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Hazel Geneva (Mondy) Hunt, 92

Hazel Geneva (Mondy) Hunt, 92, passed away Dec. 22, 2009, in Sublimity, Ore. She was born in Galata to James and Jessie Mondy. She married Harry S. Hunt of Whitefish on Feb. 2, 1942, in Tacoma, Wash. In 1947 the Hunts returned to Montana where they settled on acreage west of Kalispell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, who died in 1972; sister, Effie Ness; brother, Elmer Bud Mondy; brother, Albert Mondy; and a granddaughter, Katie Hunt. She is survived by a sister, Iva, and John Sherrard, of Conrad; a son, James, and Karen Hunt, of North Pole, Alaska; daughter, Gayle, and Rick McLain, of Belem, Brazil; and a son, J. Steven Hunt, and Kathy, of Salem, Ore.; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held today, Dec. 31, in Salem, and a graveside service for family and friends will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 4 at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell. A reception will follow at Bethel Baptist Church in Kalispell.

Laurence Chubb A. Richards, 88

Laurence Chubb A. Richards, 88, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born in Lewiston, Idaho, on Feb. 17, 1921, to William C. and Sophie (Gossack) Richards. Larry attended Egan and Kalispell schools, graduating from Flathead County High School in 1938. He married his high school sweetheart, Jane Bondurant. They were residing in Seattle when Larry was called to duty in World War II. After he served in the Philippine Islands and Japan, the couple returned to Kalispell where Larry and his brother, Will, owned and operated Richards Sheet Metal. Larry loved the outdoors and spent most of his leisure time fishing, camping, golfing, waterskiing and snow skiing. His talents extended to the arts as he used the tools of his trade to create metal sculptures of ships, flowers, scenes and characters. He was a member of the Elks and shared his musical talents by serving as the club s organist. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jane; brother, Will; and son-in-law, John Lee. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Weydahl, and husband, Allan; daughter, Karen Lee, and special friend, Roger Jones; longtime companion, Lora Steele; granddaughter, Heidi Weydahl; grandsons, Nathan Weydahl, Jeremy Lee and Matthew Lee; five great-grandchildren, Ryan Weydahl, and Justin, Jordan, Ruhne and Taylor Lee; and nephew, Chuck Richards. Memorial services for Larry will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. Urn burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Guests are invited to a reception at the Village Greens Community Center, 195 W. Nicklaus Dr., immediately following the services. The family suggests donations be made to the Montana Veterans Home Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 250, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, in memory of Laurence Richards. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Laurence s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Laurence s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Mary Veronica Hunt, 79

Mary Veronica Hunt, of Helena, a wife, mother, registered nurse and community volunteer, died of natural causes on Tuesday night, Dec. 29, 2009, at St. Peter s Hospital. She was 79. A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at Retz Funeral Home. A funeral Mass is set for 10 a.m. Monday at St. Helena Cathedral. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Mary Hunt was born April 16, 1930, in Dillon, the daughter of Gebhard and Florence Streb Fassler, who had a ranch on Trapper Creek, west of Melrose. She grew up there with her two sisters and four female cousins, who lived on a ranch across the road. Like her older and younger sister, after attending Melrose Grade School, Mary was sent to Missoula to enroll in the all-girls Catholic Sacred Heart Academy in Missoula. She graduated as class president in 1948 and received a full academic scholarship to attend St. Patrick School of Nursing from 1949 to 1952. She passed her state boards and became a registered nurse in March 1952, graduating later that year. On Aug. 25, 1952, she married William E. Hunt, a University of Montana law student. Mary worked as a registered nurse at hospitals in Missoula, Havre, Chester and Helena for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1992. She also worked as secretary in her husband s law office in Chester. Mary and Bill had five children, Jim, Joe, Kate, Pat and Bill Jr. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren unconditionally and fully supported them in whatever they took on. She was so proud of each of them and their accomplishments and was always there for them, no matter what. The family moved to Helena from Chester in 1970 when her husband was appointed to head the state Aernonautics Division. Bill later was appointed the state s first workers compensation judge and was elected to two terms as a justice on the Montana Supreme Court. Helena was the Hunts home for nearly 40 years. Besides raising her family and working at St. Peter s Hospital, Mary loved life and participated in a variety of activities. Although Mary had friends of all political persuasion she was a Democratic Party stalwart and volunteered on many campaigns. Mary volunteered for many years at the Montana Historical Society, where she loved taking students on tours of the museum. She was active in Friends of the Montana Historical Society for years, serving as president twice. She did extensive historical research on her family and gave each of her children many books on her family s history. As a senior citizen, she audited classes at Carroll College for eight years, especially enjoying history courses. She also took adult education classes in Helena, including auto maintenance and repair. Mary served as a volunteer for music classes at Smith School when two of her granddaughters were students there. Her cross-stitching, needlework, quilting and sewing always drew raves. Mary had a keen interest in the arts. As a senior citizen, she was part of a tap dancing troupe that performed around town. Part of the Hunt tradition was her family singing Silent Night on Christmas Eve as she played it on the piano. Her family could always count on answering the phone on their birthday to her and Bill singing Happy Birthday. She was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. Mary loved to garden, travel and tromp around in the outdoors. She loved nothing more than slipping away from town and was a skilled fly fisherwoman. She was a longtime season ticket holder who rooted for the Montana Grizzlies football team. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Joe; and her sister, Dorothy Byrne. Survivors include her husband, Bill; and her children, Jim and his wife, Barbara Howe, and children, Hannah and Isabelle Hunt, of Helena; Kate and her husband, Todd Johnson, and children, Arlo and Jane Johnson, of Kalispell; Pat and husband, Chuck Johnson, of Helena; and son, Bill Jr., and companion, Shelly Collier, of Shelby. Other survivors are sister, Helen Coleman, and her husband, Verle, of Richland, Wash.; brother-in-law, Bill Byrne, of Missoula; her cousins; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial gifts be made to a local food bank. Retz Funeral Home of Helena is handling the arrangements.

Remembering Bronson

Troy organ donor honored at Rose Parade

A 25-year-old Troy man who died two years ago on New Year’s Day will be remembered during Friday’s Rose Parade for the gifts he gave as an organ donor.

Fugitive returned to Flathead

Avalanche classes offered in Whitefish, Col. Falls

The Flathead National Forest, in partnership with Glacier Country Avalanche Center, is sponsoring two free basic avalanche awareness classes in Whitefish and Columbia Falls.

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Dog freed from coyote trap is OK

Flathead County sheriff

Families invited to join trail activities

The Flathead Community of Resource Educators, a network of individuals and organizations working to increase awareness and understanding of the natural, historical and cultural resources of the Flathead region, is celebrating Winter Trails Day throughout January with several free outdoor family activities.  

Ring in the new year safely

Happy new year!

Jeanette Yankers McNamara, 44

Jeanette Yankers McNamara died at her home in Whitefish on Dec. 28, 2009. Jeanette was born on Jan. 5, 1965, in Pressath, Bavaria, Germany, to Johanna Lore and Bill Yankers, and was the oldest of their three children. She graduated from the Elly Heuss Acadamie in 1984 and worked for the U.S. Army at the Grafenwoehr Training Center as chief of the pay section. It was there that she met the love of her life, Capt. Mike McNamara, and they were married at the KlosterKirche in Speinhshart, Germany, on Sept. 17, 1988. Their marriage was blessed with three loving children, Jamie, Christopher and Shannon. Jeanette, Mike and the kids traveled extensively, visiting Russia, Egypt, Turkey, Poland, Romania and all of Western Europe. Her sense of adventure and zest for life made these travels wonderful memories for them both. Jeanette was the core of the family, caring for everyone, especially during her husband s often extended deployments. She loved raising their children. When the family retired from the Army in 2006, they moved to Whitefish. Jeanette loved the forests and woodlands which reminded her so much of the Bavarian countryside of her youth. She especially treasured her woods behind the family home, her wildflowers and the lovely morels which she considered God s gift to her family. Jeanette passionately enjoyed observing wildlife in Glacier National Park, especially the bears and moose. She also enjoyed their many family adventures, like camel safaris, diving in the Keys, and camping in Ireland and anywhere in the beautiful Montana backcountry. She volunteered at various community activities, especially the Whitefish Figure Skating Club, where she spent many happy hours on the ice with her daughter Shannon. Jeanette is survived by her husband, Mike, and her three children at the family home in Whitefish, as well as her mother and her brother, Oliver, and sister, Melanie, in Germany. Her wonderful life, though far too brief, leaves lasting memories of love, of family and kindness to all, which will live in our hearts forever. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish, with a reception to follow in the Parish Life Center. Friends may call at Austin Funeral Home beginning at 3 p.m. Friday; a parish vigil and rosary will follow at 7 p.m. Friday. An additional celebration of her life will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, at the Whitefish United Methodist Church.

Laurence Chubb A. Richards, 88

Laurence Chubb A. Richards, 88, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born in Lewiston, Idaho, on Feb. 17, 1921, to William C. and Sophie (Gossack) Richards. Larry attended Egan and Kalispell schools, graduating from Flathead County High School in 1938. He married his high school sweetheart, Jane Bondurant. They were residing in Seattle when Larry was called to duty in World War II. After he served in the Philippine Islands and Japan, the couple returned to Kalispell where Larry and his brother, Will, owned and operated Richards Sheet Metal. Larry loved the outdoors and spent most of his leisure time fishing, camping, golfing, waterskiing and snow skiing. His talents extended to the arts as he used the tools of his trade to create metal sculptures of ships, flowers, scenes and characters. He was a member of the Elks and shared his musical talents by serving as the club s organist. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jane; brother, Will; and brother-in-law, John Lee. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Weydahl, and husband, Allan; daughter, Karen Lee, and special friend, Roger Jones; longtime companion, Lora Steele; granddaughter, Heidi Weydahl; grandsons, Nathan Weydahl, Jeremy Lee and Matthew Lee; five great-grandchildren, Ryan Weydahl, and Justin, Jordan, Ruhne and Taylor Lee; and nephew, Chuck Richards. Memorial services for Larry will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. Urn burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Guests are invited to a reception at the Village Greens Community Center, 195 W. Nicklaus Dr., immediately following the services. The family suggests donations be made to the Montana Veterans Home Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 250, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, in memory of Laurence Richards. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Laurence s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Laurence s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Richard Pastor Dick T. Hatlin, 92

Richard Pastor Dick T. Hatlin, USMC (Ret.), 92, of Polson, beloved husband and father, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at his home in Polson. In 1934, he enlisted in the U.S. Civil Conservation Corps and later in 1936, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Pastor Dick was a highly decorated, 31-year veteran defending our nation in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Friends and family often referred to him as Captain Dick in respect to his dutiful military service. Besides his many military achievements, Pastor Dick graduated in 1962 from the Lewis Hotel Training School in Washington, D.C., managed many of the Marine Corps Officers Clubs, and was assistant producer of the TV show, Builder s Showcase, which aired in the Los Angeles area in the early 1960s. Later, while in California, he worked for the State of California Income Tax Division and the California Board of Equalization for 17 years. A 1974 graduate of Life Bible College in Los Angeles, he was an ordained minister by the Foursquare and Assemblies of God churches, and the associate pastor, teacher and church pioneer of the Lord s Church Ministries, which he and his wife, Julene, moved to Polson to teach and mentor others in the area. In 1982, he was involved with the Billy Graham Crusades, training counselors during the Crusades. He recently received three college degrees: a bachelor s in theology, a Master of Theology and Biblical Covenants, and a Doctorate of Science and Psychology, proving that you re never too old for educational endeavors. He was a great supporter of the Young Eagles, a Marine Corps-sponsored program providing once-in-a-lifetime flight opportunities for disabled children. Capt. Dick was also a lifetime member of the VFW, the Marine Corps League and a member of the Life for the Nations Church in Ronan. In addition to his parents, his first wife of 48 years, Audrey Lindeke Hatlin, preceded him in death. She passed away in 1988. Those left with cherished memories of Capt. Dick are his loving wife of 20 years, Julene Morrison Hatlin, of Polson; two daughters, Rita and Gordon Tobey, and Marsha and John Mosley; three stepchildren, Marlette, Brian and Michele; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1, at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., in Polson. Funeral services with military honors will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at Grogan Funeral Home, and friends may call an hour prior to the service as well. Graveside services will follow at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson with military honors. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson considers it a privilege to care for Pastor Dick s family.

Ralph W. Johnson, 79

Ralph W. Johnson, 79, died Dec. 22, 2009, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish. Mr. Johnson died after a long battle with cancer. Ralph Johnson was born July 3, 1930, in Livingston, to Ralph W. and Margaret Johnson. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart in October 1953. He served later in the U.S. Air Force and in the U.S. Army Reserve, from which he retired. He operated and maintained all types of heavy equipment, from tractors to semis, which he drove most all of his life. He operated in all types of the transportation industry, including logging, road construction and oil fields from Texas to North Dakota to Alaska. To him, rebuilding a diesel engine in a snowstorm was just another day, and he wouldn t quit until it was done and then head down the road. He retired in 1998. He was married to Patricia McCann in 1957 and had four children, Mitchell, Donna, Donald and Michael. They were divorced in 1966. He later married Loureine and brought four stepchildren, Joanne, Michael, Kenneth and William, into his family. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Cole, of Columbia Falls; daughter, Donna Brown, of Hungry Horse; sons, Mitch Johnson of Four Lakes, Wash., and Don Johnson of Parachute, Colo.; stepsons, Mike Nelson of Newport, Wash., and Bill Johnson of Spokane; and stepdaughter, Joanne Nelson, of Williston, N.D. He was preceded in death by his wife, Loureine Johnson; parents, Ralph W. Johnson and Margaret Johnson; brother, Bruce Johnson; and son, Michael Johnson. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. today, Dec. 30, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell, with a reception at 3 p.m. at the North Valley Eagles in Columbia Falls. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.

Glacier High School construction

639th arrival moved up to Thursday

The Montana Army National Guard has updated the arrival date of the 639th Quartermaster Supply Co. to Thursday in Helena.

Enrollment gain over past 10 years: one student

Stories of the decade

One student.

Supt. of Schools consolidation plan detailed

Public hearing planned Monday morning

Citing a 1994 state task force recommendation to eliminate the position of an elected county superintendent of schools, Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman on Tuesday laid out a plan that he believes will save taxpayers at least $570,000 over four years.

School projects: $89 million in construction

Kalispell leads school transformations Stories of the decade

Flathead County citizens have paid about $89.3 million over the last 10 years to fund school building projects.

Stolen vehicle was started with pliers

Flathead County sheriff

Shooting range legal wrangling continues

A neighborhood group that opposes a shooting range west of Whitefish has appealed a Flathead County Board of Adjustment ruling to Flathead District Court.

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Week in Pictures December 21 - 27

Lakeside Relocation

Video of Sen. Baucus on Senate floor

Baucus denounces allegations as 'smear'

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., was the focus of scrutiny among Internet bloggers throughout the weekend, as footage of him giving a speech on the Senate floor was posted on YouTube amid allegations that the senator was drunk.

News of the decade: Glacier under water

Eleven inches of rain fell in five days in 2006... This feature story is part of the Inter Lake's look back at the top news of the decade.

Roger Henry Ganiere, 89

Roger Henry Ganiere, 89, passed away Friday, Dec. 25, 2009, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork. Roger was born to Henry and Katherine (Fischer) Ganiere in Amboy, Minn., on Sept. 4, 1920. They moved to New Richland, Minn., in 1929 where he finished schooling. Roger worked on the family farm until 1942, when he married Vita Virginia Bertelson in Albert Lea, Minn. They moved to Columbia Falls in 1943. From 1944 to 1947, Roger served in World War II as a member of the 103rd Division 40th Infantry in Europe and fought in the Battle of Bulge. He was honorably discharged in February 1947. After his discharge he worked on the construction of Hungry Horse Dam as a diamond driller, and then went on to work for the Montana State Highway Department for 30 years, until his retirement. Roger was easy to love. He was a hard worker and a great family man who never forgot birthdays or anniversaries. His spare time was taken up caring for his beautiful and neat home and yard. The coffee pot was always on and friends were always welcome. Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; one grandson, Kenneth Ganiere; his four brothers Ernest, Charles, George and Albert; his sister, Barbara; and one sister who died in infancy. Roger is survived by his two sons, James and Sharrie Ganiere of Moses Lake Wash., and John and Donna Ganiere of Bigfork. He has four living grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren: Robert and Leslie Ganiere, and daughter Tiffany; Debra and Rey Ornelas, with children Milani, Nakai, and Keilanni; daughter-in-law, Carol Ganiere, and her three children, Gary, Crystal and Carli; Kristine Arndt; and Michelle and Jesse Remington, with children Blake, Sierra and Brayden. Roger also has numerous nieces and nephews with families in Minnesota. Internment of the ashes with military honors will be held at noon, Jan. 2, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, followed with a celebration of life service at 2 p.m. at the Bigfork United Methodist Church.

Ella Jane Nelson, 86

Mrs. Ella Jane Nelson, 86, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, in Fayetteville. She was born May 16, 1923, in Niarada, to Frederick W. Pennoyer and Lauel C. (Logan) Pennoyer. She was a homemaker and a member of the Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Frank William Nelson. She is survived by three sons, Timothy A. Nelson of Keller, Texas, Dennis W. Nelson of North Richland Hills, Texas, Randall W. Nelson of Boerne, Texas; and five grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Dec. 29, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home with Chaplain Paul Woodhouse officiating. Burial will be private at Fayetteville National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Butterfield Trail Village Foundation, 1923 East Joyce Blvd. No. 163, Fayetteville, AR 72703. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory.

Evergreen teacher wins $500 state grant

Ross Darner, a teacher at Evergreen Junior High School, has been awarded a $500 grant for the school’s Fitness Team.

Art gallery hit by thieves

Nearly $1,000 worth of pottery and jewelry were stolen from a display case at a Bigfork art gallery Christmas night.

Missing woman's body is found near Whitefish

The body of a 44-year-old woman who’d been reported missing was found outside on Highland Drive near Whitefish. Her body has been sent to the state crime lab in Missoula; Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating her death.

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Museum offers lions, bears and more

If you ever wanted to get up close and personal with a full-sized grizzly or mountain lion, the Museum at Central School has you covered.

Rebecca Farm again chosen as World Cup qualifier

Rebecca Farm near Kalispell announced Monday that it will once again host the HSBC FEI World Cup qualifying competition as part of The Event at Rebecca Farm July 22-25, 2010.

Glacier covered in water in 2006

Over a five-day period in the fall of 2006, Glacier National Park was hit with the flood of a decade, if not decades.

Ribbons, signs to welcome soldiers

The 120 members of the Montana Army National Guard 639th Quartermaster Supply Co. are expected to arrive Friday in Helena following a nearly yearlong deployment to Iraq.

Many Glacier flooding

Hazel Clarke, 96

Hazel Clarke, 96, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, at her home in Columbia Falls, surrounded by the family. She was born on April 14, 1913, to Carl and Ingeborg Zakariason. Her parents were Norwegian immigrants who settled near Thief River Falls, Minn. Hazel, who was born at the family home with only her father assisting in the delivery, was the seventh of nine children. The children spoke Norwegian in the home and learned English at school. Hazel continued to speak Norwegian throughout her life, often saying the Lord s Prayer in Norwegian. When Hazel was 10 years old, the Moose River flooded the family farm. The family moved to Saskatchewan for a short time. Because Hazel s parents treasured their U.S. citizenship, they moved the family back to the U.S., relocating in Chinook. It was there that Hazel completed her elementary and high school education. She took pride in excelling in school. She loved reading and learning and continued her education at Western Montana College in Dillon. She obtained a teacher s certificate and taught for several years in one-room rural schools, teaching grades one through eight. While teaching at Lake Blaine School in the Flathead Valley, Hazel met her husband, Harold Clarke, at a country dance. Their courtship was prolonged by World War II, as Harold was stationed in Hawaii. At this time, Hazel went to work in the shipyards at Bellingham, Wash., and San Francisco. After the war, Hazel and Harold married in Chinook in 1945. The couple settled on a family homestead in east Flathead Valley in the Deer Park community. It was here that Hazel and her husband raised five children; three boys and two girls. While Harold worked on the farm and in local sawmills, Hazel dedicated her life to being a homemaker and mother. Faith and education were high priorities. Always a devout Christian, Hazel regularly attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church with her children. Besides giving her children a Christian education, she advocated higher education for her children and grandchildren. She always supported the levies of Deer Park Elementary and Flathead High School where her five children and seven grandchildren attended. Hazel took great pleasure in her family. She loved taking care of her grandchildren. Her favorite times were family get-togethers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, in 1982; and one son, Philip Phil Clarke, in 2006; also two brothers and six sisters. She is survived by four children; two sons, Harold H. Clarke Jr., and wife Pam of Columbia Falls, and Ernie A. Clarke and wife, Reva, of Eagle, Idaho; two daughters, Mary Ann Lidstrom and husband Greg, and Susan Kitchen and husband Jesse, all of Columbia Falls; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at noon on Saturday, Jan. 2, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Hazel s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Hazel s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Leonard Gerald 'Grandpa' Lytle

Leonard Gerald Grandpa Lytle, 86, passed from this life on Dec. 25, 2009, peacefully in his home with family at his side. He was born in York, Neb., on Oct. 23, 1923, to Stanley William and Anna Catherine Reiners Lytle. He lived in York until 1940 when his family moved to Buhl, Idaho, where he graduated from high school in 1942. As a young man, Leonard was a star running back on his high school football team and a center fielder on his baseball team, receiving a scholarship to Pocatello, Idaho, to play football. He was also a lightweight Golden Glove boxer. Leonard began working for Missoula Livestock in 1945 and then became a brand inspector for the state of Montana in 1956, spending several years after in Missoula, Lewistown and Billings. In 1974, he purchased Missoula Livestock and enjoyed this venture until the unexpected death of his partner, requiring the sale of the business in 1976. He remained foreman for many years until retirement. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, one sister and his wife, Joan. He is survived by his son, Marty Lytle, and his daughter, Lorri, and her husband, Tim O Neill, all of Arlee; granddaughters Katelyn Lytle of Missoula, Alyssa Cahoon and her husband, Daniel, of Charlo; and grandsons Wyatt and Webb O Neill of Arlee. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, in the Arlee High School gymnasium, followed by a pot luck gathering at the Arlee Brown Building. Burial will be held at a later date with a private family service.

Sculptor's work featured in Griz Cup awards

Casting call

Serendipitous.

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School studies options

Expansion at Fair-Mont-Egan

Fair-Mont-Egan School took another step Tuesday toward developing plans for expansion.

Law roundup

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a report at 1:48 a.m. Sunday of two adventurous men who had been drinking in Whitefish bars and had attempted to cross the Whitefish River to get home. They went through the ice instead, but were eventually hauled out by the Whitefish Fire Department and taken to North Valley Hospital to be treated for symptoms of hypothermia.

Decade was boom for housing, retail growth

Stories of the Decade

Flathead County is leaving the first decade of the 21st century with several years of unprecedented growth under its belt.

Building boom

Gladys Milam, 100

Gladys Milam, 100, passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born on Dec. 19, 1908, in Baudette, Minn., to Ingvald and Henrietta (Lorenson) Sands. She spent her childhood years in Baudette, where her parents owned and operated a hotel. She married Theodore Stahlberg on Jan. 7, 1928, in Warren, Minn. To this union, four children were born. They migrated from northern Minnesota to Montana in October 1945. Dissolution of that union transpired in 1949. She resided in Somers with her four children from 1946 until 1959, at which time she married Glover Dub Milam and moved to Kalispell. They owned and operated Milam Greenhouses from 1959 until 1970. Due to her green thumb, her kids used to tease her that customers should come to the house to purchase plants rather than the greenhouse. Having had no training in flower arranging or commercial growing, she was thrown into the midst of greenhouse and flower shop work and learned it quite rapidly how to do everything that was entailed in running the business. She loved flowers and working in her garden. She attended the Assembly of God Church for many years. She was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers. She is survived by her four children, Darlene Allik of Polson, Robert Stahlberg of Columbia Falls, Gerald Stahlberg of Kalispell, and Diane Erickson of Kalispell; 17 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren; and one sister. Funeral services for Gladys will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Darrell Newby officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Gladys family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Gladys guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Marian Jane Bucholz, 92

Marian Jane Bucholz, 92, passed away on Friday, Dec. 25, 2009, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. She was born on May 21, 1917, in Havre, to Joseph and Jennie (Miller) Hewitson. Marian graduated from Flathead High School in 1939. She graduated from St. Patrick in Missoula with a degree in nursing. Marian was married to Arvade H. Bucholz on March 15, 1945, in California; they were happily married for 50 years. She worked for Peralta Hospital in California as both day and night supervisor. Marian loved volunteering with RSVP; she volunteered so much time she received a certificate from President George W. Bush. Marian loved traveling. She traveled all over the world with her husband Arvade, who worked for Pan American. She wrote her own biography of her travels. She loved reading and was a self-taught gourmet cook. There are no services planned at this time. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Marian s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Jesse Louis Miles, 59

Jesse Louis Miles, 59, passed away on Dec. 20, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with leukemia. Jesse was born on April 4, 1950, in Modesto, Calif., to Chuck and Lois (Blum) Miles. Jesse joined the Army after high school and served two tours in Vietnam, earning two Purple Hearts. He moved to Bigfork in 1978 where he worked as a building contractor for 30 years with partner John West. Jesse was an active member of the VFW, the American Legion and Pope John Paul II Catholic Church. He enjoyed all that Montana had to offer, from prospecting to hunting and fishing. Jesse is survived by Mary (Prothero), his wife of 28 years; and two children, Angela and Aaron. Memorial services were held on Dec. 26 at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork.

Eugene Roy Piedalue, 80

Eugene Roy Piedalue (known by many as Chief or Gene) passed away at his home in Ronan on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009. Gene was born April 28, 1929, to Marcella (Hepp) and Edward Piedalue in Ronan and was raised on the family dairy farm with brothers Kenny, Bud and Floyd, and sister, Peggy. He delivered milk for Piedalues Dairy until 1953 when he began working for the Montana State Department of Highways from 1953 until 1992 in the engineering department. He retired from the Highway Department on a Friday and the following Monday started work for Schellinger Construction where he worked until 1999, retiring due to poor health. During these years he also farmed with his sons. He married Norma Bennett June 1, 1949. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marcella; and sons, Edward and Ernest. He is survived by his wife, Norma; daughter, Pat, and Bob Bristol; and son, Leonard, and Gail; grandchildren, Charity and Monty Cheff, Ernie and Shannon Bristol, Jacinda and Michael Tenas, Ray and Kristie Dalke, and Thomas Dalke; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brothers, Kenny and Marge, Bud and Phyllis, and Floyd and Sharon; and sister, Peggy and Dave Johnson. Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, also in the church, with Father James Connor celebrating. Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.

Patricia Jean Konken, 50

Patricia Jean Konken, 50, passed away on Dec. 21, 2009, in Kalispell. Patricia was born on April 5, 1959, in Browning, to Thomas and Dorothy Flickinger Hewitt. She lived in Conrad until 1962, when they moved to Kalispell. She attended schools in the Flathead Valley, graduating from Flathead High School in 1978. Patricia worked for the Forest Service in the Yaak Country after graduating from high school, then worked for Imperial Laundry, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and worked home health care for Intrepid U.S.A. Patricia married Ronald Konken at the White Oak Lodge in Somers on July 2, 1988. Patricia loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, going to the lake, loved to entertain at her home with lots of people, liked shopping for her grandchldren and playing cards. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Hewitt; and a sister, Rita Kellenberger. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Neil Konken; mother, Dorothy Hewitt; children, Alicia Hewitt and Maria Konken; grandchildren, Abby and Gabby Weber; brother, Michael Hewitt; a nephew, Joel Hewitt; and niece, Jessica Horner. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with urn burial to follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences and sign Patricia s book. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

Phloris Slack, 99

Phloris Grandma Slack left this world at Brendan House to join her valentine sweetheart, John, on Dec. 24, 2009. Phloris Martelle Hollinberger was born in Adel, Iowa, on June 17, 1910, the daughter of Charles and Vernia Brower Hollinberger. In March of 1913 the family moved to Kalispell. Her father bought a farm in the Creston area where the family lived until 1941. Her brother, Carroll, was two years younger. She loved being with her father outdoors, fishing, and helping him with the farm work. As a child she started counting, first gopher tails for herself and her brother, then at 14 she was treasurer for the Riverside 4-H Club; at 15, treasurer for Sunday School as well as organist, and in high school she counted the money for the annuals. She enjoyed working at Glacier Bay Fox Farm and at Belton rental cabins where she recorded payments. She was also treasurer for Forest Park, I.B.H., and Evergreen Homemakers Extension clubs. She was treasurer for the Republican Women s Club and in 1960, she helped start the Daughters of the Nile where she held all offices and was treasurer for 30-some years. She was always treasurer of something, John A. Slack Logging, Evergreen PTA, Loggers Convention in Kalispell and the Flathead RV Club. She said, I disliked figures or arithmetic but it seems mathematics were always there for me to decipher correctly. She certainly did a good job of it. Phloris went to grade school at Riverside in Creston and then to Flathead County High School where she graduated with the class of 1929. On Valentine s Day, Feb. 14, 1931, she married John A. Slack, the love of her life, with whom she had three sons, twins, Jim and John, and Jerry. They lived in many areas of Montana, including Babb, Olney, Dayton, Patrick Creek, LaSalle, and finally settling in the Evergreen area in 1949. She worked off and on many years cooking in logging camps for her husband and she also worked at Montgomery Ward and the Flathead County Treasurer s Office. She also did all the bookwork for John s logging business. Phloris belonged to many organizations in her lifetime " several different Extension Homemaker clubs, Evergreen PTA, Lady Lions, Women of the Moose, Flathead Federation of Women s Club, Flathead Valley Good Sam s, Flathead Safety Council, Republican Women s Club, Precinct Committee member, Election Board for many years, clerk for the U.S. Commodity Distribution Center, and the Flathead Historical Society. She has held most offices in all these groups, most times being secretary or treasurer for many years. Phloris was always an important part of all her high school class reunions, many times making all the arrangements and contacting classmates herself. In 1960 she began her volunteer work in earnest when she began working with the Red Cross, where they helped at the North Valley Extended Care Center, the Flathead County Nursing Home, a private nursing home in Kalispell, and the Felix Nursing Home in Evergreen where they helped with meals, writing and reading letters, and helping with social events. They also assisted with the ambliopia eye screening program at the city and rural schools. She was on the board of directors and served as secretary for many years. They also assisted with any disasters, especially the famous 64 flood, where they provided food and shelter for the workers as well as the people who were flooded, even as she was flooded herself. In 1965 the Red Cross bloodmobile began coming to the Flathead area and the Red Cross girls helped with this. Later the blood drawings were held on a regular basis at Courthouse East and she worked there until she retired in 1993. In 1960, she helped organize the Flathead Daughters of the Nile. She held every office in this organization. She served as treasurer for 27 years. The goal of the Daughters is to help anyone under the age of 18 who has a major bone or muscle disorder or has sustained a serious burn to be treated at the Shriners Hospital. They also send gifts, clothing and homemade quilts to the hospital. Her latest adventure in the volunteer field had been the Evergreen Food Bank where she was treasurer for 16 years. She was there every Tuesday morning to help with the distribution of food until she retired in 2002. One of her hobbies was collecting humorous readings and presenting them to social groups. When resting she liked to crochet and work crossword puzzles. She was also in the midst of writing her life story. Phloris and John traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Korea, Mexico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Caracas, Venezuela, Australia and all over the U.S.A. Phloris was always very interested in history and visited several historical sites in the U.S. She shared her experiences by giving color slide talks to schools and organizations. In 1989 Phloris was chosen to receive the honor of Lady of the Year, which is sponsored by the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She joined the Central Christian Church in the early 1950s and continued to be a participating member. In the spring of 2003 she asked to babysit her 3- and 5-year-old great-grandchildren so she could feed them cookies and read to them. She loved to read to children. She was always a very supportive mother, grandma and friend to all. She was always doing for others, but had a hard time letting others do for her. She will be remembered by all as Grandma Slack, the cookie lady, as she always had cookies on hand whenever anyone stopped by. Phloris moved to Brendan House in September 2004. She was a model resident and always participated in all the offered activities. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John; her parents; brother, Carroll; sister-in-law, Anne Hollinberger; and nephew, Dale Hollinberger. Phloris is survived by her sons, James A. Slack and wife, Patti, John C. Slack and wife, Sharon, and Jerry L. Slack and wife, Karen; along with 17 grand- and stepgrandchildren; many, many great-grandchildren; two nieces; and several great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Phloris will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Dr. Jan Van der Poll officiating. Burial will follow services at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to Flathead Food Bank or Shriner s Children s Hospital, two of her favorite charities, or the charity of your choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Phloris family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Phloris guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

2009: A year of new lows

Editor's 2 Cents

What a difference a year makes! Last year, it was all about “hope and change.” This year, it is all about “smoke and mirrors.” Last year was “post-partisan”; this year is “post-partisan depression.” Last year we had a Constitution; this year we don’t.

2001: The year Moose Fire roared for 71,000 acres

Stories of the decade

The Moose Fire was one of about a dozen lightning-triggered fires that cropped up on the Whitefish Divide on Aug. 14, 2001. While the others were extinguished, the Moose Fire was unstoppable despite a $20 million firefighting effort.

2003 a monster year for fires

Stories of the decade

Some days when the wind blew hot and dry from the southwest in the summer of 2003, a series of billowing smoke columns could be seen towering over the Continental Divide from the Canadian border to the Mission Mountains south of Swan Lake.

'Mega-fires' change landscape

Stories of the decade

Editor’s note: Today marks the first installment of a Daily Inter Lake series tracing major stories from the past decade.

Concerned motorist trails van

Kalispell police

Not the right consolidation

Having some form of consolidation for Flathead County’s 23 school districts  isn’t a new idea, but the recent proposal to consolidate the Superintendent of Schools Office with the county treasurer’s office is a hasty move from left field.

2007 fires scorched more than 400,000 acres

Stories of the decade

As the summer of 2007 evolved, so did the conditions for a big fire season in Montana: days and weeks without rain, consistently high temperatures and consecutive days of extremely low relative humidities.

Daybook

Sunday

Young and inspired: A published poet

Student’s poem part of anthology book

Departing mayor proud of 'sense of community'

City leader leaves after 16 years of service

Do you support the Democratic proposals for health-care reform?

Russell Chapman, 67

Russell Chapman, 67, passed away peacefully Dec. 23, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Chester. He moved to Bigfork and went to school at Swan River when it was just a one-room cabin, graduating in 1960. Russ worked on the family ranch and logging. He met his wife Sandi and they were married in 1966; for 27 years. They lived at 1377 Swan Highway, where Russ resided up until his death. They had two children, daughter, Jennifer Graham, the oldest, in 1973; three years later, in 1976, they had a son, Stuart Chapman, who has lived with Dad. They took care of each other. Russ and Sandi were divorced in 1997. They remained friends through the years. Russ has two beautiful granddaughters that he loved and cherished very much, Leesa Benner, age 16, and her sister, Lakayla Benner, age 15. There were the brightness in his life. He enjoyed spending time with them. Russ was a life member of VFW Post 4042 where he was very active and received many awards for his achievements; and also a member of the American Legion and Cooties, with whom he was also active. Russell enjoyed the outdoors and the activities that it offered. He also enjoyed a good Western novel. He enjoyed reading, crosswords, drawing and woodcarving. When he came back from the war in 1969, Russ worked at the post office for three years. But what he loved to do was log; he came from a logging family. They logged anything from logs to fence posts to rails. He also sold firewood for many, many years. His children can both remember being very young and out there helping him, and as they grew up they still helped. You could say they followed in his steps for they both have gotten and sold firewood in their adult years. Russell also showed both his kids how to mechanic in their early teenage years, which they still use until this day. As a member of the VFW, he sold and ran the fireworks stand every year. Everyone that knew him would come and buy their fireworks from him and nowhere else. His granddaughters really enjoyed that also, because Grandpa made sure they had all the cool fireworks for the Fourth of July. Russell was a man that would help anyone who asked or even if not, if he could help he would. He was a great man, father, husband and friend, and will be extremely missed. Russell would want us to remember all the good things and times we all shared with him. He would not want us to be sad. He would want to celebrate life and to celebrate him, and to live life to the most extent that life could give us. Please remember him and remember he loved all of us very much. He was preceded in death by his father, John Chapman; and brothers, Rex Chapman and Ronald Chapman. Russell leaves behind his mother, Louella Schwenke, of Superior; daughter, Jennifer, and husband, Adam Graham, of Alexander, N.D.; son, Stuart Chapman, of Bigfork; granddaughters, Leesa and Lakayla; brother, Roger Chapman, of Steilacoom, Wash.; sister, Rosalie Schwenke, of Kalispell; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Funeral services with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at the Little Brown Church in Bigfork. Viewing will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow the funeral at Lone Pine Cemetery right behind the Little Brown Church. A potluck dinner will immediately follow at the Swan River Hall in Bigfork. A gathering will be held later at the VFW in Bigfork. Thank you all for coming. Donations can be sent to the family home at 1377 Swan Highway, Bigfork, MT 59911.

Improvement deals buy time for developers

In a soft economy, developers are finding subdivision improvement agreements to be a valuable tool for extending time to make infrastructure improvements after a final plat has been granted.

The Steindorfs and Reichmans

A Christmas gift

A Christmas wish come true

The holiday season in the Flathead Valley was made a little brighter this year with the recent news that the Montana Army National Guard’s 639th Quartermaster Company is expected home from Iraq sometime around Jan. 1. It’s a Christmas wish come true for families of the 130 soldiers who have spent the past year far away from their loved ones.

Six local players grace West roster for Shrine football game

Columbia Falls, Glacier and Polson high schools have two athletes each named to the West football roster for the 64th Annual Montana East-West Shrine Game next summer.

Olympians going to Whitefish for state games

More than 300 athletes and 180 coaches and representatives will converge on Whitefish Mountain Resort for 2010 Special Olympics Montana Winter Games Feb. 28 to March 2.

The gift of children

Surrogate’s labor of love helps give couple the family they dreamed of

Travis and Rachel Steindorf of Kalispell delivered a divine gift to their cousins and best friends Ryan and Erin Reichman of Tacoma, Wash.

Man throws table through TV

Flathead County sheriff

Daybook

Today

Time for feeding

The twins

Teen helps peers promote healthy relationships

Ariel Ramstad became interested in promoting healthy relationships because of domestic violence in her home as a child, and she’s active in Peers Educating and Advocating for Changing Expectations group for high school students.

Glacier, Flathead football players honored

Years from now, the 2009 football season will stand out in the history books at Glacier High School.

What will be Bobby Hauck's fate as the new head football coach at UNLV?

Dropping fire retardant

Fire in Glacier National Park

Wall of flames

The Robert Fire of 2003

The Trapper Creek Fire in Glacier National Park

The Moose Fire of 2001

Lighting up Christmas Night

Fundraising Fun

Profile of Coby Johnson

Corbin James Jim Nickerson, 53

Corbin J. Nickerson, 53, passed away Dec. 21, 2009, at his home in Kalispell. He was born June 28, 1956, in Sacramento, Calif., to Lois R. James and Corbin E. Nickerson. Jim was a fifth generation Flathead Valley resident. He graduated Flathead High School in 1974, near the top of his class then went on to college at the University of Montana, Missoula. Jim served in the U.S. Navy and enjoyed his time in Hawaii. After his honorable discharge he returned to his loving family in Kalispell. Jim also spent time working in Alaska with electronics. He enjoyed traveling, golf, pool, darts, and a rousing game of Jeopardy. Jim was well known for his intelligent, dry and very quick-witted humor. He also was a great puzzler. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Lois James; and his father, Corbin E. Nickerson. Jim is survived by his sisters, Nancy Spence, Nina Woolard, Gail Nickerson and Marla Muraoka, of Kalispell; along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Jim will be lovingly remembered. May he rest in peace.

Della Rodgers, 88

Longtime Toole County resident Della Rodgers, 88, passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, in Bigfork, with her son by her side. She was born on Nov. 11, 1921, in Orton, Alberta, to early pioneers, Josiah and Mary Elizabeth (Lyon) Orr. Della was the youngest and last of their 11 children. Patriarch/father Josiah Orr made the arduous trek with his family, bands of sheep and herd of horses from the ancestral home in Liberty-Bear Lake, Idaho, to develop and found the hamlet of Orton near the Montana/Alberta border. Della s childhood and formative years were spent at the family homesteads, raising and shearing sheep, tending to the necessary gardens, chickens and household tasks of agrarian life. It was at this time her lifelong love of animals, nature, birds, hard work and diligence proved fortuitous. Her primary schooling necessitated walking to a one-room school house. Junior and secondary school was a horseback ride of several miles often in harsh weather conditions on her favorite horse, Ole Blue. Della blossomed into a beautiful, intelligent, strong and determined young woman, catching the eye of her future husband, Wesley F. Rodgers. The couple married on July 7, 1943, in the Cardston Alberta Temple, and honeymooned in Waterton National Park. Relocating to Montana, Della and her husband lived in Sweetgrass until they retired to the east shore of Flathead Lake. Retirement endeavors focused on raising an orchard of cherries and apples. Della had a myriad of passions. She was a creative homemaker and took substantial pride in her cooking, setting a fine table of nutritious meals for her family and friends. She excelled as a seamstress and quilt maker. Above all, she was an accomplished singer and musician. She played the piano, organ, guitar, harp and her beloved harmonica, bringing joy and happiness to all. In later years she kept her journal and wrote poetry to inspire those she loved. Her church callings were numerous, life-long and substantive. She was a willing community participant, and approached all tasks with vigor and enthusiasm, always willing to help others. The natural wonders of Montana, east and west of the mountains, and Glacier and Waterton National Parks were considered essential elements of her soul. She loved a good time, raucous laughter and imaginative debate with all those she encountered. Above all, she was a wonderful mother with that endearing smile that will be forever imprinted in our memories. Henceforth, with the arrival of each new spring, the sweet and sonorous lilt of our state bird, the meadowlark, beloved to you, will remind us of your joyous, indomitable spirit. Adieu, grandma. Our love for you is eternal. The family is appreciative of the compassion and care given Della as a resident of Lake View Care Center by the staff and Dr. Ducote for the last two years. This loving wife, mother, aunt and friend was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 57 years; two sisters; and eight brothers. She is survived by her son, Allen Rodgers, of Bigfork; a daughter, Jo-Layne Vogt, of Spanish Fork, Utah; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 56 nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind five special felines, Misty, Tux, Socks, Itty-Bitty and Spook. Funeral services for Della will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bigfork. Following a reception at the church, the committal service will be held at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family will be available for one hour prior to the services in the Relief Society room where Della will be available to be viewed. Memorials may be sent to either the Northwest Montana Humane Society, Box 221, Kalispell, MT 59903; or to an L.D.S. Missionary Fund. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Della s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Della s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Help sought solving wildlife crimes

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens are asking for help with about a dozen unsolved poaching cases in the Flathead area.

Fairgrounds audit reveals deficiencies

An internal audit of the Flathead County Fairgrounds Department has turned up numerous shortcomings, including security concerns and discrepancies in the way cash is handled.

Give senators a lump of coal

It would be preferable to have a spirited, uplifting Christmas Eve editorial today, but we have the United States Senate to deal with instead.

College upgrading welding training

Flathead Valley Community College trustees voted Monday to add auto-body and welding technology certificates as well as a welding and inspection technology associate’s degree.

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Today

Thief can't steal Christmas joy

Community effort replaces children’s stolen presents

After all of her children’s Christmas presents were stolen two weeks ago, Liana West didn’t think she would be able to replace them.

Man didn't want free ride to end

Kalispell police

Neiss, Cheff, Houle, Picard top mat polling

Ronan has two individuals ranked No. 1 at their weight class, while Columbia Falls and Polson both have one in the latest coaches poll for Class A wrestling.

The Jug Tree wine selection

Pam Kennedy hugs Bev Larson

The Jug Tree owner Donna Lawson

Pam Kennedy

Liana West

Pam Kennedy Final Kalispell City Council Meetting

The West children

Christmas gifts

V. Starling Grosswiler, 88

V. Starling Grosswiler, 88, passed away Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, in Kalispell. She was born Sept. 23, 1921, to Jimmy and Rosie Harrington on the family farm on Columbia Falls Stage. Her grandparents on both sides were early Valley settlers in the Bad Rock Canyon and Deer Park areas. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1939. She married Paul Grosswiler on Dec. 26, 1941, and together they farmed and ran a dairy in the West Valley area. She was a hard worker that enjoyed gardening, animals, and working on the farm beside her husband. Starling was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Paul Grosswiler, who passed away in 1995; also by a sister, Hilda Beeman; brother, Jimmy Babe Harrington; and son-in-law, Larry Baier. She is survived by a son, Clinton Grosswiler, and wife, Robin; daughters, Catherine Baier, and Cindy Marvin and her husband, Shawn; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26, at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the local Humane Society, 3499 Highway 93 N., Kalispell, MT 59901. Friends may visit the Web site www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Man threatens woman with bat

Kalispell police

Daybook

Today

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Local horse selected as Breyer model

O’Leary’s Irish Diamond, a famous Flathead stallion, has gone global as the Irish Draught inspiration for a 2010 limited edition Breyer Horse model.

Glacier wrestlers pin loss on Libby

LIBBY — In a battle of ranked teams from different classes, Glacier came out on top of Libby 54-24 in a dual wrestling match on Tuesday.

Semitool now part of Applied Materials

In a deal finalized Monday, Applied Materials Inc. successfully completed its $364 million acquisition of Semitool Inc.

West Valley looks at options for expansion

West Valley School is at a crossroads.

Relentless man chases suspect

After allegedly attempting to steal a pickup Monday, a man was chased down by the truck’s owner, who, despite getting stabbed twice, was able to detain the suspect until authorities arrived.

$6,000, computer returned to owner

The former chief executive officer of a fast-food restaurant chain, who accidentally put $6,000 and a laptop into the wrong vehicle on Sunday, was reunited with his possessions Monday.

Council delays action on airport engineering firm

Now is not the time to vote on retaining an engineer for an environmental assessment at the Kalispell City Airport, a majority of the City Council agreed Monday night.

Eureka girls stop St. Ignatius

EUREKA — Steph  Vogelman carried much of the offensive load for Eureka, scoring a game-high 18 points as the Lions edged St. Ignatius 42-34 on Tuesday in District 7B girls basketball play.

Portrait of a Young Poet

Violet Theresa Arneson Myers, 93

Violet Theresa Arneson Myers passed on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, of age-related causes. She was born Feb. 24, 1916, in Butte, N.D., to Maria and Arnie Arneson, one of 11 children. Violet spent her childhood and youth on the family farm. After leaving there she worked for Montgomery Wards in Spokane and Pullman, Wash. She later moved to Kalispell, where she met J. Ray Myers. They were married in Coeur d Alene, Idaho, Oct. 24, 1942, while he was stationed at Farragut Naval Station. They were together a short time before he was deployed for three years. During their 60 years of marriage they enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Arizona. Violet was known to all as Vi and remembered for the many years she worked at JC Penney s in Kalispell. She had a wonderful green thumb, able to grow a beautiful garden and flowers, and a very large crop of raspberries which were loved and shared by many. Her grandchildren enjoyed her cookies, apple pies and raspberry jelly. Vi was a loving mother and grandmother, family being a very important part of her life. Vi was a long time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell.s Vi is survived by sons, Jim and wife, Linda, of Pullman, and Ken and wife, Karen, of Havre; grandchildren, Gordon Myers, Tamara Hill, Brett Myers, Tonja Janette, Karley McKay and Kristopher Myers, and families, which include 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ethyl Lloyd, Martha Davenport and Helen Myers, of Peteluma, Calif., Ardella LaPointe of San Jose, Calif., and Gladys Olsen of Fargo, N.D. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Myers; her parents; a sister, Mildred Marsh; and brothers, Edwin, Ryder, Ernest and Clifford. Memorial services for Violet will be held at a later date. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Vi s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Vi s guest book, offer condolences and share memories

Emma Katharina Martinez, 82

Emma Katharina Martinez, 82, Mom, passed away on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at the Brendan House in Kalispell; with four generations by her side. She was born on Sept. 22, 1927, in Sirmitz, Czechoslovakia, the daughter of Guri and Tenezie (Kohlova) Riedlova. She was able to see a lot of the world being married to a 20-year military man. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Joseph Martinez; a brother; a sister; and her parents. She is survived by her son, Ernest W. Martinez and wife Tina, granddaughter Tammi Guardado and husband Mike, grandson, Ernest J. Martinez and wife Lori, all of Kalispell; granddaughter, Terri Lynn Martinez, of Oxnard, Calif.; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. We will all miss you and know that you have found peace with God. Memorial services for Emma will be held in the spring. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Emma s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Emma s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Valarie Martin Green Adams, 95

Valarie Adams passed away in Oregon City, Ore., at her youngest son s home on Dec. 19, 2009. Valarie was born in a log cabin on Sept. 26, 1914, in what is now known as Martin City. Her parents and grandparents homesteaded this site in the 1900s. She spent her early years in Coram. She was married to Charles Green, and they had two daughters and a son. She married Brice Adams and they had a son, Brian, and later moved on to Oregon where she spent the remainder of her life, except for a few years of being a snowbird in Arizona. Val is survived by daughters, Benise Shepard of Oregon, and Janise Green of Polson; sons, Gerald Green of Arizona, and Brian and Connie Adams of Oregon City; a stepson, Barry Adams, of Arizona; a sister, Gayle Martin Smith, of Hungry Horse; and several grand-, great-, and great-great-grandchildren. Val was preceded in death by her husbands, Charly Green and Brice Adams; one grandson; two great-grandsons; and two sisters. At her wishes, no services are scheduled.

Amount of protested county taxes skyrockets

The amount of protested taxes in Flathead County is up ten-fold from last year, due to a statewide reappraisal that resulted in exponential property-tax increases, especially for waterfront property.

Two firms get timber

Johnson Brothers of Missoula and PaveCo of Kalispell recently were awarded contracts to salvage beetle-infested and hazard trees on Flathead National Forest.

Let the bypass work begin

On Monday morning, Kalispell’s U.S. 93 Alternate Route moved out of the planning phase and into the digging phase.

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Today

Man tries to get away with forgery

Kalispell police arrested a man, 38, for forgery at a grocery store on First Avenue East North Sunday afternoon.

'Tremendous effort' leads to parks plan

The Flathead County Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a done deal.

Bypass Beginnings

Friends, family are key sources for startup capital

Using cash from friends and family to start businesses is a quite common practice. It is estimated that roughly half of startup entrepreneurs get financial support from friends and family members in starting their companies.

Club provides fun, learning opportunities

Amanda Wagner was looking for more opportunities for her children when she enrolled them in Boys and Girls Clubs programs several years ago, but she’s now the roller rink manager and has found that the organization has enriched all their lives.

Amanda Wagner

Twins up close

Kalispell schools look for new location for kitchen site

Kalispell Public Schools is desperate for a new elementary central kitchen.

Couple speaks out on twins syndrome

Charlie and Britney Wheeler of Kalispell joke about living under house arrest with their 4-month-old twin boys Davin and Easton — but they really couldn’t be happier to have a new family around their Christmas tree.

Feeding the twins

Easton's first day

Davin and Easton Wheeler

Family fisticuffs end in arrest

Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 25-year-old man for family member assault after he got into a fight with his father at a Park Side Drive home early Sunday.

'Baby burrito'

Daybook

Today

Davin's first day

County mulls best way to clean Justice Center ducts

A 25-year buildup of dirt and grime in the Flathead County Justice Center’s heating-and-cooling system ducts and vents got the county commissioners’ attention on Thursday.

What is going to happen to Tiger Woods' golf career now?

Ethel Stewart, 86

Ethel Stewart, 86, of Helena, passed unexpectedly but peacefully of lung cancer on Dec. 11, 2009, at St. Peters Hospital. Ethel was born Sept. 6, 1923, in Eglon Township, Minn., the youngest of four children, to Henry and Jessie Estrin. Ethel moved to Seattle in 1945 and married Joel Stewart the same year. After World War II they moved to St Louis, and lived there until 1966 when they moved to East Helena to fulfill a dream of owning and operating their own business by building Stewart s Trailer Court and Campground. Ethel s life was spent dedicated to her family and friends. She retired from Mountain View School for Girls in 1985. She worked with the girls with care and love for 19 years. She enjoyed serving her community. Ethel loved being a volunteer in the gift shop at St. Peters Hospital the last few years. She was also a member of and enjoyed The Red Hatters Gang. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Joel; and son, Dan. She and her husband Joel were married for 55 years until his death in 2003. Her beloved son Dan passed away in 2002 in an automobile accident. Ethel is survived by three children and her daughter-in-law, Joan Stewart. Her daughter Debbie and husband Robert Petek live in Bigfork, and have four children, Chris (Capt. USAF) and his wife Trish, Chad, Lindsey, and Chelsey. Joan lives in East Helena with her and Dan s children, Joel, Tim and Jennifer. Her son Glen and wife Monika live in San Diego. Her son Terry, his wife Cindy, and children, Cody and Shelby, reside in Edgewood, Wash. A memorial service was held for Ethel on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at East Helena United Methodist Church in East Helena. A fellowship reception followed at the church. Interment at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison followed the reception. Memorials may be made in Ethel s name to the East Helena United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 850, East Helena, MT 59635; or Montana State Veterans Cemetery, P.O. Box 1500, Fort Harrison, MT 59636.

Benjamin R. Blumer, 85

Benjamin R. Blumer, 85, formerly of Kalispell, passed away peacefully at his Coupeville, Wash., home, surrounded by loved ones and friends, on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009. Mr. Blumer was born in Terry on June 2, 1924, to John and Frances (Sterr) Blumer. His family moved to northeastern Montana when Ben was a small child, and farmed there for several years, before relocating to Kalispell. Ben became employed at the shipyards in Portland, and later became a heavy-duty equipment mechanic, a career which he pursued for many years. Ben was married on March 24, 1948, to Peggy Jean Bryan of Kalispell. The couple moved with Ben s work in Montana and Oregon, before coming to Hanford, Wash., where he retired in 1986. Coming to Whidbey Island, Wash., in that same year, Ben was able to pursue such interests as gardening and fishing. He and Peggy also enjoyed traveling, wintering regularly in Yuma, Ariz. They also traveled to Alaska and Mexico. Ben and Peggy had been active members of the Lutheran Church in Kennewick, Wash., for many years. Ben is survived by his wife, Peggy, at home in Coupeville; daughter, Lori Vail and Loren, of Bonney Lake, Wash.; two granddaughters, Shannon and Katie Vail, both of Bonney Lake; sister, Blanche Garrett, of Kalispell; four brothers, Harold Blumer of Kalispell, Larry Blumer and Rose of Columbia Falls, Eldon Blumer and Ellen of Lindsay, Calif., and Richard Blumer and Nanette of Visalia, Calif.; also, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Ben was preceded in death by a daughter, Doris; and a son, Glen; as well as by two brothers, Jonathan and Clayton. Plans are under way for a memorial service, which will be held in Coupeville, Wash. Inurnment will take place later in Kalispell. Memorials are suggested to Home Health Care and Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239.

Agnes L. Skees, 91

Agnes L. Skees, 91, passed away Dec. 18, 2009, in her daughter s home in Bigfork. She was surrounded by family and assisted by the angels of Hospice. Agnes was born in Orlando, Fla., on Aug. 16, 1918. She is survived by her nine children; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Three of her children live in the Kalispell area, Dick Skees, Reni Daniels, and Loretta Skees. One of her grandsons, Dick s son, Derek Skees, lives in Kalispell. The memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at Central Bible Church, 902 First Ave. E., in Kalispell. Memorial contributions may be made to New Tribes Mission, 1000 E. First St., Sanford, FL 32771, or go to www.ntm.org/give.

Prep Hoops: Columbia Falls boys rally past Sentinel

COLUMBIA FALLS — Senior Mitchell Wassam scored 19 points and the Columbia Falls Wildcats came back in the fourth quarter and beat Class AA Missoula Sentinel 49-41 in a nonconference boys basketball game on Saturday night.

Christmas shop takes shape in five days

Crazy talk.

Recess

Big Brother, can you spare a dime?

Editor's 2 Cents

They say you can’t put the genie back in the bottle, and the same goes for presidents. The voters summoned President Obama into existence with their chant of “Hope and Change” and now he is poised to grant three wishes held dear by liberals:

Giving the gift of literacy

I recently listened to a presentation about literacy that made me sit up and take notice.

Glacier's Mitchell captures mat title

GREAT FALLS — Kaleb Mitchell (98) breezed through his weight class at the 32nd annual CMR Holiday Classic wrestling tournament until pulling out a tough decision in the finale to claim individual honors.

Districts wrestle with grim numbers, projections

Most school districts across Flathead County have barely begun building next year’s budgets, but many district clerks already are apprehensive.

Bravettes top Libby for 1st win

Johnson scores 20 points, pulls down 9 rebounds to lead Flathead past Libby

The offensive woes for the Flathead Bravettes must have been left on the road.

Courthouse couplet still a conundrum

State reveals new U.S. 93 options

State highway officials on Thursday unveiled more options for widening U.S. 93 from 13th Street to just north of the Flathead County Courthouse couplet, and one thing’s clear from the newest design plans: Something’s got to give.

Flathead wrestlers 5th at Tri-State

COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho — Flathead settled for fifth place at the Tri-State wrestling tournament on Saturday.

Time to reappraise tax system

Montana’s system for reappraising property values is a tyranny of the majority, and the time has come to change it.

Montana 35 rebuilding project

State wants maintenance help from Flathead County

As the environmental assessment nears completion for reconstruction of a 7-mile stretch of Montana 35 through Bigfork, state highway officials want to know if Flathead County will ante up the money for bike-path and landscaping maintenance.

Frenchtown wins Buzz Lucey title

Houle of C-Falls named tournament’s outstanding wrestler

EUREKA — Frenchtown had six individual winners and also captured the team title on Saturday at the Buzz Lucey Invitational wrestling tournament.

Pay raises drive Kalispell school budgets higher

Kalispell Public Schools has begun the long, painful process of building its budget for the 2010-11 school year.

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Single-car rollover blocks traffic

Flathead County sheriff

Flu vaccinations offered for three days this week

The Flathead City County Health Department continues H1N1 and seasonal influenza immunization clinics this week for people 6 months and older.

Flathead pulls away in 2nd half

Ingram scores 27 points to lead Braves over Libby

Two minutes, 39 seconds.

Flathead vs Libby Girls Basketball

FHS vs. Libby Boys Basketball

Week in Photos December 14-20

Mary Alice Kinshella, 87

Mary Alice Kinshella, 87, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. Mary was born Dec. 9, 1922, in Great Falls, to Andrew and Anna Ella (Conrad) Evertt. She was raised in the Flathead Valley and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1943. In 1944, she married Dennis Kinshella in Libby. They had 45 wonderful years together before Dennis passed away. Mary worked at Montgomery Wards, Ben Franklin and finally Safeway Food Stores, where she retired. Mary loved the Flathead Valley! She would enjoy taking rides around the valley and tell you who had homesteaded where. Being a lifelong resident, she knew almost everyone in the valley at one point. Mary just enjoyed life and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a great joy to be around. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis. She is survived by her daughters, Gloria Rose of Oklahoma City, and Terry Johnston of Kalispell; sister, Virginia Schmitt; and grandchildren, Kim Briggs, Kevin Rose, Michelle Mitchell, Jackie Monda and Andrea Johnston. Visitation for Mary will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A reception will follow the services at the Eagles Lodge. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Home Options Hospice. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Bison boys edge Wolfpack, 55-52

GREAT FALLS — The Great Falls boys scored 16 points in the fourth quarter and rallied past Glacier 55-52 in a nonconference AA basketball game on Friday.

Glacier girls fend off Bison

Great Falls’ heave rims out in 50-48 Wolfpack win

There was one last-second shot left at Glacier High in 2009, and fortunately for the Wolfpack it didn’t go in.

Soldiers coming home

The Montana Army National Guard announced Friday that the 639th Quartermaster Company is expected to arrive back in Montana from Iraq on or about Jan. 1.

Four Glacier wrestlers win quarterfinal matches

GREAT FALLS — Glacier has advanced four wrestlers to the semifinals at the 32nd annual CMR Holiday Classic wrestling tournament.

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Take some of the hassle out of holiday travel

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to get those suitcases dusted off and packed for Grandma’s.

Grizzlies denied again

From left, Ty Cabral, Kevin Gauthier and Jeff Lozean high-five each other after a defensive stop by the Montana Grizzlies while watching Friday night’s Football Championship Subdivision title game at Fatt Boys Bar and Grille in Kalispell. Fans’ first-half enthusiasm was shattered, however, as Villanova dominated the second half and dealt Montana another title-game defeat, 23-21. For more on the game, go to page B-1.

Purse thief drinks, victim pays tab

Flathead County sheriff

Bartender charged after crash that killed trooper

A bartender who served a drunken driver who was responsible for a head-on crash near Somers that killed a Montana Highway Patrol trooper has pleaded not guilty to several misdemeanors.

Jobless rate goes back above 10 percent

The unemployment rate for Northwest Montana counties continued to rise in November.

Local fans share Grizzlies' ups and downs

Glacier vs Great Falls Girls Basketball

Abriana Grace Maltby

daughter of Nicholas and Jennifer Maltby of Kalispell, was born Sept. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Olivia Kaitlyn Walter

daughter of Jeff and Stefanie Walter of Kalispell, was born Sept. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Zoie Lucile Hulford

daughter of Jeremy David and Laura Lucile Hulford of Kalispell, was born Sept. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jennifer Diane Palin

daughter of Andrea Daugs and Wesley Palin of Kalispell, was born Sept. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Chel Kyle Kopman

son of Nathan and Monica Kopman of Kalispell, was born Sept. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

John Encoe, 47

The Lord took our favorite angel John Encoe home on Dec. 16, 2009, to finally dance among the stars after 30 years of battling his life in a wheelchair. He was born Sept. 9, 1962. John was a beautiful man with an infectious smile, warm heart, and an outstretched hand; and positive words to anyone who knew him or met him. He was loved by his family, friends and co-workers, and will be deeply missed. John is survived by his mother, Diana K. Clarke, and husband, Robert, of Kalispell; father, William, and Joanne Wall, of St. George, Utah; daughter, Alexandria, and Devon Morkin, of Kalispell; grandsons, Aydan and Dawson, and his favorite cousin, Heather Fletcher, of Kalispell; brother, Troy Wall, and wife, Tonya, of St. George; sister, Scarlett, and husband, Rick Miller, of Gilbert, Ariz.; brother, Shane Encoe, and wife, Sherry, of Kalispell; and uncle, Donald Bouge, of Bountiful, Utah; among many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. Come help us celebrate his life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Whitefish Church of God, 5685 U.S. 93, S., Whitefish.

Anya Valerie Farley

daughter of Kevin and Michelle Farley of Kalispell, was born Sept. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Sierra Rose Brooks

daughter of Christina Wright and Jon Brooks, was born Nov. 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Gauge Michael Macura

son of Ken and Marcie Macura of Kalispell, was born Sept. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Sage Kathryn Harapat

daughter of Wes and Ann Harapat of Bigfork, was born Sept. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Abby Nicole Phelps

daughter of Kevin and Maria Phelps of Kalispell, was born Sept. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Peter James Ruddy

son of Ben and Diana Ruddy of Lakeside, was born Sept. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bailey Dawn Allegro

daughter of Cody Jamison Allegro and Kasey Jane Richardson of Kalispell, was born Sept. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Maddix Aiden Hayes

son of Darah Hughes and Darren Hayes of Kalispell, was born Sept. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jasmine Thao My Nguyen

daughter of Tommy Nguyen and Tiffany Tran of Kalispell, was born Sept. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jayden LaRaine Davis

daughter of Samantha Davis of Kalispell, was born Sept. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Gabriel Joseph Black

son of Cara Black and Jeremiah Chumley of Libby, was born Sept. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Joslynne Bayreuther

daughter of Kayce Sanford and Nathan Bayreuther of Kalispell, was born Sept. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ryder Francis Korvola

son of Heather Pfeiffer and Heath Korvola of Whitefish, was born Oct. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Aspen Lachlan Young

son of Brent Young and Michaela Martin of Kalispell, was born Sept. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jeileen Maria Erdman

daughter of Ron Erdman and Iberica Paulino of Kalispell, was born Sept. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Garrett Riley Schmeusser

son of Eric and Jessica Schmeusser of Kalispell, was born Sept. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Garrick Lynn Doran

son of Gary Doran and Lyn Doran of Kalispell, was born Sept. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Nikolay Ivanovich Sysa

son of Ivan and Jennifer Sysa of Kalispell, was born Sept. 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

County workers get bonuses

Flathead County used $23,850 of a $402,000 insurance refund to give 477 county employees a $50 year-end bonus.

Grizzlies claw way to the top

Now there’s one left.

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'Laser babies' adopted

Job office helps out students for benefit

‘Laser babies’ adopted

The students at Laser School are very near to Terri Haueter’s heart.

Local law authorities crack down on alcohol abuse

Holidays are a time of celebration, but local law enforcement agencies are looking to make sure people in Flathead County party safely.

Ashley Lake planning update under way

An effort to update the 1997 Ashley Lake Neighborhood Plan is well under way.

Topsy-turned trees and twirling trucks

Flathead County sheriff

Wildcats clamp down on Braves

Columbia Falls stays perfect with tight win over Flathead

COLUMBIA FALLS — You don’t make the state tournament five out of the last nine years by easing into the season with a soft nonconference schedule.

C-Falls rips FHS

Wildkats pick up first win of basketball season

COLUMBIA FALLS — Defensive intensity was the name of the game during Columbia Falls Wildkat basketball practice this week.

Prep Hoops: Polson rallies by Whitefish

WHITEFISH — Tim Rausch scored 15 of his team-high 16 points in the fourth quarter to rally Polson to a 56-50 Northwestern A boys basketball victory over Whitefish on Thursday.

Braves, Wolfpack top AA mat poll

Flathead and Glacier are ranked 1-2, respectively, in the first AA wrestling poll of the season.

Tribes propose netting lake trout

Pilot project would double number of fish removed from Flathead Lake

The Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes have drafted a proposal for a “pilot project” for suppressing lake trout in Flathead Lake — a proposal that includes an aggressive netting effort.

Officers nab suspect in pharmacy robbery

Man in custody after driving, then running, from scene

An off-road car chase turned foot race ended when authorities apprehended a robbery suspect near Lybeck’s Dyke early Thursday afternoon.

Girls Basketball: Flathead at Columbia Falls

Boys Basketball: Flathead at Columbia Falls

Cathi Spence and Darlene Cecil

The Christmas Gift Shop

"Bernie" the bear

Folk art Santa

Genevieve E. Garner, 93

Genevieve E. Garner, 93, of Kalispell, died Dec. 1, 2009, at home with her best friend, Belinda Jones, at her side. Gen was born Oct. 19, 1916, in Duluth, Minn., to Raymond Jacob and Hazel Irene Cronquist. Gen married James Jim A. Garner on Oct. 8, 1945. They moved to Newport Beach, Calif., in 1946 and lived in the same house until they moved to Kila in 1983. While in California in 1951 they had their one and only son, James Raymond Garner, affectionately known as J.R. Gen and Jim loved living in Montana and their home in Kila. They both loved animals and had a horse named Moose and at least a half a dozen cats. That is how Gen became close friends with Belinda, when she would take her cats in at Kila for medical care where Belinda worked. When Gen s husband James died on Sept. 30 of 1989 she moved into Kalispell on Meridian Street where she could still keep her special horse, Moose. She lived there until 2005 when Moose passed on and it was just too much for Gen to keep up. She enjoyed her new home at Meadow Manor and the friendly neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Jacob and Hazel Irene Cronquist; her husband, James A. Garner; and their only son, James Raymond Garner, on Oct. 31, 2006. She leaves behind two loving sisters, Betty Mattix of Stephenville, Texas, and Jacqueline R. Mesna of Costa Mesa, Calif.; three grandchildren, Sydney Garner, Adrienne Garner and Morgan Garner; and six nieces. No services are planned at this time. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Gen s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Gen s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Rudolph Timothy Ringhoff, 62

Rudolph Timothy Ringhoff, 62, of Polson, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. Rudy was born on July 10, 1947, in Olympia, Wash., the son of Fred H. and Lydia Opal Ringhoff. He graduated from Columbia High School in Burbank, Wash., attended LeTourneau College in Longview, Texas, and graduated from Western Baptist Bible College. He then attended San Francisco Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated from Western Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary in Portland, with a Master of Divinity degree. Rudy helped to put himself through seminary by driving tanker trucks for both the Arco and Texaco oil companies. He married his high school sweetheart, Rita Soden, on Aug. 9, 1969, and together had two children, Tim and Jennifer. He counted it a privilege and a gift of the Lord to be able to serve Him in this beautiful valley and the dear people of First Baptist Church for almost 32 years. He loved all of you very much. Rudy was preceded in death by his father; and sister, Zoe. Survivors include his loving wife, Rita, of Polson; son, Tim, and Rachelle Ringhoff, of Gretna, Neb.; daughter, Jennifer, and Travis Stidham, of White Sulphur Springs; grandchildren, Bryar, Ashton, Isabella, Trae and Marena; his mother, Lydia Opal Ringhoff, of Everett, Wash.; a sister, Mary, and Ted Reed, of Everett; and many other relatives. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at the First Baptist Church of Polson, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Rodney Myrum will officiate. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 40401 Montana 35, Polson, MT 59860. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home of Polson considers it a privilege to care for Pastor Ringhoff s family.

Douglas C. Hale, 86

Douglas C. Hale, 86, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born in Whitefish to Sidney and Christina Tiny Hale on Aug. 18, 1923; he had been a direct descendant of Nathan Hale. He was raised and educated in Whitefish and, in 1942, he along with a large group of other Montana men enlisted in the U.S. Navy, calling themselves The Pearl Harbor Avengers. He served the duration of the war, being honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to Montana, working most of his life for the Great Northern Railroad as a conductor, living in Whitefish, Libby and Troy. Following his retirement, he resided in Arizona for part of the year and later had worked for a period of time as a corrections officer at the Arizona State Prison. He returned to the Flathead Valley permanently in 2002. While in the Libby and Troy area, he had participated in the local Search and Rescue and had been an early member of the Whitefish Boat Club. Doug had a lifelong love of horses, especially Arabians. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty; and second wife, Greta; as well as a daughter, Sharon Hale Treat; and son, Dick Hale; and brothers, Harold and Arnold. He is survived by a daughter, Carol Hale, of Whitefish; granddaughter, Donna Golden; great-grandchildren, Tara, T.J. and Casey; and great-great-grandchildren, Kaden and Makayla. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Montana Veterans Home. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

It's a flash; it's a bump; it's a mystery

Flathead County sheriff

Federal money OK'd for highways, Kalispell

The city of Kalispell and the Montana Department of Transportation stand to gain a combined $3.17 million once President Barack Obama signs an appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate last week.

Hit-and-run driver still at large

A CenturyLink telephone substation sustained between $80,000 and $100,000 worth of damage from a hit-and-run accident Sunday, and the driver involved is still at large.

Slain officer's sister steps forward: 'I'm going to fight for her'

Sundays are hard for Tammy Gipe. It was on Sunday morning, Nov. 29, that a man walked into Cafe Forza and opened fire on four Lakewood, Wash., police officers — Sgt. Mark Renninger and officers Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens and Greg Richards.

Girls night at Woodland Park

Ice rink stays busy with hockey, skating activities

Despite a meddlesome snow storm now and then and a gloomy economic climate, the Flathead Valley Hockey Association is keeping the ice shiny and the doors wide open at Woodland Ice Center.

Mill closure will have ripples

There will be a ripple effect, and it will be felt. The pending closure of the Smurfit-Stone container mill in Frenchtown will leave 417 employees out of work, causing an immediate and substantial impact on the Missoula area economy.

Counterfeiting may be linked to drug operation

Two men allegedly involved in counterfeiting bills circulating in the Kalispell area were arrested Wednesday, and they apparently are associates of three members of an Evergreen family arrested Tuesday on drug charges.

Raceway lands NASCAR Series West race

NASCAR is coming to the Flathead Valley.

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Helping out

Harris, Mercer contribute when needed for Griz

Although you won’t find the names Josh Harris or George Mercer listed No. 1 on the depth chart at the defensive end positions, both Montana players have still had a hand in helping the Grizzlies stay undefeated this season.

Girls Hockey wide action

Girls Hockey flexing

Girls Hockey passing drill

Train Jump at Rebecca Farm

Sister of Tina Griswold

My Own Book

Dolores) Jean Beaver Herron, 75

(Dolores) Jean Beaver Herron, 75, passed away Dec. 10, 2009, at Whitefish Care and Rehab. She was born in Kalispell on Sept. 2, 1934, to Gus Beaver and Anna Sauerbier Beaver. She lived in Alaska before it was a state, with her late husband Donald Sempf and three children. She also lived in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada, before returning to Kalispell in 1996. She worked as a full charge bookkeeper, office manager and accountant. She moved to Whitefish Care and Rehab, her final address as she put it, in August of this year with a diagnosis of terminal cancer. On Aug. 14 after seeking her whole life she turned away from finding her own pathway and chose to face her eternal future with Jesus Christ. She is survived by her children, Deborah Starin of Las Vegas, Daryl Sempf of Kila, and Denise Miller of Virginia Beach, Va.; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. Private arrangements are by Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.

Donna Mae Akers, 69

Donna Mae Akers, 69, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born on Nov. 22, 1940, in Longview, Wash. Donna was the proud mother of five children. She loved camping and fishing. She enjoyed gathering with family for the holidays, crafting, playing cards and she loved the beach. She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelynn Stillwell; and two sisters, Bobbie Erickson and Patricia Stillwell. Donna is survived by four daughters, Niki and Herbert Brown of Kalispell, Samantha Noland of Kalispell, Dallas and Al Tedrick of Kalispell, and Kathy and Dan McNiel of Olympia, Wash.; a son, Clyde Davis, of Olympia; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be announced at a later time. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, 3203 Third Ave. N., Suite 203, Billings, MT 59101-1945. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Donna s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Donna s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Orin Ferris Bleken, 67

Orin Ferris Bleken passed away on Dec. 13, 2009, following a courageous bout with lung cancer; leaving behind many friends and family who will miss him every day. The son of Oscar and Fern Bleken, he was born June 22, 1942, in Williston, N.D. He was raised in Appam, N.D., and graduated from Alamo High School in 1960. Orin spent the next three years farming and ranching in North Dakota and California before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1963. After completing the Infantry School Airborne Course in Fort Benning, Ga., he served a 13-month tour of duty in Vietnam in 1964, before completing his active duty in Fort Bragg, N.C., in 1966. He returned to North Dakota and attended the North Dakota School of Broadcasting in Bismarck. Upon graduation, he worked the news desk at KUMV-TV in Williston. In 1968 he relocated to Kalispell and presided at the news desk of KCFW-TV, and then later worked as a news announcer at AM Radio KOFI. He was noted for his infectious sign-off, From the desk of KOFI News, this is Orin Bleken. His broadcasting career highlights included interviews with both President Nixon and President Ford. In 1978 he departed the broadcasting field and spent over 20 years as a foreman at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company before retiring in 2001. Orin was an avid horse back rider, which led him to spending the next three seasons as operations manager at the Laughing Water Guest Ranch and Tuckers Inn Guest Ranch in Lincoln County, sharing his love of the outdoors and horses with everyone he came across. His horses, Junior and Cheyenne, were his constant companions. Orin relocated to Fargo, N.D., in 2007 and enjoyed spending time at the North Dakota Horse Park, where he also served on the board of directors. He relished time riding horses in the Sand Hills south of Leonard. Orin lived his life in true cowboy style. His devotion to God, his family, and horses brought many years of happiness and fulfillment. Orin is survived by his daughter, Rae, and Sherman Baker, of Kalispell; son, Ryan, and Tina Bleken of Westminster, Md.; daughter, Amy, and Armando Ygbuhay, of Chantilly, Va.; son, Mick, and Toni Bleken, of Kalispell; daughter, Kari, and Tim Barnes, of Fargo; and daughter, Molly, and Lee Hepburn of Denver; grandchildren, Arielle and Elliott Potter, Colby Baker, Gianna and Nico Bleken, and Olivia Barnes; mother, Fern Bleken, of Appam, N.D.; brother, Emil, and Valerie Bleken, of Alamo, N.D.; sister, Carol, and Wally Blomberg, of Fargo; and brother, Virgil, and Paulette Bleken, of Spokane. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Joseph s Indian School, P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, S.D. 57325. Visitation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. today, Dec. 16, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. today at Boulger Funeral Home. Arrangements are entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. An online guestbook is available at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

George L. Bolta, 79

George L. Bolta, a Navy veteran and retired railroad engineer, died at his son s home in Boise, Idaho, of natural causes, on Dec. 13, 2009. George was born to George and Anna Bolta on July 19, 1930. He attended school in Havre and Gonzaga Prep School. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he went to work for the Great Northern Railroad and worked for them for 40 years as a fireman/engineer, until his retirement in 1992. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 38 years; by his children, Cynthia Kaleva of Choteau, Debra VanDe Reit of Fairfield, Mary Junck of Havre, George Bolta of Mill Creek, Wash., and Elena Jarman of Havre; and by Mary s children, Kathleen Thompson of Golden Valley, Minn., Carol McPherson of Evanston, Ill., Richard McPherson of Lewistown, Stacey Carrigan of Havre and Don McPherson of Boise, Idaho; 27 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and by his sisters, Ann McLain of Havre, Keva Symes of Hot Springs and Elena Clontz of Havre. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. At his request, a memorial will be held at his home in Pinnacle, in the spring, with burial in Highland Cemetery in Havre.

'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year'

Smith Valley School eighth-grader Cheyenne Long dances the “worm” on stage to accompany the fourth-grade class singing “Hip Hop Turkeys” during the school’s Christmas program, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” on Tuesday afternoon.

C-Falls loses in duals to Polson, Libby

COLUMBIA FALLS — Seth McCall (98) and Kelly Houle (215 and 285) both won twice by pin, but it wasn’t enough as Columbia Falls lost to Polson 57-26 and Libby 57-28 in Northwestern A dual wrestling action Tuesday.

Family faces drug charges

Three family members allegedly involved in a long-running illegal prescription drug operation were arrested early Tuesday morning by members of the Northwest Drug Task Force.

Emergency director Peck resigning job

Mark Peck, Flathead County’s director of Emergency Services, has submitted a letter of resignation.

Some horses just want to roam freely

Flathead County sheriff

Blacktail skiing opens on Saturday

The Blacktail Mountain Ski Area west of Lakeside opens for the season on Saturday with all lifts running.

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Kalispell Council puts noise ordinance work on hold

Kalispell’s proposed noise ordinance is on hold until a parallel law regulating the municipal airport can be drafted and considered simultaneously.

Mee, Loggers hold off Wolfpack; Glacier boys cruise

LIBBY — Jackie Mee scored a game-high 25 points and Jaime Gilden added 14 as the Libby Loggers held off Glacier 55-44 in a nonconference girls basketball game on Tuesday.

Local lighting ordinance to be enforced in phases

Kalispell’s 2005 dark skies ordinance finally will be enforced but, as a nod to the economy and those who are trying to comply, in a phased approach.

Smith Valley Christmas Program Streamers

Smith Valley School Christmas program: "Doing the Worm"

Creston Christmas 2

Neighbor helping neighbor

Creston Christmas 1

SERVER INFO

Snow job

Christmas-card scene

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Annual 'Our House' meal attracts 2,307 diners

The 20th annual Christmas at Our House Dinner broke all records by serving 2,307 people Saturday at the Kalispell Armed Forces Reserve Center.

Frenchtown mill closure to hit hard

Smurfit-Stone Contaainer Corp. announced Monday that it will close its mill near Frenchtown at the end of the year, a move that is expected to have sweeping impacts on Montana’s forest products industry and other economic sectors.

Snow scene

Yellow ribbons for 639th go up on Saturday

The public is invited to help hang yellow ribbons on Saturday, Dec. 19, for the Montana National Guard 639th Quartermaster Supply Company’s anticipated homecoming from its second deployment to Iraq.

Counterfeit $100 for burger goes bad

An alert employee at Wendy’s figured out a $100 bill tendered for food was counterfeit and called Kalispell police. The man passing the $100 Sunday evening said he received it from a snow-machine sale but took off when the police were called. A chase ensued by police and a man was arrested for probation violation. Counterfeiting charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Nonprofit taxi service may be Whitefish option

At the suggestion of Montana Public Service Commissioner Ken Toole, a Whitefish citizens group is exploring the option of starting a nonprofit taxi service for the resort community.

Governor won't pay $600,000 to Swank

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer announced Monday that the state will not give Swank Enterprises $600,000 for an environmental cleanup at a site the company owns in Evergreen.

Attorney plans challenges in Barkus case

The Daily Inter Lakeand The Associated Press

Bruce A. Yager, 54

Bruce A. Yager, 54, passed away Saturday, Dec.12, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center of pulmonary fibrosis. Bruce was born Oct. 24, 1955, in Buffalo, Minn., to Arwood and Helen (Drenckhahn) Yager. He was raised in Delano, Minn. Bruce was an electrician and had been employed with Excel Electric Contractors. Bruce will be remembered for his kind, gentle and adventurous spirit. He was a friend to many who truly knew him. He was also known for his Jeckyll and Hyde nature that brought out the worst in some, while others just laughed and said that s Bruce. He enjoyed jeeping, restoration of old Jeeps and muscle cars. Bruce was preceded in death by a sister, Cheryl Weiman (Yager). He is survived by his parents, Arwood and Helen Yager, and brother, Greg Yager, and wife, Nancy, of Kalispell; brother-in-law, Dale Weiman of Delano; other relatives, Mitchell Yager of Minneapolis, Andrea Yager of Kalispell; and other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at 7 p.m. today, Dec. 15, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Church at Creston Building Fund. Friends are invited to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Leola J. Hanson, 76

Leola J. Hanson, 76, of Whitefish, a former longtime Eureka resident, died Sunday at Whitefish. Born in Eureka, on Jan. 5, 1933, to Orrin and Elsie Frost, Leola was raised and educated in the Tobacco Valley. She and Stan Hanson were married in 1950 and made Eureka their home where they raised their family. During those years, Leola held a number of occupations including bookkeeper, cook, waitress, florist and later worked for the U.S. Postal Service from which she retired in 1980; Leola always considered her most important occupation in life as being a mother and wife. She remained in the Tobacco Valley until moving to Whitefish over 10 years ago. While in Eureka, she had been active in many community affairs and projects, one of the largest being the development and construction of the Craig Klinke Baseball Field. Preceding her in death was her daughter, Susan Hanson Workman; and her son, Stanley James Hanson; also preceding her were her brothers, LeeRoy, Frank and Lynn Frost. She is survived by her husband, Stan, of Whitefish; a daughter, Carrie Hanson, of Kalispell; a son, Ron Hanson, and wife, Carol, of Eureka; four sisters, Beatrice McLaughlin of Kalispell, Evelyn O Boyle of Medford, Ore., Lucy Rude and Mary Handford and husband Jim, all of Kalispell; and sisters-in-law, Sherry Frost and Jean Frost; as well as five loving grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous, much-loved cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Eureka with the Rev. Pat Lovitt officiating. Private interment services will be at Tobacco Valley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Eureka Ambulance. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Henry Jackson 'Smitty' Smith, 92

Henry Jackson Smitty Smith, 92, died Nov. 5, 2009. He was born in Gastonia, N.C. He was the husband of the late Alma (Waters) Smith, and is survived by his three children, Kelly Bort and her husband, Bob, of Whitefish, Marie Makely and her husband, Bruce, of Voorhees, N.J., and Henry Smith and his wife, Lauren, of West Chester, Pa. In addition he had nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sr. Maureen Rose, IHM. He was preceded in death by three of his grandchildren. In 1940 Smitty enlisted in the U.S. Navy following a brief stint at college. He was a career sailor with 27 years of service, retiring with Chief Warrant Officer rank and partial disability. He received numerous citations, including the Purple Heart. During World War II Smitty served in the South Pacific on battleships and saw action during the Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Battle of Sabo Island, Pelieu and Tarawa naval engagements. He was proudest of his responsibilities as damage and fire control officer during the many naval battles. He later participated in the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Smitty was buried Dec. 2 with full military honors, following funeral Mass at St. Eugene Church in Primrose, Pa.

Douglas B. Remick, 67

Douglas B. Remick, 67, a longtime Flathead Valley resident, died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, at his home in Helena. Doug was born on Dec. 2, 1941, in a farmhouse near Red Lake Falls, Minn. He was a retired lieutenant colonel from the Montana Army National Guard and an insurance agent for American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company. Doug was a proud member of the Hibernians and Eagles. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and friend. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved spending summers at the lake fishing in his boat, the Leaking Lena, loved hunting, and his Minnesota Vikings. Doug is survived by his daughter, Renee Nowfel, of Leesburg, Va.; sons, Scott Remick and Shelley of San Diego, Ryan Remick and Tina of London, Kyle Bitney of Kalispell, and Cory Bitney of Missoula; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his father, Bernard Remick, of Red Lake Falls, Minn.; siblings, Sylvia Morey and Bruce of Hamilton, Andrew Remick of Helena, Suzanne Combs and Roger of Peoria, Ariz., Dwight Remick of Ritzville, Wash., and Craig Remick and Jo of Omaha, Neb.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Madeline (Amiot) Remick; and his brother, Ronald Remick. His funeral Mass took place on Dec. 4, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Helena. He was buried at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison with graveside military honors. Arrangements were handled through Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home in Helena. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Doug s name online to St. Jude Children s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or a charity of donor s choice.

Charles W. Tustin, 82

Charles W. Tustin, 82, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at his home in Coram. He was born in San Jose, Calif., to Clifford and Margaret Tustin on Aug. 23, 1927, and was raised and educated there. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and, following his honorable discharge, attended San Jose State College and UC Berkeley. He married Adele Pfeffer in 1953 in California. He and his wife later resided at Lake Tahoe where he worked in building construction; they remained in California until coming to the north Flathead Valley in 1966. He built and operated the Husky Truck Stop in Coram, and later had been postmaster at Coram until his retirement from there, following 18 years of service. He had been a member of the First Baptist Church first in Columbia Falls, and later in Whitefish until the time of his death. A lifelong learner, Charles maintained a passionate interest in foreign languages and enjoyed corresponding with people in foreign countries as well as being an avid reader of all types of books. He also maintained a collection of flags of many types, most especially those of the 50 states. Surviving him are his wife of 56 years, Adele, at the family home in Coram; his children, Wayne of Las Vegas, Warren of Colorado Springs, Colo., Wyatt of Caldwell, Idaho, Willi of Coram, and Whitney of Aurora, Colo.; a sister, Marion Collett, of Santa Clara, CA; and 11 grandchildren. Services will be 1 p.m. at Friday, at the First Baptist Church in Whitefish with Pastor Gene Speer officiating; interment services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Austin Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the church. Memorials in Charles memory may be made to a charity of the donor s choice.

Hockaday hires new director

The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell has hired Elizabeth Moss as the new executive director and curator.

David M. Hashley Drama Tournament

Daybook

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Peer-review team probes Planning Office

The Flathead County Planning Office should find ways to step up communication with the public, the county commissioners and the development community, a statewide peer-review team has recommended.

Bigfork radio mogul pins hope, savvy on Portland stations

If Larry Wilson’s knee had held out, his life might have been very different.

Law roundup

Hooky-bobbing still is frowned upon, a 37-year-old man found out Saturday night. A Whitefish police officer driving slowly along Central Avenue noticed a man walk out of a bar and begin to cross the street behind the patrol car, then drop out of sight. Turns out he had ducked down, grabbed the bumper and was getting a free ride. He was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Week in Pictures December 7-13

Harold Sonny Ray Peterson, 79

Harold Sonny Ray Peterson passed away suddenly Dec. 9, 2009, in Polson. He was 79 years old. Sonny s life was as colorful and varied as the man himself. He lived large, loved his family, adored his rodeo horses and enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and snowmobiling. Born in Bingham, Utah, March 8, 1930, Sonny was the third of seven children born to Auer and Eileen (Bosh) Peterson. As a young man, he did some farming in Marysvale, Utah, and later worked in the uranium mines. He also owned and operated a service station in the area. In 1950, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Nichol. Eight years later, the family, which now included three children, moved to Long Beach, Calif., where Sonny cooked for Bob s Big Boy Restaurant. After attending school to become a certified welder, he worked at the Naval shipyard. Finally, in 1965, Sonny found his true calling " operating heavy equipment. Simply put, there was no one better at maneuvering a giant machine in the tightest area to perform the smallest task. He was a master. That same year, he and his brother, Dick, started an excavation business in Cherry Valley, Calif. Six years later, Sonny moved the family to Riverside, Calif., where he and his son, Kent, formed S & K Equipment Co. in 1975. During this time, he also started an outfitting guide service on a 10,000-acre ranch in Pinedale, Wyo. In 1986, Sonny started his own company, Sonny s Engineering, which he ran until 2002 when he moved to Polson. Now semi-retired, he continued to work in the excavation business with his son s company, Kentco, but he and Mary finally had time to travel in their motor home to visit family and friends scattered around the country. No mention of Sonny s life could be spoken unless the word rodeo was included. From a young age he loved horses and the cowboy way. He was a gold card member of the PRCA and an accomplished calf and team roper. Sonny did not shy away from the two most dangerous jobs at a rodeo, bull riding and clowning, where he often had to put himself in danger to save another rider. He also served as president of the Riverside Ranchero Club and promoter for many rodeo and roping events, including the Old Timers Rodeo, Century Team Roping event, and the Shriners charity rodeo. Sonny is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Peterson, of Polson; daughter, Vicky Siwy, of Fort Mohave, Nev.; son, Kent Peterson, of Bigfork; brother, Ernest Peterson, of Bigfork; brother, David Peterson, of Irvine, Calif.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Auer Peterson and Eileen Hellman; daughter, Patricia; sisters, Betty Lamont and Auerlene Peterson; and brothers, Robert Bob Peterson and Richard Dick Peterson. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., in Polson. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 19 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35, in Bigfork, with visitation during the hour preceding the service. Interment will immediately follow at Bigfork Community Cemetery on Swan River Road in Bigfork. Condolences can be made to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Idell H. Johnson, 84

Idell H. Johnson, 84, died Dec. 8, 2009, at Whitefish. Idell was born in Missoula on Nov. 8, 1925, to Harry and Ida Jones; she attended Paxson Grade School and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1943. Idell was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missoula. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert C. Johnson, on May 12, 1944. Idell was an active member of Missoula Women s Bowling Association for 30 years, serving five years as president and five years as treasurer. She was elected to the Missoula Bowling Association Hall of Fame for meritorious service. She enjoyed many years of league bowling and the many fun tournament trips with team members. She organized the Bitterroot 600 Club and served as their president for several years. Besides bowling, she also enjoyed golf, knitting and crossword puzzles. She and her husband of 65 years enjoyed weekends at Flathead Lake golfing with friends from Missoula and Polson. The often elusive hole-in-one was made by Idell on a very rainy day in September 2000 on the Whitefish Golf Course. Idell and Bob danced many a night to the big band sounds of Glenn Miller and took many weekend dates to enjoy their passion of playing golf. They resided in Missoula until Bob s retirement in 1985 and moved to Whitefish, where they continued to golf and bowl. Idell was preceded in death by her parents; and her best friend and sister, Dorothy McLaughlin. Surviving her are her husband, Bob; son, Doug, and wife, Cyndi, and their three children, Jarrod, Alyssa and Ashley; sister-in-law, Delores Criswell, and husband, Ted, and their children, Steve Criswell and Lucy, and Julie Ulrich and Ron. She is also survived by a niece, Susan Anderson, and her children, Michela and Erik; and nephew, Gary McLaughlin, and wife, Dixie. Memorials may be made to the Alice Ritzman Golf Tournament, which will provide an award in Idell s name for Top Female Youth Golfer. This will be awarded to schools throughout the Flathead Valley every year; donations may be made at the Whitefish Credit Union under Idell s name. Idell s family will host a gathering to receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.

Derek Martin, 18

Derek Martin, 18, of Whitefish, passed away Dec. 10, 2009, near Columbia Falls. Derek s birth brought smiles to Eric and Lori Martin on Oct. 25, 1991, in Kalispell. He was raised and educated in Whitefish. Derek was a senior at Whitefish High School, where he loved sharing the halls with his favorite physics teacher, his mom. Aside from being a student, Derek also worked with his dad at Western Building Center in Columbia Falls. Derek enjoyed playing soccer and pursuing his love of the outdoors in hunting, fishing and four-wheeler riding with his dad. He loved spending days at the lake and the recent family trips to Hawaii trying snorkeling, surfing and deep-sea fishing. Some of Derek s favorite things were playing computer games with his brother Scott, his mom s sugar cookies and a can of Citrus Drop. When home, Derek loved spending quiet time with his and Scott s much-loved cats, Princess and Oliver. Derek always had a smile on his face and brightened every room he walked in to. Derek was always ready to challenge the family to a board game and lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Derek s life was cut far too short and his value may never be truly known. He will be missed every single day. He leaves everyone who knew him poorer in his absence. He is survived by his parents, Eric and Lori, and his brother, Scott; his grandmothers, Nana Karen Martin and Gram Mamie Parpart; and his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins, Steve and Shelley Martin, and children, Austin and Natasha; Bill and Leslie Bales, and son, Brian, and his wife, Nicolette; and daughter, BrieAnna, and her husband, Pa-Foday Jaiteh. Services will be at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish. Memorials in Derek s memory may be made to the Columbia Falls Food Bank, 82 Railroad St. E., Columbia Falls, MT 59912, where Derek recently helped his dad deliver food donations; and the Humane Society, 3499 U.S. Highway 93 N., Kalispell, MT 59901, for Derek s love of cats. Arrangements are under the care of Austin Funeral Home.

Douglas E. Fox, 93

Douglas E. Fox, 93, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with family and close friends at his bedside. He was born on June 8, 1918, at his father s homestead at Rosses Hole near Sula, to Clinton and Bessie (Overturf) Fox. As a child, Doug learned to hunt and fish, and he loved riding his horse bareback over the hills of the French basin. Doug attended the one-room schoolhouse in Sula and Darby High School. He was the first draft from the Bitterroot Valley to serve in the Army in the South Pacific during World War II. Doug was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the American Defense Service Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After the war he drove for Consolidated Freight Ways, logged with his brother in the Bitterroot Valley and worked as a hospital attendant at Fort Harrison where he met his wife, Mary Jo Hurly, who was an RN. Doug attended Montana State University in Missoula, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master in Education degree. He taught science classes in Darby and Glendive and at Flathead High School. He collected and repaired old clocks. Doug was an excellent gardener and one of the founders of the Kalispell Farmers Market. He was an active life member of the DAV Chapter 4 and served as a State Department commander in 1987-1988. Doug is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, at the family home; two daughters, Alice Yvonne Fox-Sills and husband, David, of Missoula, and Jean Fox at the family home; son, Mark Fox, at the family home; three grandchildren, Tom and wife, Tammy, Tina and Christy; seven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends. He also leaves behind his loving schnauzer, Schnapps. Funeral services for Doug will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Ron Youde of Central Bible Church officiating. Burial will be at Glacier Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Douglas family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Doug s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Wake up and smell the debt!

Editor's 2 Cents

I didn’t know whether to headline this story, “It’s the debt, stupid!” or “Wake up and smell the catastrophe,” so I settled on “Wake up and smell the debt!”

County has plenty of H1N1 flu vaccine

Flathead County Health Officer Joe Russell said Thursday that the City-County Health Department has a large supply of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine ready to distribute to anyone 6 months and older.

Owner jumps back into furniture game

What’s Al Rohrich thinking, opening a furniture store just when most Flathead residents are closing their wallets?

Land donation helps Lakeside ambulance effort

Al and Cora Luna, longtime residents of Lakeside, have donated a two-acre lot to the Lakeside Quick Response Unit for a new ambulance hall.

Casting stones

Montana’s only curling club takes to the ice in Whitefish

On a frigid Saturday night at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish, Gina Kiehn celebrated her birthday like never before.

Glacier falls to Rustlers

For the second night in a row, the Glacier Wolfpack fell behind from the start and attempted the thrilling comeback victory. But this time, Josh Huestis came in and swatted it right away.

1,500 houses lose power in West Valley

Flathead Electric Cooperative

Stringing Christmas lights

More snow on the way

The Kalispell-area is looking at a “pretty nasty weekend,” according to National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Johnson.

Preparing items for sale

Bison bounce Braves

Inch by inch.

Making spirits bright

Out-of-work trucker strings lights to make ends meet

Things weren’t looking too merry or bright for Jon Whitmore when he lost his job as a local truck driver in February.

Hit snooze on climate alarmism

One thing that the Copenhagen climate conference has made strikingly clear is that global alarmism has become a mega-global industry, with a huge driving stake in self-preservation.

Daybook

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Banner day for Kalispell wrestling

Flathead first at Mining City Duals; Glacier winds up 3rd

BUTTE — It was a memorable day for Kalispell wrestling on Saturday at the Mining City Duals.

Land trust aims to buy foreclosed local homes

After years of affordable housing melting away from Kalispell’s landscape, an initiative to tackle the problem head-on is under way.

Literacy volunteer shares gift of reading

Breta Duncan can’t imagine a life without reading, and she shares her lifelong love for reading with others as a tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County.

The Whitmore family

flathead boys hoops

Boys Basketball: Flathead vs Great Falls

Al's Furniture

Al's Furniture: Leather furniture selection

Christmas at Our House

Lillian R. Cortner, 96

Lillian R. Cortner, 96, a 50-year resident of Hot Springs and Kalispell, departed this world on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at Hospice of Spokane. She was born May 22, 1913, in Butte, to Peter and Elizabeth (Zemba) Sologub. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; seven sisters; and her husband, Ben F. She is survived by her children, Raymond and wife Sharon, and Gary and wife Liz; five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. The vigil for Lillian will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 14 at Risen Christ Catholic Church with Father Rudolph Bullman as celebrant. Burial will be in the Murray Memorial Cemetery near Hot Springs. In lieu of memorial contributions, the family requests a random act of kindness to another. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Lillian s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Lillian s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Reappraisal frustration continues

Lawmakers mull tax reform ideas

The “outliers” showed up in force to air their frustrations over the state’s property tax appraisal system at a town hall meeting in Kalispell Thursday, and it appears the issue is going to be attacked from multiple directions.

'You've been served'; 'You've been sprayed'

Flathead County sheriff

Officer assistance

Columbia Falls Police Officer Todd Mertz helps fit a ski mask over Jayson Guring’s head at Target during the department’s annual Shop with a Cop Program on Thursday. Through donations taken over the course of the year, the police association was able to take five children shopping with a budget of $190 each.

High court affirms ruling in condo lawsuit

Three Lakeside condominium projects are subject to the county subdivision review process, the Montana Supreme Court has affirmed.

Lake City turns lights out on Wolfpack

Power outage forces teams to play at Flathead

The shooting couldn’t have been much hotter.

Glacier powers back to win

Connor Fuller and the Glacier boys basketball team made it all worth the wait on Friday night.

Lego class sparks engineering interest

Seth Carmichael and Marshall Harshberger know that sometimes functionality has to be sacrificed for coolness’ sake.

Whitefish grinch steals Christmas

Liana West thought she was safe in a small town like Whitefish.

Man sought in gunfight jailed in Washington

The suspect in a shooting incident a week ago west of Kalispell is in custody in Washington state.

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Glacier vs Lake City Girls Basketball

Power Outage at Glacier

Glacier vs Lake City Boys Basketball

Officer assistance

Lego Robotics celebration

Lego Robotics working

The Kalispell Invite

Big snowstorm on the way

The Flathead Valley and West Glacier areas are expected to catch the brunt of weather systems bringing heavy snow, cold and high winds starting Saturday evening.

Whitefish Curling Club: Scotland stones

Montana Life: Curling

Whitefish Curling Club: Getting instructions

Whitefish Curling Club: Sweeping the ice

Whitefish Curling Club: Practicing

William A. Bill Lawson, 87

William A. Bill Lawson, 87, a resident of Flathead Valley for 55 years, died on Dec. 7, 2009, at Heritage Place in Kalispell, of natural causes. Bill was born June 23, 1922, in Roundup, to Howard and Isabelle (Isaacson) Lawson. Bill moved to Pullman, Wash., and on to Spokane, before settling in Columbia Falls in 1954. He married Mildred E. Seymour in 1941 and they lived in Spokane while Bill worked for Kaiser Aluminum. They had a daughter, Becky, who was a baby when Bill joined the Navy in World War II. He attended basic training at Farragut Naval Base in Idaho, then transferred to San Diego, to serve on the USS Salt Lake City, a heavy cruiser. As a seaman first class, he fought throughout the South Pacific, including firing on Iwo Jima providing island bombardment and later watching the now famous flag rising from the deck of the USS Salt Lake City. Upon returning from the war, he resumed work at Kaiser Aluminum, until he moved to Columbia Falls to work at Anaconda Aluminum Company. He remained there until retiring in 1983 from the potlines as a supervisor, after 42 years in the aluminum industry. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, bowling and collecting antiquities. He spent many enjoyable days camping, hunting and fishing up the North Fork and on Hungry Horse Reservoir. He was a lifelong member of the NRA. At his retirement home on Ashley Lake, Bill spent his time plowing snow for many neighbors, pulling people out of snow banks, and supplying assorted plumbing and electrical parts to neighbors in need. He spent countless hours checking on friends and neighbors cabins while they were absent. He loved getting firewood and it was not uncommon for him to haul, split and stack eight to 12 cords for the winter every year. In later years, he was never without the companionship of his beloved schnauzer, Heidi. He is survived by daughter, Becky Wilson, and husband, Ty, of Columbia Falls; and grandchildren, Rick Wilson of Columbia Falls, and Kari Boardman and husband, Mark, of Kalispell. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mildred; his parents; two sisters; and a brother. Cremation has taken place and by Bill s wishes no services are scheduled. Memorials may be sent to the Heritage Place, Alzheimer s/Dementia Ward, 171 Heritage Way, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bill s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bill s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Grounded flock of geese disappears

Flathead County sheriff

Pre-release site area narrowed

The local committee trying to find a site for the proposed pre-release center in the Kalispell area is narrowing its area of focus.

Firm hits gold near Glacier

Mining company ‘pleased with our initial exploration results’

A Canadian mining company says it has found high-grade gold deposits north of Glacier National Park, raising additional concerns in Montana about development in the pristine Flathead River drainage north of the border.

Man charged with cruelty for deaths of dogs

Ivan Irwin, 48, of Hungry Horse has been cited for two counts of animal cruelty after two of his dogs froze to death during subzero temperatures Monday night.

Daybook

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Glacier wrestlers pound Hellgate, 68-15

MISSOULA — Glacier won 10 matches, eight by pins, and added 12 more points off two forfeits to crush Missoula Hellgate 68-15 in a Western AA wrestling dual on Thursday.

Old Bethlehem scenes come to life

The 2,000-year-old village of Bethlehem came to life in Evergreen on Tuesday.

Camping out for a cause

Mark Radway of Whitefish, a program director and morning radio DJ at 103.1 The River, waves to passing cars from atop a lift at The Blue Cow building in Kalispell. Radway and several other radio DJs camped out Wednesday and Thursday at sites across the valley to raise donations for Toys for Tots.

Flathead edges Sentinel in wrestling

MISSOULA — Flathead used a pin by freshman Billy Allen (112) and a decision by Josh

Trust-fund settlement overdue

It’s long overdue, but it appears that finally a agreement has been reached to settle a lawsuit on behalf  of Native Americans that was led by Blackfeet tribal member Elouise Cobell.

Bethlehem Village manger scene

Campout for a cause

Larry Wilson of Alpha Broadcasting

Larry Wilson with his rescued dogs

Edmond J. Solomon, 95

Edmond J. Solomon, 95, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at his home in Kalispell, with his immediate family nearby. He was born on Nov. 6, 1914, in Anaconda, to Seraphin and Mary Solomon. He attended schools in Anaconda, graduating from Anaconda High School in 1932. He then attended college at Montana State University-Bozeman, where he earned his bachelor s degree. Ed worked for Montana Power Company from 1936, until he retired as a chief gas engineer in 1976. He enjoyed woodworking, clock and watch repair, gardening and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Katherine; a son, Roy; and two sisters, Loretta and Edna. He is survived by two sons and their wives, Gary and Linda Solomon of Kalispell, and Wayne and April Solomon of Lebanon, Mo.; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Another memorial service and interment will be conducted in Butte, in the early summer of 2010. The family requests memorials in Edmond s name be made to Home Options Hospice of Kalispell, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to leave your condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

William Lawrence Matthews, 82

William Lawrence Bill Matthews, 82, passed away in La Palma, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. Bill was born in Manhattan, N.Y., on Dec. 27, 1926. After Pearl Harbor was attacked Bill joined the Navy. He married his sweetheart, Catherina, and soon he was off to war in the Asian Pacific. In 1945, in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, his ship was bombed by the Japanese. He lost hearing in one ear and caught shrapnel that could never be removed. Bill lost crewmates that day. Though his ship was not sunk it had to later be dismantled. He is survived by his wife, Cathy; and children, Jimmy, Diane, Nancy, Billy, Joey and Christopher, and many grandchildren. His two nieces, Sherry Iavicoli and Carolyn Lopez, reside here in Kalispell. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Edward and Pete. He and his wife made several pilgrimages to the Pearl Harbor memorial site over the years. It perplexed Bill to know so many men and women of the Greatest Generation were dying off, and new generations would forget the price that was paid for our freedom and liberties. He will be buried with full military honors presented by the U.S. Navy at 2 p.m. Dec. 11, at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, Calif. Bill was a recipient of The Purple Heart medal.

Daybook

Today

Park expansion boosts trail effort

$70,000 grant will help Herron Park grow

The future for a bigger Herron Park, with uninterrupted access to an even larger trail, just got brighter.

Two dogs found frozen

Two dogs froze to death Monday night in Hungry Horse during temperatures that dropped below zero.

Donors needed for Smallville at shelter

Myni Ferguson, a member of Flathead Shelter Friends, has a plan to convert a space with a grim history into a happy place for small dogs to frolic and a suite to separate some dogs for observation.

Facing the Afghan challenge

Barack Obama campaigned for president partly on the premise that Afghanistan was “the right war,” and that George Bush had gotten it wrong.

Former Undersheriff Curry to run for sheriff's job

Former Flathead County Undersheriff Chuck Curry has kicked off the 2010 election cycle early with an announcement this week that he plans to run for sheriff on the Republican ticket.

Flu vaccine now made available to everyone

As of Monday, the Flathead City-County Health Department will open H1N1 (swine) flu vaccinations to anyone age six months and older.

Landmark Kalispell cafe reopens

Sykes’ serving breakfast, lunch

Plates of food and smiling faces filled the tables once again on Wednesday at Sykes’ Restaurant on Second Avenue West in Kalispell.

Local bowler wins big in Las Vegas

For Kalispell resident Rick Perry, the tag High Roller fits.

Official election filing begins on Jan. 14

The first day to file as a candidate in the 2010 election is Jan. 14. Filing continues through March 15.

Just horsing around at the golf course

Flathead County sheriff

Schools trimming administration

Kalispell Public Schools is tightening its proverbial belt, and more than one position likely will be lost as the district cinches its waistline.

Smallville County Animal Shelter

Sykes' reopens

Curry running for Sheriff

Ruth Lona Lee Jackson Hoyem Evans, 85

Ruth Lona Lee Jackson Hoyem Evans passed away at 2:55 a.m. on Dec. 5, 2009, in Kalispell. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grand- and great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend and mentor. Lona Lee was born in a tent, Dec. 1, 1924, in Lavoye, Wyo., to Ralph and Maudie Mae (Stuart) Jackson. Ralph adored his wee Lona Lee and doted on her. His shockingly unexpected death two years later " three days after Lona Lee s sister Lexie was born, resulted in an epic, forced winter road trip to Maudie s mother s home in Butte. Lona Lee was raised in Butte with her sister Lexie by Maudie and their loving stepfather Red Hoyem. She frequently told stories of grinding poverty, hardship and also lots of fun, parties and dancing to the traveling Big Bands at Columbia Gardens, wearing beautiful dresses her mother made. Her most cherished relationships were with her five cousins " those Jackson boys and Grandma Tabor. These experiences and challenges resulted in lifelong friendships and the steel core strength to deal with anything life offered her, no matter how difficult. She frequently recounted her teenage story of driving back from Anaconda after getting an ice cream cone with her childhood friend, Leo Evans, on Dec. 7, 1941. Upon hearing that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor, she said, We looked at each other and knew that our lives would never be the same. She graduated from Butte Public High School May 28, 1943. Her first job was sewing garments for Japanese people in internment camps; her second and favorite, was working at the Metals Bank. She also volunteered at the local USO and met troop trains every Sunday during the war. Leo and Lona Lee were married in Butte on Oct. 14, 1945, upon his return from military service in the Army Air Corps as a P51 Mustang fighter pilot based on Iwo Jima. They had nine children and lost one, Lona Lee, in infancy. Nothing was more important to them than their children " those Evans Kids who they successfully guided into adulthood and their own stories. Their move to Kalispell in 1956 began a 50-year legacy of contribution and service to the Flathead Valley. Lona Lee considered herself to be a simple person and never understood the overwhelmingly positive impact of her efforts in the world. She was a master gardener, filling up her friends and children s lives with flowers, creativity and imagination. She was a gifted seamstress who made many of her children s clothes, Halloween and parade costumes and embroidered works of art. Her volunteer efforts included countless years with the PTA, National Women s Federation, Cub and Boy Scouts, Jayceens, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and Hospice of the Flathead Valley. It was in Hospice that her talent for making Butte pasties created many years of successful fundraisers. At great personal cost she and Leo were the founding members of a nonprofit organization called the Flathead Lake Protection Association that continues its work to protect the quality of the water basin. This is how she earned the title, Lady of the Lake. In addition to raising eight children, Lona Lee managed their food drive-in business, Leos Lazy Lion for over 20 years, mentoring countless young women, empowering them with life skills which helped ensure their success in whatever endeavor they chose. Some were at risk since she proudly worked with the Flathead County Detention office to help give girls in trouble a chance. Many women still proudly pronounce that they were once, a Leo s Girl and always, respectfully call them, Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Lona Lee loved life and was insatiably curious about everything and everyone around her " even in her final days her caregivers loved her and she them. Her command of the English language enabled her to be a fascinating storyteller and she instilled in her children a love of learning and a respect for others. There was always room for another chair at the table, food, clothes or bed for the less fortunate. Many kids knew they were always welcome to crash and be safe at the Evans house. She was a friend and second mother to many and will be missed beyond all measure by the countless lives her love and generosity touched. Lona Lee is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Leo B. Evans; their children, grand- and great-grandchildren, Lexie Mae Evans; Troy Evans, and his wife, Heather McLarty; Cly F. Evans, his wife Charlotte Streit, and daughters, Grace and Emma; Jill Evans, and her husband, John Owen, their children, Jennifer, Jessica and James, his wife Michele, and daughters, Emily and Ashley; Jay T. Evans; Todd D. Evans, and his wife, Kanako Matsumoto, and son, Shingo Evamoto; Katryn, and her husband, David Perry, and their children, Joshua, Ruth and Joseph; and Leo Bruce Evans Jr., and his wife, Dawn, and their son, Jay; and her precious sister, Lexie Nordquist, and cousins, Hazel, Ralph and Duane Jackson. Cremation has occurred; a celebration of the life of Lona Lee Lady of the Lake will be held on a sunny spring day on Flathead Lake. Please send memorials to Flathead Lake Protection Association at P.O. Box 679, Lakeside, MT 59929, to help continue her legacy. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Lona Lee s guest book to offer condolences and share memories.

Clifford C. Giesey, 98

Clifford C. Giesey, 98, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at the Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born on Oct. 4, 1911, at Monarch, the son of William Bismark and Bertha Lucinda (Robertson) Giesey. Cliff was married to Ellen Loos on Oct. 15, 1932, and they were together for 70 years. Cliff was a horse logger in his younger days and loved and belonged to the Smith Valley Saddle Club. He was a dairy farmer and rancher in Smith Valley since 1949, and actively farmed until he was 88 years old. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Brendan House and Home Options Hospice for their care and support. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen; his parents; and three sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Alice Gleason, and husband, Larry, of Ronan; sons, Elmer Giesey and wife, Betty, of Rapid City, S.D., and Ted Giesey and wife, Beverly, of Marion; 13 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren; a brother, Roscoe Giesey, and wife, June, of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Clifford s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Clifford s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Velma Louise Brown, 91

Velma Louise Brown, 91, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell. She was born on April 5, 1918, at Fort Wordon Army Base in Port Townsend, Wash., the oldest of three children of Claude and Estella Mae (Dunn) Atkinson. Velma traveled extensively during her childhood years across the U.S. with her parents. During those years she lived in Washington, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, crocheting, knitting and was an accomplished seamstress. On June 11, 1944, she married Louis Ethan Brown in Newport, Wash. Together they raised seven children. Velma worked for nine years at Bill Fewkes General Store in Rexford, and as a cook at Muldown Elementary School for many years after moving to Whitefish in 1968. She was loved and respected for her kindness and caring ways by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Louis E. Brown; two sons, Danny Lee Brown and Stephen C. Brown; one daughter, Nancy Mae Paden; two grandsons, Kenneth Eugene Brown and Jonathan Leo Brown; one granddaughter, Patricia Jeanne Franks; one great-grandson, Robert Anthony Stevens; one brother, Donald Atkinson; and one sister, Anita Welter. She is survived by two sons, Louis Brown Jr., and Nora of Kalispell, and Jim N. Brown and Peggy of Rexford; two daughters, Patricia L. Stevens of Eureka, and Susan Reed and Michael of Kalispell, 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. There will also be visitation from 11:30 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. on Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Eureka, with Rev. Christopher Tabbert officiating. Burial will follow at Tobacco Valley Cemetery. Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is assisting the family with arrangements.

Douglas Leonard Strong, 47

Douglas Leonard Strong, (Radar to so many), 47, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, after a long, courageous battle, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. Doug was born April 19, 1962, in Bremerton, Wash., to Leonard Sparky and Nancy Strong. Doug believed in living life to the fullest, and treasured the many friends that he shared his life with. Doug had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. He was a humble man and was always willing to help anyone, in any way he was able. He brought happiness to all those that he touched, and will be missed by all. He is survived by his mother, Nancy; two brothers, Don and Jack; and a sister, Deborah. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Dec. 9, at the Dam Town Tavern in Hungry Horse. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Douglas family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Douglas guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

George Edwin Sowl, 90

George Edwin Sowl was born March 8, 1919, in Spokane, and left this earth to be with the Lord, our Savior on Dec. 3, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Lena Sowl; his wife, Helen; sisters, Marion Hinton and Lucile Ferkovich; daughter, Christine Pajnich; grandson, Ronnie Richter; and great-grandson, Killian. George is survived by children, Ed Sowl of Columbia Falls, Allyson Morris, Vicki Osburn and Jeanne Sowl-Navarro, of Spokane; and son-in-law, Louis Pajnich, of Columbia Heights. Other immediate family members include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michael Sowl, wife Tina, Kiernan and Gabriella; Spencer Sowl, wife Lori, Khristina, Jessica and Chelse; Melissa Richter-Lablonc and Riley; Timothy England; Sonya Danials, Michael and Carrisa; Delina Smith, Scott, Kyle and Shelby; Kandy Remsik and Eduardo; Amber Garcia, Mike Gewalt, and Alysia; Erica Bibb and Nick Jensen. George served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, earning the Asiatic Pacific and American Campaign Medals along with the World War II Victory medal. He did his formal training at Farragut Idaho Training Center, Camp Ward. He served aboard the USS Lake (DE 301) and USS Housatonic (AO 35), where he and the rest of the crew were along side USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered. He received miniature flags of the U.S. and Japan during that historical moment. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 13, 1946. George worked for Washington Machinery and Foundry, Travis Foundry, Black Brothers Foundry, Spokane Steele Foundry, Western Light Metals, and at one time was in partnership with Spokane Brass and Steel. In 1955 he was employed by Anaconda Aluminum and moved to Columbia Falls. This is where George and Helen lived and raised their family until his retirement in 1973. In 1975 they moved to Boulder City, Nev., where Helen had transferred with the National Park Service. After her retirement they traveled around the U.S. by motor home, soon settling back in Spokane, with a winter home in Yuma, Ariz. George loved playing guitar and singing together with Helen and other friends or family who wished to join in! He also enjoyed outdoor activities, traveling, spending time with family and friends and, of course, being a fabulous father. The entire family would like to thank the following centers and staff who cared for George at his time of need: Manor Care Rehab Center, and Willow Grove Assisted Living and Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at Heritage Funeral Home in Spokane.

Adam Schweitzer, 89

Adam Schweitzer, of Helena, died of natural causes Dec. 4, 2009, at the age of 89. A viewing will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at the Retz Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, followed by a luncheon in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home in Helena. Mr. Schweitzer was born May 15, 1920, in Goldstone, the seventh of nine children, to Michael and Francisca Schweitzer. His first language was German; he only learned English after beginning school. He never had the opportunity to attend high school, but he had a lifelong thirst for learning that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. When World War II started he joined the Army Air Corps, graduating in the top 1 percent of his aircraft engineering class. After the war, he returned home to take over the family farm. In 1946, he married Kathleen H. McKernan of Box Elder. The family moved to Geyser in 1954. Mr. Schweitzer was both innovative and active in the farming and ranching community. In pursuit of better performance he helped organize the Montana Beef Performance Association, and as director he helped start the first performance bull testing station in Montana. He produced the first Simmental calf born in the United States in October of 1968, and held the first production Simmental sale. He was elected to be the Montana director for the American Simmental Association, and Schweitzer Simmentals were internationally recognized for producing the best polled fullbloods in the world. He won numerous awards including: Grand Champion with a bull named Montana in Argentina, and Grand Champions in Europe, Australia, Canada and Mexico. His final show was in Dallas where he won World Grand Champion Bull. While searching for a better market for his produce he became involved with the National Farmers Organization and eventually became the national director for the NFO. Mr. Schweitzer was also active in his community outside of agriculture. Among his proudest accomplishments were organizing and creating the Geyser Rural Fire Department, serving on the local school board, serving on the St. Cyril Catholic parish council, actively participating in the Knights of Columbus, and leading the Raynesford Willing Workers 4-H Club. He encouraged his children to get a good education. He was proud that all of his children attended college and pursued successful careers as doctors, real estate agents, consultants and governor. During his youth, Mr. Schweitzer enjoyed hunting, baseball and dancing. In his later years he enjoyed world travel to countries such as Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Mexico, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathleen, of Helena; a brother, Frank, of Nevada; a sister, Francis, of Arizona; his children, Darwin and Sharon of Oregon, Warren and Ingela of California, Mike and Jolyn of Billings, Brian and Nancy of Helena, Walter and Cindy of Helena, and Mary and Joe of Ohio; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by six siblings; and one grandchild. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer s Association Montana Chapter at 3010 11th Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101; or the Geyser Volunteer Fire Department at P.O. Box 102, Geyser, MT 59447. To offer a condolence to Adam s family or to share a memory of Adam, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.

Wolfpack press checks Whitefish

Watkins’ 19 points leads Glacier, Latimer hits 16

As far as season openers go, Tuesday’s outcome for Glacier was something positive to build on, while for Whitefish, it’s still a work in progress.

Daybook

Today

Kalispell trims fire position

The layoff of DC Haas as assistant fire chief for prevention is just the first of what is to come over the next couple of years in Kalispell city government.

Thousands mourn slain officers

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A procession of 2,000 cars followed the flag-draped caskets of four slain police officers to a memorial service Tuesday as thousands of mourners, mostly members of law enforcement from across the country, lined the streets.

Smoke doesn't violate standards

A study of Kalispell’s air quality last winter suggests that all those wood-burning stoves being stoked up now as temperatures drop will bring another round of hazy days to the Flathead.

Glacier cools Dogs in opener

After an ice-cold two quarters of basketball to start the season, the Glacier boys warmed right up and returned to old form on Tuesday night.

Alarm brings flooded basement to light

Flathead County sheriff

Officers shot

Girls Basketball: Glacier vs. Whitefish

Boys Basketball: Glacier vs. Whitefish

Boys and Girls Club Chirstmas

What is your opinion about global warming?

Who is more likely to finish the regular NFL season undefeated?

Shooting may be connected to drugs

The shooting of a man in a car on West Springcreek Road Saturday may have been the result of a dispute involving drugs and the shooter has yet to be located, a Flathead County Sheriff’s detective said Monday.

Kalispell lawyer picked attorney finalists for Baucus

A Kalispell attorney forwarded the name of Sen. Max Baucus’  girlfriend, along with two other names, to the White House as  potential nominees for the Montana U.S. attorney position.

James Lithgow Mitchell, 77

James Lithgow Mitchell passed away Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at his home in Kalispell. He was born Jan. 31, 1932, in Lake Forest, Ill., to James L. and Florence Folds Mitchell. As a young boy his family moved to Rye, N.Y. He attended Kent School in Kent, Conn., and later graduated from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., where he met his wife of 57 years, Caroline. After five years of managing a Ben Franklin Store in St. Petersburg, Fla., with his father, he moved his family to Kalispell in 1957, where he owned and operated the Ben Franklin Store in the B & B Shopping Center for 20 years. Soon after, he was hired by Al Rierson and became a deputy and later a detective for the Flathead County Sheriff's Department. He was instrumental in starting Crime Stoppers, and in 1987 he was selected as the Crime Prevention Officer of the Year for Montana by the State Crime Prevention Association. His voice was often heard on the radio giving their reports. He was active with the SWAT Team, and also a licensed polygraph operator. He served on the board of the Flathead Youth Home for several years. He truly loved his work and was forced to retire in 1995 due to cancer. After retirement, Jim enjoyed teaching swimming to many local school children at the Second Wind and The Summit. He had many passions in life. Music was one of his favorites. He was proficient on the violin, kept a harmonica in his pocket, and entertained all, as many will remember. He had a remarkable voice and performed in Man of La Mancha and My Fair Lady, the first two musicals presented by Flathead Valley Community College. He also sang in Oklahoma. For many years he sang in the choir at Christ Church Episcopal. Jim s voice was often heard announcing horse shows around the valley, most recently the draft horse shows at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. His love of horses prompted him to become an organizer of many wagon train trips on the Indian reservation in Ronan. His white Percheron team was driven by him in countless Christmas and fair parades. He and Caroline spent many happy times riding in the Bob Marshall and hiking in Glacier National Park. He organized many float trips with friends down the South Fork River. Skiing on Big Mountain in early years, then at Blacktail Mountain, was another pleasure he and Caroline enjoyed with friends and family. Jim was a member of the Eagles and the Kalispell Elks Lodge. He was always eager to help a friend. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Charles F. Mitchell. He is survived by his wife, Caroline, and daughter, Kimberly, at the family home; his son, Charles, and Cathy Mitchell, of Nine Mile Falls, Wash.; his daughter, Linn, and Jonathon Morse, of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Tucson, Ariz.; and his grandsons, James and Charles Mitchell. He is also survived by his sister, Linn Bayne, of Questa, N.M.; a nephew, Jeffery Mack; and numerous cousins. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Goodman and his staff for their constant care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Options Hospice whose care was deeply felt and appreciated. There will be a celebration of life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Christ Church Episcopal, 215 Third Ave. E., in Kalispell, with a reception following at the Elks Lodge, 1820 U.S. 93 South, Kalispell.

James T. Dedman, 78

James T. Dedman, 78, passed away, Dec. 5, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born May 25, 1931, in Sullivan, Ill., and raised in Illinois. He attended Sidell High School in Sidell, Ill. He then attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, Ill., for two years, and graduated two years after, from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed one year at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and one year in England, building air strips. On Sept. 12, 1959, he married Barbara A. Cain, in Champaign. Jim worked in various jobs as a teenager, mostly on farms. In college, he worked for engineering firms and the state of Illinois, five years with Illinois Bell Telephone Co., and 25 years with the Engineering Department of the U.S. Forest Service, in Missoula and Kalispell. In retirement he worked for Pacific Power and Flathead Electric as an energy consultant. Jim was a member of the church councils of Bethlehem Lutheran and Eidsvold Lutheran churches, on the Somers School board, Flathead Safety Council and the Technical Advisory Committee, working on various safety concerns and the alternate route issue. He was a member of the Kalispell Lions and received the Melvin Jones Award. He was also responsible for building the picnic tables and maintaining the trees and landscaping in Lions Park. Jim enjoyed woodworking and built many pieces of furniture for his family. He also started the Destitute Cattle Co. with his friend Floyd LaBrant, finishing locker beef. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth (Wetzel) Dedman; and an infant daughter, Katherine Marie. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Dedman; sons, Thomas E., Daniel B., and David N. Dedman; grandchildren, Taylor Dedman of Helena, and Chloe and Colter Dedman of Kalispell; sisters, Connie Puzey and husband Clifford, and Ginger McGee and husband Jerry, all of Illinois; sister-in-law, Jane Becker, and husband, Charles, of Springfield, Ill.; and nieces and nephews in Illinois. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers. Memorials are suggested to the Kalispell Lions, P.O. Box 321, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Blackburn College, 700 College Ave., Carlinville, IL 62626.

Barbara J. Long, 64

Barbara J. Long, 64, of Kila, died Dec. 4, 2009, in Stanwood, Wash. She was born Sept. 8, 1945, in Port Huron, Mich. She married the love of her life, Malcolm Starr Long, in 1972. He preceded her death in March 2008. She is survived by her daughter, Jeanne, and Dan Kitchen; sister, Sharon, and Glenn Smith; and brother, Robert (Cece) Marcus. She had a love for life and people and an infectious laugh. She never knew a stranger. Donations may be made to the Foodbank in Stanwood, Wash., 8530 Cedarhome Dr., Stanwood, WA 98292. Call (360) 629-2789. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, with a funeral service at noon, Thursday, Dec. 10, at Gilbertson s Funeral Home in Stanwood, Wash.

Mabel L. Ottenbreit, 84

Mabel L. Ottenbreit passed away in Kalispell on Nov. 29, 2009. Mabel was born to Marinus and Nellie Sather Ibsen on Jan. 17, 1925, on the family farm at Dagmar. During World War II, Mabel worked for the Quarter Master Supply Depot, Civil Service, Seattle. She later transferred to the Persido in San Francisco. She also was employed by Pacific Transport. She married Math F. Ottenbreit on Oct. 29, 1948. They lived in Eureka, Calif., where they both worked. They returned to Montana and settled in Whitefish where their son was born. They farmed near Dagmar until 1981, spending summers there. During that time they also maintained a home in Whitefish. Mabel and Math built a home on Whitefish Lake in 1972 and they spent their retirement there. Mabel enjoyed music and dancing, and led an active life. She cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Math F. Ottenbreit; and her brother, Vernon Ibsen. Survivors include son, Steven Ottenbreit, and Paula, and granddaughters, Jennica, Erika and Teresa Ottenbreit, all of the Seattle area; and her sister, Helen Ottenbreit, of Billings. A memorial service is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

Frank Gonzalez, 28

Frank Gonzalez, 28, passed away on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born May 21, 1981, in Paramount, Calif. Frank was the third son born to his loving mother, with another son born a year later. He was always the one keeping everyone happy and laughing. All who knew Frank loved his smile and joy of life. Frank has left this world to be with the one he loved the most, his God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He died doing what he loved, serving his Lord and God. His second home was Fresh Life Church. He is survived by his wife, Brandy, and three children, Francisco, Kelli and Emmanuel, all of West Virginia; his mother, Martha Gates, and father Terry, of Kalispell; three brothers, Rick Pena of Kalispell, Fonzie Pena of Louisiana, and Andy Gonzalez of Whitefish. Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. today, Dec. 8, at the Fresh Life Church (the old Strand Theatre). Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Frank s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Frank s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Carl Wayne Feathers, 50

Carl Wayne Feathers was born on June 8, 1959, in Limestone, Maine, to Chester T. and Mary E. (Plummer) Feathers. He died on Dec. 3, 2009, in Lawton, Okla., at the age of 50. Carl was raised in a military family and attended school in several states prior to graduating from high school in San Bernardino, Calif. He attended college for a while and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1982. Carl served for over five years as a radio communications specialist in San Antonio, Texas, and Stutgart, Germany. After his discharge, he remained in San Antonio and was employed as an electronics repair technician. He moved to Lawton in 2004 and had been employed at Lawton Communications for the last five years. In his spare time Carl enjoyed doing woodwork, hiking and gourmet cooking. Carl was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include his mother, Mary Riehl, and her husband, Dennis, of Kalispell; three brothers, Chet Feathers and wife Terry of Vacaville, Calif., Bob Feathers USN and his wife Beth, currently stationed at Norfolk, Va., and Mark Feathers of Kalispell; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Carl s online guestbook may be signed and condolences sent by visiting: www.whineryhuddleston.com.

Superfund cleanup keeps going

Workers in white hazardous-material suits and face masks, endless amounts of orange mesh plastic fencing, excavators, dump trucks, ropes of plastic tubing through which attic insulation is sucked out: This is the landscape of Libby in cleanup mode.

'Christmas at Our House' invites diners for 20th year

The 495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the National Guard celebrates its 20th  “Christmas at Our House” dinner on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Camper unwelcome in vacant home

Kalispell police got a report Sunday from a property owner who had discovered someone camping out at a vacant house on the 500 block of West Wyoming.

Advocate's work for asbestos victims spans 35 years

‘All it takes is for one person to stand up’

Gayla benefield

Flathead takes first in Helena

Flathead High School won its second straight speech and debate meet at the Helena City of Gold Invitational Friday and Saturday.

C. Falls wins third straight in speech

Columbia Falls High School continued its winning streak at the Ronan Invitational speech and debate tournament Saturday.

Grace lawsuit claimants still in limbo

As W.R. Grace & Co. works through bankruptcy, 760 Libby-related claimants are still waiting for justice.

Law agencies want public help stopping drunk driving

Flathead Valley law enforcement agencies have joined forces for a concerted anti-drunk-driving public awareness and enforcement campaign.

Clinic caseload continues to grow

CARD a partner in disease research

Burglars bust cash register

Flathead County Sheriff

Red Busby

Asbestos victims try to stay upbeat

Daniel “Red” Busby remembers cutting firewood up Rainey Creek near the vermiculite mine in Libby, and the sparkly frost-like dust that swirled in the air every time a tree was felled.

More money headed Libby's way

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency broke new ground in June when it declared a public health emergency in Libby.

Treadmill therapy

Shooting linked to robbery

Sheriff’s deputies have identified the shooting victim who was dropped off at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Saturday and announced robbery charges against his companion.

Audio slide show

Baucus: Girlfriend merited U.S. attorney job

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus defended recommending his girlfriend for appointment as Montana's U.S. attorney, saying Saturday his one-time staff member and the former state prosecutor is "highly qualified" but eventually withdrew her nomination.

Ray Fencepost Lybeck, 83

Ray Fencepost Lybeck passed away Dec. 4, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born Aug. 12, 1926, on the family homestead east of the sweet grass hills to Karen Koll and Hans Lybeck. He attended first through eighth grade at Laird Elementary School near Chester, followed by a year at Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman. Ray joined the United States Army in 1943 and did a three-year tour as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. After the war he attended welding school in Oregon. Hans and Karen relocated to the Flathead Valley in 1948 and Ray came as well; he continued to work with his dad on the farm. In addition to farming he worked on the construction of Hungry Horse Dam alongside of his brother, Willard. In 1951 he married Cleona Tommy McClelland and they started a dairy in 1952. Ray served on the Helena Flats School Board for 14 years, on the Calvary Lutheran Church Council for nine years, as the area trustee for the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, as a member of the State of Montana Prison Board, as a member of the memorial board of Montana Veterans Home, as a board member of the United Way and Red Cross, as a member of the Kalispell City-County Planning Board, as a member of the Montana Dairyman s Association, and as a past president of the Western Dairy Conference. In 1981 he was elected to the state legislature, where he served as a representative for a term followed by two terms as a senator. He retired from dairy farming in 1999, and continued to farm and ranch in the Flathead Valley with his sons. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Karen and Hans; two brothers, Harold and Clifford; sister, Cora; and two sons, Dale and Daryl. He is survived by his wife, Tommy; brother, Willard, and his wife, Shirley; sons, Dan and his wife, Ann, Duane and his wife, Joanne, and Dirk; his daughter, Monica, and her husband, Greg; 11 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, at Calvary Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Kurt Rau officiating. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with full military honors. The family suggest memorials be sent to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2200 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the Montana Veterans Home, 400 Veterans Dr., Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ray s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Ray s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Josephine Dolly Rose Barry Siderius, 91

Josephine Dolly Rose Barry Siderius, 91, of Kalispell passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell. An Indian midwife assisted with her birth on Jan. 29, 1918, near Lone Pine. She was the youngest of five children born to Delphine and Adloir Barry. At the age of one year, Dolly moved to South Dakota. She attended elementary schools in South Dakota as well as Iowa and at the age of 13 she returned to Montana, settling in Kalispell. She attended Flathead County High School. She and her future husband, Henry Hank Siderius, met at a country dance and were later married Aug. 8, 1936. They lived on the family farm south of Kalispell. Her faith journey started in the Catholic church and Catholic school in South Dakota. Later she became a member of the Kalispell Presbyterian Church. She was active in many community organizations. They included the Mountain View Birthday Club, Bethel Ladies Aid, Flathead County Democratic Women, Eagles Auxiliary, Montana Farmers Union, RSVP (delivering meals), and the Kalispell Senior Citizens. Special accomplishments were attending the Whitehouse Conference on Aging in 1981 and receiving the Montana State Democratic Woman of the Year in 1987. She and her husband were parents to four children. During the growing-up years of the children, Dolly helped as 4-H leader, Farmer s Union youth leader, and was always available to help at Demersville School on special projects. Dolly was a faithful farmer s wife, cooking for haying crews and canning, and harvesting garden produce, two of many things she did so well. She was a dear auntie to many nieces and nephews who loved to come to her house on the farm. When Hank retired from farming and meat cutting, they enjoyed several winters in Arizona, later by herself with friends. She traveled with family and friends on cruises, overseas and around the United States. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; one sister; and Hank, her husband of 53 and a half years. Her family and friends will miss her; they will, however, hold special memories. Dolly, a kind person with a giving heart, touched the lives of many. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Patricia Sanders and husband, Horace, of Kalispell, Ray Siderius of Portland, JoLynn Yenne and husband, Gerald, of Bigfork, and Linda Siderius and husband, Robin Wilkerson, of Denver; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Burial will be at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at noon Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Kalispell First Presbyterian Church. Memorials can be made to the Kalispell First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901; Flathead County Democratic Women, P.O. Box 2376, Kalispell, MT 59903; Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana, P.O. Box 1103, Kalispell, MT 59903; or Intermountain Children s Home, 500 S. Lamborn, Helena, MT 59601. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Dolly s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Dolly s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

John Allen Lengstorf, 76

John Allen Lengstorf, 76, passed away on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at his residence in Kalispell. He was born on April 17, 1933, in Butte, the son of Charles and Janette (Boe) Lengstorf. John was united in marriage to Marilyn Berg on June 15, 1956, in Kalispell. John lived a life of adventure and love. He attacked life with all the vigor of a sportsman and the boundless energy of a bear. He loved to hunt and fish and spend time with his family at their cabin on McGregor Lake. He never held back his affection and always returned much more than he was given. John was a shield and a rock to his family. He was a rollicking treasury of stories and wisdom gained through great exploits and hard experience. John was a success at being a husband, father, grandfather and friend. His value may never be truly known. He will be missed. He leaves everyone who knew him poorer in his absence. He was preceded in death by two sons, Mike Lengstorf and John Lengstorf. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Lengstorf, his daughter, Kathy Lengstorf, grandsons, Bryce Provo and Ben Drent, and granddaughter, Jennifer Jasmin, all of Kalispell; great-grandchildren, Jack, John, Josh, Jacob, Alex and Hope; three sisters, Cecelia Bertram of Kalispell, Alice Gamble of Spokane, and Laura Raijala of Bigfork, Minn.; and a brother, Charles Lengstorf, of Louisville, Ky. Memorial services for John will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for John s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view John s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

RosaLee Phyllis Switzler, 81

RosaLee Phyllis Stoskopf was born Nov. 29, 1927, in Warroad, Minn., to Alfred and Rose Stoskopf. She had two sisters, Theowen and Joan, brothers, Donald and Bill, and half brother, Overby. She grew up on the family farm near Warroad and learned all about growing a garden, canning, and generally being self-sufficient as a family through lots of hard work. Following World War II, she married Walter Styler in July of 1947. Walter built a home near Williams and they began raising a family there. In 1956 the family of six (four children) loaded up a few of their belongings in a 1947 Fraser and moved to Montana to seek new opportunity in the Swan Valley area after two of Walt s brothers sent back reports of work available there. One more daughter was born in Montana, bringing the number of children to five. RosaLee was an excellent cook and homemaker and is still remembered for her cinnamon rolls, lemon meringue pie, and fried bread dough on bake days, to name just a few. She made countless delicious meals with wild meat and gravy. She was also handy with a needle and thread and sewing machine, and there was always lots of clothing to either make or put patches on. She enjoyed visiting with neighbors and friends at all times, and back before telephones, people stopped more often to visit it seemed. Walter and RosaLee were divorced in 1968. Once the kids were all on their own, RosaLee worked for a season as a cook for an outfitter (Bud Smith) during the fall hunting season in the Bob Marshall wilderness. Once again her cooking was appreciated and she also got to see some new country. She later married Mel Switzler in August 1989. Mel filled a void in her life in a wonderful way after a period of uncertainty and searching on her part. They traveled, went fishing, and enjoyed lots of things she had missed out on earlier in life while raising a family. Mel and RosaLee remained together, living in the Echo Lake area, until her passing. RosaLee loved the simple things of life and especially liked family reunions and picnics that brought her family and friends together. More than anything else she was a hardworking, devoted mom, who asked very little for herself and devoted practically her entire life to the service of her family. RosaLee passed away on the evening of Nov. 28, 2009, just one day before her 82nd birthday, at the Lake View Care Center in Bigfork, where she was cared for from Sept. 9 onward. Survivors include her husband, Mel Switzler; three daughters, Roselyn and Lynn Carey of Seeley Lake, Kathy and Silvestre Rodriguez of Bigfork, and Cindy and Stan Buresh of Fairfield; two sons, Jim and Jennifer Styler of Highland, Utah, and Randy and Denise Styler of Condon; sisters, Theowen and Harold Thortsen of Williams, Minn., and Harriett Dagg of Chicago; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. RosaLee was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Bill and Donald; half brother, Overby; and one sister, Joan. Cremation had been previously chosen by RosaLee and will be carried out by Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell. A memorial service to honor and celebrate her life is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Bigfork Chapel Assembly of God at 290 Swan Highway in Bigfork.

Sheridan V. Knutson, 63

Sheridan V. Knutson, 63, died Dec. 1, 2009, at his home in Columbia Falls of a very short illness. Sheridan was born on Nov. 21, 1946, in Oakland, Calif., to Vern and Verna Knutson. He graduated from Flathead High School and served for six years in the Guards. In his later years he attended the University of Montana where he played in the Jazz band and was a big fan of the Grizzlies. Sheridan was a lover of jazz music and brass instruments. He recently discovered his interest in gardening, growing strawberries, peppers and potatoes. He loved being in the great outdoors, watching the sunset, picking huckleberries, and camping with his grandchildren. From day one of being a grandpa, he is known to his grandkids as Papa Duck because of his Donald Duck voice. We will all miss eating Whoppers, drinking rootbeer floats and especially Christmas time with Papa. He will be missed every single day. He is survived by his sister, Fay McMannamy, and Steve Sheppard, of Kalispell; his daughter, Kim Role, and Mark Role, of Columbia Falls; daughter, Dustyne Salminen, and Shane Salminen, of Eureka, and Teri Hill and Gene Hill of Whitefish; and his grandchildren, Kortney, Garrett, James and Avery Role, Tanner and Colter Salminen, and Rusty, Jesse and Cody Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Verna. His funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with a military graveside service to follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be at 4 p.m. at the VFW in Kalispell.

Whitefish man killed in crash

A Whitefish man was killed Friday evening in a head-on collision between two pickup trucks on U.S. 2 west of Kalispell.

Residents demand answers about toxicity of asbestos

‘What is a safe dose for Libby?’

LIBBY — Frustration boiled over Tuesday at a meeting in Libby where federal scientists were long on technical explanations but short on answers about how toxic Libby’s unique form of asbestos really is.

CFalls vs. Frenchtown Basektball

Glacier matmen invite champs

Glacier High School captured its first-ever tournament wrestling title with a dominating performance at the Polson Invitational on Saturday.

HS Swim Meet wide

Forgetful man reports kidnapping

Flathead County sheriff

Inspirational teacher rises above asbestos disease

‘I’ve tried to live life to the fullest’

LIBBY — When the pain started, Dean Herreid was fighting fires outside Elko, Nev., running uphill at full bore to extinguish flames in a patch of juniper brush.

What's next for Libby?

Questions linger, hope abounds as town copes with asbestos aftermath

In a lecture hall filled with fresh-faced, attentive University of Montana students, the question was asked: What’s next for Libby?

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C-Falls blasts Broncs

COLUMBIA FALLS — This is our house! This is our house!

Libby asbestos aftermath: Copy of indictment against W.R. Grace & Co.

Libby asbestos aftermath: Teacher Dean Herreid

Libby asbestos aftermath: Asking questions

Libby asbestos aftermath: Addressing EPA officials

Save the Seals! Navy heroes to be put on trial

Editor's 2 Cents

Dec. 7: “A date which will live in infamy.”

Glacier boys in the swim

Wolfpack opens season by winning five-team invitational

Glacier used firsts in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays and an individual winning performance by Brian Hoffman in the 100 freestyle on Saturday to claim the team title at a five-team invitational swim meet at The Summit.

Libby asbestos aftermath: Looking through EPA printout

Shooting victim dropped off at emergency room

Authorities are investigating the shooting of a man who was left Saturday outside the Kalispell Regional Medical Center emergency room.

Libby asbestos aftermath: Bud Heyne

New road to Oz

Whitefish Theatre Co. takes a colorful turn with classic story

When the muted grays and whites of Kansas change into the brilliant hues of the Land of Oz on the O’Shaughnessy Center stage, the children in the audience probably won’t realize that there’s a bit of a message behind the transformation.

Libby asbestos aftermath: Herreid relaxed in classroom

Week in Pictures November 30 - December 6

HS Swim Meet tight

Velven Drew Snake

Velven Drew Snake passed away Nov. 18, 2009, in Lakeside. He was born Oct. 17, 1961, in Albert Lea, Minn. Velven was a veteran of the Armed Forces and a proud, traditional Native American. He loved to sing, dance and drum. He loved to collect his bikes. He loved to teach his heritage to anyone who cared to listen. And he loved his family passionately. He is survived by his mother, Alvina Weber; his children, Jeffrey Pierce-Metteer, 18; Saphire Snake, 14; and Xander Snake, 1; his sisters, Glenna Lowry and India Trainer; his brothers, Glen Lowry and Covey Lowry; and many other cherished loved ones. His funeral was in Winnebago, Neb., on Nov. 25. It was a traditional Ho-Chunk ceremony. He was laid to rest in the Winnebago Indian Cemetery in the Veteran Section. We are holding a memorial for friends and family who could not attend then, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at the Active Word Ministries, 5091 Highway 2 West, in Columbia Falls. Please mail any donations to the Snake family at 103 Ben Williams Lane, Lakeside, MT 59922. We ask that all flowers be sent to local care centers. Those who knew Velven will miss his jokes, kindness, teaching and love. And one day when we see him again we will get to hear him say, Story on the street is ... Nah, just kidding and Welcome home!

Winifred Penny Mulcahy, 71

Winifred Penny Mulcahy passed peacefully from this life on Nov. 23, 2009, at her home in Columbia Falls, with her husband and her daughters by her side. Penny Mulcahy came into this world on May 23, 1938, the youngest of five, to Robert McWilliams and Winifred Kent Proudfit, in Los Angeles. Prior to her retirement, Penny was a Blue Line operator at Hughes Aircraft for many years. In 1976 she met the love of her life, Jerome Mulcahy, and on May 28, 1983, they were married while living in California. During a vacation to Montana they fell in love again, this time with the countryside and the mountains, and they bought property in Columbia Falls. In 1987, they moved to Montana, and their life continued to be one filled with joy and the happiness of having an extended loving family, wonderful friends, and an adventurous outlook on life. Penny loved visiting the local casinos, where she had many friends. In the spring she loved her garden, and in the winter she loved the snow. She loved to read, and to watch the Angels on TV. Her positive outlook and the unconditional love she gave were an inspiration to others, and she will be greatly missed by many. She cherished the many friends she made in Montana, and had special affection for her friends and neighbors on Martini Lane. Penny is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; and her children, Sandra Dee Danielson, Michael Fernandez and Nancy, and Monique Colver and Andrew; her stepchildren, Katherine Paet, Lisa Mulcahy, Cindy Gardner, Jerry Jr. Jay and Jennifer; her grandchildren, Kristin Tesoro, Heather Fernandez, Robert Andy Plunger and Mary, Levi Danielson, Patricia McWilliams, Trentin McWilliams, Nicole Henn, Ryan Stillinger, Brandon Gardner, Ryan Gardner, Matthew Paet, Elisa Paet and Noel Paet; and her sister, Rita Cadwell. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She was preceded by her parents; and siblings, Richard McWilliams, Robert McWilliams Jr., and Elizabeth. Arrangements are being handled by Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls and Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, Calif. The family suggests remembrances to the Kalispell Cancer Center.

Bundle up

Forecast: Snow, then wind, then very cold

The National Weather Service is forecasting a one-two-three punch of winter weather for Western Montana over the next week.

Local youths win honors

Local students who participated in the Model United Nations Conference in Missoula walked away with several awards.

Braves blow by Butte

Defending state champs pick up five pins in an easy dual victory

Five pins, two wins by forfeit, two by major decision and a decision — not a bad way to start the wrestling season.

Model United Nations program

Ski season starts today

Whitefish Mountain Resort officials confirmed that today is the official season opener, with limited skiing mostly on the back side of Big Mountain.

Wolfpack rolls in first wrestling dual, 70-8

Sorry coach, but The Fab Five moniker is already taken.

Landlord takes possession of man's car

Flathead County sheriff

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Learning the ways of the world

Home-school, Flathead High students join Model U.N. session

As it turns out, if youths ran the world, the world would run pretty much as it does today.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Food for Fines

GHS vs. Butte wrestling

FHS vs. Butte Wrestling

John L. Garrity, 86

John Garrity died Dec. 1, 2009, at the Springs of Whitefish. He was born Sept. 27, 1923, in Moorhead, Minn., one of five children, to Judge James Garrity and Rita M. Garrity. He was raised in Moorhead, where he attended Moorhead State College. He joined the Great Northern Railroad as a locomotive fireman on the Dakota Division in August 1942, and continued working until called into military service with the 714th Operating Railroad Battalion. After three years military service, he returned to the Great Northern as a fireman until January 1952, when he was appointed assistant to the master mechanic at Willmar, Minn. In November 1954, John was appointed traveling engineer at Hillyard, where he served until being transferred to Shelby in January 1955, and then to Cut Bank in March 1955. In January 1957, he was transferred to Whitefish where he remained until his retirement in 1981, as traveling engineer. John married Victoria (Tya) Cyr on July 12, 1952, and later adopted her two sons, James and George. John and Tya enjoyed 52 years of marriage, until her passing in October 2004. After moving to Whitefish in 1957, John became involved in his community and St. Charles Borromeo Church. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. John served on the Whitefish City Council in the 1980s and was Santa Claus in downtown Whitefish for many years, taking his last sleigh ride on the Whitefish Lake Golf Course in December 2002. He fancied himself a friend of those down on their luck and would often anonymously present new shoes or a new coat to people in need. He was also a neighbor who would watch your home while you were away and clean sidewalks of snow for blocks in every direction. John was preceded in death by the love of his life, Tya Garrity, in October 2004; both parents; two brothers and two sisters. He leaves behind his son, James Lamm Garrity, and wife, Patricia, of Fresno, Calif.; one granddaughter, Victoria Garrity, of Fresno; and son, George, and wife, Linda, of Whitefish; a sister-in-law, Esther Garrity; and many nieces and nephews in Minnesota and in California, as well as his best friend, Al Hedrick, who has been with John through thick and thin. John was very fortunate in life. He was able to travel the world, meet the Pope and kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland! He was one of a kind. Some thought John was full of blarney, but you always knew where you stood with him, love him or not! We will always remember this special man. We would like to thank the entire staff at the Springs of Whitefish for their wonderful care and support. The family suggests memorials may be sent to the Whitefish Golden Agers, the North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish, or a charity of your choice. Services will be at 11 am. Monday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish, with a reception immediately following. Private interment will be in Whitefish Cemetery. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Thomas tops area All-State football list

Connor Thomas, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound junior from Flathead High School, has been named to the Class AA All-State first team in football.

Son calls deputies after being spanked

Flathead County sheriff

First weekend action-packed on mat

It’s dual action one day, tournament competition the next as Flathead and Glacier will get a heavy dose of mat time this weekend to open the 2009-2010 season.

Jobs are good news for valley

President Obama held a jobs summit at the White House this week, but for the Flathead Valley the good news about the economy was closer to home.

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It only takes a phone call

Charity expects another year of high demand for services Toys for Tots

Carey Dill, local coordinator for Toys for Tots, received 60 phone calls Monday from families in need, foreshadowing another high demand year.

Toys for Tots 2

Pre-release committee looks north

Group hunting for site for center

The local working committee tasked with siting a Kalispell-area pre-release center on Thursday eliminated possible locations for the project south of downtown, instead deciding to focus their search on areas north of Evergreen.

Toys for Tots 1

Columbia Falls water passes health testing

Columbia Falls’ water supply got a clean bill of health Wednesday.

Kalispell's Knife River lowest bidder on segment of bypass

Knife River of Kalispell came in as the apparent low bidder for the second phase of Kalispell’s southern U.S. 93 Alternate Route.

The Wizard of Oz: Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West

The Wizard of Oz: Sorceress of the North

The Wizard of Oz: Publicity photo

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz: Working on a costume

The Wizard of Oz: Tornado scene

The Wizard of Oz: Emerald City resident costume

new-class-ticker

Clare Kathryn Gillis

daughter of Allison and Michael Gillis of Boise, Idaho, was born Sept. 20 at St. Luke Medical Center.

Hadley Jean Griggs

daughter of Jake and Celby Griggs of Kalispell, was born Sept. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ethan Timothy Hames

son of Sydney and Steven Hames of Kalispell, was born Sept. 29 at North Valley Hospital.

Michael Logan Shawback

son of Logan Shawback and Jennifer Root of Kalispell, was born Sept. 29 at North Valley Hospital.

Ryder Keith Conley

son of Tiffany Walt and Ronald Conley Jr. of Whitefish, was born Oct. 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Hailee Rae McDonald

daughter of Samantha and Tyler McDonald of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Marcus James Mercer

son of Paula and Jonathan Mercer of Whitefish, was born Sept. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Lucy DeVille Lockwood

daughter of Timothy and Ariel Lockwood of Kalispell, was born Sept. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Morgan Grace Desmarais

daughter of Jennifer and Jason Desmarais of Kalispell, was born Sept. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Mason David Cattaneo

son of Hyrum and Marissa Cattaneo of Kalispell, was born Sept. 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Cecilia Marie Combs Stap, 64

Cecilia Marie Combs Stap went into the hands of the Lord on Nov. 29, 2009, at home. She was born July 7, 1945, at the Kalispell General Hospital, the second of seven children, to Cecil and Fredricka Combs. She was raised here in the Flathead but grew up in the Deer Park area, where she attended elementary school as well. She then went on to graduate with the Class of 1963 at Flathead High School. Through the years she had a varied range of interests. She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary for 34 years, and had a love for hunting, fishing and camping as well. She was also a die-hard Denver Broncos football fan. She never missed a game! Mom was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Freddie Combs; two sisters, Sherry Jones and Darlene Walter; a brother, Douglas Combs; and her grandmothers, Melvina Combs and Elva Davis. She is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, William Stap; a son, Tyler; a daughter, Heather; a son-in-law, Daniel Devine; and three grandchildren who were the love and joy of her life, Hayley, Alyssa and Jared Devine. She is also survived by three sisters, Diane Bowersox of Washington and her husband, Terry, Carleen Hutchings and her husband, Mark, and Faye Kerzman; as well as numerous special nieces and nephews. She also had two very special friends in her travels, Connie Downing of Kalispell and Gloria Henderson, also of Kalispell; a very wonderful mother-in-law, Phyllis Stap, of May City, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Lori Visintainer of Craig, Colo., and Linda Wingate of Fort Collins, Colo. Cremation has taken place at her request and a celebration of her life will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the Eagles.

Keltin Jacob Arthur McDonald

son of Jolene Begay and Jacob McDonald of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Glacier student suspended for having knife at school

A Glacier High School student has been suspended from school after he allegedly brought a knife to school Monday.

Life is a 'Cabaret' at FVCC

College stages its largest production

Life is a “Cabaret” at 7 p.m. today at Flathead Valley Community College with the opening performance of a local version of the famous musical.

It's a chocolate lover's delight

More than 550 chocolate lovers attended the Flathead County Republican Women’s annual Chocolate Extravaganza on Wednesday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.

Shots reportedly fired during disturbance

Flathead County sheriff

Cabaret: Taking bows and celebrating

Two men arrested after meth-lab raid

A pair of Kalispell men were arrested Tuesday evening after police busted a methamphetamine lab on Fourth Street West in Kalispell.

Cabaret: Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz

Cabaret: The Emcee

Grizzlies claw their way back

Griz Nation has been giddy all week talking about last Saturday’s football comeback for the ages.

Birders prepare for annual counting expeditions

Audubon’s 36th annual Bigfork Christmas bird count will be held Saturday, Dec. 19.

Team Montana 3rd in Patriot's Cup soccer tournament

Team Montana, sponsored by the Flathead Valley Soccer Camp, competed in the U-16’s seven-team Premier Division and finished third at the Patriot’s Cup in Mesa, Ariz, Nov. 6-7-8.

Chocolate Extravaganza 1

Cabaret at FVCC slideshow

Chocolate Extravaganza 2

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Russell Glenn R. Glenn Kennedy, 86

Russell Glenn R. Glenn Kennedy passed on Nov.14, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, with family at his side. He was two days shy of his 87th birthday. R. Glenn was born Nov.16, 1922, in Anaconda, to Frank Leiter and Naomi Gould Kennedy. He had four brothers and one sister. He graduated from Anaconda High School in 1941, having become an Eagle Scout. R. Glenn lived by The Scout Law his entire life " trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. After high school, he worked in the drafting department at the Anaconda Copper Mining smelter before enrolling at the then Montana State College in Bozeman. His education was interrupted by military service in World War II. R. Glenn served in the intelligence section of Regimental Headquarters of the Seventh Calvary in the Pacific Theater, achieving the rank of master sergeant. After the war ended, he remained in the reserve for three years. He finished his college degree in 1949 after he met Betty Jean Terry. They were married on June 13, 1948, in Missoula. R. Glenn and Betty had three children, Merry Kay of Fallon, Nev., Terry Glenn of Livingston, and Daniel Frank of Wasilla, Alaska. R. Glenn and Betty have seven grandchildren, Brenda, Rebecca, Naomi; Lindsay; David, Rachel and Teresa; and one great-grandson, Lucas. R. Glenn taught school in Wilsall and Fort Benton before moving to Columbia Falls in 1955 to take a job with the Anaconda Aluminum plant. He was a supervisor for most of his career and then a superintendent before retiring in 1984. First and foremost, R. Glenn Kennedy was a family man. He attended every event his children participated in. He enjoyed taking his family camping and imparted much knowledge of the outdoors to his two sons, taking them hunting, fishing and hiking up Teakettle and Columbia mountains. He was an accomplished carpenter. R. Glenn served on the Columbia Falls school board, was a Cub Scout Cub Master, a member of Toastmasters and a member of Our Savior s Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, Betty, the immediate family; and one brother, Kenneth Buzz Kennedy, of Seattle. The Kennedy family extends a special thank you to the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls for the extraordinary care of R. Glenn during his three-year illness. The staff became part of the family. R. Glenn s remains have been cremated. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 5, at Our Savior s Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls, with Pastor Peter Erickson officiating. A reception will follow. Friends are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to First Best Place Task Force at www.firstbestplace.org. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.

Donald G. Brown, 70

Donald G. Brown, 70, passed away from cancer Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at The Heritage House in Kalispell, after a short illness. Don was born April 5, 1939, in Libby to Clarence and Lois (Driear) Brown. He graduated from Libby High School in 1957, and served in the Army Reserves at Fort Leonardwood, Mo., for six months. He was married to Marlys (Barr) Brown for 25 years. Three children were born from their marriage. During this time, Don worked at J. Neils Lumber Co. for a short period of time before purchasing a dump truck and loader. He later sold them and bought a logging truck. Brown Heavy Hauling was established and he built a shop north on Highway 37 where he managed his business of hauling logs and moving heavy equipment. Don and Marlys marriage was dissolved in 1984. Don moved to Kalispell and later married Betty Schneider. They purchased the Central School and built the Pro Clean Carwash. Don had several ventures during this time including driving truck for Roger Claridge. Betty passed away in November 1998. Don moved back to Libby and started up a paving business which he ran for several years. Three years ago he bought Happy s Inn and he and Maxine have been running that business while remodeling. Don is survived by his special friend and partner, Maxine Domgard; his son, James Brown, and his wife, Terrie, of Moses Lake, Wash.; his daughter, Judy Mavis, and her husband, Dennis, of Hungry Horse; his son, Ron Brown, of Dundee, Ore.; his brother, Robert Brown, of Kalispell; and three grandchildren, Cory McReynolds of Columbia Falls, and Shannon McReynolds and Melissa McReynolds of Kalispell. Other family members are stepson, Sam Schneider, of Soap Lake, Wash.; stepdaughters, Linda Blankenship and Penny Scott, of Great Falls; Gail Decker of Kalispell; Faith Brewer, Neil and Karen Brewer, Bill and Phyllis Lynch, Glen and Pat Koski, and Jack and Beth Lynch, all of Kalispell; and all of his many great friends in the Libby and Kalispell areas. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to view Don s guest book, offer condolences and share memories. Don s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of his life will be held at noon on Friday, Dec. 4, at the Kalispell Moose Lodge.

Duncan R. Scotty Campbell, 91

Duncan R. Scotty Campbell, 91, passed away on Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at his residence in Bigfork. He was born on Oct. 6, 1918, in Butte, the oldest of four sons of Duncan R. and Martha (Trenerry) Campbell. He graduated from Butte High and then the University of Montana in 1941, just in time to join the Army. He was a staff sergeant, serving as editor of an Army newspaper in Kauai, and was later transferred to Honolulu, on the staff of Stars and Stripes. He served from 1941 until 1945. After the war, Scotty worked in Chicago, where he met his wife, Barbara Bobbi Dobbin. In May 1947, they married and he accepted a job with the Montana Standard in Butte. He served in various positions with the paper until he was named publisher in 1967. He retired in 1979. Scotty was active in many Butte organizations. He was president of Active Club, Rotary Club, YMCA, and vice president of the Country Club, was on the St. James Hospital advisory board, Chamber of Commerce, vestryman for St. John s Episcopal Church, served on the Board of Governors for Pacific Northwest Newspaper Executives, director of the Model Cities board, served on the Montana Council of Boy Scouts of America, and was an honorary life member of the Montana Press Association; and when he moved to Eagle Bend, he was on the E.B. Homeowners Association Board, joined the Christmas Elves, and became a member of the Dirt Bags (a Bible Study Group). Scotty is the author of a book titled, Perhaps It s God s Plan, privately published. He enjoyed singing, and sang with groups at Butte High School, Montana Tech (then School of Mines) and the University of Montana. He also enjoyed oil painting, primarily doing landscapes of places he and his wife visited. He participated in sports including golf, fishing, bird hunting, cross country skiing and hiking. With his wife Bobbi, Scotty spent many winters in the sun, mainly in Arizona and Hawaii, until they settled close to Flathead Lake, first with a small orchard, then a condo in Bigfork, then a home in Eagle Bend. Scotty is survived by his wife, Bobbi Campbell, of Bigfork; daughter, Rae Renne, and husband, Mike, of Great Falls; son, Duncan Campbell, and wife, Michelle, of San Antonio, Texas; a sister-in-law, Olga Campbell, of Bozeman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Scotty will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, at St. Patrick s Episcopal Church in Ferndale. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to St. Patrick s Episcopal Church, 105 S. Crane Mountain Road, Bigfork, MT 59911; or to the charity of your choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Scotty s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Scotty s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Big Sky Martial Arts wins tourney

Miller garners athlete of the meet honor

Big Sky Martial Arts ran away with the team title at the Big Sky Martial Arts Tournament at Flathead High School on Nov. 16.

Glacier plans fishing rule changes

Glacier National Park resource managers are proposing a series of fishing regulation changes, including a catch-and-release rule for westslope cutthroats on the west side of the park.

N.F. killer denied parole

An Oklahoma man convicted in Flathead County of the brutal 1979 murder of Roy Cooper was denied release from prison Tuesday afternoon in a unanimous decision by the state’s parole board.

Job seekers aim for TeleTech positions

For the last five years, Lance Deitrick has owned his own construction company.

Resort looks for partial opening on Saturday

Even without any additional snow this week, the Whitefish Mountain Resort will partially open on Saturday, a resort spokesman said Tuesday.

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Today

Rocks across roadway upset neighbors

Flathead County sheriff

TeleTech Job Fair 2

TeleTech Job Fair 1

Public sounds off about city airport

In a generally cordial atmosphere Monday night — disturbed by a lone outburst late in the meeting — the Kalispell City Council began its scoping process to determine the future of the city airport Monday night.

Maynard D. Dan Holmes, 53

Maynard D. Dan Holmes, 53, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at his home in Kalispell. Dan was born on July 16, 1956, in California to John and Marva Bolster Holmes. He moved to Kalispell, where he was raised and attended school. Dan attended Flathead Valley Community College where he took surveying and engineering. He also attended Swift Transportation Driver training. He enlisted in the U.S. Army where he worked as a mechanic, serving in Germany and Vietnam. Dan married Terrie DiTolla on Sept. 30, 1978, in Kalispell. They were married for over 31 years. He worked cutting and thinning Christmas trees for the family business, Zigglers. He also worked for the Forest Service as an engineer, drove truck, was a taxi driver and drove a tow truck. Dan loved playing softball, camping, fishing, his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Schmid; and two sisters, Karen and Mary. He is survived by his wife, Terrie Holmes; his mother, Marva Schmid; children, Chris, Angela, Pamela and Ashley; siblings, Shawn Schmid, Sharon Hagel, Fred and Jack Holmes; and grandchildren, Te Jay, Monica, Makayla and Ethan. Our hero has fallen, but an Angel got his wings. Our family wishes to thank all that have supported us through these tough times. Memorials should be made to Terrie Holmes. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

Humane Society returns to traditional calendar

The Humane Society of Northwest Montana has proven the wisdom of the old adage that there’s no such thing as bad publicity.

Trailer fire leaves family of five homeless

A family of five is homeless after their trailer home was destroyed in a Monday morning fire.

Curtain closes on slowest hunt since '97

The 2009 big hunting season in Northwest Montana was the slowest since 1997, a strong indication that the region’s whitetail deer population still is decreasing.

Auto dealership closes down on Saturday

Scarff Auto Center in Kalispell is closing its doors this weekend.

Daybook

Today

Humane Society calendar

Burglary at Evergreen pharmacy

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary that occurred at the Evergreen Pharmacy on U.S. 2 Monday morning. A window was broken to gain entry, and prescription medication bottles were found on the floor. An inventory has yet to be conducted to determine how much medication was stolen.