Ellington

Columbia Falls vs. Bigfork Soccer

West Valley School Overcrowding

Flatfish Invitational Logan Iverson

Flatfish Invitational

Creston School New Classroom

Willow Glen Construction

Flathead Industries

Sara Weaver-Balter

Ely Yerian

AP College Football News

Ruth E. Ross, 87

Ruth E. Ross, 87, passed away Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, at her Kalispell residence. Ruth was born April 15, 1923, in Lodi, Calif., to Emmett and Molly (Jeffries) Frost, and was raised in the Turlock, Calif., area. Ruth married Raymond Ross on Aug. 3, 1940. She had been married for 58 years. Ruth was one of the first women to be hired by the C & C Lumber Co. She worked there for five years, and was later employed at Dee s Drapery Shop with her sister Caroline Bland. Ruth loved gardening and flowers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her parents; three brothers, and two sisters. Ruth is survived by her son, Ray Ross, and daughter, Wanda Lemonds, both of Kalispell. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Aug. 31, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A celebration of life service will be held at 4 p.m. at the New Life Center, today also. Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Byron Louis Weber, 65

Byron Louis Weber was born in Great Falls, May 3, 1945, to Wilfred and Helen (Demarest) Weber and died on Aug. 26, 2010, in Missoula, the victim of progressive lymphoma. He lived briefly in the Sweetgrass Hills and Shelby prior to moving to Billings. He received his primary grade education at Highland and Fratt Memorial schools in Billings and Ursuline Academy in Great Falls. At Great Falls Central High he wrestled, played football as an end for the 1962 state championship team, and was active in student government as the student body president and Boys State delegate. Byron s story on the gridiron and afterward was recently documented in Coached For Life by Ed Flaherty, the story of the championship team " the men, the coaches, and their lives after football. At the College of Great Falls, Byron majored in biology, graduating in 1967. During this time period he developed a passion for living things which evolved into a lifetime theme. He also served in leadership positions " including student body president. After graduating from the College of Great Falls, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and went to Vietnam as a second lieutenant in the infantry. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V. After an honorable discharge from the Marines, he traveled across the country to personally visit the families of his men who died in combat. In recent years he participated in reunions of his Vietnam unit. Last year he was instrumental in obtaining a posthumous Medal of Valor for a medic who died in action. After Vietnam, Byron followed his quest to see more of the world, hitchhiking through South America for 18 months, returning with more experiences than he could ever relate, including floating down the length of the Amazon. Back in Montana, Byron worked in the Yogo sapphire mines, hayed in the Sweetgrass Hills, and finally settled in the Bitterroot area. While there, he lived in a cabin and spent countless hours in the out of doors making detailed observations of his natural surroundings. From his meticulous notes over the seasons, he developed a natural history calendar for the area. Byron returned to school at the University of Montana, obtaining his teaching credentials and first taught at Target Range Middle School. He then found a perfect fit teaching in Florence from 1984 until he retired in June of this year, mirroring his mother s career as a first-grade teacher. Byron and Jane Byard were married in Missoula on May 17, 1986. They have one son, Nick, who graduated from Big Sky High School in 2006 and Montana State University in 2010. Upon Nick s high school graduation, the family traveled to South America, recapturing part of Byron s original quest. Byron s interest in classifying his world began at his grandparents ranch in the Sweetgrass Hills when he was very young. After seeing a bird, his grandmother rushed into the house, retrieved her bird book, and identified the bird. With this instrumental influence, Byron s house was filled with specimens and species including a butterfly collection (with a butterfly he discovered) in his living room and tarantulas crawling in a terrarium on his counter. He passionately taught about the environment to countless fans as the Bug Guy on MTPR s The Pea Green Boat. He was a part of the first Earth Day celebration in Washington, D.C. He established an exemplary outdoor classroom at Florence Carlton School, which was dedicated to him on Earth Day this year. Byron was also a founding member and vice-president of the Missoula Butterfly House. Byron lived by the Golden Rule as a person who was generous, tolerant, encouraging, gracious and thoughtful. He weighed his words before speaking, and always made time for everyone. His presence enhanced his home, his school and his community. Byron was preceded in death by his father, Wilfred; nephew, Ryan Van Luchene; and cousin, Kay Girard. He is survived by his wife, Jane, of Missoula; son, Nick, of Bozeman; mother, Helen, of Kalispell; brothers, Steve and Bethany of Kalispell, Greg and Lois of Anchorage, Alaska; Mark and Lou Rae of Twin Bridges; and Stuart and Sas of Belgrade; and sister, Jane Christman, and Lanny, of Dutton. A celebration of Byron s life will held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 3, at Florence Carlton School gymnasium, followed by a walk through his outdoor classroom and a picnic. Bring a lawn chair, a pie and a story about Byron to share. Also, bring a small rock to add to a memorial rock pile we will build for Byron. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be sent to Missoulabutterflyhouse.org; or Florence Carlton Outdoor Classroom (c/o Florence Carlton School).

Flatfish Invite

Kasperson presented Montana National Guard Patriot Medal

Flatfish Invite

Norma Jean Lipp, 83

Norma Jean Lipp, 83, passed away with her family at her side on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Norma was born Feb. 16, 1927, in Colo, Iowa, to Virgil and Rozetta (Hartman) McKinney. Norma was raised in Colo, where she attended school. She graduated from Northern Montana College in Havre with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She worked as an elementary teacher in Hingham for 25-plus wonderful years. Norma married Frank Lipp on Dec. 28, 1948, in Colo. They had 44 great years together before Frank passed away. They truly enjoyed living the life of wheat farmers. She was a member of the Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church Alter Society in Hingham, a member of Risen Christ Catholic Church in Kalispell, a long-time volunteer at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, a senior student at Flathead Valley Community College and American Association of University Women, was given the Soroptimist Service Award, and had served as vice president of the Buffalo Hill Residence Group. She enjoyed traveling and had traveled to many places. She loved music, teaching, gardening, writing and sharing her poetry with others. Norma loved spending time with her family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Rozetta McKinney; her husband, Frank Lipp; a daughter, Rose Marie Lipp; and two sisters, Muriel Burka and Naomi Cook. Norma is survived by her children, Alan and Penni Lipp of Havre, Jerry and Barb Lipp, Francie Lipp and Nick Russin, and Joanne Ferrell all of Kalispell, Mike and Joan Lipp of Hingham, and Linda and Leon Kappes of Elko, Nev.; a brother, Wayne McKinney Sr. of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Davis Miller, Andrew Miller, Katie Martin, Heidi Lipp, Christopher Lipp, Jessica Pitt, Dustin Kappes, Kallie Kappes, Dillon Lipp, Shellby Lipp and Nicholas Ferrell; great-grandchildren, Alexandria Pitt and Brody Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thank you from Norma s family goes out to our dear friend and neighbor Joyce Spicher. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Risen Christ Catholic Church with the Rev. Rudy Bullman serving as celebrant. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family thanks the staff of Kalispell Regional Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care of Norma. The public is invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to leave personal messages and sign Norma s book. The family suggests that any memorials be made in Norma s name to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Northwest Health Care Foundation, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Billy Gene Redmond, 78

Billy Gene Redmond, 78, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell after a courageous fight against prostate cancer. He was born June 2, 1932, in Kalispell to Oakley Rusty and Edna Redmond. The family lived in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, before returning to Kalispell in 1947. He attended Flathead County High School and graduated with the class of 1950. Billy was active in all sports and lettered in both football and baseball. He then continued playing football and baseball at the University of Montana in Missoula until he enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and served through 1954. Billy also played semi-pro baseball during his time in Korea. He then returned to the University of Montana in 1955 and graduated in 1959. His love and dedication of sports lasted throughout his adult life. He refereed basketball and football games for 40 years and was the 1990 inaugural inductee into the Montana Officials Association Hall of Fame. Billy was the District 1 Montana Officials Association Regional Director until his retirement in 1989. He was an avid and accomplished golfer throughout the state of Montana and Arizona. He was dedicated to and instrumental in the progression of the Buffalo Hill Golf Course for over 50 years, had served as president and was proud to call it his home course. In 2009 he competed in his 50th Labor Day Golf Tournament and each year was pleased to have golfed his age or under consistently. Billy was also very active with the Montana State Seniors Golf Association, where he served as president and helped organize the tournaments that took place across the state and in the Flathead Valley. He loved pheasant hunting with his son Timothy, friend Earl and others in eastern Montana, and looked forward to their annual trip for the past 40 years. He also loved fly fishing, music and was quite the dancer. One of his proudest accomplishments was his service in the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. He was selected for special training for the Navy Medic United States Marine Corps, where he developed friendships that he nurtured and cherished until his death. He married Velma Somerville Luke in 1956, and they returned to Kalispell in 1959. They had five children and later divorced. Billy treasured his time with each of his children and grandchildren and the many family gatherings. This is what his granddaughter Danielle has to share: My grandpa was a very special man. Between his education and experiences, he sure had a lot to teach me. I knew that whenever I was having a rough day I could go to Grandpa s for a night and he would take me out for dinner and a movie. I would always look forward to those special dinner dates, which were followed by a sleepover. One thing that we both had in common was our sweet tooth ; the only thing on the breakfast menu was, of course, Cocoa Puffs. Grandpa was always very supporting and encouraging in whatever sport I did. Being a basketball referee himself, I always knew that some tips and corrections were coming my way after a basketball game. I always knew that my grandpa was proud of me by the ways that he showed it. Whenever my report card came in, the first thing out of his mouth was, Oh boy ... what do I owe you now? For every A I earned, he would pay me in rolls of coins. Even though he did all of those special things for me, the one thing that I will miss the most are his special hugs and kisses. Like I said before, this is a very special man. I will always love and miss him with all my heart. He began his insurance and financial planning career when he joined Northwestern National Life in April 1959 and continued working until 2010. Throughout his career, he was recognized by his many NWNL/ReliaStar achievements such as Life & Qualifying Member of The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) several times, The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, No. 1 Top Producer Award, nine-time Top Ring Recipient and six-time Top 10 Producer. Some additional awards include the John Moore Award for leadership within the insurance industry and community and multiple recipient of the NAIFA National Quality Award for quality and persistence of business. Billy s reputation for his service and compassion to thousands of policyholders was one of his life s greatest accomplishments. Community involvement included being a member of the Shriners, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Exalted Ruler for Lodge 725 in Kalispell, Grizzly Scholarship Association and Alumni, and Apache Wells Country Club in Mesa, Ariz., just to name a few. His generosity of both his time and donations to multiple organizations and events will be long remembered and missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Velma; and eldest son, Kelly. Survivors include his children, Camilla Redmond Kruse and husband, Steve, of Delano, Minn., Gwyn Redmond Cooper and husband, Ward, of Natchitoches, La., and Ward s three children, Chris, Michael and Justin of Kalispell, Jill Redmond of Kalispell, and Timothy Redmond and wife, Jeannette, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Pierce Lindblad of Delano, Minn., Danielle ZuZero of Kalispell, and Scarlett Redmond of Kalispell; sister, Barbara Symington and husband, David; niece, Penny Twelves and husband, Bob Stepp, of Spokane; nephew, Teddy Kaluza and wife, Pam, of Spokane; niece, Judy Fyffe and husband, Don, of Issaquah, Wash.; and nephew, Tom Kaluza and wife, Marianne, of Sammamish, Wash.; and several grandnieces and grandnephews. Not only was Billy respected for his sports, military and career accomplishments; his family and friends were blessed by his love, compassion and loyalty. He was a true friend, and his friendships lasted a lifetime. He will truly be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. A celebration of his life will be at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell. Bring your stories to be shared starting at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please mail a donation in memory of Billy G. Redmond to the Flathead Valley Junior Golf Association, c/o Alice Ritzman, 64 E. Nicklaus, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Solid at the start

Whitefish’s McConnell shoots 79 to put Bulldogs on top after first day; Glacier boys have lead

It wasn't her best round of the season ...

Slapping woman arrested

A woman slapped a man in the face when he was starting his car at 12:50 p.m. Sunday in the 200 block of Eighth Avenue West. Kalispell Police arrested her.

Loggers rally past Tigers

LIBBY - Kelly May threw two touchdown passes and Corey Chapman had scoring runs of 14 and 80 yards as the Libby Loggers rallied from a two-point halftime deficit on Saturday to defeat the Timberlake Tigers of Spirit Lake, Idaho 28-22 in a nonconference football contest.

Woman returns to lead C.F. church

Liz Young is back in the Flathead Valley after a 16-year absence.

Local library use is on the rise

The Flathead County Library and its four branch libraries are busier than they've ever been, and the numbers tell the story.

Campaign for Supreme Court seat picks up steam

Montana's two Supreme Court candidates are ramping up their campaigns as the November election approaches, with both of them making recent stops in Kalispell.

Expansion sought for U.S. 93 business

Sonjus plan bigger facility, rifle range

Owners of a firearms and aerospace manufacturing facility north of Kalispell have plans to add a practice rifle range, retail sales component and increased processing capability to their operation.

Ian Demar Duvall

son of Jonathan and Amy Duvall of Kalispell, was born July 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Cecil Paul Peterson

son of Jeremy and Jennette Peterson of Kalispell, was born July 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Katrina Grace Bochman

daughter of Tim and Marcie Bochman of Kalispell, was born July 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Liam David Sandusky

son of Brennan and Beth Sandusky of Kalispell, was born July 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Marcus George Levanen

son of Shane and Susan Levanen of Kalispell, was born July 31 at North Valley Hospital.

George Charles Pierce

son of George and Heather Pierce, was born July 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Leah Jeanette Daniels

daughter of Sylas and Jubilee Daniels of Columbia Falls, was born July 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Gloriana Grace Woodin

daughter of Megan and John Woodin, was born July 23 at North Valley Hospital.

Chloe Kristin Kinsella, and Grace Carol Kinsella

daughters of Matthew and Annette Kinsella of Columbia Falls, were born July 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Layton John Jacobson

son of Peter Jacobson and Cassidi Gray of Libby, was born July 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Matthew Scott Schaeffer

son of Dan Schaeffer and Penny Soto of Kalispell, was born July 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Addisyn Riese Lyons

daughter of Joe Lyons and Genna Rodriguez, was born July 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Edan Martha Tillman

daughter of Aaron and Amy Tillman of Dayton, was born July 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kaylee Jo Whitten

daughter of Mike and Danelle Whitten of Kalispell, was born July 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Kenneth D. Hunt, 89

Kenneth D. Hunt, 89, went to his heavenly home on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. He was born on July 4, 1921, in Dixon, Neb., and grew up in the Midwest. As a young man, he married Aliene Westlake and together they had two children, Robert and Geraldine. After Aliene's death as a result of cancer, Ken married Avis Drown. Ken and Avis were blessed with five children, Delores, Darlene, Don, Mary and Dallas. Following Avis' death from cancer, Ken found the love of his life, Chrystal French, and they were married on Aug. 3, 1968. Ken and Chrystal then moved their family to Whitefish in 1969, where he worked in the timber industry for many years, until the time of his retirement. During that time, he developed a special friendship with his employer, Pete Larsen, with whom he shared a strong Christian brotherhood. He was an active member of Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, where he attended and served for 41 years, until the time of his death. A highlight of his spiritual life was a mission trip to Ecuador, where he helped with the construction of a church and shared his faith with the local people. His faith in Jesus was the foundation of who he was, and many came to know the love of Christ because of his influence. He was a true man of God. He spent many happy hours fishing and hunting with his children and grandchildren. In the last moments of his life he looked upward and said, The window is open. Minutes later, he went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior. Ken will be forever missed by his loving wife, Chrystal; his six children; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; along with brothers, Loren, Wes and Duane. He is preceded in death by his son, Robert; and his siblings, Verle, Chet, Bonnie, Jess, and Gerald. A celebration of Ken's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, with burial to follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the African Children's Choir, www.africanchildrenschoir.com. Arrangements by Austin Funeral Home.

Remi Rae Howard

daughter of Steve and Tiffany Howard of Kalispell, was born July 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Halle Lynn Foster

daughter of Seth and Katie Foster of Eureka, was born July 26 at North Valley Hospital.

Augustus James Cummings

son of Luke and Chelsea Cummings, was born July 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Aiden Lisle Rowe

son of Myron Lisle Rowe and Robyn Talley-Lenander of Kalispell, was born July 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

New date, new course for Flatfish Invite

Don’t panic.

Kloeckl's goal lifts Stillwater

COLUMBIA FALLS — Zane Kloeckl scored the game’s only goal at 65 minutes, lifting Stillwater Christian School to a 1-0 nonconference boys soccer victory Saturday over Columbia Falls.

Victims of car-motorcycle crash improving

The two Bitterroot Valley residents who suffered major injuries during a motorcycle crash on Montana 35 Wednesday are improving under continued medical care, according to a Kalispell Regional Medical Center spokeswoman.

Teen faces grueling recovery

Dillon Moore was supposed to begin life as a freshman at Flathead High School on Wednesday.

Growing up 'Where the West Begins'

I don’t care much for rodeos.

Fire destroys small Kalispell building

A late-night fire destroyed a small building in the 800 block of East Idaho Street Friday, according to the

Glacier grinds out wins in openers

Moments of brilliance followed by moments of head scratching.

Walking Bear Ranch a place for community, sustainability

Henry David Thoreau went into the woods because he wished to live deliberately.

Mission Pawsible: Artistic animals nearly ready for auction

In less than two weeks, 32 impeccably groomed dogs and cats will be given homes in exchange for money that will serve to reduce the number of unwanted pets in the Flathead Valley.

Cracked pot law needs a fix

The wheels are in motion for changes to Montana’s dubious medical marijuana industry (or should we say racket?), and changes are definitely in order.

Into 'The Wylds' - Local director's movie ready for spotlight

John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” a complicated Christian allegory written in the 1600s, may not seem like an obvious inspiration for a modern children’s movie.

Ranch owner praises the value of organic lifestyle

Lyn Hendrix has always loved nature and farming.

Rare herb the key to absinthe production

A happenstance discovery of wormword growing wild near their rural Kalispell home was a key factor in Julie and Joe Legate’s venture into the world of distilling.

Charge dismissed in clash with judge

Columbia Falls City Court has dismissed a disorderly conduct charge against a woman who confronted Whitefish Municipal Judge Bradley Johnson last month and alleged he was speeding in downtown Columbia Falls.

Rustlers, Bison fall to Flathead

When push came to shove on Saturday, the Flathead Bravettes decided to be the ones doing the shoving.

Herb growers plunge into gin venture

Tucked away in their mountain retreat west of Kalispell, Julie and Joe Legate spend hours among their containers of hand-picked and dried local herbs perfecting their new craft.

Taking back Constitution piece by piece

It is an immutable fact that the Constitution is the law of the land, but the law of the land should not be presumed to be immutable.

The Wylds

Week in Pictures August 23-29

Glacier Volleyball

Flathead Volleyball

John Wesley Wes Johnson, 88

John Wesley Wes Johnson, 88, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. He was born in Springbrook, Wis., on Jan. 10, 1922, to John E. and Myrtle Johnson. He spent his early years in Earl, Wis. He served in World War II from 1942 to 1946 as a radio operator on B-17s. He was on his way to Japan when the war ended. On June 27, 1947, he married Beverley L. Visger in Pine City, Minn. They made their home in Minong, Wis., where they had a son, Wesley Richard, and a daughter, Jaclyn Christine. Wes worked as a logger. In 1967, they moved to Libby where they made their home until 1993, when they moved to Kalispell to be near family. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bev; son, Wes, and Gina Johnson, of Ronan; and daughter, Jackie, and Jeff VanHelden, of Kalispell; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers and one sister. Funeral services for Wes will be held at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 28, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel with Pastor Gordy McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in the Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Wes family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Wes s tribute wall.

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Glacier stumbles in Billings

BILLINGS — The mistakes piled up for Glacier as the Wolfpack turned the ball over four times and stalled on offense and ended up losing 28-13 to Billings Senior in AA football at Daylis Stadium on Friday night.

Drivers asked to slow down near schools

Schools pleased with most test results

Kalispell Public Schools is in a pretty good place.

Man accused of kiss, then assault

An Evergreen man is in jail after allegedly sneaking into a house, kissing an 85-year-old woman and later assaulting her, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

Pirates stun Broncs

FRENCHTOWN - Vince DiGiallonardo threw a pair of touchdown passes and Jake Skelton added a touchdown on a short run as Polson opened the Class A football season with a 21-16 victory over defending state champ Frenchtown on Friday.

Wildcats fumble it away

COLUMBIA FALLS - You could say Columbia Falls either gave this one away, or fumbled it away.

Top musicians pass along love of music

For students learning to play an instrument, music can sometimes seem like little more than endless hours of practicing scales, learning specific pieces and performing those songs in concerts or recitals. The joy of playing can get lost in the monotony of rehearsal and routine.

Bulldogs get away from Braves

Opportunities were there Friday for the Flathead Braves.

Lightning sparks several small fires

It had been a slow fire season on the Flathead National Forest until a Thursday lightning outburst put area firefighters to work on several new fire starts.

Flathead vs. Butte Football

Juilliard Workshop

Local Libraries

Currant Picking Wildart

Flower Thief Wildart

Pastor Liz Young

Flathead Lunch Hour

Flathead Biology Class

Camilla Kay Olmsted

daughter of Jeremy and Elsa Olmsted of Kalispell, was born July 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kaiden Howard Spain, 13

Kaiden Howard Spain, 13, of Kalispell, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, at home in Kalispell. He was born on Feb. 20, 1997, in Kalispell, son of Howard V. and Amy J. (Samples) Spain. Kaiden attended school at Elrod Elementary and Kalispell Middle School. He loved to golf, hunt, go fishing with his dad, video games, spending every moment with his family and friends, adored all pets, going to Silverwood, listening to music and drawing. He called his mom, Lil Miss Momma, and lifted her off her feet, hugging her so tight. He was his mommy s baby, loved his big sissy so much, shopping with Grandma Debbie, and spent his last month with his cousin Garrett and Grandma Samples, camping, and enjoying go carts, bumper boats, floating the river, hiking Big Mountain and going on the Alpine Slides. He loved playing pool, and always said Hi to everyone, no matter where he was. He enjoyed making money, but was reluctant in spending it! Kaiden and his dad loved taking out the hot rod white truck and doing burnouts. His dreams were to be a helicopter pilot for the military. After that he wanted to move to Alaska and become a diesel mechanic. He wanted to adopt a son and have five dogs. Kaiden is survived by his father and mother, Howard and Amy Spain; sister, Maurissa Spain; grandparents, Fred Bauer and Debbie Spain of Kalispell, and Harold and Sandy Samples of Columbia Falls; uncle, Brian, and aunt, Ashley, and Briley and Mason Samples of Kalispell; uncle, Keith, and aunt, Elaine Garrett, and Levi and McKenna Samples of Republic, Mo.; uncle, Ken, and aunt, Kristina, and Kenisha, Kailey and baby Kaleb Spain of Yakima, Wash.; uncle, Rich Spain, of Kalispell; uncle, Rich, and aunt, Helen Sawyer and Logan Samples, of Kalispell; and uncle, Sam, and Crystal, Christopher and Samantha Samples, of Azie, Texas. Kaiden was preceded in death by great-grandma, Angie Pedersen; grandfather, Howard Vinton Spain; great-grandpa, Harold Samples; great-grandma, Mary Samples; great-grandfather, Melvin, and great-grandma, Dolly Larson; great-grandfather, Richard Street; great-grandmother, Carol Street; great-grandfather, Clark Spain; great-grandmother, Shirlee Spain; and aunt, Cherice Samples. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 30, at the Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge Drive, Kalispell. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A potluck reception will follow at Lawrence Park in Kalispell. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Kaiden s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Kaiden s Tribute Wall and offer condolences.

Allan Uriais Shank V

son of Allan and Chrystal Shank of Kalispell, was born July 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Sydney Rae Haines

daughter of Stephen Haines and Jessica Smith of Kalispell, was born July 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Alyssa Karen Maxwell

daughter of James and Karen Maxwell of Whitefish, was born July 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Lyla Grace Smith

daughter of Craig and Brianna Smith of Kalispell, was born July 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Cooper Anthony Flores

son of Sam Flores and Rebecca Sullivan of Kalispell, was born July 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Sofia Mae Marroquin

daughter of Jose and Cassie Marroquin of Kalispell, was born July 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jozi Ann Grove

daughter of Anthony and Dawn Grove of Kalispell, was born July 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Irelandrose Elizabeth Hickey

daughter of Robert and Michelle Hickey of Kalispell, was born July 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Teen driver seeks to have trial moved

An Evergreen teen charged with two counts of felony deliberate homicide is asking for her trial to be moved out of Flathead County District Court and Northwest Montana.

Braves boast better depth, speed for 2010 campaign

Skill positions return for hopeful Flathead Flathead Football 2010

The outlook is pretty positive for the Flathead Braves football team in 2010.

Polson eyeing football playoffs again

Wildcats in contention again in Northwestern A

You can almost count on one thing year-in and year-out - Polson will be there when the playoffs begin.

Population crisis hits local shelter

Dogs, cats squeezed into county facility

When July arrives, the Flathead County Animal Shelter usually sees a spike in dog and cat populations — but this summer the numbers have reached staggering proportions with little relief in August.

Local medicine take-back day a success

A prescription drug take-back day held earlier this summer yielded 215 pounds of waste pharmaceuticals in Flathead County and was the second-biggest collection in the state.

Daybook

A new class of Wolfpack take over tradition

‘It’s finally our time’ Glacier Football 2010

Thirty-one games of varsity experience is hard to replace. So is Shay Smithwick-Hann.

One of the good guys retires

We bid a fond farewell to a mainstay in local law enforcement, Ernie Freebury, whose last day of work with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is Saturday.

Trooper's crash still unsolved 2 years later

Thursday marked two years since the death of Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Evan Schneider and two other people in a U.S. 2 automobile crash.

Transient caught in trash collection

Wolfpack Football Water Break

Wolfpack Football

Braves Football Coach McCarvel

Braves Football

Shelter Squeze Roommates

Shelter Squeeze "Smallville"

Shelter Squeeze

Flathead HS Logo

Flathead High School Information

100-mile hike

Castle of Love in Montana

Abby Jann Tonjum

daughter of Kurt and Jann Tonjum of Kalispell, was born July 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Lois Elaine McAllister

Lois Elaine McAllister passed away on Aug. 22, 2010, at her home in North Bend, Wash. Elaine was born in Kalispell in 1934 to Carl and Irene Wilke. She worked for many years at the Virginia Mason Clinic in Seattle prior to moving to Juneau, Alaska, in 1984. She returned to the Seattle area in 1996 after the death of her husband Ken. She is survived by her children, Brian, Mike and Amy, Christa and Mary; granddaughters, Nichole, Corri and Calli; and her sisters, Louise Haynie of Seattle, and Carlene Brooner of Lakeside. A gathering to celebrate Elaine s life will take place at 3 p.m. on Sept. 2 at The Moon Mansion, 44305 SE Edgewick Road, North Bend, WA 98045 (or P.O. Box 2690 for correspondences); www.themoonmansion.com.

Kila Rose Kair

daughter of Jamie Kair and Autumn Vinion of Libby, was born July 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ruth Gardner Wicks, 90

Ruth went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Aug. 24, 2010, at the Buffalo Hills Terrace in Kalispell, surrounded by her family, Ruth, the fourth child of Charles and Grace Bucher, was born on Nov. 21, 1919, in Colfax, Wash., where Charles owned and operated The Jersey Creamery. She joined three sisters, Helen, Mildred and Grace Margaret Peggy. Ruth graduated from Colfax High School, began college at the University of Idaho in 1937, and graduated from Cheney Normal School (now EWU) in 1940 with a degree in elementary education. While in high school, she loved her first jobs as an usher at the Colfax movie theater and wrapping butter and dipping ice cream bars at the Creamery. Her first teaching assignment was in Kelso, Wash., teaching second grade. Always the consummate saver, Ruth, after one year of teaching, saved enough money out of her ,200 per year teaching salary to purchase a round-trip train ticket and toured the United States with her best friend. While in Kelso, she met her husband of 38 years, Lt. Ray Gardner, while he trained with the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis. They married in 1942. Soon after, they moved to Fort Sill, Okla., then to Fort DuPont, Delaware, where Ray was deployed to the European theater with the 5th Corps, in World War II. Linda, Ruth and Ray s first child, was born while in Delaware. Ruth returned to be with family while Ray served overseas. In 1945, Ray returned home and re-entered the University of Idaho to complete his degree in forestry in 1946, and it was there that their second child, Cathy, was born. Ruth became a U.S. Forest Service ranger s wife where their first assignment was on the Kingston District in north Idaho. Ray was later transferred to the Flathead National Forest in Kalispell where he served as back country ranger in the Bob Marshall Wilderness at Big Prairie, then on the Condon district. Just prior to a transfer to the Tally Lake district, their third child, Chuck, was born. Ruth taught in Kalispell at the Opportunity School for several years. She left this position when Brian was born in 1956. During the Forest Service years, Ruth could be found leading the girls on hikes, picking huckleberries, climbing the fire lookout tower at the old Condon station or shooing away black bears from a food cache during remote assignments. Ruth served as a Girl Scout leader, worked at Flathead Travel, Buttrey s department store and owned and operated the Kalispell Hotel. Mom made many life-long friends, staff and students alike when, in 1967, Ray became a founding member of the staff at Flathead Valley Community College. Mom and Dad traveled domestically and abroad to visit their grown children and their families. They often gathered with Forest Service, college or church friends to play bridge, pick huckleberries, picnic or swim. She played bridge actively for many years with a devoted group of lady friends who always remained dear to her heart, and continued playing at her home at Buffalo Hill Terrace. In 1980, Ray was killed in an auto accident. Ruth married Sheldon Wicks in 1985. They enjoyed traveling and entertaining their children and grandchildren. Ruth was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She served on the Board of Deacons and taught Sunday school where she touched many lives. Those who knew her valued and cherished her quiet, behind-the-scenes style of ministry and mentoring. She was also a woman of prayer. She recently related how God had surely blessed her in so many ways, over so many years. Ruth was also member of P.E.O. Chapter C, Kalispell, Alpha Phi Sorority and Friendship Force. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Grace Bucher; her three sisters, Helen McCroskey (2007), Mildred Sewell (2007), and Peggy Sartwell (1995); and her husbands, Ray Gardner (1980) and Sheldon Wicks (1992). She is survived by her four children, Linda Lewis and husband, Phil, of Thompson Falls; Catherine Rasmussen and husband, Stan, of Missoula; Chuck Gardner and wife, Linda, of Alberton; and Brian Gardner and wife, Vonnie, of Kalispell; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A memorial service and reception for Ruth will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, at the Buffalo Hills Terrace. Memorial gifts may be made to the FVCC Foundation for the Community Arboretum; or the Glacier Camp and Conference Center (on Flathead Lake). Gifts for FVCC may be sent to: FVCC Foundation, 777 Grandview Dr., Kalispell, MT 59901; for information call 406-756-3963. Gifts for Glacier Camp and Conference Center may be sent to: Glacier Camp and Conference Center, P.O. Box 384, Lakeside, MT 59922. Special thanks to the staff at Immanuel Lutheran Home, Buffalo Hills Terrace, Hospice and the First Presbyterian Church for providing compassionate, loving care to Mom, and her family.

Fallon Michael Cassidy

son of Chris Cassidy and Natalie Nelson of Somers, was born July 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Johnathan Rayph Golinsky

son of Chris Golinsky and Mikayla Hartley of Kila, was born June 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Fritz Byde Lamey, 70

Fritz Byde Lamey, 70, of Eureka, died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. He was born Sept. 25, 1939, in Libby to Byde and Juanita Bozarth Lamey. The family moved to Eureka in 1948. He was raised on the family ranch near the Canadian border and attended school in Eureka, graduating from Lincoln County High School with the class of 1957. He had a real eye for cattle and was active in 4-H. He won several livestock judging awards. In high school he excelled in football, basketball and boxing. He attended junior college in California. He then returned home and joined the family s registered Hereford ranch on Phillips Creek. He raised and exhibited many grand and reserve champion cattle with his father. He married Janet Holmes in 1962. They had four children and later separated. In the early 80s he began breeding and raising performance horses. He had a passion for competing on the cutting circuit and he earned a reputation for breeding top quality horses. Survivors include his children, Chris Lamey of Benson, Ariz., Penny Lynch and husband, Jerry, of Winnemucca, Nev., Cory Lamey and wife, Kari, of Wise River, Mont., and Tracy Ward of Douglas, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Osler, and husband, John; and a special friend, Kahnee Winchester. A celebration of life will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the First and Last Chance in Eureka. Local arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.

Sophia Juliet Dyer

daughter of Brett and Amber Dyer of Kalispell, was born July 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bridget Lee Reed

daughter of Andy and Kristal Reed of Kalispell, was born July 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

William C. Smart, 78

William C. Smart, 78, passed away in Kalispell on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, after a nine-month battle with lymphoma. Bill was born in Missoula and moved with his family to Libby when he was 15. After graduating from Libby High School, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Joan Edstrom, and enlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean War. Bill graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Washington, and worked for the public accounting firm Price Waterhouse as a partner in Seattle, and Anchorage, Alaska, until his retirement in 1989. After retiring, he resided in Tucson, Ariz., and Rollins, where his great-grandfather Redeker settled in 1904 and where he had spent childhood summers. Throughout his life, he was an active volunteer in a variety of community and charitable organizations, serving on numerous boards. Bill was married to Joan for 47 years, until her death in March 1999. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Rozanne Dwyer, who passed away in October 2009, after nine years of loving marriage. Friendly and outgoing, Bill touched many lives and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his four daughters, Terri Ray of Seattle, Lorri Gorman of Pelham Manor, N.Y., Stacy Thorpe of Eagle River, Alaska, and Cami Smart of Pacific, Wash.; four brothers, Royal Smart of Crystal Lake, Ill., Jim Smart of Libby, Doug Smart of LaConner, Wash., and Ted Smart of Lake Oswego, Ore.; seven grandchildren; and three stepchildren. At his request, there will be no services.

Veteran deputy turning in his badge

Retiring Flathead County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Ernie Freebury recalls being the only deputy allowed to have a mustache.

'Gentleman's Journey' - Fundraiser features tales, photos of Glacier trek

100 miles on the trail in Glacier National Park

When he set out on July 17, Chris Peterson intended to hike 100 miles through the backcountry of Glacier National Park and document the park in pictures to commemorate the park’s centennial this year. It took him a few more miles to reach the end of his journey.

Man, 68, faces two charges in hatchet attack

The Flathead County Attorney’s Office has filed two felony assault charges following an apparent attack by a man wielding a hatchet and knives in west Kalispell on Friday.

Cyclists suffer serious injuries in collision

Two Bitterroot Valley residents were being treated for extensive injuries Wednesday after a car collided with their motorcycle on Montana 35.

Whitefish River dams

A second phase of cleanup to remove petroleum-contaminated sediment from the Whitefish River began recently. Portable dams for the first part are being installed just below the Second Street Bridge at Kay Beller Park and near the BNSF property where the first-phase work was conducted last year. Dams for the second part will be installed near the BNSF property and below the railroad trestle bridge. Between the two dams, the river will be routed through three 48-inch pipes, allowing the riverbed to be exposed.

Council walks out on Troy meeting

U.S. 2 green-box plan being reconsidered

Scaled-back Nyack site may be preserved

The Flathead County Solid Waste Board is rethinking a plan to permanently close all of its green-box garbage-collection sites in the remote U.S. 2 corridor, and this week directed Public Works Director Dave Prunty to investigate keeping a small site at Nyack.

Whitefish River

Evergreen Snappy Sport Senter

Ernie Freebury

Carol Lane, 90

Carol Lane, of Kalispell, was called to her final reward on Aug. 22, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She blessed us with her presence for 80 years. Carol was born on Sept. 23, 1929, in Hot Springs. Shortly after that, the stock market crashed and the Great Depression began. Coincidence? " We think not! She was the fifth of seven children born to Bert Dolson and Bertha (Markle) Dolson. She was raised on the family ranch just outside of Hot Springs and graduated from Hot Springs High School. She met a young serviceman, Kernie Lane, in Oregon, who became the love of her life. They were married on Nov. 15, 1952. The couple had four children. After Kernie s discharge from the Navy, the family moved to the Flathead Valley in 1960, where she lived until her death. Carol was a wife, mother and homemaker. She was active in the First Baptist Church of Kalispell for many years. She enjoyed needlework, puzzles, hosting card parties for friends and family, and sitting on her deck enjoying the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. If you were a friend of hers, it was for life. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Kernie; her daughter, Julie (Lane) Corbitt; her brothers, Pat, Mickey and Jack Dolson; and her sisters, Joan Nelson and Ellen Aycock. She is survived by her daughters, Lorrie and Leslie Lane, both of Kalispell; son, Greg, and daughter-in-law, DeeDee, Lane of Wausau, Wis.; son-in-law, John Corbitt, of Spokane; sister, Virginia, and brother-in-law, Andrew Walker, of Scotland; sister-in-law, Meredith Dolson, of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Lara, Lincoln and wife Shelley, Adam, Patrick and Colleen; and great-grandchildren, Daniel, Elizabeth and Moryssa. Funeral services for Carol will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, at Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. today, Aug. 25, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Carol s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Carol s Tribute Wall and offer condolences.

LaVonne Marie (Bucher) Aikin, 79

A memorial service for LaVonne Aikin who died June 15, 2010, of lung cancer, at Providence Portland Medical Center, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at Christ Church Episcopal in Kalispell, with refreshments following. LaVonne was born Sept. 8, 1930, in Butte, to Dr. Charles N. and Marie Bucher, joining her brother Charles W. Reed. She spent most of her growing-up years in Hamilton, graduating from Hamilton High School in 1947. She went to college in Bozeman and graduated in 1951 from the school of nursing as a registered nurse. She married Wilbur O. Aikin in January 1952, the couple having met via introduction from their grandmothers, who were close friends. Will died in 2001, just six months before they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. After spending about five years moving around frequently due to Will s military service, they started their family in Butte with the birth of daughters Maria and Rebecca. Will s career as a geological engineer kept them on the move and the family spent three years in Port Arthur, Ontario, were back in Hamilton for five years, and then followed almost 40 years in Kalispell. In 2008 she moved to Milwaukie, Ore., (a Portland suburb) to enjoy the more temperate climate, particularly in the winter. Professionally, LaVonne spent most of her work years in nursing, with an occasional detour into teaching. Along with supporting and participating in the many and varied activities of family life, she and Will were deeply committed to their church work, were active in various Masonic orders, and both enjoyed home improvement activities, particularly gardening. She was an exceptional cook and loved to entertain and share the fruits of her kitchen and garden. LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents, C.N. and Marie Bucher; grandson, Jason; and husband, Will. She is survived by daughter, Maria, of Milwaukie, Ore.; daughter, Rebecca, and beloved granddaughter, Jessica, in Kalispell; brother, Charles Reed, and wife, Sue Johnson, of Hamilton; niece, Kathy Reed, and husband, Charlie Dustin, and their family of Portland; niece, Marge Reed, and husband, Doug Derryberry, of Philomath, Ore.; and nephew, Don Reed, and wife, Shana Greendlinger, and their family of Boston. Also surviving are numerous cousins and a lifetime of friends who were part of the family of her heart. Memorial contributions to Christ Church Episcopal or a favorite charity or organization of personal preference would be appreciated. One of the things LaVonne did best was to keep in touch with people, so sending a note or making a phone call just to say hello and let someone know you re thinking of them would be the perfect way to remember her. And please, if you re a smoker, try until you re successful, at stopping.

Attila V. Dunlap Clifford, 51

Attila V. Dunlap Clifford, 51, died unexpectedly at her home in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010. She was born Oct. 10, 1958, in Okinawa, Japan. She was a 1976 graduate of Flathead High School and spent a few months with the Conservation Corps, both in Darby and Rapid City, S.D., before enlisting in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force she was married and had a son, Derek Wright. She had overseas duty in Korea, Saudi Arabia and England. As a laboratory specialist in fuels, in the 179th Wing at Mansfield-Lamm Air Base, Mansfield, Ohio, she attained the rank of master sergeant. After a flightline injury, she left the Air Force on disability. She later attended Ohio State University where she graduated with degrees in psychology and criminal justice. With a job offer in Tucson, she relocated there in 2006. Recently she had experienced some health problems that were thought to be minor, but were evidently not so. She is survived by her son, Derek Wright, of Cheyenne, Wyo.; a brother, Sterling Dunlap, of Valdosta, Ga.; an uncle, William C. Alpeter, of Waikiki, Honolulu; and her parents, Noel and Sarah Dunlap, of Kila. Cremation has taken place. A small funeral service will be private.

Edith C. Loe, 93

The beautiful August weather was interrupted by a gray, rainy Sunday, as if our little part of the world understands that a remarkable life has come to an end. Edith C. Loe, nicknamed Scoter, died last weekend, on Aug. 21, 2010, in Brendan House, Kalispell, at peace with herself, her world, and her destination. To her last day on this earth, she retained her mental faculties and recognized those around her by name. She left us a great example of how to face a difficult and inevitable part of life. Edith Loe was born July 15, 1917. She was a remarkably consistent person: She was constant and true to her many friends; fair and honest with her professional colleagues in the Girl Scouts of America; and true to her vision of how she wanted to live her life and face her death. She contributed a great deal professionally to the Girl Scouts through her life of service to that organization and the girls it serves. She provided an example of unselfish leadership during her career that spanned over four decades, from her graduation from the University of Washington and first Scouting job in Seattle in 1939, to her retirement from the National Headquarters in New York in 1982 as director for the Camping Division. Following her retirement to Birch Bay, Wash., she continued to serve as a Girl Scout volunteer and as the treasurer of a local museum. In 2001 she moved to Kalispell to live with her adopted family, Jane and Scott Wheeler. She is survived by Scott and Jane; and her adopted daughter, Mrs. Toni Isarankura of Seattle. All who knew her will miss her intelligence, wit and honesty. In her great life she made the most of everything she had.

Frank Edwin Ed Scott, 59

Frank Edwin Ed Scott, of Pablo, passed away Aug. 21, 2010, at St. Mary s Medical Center, in Evansville, Ind., after a courageous fight with cancer. Ed was born July 23, 1951, to Clayton Scott and Doris Scott of Pablo, where he grew up. He graduated from Ronan High School in 1971. Ed worked for Curtis and Curtis Construction Company in Bigfork, where he met and married Theiry Curtis, and had two daughters; they later divorced. He later married Marie Johns and had one son. Ed worked for Plum Creek Lumber Company for over 30 years. He retired from Plum Creek about 2001 due to health issues. He loved hunting and fishing and loved telling stories. Ed was preceded in death by his father, Clayton Scott. Ed is survived by his daughters, Silvia Rai and Chuck Webb of Ronan, and Amy and Drew Miller of Evansville; his son, Tucker Scott, of Bigfork; his mother Doris Scott, sister Nancy and Henry Pieper, and brother Clay Scott, all of Pablo, a brother, Jay, and Chris Scott, of Kalispell; four grandchildren, TJ Webb, and Erykah Hoffman of Montana, and Aaron and Jacob Gorman of Indiana; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial and celebration of life for Ed will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, at the First Baptist Church of Bigfork, located at 6933 Highway 35, about 3 miles north of Bigfork.

Lois Adeline Van Setten, 90

Lois Adeline Van Setten, 90, passed away Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born on Aug. 5, 1920, to Christian and Clara (Strand) Swenson. She grew up in the Farmington area and graduated from Choteau High School in 1938. She then attended Normal School in Dillon, receiving a two-year elementary teaching degree. She taught in the rural Fort Benton area and in Bynum. Lois and John Van Setten were married in 1946. They had a dairy farm on the Greenfield Bench and did this until 1978, when they retired and moved into the town of Fairfield. In the year 2000, she moved to Kalispell to the Buffalo Hill Terrace, where she lived the rest of her life. Lois enjoyed gardening, crafts, knitting, quilting, dancing and camping. She and John enjoyed taking their grandchildren on camping trips. They all still have afghans and quilts, compliments of Grandma Lois. She also enjoyed working with others on quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 2000; her parents; a sister, Dorothy Van Setten; and two brothers, Lawrence and Morris Swenson. She is survived by two daughters, Darlene Caldwell and husband, Cliff, of Columbia Falls, and Carol Dahley and husband, Randy, of Lolo; grandchildren, Stacy Caldwell, Michael Caldwell, Kelly Palmer, Heather Amdahl and Trevor Dahley; and great-grandchildren, Azlyn Caldwell, Madeline Palmer, Van Palmer, Sabrina Fenton and Sterling Amdahl. Funeral services will be held for Lois at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairfield. Burial will follow the services at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Fairfield. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Lois family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Lois tribute wall and offer condolences.

Veteran teacher takes on new roles

‘It’ll take a little juggling, but it’ll come together’

Although this is Kathy Bachrach’s 21st first day at Helena Flats School, she isn’t quite sure what to expect today. She is playing a different role than she has ever played at the school before.

Horse racing boosts fair attendance

Gate count up 56 percent to 74,970

Attendance at this year’s Northwest Montana Fair was the highest in recent years, and horse racing gets the credit for a big boost in crowd numbers.

Kalispell moves toward business registration system

Thief steals pants from sleeping man

McConnell, Platke lead Whitefish golfers

GREAT FALLS — Make that three straight for Kiley McConnell.

'Doughnut' draft ready for review time

One option gives county joint authority

Attorneys representing the city of Whitefish and Flathead County have drafted a new interlocal agreement for Whitefish’s “doughnut” area that includes three options for county participation in decisions affecting the two-mile planning area outside Whitefish.

MHSA proactive on protecting athletes

A 16-year-old running back is sprinting down the middle of the football field when an incoming linebacker hits him at full speed. The players’ helmets absorb most of the crunch, but not all of it.   

FVCC makes military-friendly list

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

Bigfork voluntary tourism tax gains supporters

Bigfork is moving forward with its voluntary tourist assessment.

Flathead students shine on IB exams

It took a lot of studying.

Fair Roundup

Kathy Bachrach

Flathead Business Journal Nite Owl

Flathead Business Journal Cimarron Cafe

Should an Islamic community center be built near Ground Zero?

Johnathan Clifford J.C. Watt, 26

Johnathan Clifford J.C. Watt, 26, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, in a motor vehicle accident on U.S. 2 near Kalispell. He was born on Sept. 21, 1983, in Libby to Bud and Darla Watt. He attended school in Libby and Polson, and received his GED at Swan Valley Youth Academy. On March 11, 2005, he married Jennifer McCully in Kalispell, where they made their home. He worked at Artisans Doors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed hiking and would hike 30 miles a day looking for horns. J.C. enjoyed the outdoors and all it had to offer. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, son, grandson, nephew and friend to all. J.C. was preceded in death by grandparents, Bill and Audrey Watt, and Clifford Kelley; and nephew, Jadace Duran. Survivors include his wife, Jennifer, and children, Gavin and Winter, of Kalispell; parents, Bud and Darla Watt, and sister, Amanda Watt, of Polson; grandmother, Janice Kelley; four nieces, Jaici Watt, Alissa Rudey, Deserae and Lilli McCully; three nephews, Cole, Reily and Donald McCully; and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. Memorial services, along with a potluck luncheon, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 24, at Bitterroot Lake, Marion, for family and friends.

Elk near Applied Materials

Lakeside Volunteer Park Pavillions

Lakeside Volunteer Park

Daybook

Silverbrook Estates under construction

Husband's messages are unwelcome

A woman in the 800 block of Ninth Avenue West reported to

Silverbrook Estates open house

Silverbrook Estates

Silverbrook Estates is bright spot in housing market

Silver lining

The relatively weak housing market across the United States hasn’t halted development at Silverbrook Estates north of Kalispell.

Animal cruelty charges leveled in horse case

A woman has been charged with felony animal cruelty after 15 severely neglected horses were seized by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office in May.

Ex-justice goes back before high court

Former Montana Supreme Court Justice and current trial attorney Terry Trieweiler seems equally sincere and sarcastic when he says his career can be summed up by a popular country song.

Erma Pauline (Pearson) Slater, 86

Erma Pauline (Pearson) Slater was born April 14, 1924, and passed away Aug. 6, 2010, at Lake View Care Center, at the age of 86. She was the ninth of 14 children born to Art and Leona Pearson of Ronan. She is survived by her son, Michael Slater, of Spokane; grandchildren, Clifford Slater of Gig Harbor, Wash., and Stephany Slater of Los Angeles; two brothers, Burton Pearson and wife, Betty, of Moses Lake, Wash., and Clair Pearson and wife, Betty, of Spokane; sisters, Bernice Slater of Bigfork, and Vida Janke and husband, Mart, of La Mirada, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Ivy Pearson of Moiese, Sharon Pearson of Mount Vernon, Wash., and Margaret Pearson of Deer Lodge; and many, many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Clifford Daniel Slater; siblings, Wayne and wife, Alice Pearson, Blanch Bullman, Marie Bullman, Clem Pearson, Grant Pearson, Max Pearson, Vance Pearson, Keith and wife, Lee Pearson, and Stuart and wife, Ruby Pearson. Erma spent 33 years in Haines, Alaska. Erma and Cliff enjoyed many years in Alaska, first in Petersburg, then in Juneau, and finally at 33 Mile in Haines, where she and her husband owned and ran a restaurant and gift store. She enjoyed ptarmigan hunting, fishing, and many hobbies. After her husband died she moved to Haines, where she did alterations for the town of Haines, repairing flags, sewing robes for the Catholic priests and wedding dresses, painting and making dolls, oil painting, etc. She could do it all and do it well. Erma moved to Kalispeil to be near family in 2006. She made many friends during her time in Kalispell. Her family is grateful for the special time with her. She will be missed by her many family and friends. The family wishes to recognize and thank the staffs of Home Options, Lake View Care Center, and Hospice of Kalispell for their exceptional care and compassion. Erma requested donations be made to the Kalispell Fire Department or Hospice of Kalispell for those who wish to honor her. To respect Erma s wishes, a memorial service will not be held. Her ashes will be spread on the mountain behind their former property at 33 Mile to be near her sweet husband.

Bernice Estelle Welk-Morgan, 95

Bernice Estelle Welk-Morgan, 95, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born on Dec. 13, 1914, in Badger Mountain, Idaho, to Simon and Lulu (Short) Moe. Bernice married Ernest Welk of Anacortes, Wash., in a double ceremony along with his brother, Ted and wife, Jean, on Sept. 8, 1934. They enjoyed 41 years together until his death in 1975. Bernice remained single until God brought John Morgan into her life, and they married on Nov. 20, 1982, in Moses Lake, Wash. They were blessed with 16 years together when John preceded her in death in 1998. Bernice and Ernest pastored churches together in Mullen, Idaho; and Forks, Sequim, Coulee City, Newport and Moses Lake, Wash. They also invested a couple of years in the evangelistic field together. Bernice, herself, was a licensed minister and served on staff as the minister of visitation with her son, Reverend Gordon Welk. The driving passion of her life was ministering to others. Whether she was spending time counseling or standing in the gap as a prayer warrior, her heart was fully dedicated to bringing people to Christ. Bernice also enjoyed cooking, sewing and creating a loving home for her family. Her baking was legendary and was something anticipated by many. Bernice loved her family and friends wholly and always welcomed them into her home. She was an engaging storyteller, and family, both young and old, would sit with rapt attention while she regaled us with her thoughts. Bernice was also known as a woman of prayer. Her time spent in God s presence was both unique and very special to her. We will all miss the covering she brought to our lives. Her final years were spent in the loving care of her daughter and son-in-law, Lorraine and Butch Woolard, and the caring staff of Immanuel Lutheran Home. Bernice is survived by her five children, Pastor Gordon Welk and wife, Shirley of Kent, Wash., Lorraine Woolard and husband, Marvin Butch of Kalispell, Richard Welk and wife, Carolyn of Wenatchee, Wash., Mary Bennett and husband, Paul of Albion, Wash., and Don Morgan and wife, Sue of Spokane; 14 grandchildren, Tamara Barrans, Cindy Welk, Darell Welk, John Welk, Craig Woolard, Jeffrey Woolard, Mike Welk, Stacy West, Rochelle, Marlene and David Bennett, and John, Steve and Kevin Morgan; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Bernice will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the Valley View Memorial Park in Soap Lake, Wash. The casket will be open for those wishing to view. Memorial services will follow at 1 p.m. at the Moses Lake Assembly of God, in Moses Lake, with Pastor Gordon Welk officiating. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bernice s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bernice s tribute wall and offer condolences.

Joseph Joe A. Russell, 63

Joseph Joe A. Russell, 63, of Edmond, Okla., passed away on Aug. 18, 2010, in Oklahoma City. He was born on May 7, 1947, to George A. and Virginia L. Russell in Ardmore, Okla. On Feb. 4, 1982, Joe married Merry A. Hollopeter. Joe and Merry worked together in the child care industry for 25 years and the last 14 years as house parents at the Boys Ranch Town in Edmond, Okla. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Merry A. Russell; mother, Virginia L. Russell; children, Terry Graff, LeeAnn Graff, Dawn Russell, Jacob Russell, Jason Russell and wife, Lathisha; brother, John Russell and wife, Nola; sister, Betty Brewer and husband, John; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and all the children who have been such a big part of their lives. Joe was preceded in death by his father, George A. Russell; grandson, Henderson A. Galloway; and both sets of grandparents. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys Ranch Town, 5100 East 33rd St., Edmond, OK 73012. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 23, at Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond. Services are under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond.

Paul Joseph Beccari, 75

Paul Joseph Beccari, of Bonner, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula following complications from surgery. He was born on Sept. 6, 1934, in Libby, to Julius Beccari and Madelena Rinaldi Beccari. He was raised in Libby and graduated from Libby High School, where he lettered in three sports. After high school he moved to Missoula and attended the University of Montana, where he played freshman football, and more importantly, met his wife Jean. They were married in Missoula on Nov. 10, 1956, and lived in Missoula, Libby and Spokane, before returning to Missoula in 1969. The family moved to a home they built on 10 acres in the Potomac area in 1972. Paul and Jean raised their family there and Paul spent years working on his yard, gardens and fences, so that the home was a showplace when he passed. Paul loved the outdoors, loved to hunt and fish and take drives all over the valley with his wife. In later years he became interested in bird watching. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Grizzlies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Green Bay Packers. He had season tickets to Grizzly basketball and was a shareholder (one share) in the Packers. He was an independent businessman in Missoula. He owned and operated Paul s Southside Chevron Service Station for 30 years. When he retired in 1999, it was one of the last remaining full-service gas stations in Missoula. He had many loyal customers with whom he had kept in contact with. He said that he always felt lucky to have made so many friends at his job. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; his mother and father; and three sisters, Elizabeth Moderie, Marchita Funke and Joy Moreau. Survivors include son, Dirk, his wife, Kathleen and grandchildren, Dominic, Sarah and Jimmy, all of Missoula; daughter, Sue, her husband, Jay Erickson and grandchildren, John, Jeff and Julie, all of Missoula; daughter, Paula, her husband, Dan Bock and grandchild, Nathan, of Simi Valley, Calif.; son, Chris, his wife, Shana and grandchildren, Kylee and Tommy, of Kalispell; son, Nic of St. Paul, Minn.; two sisters, Virginia Beaulieu and Gloria Shrewsberry, both of Libby; sister, Julie, her husband, Joe Smith of St. Helens, Ore.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lew and Allene Morris, and Ron and Lee Hansen; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with a reception to follow in the Parish Center. Cremation and Burial Society of the Rockies Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Youngsters earn total of $237,000 at market stock sale

More than 200 steers, hogs, and lambs were auctioned at the 2010 Northwest Montana Fair’s Market Stock Sale on Saturday, grossing nearly $237,000.

Mosque is 'a kick in the teeth'

It is astounding that opponents of the mosque at Ground Zero have to explain their position when it is so plainly apparent to common sense: Ground Zero was created by a theologically motivated, well-organized, well-funded and trained faction of Islam that set out to murder American citizens. They ended up killing 3,000 people in the bloodiest terrorist attack in history.

Down and dirty: It's tough to keep it clean at the Northwest Montana Fair

Jace Hill, 5, has dirt wiped off his face by his father Beau Hill after competing in mutton-bustin’. Beau Hill, of West Glacier, was competing in the bull riding during the PRCA rodeo on Thursday night.

Police: Watch out for counterfeit bills

The

Kalispell Police subdue man wielding knives, hatchet subdued

A 68-year-old Kalispell man is in custody after allegedly attacking another man with a hatchet, throwing a knife at a police officer and stabbing himself in west Kalispell Friday night.

Bibler Trail construction gets under way on Monday

Construction of the long-awaited Sam Bibler Memorial Trail begins Monday.

Northwest Montana Fair

Today is the closing day of the Northwest Montana Fair and the last day that exhibits will be on display.

Whitefish businesses enjoy busy summer

Whitefish motels and restaurants had more business this June than they did the same time last year, according to resort-tax collection data compiled by the city of Whitefish.

Top health official coming to Libby

The nation’s top health-care official will be in Libby on Monday for a town-hall meeting to discuss ongoing health care for asbestos victims.

Peerspectives prompts 'next-level thinking'

Owners or managers of local businesses who would like to learn from and share information with other business owners and managers may want to attend a Tuesday seminar in Kalispell.

End of summer nears for students

One private school starts on Monday

Flathead County’s private school students are closing in on the end of summer.

A great day for horse racing

Ruben Camacho rounds the corner on his horse Buford Tucker during Saturday’s horse races at the Northwest Montana Fair. Horse racing returned to the fair for the first time since 2005 and attracted a big crowd Saturday afternoon. Eight more races are scheduled today during the final day of the fair. Gates open at 11 a.m. and racing starts at 1 p.m.

Top rides on final night of fair rodeo

It was the best saddle bronc ride of the weekend, and the man in the saddle, Jacobs Crawley, barely broke a sweat.

Local schools offer special meal programs

Families who want their children to participate in the National School Lunch or National School Breakfast programs should contact their school offices.

Energy issues divide Montana lawmakers

Energy issues are heating up again in Montana, and the state’s power cooperatives will be paying close attention in the months to come.

Constitution: Is it for us, or against us?

It is amazing how easily the American people have let the hood be pulled over their eyes as they are led on their way to political slaughter.

Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo Bareback Rider

Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo Steer Wrestler

Week in Pictures August 16-22

Northwest Montana Fair 2010

Northwest Montana Fair 2010 Trio of Horse Racers

Northwest Montana Fair 2010 Horse Racing

Northwest Montana Fair 2010 Pig Wrestling

Northwest Montana Fair 2010 Cow Licker

Northwest Montana Fair 2010 Cowgirls in Arena

Northwest Montana Fair 2010 Dirty Face

Northwest Montana Fair 2010 Sand Dumping

Five-vehicle crash kills man

Pickup driver, injured passenger not wearing seat belts

The 26-year-old Kalispell man killed in a five-vehicle crash on U.S. 2 east of Marion Thursday evening was one of only two involved motorists not using seat belts, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.

Jobless rate down to 10.8 percent

The number of unemployed people in Flathead County dipped slightly in July compared to June, a bit of bright news in the generally bleak employment scenario.

Moran charms Signal Flares

Great Falls cowboy takes saddle bronc lead with 73-point go

It was a tough decision on Friday night for cowboy Shane Moran.

Boys busted with yard ornaments

Five boys were arrested after

Spinners, weavers fete fiber at fair

A small boy stood transfixed watching Irene Houston pump her spinning wheel while stretching bubble-gum-colored wool between her fingers at the Northwest Montana Fair.

Horse racing returns to Kalispell

Action begins today at Northwest Montana Fair

Janis Schoepf was explaining how horse racing returned to Kalispell for the first time in five years when someone politely interrupted with a plate full of barbecue.

School bells ring again next week

Students, get those backpacks packed — it’s time to head back to class.

Vandals hit Lone Pine

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking information about vandalism that recently occurred at Lone Pine State Park west of Kalispell.

Bulldog golfers dominate outing

RONAN - It was nearly all Whitefish on Friday at the Ronan Invitational golf tournament.

Northwest Montana Fair Rodeo

Ridge Distillery

Terry Trieweiler Profile

Back to School

Airbrush Artist

Mission Pawsible

Fair Wheel Spinning

Travl'n Opry

Margrethe Reep, 97

Margrethe Reep, 97, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, where she has been a resident the last four years. She was born on April 6, 1913, in Oslo, Norway, to Hans and Alvilde (Hansen) Lauritzen. She received her education, including nurse s training, in Oslo. She lived through five years of Nazi occupation in Norway during World War II and she worked two and a half years there, with the Resistance Movement. In 1947, she came to the U.S.A. to visit a half sister in Williston, N.D., and worked there as a nurse for five years. In January 1953 she married Albert Reep. She continued her nursing career in Kalispell, working at the hospital, and also did private nursing. She always had a desire to learn and help others; therefore, she took special training to operate the iron lung for polio patients and also was trained for kidney dialysis. Her patients would later nickname her Norsky Nurse. In the early 1960s, out of the spirit of adventure, she accepted a surgical flight nursing position in Nome, Alaska. While there she had the opportunity to take pilot lessons. Her skills were tested and proved to be successful when there was an emergency and the doctor was unable to pilot the plane. Margrethe loved the outdoors and enjoyed skiing, hiking, walking, gardening and fishing. She made many trips to Norway, the highlight being month-long fishing trips. She always enjoyed baking and delivering Norwegian Christmas cookies to friends. Other hobbies included needlework and knitting. She was an actively involved member of Calvary Lutheran Church, leading Bible studies, teaching Sunday school and serving on various committees. She also attended Trinity Bible College in Seattle. She was Lutheran Brotherhood Communicator to Calvary for many years. She also volunteered for 40-plus years at Immanuel Lutheran Home. Margrethe was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Reep; her parents, Hans and Alvilde Lauretzen; her sister, Aagot Normark; an infant brother; five half sisters; and one half brother. She is survived by her sister, Gudrun Sivertsen, and husband, Alf, of Oslo, Norway; niece Jorid Haarvardsholm and husband, Olav, of Oslo; niece Torgun Hovik and husband, Gudmund, of Telemark, Norway; and four great-nieces, one great-nephew, and two great-great-nieces, all of Norway. Funeral services for Margrethe will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 23, at Calvary Lutheran Church with Pastor Kurt Rau officiating. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2200 U.S. 2 East, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to Trinity Lutheran College, 2802 Westmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Margrethe s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Margrethe s Tribute Wall and offer condolences.

State pursues options on wolves

Leaders try to counter recent federal ruling

Montana government officials and political leaders are pursuing a variety of options to counter a federal judge’s recent ruling that put wolves back under the protection of the Endangered Species Act.

Couple croon country tunes

In the scorching midday heat, Bruce and Betsy Mullen stroll down the main thoroughfare of the Northwest Montana Fair, pulling two stuffed horses and a covered wagon loaded with 500 pounds of sound equipment.

Park gives boost to economy

Glacier National Park appears to be on track for a big year for visitation, which should provide a welcome boost for the economies of the park’s gateway communities.

Black Top dumps Hill

No cash this year for West Glacier bull rider

Turns out Black Top was as good as advertised.

Man admits beating boy: Potty training of tot leads to 'excessive discipline'

Todd Toman admitted Thursday in Flathead County District Court that the punishment he delivered to a 6-year-old boy who was struggling with potty training was extreme.

Man in short pants too friendly

Daybook

Guilty plea to prostitution, forgery

Woman stole checks after sexual exchange

A Columbia Falls woman accused of prostitution and forgery pleaded guilty to a reduced slate of charges in Flathead County District Court Thursday.

Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo Steer Wrestling

Northwest Montana Fair Rodeo Saddle Bronc Riding

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Travl'N Opry Betsy Mullen

Travl'n Opry Bruce Mullen

Northwest Montana Fair

W. George Smith, 89

W. George Smith of Great Falls and Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away peacefully from complications of a stroke at Chandler General Hospital in Chandler, Ariz., Aug. 15, 2010. George was born in Bainville to Charles and Ruth Smith on July 12, 1921. After graduation from Bainville High School, he met Sybil Ann Shirley of Arnegard, N.D., and that was the beginning of a lifelong, loving relationship. They were married Jan. 16, 1945, in Arnegard, a beginning of a marriage that would last for 65 years. George was an entrepreneur, retailer and innovator. He loved his work, and was always looking for the next business opportunity. He started his working life as a telegrapher for the Great Northern Railroad, but he always had visions of owning his own retail business, a goal that he would accomplish many times. He gained his first experiences in the retail world working as a manager for Super Save grocery stores in Great Falls and Havre. After gaining that experience, he went out on his own, buying his first business " a corner grocery store in Great Falls, which he renamed One Stop Super. Within a year, through many innovative promotions and hard work, he more than doubled the size of the store, and bought a second store on the west side of Great Falls. His stores were the first to be open on Sundays and holidays and past 6 p.m. By the late 60s George, or Windy, as he was affectionately called by many friends and family, realized that the days of the small grocery store were numbered. But he found a new avenue to pursue his dreams and he became one of the first tenants in the new Holiday Village Shopping Center. He opened a popular coffee shop called The Patio. Always thinking, around 1970 he made a trip to California to find other business opportunities. He did come back with the Orange Julius franchise, which he added to The Patio. Always restless, and never quite satisfied, he recognized the opportunity for another store in Holiday Village. Even though, as oldest son Rick has said, He didn t know a cowboy boot from an anvil, he opened a Western clothing store and called it Western Village. This new store seemed to satisfy his lifelong desire to be a retailer. Western Village did lead to other stores. George and second son Mike owned the Westerners in Missoula. Several Levi fashion stores called The Jeanery were also opened in different locations. Along with sister and brother-in-law Donna and Don Thorpe, he opened probably the most successful Western Village in the Fiesta Mall in Mesa, Ariz. For many of its 10 years of operation it had the highest sales per square foot of any store in this large mall. Through all his various business ventures, his loving wife Sybil was always right at his side. George is currently survived by Sybil, who is in the final stages of Alzheimer s disease. George s greatest accomplishment in his life was the wonderful care he provided for Sybil in the past few years. He refused to put her in any kind of assisted living " he was going to take care of her " and he did. Finally on Aug. 9, 2010, she had to be moved to a Hospice facility in Chandler. The next day George was admitted to the hospital. The family always wondered how one would ever live without the other. We found the answer " they couldn t. George and Sybil loved Great Falls, which was home. But since 1978, they were able to winter at their home in Sun Lakes, Ariz. They loved to play golf and were longtime members of the Meadowlark Country Club. They cherished the visits from their large family. George loved sports of all kinds and would often be found at local high school sporting events. They were members of the Christ Methodist Church in Great Falls. In addition to his wife Sybil, George is survived by sons and daughters, Rick and Merry Jo of Kalispell, Mike and Ann of Missoula, Sue and Tim Vogl of Tucson, Ariz., Scott and Denise Rohan-Smith of Missoula, and Judy and Kip Morran of Great Falls. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings, all of the Phoenix area, are Bob, Bud, Donna Thorpe and Helen Simard. Preceding George in death were brothers, Albert and Bill; and sisters, Lucille Allen and Doris Landers. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.

JoAnn Hill, 73

JoAnn Hill died peacefully at The Springs in Whitefish on Aug. 16, 2010, at the age of 73. She was born Nov. 12, 1936, in Anaconda to Frank and Anna (Gillespie) Wolfe. She grew up in Anaconda and Somers. During high school she was a proud member of FFA and 4-H. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1954. JoAnn worked as nurse s aid at the old Kalispell hospital, where she met her future mother-in-law who introduced JoAnn to her future husband. She married Russell Rusty E. Hill Jr., on Sept. 24, 1955. They resided in Somers and Kalispell before finally settling in Whitefish where they raised eight children. When her youngest child started school, JoAnn attended beauty school in Kalispell. She worked in a salon for a few years before purchasing what became the Golden Mirror Beauty Salon. JoAnn operated the salon for over 25 years before retiring. Along the way, JoAnn s customers became her lifelong friends. She was also an active member of many community organizations. JoAnn enjoyed painting, art, music, attending church, camping and visiting family and friends around her dining room table, and family get-togethers. The Hill house was a welcoming home to everyone and JoAnn was there with a smile. JoAnn was naturally imbued with a giver s heart and was never one to complain. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Rusty; her parents; sisters, Jean and Marilou; her brother, Bill; and sister-in-law, Francis Wolfe. JoAnn is survived by her children, CPT Gary L. Hill, USA (ret.), wife, Lisa, and children, Jason, Michael, Sara and Maria of Olney; Tina and Scott Murray, and children, Brad and Brett, of Whitefish; MSG Arnold D. Hill, USA, wife, Sheila, and daughters, Desi, Felicia, JoAnn and Trisha of Fort Lewis, Wash.; Letty and Marc Swanson, and children, Tara and Jerry of Seward, Alaska; Joe Hill, wife, Kelly, and sons, Zack, Griffin and Eli, of Whitefish; Gene and Teri Hill, and sons, Rusty, Jesse and Cody, of Whitefish; Bill and Brandy Hill, and children, Levi, Kaci and Deklan of Whitefish; and Aaron Hill, and children, Kathryn and Aaris of Whitefish; her brother, Bob Wolfe; and sisters, Carolyn Kent, Rosalyn Milam and Barb Lengstorf. JoAnn is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. The Hill family would like to thank the caring staff at The Springs in Whitefish and the caregivers from Frontier Hospice for their compassion and support of JoAnn and the Hill family. Mermorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 23, at St. Charles Borromeo in Whitefish. Private internment will be held at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Frontier Hospice. Arrangements by Austin Funeral Home.

Dee Bennett Porter, 79

Dee Bennett Porter, 79, passed away in Kalispell on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, as a result of Alzheimer s disease. She was born and grew up in Omaha, Neb., the second daughter of Robert and Gladys Victor. She married Jewell E. Ben Bennett, her high school sweetheart, in 1950. They decided together they could either have the finer things in life or kids and cats. They chose kids and cats. They had seven children and a small zoo of pets, and spent 20 years in the Army Air Force traveling all over the U.S. with the entire crew in tow. They moved to Kalispell when Ben retired from the service and bought their first house in the Fair-Mont-Egan area. A short time later Ben died and the neighbors rallied around Dee, becoming lifelong friends. She worked in housekeeping at the Outlaw Inn for many years until retirement. Her main passion in life became protecting the rights of the developmentally disabled and seeing to it services and opportunities for them were expanded. She loved attending all the sporting events of her two athletically gifted grandsons " basketball and football with Brian, and soccer, basketball and track with Jesse. She was excited for months over plans for Brian s 2009 wedding. It was the last family occasion she was able to be a part of. She met her second husband, Robert Porter, in 1991. They spent their retirement together, enjoying fishing, gardening, traveling to visit family and attending many musical events until illness separated them; he to the Montana Veterans Home and she to Immanuel Lutheran Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; a daughter, April; and sister, Shirley. She is survived by her children, Tom Bennett and wife Tina, Donna Tanzella and husband Francis, Joy Sakariason and husband Terry, Terri Lynn Bennett, Joe Bennett, and Don Bennett and wife Michele; and grandsons, Brian Bennett and wife Jen, and Jesse Bennett; also, her husband, Robert Porter, and his sons, Mike Porter and wife Sue, Todd Porter and wife June; and her wonderful friends, the Old Maids Club, and her Bible Study Ladies. Dee will be buried next to her husband Ben at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public services. Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Swimming: It can be a lifesaver

The lure of water during the summer can be enticing.

Transplanted grizzlies hightail it back home

Two grizzly bears relocated to the Cabinet Mountains recently showed off uncanny homing powers, wandering in a matter of days back to the Whitefish Range where they originally had been captured.

Planners recommend extraction limits in N. Fork

The Flathead County Planning Board last week recommended limiting the size of extractive industries in the North Fork, but took pains to disassociate itself from a much-publicized memorandum of understanding between Gov. Brian Schweitzer and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell.

Whitefish planning fancy lights at west entrance

Decorative poles double the cost

It will cost an extra $353,737, but Whitefish will have decorative street lights along the city’s west entrance on U.S. 93, the Whitefish City Council decided Monday.

Col. Falls looks at budget of $8.6 million

The Columbia Falls City Council took a first look at its 2010-11 budget on Monday.

Hill up on opening night of rodeo

Beau Hill figures he will get to spend about 12 hours in the Flathead Valley this week.

Daybook

Glacier boys tie for 4th in 1st golf tourney

SEELEY LAKE — Glacier had to settle for a tie for fourth place Wednesday with Helena Capital after two-days of action at the Missoula Invitational golf tournament.

Cirincione, Thorderson, Scroggs post PBs at Western Zones

William Cirincione placed in the finals of the 100 butterfly and posted personal best times in several events, while Maxie Scroggs and Lars Thorderson also notched personal best times at Western Zones in San Jose, Calif., last weekend.

Something to crow about

Fair finds secret to silencing roosters

Poultry officials at the Northwest Montana Fair uncovered on Tuesday the secret to silencing roosters: Hold a crowing contest.

Whitefish may appeal sign ruling

Spoonover’s owners say they just want ‘peace in the valley’

The Whitefish City Council has not yet decided if the city will appeal a recent District Court decision in the Mrs. Spoonover’s ice-cream cone sign lawsuit against the city, City Attorney Mary VanBuskirk said.

School fixes software glitch

A software glitch at Glacier High School deleted almost 1,200 student class schedules Monday night.

Gunsight Pass

BSMA earns gold, silver, bronze medals at Nationals

Big Sky Martial Arts had 11 athletes compete at AAU Nationals in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., June 28-July 3. BSMA earned one gold, four silver and three bronze medals at Nationals.

Rooster Watching

Rooster Crowing Contest

Back to School

What fall sport are you most excited for?

Murphys Carpet.m4v

Charles Edward LeRoy Taylor Jr., 65

Chuck Taylor of Hungry Horse, passed away peacefully Aug. 11, 2010, at home at the age of 65, after a brave battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 21, 1945, in Oakland, Calif., to Charles Edward LeRoy and Bessie Parker Taylor Hatfield. He joined the U.S. Navy and, after being honorably discharged, he became a master diesel mechanic. He married Kathy Douhan in Tijuana, Mexico, Aug. 27, 1968. Chuck was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, fast cars and boats. He loved his horses, dogs, cats and goats. He was a T-ball coach for five years and was involved with 4-H for many years. He moved to Hungry Horse in 1991 and attended the Cowboy Church. Chuck is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Hungry Horse; his daughter, Nancy, and Joe Davis, of Marion, son, Charles III, and Beth, of Minot, N.D.; daughter, Charlotte, and Bobby Martin, of Hamilton, son, Chris Taylor, of Wyoming; sister, Eva Vincent, of Clovis, Calif.; brother, Norman Winters, of Fresno, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Sandra, Therese, Jackie, Melody, Samantha, Amanda and JT; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, PFC Nicholas Cook. A family gathering will be held at a later date. Contributions for the Veterans Memorial at Depot Park may be made care of Chuck Olson, 241 Main St., Kalispell, in memory of PFC Nick Cook. Arrangements by Columbia Mortuary.

Cole Howard Barcafer

son of Cory and Kathleen Barcafer of Columbia Falls, was born June 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kolby Allen Ruth

son of Kristopher Ruth and Kelly Davis, was born June 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ivan Joseph Jouppe

son of Cole and Kelsey Jouppe of Kalispell, was born June 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ethan James Harmon

son of Dustin and Darcey Harmon of Kalispell, was born June 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Logan Jay Nelson

son of Jeffrey Nelson and Britney Oram of Kalispell, was born June 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kaden James Tedrick

son of Louis Tedrick and Corryn Schock of Kalispell, was born June 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Peyton Lawrence McCoy

son of Brett and Anna McCoy of Kalispell, was born June 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Quincy Eowyn Keathley

daughter of Walter and Kristie Keathley of Kalispell, was born June 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

William J. Daniel Haller III

son of James and Crystal Haller of Columbia Falls, was born June 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Huzhao Daniel Miele

son of Frank and Yuzhao Miele of Kalispell, was born July 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Audrey Kelly Rasmussen

daughter of Aaron and Terri Rasmussen of Kalispell, was born June 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Olivia Suzanne Martin

daughter of Travis and Michaela Martin of Columbia Falls, was born June 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Adilyn Brielle Croft

daughter of Daniel and Katy Croft of Kalispell, was born June 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Richard James Brewer

son of Richard and Rachel Brewer of Trego, was born June 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Duella Farmer Tippetts, 95

Duella was born June 13, 1915, in Preston, Idaho. She passed away July 5, 2010, in Orem, Utah, at the age of 95. Duella lived in Kalispell for over 50 years, where she was very active in the community and her church. Many of her friends from Montana attended her funeral in Utah. She was one of seven children, with three surviving brothers, Walt, Grant and Glenn Farmer. She is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Rick Sant; five grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Duella s funeral was held in Orem and she was buried in Washington, Utah, next to her husband, Clifford A. Tippetts, who passed away in 1997. Duella s life was devoted to service and helping others. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.

Isabella May Heger

daughter of Travis and Erin Heger of Kalispell, was born June 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Preston Harl William Griffith

son of Dana Griffith and Lindsey Aldrich of Kalispell, was born June 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Girl, her $2 horse shine in fair events

Alli Bondurant, 13, and her $2 two-year-old Arabian horse Sundance made her mom, Gina Dell, proud in the showmanship competition on Sunday at the 2010 Northwest Montana Fair.

Glider lands on bypass

A glider made an emergency landing in a construction zone Tuesday afternoon at the new U.S. 93 Alternate Route in Kalispell.

McConnell, WHS girls win golf titles

Kiley McConnell of Whitefish shot a 79 to capture medalist honors and lead the Whitefish girls golf team to an impressive 37-shot victory in the season opener on Monday at the Anaconda Invitational.

Whitefish changes course on highway zoning focus

Council opts for enforcement along U.S. 93 corridor

The Whitefish City Council on Monday backed away from a controversial proposal to expand retail uses along the U.S. 93 strip and instead will focus on enforcing the zoning already in place along the highway corridor.

Kalispell Council gives unanimous OK to budget

The Kalispell City Council on Monday night voted unanimously for the 2011 fiscal year final budget, and again put off a decision on the Westside Tax Increment Financing District.

Whitefish tackles vendor issue again on Thursday

Should the city of Whitefish revise its regulations for mobile food vendors or simply repeal the vendor ordinance altogether?

Daybook

Young Peeping Tom eludes deputies

Porch, Lavin, Howe open golf season with top 10 scores

MISSOULA — The East rules after opening-day play Tuesday in the Missoula Invitational at Larchmont Golf Course.

Errant truck drives through yard

A Montana 206 resident received all the justification he needed Monday for a household rule barring his 5-year-old daughter from playing on the front lawn.

Glider Forced to Land

Northwest Montana Fair

Forrest C. Luke Lucas, 81

Forrest C. Luke Lucas, 81, passed away on Saturday, Aug.14, 2010, at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was a lifelong Montana resident. Luke was born Aug. 4, 1929, in Kalispell. He spent most of his life in the trucking business. He was a private pilot and loved flying. Luke is survived by his wife, Marvel; his children, Ronna and Greg Nelson, Sheila and Johnny Wade, Renae Ren, Mitchell and Carrie Lucas, and Patricia and Dwayne Shults; granddaughters, Justina Madsen, Ariana, Kaitlyn and McKinze Shults, and Claire Lucas; and great-grandsons, Kord and Kase Madsen. Private family services have been held. 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.

AP PGA Golf

AP NASCAR

Northwest Montana Fair

Sandra Kay (Hale) Unger, 68

Sandra Kay (Hale) Unger, 68, passed away Aug. 13, 2010, after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig s disease). She showed grace, humor and dignity throughout her illness. Family, friends and all who knew her will miss her warm heart, infectious smile and amazing spirit. Sandi was born Oct. 21, 1941, to Ann and Arnold Hale. She graduated from Whitefish High School in 1959 and continued her education at Kinman Business College in Spokane. After graduating, she returned to Whitefish and began working at Big Mountain Ski and Summer Resort, where she held many positions during the next 45 years. It was at Big Mountain where she met and married Thomas Unger in 1965. They raised two daughters, Tracy and Kelly. Sandi and Tom were fortunate to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary in May with family and friends. Sandi spent her most of her adult life working on Big Mountain. She was known as the one to go to if there was a problem, keeping tabs on everyone and everything. Skiers would bring her parkas with lift grease on them, and magically, the next day the parkas were returned stain-free! As noted to employees, Sandi was the keeper of resort history, straight-talker, lifetime season pass-holder and the longtime heart and soul of Big Mountain ... whether you knew her or not, you have benefited from her dedication to this place in many ways. Sandi was a wonderful friend to all who knew her and would do everything she could for others in her life. Sandi served on the board of directors for Whitefish Credit Union for several years. Her love of gardening ensured family and friends were surrounded by flowers on their deck. She helped to create a haven for the deer and birds in their backyard, taking the occasional visits by pesky bears, skunks and turkeys in stride. Hearing new stories about her grandchildren and grandpuppies always put a smile on her face and laughter in her voice. She is survived by her husband, Tom; children, Tracy and husband Tellus Calhoun of Albany, Ore., and Kelly Sue and husband Kelly Kadlec of Herriman, Utah; grandchildren, Jessica Calhoun, and Jaret and Trevor Kadlec; brother, Martin Hale of Whitefish; sister, Sydney Watson of Whitefish; and many other extended family members. Sandi was preceded in death by her parents, Ann and Arnold Hale. A celebration of Sandi s life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Home Options Hospice in Kalispell.

Melvin V. Syth, 87

Melvin V. Syth, 87, died peacefully at home in Helena on Aug. 15, 2010. He was born Feb. 9, 1923, in Greenwood, Wis., the son of William and Helen (Stoneberg) Syth. The family moved to Girard, Mont., when he was a toddler and then moved to Heron in 1938, where he graduated eighth grade, going on to high school in Noxon. He attended Northwestern Business College for about six months when he was called for induction by the draft board. Rather than going into the Army, Mel thought the Navy would be more to his liking, so he enlisted on May 15, 1943. He had boot training at U.S. Naval Training School in Farragut, Idaho, from there to Naval training school (R) University of Idaho, next to Communication School PhibTrac. (Pac), then to USS Alabama (BB-60), and was honorably discharged from USNB, Bremmerton, Wash., on March 8, 1946. He married a wonderful lady, Anita, in July 1947, and became an instant father to three children from Anita s marriage to Jessie Stevens (deceased). They had three more children; all have grown up with families of their own. He worked four years with Flathead County, primarily on roads and bridges. He spent eight years with the Montana Highway Department in Kalispell and Libby, and then worked for the City of Libby until his retirement in 1979. After retirement, Mel and Anita moved to Bull Lake where they were charter members of the Bull Lake Ambulance Service. Mel also served 13 of his retirement years on the volunteer fire department. His retirement years allowed him to enjoy many community activities, travel around the United States to visit relatives or see new sites, and to enjoy the outdoors. He is survived by children, Charles Stevens and Ruth of Hayden Lake Idaho, Mary Thomas and Dave of Helena, and Gregory Syth and Tina of Cheybogan, Mich.; siblings, Alta Esler of Missouri, Gerald and DeEtte Syth of Montana, Verlyn and JoNell Syth of Idaho, and Billy and Grace Syth of Idaho; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; plus numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Syth; wife, Anita Syth; sons, Larry Syth and Kenneth Stevens; daughter, Doris Batten; siblings, William and Wayne (twins), Ted Syth, Grace LaMont, Bernard Syth, Alma Rowe, Hugh Syth, Kenneth Syth, May Allen, Marjorie Zuhnter, Lyle Syth, Esther Mischel and Arthur Syth. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, at Milnor Lake Cemetery in Troy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Bull Lake Volunteer Ambulance and to the local search and rescue. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.

Donald Melvin Wickham, 86

Donald Melvin Wickham, 86, died on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, at Brendan House in Kalispell. Don was born on Feb. 15, 1924 in Rollins, Mont., to Doug and Ella (Memke) Wickham. He spent most of his life in the Flathead Valley. In 1942 Don enlisted in the Army, where he served in Europe during WWII. He served two more years in the reserve and was honorably discharged in 1946. Don returned to the Flathead Valley, where he started logging and doing heavy equipment mechanic work for Lum Owens. He retired after working for 50 years. In 1963, Don married Carrolfaye A. Keegan. Together they had two daughters, Darrissa Cowden and her husband, SFC Kenneth; and Dawndi Cameron and husband, Jay. Along with those children, surviving Don are four children from a previous marriage, Kenneth Keegan, Donna Glas and husband, Bill, Dianne Wickham and Kelly Wickham; sister Dorthea Lovering and her family; sister-in-law Betty Goeddertz, and her family; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carrolfaye, sister-in-law Arlee Snell, nephew Tim Goeddertz, and brother-in-law Harry Lovering. Don loved to fly his plane, and take aerial photographs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, doing word-search puzzles, and spending time at Swan Lake. Don and his wife were into CB radios in the 1970s, and spent a lot of time traveling all over for CB Breaks. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. today, Tuesday Aug. 17, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home with Chaplain Drew Buckner officiating. Military honors will follow the service in the parking lot. You are invited to go to www. buffalohillfh.com to sign Don s book or leave a personal message.

Bill Edmisson, 89

Bill Edmisson, 89, an oilfield engineer from Rollins, died on Aug. 13, 2010, of natural causes. He previously resided in Shelby and Cut Bank. A funeral memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, at Whitted Funeral Chapel in Cut Bank. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the home of Randy and Lisa Edmisson, 333 Sixth Ave. S.E., Cut Bank. Survivors include four sons and five daughters-in-law, Billy and Debbie of Denver, Randy and Lisa of Cut Bank, John and Julie of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Bryan and Linda, and June Smiley of Newport News, Va.; nine grandchildren, Tammy, Paul, Jennifer, Jessy, Joshua, Shelly, Briana, Amy and Tiffany; and six great-grandchildren, Dristen, Aspen, Quentin, Anneliese, Sierra and Laiya. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dee; two sons, Michael and Patrick; and one grandson, Tim. Bill s father worked in the oilfield and traveled across the western United States as new fields opened up. As a boy, Bill traveled with his parents everywhere from Wyoming to New Mexico. He followed in his father s footsteps, and as a young man began working as a roughneck on oil rigs. Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II and later was transferred into the newly formed Air Force. He acted as a tail-gunner in B-17 flying fortresses, flying 23 missions in the European theater with the 332nd Bombardment Squadron. During the Korean Conflict, he was recalled to active duty and used his knowledge of machine guns to help refurbish old planes used in World War II so they could be used in Korea. Bill married Delores Byrne in Kansas in 1946. He continued to work in the oilfield as he and Dee raised a family of six boys. His boys recall fondly taking family vacations to visit Bill s parents on their peach orchard in Colorado. He supported his family by working as a perforator in Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota. During his oilfield career, he formed Jetco Logging Co. in Cut Bank. As their boys grew up and moved away, Bill and Dee made their home in Cut Bank and later in Rollins. Bill enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing, and spending time with family. He loved musician Herb Alpert. Whenever a new Herb Alpert album came out, it was the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for him. Bill was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. Memorials are suggested for the Glacier Care Center, Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank or the donor s choice. Condolences may be submitted to www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.

Baker's pies earn praise

Erna Fortin, baker at the Huckleberry Patch, has been courted by the Martha Stewart show, interviewed for a USA Today story and her huckleberry pies were ranked No. 3 in the country by Gourmet magazine.

Specialized helmets remold baby heads

Babies look adorable — like tiny linebackers — in the colorful helmets fitted by Stan Gautier of Northern Care Orthotics and Prosthetics.

Daybook

Erna Fortin

Today at the fair

8 a.m. — Sheep exhibits accepted

Huckleberry pies

Have a doggone good time at the fair

“Hot diggity dog,” it’s fair time.

Baking pies at the Huckleberry Patch

Pollster reportedly threatens to bite

A woman reported to Kalispell Police that two men in a silver van with Wyoming license plates were at her door wanting to do a survey. One of the men reportedly said something about biting her.

Judith Joy Brady-Ewert, 68

Judith Joy Brady-Ewert, 68, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born on Oct. 31, 1941, in Staples, Minn., to Albert M. Brady, and his wife, Vera , both now in heaven, embracing Judy, who joined them, and her three other sisters, Bonnie Jean, Dixie Lou, and Peggy. Most of the Brady family moved to Spokane when Judy was just a wee one, where she grew up. She married and had her first son, Joseph Walker, born at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane. About the same time that she became pregnant with her second son, Eugene Scott, born in Winstead, Conn., her husband was diagnosed with a severe illness and not long after, passed away. Sometime after, there came baby Kathy, the precious girl Judy had prayed for! Judy never released her grasp of hope, and was always moving toward making a good life for her children, so when widowed Robert Ewert and his two children, Margret Anne and Robert Ewert, Jr. crossed her path, she believed that they could have a good life together, and when he asked her that question, she most certainly agreed to begin again on the quest for success and happiness, and they married Oct. 2, 1976, at the Calvary Lutheran Church. Judy was an extremely strong woman, made that way by adversity in her childhood and God had gifted her with a talent and a deep love for cooking and baking, which she did with such passion! It was nothing for her to throw together a very extravagant seven-course meal for 10 people, setting her table with a flair that made everyone feel very special! And, in serving her guests, she made them believe they were indeed V.I.P.s! One of her displays of strength came when their son Bobby died last November. She cried for weeks, but was determined to be strong for everyone else. Over the 35 years of their marriage, they enjoyed camping, boating, and serving many guests in their home, and had become very active in serving their community through the Moose Lodge. Judy really enjoyed the writing of their little newspaper for a few years! In her strength, she was always there for anyone who needed help, no matter how busy she was, and she was always encouraging the younger family members to follow their dream. She knew they could finish whatever they had begun! And proud of her grandchildren, yes she was! And she made sure everyone knew it! Judith is survived by her husband, Robert of Kalispell; sons, Joseph Dunigan of Denver, and Scott Dunigan of Seattle; daughters, Margret Anne and Kathy Strand, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Tasha Strand, Todd Betrone, Heather and Duffy Ewert, Nicole Dunigan, Jennifer Herandez, and Joe, Ashley and Elysia Dunigan; her one and only brother, Albert Brady of Spokane; sisters, Sandra Brady of Spokane, and Gwendolyn Brady-Lebahn of Chattaroy, Wash.; nieces and nephews, David and James Bollman of California, Teresa Hall, Ross Hoyle, Cheryl, Kelly, Nancy, Carrie Bowman, and Jacqueline Cepeda, all of Spokane, DeAnne Hatfield of California, Jami Hatfield of Spokane, Launie Johnston of Idaho, and Rob, Jody, and Phil Johnston of Spokane. Visitation for Judith will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 17, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at the Moose Lodge in Evergreen at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18, with Pastor Tim Bartholomew of Stillwater Free Lutheran Church officiating. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Judith s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Judith s tribute wall and offer condolences.

Robert Earl Schaale, 82

Robert Earl Schaale, of Eureka, died peacefully at home surrounded by family, on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. He was born to Richard and Emma (Stoldt) Schaale on Aug. 13, 1927, in Wolf Point. At the age of 12, Bob began working nights in the family bakery. After graduating from Wolf Point High School in 1945, he went to work in the Tacoma shipyards. He then served in the Army in Occupied Japan. On Christmas day 1949, Bob married the love of his life, Vurnie Lou Grayson. For three years they owned and operated a bowling alley in Wolf Point. Bob s love of bowling continued throughout his life. He also enjoyed playing golf and softball. In 1952 Bob began a 33-year career with the railroad. First he drove semi for Great Northern Stages on routes throughout Montana, and later worked in train service with Burlington Northern. Bob lived in Glasgow for 30 years, where he and Vurnie raised their four daughters. He had a deep Christian faith and a strong love of family. Bob had a beautiful singing voice and loved to sing. In 1985 Bob and Vurnie retired to the family cabin on Glen Lake. He spent many hours remodeling the cabin making it a beautiful home. They spent 10 winters in Quartzsite, Ariz., where he enjoyed panning for gold, listening to live country music and visiting with good friends old and new. Bob enjoyed restoring Model A Fords, collecting coins and stamps, and picking huckleberries. He loved making huckleberry jam and giving it away to friends. He enjoyed catching, canning and smoking fish. An avid card player, Bob loved to play cribbage and pinochle. Bob was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother. He is survived by his wife, Vurnie and four daughters, Pat and Dave Steingruber of Olympia, Wash., Kathy and Bruce Callahan of Langley, Wash., Jean and Don Beckman of Lynden, Wash., and Karon and Greg Axtell of Carlsbad, N.M.; sister, Louise Montgomery, of Memphis, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was deeply loved by his family. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Eureka, followed by graveside services at the Eureka Cemetery and a reception at the family home, 450 Glen Park Road. Memorials can be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

Carlyle Dow Crum, 82

Carlyle Dow Crum, formerly of Whitefish, passed away Aug. 1, 2010, in Chandler, Ariz., at the age of 82 years. He was born July 10, 1928, in Bellingham Wash., He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlyle Petty Crum and Dorothy Dow Crum; his sister, Gloria Mashburn; and his wife, Judy Crum. He is survived by sons, Chris Crum and family, and James Crum and family, all of Sacramento, Calif.; stepdaughter, Debra Maltzberger, and family of Santa Ana, Calif.; and stepson, David Henniger of Lodi, Calif. Dow joined the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1946. He worked for the State of California, and owned and operated Crum s Instant Print in Whitefish, for many years. Later, he sold real estate in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 3 at the Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N., Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Mary E. Griffin, 91

Mary E. Griffin, 91, of Polson, passed into eternal rest at her home, surrounded by family on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. Mary was born on April 2, 1919, in Hot Springs, to Niarada homesteaders Harv and Elsie Mullen. She grew up in Niarada riding a horse to the one-room Battle Butte School, where she attended until being sent to board in Kalispell to attend high school. She married George Ramsey in 1935 and they had six children together. They later divorced. She married Joe Griffen in 1948 and they had a daughter together. Mary raised sheep for much of her life and was happiest outside working in her flower garden or on her many crafts. She had a large extended family that she loved and listened to with a sympathetic ear. Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Griffin; two sons, Wayne and Earl Ramsey; and two grandsons, Preston and William Redman. She is survived by five children, Shirley Redman, Donna Zielke and Gary Ramsey, all of Polson, Joyce Madsen of Kirkland, Wash., and Sandra Kelley of Minden, Nev.; 24 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren. Private interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at noon on Thursday, Aug. 19, at the United Methodist Church in Polson, with Pastor John Payne officiating. A reception will follow at the V.F.W. in Polson. Condolences may be left to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Summer camp a rite of passage

I was listening to the local public radio station the other day during my lunch hour and became intrigued with a wonderful narrative about summer camp experiences. It was so entertaining I sat in my car an extra few minutes to listen to a number of colorful stories from former campers.

The big burn of 1910

Bicyclist reports trouble with railroad signal

Warrant planned for no-show shooter

A Hungry Horse man convicted of shooting a woman during a dispute over a debt failed to appear Thursday for a sentencing hearing in Flathead County District Court.

Flathead's cherry harvest finishes strong

The Flathead Valley cherry harvest looks to be one of the best in recent years, with even bigger and tastier fruit than usual.

Daybook

The big burn of 1910: 'A thousand year event'

Historic fires shaped federal policies for fire-fighting

Most photos show just the aftermath and witnesses have long passed away, but the U.S. Forest Service’s fire policy still reflects the many lessons learned from the disastrous wildfires of 1910.

Red Bridge gets funding boost

A Columbia Falls nonprofit is closer to restoring a local landmark after receiving a $500,000 commitment from the Flathead County Board of Commissioners.

For the love of antiques

Vintage market livens up downtown Somers

Downtown Somers is an especially hopping place one Saturday a month, six months of the year, when the Vintage Whites Market is up and running.

Huckleberry Daze

Joyce Dye of Just Desserts in Kalispell makes a batch of Huckleberry Brownie Parfaits on Friday. Dye entered the parfaits and other desserts in the Huckleberry Days Bake-Off Contest, yesterday during the Huckleberry Days Arts Festival in Whitefish.

Vintage whites market in Somers

Bigfork 5K run a big boost for cross country program

BIGFORK — The support was overwhelming, but also much appreciated.

Fair traditions and transitions

It’s been a year of transition at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

It's our duty to preserve the 'Blessings of Liberty'

Liberals love to call the U.S. Constitution a “living document” — in other words, one that changes through time in order to keep up with the times.

Week in Pictures August 9 - 15

21st Annual Huckleberry Days Arts Festival

Horsing around at the fair

Melvyn R. Yokan, 89

Dr. Melvyn R. Yokan, 89, passed away on Aug. 7, 2010, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in 1921 in the mountainous province Montenegro, Yugoslavia. He was educated there, graduating from medical school in Zagreb. This was followed by training in the specialties psychiatry and neurology. World War II and the following disruptive conditions led him to immigrate to the U.S. in 1956, and to locate in Chicago, then to begin an internship at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Ill. There he met Mary Catherine Cathy Sullivan, a pediatrician, and they married in 1958. Melvyn became a U.S. citizen, expanded his psychiatric training, and was board certified in psychiatry. He is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine; daughter, Christine, of Seattle; son, Nicholas, and Janet of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; and son, Michael, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and two granddaughters, Catherine and Marie Yokan, of Detroit Lakes, who will both be in college this year. A favorite activity for the whole family was skiing, both downhill and cross-country. They enjoyed skiing in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. After living in Illinois the family moved to Butte, and later to Tacoma, Wash. Melvyn s professional psychiatry work was initially in private practice, and later as a Veteran s Administration medical staff member. He also loved fishing in the Straits at Tacoma, regularly bringing home his allowed limit of salmon. After retiring, he and Cathy lived for several years at their cherry orchard on Flathead Lake, then moved to Whitefish. They enjoyed year-round outdoor activities and this year celebrated their 52nd anniversary. A family memorial day will be celebrated later this month. Any memorial contributions may be directed to Flathead Valley Community College and messages may be left at Austin Funeral Home

James A. Seek, 79

James A. Seek, 79, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, at his home in Kalispell. James was born on Feb. 27, 1931, in Kalispell, to Cecil M. and Helen (Koford) Seek. He was raised in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead County High School in 1951. James married Veronica Stuber on Sept. 13, 1985, in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. He was very proud of having helped build the Hungry Horse Dam. James worked for the U.S. Forest Service doing many jobs; he retired after 26 years of service. He was a member of the Kalispell Lions Club. James loved hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Helen Seek; and one brother, Darrel Seek. He is survived by his wife, Veronica; sons, Forrest and Candy Seek, Wade and Jeanette Seek, and Ryan Seek; and a daughter, Sharmayne Colbert; two grandsons, Carsen and Colton Colbert; and his sister, Phyllis, and Roy Caldwell. Private family services are being held at a later date. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to sign his book, or leave a message for the family.

Robert P. Hogan, 96

Robert P. Hogan, 96, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Robert was a native of Iowa, where he had been in newspaper and public relations work for many years. In 1980 he and his wife Helen retired and moved to Kingston, Wash. In 1992 they moved to Buffalo Hill Terrace, a retirement community in Kalispell. Helen passed away in 2005 and Bob moved to the Montana Veterans Home. Bob was born in Anamosa, Iowa, on March 23, 1914, to Dr. and Mrs. M.F. Hogan. The family moved to Monticello, Iowa, in 1915, where his father practiced dentistry and was postmaster. Bob was a graduate of Sacred Heart School, Monticello, attended Lenox Junior College in Hopkinton, Iowa, and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1938. Bob held reporting and editing assignments on the Daily Iowan and the Press-Citizen in Iowa City and the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and was news director and political reporter for the Iowa Daily Press Association in Des Moines. During the latter period he covered state politics for 39 daily papers in Iowa, including three national political conventions. Bob and his wife, the former Helen Dankel, of Seattle, were married in Cedar Rapids on May 8, 1946. They met at the Sandpoint U.S. Naval Air Station in Seattle, when he returned from duty in the South Pacific. Bob enlisted in the Navy and retired as a Navy lieutenant. Helen was a civilian employee of the Naval Air Station throughout World War II. Bob was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and three sisters, Jean, Kathleen and Rose Ann. He is survived by his sons, Mark S. Hogan and wife, Jeanne, and their children, Stephanie and Geoffrey, of Kalispell; and Kenneth R. Hogan and wife, Lynn, and their son, Jake and his wife, Keri, of Boulder, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews. There will be a private memorial service following cremation. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901; St. Matthew s Catholic Church, 601 Sixth Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901; or the charity of the donor s choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bob s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bob s tribute wall and offer condolences.

James C. Wilke, 71

Jim Wilke passed away at his home in Fortine on Tuesday evening, Aug. 10, 2010, from cancer. He was born Feb. 27, 1939, in Poplar to Clarence and Isabelle (Baker) Wilke on the family farm. He graduated from Poplar High School in 1957. After high school he served in the Army Reserves and ranched with his father. He traveled west when a school friend called from Hot Springs regarding a job offer, Jim said, I ll be there Monday morning, and spent that winter feeding cattle with a bobsled and team and living in a remote cabin. In the spring, Jim asked the rancher why he hired him sight unseen, and the rancher replied that anyone who would travel 500 miles for a job must be serious about working. He later worked for Dean Brown s cattle and horse ranch in Niarada. He married Toni Mullen who lived at nearby ranch and they later divorced. His work for Dean took him farther north to the Tobacco Valley area where he continued to live for over 50 years. In Eureka, he worked for Dorothy and Donald McFadyean (Mac s Herefords) for years. He married Debra Conroy in 1974 and they had one daughter, Carrie. They divorced in the early 80s, but remained friends. His work history encompassed a variety of ranching, logging and carpentry activities. He raised his own cattle and horses. He worked at the Flathead Mine for a stint, worked on Canadian drilling rigs, and was a millwright at a Eureka lumber mill. He worked for a packer, running a pack string of nine horses hauling supplies to build a fire lookout in the Libby area. He built houses, did custom butchering, started colts, shoed horses, and put up many acres of hay. In more recent years he helped maintain the Glen Lake irrigation ditch. Jim had a passion for woodworking, tinkering, horses, dogs and kids. He was wise in the ways of nature. He loved helping friends and neighbors with projects; anything from digging a basement to field dressing an elk. He was especially fond of giving sleigh or wagon rides with a team of horses. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Eileen, and her husband, Kenny McNees. He is survived by his daughter, Carrie, and Brian Nelson; grandson, Owen Nelson, of Kalispell; and siblings, Agnes and Jim McKenzie of Converse, Texas, John and fiancee C.J. of Amarillo, Texas, George and Cindie Wilke of Spokane, and Helen and Gary Tucker of Angel Fire, N.M.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many longtime friends and was known to be a character. He was a regular at Stockman s and later proud of his 17 years of sobriety. He was telephone shy, old tractor savvy, and a good cow hand. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. today, Aug. 14, at the Eureka cemetery. A celebration of life gathering will follow at the Eureka VFW Club. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.

Crown of Continent conference planned at Waterton

A diverse group of people and organizations who care about the Crown of the Continent are working with The University of Montana Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy to organize a conference that will celebrate and build upon the region’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage.

Daybook

Baucus hears range of political thought at forum

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., wrapped up his Columbia Falls small business roundtable Friday with a humorous observation that applied well to the more than two-hour session.

Local boxers bring home Ringside belts

He waited 40 long years before returning to boxing, and who does Ed Wettach draw in his first bout back?

Nothing harmful found at county health facility

A mysterious white powder caused the evacuation and temporary closure of a Flathead County building Thursday, but responders and health officials say the incident ultimately served as an effective training scenario.

Teen pleads not guilty to homicide

Justine Winter accused of killing two in automobile collision

An Evergreen teen has pleaded not guilty to two counts of deliberate homicide in connection to an automobile collision that killed a pregnant Columbia Falls woman and her son.

Novel success: C. Falls teen publishes futuristic fantasy novel

When the mail came on June 22, Skyler Smith began running around her house. She was screaming,  jumping up and down.

Unruly girl leaves teeth marks on brother

Kalispell Police took a 12-year-old girl to juvenile detention after she reportedly assaulted her mother and brother on Fourth Street West. The out-of-control girl bit her brother, grabbed her skateboard and climbed out a window before being arrested.

Baucus Listening Session

AP_Footballheads

Wolfpack Football

Silverbrook Estates

County building shut down by powder scare

The Earl Bennett Building will reopen today after a powdery substance found in an envelope caused the building to be closed Thursday afternoon, according to the Flathead County Health Department.

White Powder at Earl Bennett Building

Gloria C. Gilmartin, 68

Gloria C. Gilmartin, loving mom, grandmother, sister and aunt, died peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at her daughter s home in Kalispell, surrounded by her family. She was 68 years old. Born in 1941 in Chicago, Gloria graduated from Holy Family Academy in 1959 and went on to study mathematics at De Lourdes College in Des Plaines, Ill. She began a career as a secretary shortly after graduating high school and worked as such in multiple industries, including real estate and mortgage, until she retired. In 1974, Gloria married William W. Loud; they were later divorced. Together Gloria and William had two daughters, Christine and Cathleen. In August 1987, Gloria sought recovery for alcoholism. Since that time she actively participated in service work and provided fellowship to others in recovery. On Aug. 8, 2010, she celebrated 23 years of sobriety. In 2000, Gloria moved to Lake Geneva, Wis., where she married Joseph Gilmartin (now deceased) in October 2000. Together she and Joe devoted their lives to helping others in recovery. In 2007, Gloria relocated to Kalispell to spend time with her daughter, Christine, and grandchildren. In the short time she resided in Montana, Gloria developed a strong network of friends. She touched many lives and brought joy, humor and wisdom to those she knew. She loved being outside with her grandchildren, playing with her dog, Max, and socializing. In her quiet moments, Gloria enjoyed painting, knitting and writing. A deeply spiritual person, Gloria embraced beliefs from the Native American culture, Buddhism and Catholicism. She is survived by her two daughters, Christine and Perry Nelson III, and Cathleen and Jason McCauley; grandchildren, Taylor Spring, Silver Nelson, Perry Nelson IV and Tiel Nelson; brother, Joseph, and Paulette Gawel; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today, Aug. 13, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, Kalispell. A celebration of life memorial lunch will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, at the home of Christine Nelson, 1659 Stag Lane, Kalispell. The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to Ewam Buddha Garden at P.O. Box 330, Arlee, MT 59821; or another organization of choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Gloria s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Gloria s Tribute Wall and offer condolences.

Visitors flocking to Glacier Park

Traffic increases by 8 percent overall since 2009

A good year for Glacier National Park got better Thursday as the National Park Service reported another spike in the number of visitors.

Daybook

Masked man steals flowers

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office responded after a woman saw a man wearing a ski mask in her flower garden on Berne Road in Columbia Falls. The masked flower forager fled when approached by the owner. He told the woman he was taking the flowers to give to his girlfriend. He was gone when deputies arrived.

District looks to $2 million shortfall

Chipping away at an $819,000 budget shortfall has been a challenge for school officials in the Kalispell district. But the deficit Kalispell Public Schools anticipates in 2011-12 make this year’s budget woes seem almost minor.

An 'uphill' battle resolved

Whitefish Mountain Resort’s move to loosen restrictions for the winter uphill hiking activity known as skinning seems like a reasonable compromise to an earlier policy that many recreationalists had deemed heavy-handed.

Evergreen murderer sentenced to 110 years

An Evergreen man convicted of murdering his neighbor has been sentenced to 110 years in Montana State Prison.

Boxing Champs

Walking Bear Ranch

Mandi Rae Hayen, 24

Mandi Rae Hayen, 24, died unexpectedly of natural causes in Ellendale, N.D., early in the morning on Aug. 7, 2010. She was born on Aug. 13, 1985, in Kalispell. As Mandi grew up in the Flathead Valley, she attended local schools, from elementary up through graduation at Flathead High School, being at the top of her class. She graduated with honors in 2003. During her years of schooling, Mandi found joy and love by accepting a relationship with God. She spent the majority of her time with the youth group of the Christian Center, pouring herself into singing, drama and having fun. She started her ministry here, and continued it and her education at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale. Here she received her degrees in ministerial studies, Biblical studies, psychology and counseling, and graduated with highest honors, magna cum laude, in December of 2008. Mandi loved sports of all kinds, including softball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, sand volleyball and so many others. She loved to be outdoors floating on the river, camping with her friends and family, and bringing laughter to any gathering. Mandi was dedicated to loving and helping people know and love God as much as she did, no matter what form it came in. In the last couple of hours, she was still talking about spreading the love of God to all those that she loves. Each day of Mandi's life was completely filled to the fullest, and equaled a year for a day. She was able to obtain the life experiences and wisdom that we all so long for in the short time she was here. In God's eyes, she had reached perfection. Her life was a celebration for God, and we would like her death to be as well. Mandi was preceded in death by grandparents, Bill and Betty Hayen, and John and Alice Toren; and brothers, Steven John and Conner James. She is survived by her parents, Stew Hayen, and Rick and Marge Berland; siblings, Richard Berland, Shandi Berland, and twin sister, Misti, and her husband, Jonas Musgrave, and younger sister, Nicole; nephews and nieces, Bradlee, Randi, Leshaun, Trenton John, McKenna and Bryant; godson, Milo Anderson, son of Amber and Matthew Anderson; and relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Mandi always said that her wedding would be in flip-flops and shorts. So, in honor of her ultimate wedding to Jesus today, we want to honor her wish. We ask you to come in flip-flops and shorts, or your casual attire, to be a part of this celebration of life that is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 16, at the Christian Center Assembly of God in Kalispell. To continue Mandi's ministry, please make any donations to a youth group or organization of your choice. Two memorial funds have been set up in Mandi's name through Christian Center and Trinity Bible College. Please come and celebrate her death as much as we all celebrated her life. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Mandi's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Mandi's tribute wall and offer condolences.

Phillip J. Roselli, 91

Phillip J. Roselli, 91, passed away on Aug. 9, 2010, after a long battle with cancer, at Brendan House in Kalispell. Phillip was born on March 25, 1919, in Baton Rouge, La., to Henry and Josephine Roselli. Phillip spent his early years in Compton, Calif., where his family moved when he was 7 or 8 years old. After he finished school, he joined the Air Force and was a gunner on a B-17, stationed in Bitburg, Germany, during World War II and spent 21 years at different bases before his retirement. During this time he married twice. Phillip and Mickey had a daughter, Judy; and he had two daughters, Darlene and Terry, with his second wife, Mildred. Both wives preceded him in death. In 1993, he married Carolyn Misiner, and they moved to Kalispell in 1998 and made their home here ever since. Phillip was an avid NASCAR fan and Jeff Gordon was his favorite driver, having watched him from the start racing go-carts. He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Judy and Darlene; two brothers; and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Terry Roselli; grandchildren, Chrystal Nelson and Michael Palmer, both of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Shannon Barker of California; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Henry, and three sisters, Francis, Mary and Virginia, all of California; and two stepdaughters, Shirly and Linda. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A celebration of Phillip's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to sign Philllip's book, or leave a message for the family.

Paul Reuben Bolken, 71

Paul Reuben Bolken, 71, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on Jan. 25, 1939, in Arnegard, N.D., to Harold and Dagny (Anderson) Bolken. Paul began his early education in Arnegard before moving with his family to Springfield, Ore., in 1952. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1958 and embarked on a musical career. He traveled with many bands and while playing with one Western band in Dunkirk, he met Sue Howell. The couple married on Oct. 27, 1963 in Shelby. Moving back to Oregon, Paul and Sue began their family, while Paul worked in various construction jobs. Paul was very active in community organizations such as the Moose Lodge, Elks, Sons of Norway and the Kalispell Lions Club. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Shepherds of the Hills Lutheran Church in Sisters, Ore. Paul was a woodworker and musician, he loved driving go-carts and snowcats, and was very involved in geneology. He was very proud of the Bolken family tree he had traced back to the 1400s. After working as a building/fire inspector for the City of Columbia Falls, Paul was medically retired. He and Sue enjoyed traveling in their retirement around the country to visit family and friends. They would winter in Arizona and summer both in the Flathead Valley and North Dakota. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and a nephew, Hans. He is survived by his wife, Sue Bolken, of Whitefish; one daughter, Synnove Bolken, of Puyallup, Wash.; two sons, Anthony Bolken and Paul Kjell Bolken, both of Whitefish; three brothers, Olaf and Luther Bolken, both of Oregon, and Noland Bolken of Georgia; two sisters, Melody Hunsburger of Washington, and Kaja Malouf of Australia; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial services for Paul will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Debra Abbott of Bethlehem Lutheran Church officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Paul's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Paul's tribute wall and offer condolences.

County at odds with lodge owners

Flathead County Health Department officials have ordered a lodge near West Glacier to close after the company failed to obtain proper permits.

New regulations affect debit card overdrafts

People who routinely use their debit cards to pay for purchases may soon experience some changes if they don’t specifically direct their financial institutions to provide overdraft protection on their accounts.

Bloody machete? No, just a stage prop

Re-listing: A federal encroachment

If we needed one more reason to be howling mad at the federal government, U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy gave it to us last week when he re-listed the gray wolf as an endangered species in Montana and Idaho.

Baucus will hold listening sessions

Senator plans meetings in Pablo, Columbia Falls

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., will hold a listening session in Pablo today, then will move on to Columbia Falls on Friday.

Kalispell trustees OK $48.8 million school budget

Kalispell Public Schools will operate with a $48.8 million budget in 2010-11, after a unanimous vote Tuesday by school board.

Daybook

Working on the Sun Road

Residents buy mobile home park

The new owners of a mobile home park in Kalispell made history Friday when they formed a cooperative and bought the court where they live.

Possible runaway sought

A 14-year-old boy from the Seeley Lake area is missing and regarded as a possible runaway, according to the Missoula County’s Sheriff’s Office

AP Scrolling Video

Lightning strike kills eight rams on Wild Horse Island

WILD HORSE ISLAND — Recent lightning strikes killed eight bighorn rams on Wild Horse Island recently, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials who visited the island Monday to investigate a report from TIP-MONT (Turn in Poachers Montana).

West Swan conservation plan finished for Plum Creek land

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has written a draft environmental assessment for the proposed West Swan Valley Conservation Project located about seven miles south of Swan Lake in Lake County, within the east half of the Swan River State Forest.

Open houses scheduled for Kalispell H.S. students

It’s almost time to go back to school, but first Kalispell’s high school students have to take care of some paperwork. They’ll get their chance Monday and Tuesday at Glacier and Flathead.

Up and out

Bicyclist: 'Catch me if you can'

Fugitive sighting reported in St. Mary

Search for Arizona escapee, accomplice focuses on Alberta

The search Tuesday for an escaped convict from Arizona and a suspected accomplice appeared to be moving north to Canada following a potential sighting on the east side of Glacier National Park.

C-Falls students can register now

Parents who haven’t yet registered their children in the Columbia Falls School District may do so this week.

Work starts on projects in Tally Lake Ranger District

Several projects are getting under way on the Tally Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest, including reconstruction work on the bridge at the Tally Lake Campground, culvert replacement on the Mountain Meadows and Bootjack Lake Roads, re-asphalting a portion of the Griffin Creek Road, and gravel re-surfacing portions of the Mountain Meadows Road.

Duck Crossing

Kalispell founder's granddaughter dies

On July 24, Alicia “Timmie” Vick, the granddaughter of Kalispell founder Charles E. Conrad, died in Missoula at 89. She was one of the last people to have actually lived in the Conrad Mansion, now maintained as a museum in Kalispell.

Startup theater group fulfills dreams

It was Jim Mohn’s aspiration of writing a play that first drew him to the world of theater 20 years ago.

'Sylvia' the first production for new troupe

The Stumptown Players didn’t form because of a lack of theater opportunities in the Flathead Valley.

Stumptown Players in 'Sylvia'

School trustees to get netbooks

Kalispell school board trustees’ new netbooks will make their debut at Tuesday’s board meeting.

Jazz band: Don't call it noise

Daybook

Jim Mohn, Stumptown Players

Hot sand treatment

Joan Taylor DeRosia, 74

Joan Taylor DeRosia, 74, of Kalispell, passed away from cancer on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010. She was born on Oct. 12, 1935, to John and Edith Taylor in Wenatchee, Wash., and was raised in the Kalispell area. She attended grade schools in Cut Bank, West Glacier, Kalispell and Evergreen, and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1955. Joan worked at various secretarial jobs in the Flathead Valley, and worked at Aluma Glass for 18 years. Joan married Chester DeRosia in 1965, and they were married for 20 years. She met Aaron Hall in 1989, and he was her partner until his death on March 28, 2005. Joan s interests included golf, embroidery and crocheting. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chester DeRosia; and her partner, Aaron Hall. Joan is survived by her partner, Richard Ortiz; her daughters, Carolyn Taylor (Bob) Cornelius, and Wendy Larson; sons, Gary (Stacy) Taylor, and Bob DeRosia; brother, John E. (Kathy) Taylor; sister, Rosella Proefrock (Lee) Isaacson; grandchildren, Brian Larson, Victor (Christina) Larson, Kayla Larson (Jason Counts), Todd Griffin, A.J. Griffin (Clifton) Slay, Ryan (Lillie) Griffin, Daisey (Brad) Davisson, Samantha DeRosia (David Decker), and Miranda DeRosia; great-grandchildren, Haylee Larson, Koda Larson, Kagen Larson, Ella Counts, Larkin Griffin, Hawkin Griffin, and Jason Davisson. Cremation has taken place and burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 12, at Fairview Cemetery in Columbia Falls. Memorials may be sent in Joan s name to a hospice of the donor s choice. To send condolences to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Frances Gabriel Wolfe, 85

Frances Gabriel Wolfe, 85, passed away at her home in Kalispell on Aug. 4, 2010. Frances was born Nov. 29, 1924, in Onaka, S.D., to Andrew Gabriel and Magdalena Winterhalt, who were German immigrants. She was the youngest of eleven children. Her mother passed away in 1932. Frances left the family farm shortly afterward and lived with an aunt in Ipswich. A few years later, she moved to Seattle to live with her sister, Claudia. There she married and had three sons. Frances ran a boarding house and worked at a meat-packing plant. She later divorced and moved to Kalispell to be near family. Frances met Robert Wolfe in Somers, and they married on May 15, 1957. They had two daughters. The family lived in Kalispell until 1969, when they moved to Polson, and purchased The Mint Bar and Cafe. After a fire, the place was rebuilt into The Wolf Den. Frances took care of the books and payroll, and also bartended. The business was sold in 1979. They remained in Polson until 2000, when Fran and Bob moved back to Kalispell. Frances spent her early years in Kalispell as a volunteer for the Gray Ladies and the school district. She loved to sing and learned to play the bass guitar. She was an avid reader and a great cook. Family and friends were dear to her. She loved visiting with friends and dancing at the Saturday afternoon Valley Jam sessions at the Eagles. Frances was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Claudia Buhler, Eva Hess, Rosie Feiock Ferguson and Margaret Baumgartner; and four brothers, Martin, John, Roy and Mike Gabriel. Frances is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Wolfe; her sons, Michael Edmundson of La Luz, N.M., and Mark and Matthew Edmundson of Missoula; her daughters, Diana Wolfe Passow of Kalispell, and Carrie Wolfe and son-in-law, Pat Harvey of Wasilla, Alaska; her brothers, Andrew Gabriel of Redfield, S.D., and Frank and Bonnie Gabriel of Cresbard, S.D.; sister-in-law, Sarah Gabriel of Grand Junction, Colo.; and two grandchildren, Jeb Passow of Salt Lake City, and Augusta Passow of Polson. At her request, no services will be held. You are invited to go to the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home website at www.buffalohillfh.com to send condolences to the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Lori Judge, 54

Lori Judge, 54, passed away on Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, at Edgewood Vista in Kalispell. She was born on April 6, 1956, in Missoula, the second of four children of Ritchey and Norma (Bell) Ostrom. As a young child, her family moved to Spokane, before ultimately settling in Kalispell for the rest of her school years. Growing up, she loved animals, art, skiing, traveling, family and friends. She was known for her great laugh and fun-loving spirit. Everyone was her friend. Upon graduation from high school, Lori followed her passion for art by attending Mesa Community College for a year. Lori married Ken Judge on Sept. 20, 1975, in Whitefish. In 1976, they moved to Mountain View, Calif., where Lori enrolled at Ponce School of Beauty in Sunnyvale, Calif. In July of 1977, they moved back to Montana, where Lori started her cosmetology career, which spanned 25 years and resulted in many long-lasting friendships. In addition, she and Ken raised three children, centering their lives on the kids activities. Between it all, she was still able to do some traveling with Ken and see many parts of the world. Lori was preceded in death by her parents, Ritchey and Norma Ostrom; grandparents, Logan and Hazel Ostrom, and Hubert and Vionne Bell; and grandson, Shaun Judge. She is survived by her husband, Ken; sons, Loren and Brandon; daughter, Lindsey; grandchildren, Aiden and Maya; sisters, Cory and Lisa; brother, Logan; aunt and uncles, George and Iris Ostrom, John and Marion Emerson, and Dode Wolfe; and many cousins. There are no services planned at this time for Lori. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to The Alzheimers Association, 3010 11th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101-0726. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Lori s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Lori s Tribute Wall and offer condolences.

Georgia Lois Strauss, 94

Georgia Lois Strauss, 94, passed away July 26, 2010, at the home of her daughter, Cheryl, in Deer Park, Wash. Georgia was born Jan. 22, 1916, in Bartlett, Ore., to Charles W. Davis and Myrle (Wilson) Davis. She was raised and attended school in Troy, Ore. In 1935, Georgia married Glen Miller in Asoton, Wash. They lived in the Troy area until his death in 1939. Following his death, she moved to Washington. In January 1940, their daughter Glenda was born. Georgia met Herb Strauss in Spokane and they were married in Kalispell on Feb. 9, 1949. In May of 1950 their daughter, Cheryl, was born. Georgia lived in the Flathead Valley until moving to Washington after Herb s death. Georgia was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She enjoyed growing flowers and sharing beautiful bouquets for the Sunday services. She belonged to the Merry Mixers Home Demonstration Club, Sorosis Club, and the Helena Flats School Mothers Club. Georgia is survived by her daughters, Glenda and Norman Davis of Cascade, and Cheryl and Greg Riehl of Deer Park, Wash.; grandchildren, Beverly and Corey Bjertness, Karen and David Huskamp, Sandy and Jonathan Mollerup, Greg Riehl, and Kris and Wayne Collins; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Lloyd; brother, Erwin Davis; sister-in-law, Lola Booi; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. Memorial services for Georgia Strauss will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Calvary Lutheran Church. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to Hospice or Calvary Lutheran Church.

Panel backs property tax proposal

A legislative panel has endorsed a proposal from Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, to alleviate property tax increases caused by the last reappraisal and a sharp downturn in the real estate market.

Thief chased on foot till he gives up bike

(EDITOR’S NOTE:

Handicap-accessible trail being built at Many Glacier

Work is under way on a handicap-accessible trail project in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park.

Speed sailing

The North Flathead Yacht Club hosts as many as 40 different races throughout the summer on Flathead Lake. Races on Tuesday and Friday evenings are the staples of the summer season.

Taking root in Eureka

New golf course designed to fit into the natural lay of the land

EUREKA - Atop one of the oldest ranches in Northwestern Montana, Dave Rogers designed an 18-hole golf course the old fashioned way, with a bag of clubs, an astroturf mat and a front-end loader.

Ethics, politics and 'real world'

The ethics deficit in politics is maddening and frustrating in many ways, but mostly in the sense that it is simply allowed to continue.

New access planned for Glacier High

Glacier High School could have an east access as early as October.

Insurance agency getting expanded space

Commercial construction ventures continue in Kalispell, including a new office building for Western States Insurance Agency under construction in the Village Plaza Business Park near the intersection of West Evergreen Drive and Whitefish Stage Road.

Young Grizzly in Glacier National Park

Horn to play for Bobcats

Current Glacier High senior Joel Horn recently made a verbal commitment to play football for Montana State University in 2011.

WikiLeaks culprits must pay a price

It is being compared to the Pentagon Papers document dump of the Vietnam War era, but don’t you believe it.

NASCAR at Raceway Park

NASCAR Rumble in the Rockies

Indian Spring Golf

Indian Spring Ranch

Week in Pictures August 2-8

Village Plaza Business Park Insurance Building

Robert Bob Harvey, 84

On Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, three years to the day after Mom left us, looking out into a beautiful summer day with Happy Trails playing in the background, Dad swung up on Prince and rode off to the other side. Robert Bob Harvey was born Jan. 10, 1926, in Gleason, Wis., the sixth of eight children born to Fred and Gertrude Harvey. In October of that year, the family moved to Bainville to be closer to family. He started school at the Harvey School and went through the eighth grade in Dixon. He later attended Flathead County High School. In 1943, he began a 60-year career raising and selling Christmas trees. In 1945, the family moved to the West Valley area, and he took over the family farming when his father s health began to fail. In 1951, he married an east coast city girl, Katherine Willaman. With Bob on his beloved Prince and Kathy on Little Joe, they enjoyed competing in O-Mok-Sees around the area. They had three children, Gail, Rick, and Sara, and raised them in the West Valley area. He farmed, ranched and raised Christmas trees for 60 years, until his health just wouldn t let him anymore. He was the last remaining charter member of the Flathead County Sheriff s Posse. He was involved in the posse as long as he was able, and it was a source of great pride for him. In the 1950s he rode in the Calgary Stampede with the posse. He carried many a flag in the parades around the valley. He worked at the fair and enjoyed doing security at the local football games. He enjoyed visiting Syke s, sitting with people from all walks of life and solving the world s problems over ten-cent coffee. Family was extremely important to dad. He worried about them, looked after them and loved having everyone together. A family gathering, complete with a rendition of Dunderbeck, was about as good as it could get for him. It is believed that he was happiest out riding his horse on a sunny day, checking his cows. He looked forward to the first baby calf of spring and raised about every other sort of farm animal there was, at one time or another. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathy; six of his brothers and sisters; a son-in-law; two nieces; and a nephew. He is survived by his children, Rick of Billings, Gail Drew and her husband, Bruce of Kalispell, Sara Martin and her husband, Tony of Kalispell; and two grandsons that he was absolutely devoted to, Bret Martin of Williston, N.D., and Randy Martin of Kalispell. He was Uncle Bob to too many nieces and nephews and their families to count. He loved us all. While his absence creates a great void, he leaves a legacy of devotion to family. Hang and rattle, Dad! A celebration of Bob s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 9, at the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Home, Recreation Dept., 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the Flathead County Sheriff s Posse. Friends are encouraged to leave notes of condolence for the family at www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Woman lived quite a life during her 102 years

Editor’s note: This profile of Mary DeVries had been scheduled for the Active Seniors page in the Daily Inter Lake. However, DeVries died July 30 at The Springs at Whitefish Assisted Living Community. A memorial service was held Sunday.

Teen to be tried as adult

Girl faces two counts of deliberate homicide for horrific traffic crash

An Evergreen teen will be tried as an adult on two counts of deliberate homicide.

Pharmacy burglary suspect hid in store

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary at the Evergreen Kmart that occurred Tuesday night when an unknown suspect stole prescription medications from the pharmacy.

Justine Winter

Ex-skater has designs on Europe

Willie Traeger’s journey to the fashion world began on the ice.

Boyfriend warned: 'Stay out of my daughter's closet'

Two plead guilty to burglary

Three men have admitted breaking in to Flathead High School and Elrod Elementary School in 2009 and causing nearly $3,000 in damage.

Sailing on the Flathead

Sailing on Flathead Lake

Festival Amadeus

Should Brett Favre retire?

Creek rescue

Olive May Greene, 102

The Angels led Olive May Greene to Paradise on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. Olive died of natural causes at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She was 102. Olive was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 14, 1908, to Sam and Kate (East) Trolinger. She spent her childhood and early adult years in Dillon, graduating from Beaverhead County High School, attending Western in Dillon and working in the Golden Rule store (later becoming JC Penney s). On May 28, 1931, Olive married Robert Bruce Greene, a childhood sweetheart. In addition to Dillon, the couple resided in Twin Bridges, Butte, Missoula and Augusta. Following Olive s husband s death in December of 1980, Olive resided briefly in Houston, Texas, and Santa Ana, Calif., before settling in Kalispell in 1983. Olive lived independently until March 2010. Throughout her life, Olive loved to have fun. She loved participating in the Kalispell Fair days, even riding on several floats over the years. She relished being with her friends and participating in the activities at Glacier Manor. She enjoyed celebrating her 102nd birthday with friends and family just 16 days ago. She credited her long life to walks around town, even in the winter, and to being happy within herself. Olive is survived by her son, Eugene Greene; and daughter, Eddie Greene; grandchildren, Guy Greene, Lorri Carson, Kathy Des Rosier, Deidre Bennett, Bruce Greene, Kirk Hollo, Kelsey Morris, Ryan Lutz, Joshua Greene and Megan Greene. Olive has 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Many others called Olive Gramma. Olive was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Greene; son, Robert Greene; and grandsons, Michael Greene and Hans Hollo. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home. Olive will be interred in Missoula, beside her husband of 49 years. Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Olive s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Olive s Tribute Wall and offer condolences.

Donald Edison Egner, 65

Donald Edison Egner died in his sleep on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at his home in Kalispell. Don was 65 years old. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Nov. 15, 1944, to parents Margaret and Edison Egner. He was raised in Buffalo, along with his sister, Dolores Hengel, and attended Clarence High School. Don served in the U.S. Army, primarily in Germany, from 1967 to 1971. He graduated from West Georgia College of Carrollton, Ga., with a degree in math. While in college, he met and married Mary Josephine Muse, whom he later divorced. Don returned to Buffalo and worked for over 20 years at National Fuel Gas. A visit to Montana convinced him that it would be an ideal place to live after retiring in 2000. In Kalispell, Don was an active member of Glacier Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and had been serving as board treasurer for the congregation. He also spent time volunteering at the Flathead Food Bank and with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Recently Don had been learning how to play the guitar and he was an avid reader. The communities that he found through service to his church and his volunteer activities provided him with enormous support throughout his life in Montana. Don was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister. He will be greatly missed by his family, including his daughter, Amanda Hunsaker, and her husband, Brady, and their son, Thomas, all of Pittsburgh. Surviving family members also include his uncle, William Gehl, of Forth Worth, Texas; and nieces and nephews, Cathy O Rourke and Ned of Los Angeles, Matthew Hengel and Carol of Philadelphia, Mark Hengel and Angie of Vista, Calif., and Sarah Cheung and David of Plainfield, N.J. A memorial service will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8, at Glacier Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1515 Trumble Creek, Kalispell. Donations can be made in Don s honor to Flathead Food Bank, 1203 Highway 2 West, Kalispell, MT 59901, www.flatheadfoodbank.com.

Margaret A. Deering, 90

Margaret A. Deering, 90, passed away just before noon on Aug. 3, 2010. Margaret was born Dec. 18, 1919, in Waska, Mont., the fifth of six children born to Knute and Anna (Hoversland) Kolden, and was the last living sibling. She was born on The Cottonwood north of Wolf Point, and graduated from high school in Wolf Point in 1938 with her cousins, Reuben and Reinert Hoversland. Margaret heard the Gospel and decided to dedicate her life to Jesus at age 13, when two homeless preachers had meetings in their neighborhood. Her mother Anna, brother Harold, Uncle Andrew, Aunt Marie, and many of her cousins also accepted Christ in those meetings. Margaret often said that living for Christ was the most important thing in her life and remained faithful until the very end. Margaret worked for Ma Bell as a telephone operator and met her future husband, Eugene Gene Bunker, on the phone, where he proposed before he had even met her. They were married Aug. 14, 1941. Margaret and Gene moved to Great Falls, where their four children were born. She was a very talented artist who specialized in oil, acrylics and watercolor painting. Margaret could do anything she set her hand to " painting, pottery, woodcarving, basket making, stained glass, bobbin lace, spinning, rosemaling, wood turning on a lathe, storytelling, and she even did all the arc welding for a house trailer that she and Gene built. She wrote an autobiography called, The M.A.D. Story which was a very interesting read but never made the New York Times bestseller list. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Bunker; second husband, Fred Deering; her parents; and all of her siblings: her sister Aagot, and her brothers Harold, Leif, Einar and Leslie. Margaret is survived by her daughters, Margie and Bill Padgett of Kalispell, and Alice and Cecil Benjamin of Shelby; sons, Ben and Julie Bunker of Los Molinos, Calif., and John and Roxanne Bunker of Pocatello, Idaho; and stepchildren, Glen, Linda, Judy, Kay and Wayne; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls. To send condolences to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Garnet Lucinda Minster, 46

Garnet Lucinda Minster passed away Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. She was born Aug. 20, 1963, in Orofino, Idaho, to Roy and Virginia Minster. Garnet was raised in Martin City and was a graduate of Columbia Falls High School. As an adult she worked at Flathead Industries. She was an ace at jigsaw puzzles, loved shoe shopping (at K-Mart), and totally enjoyed Mountain Dew and Snickers candy bars. Simple pleasures truly were the best. She resided at Willow Glen Group Home in Kalispell for many years and later moved to the Fourth Avenue Group Home in Kalispell. She spent her final days there. Garnet is survived by her siblings, Roy Minster of Palmer, Alaska, Joe Minster of Wenatchee, Wash., Debbie McCully of Trego, Dave Minster of Albuquerque, N.M., Becky Gould of Spokane, and Wes Minster of Bloomsburg, Pa.; also many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial services for Garnet will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Compromise would preserve lake access

Swan Lake residents may have reached a compromise last week on a controversial 25-foot lake access.

Daybook

Grant helps cancer detection

A $3,000 grant from the Plum Creek Foundation will help women get the mammograms they need for early detection of breast cancer.

Morning burglary at pharmacy

Woman rescues boy from creek

It was a scenario Shirley Willis said she had contemplated thousands of times but never wanted to experience.

A lesson about 'real money'

Montana is one of four states that have kept their budgets poised above the sea of red ink that has overwhelmed most everything else these days.

New senior apartments to be built

Groundbreaking ceremonies last week launched work on Van Ee Apartments in north Kalispell.

Greta Mae Reed, 88

Greta Mae Reed, 88, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born on June 27, 1922, in Chinook to John and Ethel M. (Quantrill) Harbottle. Greta spent most of her early years east of the mountains. In 1944 she married Albert Reed in Superior, and they moved to Kalispell in 1945. They operated various businesses over the years, from Pay and Save Grocery on Main Street and Reed s Fruit Stand to Reed s Potato Farm. Greta very much enjoyed hunting and fishing with her husband, gardening, cooking and crocheting in her spare time. Greta was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years. She is survived by her son, Oren Reed, and wife, Muriel, of Kalispell; two grandsons, Jeremy Reed and wife, Kris, and their daughters, Alyssa Reed and Britny Lewis, and Justin Reed and wife, Heather of Lehi, Utah; two nieces, Marcy Thompson and husband, Ken, and Jody Hays and companion, Mark Lloyd. Graveside services for Greta will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 9, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday in Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Greta s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Greta s tribute wall and offer condolences.

Carolyn (Doney) Smith, 47

Carolyn (Doney) Smith passed away on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010, at the age of 47, in Whitefish, due to a blood clot in her lungs. She was born June 5, 1963, in Missoula to Roger and Helene (Loy) Doney of Whitefish. Carolyn graduated from Great Falls High School in 1981. She was a basketball standout and played on the GFHS State Championship Team for three years. She received a full ride basketball scholarship to University of Alaska in Anchorage. She married her college sweetheart, Barry Smith, on July 7, 1990, in Penticton, British Columbia. They moved to Munich, Germany, where Barry played pro hockey, then on to coaching teams in Erie, Pa., where Maxl and Gage were born; Waterloo, Iowa; Kansas City, Kan.; Baton Rouge, La.; Syracuse, N.Y., where Hutton was born; then to Winnipeg, Manitoba. They settled in Whitefish in 2004, while Barry commuted to his coaching responsibilities with the Vancouver Canucks and the Kamloops Blazers. Carolyn was very active in their church, the community, and with youth hockey and youth baseball. Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband, Barry; her three sons; Maxl, Gage and Hutton; her parents, Roger and Helene Doney, of Whitefish; her brothers, John and Maggie Doney of Helena, and Mike and Jennifer Doney of Seattle; and her sister, Lauryn, and Andrew Rice, of San Diego. Barry s immediate family includes his parents, Robert and Dolores Smith, of Roseburg, Ore.; siblings, Cindy and Darrell Dorrell of Portland, Kevin and Kim Smith of Kansas City, Wendy Smith of Brazil, and Perry Cindy Smith of Chicago. Carolyn was able to donate life to others by being an organ and tissue donor. Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish.

Chance encounter on high-country trail

Stimulus? Waste? Imagine that!

Federal stimulus spending was in the news again this week, and not in a good way.

Board approves controversial permit

Even though discussion of a controversial motocross track was postponed at Tuesday’s Flathead County Board of Adjustment meeting, there still was plenty of division in the room.

Kalispell man survives cliff fall

HERON — A Kalispell man survived being trapped in his dump truck for over an hour after the truck fell approximately 50 feet over a cliff in Heron last week.

Schools close in on final budget

Kalispell spending plan totals $48.8 million

The last several months have been a struggle as Kalispell Public Schools administrators have worked to build the district’s 2010-11 budget.

Daybook

Fish camp open to young anglers

Swan Ecosystem Center will hold its eighth annual Fish Camp from 10 a.m. Aug. 12 to 1 p.m. Aug. 13. Campers will receive fishing instruction, learn fishing ethics and regulations, practice catch-and-release techniques and fish identification, along with much more.

Rain slows harvest, but crop looks good

Recent rain put the Flathead cherry harvest a couple of days behind schedule, but activity has picked back up and the effort is in full swing now, two growers said Tuesday.

Bigfork sewer funding approved

Bigfork voters approved an $8.1 million general obligation bond issue for the Bigfork Water and Sewer District in a mail-in election that concluded last week.

YMCA would require plenty of 'hard work'

A small crowd gathered Tuesday to explore the possibility of a YMCA in Kalispell.

Group hug ends a family squabble

Piegan Pass

YMCA Meeting

Lambert Cherries

Cherry Picking

Wilma Jean Schreckendgust, 86

Our mother went to be with the Lord and our father Saturday, July 31, 2010. She was born Oct. 20, 1924, to Alta and Max Levisay in Havre. She went to school in Havre and was raised by Alta and Chester Collier. Wilma Jean married Bob Reum in 1944, and together they had two sons, Jack and Jerry. They divorced in 1955 and she moved to the Flathead, where she met and married John Schreckendgust in1958. They had two children together, John and Julie. She was preceded in death by her sister, Maxine Ruth Levisay, in 1928; mother, Alta Collier; father, Max Levisay; stepfather, Chester Collier; and her beloved husband, John Schreckendgust, in 1992. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Balch and her husband, Eric of Columbia Falls; sons, Jerry Reum and his wife, Sherrie of Hopkins, S.C., Jack Reum of Grand Forks, Neb., John Schreckendgust IV and his wife, Pam of Toole, Utah; grandchildren, Andrea Vaa, Richard Vaa, Diana Balch, Tammy Reum, Rob Reum, and John Schreckendgust V; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. A life celebration will be held at a later date when the entire family can be together. The family will hike to a favorite location to spread the ashes of both John and Jean.

Inter Lake sponsors brass band concert

The Daily Inter Lake once again is sponsoring an appearance by the Air Force’s Heartland of America Band in the Flathead Valley.

Mayor of Kalispell reports on D.C. trip

Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher said her trip to Washington, D.C., last week was “very interesting.”

B.C. fires cloud skies over valley

That haze obscuring the mountains — and brightening sunset and sunrise — is smoke from fires in British Columbia.

Council delays action on Freedom House permit

Kalispell’s Freedom House is not home free.

Sex assaults result in sentences of six years

A Kalispell man convicted of sex crimes against two teenage girls was sentenced to more than six years in prison during a hearing Tuesday in Flathead County District Court.

Vintage Travel

Daybook

Ear mostly intact; no word about dignity

Raceway event focuses on safe teen driving

The No. 1 threat to American teenagers isn’t drugs or crime. It’s traffic accidents.

Local host families sought

The Center for Cultural Interchange is looking for families in the Flathead Valley to host foreign exchange students during the 2010-11 school year.

Festival Amadeus

Christina Amelia delPulgar, 102

Christina Amelia delPulgar left this earth on July 30, 2010, to join the love of her life, Santiago, who predeceased her in June 1995 after 56 years of marriage. She was a kind and gentle person who was much loved by her family. Christina was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 16, 1907, to Lewis Mornwig and Wilhemina Christina Jacob. Christina attended schools in the New York area. At the age of 22 years, she married Antonio Palmer and lived several years in Aruba. This union produced a daughter. Several years later they were divorced. Christina returned to the U.S. and worked for Pepsi Cola and American Chickel. She soon met Santiago at a New Year s Eve party. Every Saturday for a year she received a dozen red roses from Santiago before he asked for a date; and on May 27, 1939, they were married. Three years later a daughter was born to them. Upon their retirement Christina and Santiago moved to California and took up raising and caring for an avocado farm in Fallbrook for 18 years, raising all kinds of fruit and vegetables. Christina then discovered her flair for painting in oils and later, watercolors. Upon their second retirement, they moved to Oceanside, Calif., where they resided until Santiago passed away. Christina moved to Somers in 1996 to be closer to her daughter. She was also predeceased by her parents and her sister, Edna Wall. Christina is survived by her beloved daughters, June Palmer of Hot Springs, S.D., and Diana Kouns of Somers; grandchildren, Derek Morton of Medford, Ore., and Christina Scott of Somers; great-grandsons, Sgt. Tomar and Vida Scott, and Sgt. Brandon Scott, both of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Cory Richardson of North Hollywood, Calif., and Spc. Cortney Richardson of Fort Carson, Colo.; and great-great-grandchildren, Jada Christine Scott, Christian Scott, Jersey Scott and Dominick Parker, all of Ohio. There will be no services held at her request. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in her memory to the Kalispell animal shelter. The family also wants to thank everyone at Whitefish Care and Rehab and North Valley Hospital for the wonderful care given to our mother. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Donald Claus Eisinger, 87

We said good-bye to our dad at noon on Thursday, July 29, 2010. Don celebrated his 87th birthday this past March 12. He was one of seven children born to George and Margaret (Goettches) Eisinger of Wayzata, Minn. Raised in Wayzata, he married his high school sweetheart, Grace Carey, in December of 1946. Their marriage spanned six decades! Proud to be an American, Don was a decorated World War II veteran and served as a medic in the Europe/African, South Pacific and North American Theatre. After the war, Don came out West and landed a job with the Forest Service, fighting blister rust in the Haugen area; later he would get on with the Great Northern Railroad in Whitefish. He retired from the railroad after 34 years of service. Don and Grace raised their five children in Whitefish, where he personally built the family home on West Fourth Street. After retiring, Don and Grace spent the winters in the sunny south, before coming back home full time in 1997. Don enjoyed the outdoors or was in his workshop building something. He was never one to sit around and he loved to visit with everyone. Don and Grace lived at Buffalo Hill Terrace where he was a wonderful baker and shared his goodies with many of the residents. After Grace passed away, he moved into a townhouse and, in 2008, he moved in with his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Rick Walker. Don joins his most cherished wife, Grace, and youngest son, Doug, in the garden of eternal peace. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Rick Walker of Kalispell, and Linda and Jesse Payne of Wheatland, Mo.; daughter, Connie Eisinger, of Missoula; and son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Billie Eisinger, of Whitefish; grandchildren, Chris Cahill, Carey Cahill, Jerod Eisinger, Ricky Eisinger; great-grandchildren, Kimberly Cahill and Katlyn Eisinger; brothers, Kermit, Leonard and Howard; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dad was a tower of strength, a big man with a big heart. We will always have the wonderful memories of the ideal family, living in a prosperous time and in the Last Best Place! Thanks, Mom and Dad, for all the right stuff! There will be a memorial service at a later date. Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Don's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Don's guest book.

Edith Edie Carter Williams Malone, 89

Edith Edie Carter Williams Malone, 89, beloved wife and mother, passed away on June 25, 2010. She was born Jan. 2, 1921, to Edward and Aimee Williams in Kenosha, Wis. She spent her early years in Kenosha, graduating from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1939. From Bradford High she went to the University of Iowa, Iowa City. In her sophomore year she became a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She graduated in June of 1943 with a degree in home economics. After graduation, Edith moved to Chicago where she worked at the Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Co. She lived at the Three Arts Club in downtown Chicago for a time, before moving into an apartment with her sister, Dorothy, on the near North Side. In late 1946, she met Robert E. Bob Malone through her sister, Dorothy. Bob and Dorothy worked at the same engineering firm. Bob courted Edith from 1946 until April 30, 1949, when they were married at St. James Catholic Church in Kenosha. Both Bob and Edith were working in Chicago at the time of their marriage but they never set up housekeeping there. Bob was transferred to Omaha, Neb., Garrison, N.D., Philadelphia, and back to Omaha over the next four years. Edith accompanied him and thrived. They had two children, Maggie and Katy, and she survived the three moves. Edith s next 31 years were spent in Omaha where she and Bob had two more children, Eileen and Tom, and raised all four through high school and college. She was a wonderful wife and mother and an example to her children. In addition to raising her family, Edith enjoyed her church choir, her Theta Sorority alumnae friends, her Keiwit bridge group, and her neighbors on Crestridge Road. After 31 years in Omaha, Bob and Edith retired to Rio Verde, Ariz., where they enjoyed the winter weather, their friends and neighbors, golf, travel and their summers in Montana. They have been spending some of each summer in Bigfork since 1975; a little more each year. Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Edward H. Williams and Aimee Carter Williams; her sisters, Dorothy W. Riddell and Grace W. Conger; and her daughter, Kathleen Katy M. Malone. Edith is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert E. Malone; daughters, Margaret Maggie M. Hopkins and Rick, and Eileen M. Pflug and Don; son, Thomas E. Malone; and grandchildren, Kelly Gadden, Scott Pflug, Dallas Pflug, Alexandra Pflug and Daron Pflug. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork, with Msgr. Donald Shea as celebrant. Edith s cremated remains will be interred in the Memorial Garden in Rio Verde, along with those of her daughter, Katy. The family suggests memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation Inc., 1501 N.W. 9th Ave., Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Edith s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Edith s tribute wall and offer condolences.

East-side road closed for three weeks

The East-side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road (Forest Road 38) will be closed at milepost 13, Lost Mare Creek, beginning Thursday, Aug. 5, through Aug. 26.

Ray of Hope ministry opens new thrift store

She parked her van in front of A Ray of Hope, desperate for help.

Daybook

Today

Man waving knife around train

Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a disturbance that occurred aboard an Amtrak train Saturday morning, involving a man who was waving a knife around. The incident prompted the train to stop at the Izaak Walton Inn near Essex for law enforcement assistance. The man was detained and taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.

Hope Thrift

Festival Amadeus

Bringing classical music to Flathead youth

Festival Amadeus entertains, educates

Every night through Aug. 8, dozens of talented musicians will be entertaining classical music enthusiasts during Festival Amadeus chamber and orchestra concerts in Whitefish and Kalispell.

Daybook

Suspected burglar left card behind

Utah concealed-carry permits offered for Montanans

Gun lovers who travel across the United States may want to consider a Utah concealed-carry permit, and you don’t even have to be from Utah to get one.

Bypass project at halfway point

Wet spring didn’t dampen work on alternate route

Despite a wet spring, construction of the southern portion of the U.S. 93 Alternate Route west of Kalispell continues on schedule.

Marilyn Lee White, 78

Marilyn Lee White passed away Friday, July 30, 2010, at Samaritan Albany General Hospital, after a sudden illness, with family and friends at her side. Marilyn was born Aug. 12, 1931, in Oberlin, Kan., to Sidney Hess and Olive (Morrissette) Hess. Marilyn attended grade school in Kansas until moving with her family to Albany, Ore., in the early 1940s, where she completed her education. In 1947, Marilyn married Lee Sitton; they were later divorced. Together Marilyn and Lee had three sons, Don, Ron, and Rick. While living in Oregon, Marilyn worked as a practical nurse for many years at Albany General Hospital and Lebanon Community Hospital. Following her marriage to Les White on Sept. 4, 1970, she relocated to Kalispell, where she managed the office of her husband s dental practice for more than 30 years. In her new marriage, Marilyn adopted and raised her husband s youngest daughter, Carolyn. In 1984, Les and Marilyn met Tony (deceased) and Doris Pang, who owned and operated the Ho Wun Restaurant in Kalispell for 19 years, and their three sons, Calvin, Derek, and Ethan, who were first friends and are now family. Mrs. White had a lifelong interest in children, the elderly, and animals. While living in Kalispell, she served eight years as a member of the District Five school board. She also was the director of the Flathead County Animal Shelter for many years. Following their retirement, the couple re-located to Albany in 1997. Mrs. White was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Les; brother, Gayle Hess; aunt, Bonnie Morrissette; sons, Don Sitton and Bernice, of Ogden, Utah; Ron Sitton and Diane, of Aloha, Ore., and Rick Sitton and Susan, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; daughter, Dr. Carolyn White and Woody, of Charlotte, N.C.; and stepchildren, Leslie Hopkins and Dan, of Poulsbo, Wash., and Stephen White and Gloria, of Sao Paulo, Brazil; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Safe-Haven Humane Society, P.O. Box 2018, Albany, Ore. 97321-2018.

Dorothy Elizabeth Bruyer Frehse Graham, 74

Dorothy Elizabeth Bruyer Frehse Graham, 74, formerly of Kalispell, passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2010, at the Skilled Nursing Center in Lewistown, surrounded by love and her family. Dorothy Elizabeth Bruyer, Dode, was born in Kalispell, on June 14, 1936, to Benjamin Julius and Erma Ida Bruyer. Dorothy graduated from Flathead County High School in 1954. Dorothy was an avid sports fan of her children and grandchildren, with basketball, baseball and softball her favorites. She was a master mender and alterer and loved sewing. She held numerous jobs over the years, managing businesses and working in the banking industry. Dorothy was married to Larry Graham in 1998; they spent several happy years together traveling to see their families and to tractor shows all over the state. Dorothy moved to Denton in 2005, where she joined the ladies Red Hat Society, coffee-ing with her neighbors and friends at the local pub. Grandma Dorothy always kept her cookie jar full of her special chocolate chip and gingersnap cookies, in case of an after-school stop-by. She attended St. Anthony s Catholic Church in Denton. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Edward Alan Frehse; and her husband, Lawrence Graham. Dorothy is survived by her sister, LaVerne Fredenberg of Kalispell; daughter, Diana Sweeney of Montana, and her children, Sean, Benjamin, Caitlin, Alyssa and husband, Zac; son, Ernie Frehse and wife, Dawn of Kalispell, and their children, Justin, Brittney, Jordan, Nate, Ryan and wife, Maggie; daughter, Linda Frehse of Arizona; the children of son, Edward Frehse, Christina and Andi Skaug; son, Duane and wife, Chris of Denton, and their children, Jesika, Julius, Arin and wife, Sarah; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Dorothy s will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Risen Christ Church in Kalispell. Burial will be immediately after the service at Conrad Memorial Cemetery, with reception to follow at the church. Memorials in Dorothy s honor may be made to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Central Montana Hospice, Denton Youth Baseball Association or the organization of donor s choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dorothy s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Dorothy s guest book.

Antoinette (Toni) Toad Michele Gervais, 48

Antoinette (Toni) Toad Michele Gervais, 48, was taken by our Lord on July 30, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, from complications from lupus, with which she had been struggling for over 30 years. Toni was born Oct. 26, 1961, in Hawthorne, Calif., to Joanne Baker Pearson and Kenneth Lloyd Gervais. Toni attended most of her schools in Havre. She married Jerold Tucker at an early age and later divorced. She continued on her journey to find her destiny, where she then met her second husband, Mike Clemmins, in California. Not fulfilled, she decided to travel to various places around the U.S. She finally settled down in the Flathead Valley to be close to her mother, where she finally met the love of her life, Delmer Erickson. She then completed her G.E.D. and continued to take college courses, intending to pursue a degree in the medical field. Her illness kept her from completing her education. Toni was the most compassionate, fun loving, caring, giving and talented individual you could ever meet. Through her struggle she kept a positive attitude, and her faith guided her through. Her smile and jokes could make you laugh until you cried. Toni was very artistically inclined. She enjoyed singing, playing the guitar, drawing and crafts. She was an avid Facebooker, especially Farmville. After her long battle with lupus, Toni decided to put herself in God s hands. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roy A. Moore; and sisters, Kathy and Jennifer Gervais. She is survived by her mother, Joanne Pearson of Hungry Horse; father, Kenneth Gervais of Chattanooga, Tenn.; sisters, Brenda (Chuck) Cox of Havre, Yvette Gervais of Chattanooga, Tenn., brother, Gary Moore (Summer Stilger) of Havre; niece, Amber Cox (Paul Turner) of Missoula; nephews, Jason (Britin) Cross of Billings, David Cross (Britta Umbach) of Great Falls, and Alex and Geoffrey Moore, both of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; soul mate, Delmer Erickson of Kalispell; life-long friend Clea Bergren of Havre; goddaughter, Kela Bergren of Havre; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and two great-nieces. Toni touched and inspired many lives and will be truly missed by all. A celebration of Toni s life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 3, at Hungry Horse Chapel in Hungry Horse. A gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following at the chapel. Donations can be made in Toni s honor to the Lupus Foundation Inc., 2000 L Street N.W., Suite 710, Washington, DC 20036. Arrangements are being made by Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Marlene Fay Foster

Marlene Fay Foster went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 31, 2010. Marlene and her husband, Buck Foster, owned and operated Glacier Log Home Inc. for 30 years. Buck and Marlene were married for 58 wonderful years. She was preceded in death by a son, Jim Foster; a daughter, Teri Foster; grandson, Jake; and great-grandson, Elijah. Marlene is survived by two daughters, Sheri Westphal and Lori Wells; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A private family graveside service will be held at Glacier Memorial Gardens. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to sign Marlene s book or leave a message.

Gladys Adelia Pilsch (Jordan), 84

Gladys Adelia Pilsch (Jordan), 84, peacefully slipped in to the presence of Jesus, who she had served her whole life, and joined the love of her life, Albert Pilsch on Thursday, July 29, 2010. She was born on March 2, 1926, in Kalispell to Harry Wesley and Paula Adelia (Schulstad) Ross. Gladys received her early education in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead County High School in 1944. She then attended Nurses Training in Portland, Ore. While walking to church with her girlfriend, Gladys met Albert L. Pilsch, who was on shore leave from the Navy. By the end of the day, they knew they were meant to be together. After Al was discharged, the couple married in Kalispell on Jan. 21, 1946. Gladys raised four children while working with Al in the Chicken Hatchery and doing various home-based jobs, like selling Studio Girl Cosmetics and casting and painting figurines. As the kids got older, she studied oil painting. She learned from Bill Alexander, who developed the wet-on-wet technique and was even asked to represent his product. This would have taken too much time from her family, so she declined. Al and Gladys traveled with the National Artist Tour for a number of years before being invited to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo., to display and sell their art. They were at Silver Dollar City when Al died suddenly in October of 1997. Gladys later married Arnold Jordan on Aug. 29, 2001, and the couple enjoyed dancing at the Eagles and traveling together. Arnold passed on April 1, 2010. Gladys was preceded in death by two husbands; a brother, Bob Ross; an infant brother; and a grandson, Michael. She is survived by son, Ron Pilsch and wife, Nancy of Kalispell; daughters, Peggy Gahr and husband, George of Joplin, Mo., and Pat Poole of Kalispell; and a son, Larry Pilsch and wife, Jo of Federal Way, Wash.; one sister, Joyce Heikens and husband, Tom of Bigfork; and sister-in-law, JoAnne Ross of Kalispell; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Gladys will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 4, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Chaplain Bob Thornton officiating. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, in the funeral home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Gladys family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Gladys s tribute wall and offer condolences.

Lylah Harriet (Corneliuson) Peavy, 87

Lylah Harriet (Corneliuson) Peavy, 87, The Memory Keeper, was born Mar. 29, 1923, in North Branch, Minn. As she was in life, she passed peacefully and without drama on July 27, 2010. She grew up in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead County High School, but became a northwest girl when she moved to Seattle to work at Boeing during World War II. There she met Jack; they were married at Denny Park Lutheran Church, where she was still a member, and started a life together that spanned 56 years until Jack s death. Jack and Lylah moved to Salem, Ore., where they started their family; Sundra Jo, born in 1946, and Kristi Anne, born in 1948. Lylah worked at the Health Department in Salem for many years, as well as at home, keeping us all clean, fed and nurtured. In 1956 the family moved back to Seattle, where she went to work at Seattle General Hospital. She was also active in Girl Scouts and P.T.A., and of course making sure we all had the love and generosity she was famous for. Lylah retired from Pacific N.W. Bell in 1987. In retirement, Lylah and Jack enjoyed working in their yard, bowling, taking road trips and spoiling their grandchildren. Family was everything to Lylah. It was always very important to Lylah to keep the memories of the old times and keep up with the events of the new times. She would document every day on her calendar and it was always a challenge to find a calendar with big enough squares for her to use. Everyone in the family knew they could just pick up a phone and call her and she would be able to tell them what was going on. She could remember things that most of us had forgotten. Most of the information was kept in her head; so you see, we have lost a very important part of our family. If you met Lylah, you were a friend for life. She was very unique in her open acceptance of everyone and genuine caring. She spent her last five years at Scriber Gardens Retirement Home, making friends, playing bingo and cards, going on the weekly outings and running their store. Lylah was also well known for her poems, costumes and sense of humor. She will be missed by all her friends there as well as her lifetime pals from Kalispell, Salem and Seattle. Lylah is survived by her two daughters, Sunny McNett and Dan, and Kristi Adams and Dave; her grandchildren, Troy Gleeson, Brent Gleeson, Heidi Kelly and Brock, Tricia Adams and Andrew Knee, Carrie Goetz and Mike; and great-grandchildren, Katie Gleeson, Emma Kelly, Desivie Daniels, and Alivia and Jacob Goetz; many nieces and nephews; and three sisters-in law. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Peavy; and her five siblings, Hazel, Royal, Bert, Chet and Helen. Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Aug. 7, at Evergreen Washelli Chapel, 11111 Aurora Ave. N., in Seattle, reception following. You may view or add to an online memorial at www.washelli.com. Donations in Lylah s name may be made to A.L.S. Division of M.D.A., 701 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109, in memory of Jack W. Peavy.

Accused teen sues dead woman's estate

Winter claims other driver, construction firm were negligent

In an unusual legal maneuver, Justine Winter — the Evergreen teenager charged with deliberate homicide in the traffic deaths of Erin Thompson and her 13-year-old son — has sued Thompson’s estate and the construction company that built the U.S. 93 overpass at Church Drive where the accident occurred.

Just whose lock is it anyway?

A locksmith was caught in an argument between two people after he was called to change the locks at a home on Grandview Drive around 3:30 p.m. Friday. The woman told

Crash victims 'touched a lot of lives'

Co-workers fondly remember their fallen comrades

Smiles and laughter freely mingled with tears and some wavering voices at a Thursday evening memorial gathering to honor two young Kalispell women who died in a plane crash last month.

Mariners lose out at state

BILLINGS - Baseball season is over for the Mission Valley Mariners.

Revolving repertory

Bigfork Summer Playhouse veteran actor thrives on fast and furious schedule

When he was an aspiring young actor growing up in Missoula, one of Andy Meyers’ favorite things was taking family trips to Bigfork, spending days at Flathead Lake and nights at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.

Gaiser second in Swan Crest 100

Local runner completes 100 miles in just over 26 hours

Scott Gaiser of rural Kalispell was runner-up in the first 100-mile race in Montana, finishing the grueling run in just over 26 hours and being one of only 20 competitors to complete the challenge.

Sailing on Flathead Lake

Montana portions: Restaurant veterans open new venture

If diners leave the new Montana Club restaurant in Kalispell hungry, the owners won’t be happy.

What I did during my summer vacations

It may be time to pull the plug on summer vacations for school kids.

Bridge in middle of nowhere

A developer’s plans to build a private, gated bridge across the Flathead River near Hungry Horse are pretty presumptuous in assuming that the various permitting agencies would just go along with the project.

Daybook

Why make it easy for illegal aliens?

Should we make it easy for illegal immigrants to stay in this country, or should we make it easy for them to leave?