Ellington

U.S. women upset New Zealand

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. women’s national rugby sevens team pulled off a last ditch try to upset five-time defending world champion New Zealand 14-12 in the quarterfinals of the Dubai 7s tournament on Friday morning.

Wrestling season kicks off in Polson

POLSON — Eighteen teams representing two states and all Montana classifications will take to the mat to open the 2017-18 wrestling season today at Polson’s Owen Invitational.

Grandma had enough of loafing grandson

A Kalispell grandmother had enough of her 25-year-old grandson and reportedly wanted him removed from her home when he pitched a fit, yelling and screaming after being asked to get up for the day and get off the couch. She told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office she was uncertain if marijuana or alcohol was part of the problem. Parties were separated until emotions calmed.

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Young cancer patient celebrates final chemo treatment

Wendy McCaffree shouted from a throng of 30-some people gathered outside Northwest Oncology and Hematology Wednesday afternoon. “Way to cowgirl up, Willow!”

Hunters shoot, wound grizzly near Bigfork

Wildlife officials say hunters shot and wounded an adult female grizzly bear north of Bigfork Sunday.

Revenue bonds OK'd for CHS relocation

Economic development leaders on Wednesday cleared a major final hurdle for the development of Glacier Rail Park when the Flathead County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution for port authority revenue bonds needed to finance the relocation of CHS to the rail park.

Council to hold final vote on downtown plan

The Kalispell City Council is facing what could be the final vote to adopt a revised downtown plan after three years of drafting, deliberation and consideration of public comment.

TV star Jim Nabors dies at 87 Popular singer lived in Whitefish for many years

HONOLULU (AP) — Jim Nabors, the shy Alabaman whose down-home comedy made him a TV star as Gomer Pyle and whose surprisingly operatic voice kept him a favorite in Las Vegas and other showplaces, died Thursday. He was 87.

'The Shades of Orcus'

FVCC’s Theatre Department presents “The Shades of Orcus,” an original play written by alumnus Joshua Kelly. Nightly performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 in the campus theatre in the Arts and Technology building.

Turner, 4 Braves make first-team all-state

Four Flathead football players and Glacier standout Drew Turner were named to the Class AA first-team all-state football team on Thursday.

Thanks for the good times, Montana

Thank you.

Montana to bring back Bobby Hauck

MISSOULA — Montana football is turning back the clock — or at least trying to.

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- Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lincoln County High School.

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- Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lincoln County High School.

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- Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lincoln County High School.

College tallies its economic impact

A recent study of Flathead Valley Community College’s economic impact on the Flathead Valley revealed an average return value of about $6.50 for every dollar the community invested in the college in the 2015-16 fiscal year.

Kootenai salvage projects move forward

The effort to salvage fire-scorched timber is advancing in Northwest Montana’s forests.

New album explores meaning of Christmas

Christmas has a new soundtrack this year with the release of Kalispell musician and songwriter John Gabriel Arends’ latest album “Little Strummer Boy.”

Survey: Underage drinking a big problem in Montana

Montana has a drinking problem.

Col. Falls principal earns award

Columbia Falls Junior High School Principal Dave Wick has been awarded the 2017 Educational Leadership Excellence Award.

Legislation aims to help small Montana banks

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester unveiled legislation recently that aims to release small-town banks from being subject to the same legislation that large, national banks have been held to since setting off a financial crisis in 2008.

Man attacked by clawed beast

Someone told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office he had dropped a friend off at the hospital after the friend had supposedly been attacked by a dog or wolf on a bike path near an intersection of Smith Lake Road in Kila. The victim reportedly told officers that something attacked his legs, knocking him to the ground, then ripped his coat sleeve and went for his face. During the alleged attack, the victim told officers that he “pulled a knife and thought he landed a couple of strikes,” at the animal. The man’s wounds were reportedly not canine teeth punctures typical of dog bite wounds, rather appeared to be deep scratches or claw marks. Deputies went to the scene of the attack, but only saw deer. They apprised Fish Wildlife and Parks and animal clinics of the situation in case a wounded animal was found.

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Many of the recent news stories are very upsetting!

Tax cuts are bad for middle class and economy

Now, I realize that facts don’t matter to a growing number of people. Tribal distrust has been nurtured for years. Claims with no evidence are believed, and overwhelming science is questioned. This tribalism cannot be conquered with facts. It needs leaders with a moral and ethical compass. Instead we got the “Lyin’ King.” Trump’s recent claims of middle-class tax relief are not supported by analysis. Even congressional leaders have had to walk back their claims. Before we even consider if a tax cut is necessary, let’s look back at recent tax policy. All figures below are from government sources. They are history — they are facts.

A vote of confidence in local economy

The announcement last week that United Airlines has decided to add direct summer round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Kalispell is welcome news.

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Many of the recent news stories are very upsetting!

Heavirland, U.S. open 7s schedule

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Whitefish’s Nicole Heavirland will captain the U.S. women’s national rugby sevens team as it begins its new season Thursday morning at the Dubai 7s tournament.

Flathead's Jorgensen retires after 45 years

For the first time in nearly five decades, the Flathead Braves will be looking for a new cross country coach.

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Shift almost over for worker in pain

According to the Whitefish Police Department, a regular customer said a clerk at local business was acting “crazy” talking to people who weren’t there, staggering all over the place and almost passed out on the counter. The customer told law enforcement he goes there almost every day and this was not the clerk’s normal behavior. Law enforcement spoke to the clerk who told them he had hernia and was in a lot of pain. He said his shift was almost over.

Timothy Seelye, 62

Timothy Allen Seelye “went to be with the Lord” on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Sarah Carolyn Compton, 33

Sarah Carolyn Compton, 33, of Kalispell, died Nov. 24, 2017, in Kalispell.

Stanton D. Poier, 87

Stanton Poier, 87, died peacefully on Nov. 20, 2017.

Flathead Electric to cut checks to members

In December, the Flathead Electric Cooperative will issue approximately 36,000 checks worth around $2.4 million to people who were members during the year 2006. People who were members during 2016 will get allocation notices that tell them how much money they have credited to their account.

Special session results in boozier future for C-Falls

On Black Friday, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed into law a bill that could have a profound impact on the way liquor licenses are distributed throughout the state.

Season ends with average results

Montana’s general deer and elk hunting season ended Sunday with success rates about on par, despite some challenging conditions.

Asbestos Court to resolve hundreds of claims

The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday issued an order creating an asbestos claims court to resolve hundreds of Libby asbestos-related cases pending in the state’s trial courts.

Student art show on display at college

It’s the most artistic time of the year for Flathead Valley Community College as art students of all mediums prepare for the end-of-semester art show and annual Holiday Art Sale.

Great Falls architect picked for Somers school upgrade

L’Heureux Page Werner will serve as the architect for the Somers Middle School’s $15.8 million renovation and expansion project.

Pedestrian struck and injured crossing highway

A pedestrian attempting to cross a busy highway in Evergreen was sent to the hospital Tuesday after he was hit by a vehicle.

406 to remain Montana's sole area code until 2031

Montana is one of only 12 states with a single area code, and its residents have made those three digits part of the Treasure State’s brand. 406 adorns souvenirs, websites and even the names of businesses like Kalispell’s 406 Bar & Grill.

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If the true measure of a man is not what he says, but what he does or fails to do, then Ryan Zinke has no honor. Making it onto a SEAL team does not automatically mean the man has integrity of character. The one and only thing that can be assumed automatically is that he is one tough hombre.

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If the true measure of a man is not what he says, but what he does or fails to do, then Ryan Zinke has no honor. Making it onto a SEAL team does not automatically mean the man has integrity of character. The one and only thing that can be assumed automatically is that he is one tough hombre.

Neighbors get into cat fight

According to Kalispell Police Department call logs, an altercation ensued between two neighbors because one resident’s cat got into the other resident’s yard.

Huntress aims to educate people about the sport she loves

Olivia Nalos Opre has been called the Blood Thirsty Beauty Queen — and a lot worse.

Hockey association celebrates upgraded rink

The Flathead Valley Hockey Association will hold a grand-opening ceremony for the upgraded Woodland Ice Rink at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29.

New judge to oversee commissioner's jury trial

Flathead County Commissioner Phil Mitchell’s jury trial has been postponed until Feb. 26, 2018, and a new judge has been called upon to oversee the case.

2 dead, 1 injured in Sanders County shooting

One woman is dead an a man was sent to the hospital after a shooting near Trout Creek over the weekend.

Daines opposes current version of tax bill

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are considering a trigger that would automatically increase taxes if their sweeping legislation fails to generate as much revenue as they expect. It’s an effort to mollify deficit hawks who worry that tax cuts for businesses and individuals will add to the nation’s already mounting debt.

Thanksgiving crash victim identified

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of a woman killed in a two-vehicle crash on Montana 35 on Thanksgiving.

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Justin Edward Novak - 31   Rose Mari Novak - 33

Justin was born July 31, 1986, in Santa Clarita, California, and Rose was born Oct. 18, 1984, in Ventura, California. Justin and Rose were married in Cambria, California on Jan. 21, 2006, and died together in a tragic car accident on Nov. 21, 2017.

Oh deer! Dangerous doe delivers damage

An Uber driver called the Whitefish Police Department because someone pulled up next to her while she was driving and blew out her back window with what she thought was a shot gun, though she didn’t get a good look at the car. She went straight to the police station, where officers determined the damage was caused by a deer colliding with the side of her car, not an assassination attempt.

Applicants sought for women's dental program

Daily Inter Lake

Students collect for people in need

Various Flathead Valley Community College student organizations will collect clothing, food, toys and other items for local people in need this holiday season.

Retired Forest Service worker discovers new purpose teaching yoga

Betty Kuropat inhales and exhales in rhythm with her movements, raising her arms high above her head and gently bending her front knee.

Glacier Rail Park work leads to road closures

Several roads in Evergreen will be shut down for approximately eight months while construction companies prepare the area for the new Glacier Rail Park.

Limp in, leap out

An even 10 soakers luxuriate in the hot mineral waters at Symes Hot Springs Hotel on a chilly Monday afternoon. Gray skies and large, plopping rain drops don’t deter them. They simply shimmy down a bit farther into the steaming pool, or tiptoe quickly from the main soaking area to an octagonal bath heated to a simmering 106 degrees. Water from this smaller oasis spills over a rocky lip into its larger counterpart, continuously flowing from the depths of the earth into the pools and back again, bringing with it a host of minerals that soothe, and some say, heal.

Basin Commission needs our help

The news that the Flathead Basin Commission is a fiscal orphan, cast off by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, is worrisome indeed.

Hot Springs market rooted in community

The cafe counter at Camas Organic Market and Bakery is full at the lunch hour.

Bucket biology diversity: It's never a good idea

Old fashion diversity alone isn’t good enough anymore to fix institutionalized systemic white-male-privileged racism in America. We need aggressive bucket biology diversity to fix the problem.

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I recently made friends with a couple from Great Britain who visited us. While they were here I showed them how to safely shoot revolvers and AR15 rifles since they were interested and do not have that opportunity at home.

Stanton D. Poier 87

Stanton Poier, 87, died peacefully on Nov. 20, 2017.

Lorraine Blackmer Purdy, 93

Lorraine Blackmer Purdy, 93, of Columbia Falls, passed away Nov. 20, 2017, at the Retreat at Buffalo Hill, with her family by her side.

Co-op shares in healing waters

“Want to sample it?” asks Paul Stelter.

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Dorothy Johnson: A true Montana character

In this troublesome era of anger, violence and blame, it’s well to look back to a kinder time, and the good and heart-warming story of a remarkable Montana character.

Build Montana's workforce; build Montana's future

As communities across the nation work to recover from recent natural disasters, many are discovering that while they have plenty of rebuilding to do, they lack the manpower to do it.

Camilla Margaret (Metcalf) Bauska, 93

Camilla Margaret (Metcalf) Bauska passed away at her home on Nov. 19, 2017, at the age of 93.

NMAR urges a 'no' vote on proposed tax reform

Everyone wants tax reform and Realtors are no exception. However, if the proposed tax reform is really to benefit the lower- and middle-class families as it is being promoted, then there needs to be some significant changes made before the bill can be approved.

Anna Louise Walker, 85

Anna Louise Peterson Walker, 85, of Salt Lake City, died in the home of her son, Eric Walker, on Nov. 20, 2017.

Like good beer? Then defend clean water

The connection between good beer and clean water is obvious; beer is 90-95 percent water. 

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Harry W. Torgerson, 98

Harry W. Torgerson, a former music teacher and musician in Great Falls, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017 at age 98, in Columbia Falls.

State court shackles citizens' efforts to legislate for themselves

The Montana Supreme Court has a history of striking down constitutional initiatives that restrain government power. Voiding CI-116 (“Marsy’s Law”) is only the latest example. The court treated CI-116 the same way it treated CI-23, CI-27, CI-30, and CI-75.

Trade warriors

Trump’s vision for Asia collides with China’s Xi

Two regional trade strategies — one from the United States and the other from China, reflecting competing geostrategic visions for Asia — clashed in Vietnam, where Asia-Pacific leaders met recently to talk business.

Darrell S. Clothier, 93

Darrell S. Clothier, 93, passed peacefully “from this life to the next” surrounded by his family at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017.

'What the world needs now'

Navigating through the often complex web of medical care can be difficult enough without having to schedule appointments, tests and surgeries over the holidays. Now, imagine muddling through while living in a shelter, not knowing where you would be living next once your stay came to an end.

James Lester Wohler, 78

An extraordinary man passed peacefully from this life Nov. 14, 2017, due to complications after mechanical heart pump surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.

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I recently made friends with a couple from Great Britain who visited us. While they were here I showed them how to safely shoot revolvers and AR15 rifles since they were interested and do not have that opportunity at home.

A final farewell to J.B. Stone (and his mom)

Last week’s column about J.B. Stone’s crusade for justice for Navy veterans who had been the victims of shipboard testing of hazardous materials brought a lot of positive response, but sadly also bad news.

Small Business Saturday sees success

The best thing about Small Business Saturday may be that, as the event ages, the impact spreads throughout the holiday weekend.

Environmental groups plan suit over culverts

A coalition of environmental groups may sue the U.S. Forest Service for failing to properly protect bull trout in Flathead National Forest.

Legs or tails?

A caller told the Whitefish Police Department that her dog had picked up another dog’s leg. Officers made contact with her and reported that the pooch had actually picked up a deer tail.

Zeona Lisa 'Zoni' Wolf, 15

Zeona Lisa “Zoni” Wolf, 15, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Nov. 16, 2017.

Students get in tune with ukuleles

Ukuleles are making their debut at Bigfork Elementary.

Group celebrates 10 years supplying troops with reading material

“GQ,” “Outside” and “Men’s Fitness” are among the most popular publication titles that fill flat-rate shipping boxes at Magazines for Troops’ Lakeside headquarters.

Contractor selected for Linderman renovation

Swank Enterprises has been selected as the general contractor and construction manager for the Linderman Education Center renovation project in Kalispell Public Schools.

Officials ID couple killed in Nov. 21 crash

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the victims of a fatal single-vehicle crash on U.S. 2 just west of McGregor Lake Lodge on Nov. 21.

Troy woman killed in Thanksgiving crash

A 26-year-old Troy woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Montana 35 Thanksgiving night.

Hundreds turn out for Whitefish event

The drizzle eased, the temperature topped 50 and a piece of rainbow gleamed behind the North Valley Food Bank as participants gathered for the eighth annual Whitefish Turkey Trot.

Students follow tradition with 'stone soup'

A rich aroma of homemade turkey stock and seasonings emanated from the Kalispell Montessori Elementary kitchen Tuesday.

Shop at local small businesses

Saturday is the day to “shop small” in the Flathead Valley and support the backbone of our local business community.

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Regarding the Inter Lake’s Oct. 5 article, “Western governors agree to build charging station network,” my question to Gov. Bullock is, did you really agree to this goofy plan?

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- Pocketstone Cafe in Bigfork donates all proceeds from today’s sales to the Bigfork Food Pantry. Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Flathead Basin Commission Shutdown, break with DNRC could lie ahead

The agency coordinating Northwest Montana’s response to invasive species could soon have to shut down operations.

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Regarding the Inter Lake’s Oct. 5 article, “Western governors agree to build charging station network,” my question to Gov. Bullock is, did you really agree to this goofy plan?

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- Pocketstone Cafe in Bigfork donates all proceeds from today’s sales to the Bigfork Food Pantry. Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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- Pocketstone Cafe in Bigfork donates all proceeds from today’s sales to the Bigfork Food Pantry. Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Purdy garners all-Big Sky Conference honors

Glacier alumnus and Montana kicker Brandon Purdy was selected to the all-Big Sky Conference third team by the league’s 13 coaches.

Harvest rates pick up slightly

Northwest Montana hunters had a bit more success last weekend after a slow start to the general rifle season. Harvest totals picked up slightly, increasing the percentage of hunters with game to 7.5 percent, up from 6.8 percent last weekend.

Kalispell City Council passes stormwater impact fee report

Kalispell City Council on Monday passed an updated stormwater impact fee report that raises rates.

Rain, snow, wind in store for Thanksgiving weekend

Thanksgiving weekend will bring a mixed-bag of rain, snow and storms to Northwest Montana.

Man wraps abandoned vehicle in caution tape

According to the Whitefish Police Department, a resident reportedly wrapped an abandoned vehicle in caution tape after a tow-truck driver wanted to charge him to tow it. The man said he had gone into the abandoned and unlocked vehicle and found the owners registration and they straightened it out. The caller admitted he was told by law enforcement not to enter the vehicle.

Thanksgiving tops charts for home cooking fires

One minute everything is on track. The turkey is in the oven. Mashed potatoes are boiling and the gravy is simmering. An array of colorful side dishes are almost complete.

Bigfork woman celebrates 100th birthday on Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving marks more than the beginning of another holiday season for Anne Louise Dibble, who plans to celebrate her 100th birthday along with at least 30 of her descendants on the nation’s day of gratitude.

Postal Service announces holiday deadlines

The U.S. Postal Service will deliver more than 15 billion pieces of mail this holiday season. In the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the Postal Service also expects to deliver 850 million packages, which is more than a 10 percent increase compared to last year.

A mother's choice

Almost 30 years after making the decision to place her son for adoption, Rachael Knox of Whitefish received a message that has given this Thanksgiving new meaning.

Daniel R. Steele, 75

Daniel R. Steele, 75, of Kalispell passed away Nov. 13, 2017, in Whitefish.

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I would just like to point out if Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock’s Second Amendment rights hadn’t been infringed and he had a silencer, he could have killed at least another 50 people before anyone even discovered gunfire was taking place.

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I would just like to point out if Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock’s Second Amendment rights hadn’t been infringed and he had a silencer, he could have killed at least another 50 people before anyone even discovered gunfire was taking place.

Whitefish Energy stops work over $83 million owed

WASHINGTON — The company that landed and then lost a $300 million, no-bid contract to rebuild Puerto Rico’s storm-ravaged grid says it’s halting its work early because the commonwealth’s utility hasn’t paid it $83 million it’s owed.

Be careful what you wish for

Losing to your rival is never easy. Frankly, it never should be.

Columbia Falls, Eureka athletes abound on all-state football teams

The Daily Inter Lake

Three Loggers named to all-state volleyball team

Libby dominated the Northwest A all-conference team and placed three players, tied for most of any school in Montana, on the Class A all-state team voted on by the state’s coaches.

C-Falls grad Mundel earns Frontier all-conference honors

Carroll College junior Samantha Mundel (Columbia Falls) was selected to the Frontier Conference’s all-conference cross country team, the league announced Tuesday.

Interior denies wrongdoing involving Zinke's wife, travel

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Interior denied any wrongdoing Monday after documents surfaced showing government staffers were forced to scramble to accommodate requests from Secretary Ryan Zinke’s wife as she accompanied him on trips outside of Washington D.C.

Officers detain man wielding pepper spray

According to the Whitefish Police Department, a bald man was detained after allegedly spraying people with pepper spray and “beating people up.”

Evelyn Brand Grant, 84

Evelyn Grant of Columbia Falls passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2017, with her family by her side.

Lloyd Brynie, 83

Lloyd Brynie wasn’t a tourist; he was a traveler. In his 83 years, he journeyed to 64 countries, finding joy in every event, custom, site and person he saw or met. He welcomed every new experience, whether he was riding camels in Egypt or climbing the ruins at Machu Picchu. As an avid photographer, he preserved incomparable images everywhere he went, from rural Spain in the 1950s to the modern-day camel fair at Pushkar, India.

Michael Shawn Rowe, 49

Michael Shawn Rowe, 49, died Nov. 16, 2017.

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Pool of sheriff candidates deepens

A handful of hopeful candidates are positioning themselves to become the next sheriff of Flathead County, almost a year in advance of the election.

Comment period extended for national park entry fee increase

The National Park Service has extended the public comment period for its proposal to increase entrance fees at 17 national parks, including Glacier Park.

Permit denied for Columbia Falls crematory

Following nearly two hours of testimony both for and against plans for a crematory at Columbia Mortuary, the Columbia Falls City Council Monday voted 5-0 to deny the mortuary a conditional-use permit for the facility.

Kalispell couple killed in U.S. 2 wreck

A husband and wife from Kalispell died after being ejected from a vehicle on U.S. 2 at McGregor Lake early Tuesday morning.

Ski resort begins preseason uphill restrictions

Route and timing restrictions for uphill skiers at Whitefish Mountain Resort go into effect Thursday, Nov. 23.

United adds direct flight to L.A.

United Airlines will offer direct seasonal flights from Glacier Park International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport starting June 7, Glacier Airport Director Rob Ratkowski announced Tuesday.

Harvest rates pick up slightly

Northwest Montana hunters had a bit more success last weekend after a slow start to the general rifle season. Harvest totals picked up slightly, increasing the percentage of hunters with game to 7.5 percent, up from 6.8 percent last weekend.

Acquisition raises profile of Kalispell-based printer

Contrary to the tide of public perception, printing is not dead. One local print shop is expanding and producing more than ever.

Take-and-bake meal business comes to Whitefish

A new business has quietly taken root in Whitefish.

ZAF Energy poised for takeoff in battery technology

Like many good business stories, this one starts in a garage.

Housing complex to get major upgrade

Community Action Partnership will receive $4.5 million in federal housing tax credits for a major renovation of its Courtyard Apartments on Airport Road in Kalispell.

Class AA Volleyball Glacier's Montini selected to all-state first team

Glacier High School senior Ashley Montini, a 5-foot-10, senior setter, has been selected to the Class AA all-state volleyball first team in balloting by league coaches.

Reckless granny needs a talking-to

According to the Kalispell Police Department, a driver was attempting to turn southbound at an intersection when an elderly woman ran the red light. The driver didn’t want to sign a formal complaint, but wanted the woman spoken to if she was located.

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Growers vote on cherry check-off

Cherry producers in the Flathead Valley are facing a decision on whether to continue a collaborative program that pooled money from growers to provide market research, educational symposiums and pest-control funds for the last 15 years.

New treatment center address opioid addiction

A medical campaign started in the late 1990s that promoted the idea of pain as a “fifth vital sign” sparked an era of over-prescribing narcotics, according to the director of a local treatment center.

Hungry Horse man wanted for attempted homicide

Authorities are looking for a man wanted on charges of attempted deliberate homicide.

Dog shot dead, man arrested in C-Falls

A vicious dog in Columbia Falls was shot and killed Friday after reports it attacked another dog and lunged at an officer, even after a stun gun was used.

Montana coach Bob Stitt's contract not renewed

MISSOULA (AP) — Bob Stitt is out as Montana’s football coach after three seasons.

Kalispell man charged with stabbing man 12 times

A Kalispell man is facing felony charges after allegedly stabbing another man a dozen times at a party over the weekend.

Proposed Whitefish regs aim to protect public trees

An ordinance that regulates the maintenance and removal of trees within the public right of way will be considered by the Whitefish City Council on Monday, Nov. 20.

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Area speech and debate teams competed in tournaments over the weekend in both Browning and Missoula.

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Area speech and debate teams competed in tournaments over the weekend in both Browning and Missoula.

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Area speech and debate teams competed in tournaments over the weekend in both Browning and Missoula.

Lost vehicle stumps Whitefish woman

The Whitefish Police Department received a call from a mother who lent her son her vehicle the night before because he couldn’t remember where he parked it. She told them to call her when they found it so she could come and pick it up.

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Janet Spencer Franklin, age 73, passed away peacefully on Nov. 16, 2017, with her family by her side. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Born March 2, 1944, in Oakland, California, to Allan Thomas Spencer II and Elizabeth Spencer, Janet joined her older brother Allan Thomas Spencer III. She spent her childhood years in Gerber and Red Bluff, California, where she graduated high school and earned a degree and teaching certificate from Chico State University.

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Janet Spencer Franklin, age 73, passed away peacefully on Nov. 16, 2017, with her family by her side. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Born March 2, 1944, in Oakland, California, to Allan Thomas Spencer II and Elizabeth Spencer, Janet joined her older brother Allan Thomas Spencer III. She spent her childhood years in Gerber and Red Bluff, California, where she graduated high school and earned a degree and teaching certificate from Chico State University.

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Janet Spencer Franklin, age 73, passed away peacefully on Nov. 16, 2017, with her family by her side. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Born March 2, 1944, in Oakland, California, to Allan Thomas Spencer II and Elizabeth Spencer, Janet joined her older brother Allan Thomas Spencer III. She spent her childhood years in Gerber and Red Bluff, California, where she graduated high school and earned a degree and teaching certificate from Chico State University.

New redistricting option surfaces

Kalispell Public Schools is zeroing in on how its elementary boundaries will look as it works through the redistricting process.

Kalispell Council to talk stormwater fees, urban renewal grants

The Kalispell City Council is convening at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 20 for the first regular meeting since the municipal elections earlier this month.

Keeping pets safe as temperatures plunge

Temperatures dropped below -20 degrees in northwest Montana last winter, and while most animals bear the brunt of the state’s harshest season with ease, officials recommend taking certain precautions to keep pets safe in the approaching cold.

Independence Fund keeps Eureka vet active

Eureka spent Veterans Day under a dull-gray sky and blanket of slush.

Hospital safety ratings don't tell whole story

With health insurance premiums on the rise and the future of the Affordable Care Act in limbo, it can be difficult for many Americans to make decisions related to health care. Compounding the current complexities are inconsistencies in hospital rating systems provided by both independent operators and government agencies.

Joyce Elaine Steele, 91

Joyce Elaine Steele, 91, wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, peacefully passed away on Nov. 14, 2017.

Legislature gets job done - maybe

Just as some college students seem to work best under the pressure of a drop-dead deadline, the Montana Legislature pulled the equivalent of a caffeinated all-nighter last week and turned in a budget-crisis solution that deserves high grades.

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Jack VanVianen, 83

Jack VanVianen, 83, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, at his home in rural Kalispell, after fighting diabetes and cancer since 2013. Jack was born May 23, 1934, in Jakarta, Indonesia, to Dutch parents. He spent his childhood in Indonesia and moved to Holland in 1947. He joined the Dutch Navy as a machinist and was honorably discharged in April 1957.

Landmark Evergreen store has history of giving back

A recent Tuesday morning found William B.J. Lupton at his desk on the second floor of Snappy Sports Senter, reminiscing about the business’ long history in the Flathead Valley.

'Real Norwegians Eat Lutefisk'

Not long ago I had a cryptic phone message from Cheryl at Bookworks in Whitefish. She had a book for me to pick up. She thought I’d really enjoy it; that was it.

Seaplane pilots tell how they can fight invasive species

Montana seaplane pilots stand ready to assist in the fight against aquatic invasive species.

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Don't turn our valley into 'The First Worst Place'

Bravo andamen to Bill Cox and his letter (Daily Inter Lake, October, 24, “County commissioners wrong again”).

Ron and Carol Pierce reflect on service

The Pierces were leaving a hardware store in downtown Kalispell when a young man came running out after them yelling, “Chaplain! Chaplain!” eager to greet the couple that had helped change his life years before.

High-end scope assembly company relocates to Kalispell

A scope assembly company has moved into a warehouse at the south end of town near Fred’s appliances just off U.S. 93 South. The company assembles scopes and sells them throughout North America and Europe and even as far away as New Zealand and South Africa.

Keller and Bellamy

Scott and Mariah Keller of Kalispell announce the engagement of their daughter, Carolynn Kay Keller, to Jacob Alan Bellamy, son of Carolyn Lopez of Kalispell and Nathan Bellamy of San Juan Capistrano, California.

John Frederick Jr., 74

Longtime Polebridge resident and champion of the North Fork, John Frederick Jr., passed away on Nov. 15, 2017. He was 74.

Lakeside was once home to U.S. Air Force base

Tony Adrignola and Al Luna say they always get the same response when they tell people there used to be a U.S. Air Force base in Lakeside.

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Lightning-rod legislator

Another round of letters say yea or nay on Kalispell’s Frank Garner

I chuckled reading the scant letters supporting Gas Tax Garner. One claimed attacks on Garner hurt the GOP; others chastised Republican legislators who exposed Mr. Garner and rebuked the many letter writers who require that legislators’ votes match their campaign rhetoric; a real corker implied Garner represents his Republican constituents when he votes with the socialist Democrats.

Get it done for J.B. Stone, the indomitable 'human test rat and raconteur extraordinaire'

A press release from Sen. Jon Tester that I received last Tuesday held some apparent good news for a small group of veterans who have been fighting a private war against the Pentagon for three or four decades.

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I feel compelled to relay my impressions of what I heard at the public water-bottling plant permit hearing in September.

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I feel compelled to relay my impressions of what I heard at the public water-bottling plant permit hearing in September.

Telling the Montana story to 1.4 billion people

After a 14-year embargo, the Chinese market is finally open to American beef, and Montana ranchers have an immense opportunity. However, they need to play their cards, or we should say mah jong tiles, just right.

Morley, Colorado women finish third at NCAA XC championships

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Colorado women’s cross country team finished third at the NCAA Division I championships on Saturday.

Cats corral Broncs

COLUMBIA FALLS — Columbia Falls came up big when it had to, pulling away from Hamilton in the fourth quarter to win the Class A football state championship game 26-14 on Saturday in front of a raucous home crowd at Satterthwaite Field.

Economic discussions spur hope for Libby

It’s no secret Libby has faced more than its fair share of economic adversity.

Get it done for J.B. Stone, the indomitable 'human test rat and raconteur extraordinaire'

A press release from Sen. Jon Tester that I received last Tuesday held some apparent good news for a small group of veterans who have been fighting a private war against the Pentagon for three or four decades.

Eureka rolls to second straight state B title

EUREKA — This time, Eureka didn’t need a Hail Mary.

Glacier pipeline feeds Cat, Griz football programs

Glacier …

Built for November

By JOSEPH TERRY

Columbia Falls home for title game against Hamilton

COLUMBIA FALLS — The best in the west are vying for the Class A state title.

Lions' QB gets another shot at Shelby

EUREKA — Garrett Graves remembers his first varsity start at quarterback all too vividly.

Alice Wendt, 87

Alice Wendt, of Kalispell, 87, passed away peacefully at the adult care home where she resided for the last six months on Oct. 27, 2017. Alice was born to John and Edna Isom on March 15, 1930, in Tacoma, Washington, and moved to Kalispell as a teenager. Alice graduated from Flathead County High School in 1949.

Resident thwarts wood-pile thief

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, a man reportedly backed his Jeep up to a resident’s wood pile and it looked like he was going to load up the wood. When the resident asked what he was doing the man reportedly asked if the wood was for sale and left.

City looks at reworking Airport Road

The city of Kalispell is taking early steps to improve two problematic intersections where Airport Road meets 13th Street and 18th Street on the south end of town.

A lesson in articulation and movement

In William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Twelfth Night” the characters are pierced by love rather than the sword.

Access to opiate antidote expanded

A drug with the ability to reverse an opioid overdose is becoming more accessible in Montana.

VFW stops airing NFL games to protest kneeling

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2252 in downtown Kalispell voted earlier this week to stop airing games from the National Football League in their public lounge.

Glacier Park visits surge in October

Daily Inter Lake

Power outage affects 16,500 homes

Thousands of homes across Northwest Montana were without power Friday morning due to a fault in a key transmission line.

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I am writing about the proposal to reduce the Main Street traffic lanes. It seems like the City Council asked the Main Street businesses what they would like, but they have not asked the rest of the Kalispell residents.

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I am writing about the proposal to reduce the Main Street traffic lanes. It seems like the City Council asked the Main Street businesses what they would like, but they have not asked the rest of the Kalispell residents.

Rankin School is appropriate tribute

We learned this week that the elementary school under construction in South Kalispell will be named after Jeannette Rankin, Montana’s first woman to serve in the U.S. Congress.

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Lucille Deborah Sprague Wilson, 105

With sadness of her death, but celebration of her wonderful life, the family of Lucille Deborah Sprague Wilson announce her passing on Nov. 15, 2017, in Kalispell.

Firefighters put out blaze at abandoned home

The South Kalispell Fire Department responded to a structure fire at about 7:30 p.m. Monday on Willow Glen Drive. Fire Chief Chris Yerkes described the structure as a small, partially collapsed residence that has been unoccupied. The cause of the fire is unknown.

District plans to purchase land for future elementary

Kalispell Public Schools will enter into an agreement to purchase a 12-acre parcel north of Kalispell as a future elementary school site.

Hunter gets reduced fines for accidentally killing 3 sheep

Last fall, Jeff Fleming was facing nearly $33,000 in fines and a 30-month loss of hunting privileges — the penalties for accidentally shooting two bighorn sheep in the Knowles Creek area near Plains.

Antique gun collector donates firearms to museums

A rifle owned by alleged Montana outlaw Clubfoot George in the 1860s is headed to the Montana Historical Society to be kept in perpetuity, thanks to Bigfork gun collector Jack Paulson.

Lawmakers strike late-night budget deal

The Montana Legislature’s 33rd special session ended before dawn Thursday, with lawmakers closing the state’s $230 million budget gap with several interlocking bills – but no new taxes.

Legislature reaches budget fix without raising taxes

HELENA — Montana lawmakers have agreed to a plan to address the state’s projected $227 million budget deficit without raising taxes in a complicated mix of interconnected bills that make it nearly impossible for the governor to reject any part of the plan without further cuts.

State football deserving of a celebration

Northwest Montana will host a pair of state championships this weekend.

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- Kalispell Public Schools Policy and Technology Committees meet 8:30 a.m.

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- Kalispell Public Schools Policy and Technology Committees meet 8:30 a.m.

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- Kalispell Public Schools Policy and Technology Committees meet 8:30 a.m.

Big spending in municipal elections

Thousands of dollars in donations from outside the state flowed into last week’s municipal elections in the Flathead Valley, according to campaign reports filed with the Commissioner of Political Practices in Helena.

Man searches for stolen identity

According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, a man said he wanted to change his name to Justin, and wanted to know if their were any warrants under that name. Later in the day it was reported that a man named Jacob was using a man named Justin’s identity and was arrested under his name.

Osa LaCroix, 94

The world lost a sweet and gentle soul when Osa “went to heaven” on Nov. 14, 2017.

Katherine Naive, 84

Katherine Naive, 84, of Bigfork, passed away Nov. 13, 2017.

Leroy Hans 'Grump' Gronley, 88

Leroy Hans “Grump” Gronley, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, Nov. 13, 2017.

Bigfork artists dedicated to gallery's success

Works in every medium by artists across the Flathead Valley and beyond have found a platform in the Persimmon Gallery in Bigfork for the last decade thanks to the work of four dedicated women.

New school named after Jeannette Rankin

Kalispell’s newest elementary school currently under construction on Airport Road will be named after Jeannette Rankin — Montana’s first woman to serve in the U.S. Congress.

Flathead Forest Christmas tree permits available

Christmas tree permits are now available for $5 (cash) at each of the Flathead National Forest offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Bigfork. Additionally, permits can be purchased from a variety of retail vendors in the area.

Man stabbed at Kalispell motel

A stabbing at a Kalispell motel Monday night resulted in life-threatening injuries to a 41-year-old man.

Negligent homicide charge recommended in Pablo shooting

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is recommending new charges in connection with a fatal shooting in Pablo in September after an initial charge of deliberate homicide was dismissed without prejudice due to a lack of evidence.

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An open letter to Al and Lisa Stinson:

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An open letter to Al and Lisa Stinson:

Bullock enacts budget cuts; GOP looks to make them permanent

HELENA — Montana’s governor enacted just over $76 million in budget cuts Tuesday, and Republican lawmakers quickly sought to make them permanent and prevent him from vetoing other changes.

Good deed goes to the dogs

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, a woman said she picked up a stray dog and put it in her car while she ran her errands. But the dog started acting up and she needed help getting it out of her vehicle.

Irene A. Gibson, 89

Irene A. Gibson, 89, died peacefullly at home on Nov. 1, 2017.

Oliver 'Bruce' Calhoun, 94

Oliver “Bruce” Calhoun, 94, passed away on Nov. 10, 2017, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

Betty Motts, 85

Betty Motts passed away peacefully at Lakeview Healthcare Community in Bigfork Nov. 10, 2017. Joi was by her side.

Judy Mathiason, 71

Judy Mathiason, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 8, 2017, at her home in Marion.

Rural theaters feel pinch of new 'Star Wars' regs

Disney is imposing a draconian set of conditions for theaters playing the new “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” movie this holiday season. Many in the film industry have dubbed the terms bad for local business, and the effects are even worse for theaters in rural states like Montana.

Bigfork bus route draws criticism

Bigfork School District administrators and school board trustees received some pushback after changing how buses approach the school during afternoons.

County trails plan update underway

A plan is in the works to create an interactive countywide map of trails in the Flathead Valley and update the county’s 2010 trails plan.

Documents: Puerto Rico utility ignored advice on repair deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Puerto Rico's bankrupt electric utility ignored advice from its own lawyers before signing an expanded contract worth $300 million with a tiny Montana company to repair its damaged power grid, newly released documents show.

Police chase reckless driver across Kalispell

Police are searching for the driver of a Toyota pickup who refused to pull over for a speeding violation in Kalispell on Monday evening.

Hunters report rut is underway

Hunting success rates in Northwest Montana remained below average for the fourth weekend of the general rifle season.

Clark Curtiss Stahlberg, 80

The fish and the deer in the Flathead Valley are a bit safer today with the passing of Clark Curtiss Stahlberg on Nov. 10, 2017, from complications of an Oct. 26 auto accident.

Claude Leon Rydalch, 84

Claude Leon Rydalch, 84, longtime resident of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017.

Rowdy romper room reported

According to the Columbia Falls Police Department, a caller was hearing a lot of loud stomping and crashing noises from a nearby apartment. Law enforcement made contact with the residents at the apartment and found babysitters with four or five little kids.

Governor's budget proposals heard during special session

HELENA — State agencies and their supporters begrudgingly accepted budget cuts proposed by Gov. Steve Bullock as part of the state’s response to a projected $227 million budget deficit.

Kalispell lands big soccer tourney

In March 60 youth soccer teams will converge on the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell to compete in the first annual Indoor Soccer Championships. Only one will be crowned champion.

Olszewski receives top honor for mental-health advocacy

Sen. Al Olszewski, R-Kalispell, was recognized with a Montana Hero Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness for his efforts to bring a psychiatric residency program to the state during a recent awards banquet in Great Falls.

Kalispell resident deploys for hurricane relief

Ted Koenig is more of a behind-the-scenes guy. In his work as a disaster program manager with the Red Cross, he puts his analytical mind to use, coordinating 150 volunteers throughout Northwest Montana to ensure the agency’s humanitarian mission is carried out year-round.

Capitol Christmas Tree tour stops in Whitefish

Hundreds turned out in Whitefish on Monday afternoon for the arrival of the Capitol Christmas Tree, carefully packaged in a Plexiglas box and ready to travel to Washington, D.C. The tree was cut last week from the Kootenai National Forest and is an 81-foot-tall Engelmann spruce.

Possible timber thieves reported in Whitefish

The Creston Fire Department responded to a structure fire shortly before 4 a.m. on Snowberry Trail.

Glacier, Flathead speech and debate fall short against Bozeman

This weekend the speech and debate teams from Glacier and Flathead High Schools snagged two of the top three team scores at the Hawker Invitational in Bozeman that drew teams from across the state.

FVCC to bury 50th anniversary time capsule

Concluding its 50th anniversary celebration, Flathead Valley Community College will seal and bury a time capsule on Nov. 14, to be opened 50 years from now on the school’s 100th anniversary.

Lakeside man accused of threatening pharmacist

A man accused of pointing a gun at a Lakeside pharmacist pleaded not guilty on Thursday in Flathead District Court.

New silver coins depict Flathead landmarks

A mission to capture the uniqueness of Montana turned a Kalispell resident’s interest in coins into the beginning of a timeless series of unique coins portraying the historic landmarks and natural wonders of the “last best place.”

Origami artist, designer to publish third book

A piece of paper can become anything Shuki Kato wants it to be. It’s all in knowing how to fold it.

Time for governor to dance alone

By DEE BROWN

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In today’s news we see Republicans and Democrats worlds apart on how to run this country.

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In today’s news we see Republicans and Democrats worlds apart on how to run this country.

Governor, there is a solution to budget woes

I have a simple solution for Gov. Bullock’s budget woes. It’s a permanent tax increase, and it should be implemented immediately. Yes, you read that right; I propose an increase in taxes that will come from allowing business to exist in Montana unfettered.

Patient shares heartfelt thanks

From the sound of his letter dated Oct. 3, Orlo Thoen of Bigfork didn’t realize he wouldn’t be heading directly home after a recent catherization procedure at Kalispell Regional Medical Center; until Dr. Nathan Hall determined the clogged state of his patient’s arteries warranted immediate admission to the hospital. Soon after, Thoen had open heart surgery, performed by Dr. Drew Kirschner.

Don't cut more from U-System

In the midst of chaos, trying to cover the $223 million hole in our current budget; due to projected revenue shortfalls from the budget created this spring, as well as the devastating forest fires, Gov. Bullock has proposed the best way to cover that hole in this un-ideal situation. He suggests reallocating around $75 million from different excess money pools, creating around $75 million in revenue by taxing luxury items such as lodging or rental cars, and lastly to cut around $75 million in funding to state programs.

Is Fed-coin the beginning of the end for the U.S. economy?

The federal government is considering trying to eliminate the entire American cash currency system. This is to alleviate the federal government’s problem of too much debt and obligations on the books. Within a year they may start to phase out paper as money and slip in a new digital money called Fed-Coin which is patterned after Bit-Coin. It is a disaster in the making. Read about it here: http://www.nasdaq.com/article/fedcoin-could-replace-the-dollar-as-we-know-it-cm774260

Why Hillary lost: Let me count the ways!

It is my understanding that Hillary has written a book explaining why she lost the election. It is not my intention to buy this book hoping for a pleasant read. However, I’m thinking it might be appropriate to point out some of the reasons she may have lost several million votes.

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In today’s news we see Republicans and Democrats worlds apart on how to run this country.

Budget cuts will hit most vulnerable, not bureaucracy

Gov. Bullock has called a special session to address budget shortfalls. We all hoped that any special session would include efforts to eliminate human services cuts that will hurt vulnerable Montanans. But don’t be fooled. As called, the special session will not protect the disabled, elderly, and other Montanans in need. The best-case scenario from the special session as called assumes $110 million in cuts to the Department of Public Health and Human Services, with most of those cuts not to the bureaucracy, but to direct services to people — the cuts that hurt the most.

Update: 'Bridge to Nowhere' isn't going anywhere yet

The “Bridge to Nowhere” on Flathead Lake’s north shore remains in place more than a year after the local district court ruled that it must be removed. Many people across the Flathead Valley have asked when it will come down. That is a longer story, which we hope to tell here.

Living off nature's bounty

I have often wondered what my great-grandparents’ first thoughts were when they looked out on the expanse we now call the Flathead Valley. Imagine gazing at more trees with little or no land that had been manually cleared. A few houses and homesteads were scattered between miles of timber and shrubbery. What roads they found were merely two wagon ruts. Distances to neighbor’s houses or town were measured in hours or days not miles of travel.

Special session It's 'no accident' how we arrived at this point

Last fall, Montanans were treated to a campaign ad from Gov. Bullock entitled “No Accident.” In it, Bullock brags about a $300 million surplus and not raising taxes on Montana families.

It's the people's Constitution, not the court's

Not everyone agreed with Montana voters when they approved Marsy’s Law as an amendment to the state Constitution, but the vast majority did, and we certainly think the voters knew what they were doing.

Wake up, you Trumpsters - you elected a madman

So what will it take for undereducated, uninformed Montanans to realize they voted in a madman as president of the United States? After all they don’t read, don’t watch real TV news, have no idea what Trump actually does as POTUS. They get all their false information from a phony TV news entertainment show called Fox News, and listen to the former drug addict Rush Limbaugh rant on the radio. They are incapable of discerning the truth from false news and lies.

Perrin, Morley lead Flathead Valley runners at Nike regional

BOISE, Idaho — Runners from the Flathead Valley and Montana turned in high finishes on Saturday at the Nike Cross Northwest Regional Championships at the Eagle Island Cross Country Course.

Eureka thumps Fairfield

The Daily Inter Lake

Jim Oliverson more than deserving of the title of Great Chief

Jim Oliverson was named Great Chief by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce on Thursday night, and as was to be expected in a man of true greatness, he was humble, self-effacing and somewhat shocked in accepting the award.

Additional businesses eye North Kalispell

The Spring Prairie Commercial District in North Kalispell could be seeing several new additions in the next few years.

If 'threatened' status goes, do grizzlies gain?

For four years, research ecologist Tabitha Graves has studied grizzly bears at the U.S. Geological Survey’s NOROCK West Glacier Field Station.

Swan River teacher uses technology to enhance students' experiences

Swan River School is making its mark in how rural schools access and use technology in the classroom.

Two large projects proposed in Whitefish

A 102-unit housing complex proposed on Wisconsin Avenue and the redevelopment for the former Idaho Timber property will be considered during public hearings Thursday, Nov. 16, before the Whitefish Planning Board.

Wildcats roar into state title game

SIDNEY — The Columbia Falls defense came up big, silencing Sidney in a 17-0 victory in the Class A football semifinals on Saturday to earn a chance to host the state championship game for a second straight season.

Judy Mathiason, 71

Judy Mathiason, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 8, 2017, at her home in Marion.

Helen Angeline (Bulla) Buck, 93

Helen Angeline (Bulla) Buck, 93, passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at Heritage House in Kalispell.

Zinke says Dems holding Interior nominees 'hostage'

WASHINGTON — Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke says Senate Democrats are holding the department’s nominees “hostage” to a political agenda that includes opposition to his review of presidentially designated monuments.

Suspects hoof it from crime scene

According to the Kalispell Police Department call logs, a caller thought someone was breaking into their neighbor’s home. Although the caller couldn’t see anything, they reported hearing kicking noises and said it sounded like someone fell into the bushes and ran away. When law enforcement checked out the area they couldn’t find any people around, but found lots of deer prints in the snow.

Board rejects Bigfork vacation rental request

A Bigfork couple’s request for conditional-use permits to operate two vacation rentals has been unanimously rejected Tuesday by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment.

Combat medic's mission now is administering kindness

The Vietnam War has been on the minds of many Americans this year, due in large part to the exhaustive 17-hour documentary television series that premiered on PBS in September.

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Bronze statue has storied past in Flathead Valley

It’s been 100 years since America’s doughboys rolled into action as the United States entered World War I, and every day the memory of those infantrymen lives on at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

State Volleyball Libby, Whitefish fall on wild day in Class A

BOZEMAN — It took 10 sets of high-pressure volleyball to crack Libby.

Fairfield rolls into B semis at Eureka

Home again, but Eureka expects a much different and stiffer challenge today.

Class B State Volleyball Eureka eliminated as 5th-set comeback falls short

BOZEMAN — Eureka didn’t run out of fight.

Class AA State Volleyball Glacier lets huge lead slip away in season-ending loss to Billings West

BOZEMAN — The match was all but over.

Class A Semifinals Wildcats look to ground Sidney

COLUMBIA FALLS — This Columbia Falls football team is different.

Whitefish Veterans Day Program

Whitefish High School’s annual Veterans Day program was held Friday, Nov. 10 at the school’s gym.

Blaze destroys two structures

A fire consumed a home and fifth-wheel trailer outside of Columbia Falls Thursday evening.

GOP expands scope of special session

HELENA — Republican lawmakers on Friday said they have the support to expand the scope of Montana’s special session next week to vote on cuts proposed by Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock and consider additional transfers of money as the state faces a projected $227 million budget deficit.

Longtime hospital exec earns top Chamber honor

Jim Oliverson has accumulated a long list of accolades over the years in a decorated career in western Montana. On Thursday night at the annual Kalispell Chamber of Commerce awards banquet he added another one: Great Chief.

Veterans: Our thanks for your service

Flathead Valley residents have many opportunities to pay their respect to military veterans as Veterans Day assemblies are held today and Saturday throughout the valley.

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The families at Slopeside would like to take this opportunity to thank the Big Mountain Fire Dept, Whitefish Fire Dept., Columbia Falls Fire Dept., Evergreen Fire Dept., and Kalispell Fire Dept. and their personnel that responded to a fire at Slopeside at Whitefish Mountain Resort on the evening of Nov. 2.

An inspiring story for Veterans Day

With Veterans Day approaching I’d like to share a quick story with your readers.

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The families at Slopeside would like to take this opportunity to thank the Big Mountain Fire Dept, Whitefish Fire Dept., Columbia Falls Fire Dept., Evergreen Fire Dept., and Kalispell Fire Dept. and their personnel that responded to a fire at Slopeside at Whitefish Mountain Resort on the evening of Nov. 2.

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By EVAN MCCULLERS

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By EVAN MCCULLERS

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By EVAN MCCULLERS

State Volleyball Passing game dooms Eureka in 3-set loss to Three Forks

BOZEMAN — Head coach Charli Chapman didn’t pause to think about her diagnosis of Eureka’s issues in its opening match of the state volleyball tournament.

State A Volleyball Libby nips Lewistown, crushed by Billings Central

BOZEMAN — Libby coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston could identify only one silver lining following her team’s nightcap on Day 1 of the Class A state volleyball tournament.

Elaine Meldrum Sloan, 78

Elaine Meldrum Sloan, 78, passed away July 18, 2017, in Albany, Oregon, surrounded by the family and hospice care. She fought a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Lost cellphone nothing to cry about

According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, a woman was reportedly crying and asking officers to help her find her cellphone at a fast food restaurant. She later apologized to officers, saying she found her phone buried in her room.

Decorated Marine to speak at Whitefish Veterans Day program

If you see a person sporting a red emblem with an eagle, globe and anchor today, try saying, “happy birthday” and in most cases you’ll get to watch them smile. Nov. 10 is the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The Corps got its start 242 years ago in a tavern in Philadelphia during the American Revolution. For those who have earned the title of Marine, Nov. 10 is celebrated as if it was their own birthday.

Woman charged in murder case denies bail jumping

A Kalispell woman charged in connection with an April homicide in Evergreen pleaded not guilty to a felony bail-jumping charge on Thursday.

Montana high court upholds compact

A complex, controversial water compact between the state and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes has been upheld by the Montana Supreme Court.

As ashes cool, salvage work begins

Fires have given way to snow in Northwest Montana, but local foresters are still focused on the region’s burned acres.

Hunting check-ins still lagging

Game was hard to come by for many Region 1 hunters last weekend, even as snow blanketed Northwest Montana.

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Cut line causes 911 calls to be rerouted

A construction crew Thursday morning cut a fiber optic line in the Kalispell area that caused 911 calls to stop being delivered to the Flathead Emergency Communication Center.

Fire destroys Martin City home

A Martin City home was destroyed, but no one was injured at the residence on the South Fork Road Wednesday morning.

Residents reminded to follow mailbox rules

The Flathead County Road Department reminds residents to take precautions to avoid mailbox damage from snowplows.

Northwest squads set to tip off at state

BOZEMAN — Four area teams begin play at the all-class state volleyball tournament today at Montana State’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

Close to the final goal

There’s one more game and possibly the biggest challenge of the season left before the state championship game.

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Rock Creek Mine gets partial approval

A long-gestating mining plan for the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness has been drawn out further.

Benefits, drawbacks of county drug court discussed

Flathead County Deputy Attorney Travis Ahner is one of the latest local officials to weigh in on the impact a drug court could have on the community.

Bigfork documentary has debut screening

Over 400 people packed the house for the Nov. 3 premiere of “Bigfork, A Montana Story,” a locally made film documenting the story and history of Bigfork from its beginning.

Veterans Day events around the Flathead

The following events are scheduled to commemorate Veterans Day in the Flathead Valley:

Yaak School featured in new book about one-room schools

Along the Yaak River Road some 40 miles north of Troy, the Yaak School has served the rural community there since 1932.

Man sentenced for assault on police officer

A man who kicked a police officer in the hands and chest has been sentenced to four years with the Department of Corrections.

Man has beef with jerky thief

According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office call logs, a caller said someone rifled through his vehicle but the only thing they got was his beef jerky.

China's largest online retailer to buy Montana beef

BILLINGS — China’s largest online retailer has agreed to buy $200 million worth of Montana beef over the next three years — equal to as many as 90,000 head of cattle — and potentially invest $100 million more in a new slaughterhouse in the state, under the terms of a trade deal that were disclosed Wednesday.

Banff Mountain Film Festival makes Kalispell stop

On Nov. 14 and 15, the Banff Mountain Film Festival’s World Tour will stop at Flathead High School.

Chronic wasting disease sample comes back suspect

A chronic wasting disease sample collected by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in late October from a hunter-killed deer was found to be suspect for the disease.

Revolution tournament victories mark growth of SBG in Montana

As Straight Blast Gym celebrates the opening of new locations in Bigfork and Missoula, they sent 20 competitors to the Revolution XXXV Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament in Tacoma, Washington, on Nov. 4 and 5. This marked a special event for SBG’s teams in Montana as athletes from all four locations came together to compete and support each other in the event.

Official says Puerto Rico needs 'unprecedented' federal help

WASHINGTON (AP) — Puerto Rico has suffered such extensive devastation from Hurricane Maria that its recovery will fail unless the island gets more help from the Trump administration and Congress, the head of a federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico's finances said Tuesday.

Downtown plan hearing draws mixed reactions

Whitefish native enters U.S. House election

Last year, Montana Democrats took a bruising loss in the race for Montana’s lone House of Representatives seat. But that hasn’t deterred them from trying to unseat Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Bozeman, in 2018.

More speech team results posted

Speech and debate teams recently competed over the weekend.

Troy sawyer to cut Capitol Christmas Tree

On Wednesday, the Capitol Christmas Tree will begin its journey from the Kootenai National Forest to Washington, D.C. — with a cut from local sawyer Pete Tallmadge.

Partnering to preserve Glacier Park

What a summer we had in Glacier National Park. Just look at the numbers. Before the Going-to-the-Sun Road opened, June visitation was up 28 percent from 2016. During July, Glacier Park became the first destination national park in the West to host 1 million visitors in a single month — a number never experienced by Yellowstone, Grand Canyon or even Yosemite.

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I’m fairly new to Montana and didn’t realize that’s so many cars here lack working headlights. Those poor people.

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I’m fairly new to Montana and didn’t realize that’s so many cars here lack working headlights. Those poor people.

Customer crashes through drive-thru

According to the Kalispell Police Department call logs, a customer at a drive-thru confused it for a drive-into when they reportedly hit a fast food menu board and damaged it significantly.

Carol Anna Starbuck, 81

Carol Anna Starbuck, 81, passed away in her home on Nov. 4, 2017, after a short battle with liver cancer.

Newborn parents 'learn to earn'

Cassandra Hall and her husband, Seth, had talked it over: they’d have one more child and call it good. But fate had other plans for the young Kalispell couple.

Election results: Newcomer takes Kalispell's Ward 3 seat

Flathead Valley residents on Tuesday cast votes to decide the fate of 10 separate public offices, though only half of them were contested. Results weren’t announced until after midnight because of delays election officials said were due to their counting machine not handling the folds in mail-in ballots as efficiently as they anticipated.

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Wolfpack spikers open with Senior at state play

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Wolfpack spikers open with Senior at state play

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Wolfpack spikers open with Senior at state play

Western AA Soccer Glacier's Williams named Player of the Year

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead youth center takes different approach to justice

Flathead Valley youths referred to the Center for Restorative Youth Justice program may dread carrying out the “punishment” for their crime, but many juveniles in the program said they were surprised at what they found when they walked through the doors.

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City elections underway today

The residents of Flathead County’s three incorporated cities head to the polls today to participate in municipal elections.

Congregation celebrates 125 years with renewed purpose

Before Charles Conrad built his mansion and before the creation of Glacier National Park, the First Baptist Church of Kalispell took its place as “a light on a hill” for the infant town in 1893, a year after its birth.

Gun-toting dad makes slippery move on sled hill

According to the Kalispell Police Department call logs, a child reportedly found a gun at the sledding hill. A man reportedly said ‘Oh that’s mine. I didn’t know I lost it.” He later told police the gun fell out of his pocket while he was sleigh riding with his daughter. Police advised the man to be sure and secure his weapon given the number of kids in the area.

Governor calls for special session

HELENA — Gov. Steve Bullock called the Montana Legislature into special session next week to address a projected $227 million budget shortfall.

Mill fire delivers 'devastating' blow

A blaze that kept firefighters busy for 18 hours beginning Sunday afternoon destroyed two buildings in Libby’s Kootenai Business Park and has left about 18 to 20 people out of work, officials say.

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Complaint about icy road in Whitefish ends in verbal rage

A caller contacted the Whitefish Police Department to report icy conditions on the hill on East Second Street near the dog park and all of Armory Road. When dispatch said they couldn’t send a public works employee to remedy the situation immediately, the caller reportedly became hostile, belligerent and uncooperative, so the dispatcher hung up on the caller. The caller called again and got a different dispatcher, and asked to file a complaint about the first dispatcher. The caller demanded to speak with a manager, but it turns out they were already speaking to the manager. The caller allegedly began using foul language and refused to listen to the information dispatch was relaying. Dispatch hung up on the caller again. When they called a third time and heard the same voice, they began cursing and then hung up on their own. The local public works department was notified about the icy road.

Glacier, Columbia Falls high schools win early speech meet

Flathead High School hosted the season’s one day Kalispell Kickoff speech and debate tournament on Saturday. The event drew competitors from five AA schools, as well as from A, B and C schools in the state.

Rotarians work to improve water supplies in Guatemala

Libby Rotarians are at the forefront of a collaborative humanitarian project in Guatemala that is providing one of life’s basic needs — clean water.

Special education director addresses goals

Sara Cole, 37, is growing a tree of student and family photographs on a wall of her Kalispell Public Schools Central Administration Office.

'GUTS AND FORTITUDE'

Taylor Reed isn’t your average amateur boxer.

Pope leaving Catholics to fend for themselves?

The world and Catholicism have had over four years now of the See of St. Peter, occupied by a Jesuit (a first), and a “Francis” (also a first), and some aspects of it are beginning to emerge.

Candidate explains why she is running for City Council

Why am I running for Ward 3 Kalispell City Council again? Yes, the 14 voters I did not get last time is a goal to reach but as important is the fundamental differences between me and the other candidates.

One legislator's budget solution

OK, I admit it. I am not one of those gnomes that occupy the Appropriations, Finance & Claims or Taxation Committees in the Legislature. I am a policy guy, who has always sought solutions for problems facing Montana. We have all been listening to the verbal bricks being tossed back and forth from the administration over the condition of Montana’s budget. I get it. It IS pretty doggone dire; so maybe now, it is time to think outside the accounting boxes of both the governor and Legislature. A policy guy does that.

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My wife, Bev, and I have known Frank Garner for a long time and we’ve always appreciated how hard he’s worked for Kalispell. I’ve seen the recent attacks on him and I’m grateful that he’s been willing to stand up for our town against the critics.

Special session is a necessity

It appears that Montana legislators may at last be close to accepting the necessity of a special session as a means to solving what is a significant budget crisis.

Change the laws that hamstring the Forest Service

Another fire season has come and gone with over 1 million acres burnt which produced weeks of smoke and cost hundreds of millions to control. The detrimental effects of these fires include impaired health, loss of tourism dollars, burnt out structures and damage to both wildlife and our ecosystems. It is clear the Forest Service cannot appropriately manage our forests mainly because of the extreme environmentalist vision of the “Rocky Mountain Corridor,” which is enforced by environmental laws and particularly the Endangered Species Act.

American schism

Division is an American tradition as old as our country

The recently concluded seriesd on PBS, “The Vietnam War,” stuck me as symptomatic of the permanent divide in America’s dual personality — we Americans tend towards being for something or against something.

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My wife, Bev, and I have known Frank Garner for a long time and we’ve always appreciated how hard he’s worked for Kalispell. I’ve seen the recent attacks on him and I’m grateful that he’s been willing to stand up for our town against the critics.

Volleyball Corvallis trips Libby twice, claims Western A title

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Eureka falls to Florence in Western B final

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Carroll rallies past Western

HELENA — Carroll outscored Montana Western 14-2 in the second half to hold off the Bulldogs 24-15 in a Frontier Conference football game on Saturday at Nelson Stadium.

The Montana Scene opens in downtown Kalispell

A new shop has opened on Main Street in Kalispell.

Local teams looks at season ahead

Class A speech and debate state champion Columbia Falls High School is starting the season with 42 members who are looking to continue the dynasty of consecutive state titles.

Boxer brings all-or-nothing attitude to the ring

Taylor Reed swayed back against the ropes as his coach Jesse Uhde leaned into him, delivering a fierce staccato of punches to his side. Reed pushed off and returned the favor, hooking into Uhde with a powerful blow. The two men, drenched in sweat, paced around the ring looking for an opportunity to strike the other when a sharp bell rang out, signaling the end of their eighth three-minute round.

Eureka hammers Manhattan

EUREKA — Eureka stormed over Manhattan 36-0 on Saturday afternoon to advance to the Class B football semifinals.

Legislators sound off on special session

For the 33rd time since statehood, Montana lawmakers could soon meet outside regular session to address the state’s budget crisis.

Whitefish ready to vote on lakeshore annexation

Property owners in the Houston Drive lakeshore area of Whitefish have one more chance to weigh in on the proposed annexation of 43 acres of land the city has deemed wholly surrounded by other city land.

Leaf dumper, doughnut driver eludes officers

According to the Whitefish Police Department, someone allegedly dumped a bag of leaves in a resident’s yard. The resident who called to report the incident voiced more concern about someone doing doughnuts near a school. Officers were unable to locate the perpetrator(s).

Col. Falls Chamber hears about health care

The Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly general membership from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the North Valley Hospital Community Room, 235 Nucleus Ave. in Columbia Falls.

One-room schools an important piece of American history

When I was about 4 or 5, my mother got a call one day from her sister — Auntie “Do-Do” (Doris), who was calling from the telephone that had just been installed in the one-room schoolhouse in northern Minnesota where she was the lone teacher. This must have been a big deal because I still remember talking to my very excited aunt that day as Mom handed the phone to me. It was my first phone call ever.

Kevin E. Schoenrock, 63

Kevin E. Schoenrock, 63, passed away in Kalispell Oct. 12, 2017. Kev lost his long battle with asbestosis, and with weakened lungs and summer smoke, he contracted PCP, a very rare pneumonia, and Kevin’s big, loving heart gave out.

Vance Vernon Plympton, 63

Vance Vernon Plympton, 63, died Nov. 2, 2017, at home in Missoula. His body just wore out.

Patricia V. Berg, 81

Patricia V. Berg, 81, passed away on Oct. 28, 2017 at home.

Mary Elizabeth Montgomery, 98

Marybeth Montgomery, 98, passed away Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at her residence in Whitefish. Marybeth’s final days were at home under the care of hospice, family and friends.

Michelle Lee LaBere, 54

Michelle Lee LaBere was born Michelle Lee Brock on July 13,1963, in Walnut Creek, California, and raised in Martinez, California.

Sandra 'Sandy' Lundstrom, 69

Sandra “Sandy” Lundstrom, 69, of Columbia Falls, passed away Oct. 31, 2017, at the Heritage Place.

Samuel L. Penzi, 30

Samuel L. Penzi, 30, found his final peace on Oct. 28, 2017.

Michael Wesley H. Cole, 64

Michael Wesley H. Cole, 64, died unexpectedly in Polson at St. Joseph’s Hospital Oct. 23, 2017.

JFK murder is a mirror maze that won't be solved by a few more documents

Last week we came close to a milestone as President Trump released all but the last few hundred public documents related to the Kennedy assassination.

'Cats cream Cowboys

COLUMBIA FALLS — Austin Green and Columbia Falls physically dominated Miles City in a 48-8 victory on Saturday afternoon in the Class A football quarterfinals.

Capital chills Flathead's postseason

By EVAN MCCULLERS

Manhattan next in line for unbeaten Eureka Lions

Last year, Eureka football coach Trevor Utter said his team “flew under the radar a little bit. People didn’t expect us to win.”

Eureka spikers to play for state bid at Western B

EUREKA — Eureka will have a chance to play its way into the state volleyball tournament on its home court.

Cats, Cowboys set for playoff clash

Columbia Falls is ready for a challenge.

Libby advances to title match in Western A volleyball

BUTTE — Libby is the lone unbeaten team at the Western A Divisional volleyball tournament at the Maroon Activities Center.

Eastside Brick residents raise concerns about new tenant

Some Kalispell residents at the Eastside Brick building have an uneasy feeling about the Office of the State Public Defender moving into the building in January.

Local teams reload with talent

There’s a lot of talk going on in Flathead and Glacier high schools as the two Class AA speech and debate teams start the season with a total of 290 students.

E. Joyce Logan Conklin, 86

Joyce, being a woman of great faith, “decided when the saints came marching” in on All Saints Day that she would march out with them” Nov. 1, 2017, at the age of 86.

Employee reportedly short on bread

According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, an employee was reportedly stealing “dough” from a bread shop.

Olney man sent to prison for rape

An Olney man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on felony charges of sexual intercourse without consent.

3 plaintiffs in Boy Scout sex abuse case reach settlement

GREAT FALLS — Three of six female plaintiffs who claim they were sexually assaulted by an adult Boy Scout leader nearly 40 years ago have reached a settlement.

Slopeside home destroyed in fire

A townhouse on Big Mountain was totally destroyed and another townhouse was damaged during a massive fire Thursday night.

Gov. Martz was a Montana original

Former Gov. Judy Martz was a fighter to the end.

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The discharge permit issued by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality should be seen for just what it is. The DEQ took over a year to come up with essentially the same analysis that they had prior to the receipt of over 250 objections and comments from the public. They have totally abdicated any responsibility to protect the environment of the Flathead Valley citizens and have chosen to limit their review of the environmental issues raised by this water bottling plant of Montana Artesian Water Company by doing the following:

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The discharge permit issued by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality should be seen for just what it is. The DEQ took over a year to come up with essentially the same analysis that they had prior to the receipt of over 250 objections and comments from the public. They have totally abdicated any responsibility to protect the environment of the Flathead Valley citizens and have chosen to limit their review of the environmental issues raised by this water bottling plant of Montana Artesian Water Company by doing the following:

FAST AND PHYSICAL Flathead defense sets the tone

Matt Upham kept things short and to the point when he spoke to his defense following a 33-20 loss at Missoula Big Sky earlier this season.

Winter weather, Helena Capital await Flathead

Kyle Samson can count on one hand the number of current Flathead football players who were on the field in the school’s last playoff game.

Libby, Corvallis spikers roll into semifinals at Western A tournament

BUTTE — Libby and Corvallis rolled into semifinal play by posting impressive victories on Thursday during first-day action at the Western A divisional volleyball tournament at the Maroon Activities Center.

Eureka into semis at Western B volleyball divisional

EUREKA — Eureka edged past Deer Lodge in four sets at the Western B divisional volleyball tournament on Thursday and is now one win away from clinching a spot at the state tournament.

Helena downs Flathead in volleyball playoff match

HELENA — Flathead battled third-seed Helena High, but the seventh-seed Bravettes came up short in a 17-25, 25-13, 25-21, 25-21 Western AA Division volleyball plaoff match on Thursday evening.

Lake County seeks volunteers for boards

Lake County currently seeks volunteers for the following Boards. Positions begin on January 1, 2018. If you have questions about the area of jurisdiction for a particular board or to obtain an application, please check with Lake County Planning Dept.

Officials disagree on Puerto Rico power restoration timeline

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Officials in the U.S. and Puerto Rico gave differing views Thursday on when power will be fully restored to the U.S. territory after Hurricane Maria hit as a Category 4 storm more than a month ago.

Groups sue for details on Trump plan for national monuments

BILLINGS — Environmentalists sued the administration of President Donald Trump on Thursday seeking to pry loose details of plans to shrink national monuments and marine areas and open protected areas to commercial fishing, energy extraction, logging and other industries.

Boy runs away after Halloween candy confiscated

According to the Kalispell Police Department call logs, a woman said she found a runaway note from her son after he was grounded and his Halloween candy was taken away. Her son was later located.

Harold Burton Gilbertson, 84

Harold Burton Gilbertson, 84, passed away Oct. 18, 2017, in Felton, California.

Ellen Rickard, 68

Ellen Rickard, 68, peacefully passed away in Kalispell Oct. 29. 2017.

Nursing students study high school stress levels

Stress is on the rise among American teens who sometimes struggle to balance school, home life and social expectations. Teens today report higher levels of stress than adults and more than a third anticipate their stress levels to only increase next year.

Budget deal, special session in sight

A deal to fix the state’s budget problems could materialize in the coming days, and a special legislative session could follow soon after, Gov. Steve Bullock’s budget director said on Wednesday.

Icy roads blamed for dozens of crashes

Steady snowfall on Thursday spurred dozens of crashes across the Flathead Valley and caused a temporary closure of U.S. 93.

Flathead Lake Brewing closing Woods Bay location

Flathead Lake Brewing Co. is closing down its Woods Bay taproom and brewing facility at the end of this year.

Bigfork committee opposes vacation rental proposal

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee has recommended denial of a Bigfork couple’s request to operate two vacation rental homes on their property.

From freshmen to seniors, Braves captains keep the faith

On the wall just outside of the football locker room at Flathead High School hangs a plaque.

Last chance at a first impression

Brock Osweiler’s second chance has arrived.

Divisional volleyball starts with last spots at state on the line

This weekend is the last chance for a handful of area teams to punch their ticket to the state volleyball tournament as the Western A and Western B volleyball tournaments start today.

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Parker Mae Laabs, daughter of Kelly and Courtney Laabs of Whitefish, was born April 1 at North Valley Hospital.

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Parker Mae Laabs, daughter of Kelly and Courtney Laabs of Whitefish, was born April 1 at North Valley Hospital.

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Parker Mae Laabs, daughter of Kelly and Courtney Laabs of Whitefish, was born April 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Mama bear and cubs stop workers in tracks

According to the Whitefish Police Department call logs, construction workers were stopped in their tracks and had to be escorted from their spot by river because they didn’t want to cross a mama bear and her cubs.

Mediation talks set for case against Boy Scouts

A judge has entered several orders that could move a local case against the Boy Scouts of America forward to trial in November.

Capitol Christmas tree location revealed

The Engelmann spruce selected as this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will be cut from the Kootenai National Forest next week.

Feds taking comments for stonefly proposal

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reopened the public comment period for its proposal to list two tiny, mountain stream-dwelling insects as threatened.

Fall snowstorm bears down on Flathead

Following an initial burst of winter weather on Wednesday, the Flathead Valley is bracing for another shot of accumulating snow Thursday and Friday.

Outdoor retailer REI planning Kalispell store

Plans are in the works for an REI store in North Kalispell.

Broncos bench Siemian, promote Osweiler

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Brock Osweiler has supplanted Trevor Siemian as the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

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Mary Ellen McIntosh Ramlow, 92

Mary Ellen McIntosh Ramlow passed away at her home on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 29, 2017, just one month before her 93rd birthday.

Lillian I. Enevold, 95

Lillian I. Enevold, 95, passed peacefully on Oct. 26, 2017, at the Brendan House surrounded by co-workers and her daughter. She suffered from Alzheimer’s but did so with dignity.

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I am bewildered that our county commissioners chose not to require a stoplight at the intersection of Hodgson Road and U.S. 93 in Happy Valley when they approved the new casino at that intersection. The casino is now completed and will soon open for business, making a dangerous intersection life threatening; it’s an accident waiting to happen. I turn onto Hodgson Road frequently en-route to work and I fear for my life in negotiating that turn. I fear too for the children in the Forest Acres park who frequently cross nearby for a quart of milk, or can of pop, from the Midway Convenience store.

Margaret Louise Stebbins-Jacobson, 96

Margaret Louise Jacobson died on Oct. 30, 2017, in Kalispell.

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I am bewildered that our county commissioners chose not to require a stoplight at the intersection of Hodgson Road and U.S. 93 in Happy Valley when they approved the new casino at that intersection. The casino is now completed and will soon open for business, making a dangerous intersection life threatening; it’s an accident waiting to happen. I turn onto Hodgson Road frequently en-route to work and I fear for my life in negotiating that turn. I fear too for the children in the Forest Acres park who frequently cross nearby for a quart of milk, or can of pop, from the Midway Convenience store.

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Plans unveiled for new Coram fire station

The Coram-West Glacier Volunteer Fire Department plans to improve its facility from the current “glorified garage” to a new, bigger station at a better location.

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Work progressing on sustainability center

The Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship at Whitefish High School is starting to take shape.

Richard Raymond Greenwald, 94

Richard Raymond Greenwald, 94, a longtime Columbia Falls resident, “went to be with the Lord” on Oct. 28, 2017, in Spokane.

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I am bewildered that our county commissioners chose not to require a stoplight at the intersection of Hodgson Road and U.S. 93 in Happy Valley when they approved the new casino at that intersection. The casino is now completed and will soon open for business, making a dangerous intersection life threatening; it’s an accident waiting to happen. I turn onto Hodgson Road frequently en-route to work and I fear for my life in negotiating that turn. I fear too for the children in the Forest Acres park who frequently cross nearby for a quart of milk, or can of pop, from the Midway Convenience store.