Tuesday, October 31
Triplett glad to be back at PBR World Finals
LAS VEGAS — Matt Triplett made a point to make it back for this year’s PBR World Finals.
Flathead's offensive line powers Braves to the playoffs
Flathead offensive line coach Alex Cummings recognized the potential of his 2017 unit well before the team ever stepped onto the field. All it took was a skim of the roster way back in January for the coach, a former offensive lineman himself, to see the talent the Braves would have across the front.
Glacier closes out Big Sky, clinches spot at state
Glacier closed out a back-and-forth match with a pair of kills to secure a spot at the state tournament, beating Missoula Big Sky 25-21, 28-26, 21-25, 25-23 in a Class AA volleyball state playoff match on Tuesday at Glacier High School.
8 killed by New York motorist in 'cowardly act of terror'
NEW YORK (AP) — A man in a rented pickup truck mowed down pedestrians and cyclists along a busy bike path near the World Trade Center memorial Tuesday, killing at least eight and injuring 11 others in what the mayor called “a particularly cowardly act of terror.”
Garbage dumper leaves tell-tale evidence
According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, an employee at a Columbia Falls business did some digging to find out the name of a person who was dumping personal trash in their Dumpster. The supervisor reportedly went through the garbage to find the name of the culprit.
Skijoring event is moving from Lakeside to Kalispell
The Flathead Lake Skijoring Championships held in Lakeside last winter are being relocated to Rebecca Farm near Kalispell.
Halloween scene
Children at Kid Kare preschool show off their costumes in a Halloween parade around the Kalispell Regional Medical Center campus on Tuesday, Oct. 31. (Photos by Matt Baldwin/Daily Inter Lake)
Airport breaks its summer passenger record
Summer air travel was brisk at Glacier Park International Airport, with passenger numbers up 13.9 percent from last year.
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Ryan Wilson, daughter of Kramer and Ally Wilson of Kalispell, was born April 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
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Ryan Wilson, daughter of Kramer and Ally Wilson of Kalispell, was born April 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
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Ryan Wilson, daughter of Kramer and Ally Wilson of Kalispell, was born April 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Gene Lauman, 77
Gene Lauman, 77, passed away in Kalispell Oct. 17, 2017, due to cancer.
Sandra K. Chopper, 71
Sandra K. Chopper, daughter of William and Beryl Alexander, died Oct. 28, 2017, at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer.
Carolyn K. 'Gram' Hall 77
Carolyn K. Hall, “Gram,” 77, passed away at home in Kalispell on Oct. 23, 2017.
Duck hunter misses target, hits house
A woman said her boyfriend was going to confront a duck hunter on a pond near her house after her house was hit with a bullet, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
Monday, October 30
Whitefish couple helps Lakeside girl fund diabetic-alert dog
Courtney Rhoades thought she was just going to lunch with her mother last Friday. But when she arrived at Glacier Perks Coffee House in Lakeside, there was a couple waiting there especially for her.
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Winter outlook: La Niña to boost snowfall
The National Weather Service in Missoula is expecting a weak La Niña to set in and cause above-average snowfall this winter in Montana.
Longtime Montana trucker to deliver Capitol Christmas Tree
In nearly five decades of driving trucks, Larry Spiekermeier has placed sixth in the National Truck Driving Championships, twice been named Motor Carriers of Montana’s “Driver of the Year,” and logged 1.6 million accident-free miles with his current employer, Whitewood Transport.
Judy Martz, first female governor of Montana, dies at 74
HELENA (AP) — Montana’s only female governor and lieutenant governor has died. Judy Martz, who had been battling pancreatic cancer, was 74.
Montana's first female governor, Judy Martz dies
HELENA (AP) — Montana’s first female governor, Judy Martz, has died at the age of 74.
Hunting season off to slow start
Hunting success rates in Northwest Montana through the second weekend of the general rifle season remain behind last year’s pace.
Proposed subdivision raises road safety, wetlands concerns
A 14-lot subdivision on 30 acres along Smith Lake Road west of Kalispell will be considered during a Flathead County Planning Board public hearing on Nov. 8.
Sunday, October 29
Man on the lam with a U-Haul trailer
According to the Whitefish Police Department call logs, a man failed to return a U-Haul trailer to the company he rented it from and the company was filing theft charges against him.
CFAC pays first refund to feds
Columbia Falls Aluminum Company has reimbursed the federal government for some of the costs of investigating its former Columbia Falls plant.
a light in the dark
Behind the responders who handle crisis in the Flathead Valley stands a one-man support team holding things together as the shock sets in.
Kalispell man charged with sexual assault
A man accused of two counts of felony sexual assault and sexual intercourse without consent pleaded not guilty on Thursday in Flathead County District Court.
Kalispell council to talk traffic issues
The Kalispell City Council is scheduled to convene for a work session at 7 p.m. today to discuss traffic guidelines for the city.
Shaping the forest's future
A four-year-long revision of Flathead National Forest’s Land and Resource Management Plan is nearly finished.
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Puerto Rico gov seeks to cancel contract
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s governor on Sunday demanded that the board of the island’s power company cancel the $300M contract with Whitefish Energy Holdings amid increased scrutiny of the Montana company’s role in Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.
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I read the Inter Lake daily, and enjoy it. My reason for this letter is to give my input on a couple of articles your paper has printed recently.
Election mailbag
n Letters from our readers on the upcoming municipal elections
For some 20 years it was my privilege to serve as a judge, first as a district judge in Flathead County, later as a federal magistrate judge for the District of Montana. Prior to that I practiced law before a diverse number of judges at all levels.
Glacier Bancorp to acquire Inter-Mountain
Kalispell-based Glacier Bancorp Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Inter-Mountain Bancorp Inc., the bank holding company for First Security Bank, a community bank based in Bozeman.
Gratitude under fire: A thank-you from California
I don’t know where to begin with this post, but I thought gratitude might be a good start. If anything, this week has taught me that checking in and being connected is a sacred privilege. To all of you, thank you.
Glacier, other parks require immediate maintenance action
Visitation to Glacier National Park has never been higher, and need for maintenance has never been greater. My Model T friends driving classy, century old Fords helped boost the record visitation, but park repairs require attention in Washington.
Fire, fuels, logging and politics
When Barack Obama took office during a massive economic crash, his Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel said “Never let a good crisis go to waste,” and used the occasion to ram through massive changes in government. Republicans were livid.
Pie and positive vibes
There are no cranky people at Renee’s Rollin-N-Dough, owner Renee Tost points out, and there’s a reason for that.
Kalispell Chamber banquet features downtown theme
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce will hold its 113th annual banquet and auction from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell. The theme, “Downtown through the decades, is meant to celebrate the historic opportunity Kalispell has to develop its downtown area via the core area plan that will remove the railroad tracks from the downtown corridor.
Why Trump's failure is so important to the left
Trump must not only fail, but “be assassinated,” according to one female Democratic legislator. Such violent hatred has reached levels of incivility previously unacceptable in our country. One would think this is an historically critical issue. Why must he not be allowed to succeed as president? Because it is historically significant. If he succeeds; how we are represented in Washington may well be changed forever and those changes threaten the establishment on both sides of the aisle and they clearly realize that and are frightened by the potential.
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I read the Inter Lake daily, and enjoy it. My reason for this letter is to give my input on a couple of articles your paper has printed recently.
Park fee changes need to be re-thought
It’s no secret that national parks such as our own Glacier National Park have struggled for years with limited funding, increased visitation and costly infrastructure needs.
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Aussie native raises thoroughbreds near Fortine
I’m Shooting High and I Double Dare You are two of John Sneesby’s prize-winning thoroughbreds, but you won’t find him watching the races until after they’re over.
Saturday, October 28
Glacier boys fall short in state final
The Daily Inter Lake
State A Soccer Belgrade pulls away from Whitefish in 2nd half, wins 4-0
BELGRADE — For a half Saturday afternoon, it was a touch and go match for the Class A state boys soccer championship.
Heritage rolls by Stillwater in MCAA state soccer title test
Four goals by Konner May powered Heritage Christian School to an 8-1 victory over Stillwater Christian School in the Montana Christian Athletic Association boys state championship soccer match on Saturday afternoon at Stillwater.
Prep Football Eureka flies past Cut Bank
EUREKA — Eureka raced by Cut Bank 41-0 in its season home opener back in August.
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SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — Makena Morley finished 15th overall in 19:25.3 to help boost the Colorado women’s cross country team to its third-straight conference title, legging out Oregon for the Pac 12 championship on Friday.
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SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — Makena Morley finished 15th overall in 19:25.3 to help boost the Colorado women’s cross country team to its third-straight conference title, legging out Oregon for the Pac 12 championship on Friday.
Rocky tops No. 11 Tech on late field goal
BUTTE — Rocky Mountain kicker Griff Amies hit a 45-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Bears over No. 11 Montana Tech in a Frontier Conference football game on Saturday at Alumni Coliseum.
Libby beats C-Falls in 5 in Northwest A volleyball championship match
BROWNING — Libby survived some tense moments at the Northwest A volleyball district tournment on Saturday by defeating Columbia Falls 22-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-12 in the championship match.
Sentinel swarms Flathead in Western AA volleyball
MISSOULA — Flathead dropped its second straight match in three sets, falling to second-ranked Missoula Sentinel 25-16, 25-15, 25-19 on Saturday afternoon in Western AA volleyball action.
Sen. Tester and the ties that bind
I’ve had plenty of criticism for Sen. Jon Tester in this column over the years, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect him.
Fee proposal worries park's neighbors
Matt Brake is a retail salesperson at Rocky Mountain Outfitters in downtown Kalispell. He sells outdoor gear to people who disperse from town to take advantage of the many outdoor recreational opportunities the area has to offer, like Glacier National Park.
Rural resilience in friendly Fortine
On a crisp fall morning, business is brisk at the Fortine Mercantile.
The magic of 'three'
Good things come in threes for runner Theresa Pitts.
Teachers seek funding for educational projects
The Kalispell Education Foundation is looking to partner again with businesses and individuals to help fund Great Opportunities Grants.
Glacier Brewing in Polson up for sale
At a time when the rise of craft breweries in Montana can seem as unstoppable as a rising tide, one local brewery has been put up for sale.
Richard Harlan Pierce, 86
It is with heavy hearts we say that our dad Richard Harlan Pierce passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2017, at the age of 86, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.
Dorothy 'Dory' Smith, 78
Dorothy “Dory” Smith, 78, passed away on Oct. 22, 2017, in Kalispell.
Pastor John Nolan Olson, 94
Pastor John Nolan Olson died peacefully in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Sept. 28, 2017, at the age of 94.
Paul A. Goguen, 88
Paul A. Goguen, 88, of Whitefish passed away Oct. 22, 2017 in Kalispell surrounded with the love of his family. Paul was born Oct. 8, 1929 in Arlington, Mass. to Blanche & Arthur Goguen.
Dana C. Henderson, 55
Dana C. Henderson, 55, passed away Monday Oct. 16, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Carolyn Kembel Ennis, 76
Carolyn Kembel Ennis passed away on Oct. 20, 2017, at the age of 76, in Whitefish. She loved Montana, was a remarkable woman, and will be remembered as a beloved civic champion who made innovative and generous contributions to the quality of life in her city and state.
Opal M. Loveless, 94
Opal M. Loveless, 94, passed away Oct. 22, 2017, in Kalispell.
Christ Lutheran to dedicate new sanctuary
Following more than a decade of planning, a 92-year-old Lutheran congregation will celebrate the completion of its new sanctuary on Reformation Sunday, a day that this year marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
Thief makes off with salt and pepper
According to the Kalispell Police Department call logs, a restaurant patron reportedly took off with the salt and pepper shakers and wouldn’t give them back.
Tabatha Richelle Tavares, 49
Tabatha Richelle Tavares, 49, passed away on Oct. 24, 2017, in Kalispell.
Abbie Shelter gets $50,000 from Foley Foundation
The Abbie Shelter recently received a $50,000 gift from the Foley Family Charitable Foundation to support major improvements to the existing shelter facility in Kalispell, the organization’s sole building.
Cayuse Prairie students hone leadership skills
Over the semester Cayuse Prairie School eighth-graders have been learning how to be leaders and help out in their school and community.
Cyber extortionists target more schools
The group of internet hackers who claimed credit for breaching the Columbia Falls School District’s database is allegedly wreaking havoc on other schools throughout the nation.
American Indian Caucus cries foul at budget cuts
The Montana Legislature’s American Indian Caucus weighed in on the dire state budget situation Friday, describing how their communities could be hurt by looming cuts.
Friday, October 27
C-Falls, Libby spikers unbeaten in tourney play
BROWNING — Columbia Falls posted two wins and Libby rolled in its only test during the first day of play at the Northwest A volleyball tournament on Friday.
Glacier boys to test Hellgate for AA state soccer crown
MISSOULA — Glacier boys soccer coach Ryan Billiet didn’t know who scored the game-winning goal in the waning moments of the state semifinals.
Stillwater spikers advance to state championship match
Stillwater Christian won its third-straight volleyball match on Friday evening in the Montana Christian Athletic Association state tournament at Stillwater Christian School.
Stillwater in MCAA state soccer final with Heritage
Zac King put Stillwater Christian on top early with an unassisted goal and later assisted on two scores by David Rodriguez as the Cougars defeated Billings Christian School 4-0 on Friday at the Montana Christian Athletic Association state boys soccer tournament at Stillwater Christian School.
Class A Soccer Whitefish boys off to Belgrade for title go
The so-called newcomer to this year’s championship weekend for Class A boys and girls soccer is upstart Whitefish.
Class B football playoffs have Eureka home, Bigfork away
Ironically enough, the Class B football playoffs for Eureka and Bigfork begin just like regular-season play did for both teams.
AA Football Glacier hoping for some playoff help
The Glacier football team has its hands full this week. And not just with the game on the field.
1 acre of land burned in Yellowstone during 2017 fire season
CODY, Wyo. (AP) — About 1 acre of land burned in Yellowstone National Park during the 2017 fire season, a number much lower than the 63,000 acres (25,500 hectares) burned in the park a year ago.
Linda Kay Willson, 65
Linda Kay Willson, 65, took her place in Heaven on Oct. 17, 2017, at her home in Lakeside; finally free after many years of bravely battling kidney disease and diabetes.
Clifford 'Kicker' Oliver Wilkins, 78
Clifford “Kicker” Oliver Wilkins, 78, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, passed away too soon, surrounded by loved ones, on Oct. 21, 2017, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.
Terry Sherburne, 70
Terry Sherburne passed away Oct. 7, 2017.
Harney and Coco
Kaela Roemisch Harney and Andrew Lyle Coco were married May 17 at the historic Benton House in Indianapolis, Indiana.
White House disavows power contract
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration scrambled Friday to distance itself from the decision to award a $300 million contract to help restore Puerto Rico’s power grid to a Whitefish-based company from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s hometown.
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Lew Weaver’s push for his water bottling plant presents an opportunity for self-reflection.
First step: Admitting we have a problem
President Trump on Thursday made a passionate and comprehensive argument why opioid addiction has reached the stage of a nationwide public health emergency, and he set out several steps that may help alleviate that emergency, which kills almost 100 Americans a day.
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Lew Weaver’s push for his water bottling plant presents an opportunity for self-reflection.
Wolfpack routs, falls short of playoffs
By JOSEPH TERRY
Flathead squeaks by Helena, 21-20
The Daily Inter Lake
Thursday, October 26
Class AA football playoffs wide open
By JOSEPH TERRY
AA Football Flathead out to cure road woes at Helena
It’s been, in many ways, a historic season for Flathead football.
Glacier's Hill chooses Colorado
Glacier distance runner Annie Hill has committed to run collegiately at the University of Colorado, continuing the pipeline of top distance talent from Northwest Montana to the Centennial State.
Glacier sheds early jitters, sweeps FHS
All it took for Glacier volleyball was a minute to calm down.
Stillwater spikers start state action with two wins
Stillwater Christian School, hosts for the Montana Christian Athletic Association state volleyball tournament, posted two victories during Thursday’s opening-day session.
Stillwater soccer wins first round game at MCAA state
Stillwater Christian edged Billings Christian 2-1 to open the Montana Christian Athletic Association state boys soccer tournament with a narrow win on Thursday afternoon at Stillwater Christian School.
Commercial ski guiding coming to Flathead Forest
A Columbia Falls-based guide company has been issued a temporary special-use permit to lead backcountry ski trips near the Izaak Walton Inn in the Flathead National Forest.
Take-Back Day collects unused prescription drugs
This Saturday, Montanans with unused prescription pills and patches can dump those medications with no questions asked at one of 24 sites around the state as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
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Guardian of the public process
There are a few things most people probably don’t know about Mayre Flowers.
GOP pushes to loosen forest regs
WASHINGTON — House Republicans are targeting environmental rules to allow faster approval for tree cutting in national forests in response to the deadly wildfires in California.
Invasive Entertainment
To be frank, I’d have to say my skill as a playwright doesn’t go beyond that of an enthusiastic amateur. No one has ever paid me to write a play. But imagine my delight when I showed my take on “War of the Worlds” to the Bigfork Community Players and they, in return, offered to produce it. I wonder if H.G. Wells felt the same.
North End Swings hosts Black Light Dance
For the fourth year running, Kalispell’s North End Swing is hosting its annual Black Light Dance. The Sassafras ballroom will be illuminated with black lights, of course, along with special effects such as fog and colorful laser dots. The group is forgoing its traditional vintage tunes for a night of electro-swing — think big band music, but with house beats.
Space Quaker OPA is 'out of this world'
The Kalispell Brewing Co. has re-released an out-of-this-world craft beer just in time for the Halloween season.
Montana man kills grizzly that broke into garage
BOZEMAN (AP) — A Montana man shot a killed a grizzly bear that broke into his garage where an elk carcass was hanging.
Wednesday, October 25
Kalispell's Pistorese finishes season on top
The season was not yet two months old, but Joe Pistorese had already reached its low point at the end of May.
Glacier boys, girls roll into AA state soccer tournament
The Glacier boys and girls soccer teams kick off this afternoon in the first round of the Class AA state tournament at Fort Missoula.
Familiar foes Flathead, Glacier meet again
Glacier and Flathead have encountered each other quite a bit this season, and not just because the two schools are only separated by five miles.
Griz suspend safety Strong for two weeks
MISSOULA — University of Montana senior Justin Strong has been suspended for two games for violating the student-athlete code of conduct, the university athletic department announced in a press release on Wednesday.
Ex-colonel to oversee troubled Puerto Rico power company
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A former military officer was appointed Wednesday to oversee reconstruction of Puerto Rico’s flattened electrical grid and operations of the island’s troubled power company amid growing concerns over a $300 million contract awarded to a small Montana company to help repair the damage from Hurricane Maria.
Young hunter loses first buck to bear
Last weekend, 10-year-old hunter Keaton Simpach shot his first buck. But the night after he, his father James, and grandfather Robert dangled the deer from a meathook, his luck turned.
Wilbur Doyle Combs, 92
Wilbur Doyle Combs died from congestive heart failure on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Redmond, Oregon, with family by his side. He was 92.
Neigh-bor reports 'hay is for horses'
According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office call logs, a caller said it looked like horses were eating garbage out of three large garbage bags. The caller said it’s not healthy for horses to eat garbage.
Chef's popular burgers back in the limelight
The chef whose Bubba Burger brought national acclaim to Eureka eight years ago is getting ready for the spotlight again. And this time he’s added a new artisan burger that’s topped with a dollop of huckleberry ice cream.
New support group helps inmates re-enter society
Every year about 1,200 offenders leave prison to resettle in Montana communities. Whether or not they succeed depends on their ability to find stable housing, a job, reliable transportation, social support and more.
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- Somers School District board special meeting to canvass bond election tally sheets, 8 a.m.
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- Somers School District board special meeting to canvass bond election tally sheets, 8 a.m.
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- Somers School District board special meeting to canvass bond election tally sheets, 8 a.m.
Court sets aside conviction in grizzly shootings
BILLINGS — A federal appeals court has set aside the conviction of a Ferndale man who shot three grizzly bears that he claimed killed some of his chickens.
Communities prepare for future wildfires
Driving through Glacier Hills, Rich Baginski is quick to point out the changes he’s helped bring to this gated community near Hungry Horse.
Senate approves $576M for fire relief
The Senate has approved $576.5 million to aid the West’s recovery from a devastating wildfire season.
Montana State University cracks down on drinking, drug use
BOZEMAN (AP) — Montana State University is cracking down on alcohol and drug violations by suspending students for a semester after a third offense.
Tuesday, October 24
Sentinel smothers Glacier
Defending champion Missoula Sentinel powered past Glacier in four sets 25-10, 21-25, 25-18, 25-18, to down the Wolfpack on senior night Tuesday in a Western AA conference match.
Voters approve Somers school bond
A $15.8 million bond issue was narrowly approved by voters in Somers-Lakeside School District Tuesday.
Governor touts after-school program
Bigfork ACES and Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre kept the lights on for Gov. Steve Bullock to celebrate after-school programming on Tuesday.
FVCC holds financial aid workshops
College-bound students of Libby and Kalispell will have a helping hand in applying for financial aid during free workshops hosted by Flathead Valley Community College Nov. 1 and 13.
Edna R. (Holum) Begg, 99
Edna R. (Holum) Begg, longtime resident of Kalispell, passed away at Brendan House, Oct. 20, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Edna spent the last year of her life there, longing to return to her home of 61 years. “She has now made her final move to her heavenly home where she will dwell forever in the presence of Jesus.” She missed achieving her 100th birthday by a matter of months.
Rudolph Rudy Terrance Rice, 78
From the arms of his family and his earthly angels at Renaissance Assisted Living and Frontier Hospice, “to the waiting arms of his heavenly angels” Rudy left us to reside in his forever home on Oct. 17, 2017, at 8:50 p.m., with family by his side.
Clinton Samuel 'Butch' Armstrong, 92
Clinton Samuel “Butch” Armstrong, 92, passed away on Oct. 20, 2017, a day after his 92nd birthday.
Don't worry, it was all just a dream
According to the Kalispell Police Department, a caller from New York said she was concerned about her brothers mental state because he told her he went jogging and the president came to visit him. When police talked to her brother, they said he seemed fine and alert. The brother told them he had a dream the president brought him flowers, and his sister must not have heard the “dream” part.
Ralph Edward Martin, 74
Ralph Edward Martin, 74, was born on June 28, 1943, in Portland, and unexpectedly passed away in Kalispell on Oct. 19, 2017, due to a sudden form of acute lung disease; while his mind longed to stay, his lungs no longer could support him.
Evelyn Blanche Levy Johnson, 87
Levy was born and raised in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming with her parents Archie and Nadene Wilson and her brother Jack.
Clark L. Spain, 87
Clark L. Spain “is with his Savior” as of Oct. 22, 2017.
Steven Ray Beavers, 55
Steven Ray Beavers was born in Rockdale, Texas, on March 8, 1962, to Barbara and John Beavers.
Raymond Dwayne Peterson, 57
Raymond Dwayne Peterson, 57, of Eureka, passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bigfork celebrates affordable housing project
Chris King first moved into an affordable unit at the Little Jon apartment complex in Bigfork five years ago, when he needed open heart surgery that would require him to miss a few months of work. A blood clot turned three months into a year, and his financial situation grew even more precarious.
A poetry conversation
Donning jogging shorts and windswept hair, Montana’s poet laureate says he adopted the Treasure State as his own by accident 34 years ago, pioneering a propagation of poetry along the way.
Questions arise about Whitefish company's Puerto Rico contract
A Whitefish-based power company has secured a $300 million contract to restore electricity to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria, spurring questions from government agencies and Congress about why the 2-year-old operation from Montana was selected over larger, more experienced providers.
Park Service wants $70 entrance fee
The National Park Service Tuesday announced it was proposing to more than double entrance fees to several national parks, including Glacier National Park, to pay for deferred maintenance.
Tickets available for Marine Corps Ball
The Flathead Marines 2017 Marine Corps Ball will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.
Montana's Teton Pass Ski Resort not opening this season
GREAT FALLS (AP) — Teton Pass Ski Resort in Montana will be closed this winter.
'Old guy' gets stuck on the tracks
According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office call logs, an “old guy” was intoxicated and trespassing at an industrial plant. Employees discovered the man had driven his car onto the railroad tracks and got stuck there. He was later taken to the hospital for chest pain. While being treated for chest pain, the man reportedly ran and tried to hide in the trees by the hospital.
Jean Elizabeth Lehner, 90
Jean Elizabeth Lehner passed away on Oct. 17, 2017.
Ronald Lee Perry, 81
Ronald Lee Perry, 81, died Oct. 3, 2017, on our 59th wedding anniversary, at University Medical Center in Las Vegas.
Robert 'Bob' George Hatfield, 90
Robert “Bob” George Hatfield, 90, died on Oct. 18, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, following the effects of a fall at his home.
Hunting check-ins down on opening weekend
Hunting turnout and results dipped on the first weekend of the 2017 general deer and elk season, with fewer hunters and kills coming through Northwest Montana’s check stations compared to last year’s opener.
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Does ‘Montana values’ mean helping folks in Congress?
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Does ‘Montana values’ mean helping folks in Congress?
Monday, October 23
Glacier region tops state in tourist spending
Glacier Country got a bigger slice of the $3.04 billion non-resident tourism pie than any other region in the state in 2016, according to a recent report published by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana.
Teacher workshop packs up trove of expert knowledge
Trunks containing a treasure trove of educational materials were on display for a group of educators during a workshop at Lone Pine Thursday.
Closure orders lifted on Kootenai Forest
Fire closure orders within the vicinity of the West Fork, Moose Peak and Cub Creek fires of Northwest Montana recently were rescinded by Kootenai Forest Supervisor Christopher Savage.
Walking distance, safety top concerns
Kalispell Public Schools recently held forums to explain four elementary redistricting options as it adds a sixth elementary school to the map.
FVCC featured artist reinvents his work
Faced with a choice between retirement or adaptation, Michigan photographer Gregg Barckholtz was 59 when he chose to reinvent himself.
County moves closer to adopting corridor plan
The Flathead County commissioners last week unanimously approved a resolution of intent to adopt a corridor plan and overlay zone for properties along U.S. 93 south of Whitefish.
Appeals court OK's Montana's campaign contribution limits
HELENA — Montana’s limits on direct contributions to political campaigns are justified in trying to prevent corruption or the appearance of corruption while still allowing candidates to raise enough money to run a campaign, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday.
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Forum to share ways to build Troy-area economy
A forum aimed at creating a better economy in the greater Troy area is planned by the Yaak Valley Forest Council Thursday, Oct. 26.
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Sunday, October 22
Pumpkin vandals strike in Whitefish
A female who reportedly had her keys taken away from her the night before for drinking and driving contacted the Whitefish Police Department to help locate them. The woman submitted to a breathalyzer test and was given her keys back.
Fair's Exhibitor of the Year announced
Teagen Flint of Columbia Falls has been named the 2017 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo Exhibitor of the Year.
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Two deer scamper by Kay Lynn’s Kalispell art studio.
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Two deer scamper by Kay Lynn’s Kalispell art studio.
More services but crime rate not dropping
There have been many changes in the
State on the lookout for a miniature but devastating foe
Last boating season, the quagga mussels that have crashed fisheries and clogged pipes across America were known to exist in Montana.
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Not keeping our storm sewers in good condition would cause us expensive health problems. Not maintaining our urban forest would be expensive, too. (Take out and replace the dead tree at your curbside on your own.) and, psychologically losing our trees would have a bad effect on the quality of life that we are proud of.
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Secession odyssey: Catalonia to Cascadia
Since last November many of us in many places in the US have heightened dreams of secession, of new nation-states, new sovereignty. It is true that many of us have had less intense versions of that fantasy for decades, waxing and waning from regime to regime.
Nation's woes just worsen
Heroes never get paid. If a football player wants to be one, just quit. Give up your career and your multi-million dollar job for your beliefs. Soldiers do that. Bakers do that. But the NFL gets on its knees? I guess it’s appropriate. They tried to impose third-gender restrooms in Texas, along with Facebook and Google. Is that benevolence or arrogance?
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Not keeping our storm sewers in good condition would cause us expensive health problems. Not maintaining our urban forest would be expensive, too. (Take out and replace the dead tree at your curbside on your own.) and, psychologically losing our trees would have a bad effect on the quality of life that we are proud of.
Mussel fight must transcend politics
It’s hard to imagine how potentially devastating a tiny invasive species like the quagga mussel can be on an ecosystem, but that’s no excuse for shutting our eyes to the danger.
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Save the Basin Commission
An urgent call to protect a guardian of the Flathead
As so often in the last few decades, the Flathead Basin is in imminent danger. But this time, the threat to Montana’s crown jewel is coming not from mining interests north of the border. It is coming from the state government itself, which is charging forward with a plan to marginalize the Flathead Basin Commission and its excellent executive director, Caryn Miske.
Harold and Jinks Vachal
Harold and Jinks Vachal celebrated 70 years of marriage Sept. 30 with an open house at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers. Granddaughter Danna (Vachal) Gonzalez wore her grandmother’s wedding dress, which was also worn by daughter Suzi, friend Velma (Seney) Heinrichsen, and goddaughter Rose (Rogge) Bjornstad for their weddings, and the veil was worn by niece Karen (Seney) Adams for hers. Granddaughter Amy (Vachal) Wambach modeled it for the Vachals’ 50th anniversary.
Sen. Daines, it's time to move on
By DAVE HADDEN
Education: What has been happening to it? and why?
In 1992 the earth-changing Rio Conference launched Agenda 21, sustainability and the march towards the New World Order. This was also the year we retired and moved from Chicago to Montana, where I became aware of the national decline in the education system. It had been happening for years, resulting in a trend toward home schooling. All was driven by a plan that had been under international development by power-hungry global schemers seeking world control. They are requiring modification of minds, souls and behavior of human populations worldwide. Their intricately detailed plan claims that human activity is harmful to the environment, thus stimulating public alarm and dedication to “save the earth” projects.
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Saturday, October 21
Whitefish boys soccer advances to state title game
FRENCHTOWN — Whitefish rode a high-flying offense to the state playoffs, but it was the Bulldogs’ defense that rose to the occasion on the biggest stage yet.
Bigfork's Morley takes third straight state title
HELENA — For the third year in a row, no one could touch Bryn Morley.
No. 11 Tech wrecks Northern, 93-19
BUTTE — Montana Tech dominated MSU-Northern in a record-setting 93-19 victory on homecoming weekend at Alumni Coliseum on Saturday.
Cougars claw past Troy; Eureka sweeps Mission
Stillwater Christian rallied past Troy in the fifth set to edge the Trojans 25-19, 25-22, 23-25, 22-25, 16-14 in a nonconference volleyball match on Saturday.
Montana vs. Mussels: How caution, politics shaped the initial response to an ecological emergency
On a Monday afternoon last October, scientists with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks received jarring news.
Smart tech driving company's growth
Applied Materials is a company that lives on the cutting edge.
Volunteer reflects on giving and receiving
Olesea Ialanji and her six brothers and sisters grew up in a tiny village in Moldova, Russia with little more than their faith to call their own.
Kettle Care Organics celebrates 35 years
Organic skin-care company, Kettle Care Organics celebrated 35 years of business in the Flathead Valley this month. The brand is produced, packaged and sold in Kalispell and known for its high concentrations of essential oils and natural ingredients.
Credit union to distribute $600,000 dividend
Members of Lincoln County Credit Union can look forward to a substantial dividend payment.
Martin Luther's big day - 'nailed it!'
Oct. 31 is a big day for the Lutheran Church.
A reintroduction with Yellowstone
In fifth grade my mother, brother and I took a road trip from Kentucky to Seattle to visit some friends. One of the places we stopped along the way was Yellowstone National Park.
More 'fake math' in the service of class envy
Last week, I praised the president for “exposing the fake math of Obamacare,” and explained how the Affordable Care Act only penciled out because the federal government had agreed to shovel taxpayer money at insurance companies.
Friday, October 20
Flathead runs away from Hellgate
Way back on Aug. 31, as Flathead went through its final walk-through in preparation for a Week 2 trip to Helena Capital the following night, the Braves closed their practice working on punt returns.
Pack hounds Hellgate in Western AA soccer playoffs
Glacier stormed back in the second half of its Class AA girls soccer playoff game on Friday, topping Missoula Hellgate 3-1 to earn the third seed from the West at next weekend’s state tournament.
Glacier can't keep pace at Big Sky
The Daily Inter Lake
Prep Football McPhee, Green power C-Falls past Polson
COLUMBIA FALLS — Colten McPhee had touchdown runs of 15, 36 and 4 yards and quarterback Austin Green ran 4 yards for a score and passed for three more as Columbia Falls manhandled Polson 50-6 in the Northwest A conference regular-season final for both football teams.
Semifinal weekend for Class A soccer teams
By DAVID LESNICK
Flathead finishes 4th at Missoula volleyball
MISSOULA — Flathead finished fourth on Friday at the Missoula Invitational volleyball tournament.
Teens crammed in car sent home
According to Kalispell Police Department call logs, eight juveniles were reportedly crammed into a vehicle with one girl was sitting on the floorboard unrestrained. The driver reportedly had a restricted driver’s license and wasn’t sure how to put fuel in the vehicle. The parents of all the juveniles were contacted and the children were picked up.
South Kalispell elementary construction ahead of schedule
Work continues at a steady pace on $54 million in building projects at Kalispell Public Schools.
Tamarack Time announces 2017 winners
The annual Tamarack Time festival in Bigfork was held Saturday, Oct. 14.
Montana unemployment rate steady at 3.9 percent
Montana’s unemployment rate once again held steady, remaining at 3.9 percent in September, Gov. Steve Bullock’s office announced Friday.
Local women respond to campaign addressing sexual misconduct
Flathead Valley residents who use social media have likely been seeing a lot of #metoo posts popping up in their news feed this week.
Sun Road to reopen to Avalanche
Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road will reopen to Avalanche from the West Entrance at noon on Saturday, Oct. 21, park officials announced Friday.
Montana takes in $300K in medical marijuana taxes
BILLINGS (AP) — Montana medical marijuana providers paid about $300,000 in taxes for the three months ending in September.
Companies announce new rates for health insurance
HELENA (AP) — Two companies have increased their health insurance rates for Montana after the president ended subsidies for low- to moderate-income policy holders under the Affordable Care Act.
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Please join us in supporting William Hileman for Whitefish Municipal Court judge.
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Please join us in supporting William Hileman for Whitefish Municipal Court judge.
Good luck, hunters - and stay safe
Snow on the mountain tops, a crisp in the air and the sound of rifles being sighted in at the local range. It can only mean one thing — opening day of big game rifle season is finally here.
Thursday, October 19
Glacier preps for tough test at Missoula Big Sky
There’s one more big hurdle between Glacier’s football team and its late season push for an ninth straight trip to the playoffs.
Flathead welcomes winless Hellgate with playoff berth on the line
To this point in the season, playoff talk has been just that for Flathead — talk.
Flathead spikers 1st in pool play; Libby 3rd, Glacier 4th
MISSOULA — Flathead and second-ranked Missoula Sentinel posted 12-2 marks to top their respective pools during Thursday’s action at the Missoula Invitational volleyball tournament.
Glacier girls host Hellgate in Western AA soccer playoffs match
A trip to Missoula next week for the Class AA state soccer tournament is on the line for Missoula Hellgate (3-8-1 regular season league record) and Glacier (8-3-1) today.
Sentinel shocks Flathead
Flathead took its shots but couldn’t find the back of the net until late, coming up short in a 2-1 loss to Missoula Sentinel in the Western AA boys soccer playoffs on Thursday at Legends Stadium.
Sandra Stratton Loveall, 77
Sandra Stratton Loveall passed away Oct.17, 2017, at the age of 77.
Indecent exposure suspect changes plea
A man accused of exposing himself to four children near the Old Steel Bridge in Evergreen this summer changed his plea on Tuesday.
Pool poachers dip out before police arrive
According to the Whitefish Police Department two men were trespassing in a private pool. They left before police could talk to them.
Births
Samuel Cochran, son of John and Chelsea Cochran of Kalispell, was born Feb. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Timber Tour highlights bright spots in industry
More than 30 hard-hat wearing locals climbed out of a bus in front of F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. Thursday afternoon. Trucks stacked high with behemoth logs chugged past the visitors, who assembled around a handful of mill employees for the Flathead Timber Tour, which began at Stoltze and ended at Weyerhaeuser, both in Columbia Falls.
Response outlined for wildfires at vermiculite mine site
A new emergency response plan for wildfires at or near the former W.R. Grace & Co. vermiculite mine got a test run during the recent fire season, even though the West Fork Fire was some 6 miles away from the mine site.
Bipartisan bill aims to prevent wildfires
WASHINGTON — As wildfires rage across California and the West, Democratic and Republican senators have joined forces to help rural communities better prepare for and prevent catastrophic wildfires.
White nationalist Spencer drowned out by protesters
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Counter demonstrators greatly outnumbered white nationalist Richard Spencer’s supporters on Thursday at the University of Florida, their chants drowning Spencer out during his speech.
Bigfork man charged with sexual assault on a minor
A registered sex offender was arrested in Lake County Thursday for three counts of sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age.
Brewery holds benefit for Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, the Flathead Lake Brewing Co. Pubhouse in Bigfork will hold “Tuesday Toasts” to benefit the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre.
City leaders get advice from Denver urban renewal director
As Kalispell city and business leaders begin tackling the redevelopment of Kalispell’s core, they got some good advice on Tuesday from an urban renewal director who has been entrenched in the revival of downtown Denver.
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THURSDAY, OCT. 19
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THURSDAY, OCT. 19
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THURSDAY, OCT. 19
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Wednesday, October 18
Neighbor dispute turns trashy
According to the Kalispell Police Department, a caller said his neighbors repeatedly dump trash in the alley instead of the trash can, and he is ready to throw the trash can over their fence.
Glenn 'Lucky' Manning, 70
Glenn “Lucky” Manning passed on Sept. 29, 2017, at Heritage Place.
Jerry Lou Sommers, 81
Jerry Lou Sommers died on Oct. 14, 2017, in Salmon, Idaho.
Kalispell couple adjusts to life after Las Vegas tragedy
It took Stephanie Franklin about a week before she could open the suitcase she brought home from Las Vegas.
Trevor Loudon speaks to Last Chance Patriots
On Tuesday evening, New Zealand-based author and filmmaker Trevor Loudon addressed a packed room at Kalispell’s Fairbridge Inn and Suites on the threats he claims face America from the left.
Karrow Avenue closed for water main work
Noble Excavating Inc. will have Karrow Avenue in Whitefish closed to through traffic beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23, through 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in order to perform water main work at the intersections of Karrow and Third Street and Karrow and Fourth Street. Local residents will have access.
Flathead students inducted into Honor Society
Nineteen Flathead High School students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society.
Montana gets another extension to comply with REAL ID
HELENA (AP) — The state of Montana has been given another year before it has to begin complying with the REAL ID Act.
Wind storm fans fires across region
Firefighters were battling a round of new wildfires in the Flathead Valley after high winds Tuesday downed power lines and fanned burn piles.
Firebrand seeks permit for full liquor license
A request by the Firebrand Lounge for a full liquor license at the downtown Whitefish hotel will be considered during a public hearing Thursday, Oct. 19, before the Whitefish Planning Board.
Your vote matters - make it count
City government plays a vibrant role in our everyday daily lives.
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All across the Flathead Valley students will be receiving Red Ribbons to commemorate and celebrate Red Ribbon Week — the national drug awareness campaign.
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All across the Flathead Valley students will be receiving Red Ribbons to commemorate and celebrate Red Ribbon Week — the national drug awareness campaign.
Fuel and fire - A case for federal forest management and reforms
For most Montanans, the summer of 2017 was not just another fire season. The 2017 season started early and continued in much of the state until October. Unfortunately for the thousands of people evacuated from their homes, and the tens of thousands that had to breathe unhealthy air every day, we had to bear a considerable burden for much of that time.
Wildfire preparation, smoke impacts focus of forum
Reducing wildfire risk in Whitefish and public health impacts from smoke are the focus of a forum on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Whitefish City Hall.
More than one way to build a baseball team
Conventional thought in modern sports would tell you that there are a few ways to build a successful baseball team.
Helena schools sweep Glacier, Flathead
HELENA — Glacier and Flathead couldn’t get over the top, each losing a pair of four-set matches while getting swept by the Helena schools on Thursday in Class AA volleyball action.
Braves soccer readies for play-in game vs. Sentinel
The Flathead boys soccer team is exactly where it envisioned itself at the outset of the 2017 season.
Tuesday, October 17
Hellgate bounces Bravettes
MISSOULA — Missoula Hellgate ended Flathead’s season on Tuesday, beating the Bravettes 4-0 in a Class AA state playoff game.
Whitefish overcomes power outage, Ronan
WHITEFISH — It’s been quite the season for Whitefish volleyball, and things got even weirder on Tuesday night.
Efron brothers tackle Glacier for commercial shoot
Hollywood heartthrob Zac Efron and his younger brother, Dylan Efron, paid a visit to Glacier National Park in June to shoot a commercial for Columbia Sportswear, that was released last week. Efron, 29, is best known for his roles in the hit series “High School Musical” and blockbusters “17 Again,” “Baywatch” and the “Lucky One.”
Huge hotel, Bigfoot museum planned
A well-known Bigfoot researcher and his investment company are on track to build a $25 million, multi-story hotel complex in East Glacier that will house the largest Bigfoot museum in the world along with a live theater, conference center, retail store, restaurant and lounge.
Whitefish employees train for worst-case intruder scenario
The Whitefish City Hall was on a different kind of “lock down” last week during an all-day training course designed to teach employees how to respond in the event of an active intruder emergency.
Kalispell leaf pick-up underway
Kalispell city fall leaf removal began Oct.16.
Whitefish leaf pick-up begins Oct. 20
The city of Whitefish Construction and Maintenance Division will pick up bagged leaves on Fridays only, from Oct. 20 through Nov. 24.
Landlord evicts tenant, two more move in
According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, a landlord said he had a tenant move out, and then two other women moved in without permission. The women were contacted and said they would pack up and leave.
Elizabeth Jean 'Betty' Betty Meredith, 90
Betty Meredith, a lifelong resident of Anaconda, was born on June 6, 1927, and passed away on Oct. 14, 2017. She will be greatly missed by her many friends in the Anaconda community as well as her numerous family members. Betty graduated from Anaconda High School in 1945, where she was editor of the school yearbook and newspaper and was very active in many school activities.
Betty Anne Warner, 67
On Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, Betty Anne Warner passed away peacefully in her home with her loving family surrounding her. Betty battled cancer for the last six years of her life, showing great courage and peaceful humility that inspired others who saw her and cared for her.
Diana Kouns, 74
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Apple Barrel Antiques Market, 3250 U.S. Highway 2 E., Kalispell, for Diana Mercedes delPulgar Morton Kouns, who passed away on Oct. 7, 2017, after a short, unexpected illness.
Evelyn (Riebe) Shepard, 89
Evelyn (Riebe) Shepard passed away Oct. 5, 2017 at Brendan House.
Wind storm sparks new fires
A potent wind storm that was forecast to sweep across Northwest Montana on Tuesday toppled trees, knocked out power and sparked a handful of new wildfires.
Man killed in head-on crash identified
The name of the man killed in a head-on car crash in Evergreen on Friday afternoon has been released by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
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I have heard many reasons to vote yes or no to the Somers School Building Bond. One common theme has unexpectedly emerged as a source of pride and inspiration for me. In talking with some of my fellow neighbors, all with kids that have long since left home and most have families of their own, I hear about the rich history of Somers and Lakeside, the community coming together to rebuild after the school fire, and the key role of paying it forward.
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I have heard many reasons to vote yes or no to the Somers School Building Bond. One common theme has unexpectedly emerged as a source of pride and inspiration for me. In talking with some of my fellow neighbors, all with kids that have long since left home and most have families of their own, I hear about the rich history of Somers and Lakeside, the community coming together to rebuild after the school fire, and the key role of paying it forward.
Monday, October 16
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Marley Leigh, daughter of Joseph Leigh and Brianna French of Kalispell, was born March 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
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Marley Leigh, daughter of Joseph Leigh and Brianna French of Kalispell, was born March 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
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Marley Leigh, daughter of Joseph Leigh and Brianna French of Kalispell, was born March 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
John Gillis Hayes Jr., 55
John Gillis Hayes Jr. passed away at his home on Oct. 5, 2017, after a long battle with illness. He was 55 years old.
Jared Whitney Jensen, 29
Jared Whitney Jensen, 29, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 13, 2017, in Kalispell, surrounded by family and loved ones. Jared was born March 24, 1988, in Sandy, Utah, the son of Mark and Lori.
Thomas A. Dooling, 75
Thomas A. Dooling, 75, died peacefully after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, at Shelby House Assisted Living in Helena.
Sunday service music too loud
According to the Flathead County Police Department, a caller had a pistol and knives taken out of his unlocked vehicle that was parked in an unlocked garage.
All-State musicians selected
Several students who auditioned for a spot to perform at the Montana All-State Band, Chorus and Orchestra Festival have been selected.
Columbia Falls candidates talk jobs, growth
Columbia Falls voters are set to decide how to fill three City Council spots and the mayor’s office for the next four years.
Timber Tour to highlight local lumber industry
On Thursday, Oct. 19, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce will lead tours to local lumber mills as part of Montana Forest Products Week.
Republican Fagg announces Senate run
Fourth-generation Montanan and 22-year District Judge Russ Fagg made a stop in Kalispell Monday to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
New agreement in place for Libby cleanup
Lincoln County and the Environmental Protection Agency have reached a new cooperative agreement for managing the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program.
Type I diabetic raising funds for service dog
Tina Rhoades hasn’t slept through a single night the past year.
Providers allowed to file rate increases
HELENA (AP) — Federal regulators are allowing two companies offering health insurance through the individual market in Montana to file rate increases after President Donald Trump’s decision last week to end certain payments to insurers that help low- to middle-income workers, the state’s insurance commissioner said Monday.
Dangerous winds forecast for Tuesday
Powerful winds are expected to hit the Flathead Valley on Tuesday afternoon, with gusts over 50 mph possible.
Local meat processor sees demand for grass-fed beef
Jay Arlint walks a side of beef down a suspended metal track into the main processing area at Lower Valley Processing near Kalispell. The animal is aged and ready to cut.
Hidden Key brings puzzle challenge to the Flathead
As soon as a group walks in, the clock starts ticking.
Harlow boutique expands to second Whitefish location
Harlow won’t be an only child for much longer.
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- Robin Graham, MSW, SWLC, announces the opening of her counseling practice, Robin Larrick Graham Counseling, LLC, located at 286 Fifth Ave. EN in Kalispell. Graham’s clinical focus is depression, anxiety, grief, as well as school-related, career, parental, midlife and relationship issues. She works with groups and individuals, from “tweens” to adults, helping them strengthen their capacity to manage difficult emotions, negative belief systems, life situations and transitions. Call for a free phone consultation at 406-270-3422.
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- Robin Graham, MSW, SWLC, announces the opening of her counseling practice, Robin Larrick Graham Counseling, LLC, located at 286 Fifth Ave. EN in Kalispell. Graham’s clinical focus is depression, anxiety, grief, as well as school-related, career, parental, midlife and relationship issues. She works with groups and individuals, from “tweens” to adults, helping them strengthen their capacity to manage difficult emotions, negative belief systems, life situations and transitions. Call for a free phone consultation at 406-270-3422.
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Whitefish still mulling curbside recycling plan
The Whitefish City Council has a light agenda on Monday, Oct. 16, but will dig into a few key issues during a work session from 5 to 7 p.m. that precedes the formal meeting.
'Seven Principles' speaker stresses importance of optimism
“Free people are not equal and equal people are not free.”
Sunday, October 15
Alleged bear activity prompts citations
A caller reported two allegedly unsecured trashcans had been rifled through by a bear. Citations were mailed to both residents, according to Whitefish Police Department dispatch logs.
Man sentenced after tipping police off to crime
A Whitefish man who reportedly tipped law enforcement off to a meth lab in his vehicle while being arrested for another crime was sentenced earlier this week.
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Allan Jerome Wroblewski, 76, formerly of Bessemer, Michigan passed away at his home with family by his side in Kalispell on Oct. 13, 2017.
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Allan Jerome Wroblewski, 76, formerly of Bessemer, Michigan passed away at his home with family by his side in Kalispell on Oct. 13, 2017.
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Allan Jerome Wroblewski, 76, formerly of Bessemer, Michigan passed away at his home with family by his side in Kalispell on Oct. 13, 2017.
Housing, lake quality key issues in Whitefish election
The issues facing the Whitefish City Council in the coming years have familiar themes: affordable housing, Whitefish Lake quality and managing growth.
Flathead grad holds onto dream of becoming doctor
Hearing to examine higher stormwater impact fees
It’s the public’s chance to weigh in on a study that recommends a 10.3 percent increase in Kalispell stormwater impact fees.
Community-connectedness comes naturally to Judy Sommers
A person can say they care about something, and sometimes you can see it in their eyes.
Recipe for growing high-paying Montana jobs
Technology is the great equalizer. There’s no reason Missoula can’t compete with Silicon Valley and that’s the message we heard at the Montana High Tech Jobs Summit last week.
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Open letter to Kalispell’s city councilors and candidates:
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Open letter to Kalispell’s city councilors and candidates:
Alternate reality
The easy assumptions and false equivalence of racial politics
We do indeed seem to live in interesting times. I watched the bipartisan frenzy of anti-Trump rhetoric regarding the white supremacist march in Charlottesville with amazement. Of course, one expects the Democrats and the violent hate groups they and billionaire George Soros sponsor such as Antifa to criticize President Trump no matter how strong his condemnation of the newest version of Skinheads. The liberals and Soros have staked their future on promoting fear, violence and division in the country by declaring any conservative ideology to be racist, homophobic, misogynistic, Islamophobic, etc.
Museum salutes America
If you’ve got company coming or haven’t been to the Miracle of America Museum in Polson in a while (or ever), it would be well worth a visit.
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Drug court makes sense for Flathead
As Flathead Valley law-enforcement agencies battle an increase in the use of meth, heroin and prescription medicines, it’s encouraging to hear judicial officials and law-enforcement leaders talking seriously about starting a drug court for Flathead County’s judicial district.
Time to focus on cause of climate change, not effect
Let’s say you are in a hurry to get to work for an important client meeting. You go outside and your car won’t start, Because of this you will miss your meeting and might even lose your job. This is a classic example of “cause and effect.”
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Douglas and Gray
Avalon Dawn Douglas of Browning and Joel Edward Gray of Whitefish were married Oct. 7 at Canvas Church in Cut Bank. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Brian Suttle.
Wildfires: the smoking gun of Western climate change?
As cooler temperatures and precipitation finally bring relief to smoke-weary Montanans, the unusual nature of summer 2017 is coming into focus and the influence of climate change is impossible to ignore.
Miller and Mack
Clare Elizabeth Miller and Spencer Austin Mack were married Sept. 23 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Telluride, Colorado.
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A guide to Flathead's best fall foliage
Fall foliage has returned — but not for long.
Inter Lake readers weigh in on Somers school bond
I recently attended one of the open houses that Somers Middle School hosted for the public. The tour highlighted the school’s needs regarding the issued bond. It was also stressed that anyone with questions or interest in a tour could call the school or stop by between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Daines uses fire devastation to score political points
Wildfires burned more than 1 million acres in Montana this year. The fires took two lives, drove hundreds of people from their homes, and forced us to breathe air wholly unfit for our lungs. They also shut down our summer tourist season halfway through what is usually the most lucrative time of year. Business owners will have a hard time recovering, if they can at all.
Saturday, October 14
Callender, C-Falls sink Stevi
COLUMBIA FALLS — Hannah Callender has manned a position not her own throughout the 2017 season.
Soccer Playoffs Whitefish boys prevail over Laurel on penalty kicks, 4-3
LAUREL — Whitefish connected four times on penalty kicks to slip by Laurel 4-3 on Saturday in quarterfinal action of the Class A boys soccer playoffs.
Volleyball Flathead, Glacier fall to Capital, Helena
Flathead dropped a heartbreaking, five-set volleyball match to fourth-ranked Helena Capital 25-20, 23-25, 25-16, 20-25, 15-13 on Saturday afternoon in Western AA play at Flathead.
Flathead splits with Sentinel in soccer finale
MISSOULA — Flathead wrapped up Class AA boys soccer regular-season action on Saturday by thumping Missoula Sentinel 4-1 in a Western AA match.
Experienced law practitioners vie for judge seat
Two experienced Whitefish lawyers are vying to be elected Whitefish’s next municipal court judge. Longtime Whitefish attorney William Hileman is hoping to make the leap to become the city’s judge, while Whitefish City Prosecutor Kristi L. Curtis says her extensive background dealing with criminal cases makes her a great candidate for the position.
New hospital leader eyes opportunities for growth
Progress is visible from Pamela Robertson’s second floor office at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Eclectic Animation Team of gamers hope to solidify place in the valley
The creators of Eclectic Animation, a small start-up company, began their venture with a goal of reviving their local economy by introducing a new and unexpected industry.
Stillwater grad makes peace with painful past
Discussion planned on downtown redevelopment
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to host a meeting followed by a luncheon on Oct. 17 to discuss the acceleration of investment in the downtown core area now that plans for the removal of the railroad tracks are in place.
Trump exposes the fake math of Obamacare
When Congress runs into a problem, it has one solution: Throw money at it.
Nude photos used as blackmail
A caller told the Whitefish Police Department that she was being threatened via text and Facebook with the release of nude photos. Police contacted the threat-maker and instructed the suspect to delete photos of the caller and cease contact.
Margaret L. White, 83
Margaret Lucille White passed away Oct. 12, 2017 surrounded by family at Hidden Meadows in Columbia Falls. She was born on Feb. 12, 1934 in Eagle Grove, Iowa to Harlan and Marcella Toillion.
Andrea Mishelle Spicher, 25
Andrea Mishelle Spicher, 25, of Kalispell, passed away on Oct. 9, 2017, with her family by her side at Conroe Regional Medical Center in Conroe, Texas, from complications from an injury she suffered in 2012.
John W. Brinkerhoff, 94
John William Brinkerhoff passed away Oct. 5, 2017 at the age of 94. He died peacefully, a few minutes after hearing the rosary said for him by his sister and son, and his family, friends and clergy were with him during his brief time in hospice. John was remarkably independent, vibrant and active until the last few days of his life. Every day, a twinkle in his eye, a quick smile and out the door early with a list of chores to get done.
Jolene Bjelland, 70
Jolene Bjelland passed away Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Driver involved in Friday crash has died
One of the drivers involved in a Friday afternoon collision on U.S. 2 has died, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
Friday, October 13
Flathead clips CMR
Before the huddle broke and the Flathead defense took the field for a final, deciding play, head coach Kyle Samson had a parting word for the unit.
Wolfpack upsets Capital
The Daily Inter Lake
Cats crunch Dogs, 56-7
COLUMBIA FALLS — It was all Wildcats as Columbia Falls cruised to a 56-7 Northwest A Conference football victory Friday night over rival Whitefish.
Soccer C-Falls, Polson, Whitefish in Class A playoff action
Thanks to the creative work of Columbia Falls activities director Troy Bowman and with the cooperation and flexibility of ADs from Stevensville and Frenchtown, O’Brien Byrd will be able to coach both the boys and girls Columbia Falls soccer teams in opening-round action of the Class A soccer playoffs today.
Montana provider says it will go broke without subsidy
HELENA — Two companies offering health insurance through the individual market in Montana cannot adjust their rates to take into account President Donald Trump’s decision this week to end federal subsidies for low- to middle-income workers, the state’s insurance commissioner said Friday.
Council to move ahead with plan for downtown
Kalispell City Council appears ready to put its support behind plans to convert Main Street from four lanes to three lanes as part of the city’s vision for future growth in the downtown area.
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New option surfaces in redistricting process
A fourth option has been added to the
Abandoned mill to get new tenant
The former Weyerhaeuser lumber mill in Columbia Falls will soon gain a new tenant.
Multiple injuries in U.S. 2 head-on crash
A head-on car crash sent multiple people to the hospital and shut down U.S. 2 for nearly an hour Friday afternoon.
Meetings to discuss Kootenai watershed mining
The Kootenai River Network will hold two public meetings in Northwest Montana next week to discuss coal mining operations in British Columbia’s Elk River Valley, and how they could impact Montana water quality.
Convicted murderer sentenced to life
Trevor Mercier, the Libby man convicted Aug. 10 of deliberate homicide in the October 2016 death of Sheena Devine, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
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We, the combined communities of Lakeside and Somers, share the northwest corner of Flathead Lake. We call it home. We are proud to be here. We are happy to live here, for whatever reason that brought us here. We all chose to be here, in this community.
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We, the combined communities of Lakeside and Somers, share the northwest corner of Flathead Lake. We call it home. We are proud to be here. We are happy to live here, for whatever reason that brought us here. We all chose to be here, in this community.
Bump-stock ban isn't gun control
Most of us, like most of you, had never heard of a bump stock until a few weeks ago when the Las Vegas massacre proved their deadly punch.
Thursday, October 12
Schulz leads Wolfpack boys past Braves, 3-2
With the score knotted at zero halfway through Glacier’s boys soccer crosstown matchup with Flathead, Wolfpack coach Ryan Billiet turned to the young man the team has turned to all year — senior Brady Schulz — and delivered a short message.
Glacier girls rally late, nip Flathead
By JOSEPH TERRY
Whitefish spikers battle back, top Wildkats
COLUMBIA FALLS — A big night at the net by Cailyn Ross allowed Whitefish to knock off Columbia Falls 18-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-17 on Thursday evening in a Northwest A Conference volleyball matchup.
X-Country Bigfork girls win 4th Western B title in a row
The Daily Inter Lake
Woman finds grandfather's explosives
According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, a caller said she was helping her grandmother clean out her deceased grandfather’s possessions when they found a stick of dynamite and a grenade. She said the grandfather was in the Army and worked at the Berkley Pit. The caller asked law enforcement to dispose of the items properly.
Woman takes plea deal after charges of sharing drugs while in jail
A woman who was found to be in violation of her probation for distributing dangerous drugs has also been charged with possession of dangerous drugs.
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Montana health insurance rates climb upward
Health insurance rates will continue their upward trend for yet another year in Montana. State officials released 2018 health insurance rates Tuesday, which included average rate increases of between 4 and 22.3 percent for the individual market.
Whitefish Independent grad takes a different path
State honors passing of former First Lady
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff on Friday, Oct. 13, in honor of former Montana First Lady Ann Stephens, who died of cancer Oct. 8 in Kalispell. She was 90.
'Autumn Applause'
The Glacier High School Choral Department will present its “Autumn Applause” concert at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 in the Glacier High School Performance Hall.
Glacier National Park hosts children's art workshop
Glacier National Park artist-in-residence Pam Haunschild will lead a free class on painting with natural materials from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Apgar Education Center in Apgar Village, Glacier National Park.
'The Liar'
The Whitefish Theatre Co. will present “The Liar” as the first mainstage theater production of the 2017-2018 season. “The Liar” will be performed at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 and at 4 p.m. Oct. 22. A sneak preview performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19.
Book club meets today
The History Book Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Museum at Central School. The public is invited.
GOP leaders: Bullock has authority to cut budget
HELENA — Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock has all the authority he needs to cut the state budget to address an expected revenue shortfall, Republican legislative leaders said, adding that they aren’t interested in a special session to make cuts or raise taxes.
Prescribed burns slated for Stillwater State Forest
The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is conducting prescribed burns in Stillwater State Forest this October and November.
Glacier has another critical test: this time at Helena Capital
Playing with its back to the wall, Glacier football has dominated its last two games to keep its slim playoff hopes alive.
Flathead out to secure playoff berth against CMR
The end of the Class AA football regular season is on the horizon, and chatter about the postseason becomes louder and increasingly unavoidable with each passing week.
Wednesday, October 11
Deciding week for playoff football
We find out this week what the football playoffs will look like, and nearly every area team is facing a pivotal game.
Flathead harriers top Glacier Invite
By Evan McCullers
Crosstown soccer has playoff ramifications
There’s a lot on the line tonight when Flathead and Glacier meet at Legends Stadium for the final crosstown soccer games of the season.
Black bears chase after Whitefish cyclist
According to the Whitefish Police Department, two black bears chased someone on a bike, and then climbed a tree.
LaVern Byron 'Vern' Graham, 88
A celebration of life for Vern Graham, 88, who passed away Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, will be held at 3 p.m. today, Oct. 12, at the Hampton Inn in Kalispell.
George Edward Gahr, 87
George Edward Gahr, 87, passed away Sept. 8, 2017, at home from complications due to Parkinson’s.
Eleanor J. Wilhelm, 84
Eleanor J. Wilhelm, 84, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, in Kalispell.
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County poised to adopt U.S. 93 corridor plan
After more than five hours of discussion and a final round of tweaking, the Flathead County commissioners on Oct. 18 are expected to take the first formal step in adopting a corridor plan and overlay zone for a stretch of U.S. 93 south of Whitefish.
Seaplanes eyed in invasive species efforts
Montana’s struggle against aquatic invasive species has gained a new focus: seaplanes.
Flautau earns regional award
Mark Flautau has been named the superintendent of the year for the Northwest Region of the Montana Association of School Superintendents.
Whitefish manager holds coffee gathering
Whitefish City Manager Adam Hammatt will hold his monthly “Coffee with the City Manager” gathering at 7 a.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 12 at Montana Coffee Traders in downtown Whitefish. He conducts the coffee sessions on the second Thursday of the month, same time and place.
Ward 4 challenger prefers scaled back government
Two Montana natives are vying for the Ward 4 seat on the Kalispell City Council.
Bigfork graduate finding peace within herself
Glacier sets new visitation record
Glacier National Park has once again set an overall attendance record, breaching 3.1 million visitors so far this year according to National Park Service statistics. The record mark comes despite September visitation dropping by more than 19 percent over last year due to road closures and wildfires.
Tuesday, October 10
Glacier sweeps Sentinel
Cadie Williams set a school record, scoring six goals and adding two assists in Glacier’s 9-3 victory over Missoula Sentinel in a Western AA conference soccer match on Tuesday at Glacier High School.
Libby stays unbeaten with win over rival Eureka
LIBBY — Libby cruised in the first set and eked out close wins in the second and third to sweep rival Eureka 25-11, 25-23, 28-26 to kick off the school’s homecoming week on Tuesday night.
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Logan John Eugene Guse, 16
On the morning of Oct. 7, 2017, at approximately 4 a.m. near Nelson, Montana, Logan’s young life was taken too soon, at the age of 16, as a result of a car accident. Logan was a sophomore at Capital High School. He, along with two of his best buddies were on their way to do what he loved most, hunting.
Linaire O. (Wells) Ritter, 83
Linaire O. (Wells) Ritter, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed peacefully at her residence in Missoula, surrounded by her family, on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at the age of 83.
Joyce E. Pyles, 84
Joyce E. Pyles, 84, of Kalispell, passed away Sept. 19 2017, after contracting pneumonia.
Jordan Denham Munoz, 31
Jordan Denham Munoz, 31, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 30, 2017, at 4:30 p.m.
Ann Natalie Stephens, 90
Ann Natalie Stephens passed away on Oct. 8, 2017, in Kalispell, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 90 years old.
Tiffany Alicia Marie Serio, 38
Tiffany Alicia Marie Serio was born Aug. 25, 1979, in Rifle, Colorado. She moved to Kalispell in 1983 with her parents Mike and Sue Thompson.
Phone scammer looking for a bestie
According to the Columbia Falls Police Department, a caller said his mother was being targeted by a scammer. When he answered his mother’s phone the scammer asked if he could be friends with the caller. The man apparently keeps calling from two different numbers. When police tried to call the numbers, they were listed as inactive.
Lloyd H. Tracht, 79
Lloyd H. Tracht passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, in Kalispell, after a long battle against cancer.
Albert Edward Clarke 80
Albert Edward Clarke 80, passed away on Sept. 29, 2017, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Lester Harlan Day, 87
Lester Harlan Day, 87, passed away peacefully on Oct. 6, 2017, in Meridian, Idaho, surrounded by friends and family.
George Edward Gahr, 87
George Edward Gahr, 87, passed away Sept. 8, 2017, at home from complications due to Parkinson’s.
Frederick 'Baumann' Busch, 79
TSgt. Frederick “Baumann” Busch, 79, passed gently during the night of Sept. 8, 2017, in Kalispell.
Glacier grad still eyeing criminal justice career
Editor’s note: The Daily Inter Lake is following up with six young adults who were profiled as high school seniors in a series recognizing noteworthy graduates from the Class of 2016 that highlighted students who turned challenges into personal triumphs.
Candidates see traffic plan, redevelopment as key issues
A three-way race for a Kalispell City Council Ward 3 seat will pit longtime incumbent Jim Atkinson against Kyle Waterman in his first run and Karlene Osorio-Khor, in her second run for the council position.
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Think pink for breast cancer awareness month
Save a Sister wants local businesses to think pink this October in honor of breast cancer awareness month.
A mother and daughter battle the big 'C'
Muffie Thomson got cancer for Christmas. The year was 1992 and she was 38 years old.
County scraps C-Falls jail site
Facing stiff public opposition over a proposed jail site in Columbia Falls, the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday voided a buy-sell agreement with Weyerhaeuser for 24 acres of open space and an office complex called the Cedar Palace.
2 mountain climbers die after Montana avalanche
Montana logged its first avalanche death of the 2017-18 season south of Bozeman Saturday.
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I have known Bill Hileman for many years, served with him in Rotary and other community organizations. I support his candidacy for city judge of Whitefish, Montana!
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I have known Bill Hileman for many years, served with him in Rotary and other community organizations. I support his candidacy for city judge of Whitefish, Montana!
Monday, October 9
Driver spinning doughnuts tears up field
Multiple juveniles were reportedly doing doughnuts in a Kalispell baseball field in an off-road vehicle. The reporting party said they were doing damage to the fields. The juveniles later flipped their vehicle. Law enforcement responded to the scene.
LeRoy W. Abell, 89
LeRoy William Abell, 89, “received his angel wings” on Oct. 6, 2017.
Candidates laud downtown plan; pinpoint traffic concerns
Kalispell City Council members Sandy Carlson of Ward 1 and Chad Graham of Ward 2 will run uncontested in the upcoming municipal election Nov. 7. Ward 1 is the northwest portion of town, west of Meridian Road and north of Railroad Street. Ward 2 encompasses the northeast sector of Kalispell, which runs east of Meridian and north of the railroad tracks.
C-Falls graduate chooses authenticity
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Fruit trees luring hungry bears to town
Reports began trickling into Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices last week from Somers residents who say they’re being bombarded with black bears.
Decision expected on C-Falls jail site
The Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday, Oct. 10, are expected to make a decision about the proposed purchase of acreage in Columbia Falls for a future jail site.
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Sunday, October 8
'Get off your d-mn knees'
A gold star mother’s open letter to the NFL
This Sunday, it was 11 years since two Marines showed up at our door to tell us that my husband’s first child, my stepson and our two children’s brother, Lance Cpl. Christopher B. Cosgrove III, 23, was killed by a suicide bomber at a checkpoint in Iraq. He should have been out of Iraq but he volunteered to stay behind to train the new Marines coming to replace them. Christopher left behind his mother, father, stepmother and stepfather, his brothers and his fiancee.
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Gayle Martin Smith, 99, passed away on Sept. 29, 2017, at her home in Hungry Horse. Gayle was born to Adolph and Beatrice (Johnson) Martin on Aug. 15, 1918, in Martin Homestead, now known as Martin City.
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Gayle Martin Smith, 99, passed away on Sept. 29, 2017, at her home in Hungry Horse. Gayle was born to Adolph and Beatrice (Johnson) Martin on Aug. 15, 1918, in Martin Homestead, now known as Martin City.
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Gayle Martin Smith, 99, passed away on Sept. 29, 2017, at her home in Hungry Horse. Gayle was born to Adolph and Beatrice (Johnson) Martin on Aug. 15, 1918, in Martin Homestead, now known as Martin City.
Mechanical failure raises concern
An individual contacted the Kalispell Police Department to report they brought a truck in for repairs and three weeks later their transmission reportedly blew up and the mileage had allegedly been spun back on the vehicle. An officer left a voicemail for the reporting party.
Last Chance Patriots to host Trevor Loudon
The Last Chance Patriots will host author and filmmaker Trevor Loudon in Kalispell on Tuesday, Oct. 17, and in Polson on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
Glacier students inducted into honor society
Sixty-four students were inducted into the National Honor Society at Glacier High School Monday.
Columbia Falls cyclist brings bikes to Central America
“Central America was just on my list of places I wanted to bike to,” Dave Renfrow said.
Kalispell tweaks city airport lease agreement
A potential agreement for the private management and maintenance of the Kalispell City Airport will be further reviewed by the Kalispell City Council during a work session on Monday, Oct. 9.
Our debt to Columbus: History is on his side
A couple of weeks before Labor Day, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio triggered a firestorm by suggesting he might order the removal of Christopher Columbus’ statue from Manhattan’s Columbus Circle.
Bell and Parker
Ruth Marie Bell and Joshua Dale Parker were married Sept. 30 at Izaak Walton Inn in Essex. The ceremony was performed by brother Ron Lilly from Beckley, West Virginia.
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Recently on Montana Public Radio and Yellowstone Public Radio, there was a story about Sen. Tester and Sen. Daines’ efforts to overturn a U.S. Federal District Court ruling (which was affirmed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to rehear the case) that they don’t like.
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Recently on Montana Public Radio and Yellowstone Public Radio, there was a story about Sen. Tester and Sen. Daines’ efforts to overturn a U.S. Federal District Court ruling (which was affirmed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to rehear the case) that they don’t like.
Sutton and MacMillan
Patrice Sutton and Joshua MacMillan were married Aug. 12 at Trezzi Farm Winery in Spokane.
Kaepernick's NFL crusade is based on a lie
Lately, our country has been steeped in controversy over NFL football players protesting vaguely expressed grievances. The chosen vehicle of dissent? Refusing to stand for the national anthem or staying in locker rooms during its playing.
Candidate for Whitefish judge introduces herself
I am Kristi Curtis. I am your Whitefish prosecutor and I am running for Whitefish Municipal Court judge.
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Don't make hasty decision on county jail site
It’s more or less a foregone conclusion that Flathead County likely will have to find a site to build a new adult detention center that’s big enough to hold the county’s prison population well into the future. The powers that be say there isn’t enough space to configure an addition to the existing jail at the Justice Center that efficiently could accommodate future growth.
Saturday, October 7
Eureka rallies in 2nd set, sweeps Vals
BIGFORK — For the first time in two meetings between the teams this year, Eureka seemed destined to drop a set to Bigfork.
Libby netters sweep Browning
BROWNING — Libby made quick work of Browning winning a Northwest A volleyball match in three sets 25-11, 25-10, 25-15 on Saturday.
Glacier boys pick up 3rd road soccer victory in 5 days
HELENA — Glacier finally broke through in the 65th minute on a penalty kick by Micah Reason and Dyllyn Stabler added a goal 12 minutes later to give the Wolfpack a tough 2-0 Western AA boys soccer victory over a stubborn Helena Capital squad on Saturday.
Locally produced horror movie released online
A new kind of horror three years in the making has brought the local scene to the big screen in the newly released movie “The Forlorned.”
Drivers at high risk of hitting deer
Drivers in the Flathead Valley are being urged to take extra care to avoid hitting deer and other wildlife as the days become shorter and deer mating season begins.
Judge urges creation of drug court
Flathead Valley law enforcement and judicial leaders are looking for better ways to cope with the ever-growing drug epidemic, including the creation of a drug court to better deal with people with addictions.
Planning a wedding in the Last Frontier
Amid all the tragic news of the mass shooting in Las Vegas and despair following hurricane devastation in Puerto Rico and other places, our family was thrilled to have some great news to celebrate.
Burnpiles blaze around valley
The Columbia Falls Fire Department responded to a burnpile/recreational fire on Hilltop Road.
Popular steakhouse marks 25th anniversary
There are two kinds of family at Spencer & Co. Steakhouse, owner Paula Davey aptly points out.
Glacier Bancorp tops number of SBA loans approved last year
Glacier Bancorp, headquartered in Kalispell, made the largest number of U.S. Small Business Administration guaranteed loans during the fiscal year from Oct. 1, 2016 through Sept. 30, 2017.
Whitefish artist's photographs of Glacier, Flathead Valley salvaged from barn
From an artist’s perspective, James R. Bakke is the gift that keeps on giving.
Gerald D. Buker, 78
Gerald (Jerry) D. Buker, M.D., 78, of Whitefish “went to be with the Lord” Sept. 19, 2017.
Dave Havener, 62
On Aug. 12, 2017, Dave Havener passed away peacefully at home following a valiant 3-year battle against multiple myeloma.
James Henry 'Hank' Handford, 80
James Henry “Hank” Handford, 80, passed away Oct. 4, 2017.
Albert Edward Clarke 80
Albert Edward Clarke 80, passed away on Sept. 29, 2017, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Frederick 'Baumann' Busch, 79
TSgt. Frederick “Baumann” Busch, 79, passed gently during the night of Sept. 8, 2017, in Kalispell.
Lucille Angela Whitaker, 57
Luci was born in Whitefish on April 8, 1960, and was adopted by Alvin George Naccarato and Lucille Fransis Burlingham. She was raised with two sisters (Angela and Lynda), and a brother (Richard), and later learned that she had three more sisters (Joette, Joy and Janine). Luci was married twice, had three children (Travis, 38; Brandon, 28; and Heather, 27) and eventually five grandchildren (Chloe, 13; David, 5; Vanessa, 4; Elijah, 2; and Sarah, 2).
A move to protect religious freedom: Can I get an amen?
Although President Trump has done plenty of things I disagree with, I have to give him credit for continuing to shake up the Washington establishment — which is what he was elected to do in the first place.
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Friday, October 6
Glacier holds off Great Falls
Glacier dominated on offense but struggled to make key stops on Great Falls until late, holding on to beat the Bison 37-34 in a Class AA football game on Friday night at Legends Stadium.
Prep Football Eureka bombs Florence; Bigfork slips by Townsend
FLORENCE — Mason Davis recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown and ran 13 yards for another score and Brenton Pluid returned a punt 76 yards for touchdown as big plays helped Eureka (6-0 overall, 4-0 league) waltz by Florence-Carlton 56-20 in a Class B West football game Friday night.
Prep Soccer Glacier, Flathead boys net victories in Helena
The Daily Inter Lake
Thief has hankering for spicy doughnuts
According to the Columbia Falls Police Department, a man ran from a store with a dozen stolen doughnuts and a couple of bottles of hot sauce.
Public to weigh in on redistricting options
Kalispell Public Schools has scheduled three public forums this month on elementary redistricting in the coming weeks.
Flathead grad pens memoir about flawed family
The exterior shell of Nicole Harkin’s life exudes accomplishment.
Fundraising for Sperry Chalet hits initial mark
With summer’s wildfires dying down and historic Sperry Chalet in ruins, longtime employees at Glacier National Park reflected Friday on their experiences at the park and chalet, and thanked donors who have helped fund its recovery.
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Somers and Lakeside school district has a school bond election this month — by “mail-in-ballot-only” — in the amount of $15.8 million.
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Somers and Lakeside school district has a school bond election this month — by “mail-in-ballot-only” — in the amount of $15.8 million.
Local folks do us all proud in Vegas
The tragedy in Las Vegas came close to home for several Flathead County residents who happened to be in attendance at the Route 91 Harvest music festival Sunday when a depraved killer opened fire on the crowd from the 32nd floor of a nearby casino hotel.
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Thursday, October 5
Glacier looks to keep rolling against Bison
A sleeping giant just woke up.
Flathead falls to Big Sky, 33-20
MISSOULA — John Hinchey hauled in the pass, fell into the end zone and let out a celebratory yell as he jumped up to meet teammates who were flocking to greet him.
Polson boys, Whitefish girls net soccer victories
WHITEFISH — Robin Erickson scored four straight goals in the second half to rally Polson to a 6-3 Northern A boys soccer victory over Whitefish at Smith Fields on Thursday.
Bozeman sweeps 7 on 7 run titles; Bigfork's Morley second
HELENA — Bozeman swept the team titles, boys and girls, while Flathead finished third twice at the Capital City 7 on 7 Cross Country Meet on Thursday afternoon at Bill Roberts Golf Course.
Wolfpack whips Big Sky
Junior middle hitter Kali Gulick had quite the performance Thursday evening, leading third-ranked Glacier past Missoula Big Sky 25-19, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22 at Glacier High School in a Western AA volleyball match at Glacier.
Cars race 'round and 'round a roundabout
According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, a concerned motorist said they saw two cars racing at a roundabout. The caller said the cars were just “going ‘round and ‘round” and it was an accident waiting to happen.
Olive Betty Lyon, 88
On Oct. 3, 2017, with her family by her side, Olive Betty Lyon, 88, “joined her beloved husband and other family members in heaven,” after complications from several strokes.
Jerry Ambrose, 70
Jerry “walked through heaven’s gate” with a smile and a cheery “Hello” on Sept. 20, 2017, after seldom speaking as a result of primary progressive aphasia.
Caroline T. Hooper, 92
Caroline passed away peacefully Sept. 18, 2017.
Ballots go out for $15.8M school bond
Ballots go out Oct. 6 on a $15.8 million bond issue to renovate and expand Somers Middle School.
Bottling-plant founder won't testify at hearing
The record of the water-use permit hearing for the Montana Artesian Water Company will close Oct. 31 and the next phase of the permitting process will begin.
Philanthropy is hallmark of women's networking group
Their name is a play on words that makes people smile, and their generosity has produced even bigger smiles for a number of local nonprofits.
Federal judge reinstates Obama-era rule on methane emissions
WASHINGTON — Rebuffing the Trump administration, a federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Interior Department to reinstate an Obama-era regulation aimed at restricting harmful methane emissions from oil and gas production on federal lands.
Lawsuit takes issue with helicopter tours over national parks
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii residents and an organization representing federal workers sued the Federal Aviation Administration Wednesday to force it to do something about tour helicopters buzzing their communities and national parks around the U.S.
Cultural and Art History Club meets on Oct. 10
The Cultural and Art History Club will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at First Interstate Bank, 306 Spokane Ave., Whitefish.
'Norma'
The Metropolitan Opera’s first Live in HD performance of the 2017-18 season, Vincenzo Bellini’s tragedy “Norma,” will be shown at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center and at the Cinemark Signature Stadium 14 Theatre in Kalispell at 10:55 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. It is sung in Italian with English subtitles and run time is 3 hours 4 minutes, which includes one intermission.
A dog's life
“Lassie” was the first television show I ever watched. Sunday night, six o’clock, on Grandma’s small black-and-white television. I wanted a dog, just like Lassie. But dogs were expensive. Five dollars at the pet shop in Portland. I worked to earn the money. Two dollars came from walking to kindergarten by myself. (Not as bad as it sounds: Only one mile each way, rarely through the snow, and uphill in only one direction.)
'TEASE' Burlesque Revue comes to Kalispell
TEASE Burlesque Revue is coming to Kalispell on Friday, Oct. 6, for two performances.
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THURSDAY, OCT. 5
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Whitefish conducting climate survey
The city of Whitefish is drafting a climate action plan and is gathering input from Whitefish residents through a survey that’s being conducted online and through postcards available at various outlets in the city.
Whitefish city staff to get response training
Whitefish City Hall will be closed on Friday, Oct, 13, for “Run, Lock, Fight” staff training.
Wednesday, October 4
Confident Braves look to slow Big Sky
No one word will do for Levi Janacaro.
Women watch sports
Women watch sports.
Lakers AA coach to host fourth annual pitching camp
The Fourth Annual Flathead Pitchers’ Boot Camp, an eight-week program hosted by Kalispell Lakers AA head coach Ryan Malmin, begins Sunday, Oct. 29.
Judges concerned about security issues
The logistics of building an off-site county jail and relocating the Sheriff’s Office came into full focus Monday as Flathead County District Court judges voiced their concerns about security during a county commissioner work session.
Bullock calls on lawmakers to raise revenues
Gov. Steve Bullock on Wednesday gave an update on Montana’s grim budget situation.
'That guy is a hero'
Edward Prince decided to get out of his hometown of Olney for a few days to relax and have fun in Las Vegas earlier this week. The six-year Army veteran was laughing and hanging out on The Strip Sunday evening, connecting with new and old military friends from around the country, when the unimaginable happened.
Proposed roundabout draws ire from truckers, commuters
A proposed roundabout west of Kalispell is drawing opposition from local residents and businesses.
Unmanned car rolls into woman's porch
According to the Whitefish Police Department, an unmanned car drove onto a woman’s porch. The woman suspected that someone in the apartment building across the street started the vehicle to warm it up and it rolled down to her property. The woman was not injured, but two utility boxes were damaged.
Ira Weaver, 91
Ira Weaver passed away in Plains on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017.
Donald R. Darling, 87
Donald R. Darling, 87, of Rexford, passed away peacefully at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017.
Catherine 'Babe' Alger, 99
Catherine “Babe” Alger, 99, passed away Sept. 30, 2017, surrounded by her loving family in Kalispell, “to join her beloved Elmer.”
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Veterans Stand Down awarded grant
The Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry in Kalispell has been awarded a grant and per diem from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Microchip clinic for pets this weekend
The furry, four-legged members of many Flathead families become more than just pets, and their impact is rarely felt more than when they go missing.
La Niña to fuel 'abundant snow' in Rockies
Here’s one forecast that’s sure to make local skiers and snowmobilers giddy for the upcoming winter.
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Montana is broke, and it’s the majority party’s fault. The governor proposed a balanced two-year budget, knowing that oil and coal revenues would be down. The majority party in the Legislature, many of whom are supposed to be fiscal conservatives and experienced business people, rejected that budget and voted to increase it by $21 million, saying the money would somehow be there. But the money didn’t come and the state is burned up by wildfires. Now the governor is bound by their laws to slash programs for Montana families when they need them most.
Senator promotes High Tech Jobs Summit
By STEVE DAINES
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Montana is broke, and it’s the majority party’s fault. The governor proposed a balanced two-year budget, knowing that oil and coal revenues would be down. The majority party in the Legislature, many of whom are supposed to be fiscal conservatives and experienced business people, rejected that budget and voted to increase it by $21 million, saying the money would somehow be there. But the money didn’t come and the state is burned up by wildfires. Now the governor is bound by their laws to slash programs for Montana families when they need them most.
Tuesday, October 3
Sentinel girls hand Wolfpack first loss
MISSOULA — Missoula Sentinel built a 4-0 lead to hand the Glacier girls soccer team its first loss this season in a 4-2 Western AA conference victory on Tuesday.
Whitefish breezes by Polson
WHITEFISH — Whitefish coasted through the first two sets and fended off a third-set rally by Polson to sweep the Pirates 25-9, 25-9, 25-22 on Tuesday night.
Whitefish passes bond to build new elementary school
Voters in Whitefish School District approved $26.5 million in bonds to build a new elementary school and retain portions of Muldown Elementary in a mail-ballot election that concluded Tuesday.
Kalispell man denies harassing women online
A Kalispell man has denied charges that he harassed multiple women online as a form of revenge.
Sweepstakes offer too good to be true
A Lakeside resident called bluff when they got an offer from someone from claiming to be from Publisher’s Clearing House who wanted money in exchange for the release of $2.5 million and a car.
Bette Jean Bear, 74
Bette Jean Bear, 74, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Kalispell.
Nancy 'Nan' Ann Miller Garnett Klehm, 87
Nancy “Nan” Ann Miller Garnett Klehm, just shy of her 88th birthday, passed from this life Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017.
Maria A. Aikin, 61
Maria Aikin passed away unexpectedly Sept. 4, 2017, three days after her 61st birthday, in Milwaukie, Oregon.
Acts of heroism emerge in chaos of Las Vegas shooting
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Rob Ledbetter's battlefield instincts kicked in quickly as bullets rained overhead.
GOP leader says NRA-backed gun bill shelved indefinitely
WASHINGTON — House Republican leaders called for unity and prayer Tuesday after the deadly mass shooting in Las Vegas, but offered no new legislation to tighten gun laws and said a bill to ease regulations on gun silencers would be shelved indefinitely.
Monday, October 2
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- Creston School board meets 7:30 a.m.
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- Creston School board meets 7:30 a.m.
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- Creston School board meets 7:30 a.m.
Grant-writing workshop offered at college
The Flathead Valley Community College Continuing Education Center will host a workshop series designed to help volunteers, board members and staff of nonprofit organizations understand the elements of successful grant writing. “Grant Writing Fundamentals” will be held Oct. 10, 17 and 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the college.
College brings on resource officer
Students and faculty have welcomed the presence of a new school resource officer on the Flathead Valley Community College campus, whose arrival came just days before the college closed in response to cyber threats on Sept. 13.
New elementary prompts Kalispell redistricting
The Kalispell Public Schools system has begun the elementary redistricting process as a new school is built on the south side of the city.
Toddler, man injured in accidental shooting
An accidental shooting involving a 2-year-old and a 37-year-old man outside a Columbia Falls residence on Saturday resulted in the pair being transported to the hospital with non-life threating injuries, according to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry. Details of how the accidental shooting happened is being investigated Curry said.
Russell 'Russ' Earl Linnell, 53
Russell “Russ” Earl Linnell, 53, passed away on Sept. 29, 2017, in Kalispell of natural causes.
Chester 'Chet Johnson, 95
Chester “Chet” Johnson, 95, passed away Sept. 26, 2017, in Polson.
Richard Duane 'Dick' Hampton, 80
Dick Hartman, 80, passed away of natural causes Sept. 21, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family and friends.
Interior watchdog investigating Zinke over charter flights
WASHINGTON — The Interior Department’s internal watchdog said Monday it is investigating Secretary Ryan Zinke’s use of charter flights, even as Zinke dismissed the controversy over his taxpayer-financed flights as “a little BS over travel.”
Whitefish philanthropist helps rescue sniper victims in Vegas
Whitefish philanthropist Mike Goguen and his wife Jamie Stephenson helped carry dozens of victims to safety in the chaotic aftermath of Sunday’s mass shooting in Las Vegas.
Gail (Martinelli) Rossetto, 68
Gail (Martinelli) Rossetto, 68, died Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at her home in Kalispell, where she lived a life filled with love.
Terry Lynn Gorton Guerrero, 75
Terry Guerrero was born May 12, 1942, in Kalispell to James and Mary Gorton of Creston.
Richard S. Wagner, 87
Richard S. Wagner, 87, passed away April 4, 2017, at his home in Bigfork.
Beverly R. Landes, 88
Beverly R. Landes, 88, passed away on Sept. 25, 2017, at home in Anchorage, Alaska.
Nancy 'Nan' Ann Miller Garnett Klehm, 87
Nancy “Nan” Ann Miller Garnett Klehm, just shy of her 88th birthday, passed from this life Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017.
Gloria Anne (Wilkins) Vollin Bolin, 81
In the early morning hours of Sept. 24, 2017, our hearts were broken when we lost the most amazing, beautiful, smart, sassy woman, our beloved mother Gloria Anne (Wilkins) Vollin Bolin, passed away at the age of 81.
Steven Arnold Finck, 68
Steven Arnold Finck passed away Aug. 14, 2017.
Richard Carl Hartman, 77
Richard Carl Hartman, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 17, 2017, surrounded by his family.
Michael G. Dowaliby, 84
In the span of 84 remarkable years, Mike is perhaps best known as the head golf professional who touched thousands of lives with his impeccable patience and unmatched teaching style. He created highly successful junior golf programs from Southern California to Whitefish, which are still going strong today. As a Hall of Famer and 55-year PGA member, Mike’s noteworthy career extended far beyond the boundaries of the golf course. He was an accomplished soapbox derby racer, girls softball coach, Frankenstein, SAG member, hand model, bird hunter, fisherman, photographer, Santa Claus, entrepreneur, radio disc jockey once known as “The Mellow Fellow,” Whitefish Winter Carnival prime minister and King Ullr … and this only scratches the surface. He truly had an infectious sense of humor, and a generous heart; and every kid who had the opportunity to honk his magnificent Lebanese nose will tell you so.
Phyllis S. Shaw, 88
Phyllis S. Shaw died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at the HealthCenter in Kalispell, attended by her loving family and caregivers.
Sniper in high-rise hotel kills at least 58 in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A gunman on the 32nd floor of a Las Vegas hotel-casino rained heavy fire down on a crowd of over 22,000 at an outdoor country music festival, turning the expanse into a killing ground from which there was little escape. At least 58 people died.
Sunday, October 1
Buyer's remorse abounds after faulty heater purchase
A man purchased a heating unit that he thought was brand new, but it reportedly did not function when he tried to install it. He told the Kalispell Police Department that he purchased the unit from three traveling salesmen for $400 and felt he had been scammed. The caller provided a business card from the salesman and was encouraged to contact the company with his complaint.
Bloomstone developer seeks OK for final housing project phases
The Kalispell City Council on Monday, Oct. 2, will consider approving the remaining five phases of the Bloomstone housing development in north Kalispell.
Whitefish considers extending arrest area
The long arm of the law may be getting a little longer in Whitefish.
Small-acreage management a big need as Flathead grows
Valerie Beebe takes being a landowner very seriously.
Crash-prone intersection could become roundabout
The Montana Department of Transportation is considering building a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Route 2, Dern Road and West Springcreek Road west of Kalispell.
Kalispell man dies while performing motorcycle stunt on highway
A 31-year-old Kalispell man died after performing a wheelie on his motorcycle shortly before 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Jordan Munoz was traveling between 60 and 70 mph on Montana 206, north of Jensen Road, when the crash occurred.
Let's involve public in future of Main Street Kalispell
We don’t have to go out on much of a limb to predict that traffic — and how to route it through Kalispell — will be a burning issue over the next several years. As the city continues to grow at the fringes and redevelopment of the core area gets underway, Kalispell is most certainly at a crossroad.
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TODay
Tourists aren't the problem; just don't let them stay!
Montana has always been a “poor” state ... so why has it also always been known as the “Treasure State”? Maybe because there is something more valuable than money? Maybe it was the land itself — that its “treasure” was the land and not in what we could extract from it?
Brooklyn Rolls expands to Kalispell
John Ryan grew up in the kitchen — an Italian kitchen, to be exact.
Red Jeep broke down and in the way
For some reason, a red Jeep parked near a store on U.S. 93 drew complaints from neighbors and vendors. The vehicle was apparently disabled, and the store told Whitefish Police it would be towed if it was still there by Saturday.
Open burning starts today, but be careful
Residents have begun preparing for the open burn season following the long-awaited relief brought by recent rains that will allow them to rid their properties of hazardous and unwanted debris.
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TODay
County litter pickup program gets underway
Flathead County launched its new roadside litter removal program Sept. 22 and removed 860 pounds of trash from the U.S. 93 corridor near the landfill during the first week.
'Surely we can do better' solving park crowding without crowding out visitors
Riley McClelland (Daily Inter Lake, Aug. 13) and Bob Muth (Daily Inter Lake, Aug. 25) certainly have their knickers in a twist over my criticism of the lack of critical thinking by Glacier National Park leadership.
Crime of the future
Whether they like it or not, Montanans are not immune to what law enforcement officers are describing as the “crime of the future.”
Commissioners to consider jail proposal
The Flathead County commissioners will hold a work session at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2, to further discuss buying the Weyerhaeuser property in Columbia Falls for a potential jail site.
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TODay
The Treasure State
By Kayje Booker
Crews work to deconstruct Kalispell Lumber building
A crew from Heritage Timber LLC, based in Missoula is deconstructing the former Kalispell Lumber Company building on West Idaho in Kalispell. The structure is being carefully deconstructed so it can be put back together at a new location.
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Kalispell’s Ward 3 has a good thing going; the voters there are not afraid to elect a woman. In the past, Ward 3 voters have elected not only Norma Happ but also Pam Kennedy Carbonari as their City Council representative and mayor.
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Kalispell’s Ward 3 has a good thing going; the voters there are not afraid to elect a woman. In the past, Ward 3 voters have elected not only Norma Happ but also Pam Kennedy Carbonari as their City Council representative and mayor.
