention: Bergeson RV, Columbia Falls
Ski/snowboard shop
1. Sportsman & Ski Haus, Whitefish and Kalispell
2. Tamarack Ski and Lake Shop, Whitefish
3. Stumptown Ice Den, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Stumptown Snowboards, Whitefish; Lakeside Ski & Sports, Lakeside
Small business without a store front
1. Tech Operative, Whitefish
2. Montana Trolley Co., Kalispell
3. (Tie) Nordic Allure, Kalispell; The Good Stuff Botanicals, Kalispell
BEST OF PEOPLE AND PLACES
Bike trail
1. Great Northern Rails to Trails
2. Whitefish Trails
3. Herron Park near Kalispell
Honorable mention: Wild Mile Trail, Bigfork
Campground
1. Hungry Horse Reservoir
2. Middle Thompson Lake
3. Lake Mary Ronan
Honorable mention: Tally Lake Campground; Apgar Campground in Glacier National Park
Church
1. Canvas Church, Kalispell
2. Fresh Life Church, Kalispell
3. Easthaven Baptist Church, Kalispell
Honorable mention: St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Kalispell; Hope Church, rural Kalispell; Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell
Coach
1.O’Brien Byrd, Columbia Falls High School boys and girls soccer coach
2. Kyle Sampson, Flathead High School head football coach
3. Travis Davison, head coach at Straight Blast Gym Montana, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Cary Finberg, Columbia Falls High School girls basketball; Ashley Hadley, Helena Flats School
Community volunteer
1. Leah Lindsay
2. Starla Hilliard Barnes
3. O’Brien Byrd
Honorable mention: Sam Nunnally; Sara Dye
Fishing hole
1. Pine Grove Pond
2. Echo Lake
3. Flathead Lake
Honorable mention: Ashley Lake; Old Steel Bridge, Shady Lane
Hike
1. Avalanche Creek picnic area, Glacier National Park
2. Mount Aeneas
3. Hidden Lake, Glacier Park
Honorable mention: Iceberg Lake, Glacier National Park; Columbia Mountain
Local Athlete
1. Paxton Fisher, deceased, Columbia Falls High School soccer
2. Dan Holguin, personal trainer and was featured on “America’s Ninja Warrior” TV show
3. Annie Hill, cross-country and track athlete at Glacier High School
Honorable mention: Stella Davison, mixed martial arts, Straight Blast Gym; Brock Osweiler, quarterback for Cleveland Browns
Nonprofit
1. Big Brothers Big Sisters
2. Coats for Kids
3. Community Action Partnership
Honorable mention: Hope Pregnancy Ministries
Outdoor guides
1. Glacier Raft Co., West Glacier
2. Base Camp Bigfork
3. Swan Mountain Outfitters, Swan Lake
Honorable mention: Great Northern Resort, West Glacier; Flathead Fishing Charters
Pastor
1. Kevin Geer, Canvas Church
2. Levi Lusko, Fresh Life
3. Chuck Baldwin, Liberty Fellowship
Honorable mention: Daniel Lambert, Easthaven Baptist Church; Lance Dannic, Hope Church
Place to watch people
1. Wal-Mart, Kalispell
2. Northwest Montana Fair
3. Kalispell Center Mall
Honorable mention: Columbia Falls Community Market
Place to walk your dog
1. Lone Pine State Park, near Kalispell
2. Great Northern Rails to Trails
3. Hugh Rogers Wag Park, Whitefish
Honorable mention: Herron Park near Kalispell
Place to work
1. Kalispell Regional Healthcare
2. Mann Mortgage
3. Canvas Church, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Costco, Kalispell; Whitefish Lake Golf Club Restaurant
Private school
1. St. Matthew’s Catholic School, Kalispell
2. Stillwater Christian School, Kalispell
3. Trinity Lutheran School, Kalispell
Honorable mention: Woodland Montessori School, Kalispell; Whitefish Christian Academy, Whitefish
School administrator
1. Peter Fusaro, former Flathead High School prinicipal; now director of trades and industrial arts at Flathead Valley Community College
2. Callie Langohr, Glacier High School principal
3. Merisa Murray, Edgerton Elementary School principal
Honorable mention: Jen Stein, Edgerton Elementary assistant principal; Jackie Fuller, Whitefish High School assistant principal
Teacher
1. Brian Bay, Vo-Ag teacher at H.E. Robinson Vocational Agricultural Center, Kalispell
2. Ivanna Fritz, Glacier High School English teacher and speech coach
3. Jake Loveless, West Valley School kindergarten teacher
Honorable mention: Julianne Burgi, Erin Mouat