Ellington

Montana posts lowest average gas prices in U.S.

Good news for Montanans for the New Year — Montana has the lowest average gas prices at the pump in the U.S.

Park Issues: County seeks help from Bigfork to pay for Sliter Park maintenance

By LYNNETTE HINTZE

Lance Walden

Lance James Walden Sr., 71, passed away at Kalispell Medical Center on Dec. 26, 2013, with his daughters by his side after a year-long battle with cancer.

Baucus wants key bills passed before leaving

Park plans more lake trout netting

Wildcat football by the numbers

Milestones set in 2013 sports season

Outdoor news

Slide show

Vet heading for brewing school

Xanterra, red buses coming to C-Falls

Water compact violates state and U.S. constitutions

The Hellgate Treaty for the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes secured the “right to take fish in common with the citizens of the Territory,” not a water right; otherwise, a group of Montana citizens could get a water right to protect their favorite place to fish.

Lori Sablan

Lori Louise Moulds Sablan, 50, of Reno, Nev., passed away Dec. 25, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, following a motor vehicle accident one week earlier.

Obert Tu

Obert A. “Obie” Tu, 72, passed away suddenly on Dec. 25, 2013, in Yuma, Ariz.

Homosexuality and theocracy

Regarding Daily Inter Lake editor Frank Miele’s Dec. 22 column:

Homeless Glacier Park worker finds help for the holidays

On Dec. 1, I became homeless. I spent the first few nights back in Whitefish where I have lived off and on since 2003 with an old friend and former roommate. He had family coming in, so when the first cold spell was almost over, I found a ride from Kalispell to Missoula with my dog, Java.

State government has obligation to retirees

Keep your promise. Honor your word. Most of us learned those lessons early in life and realize the value in making sure we follow those guidelines in our daily affairs.

Smith Lake ice fishing derby winners announced

The 40th annual Smith Lake Ice Fishing Derby attracted more than 400 anglers on Dec. 28, with youngsters composing the largest part of the crowd.

More snow coming

The National Weather Service in Missoula forecasts that a northwest flow will remain over western Montana through Tuesday night, Dec. 31. A series of weak disturbances will bring widespread light snow across the region.

Helen Kingsbury

Helen Elaine (Thompson) Kingsbury, 63, passed away surrounded by her family on Dec. 25, 2013, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Senior's secret: 'You just live day to day'

Joe Slobojan celebrated his 100th birthday in Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s Beargrass Room on Dec. 15 surrounded by dozens of well-wishers, family members and friends.

A big thank you from Mule Deer Foundation

The Mule Deer Foundation Chapters of Montana would like to end 2013 with a big thank you to our sponsors, banquet attendees, members and our partner agencies and organizations that care for our public lands and wildlife.

Myrna Taylor

Myrna Louise (Duffy) Taylor, 71, , passed peacefully Dec. 19, 2013, in Big Timber.

Flathead history presented in museum series

The Museum at Central School will host the 12th annual John White Lecture Series in January and February. The series honors John White, the son of a Texas slave who became a central figure in the history of Central School. Lectures include:

Turnovers plague Vals in loss against Plains

The Bigfork High girls basketball team played well enough in the first half Saturday against Plains, but the Trotters came back to win 46-44.

Bigfork Vikings basketball off to 4-0 start

By CALEB M. SOPTELEAN

Gone Fishing: longtime fisheries manager retiring

 As a 10-year-old boy growing up just outside Helena, Jim Vashro took it upon himself to become a junior fisheries biologist, embarking on a dedicated angling schedule coupled with meticulous record keeping. Over the span of the fishing season, he averaged six days of fishing per week and he kept a diary about the size, species and other characteristics of the 974 fish he caught that season.

Challenges ahead in U.S. Senate race

 By BOB BROWN

Bigfork business marks 16 years downtown

By CALEB M. SOPTELEAN

Bigfork schools crack down on late lunch fees

By CALEB M. SOPTELEAN

International skiers enjoy opening week at Blacktail ski area

By DAVID REESE

Corporate spending initiative ruled unconstitutional

A state judge in Helena recently ruled that a 2012 ballot initiative aimed at reining in campaign contributions by corporations was unconstitutional.

Religion in schools

To Mr. Richard Wackrow’s statement in the Daily Inter Lake, Dec. 15, that “participation by public schools in events at religious venues constitute an endorsement of a particular religion,” I would query: Does a lawyer representing a murderer indicate his endorsement of murder? Does a Jew who enjoys singing along with “Joy To The World” endorse Christianity? They are songs, not a pronouncement of faith.

Tim Friske

Tim Dean Roy Friske, 55, passed away at his home in Columbia Falls on Dec. 20, 2013.

Luke nabs souvenir at NFL game

MatCats take first at Buzz Lucey tourney

Kats finding a way to win, now 4-0

Boys go 1-1 on the week, lose to Broncs, beat Braves

Man sentenced for operating meth lab

Backflow regs, community needs hearings on tap

A Christmas dinner for all

Columbia Falls wins bell-ringing contest

Tim Friske

Tim D.R. Friske, 55, died at his home Dec. 20, 2013, surrounded by his family.

Nancy Hulslander

Nancy B. Hulslander, 76, “went to be with our heavenly father” on Dec. 12, 2013, after complications due to heart valve replacement surgery.

Dear friends (and Santa)

This year for Christmas, I want:

Olaf Isachsen

Wendy Hoerner

Juan Carlos Lopez

New Year's Eve in the Flathead

Whitefish Mountain Resort will offer several entertaining events on New Year’s Eve this year, and the SNOW bus will run extra routes after midnight.

Park's winter plowing plans changing

Organized and hopeful on first ice trip

Last week, we wrapped up the general big-game hunting season in this space. I’m done whining now and looking forward towards a super ice-fishing season.

Would Jesus have supported expanding Medicare?

Recently there was an article in the Daily Inter Lake opinion page stating that Matthew 25 “gives a moral and necessary reason to expand Medicaid.” I disagree.

Glacier Park seeking comment on lake trout plan

Glacier National Park is proposing to continue lake trout suppression on Quartz Lake and begin lake trout removal and bull trout conservation on Logging Lake to protect bull trout and other native fish. Both lakes are in the North Fork.

All the pieces are important

Several decades ago, I took apart a 1973 Ford Maverick engine. For the mechanically inclined — I’m not, but occasionally I qualify under a special dispensation — the engine had a blown head gasket.

Forest jobs and cabin fee bills pass key committee

Two bills dealing with Forest Service lands backed by Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus recently cleared a key Senate committee and will head for the full Senate.

Commissioners approve light industrial zone for Evergreen

The Flathead County Commissioners on Dec. 19 unanimously approved a temporary enterprise zoning overlay for the U.S. 2 strip in Evergreen that will allow light-industrial uses.

Another snowstorm is on the way

The National Weather Service in Missoula warns travelers that snowstorms will impact the northern Rockies this weekend. The biggest impacts will be in Idaho, but snowfall is anticipated in western Montana as well.

Column on coal trains contained inaccurate information

A guest column published in the Hungry Horse News online on Dec. 13, 2013, “Washington coal port EIS jeopardizes Montana jobs,” by Rep. Austin Knudsen, R-Culbertson, contains inaccurate information.

State considering more B tags for whitetails in 2014-15

Hunters could see a few more opportunities to bag a deer in the next two years in Northwest Montana.

Decision on wolverine protection delayed

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Dec. 17 that it will delay until next summer a decision on whether wolverines should receive more protections under the Endangered Species Act.

Raymond Norris

Raymond Melvin Norris, 90, passed away of natural causes Dec. 15, 2013, surrounded by his family at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Obama speaks on recent budget deal

The following statement about a recent budget deal in Congress was made by President Barack Obama was made Dec. 18, 2013.

Does Obama want an agreement with Iran or not?

What are President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry up to with Iran?

Concert features Bigfork's Seth Ahnert

The Kalispell Area Music Teachers Association presents its 13th annual Scholarship Alumni Concert Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell.

Bigfork swimmers improving

Although the points don’t show it, Bigfork High’s swim team is improving.

Kalispell Council makes a way for reappointment of Solid Waste rep

It appears that Hank Olson may be returning as Kalispell’s representative to the Flathead County Solid Waste Board after all.

Mauritsen, Vern

Vernon Peter Mauritsen, 96, died peacefully in his sleep Nov. 25, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. 

Chamber selects new director, Heather Burnham

By CALEB SOPTELEAN

Childrens' basketball program begins

Flathead County Parks and Recreation is accepting registration forms for the Wendy’s Lil’ Hoopsters youth basketball program.

Morley wins Foot Locker Invitational in California

Bigfork High School junior Makena Morley won an off-season cross country race Saturday.

New clinic comes to Lakeside

By CALEB M. SOPTELEAN

Tribes launch new bus service between Missoula and Whitefish

 Bigfork Eagle

New bus service launched between Missoula and Whitefish

 Bigfork Eagle

Budding Novelist: Bigfork author releases first children's book

Jim Sticka’s ancestors come from deep in Germany near the Black Forest.

State rail tracks seeing increased traffic

Freight traffic and cold weather took a toll on Amtrak service across the Hi-Line in December, with the cancellation of half a dozen Empire Builder trains.

C-Falls speakers take top honors in Polson tourney

MatCats go 4-3 in duals last week

Wildkats start season hot

Cats go 2-0 at Tip-off Tourney

Results from DNA study in Cabinet-Yaak reported

Statewide effort focuses on aquatic invaders

Glacier Park visitation drops in November

Glacier Park will see cuts restored

Park inholders seek better winter access

Community Spirit Awards presented

SWAT team leader fired 15 rounds at suicidal woman

Teachers pass national board certification

Dumay recalls a life well lived

Rotary Club says thanks

This mom's hands are lethal weapons

Mundel, Ratzlaff run in California

Esther Green

Esther (Tyke) Lucille Costich Aubert Green, 91, died Dec. 4, 2013, at her home in Overton, Nev. Tyke was born April 15, 1922 in Eureka to Frank and Loretta Costich.

Swan Range slide hits backcountry skier

The Flathead Avalanche Center reports that a backcountry skier triggered a soft slab avalanche near Noisy Basin in the Swan Range on Saturday evening, Dec. 14.

Another arctic front moving in

The National Weather Service in Missoula reports that an arctic front is expected to bring winter weather back to western Montana and north-central Idaho on Wednesday into Thursday.

Life and death in the winter

Last week I witnessed an attempted murder. The attacker was swift and cunning, but in the end the near-victim was quicker and survived.

Washington coal port EIS jeopardizes Montana jobs

When the state of Washington announced they were taking the unheard-of step of including Montana mines and transportation networks in the scope of an environmental analysis related to a costal port in Washington, a lot of Montana industries took notice. The move was designed to undermine coal mining in Montana, but the precedent they would set could be used against other industries — like Montana agriculture, timber, and manufacturing — in the future.

Judge Molloy accepts newlywed's guilty plea

A federal judge in Missoula accepted a guilty plea Thursday, Dec. 12, from the newlywed accused of pushing her husband off a cliff in Glacier National Park.

Newlywed frustrated she wasn't on 'Cloud Nine'

Flathead County deputy coroner Richard Sine took the stand in the murder trial of Jordan Graham on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and reported that the wedding ring was missing from the newlywed husband’s body.

Mandela wasn't radical enough

I suppose we will forever be subjected to incomplete accounts of the life of Nelson Mandela and the evil he struggled against. Both the Right and the Left (as conventionally defined in America) are too busy pushing agendas to provide the full story.

Forest planning needs collaboration, not criticism

A letter to the editor from Keith Hammer in the Dec. 11 Hungry Horse News chastised the Flathead National Forest. Hammer stated that comments made to the Whitefish Range Partnership (WRP) demonstrated favoritism.

County needs to do more about Canyon crime

I want everyone to know of an incident that happened in Martin City late Nov. 30 or early Dec. 1. It is not the first incident that has happened up here by the same gang of criminal youths. I find it a shame that these few delinquents can ruin property, put people in fear of physical harm and steal items.

Public should be aware of assaults by Christian Right

On a daily basis, the Christian Right assaults our proudly established secular Constitution by attempting, in ways big and small, to get the state to sponsor its evangelical mission.

Flathead Avalanche Center offers free avalanche education

The Flathead Avalanche Center is expanding its public services beyond providing online information by hosting two free “Introduction to Avalanche” courses.

Defend Rural America explores community values

A public meeting on “How to Reclaim Montana’s Lands” will be Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. at the Best Western Flathead Lake Inn, at the intersection of Highways 93 and 82.

Reader is against school groups performing at religious venues

On Nov. 17, a full-color quarter-page advertisement in the Daily Inter Lake stated that Flathead-area public-school choirs would be performing at a “multi-denominational” concert “celebrating The Birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ” at the Mormon temple in Kalispell Thursday evening. This ad has run several times in local newspapers. Additionally, a listing in thisweektourism.com states that the Flathead High School Concert Choir will perform Thursday afternoon at a Presbyterian church in Kalispell.

Operation Christmas Child serves 4,774 children worldwide

This year’s Operation Christmas Child will provide boxes for 4,774 children worldwide.

CASA for Kids serves valley children

CASA For Kids is a volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as a appointed advocates of the court.  

Messiah concerts this weekend

Glacier Symphony and Chorale celebrate a holiday tradition with Handel’s ‘Messiah’ Dec. 14-15.   

New clinic opens in Lakeside

A new medical clinic in Lakeside is up and running.

The slippery slope of religion in public schools

On Nov. 17, a full-color quarter-page advertisement in the Daily Inter Lake stated that Flathead-area public-school choirs would be performing at a “multi-denominational” concert “celebrating The Birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ” at the Mormon temple in Kalispell on Thursday evening, Nov. 21.

Montanans shouldn't be forced to subsidize coal exports

Just who is Tim Fox working for anyway? Recently, Montana’s Attorney General wrote to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state of Washington urging them not to study a proposed coal port’s impacts on Montana. The proposed Millenium Bulk Terminal at Longview, Wash., would ship about 48 million tons of Wyoming and Montana coal to Asia annually.

MatCats pummel Bulldogs, 81-0

Cats look to crank out another great season

Girls team is tall, athletic, talented

JV squads easily defeat Stillwater Christian

No local records broken in weekend cold snap

Flathead Forest moves to next phase in planning

Illegal kills No. 1 cause of griz deaths

Realtor urges city to take lead on Discovery Square

Plea deals underway in meth cases

CFAC a boneyard for Sebree?

Out of Africa, one woman's story

Community news

Obama speaks about new budget agreement

President Barack Obama made the following statement about the federal budget on Dec. 10, 2013.

McKenzie Holm

McKenzie “Mac” Cecil Holm, 49, of Columbia Falls died Dec. 7, 2013.

Avalanche hazard escalating with new snowfall

The Flathead Avalanche Center warns backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and snowmobilers that new snow over the past 24 to 36 hours has increased avalanche hazards in area mountains.

Newlywed's brother testifies in Glacier Park murder trial

The 16-year-old brother of the Kalispell woman accused of killing her newlywed husband by pushing him off a cliff in Glacier National Park on July 7 told jurors Tuesday, Dec. 10, that he was angry at his sister for not telling the truth about what happened.

C-Falls speakers take first in Libby

Wildcats win at Model UN conference

Sign-ups for softball clinics

The Columbia Falls Youth Softball Association will host winter catching and pitching clinics beginning January 2014.

Wildcats earn all state football honors

Esther Green

Esther (Tyke) Lucille Costich Aubert Green, 91, died Dec. 4, 2013, at her home in Overton, Nev.

Les Arbuckle

Obama speaks in South Africa about Nelson Mandela

President Barack Obama made the following remarks during a memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at First National Bank Stadium, in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Dec. 9, 2013.

Idiots and God-haters pervert the Constitution

Idiots. That’s the first word that came to my mind as I read the article “Church-state battle envelops school choirs” in the Dec. 5 Daily Inter Lake. It seems that our Wisconsin friends, the Freedom from Religion Foundation, who care so deeply about us here in Montana, are very concerned that our public school kids are being allowed to sing songs.

GPIA plane crash sends two to hospital

A twin-engine Beech Baron with five people on board made a hard landing at Glacier Park International Airport on Monday at about 9 a.m.

No local records broken in cold snap

While temperatures in the Flathead plummeted over the weekend, no records were broken at Glacier Park International Airport.

Jury selection starts Monday for Glacier Park murder trial

Jury selection will begin Monday, Dec. 9, for the murder trial of Jordan Graham, 22, of Kalispell, the woman accused of pushing her newlywed husband off a cliff in Glacier National Park.

Community newspapers continue to connect

A recent survey conducted by the National Newspaper Association found that readers of community newspapers — local daily or non-daily newspapers with a circulation of 15,000 or less — prefer these publications for getting their news and advertising information. These results are consistent with those from previous studies.

Resort mulling partial opener because of cold

Extreme cold weather on Big Mountain might force Whitefish Mountain Resort to close the upper part of the mountain on opening day tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 7, for safety reasons.

Grizzly bear sow shot north of C-Falls

An investigation is underway in the shooting death of a grizzly bear sow in a residential area just north of Columbia Falls.

MDT seeking comments for Looking Glass Highway project

The Montana Department of Transportation is seeking comments on a proposed safety enhancement project on Highway 49. Also known as the Looking Glass Highway, the scenic highway runs along Glacier National Park from East Glacier to Kiowa Junction.

I got hacked

I learned this past week that I, along with dozens of other Flathead residents, recently got hacked.

Cold weather forces Night of Lights cancelations

The Columbia Falls Night of Lights, an annual city-sanctioned celebration, has been canceled this year because of extremely cold weather.

Rita L. Shaw

Rita L. Shaw, a retired Bigfork librarian, died Nov. 18 in Kalispell after a short illness. She was 68.

Big Mountain opening this weekend

Skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes on opening day at Whitefish Mountain Resort this Saturday will have access to nearly 100 percent of the terrain on Big Mountain, including Hellroaring Basin. It’s the first time in its 17 year existence that Hellroaring Basin will be accessible for skiing on opening day.

Baucus tax reform proposal is bad for energy industry

It started out as an ambitious plan. Sen. Max Baucus’ “clean slate” approach to federal tax reform had initial support from interests on both sides of the aisle. It was supposed to overhaul our bloated, incomprehensible tax code. It was supposed to clean up the hodgepodge of tax credits, lower tax rates, and make the entire structure more equitable for everyone.

In Afghanistan, they died for no good cause

Last week, a remarkable exchange about the future role of the U.S. military in Afghanistan took place on the MSNBC television program “Andrea Mitchell Reports.” In a discussion of the U.S. government’s uncertain negotiations with Afghan President Hamid Karzai over the continued presence of U.S. troops beyond 2014, NBC’s chief foreign correspondent, Richard Engel, pointed out that, between the Karzai talks and the negotiations with Afghanistan’s next-door neighbor Iran, the Obama administration has a daunting task.

Obama speaks on the death of Nelson Mandela

The following statement on the death of Nelson Mandela was made by President Barack Obama in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, in the White House, on Dec. 5, 2013.

Minus 39 degrees forecasted at Big Mountain opener

Skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes on opening day at Whitefish Mountain Resort this Saturday will have access to nearly 100 percent of the terrain on Big Mountain, including Hellroaring Basin.

American Legion post

The first official meeting for the re-organization and revitalization of the American Legion Post 72, Columbia Falls, will be held at the Montana Veterans Home, Conference Room B, on Jan. 13, at 7 p.m.

Larry Moser

Larry Moser, of Martin City, died Oct. 24, 2013.

Game wardens seeking info on two poaching cases

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden Sgt. Nathan Reiner is seeking information on two poaching incidents that took place late in the general big game hunting season.

Judge rules on FBI interview in Glacier Park murder case

The federal judge overseeing the murder trial of the newlywed accused of pushing her husband off a cliff in Glacier National Park recently issued several rulings about how the suspect was interviewed and what instructions will be given to the juries.

Big Mtn ski patrol offers avalanche classes

The popularity of backcountry skiing and snowboarding is growing rapidly, and Whitefish Mountain Resort ski patroller Mike Block has seen first-hand the booming number of people on backcountry gear.

Obama addresses economic stability

The following remarks about economic stability were made by President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 4, 2013.

Thanks from seniors

The North Valley Senior Citizens Center would like to thank all the Columbia Falls businesses who supported our Thanksgiving Day Basket Raffle.

MatCats should be solid this year

New snow creating avalanche hazards

County saves much of recycling program

Touring with Meals on Wheels

Terry Hansen

Terry Ray Hansen, 68, died of injuries suffered in a plane crash on Nov. 29, 2013, near St. Mary’s, Alaska.

National Weather Service warns of wind chills

The Night of Lights celebration in Columbia Falls on Friday, Dec. 6, and opening day at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday, Dec. 7, promise to be very cold affairs.

Felony DUI dismissed for man passed out on bridge

C-Falls woman pleads not guilty to DUI No. 4

Flathead Forest playing favorites in plan revision

It is truly disappointing to watch the Flathead National Forest make a mockery out of the Whitefish Range Partnership collaborative and its Forest Plan revision public involvement process. In local newspapers the past week, the Forest Service demonstrated its utter lack of objectivity and fairness when it comes to public input.

Harry Arbogast

Harry “Bob” Robert Arbogast, 77, of Myerstown, Pa., formerly of Canton, Pa. and Hungry Horse, died Nov. 27, 2013, at StoneRidge Towne Centre, Myerstown, Pa.

GSC to perform Handel's 'Messiah'

Glacier Symphony and Chorale will celebrate a holiday tradition by performing Handel’s iconic work “Messiah” at the Whitefish Middle School auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and at the Flathead High School auditorium on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m.

William Moser

William (Bill) Moser, 67, passed away at his home in Martin City on Aug. 24, 2013. He was born in Norristown, Pa. on Oct. 26, 1943, the son of Jacob Daniel Moser II and Cecelia Agnes (Belcoski) Moser.

Community news

Chamber meeting

Deer harvest slightly higher than last year

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks reports that the white-tailed deer harvest at the six Northwest Montana check stations finished ahead of last year’s totals as the season wrapped up on Sunday, Dec. 1.

School and church

On a recent visit to McDonald’s, I picked up a two-sided, full-color flyer produced by the Mormon Church. Side one announces a “Multi-Denominational Community Christmas Celebration” to be held at the church on Thursday, to celebrate “The Birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ.”

Audit reveals problems with block management hunting

Legislators hear monthly about Fish, Wildlife and Parks matters from constituents. The recent audit of the block management program highlighted some needed changes. This program allows public hunting access on private land through a mutual agreement with FWP. The landowners are called cooperators in the agreement, while the properties are known as BMAs.

Winter storm hits Northwest Montana

The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting a major winter storm that will impact western Montana and north-central Idaho through Tuesday night.

Bigfork connection brought Piazzola to Cayuse Prairie

Amy Piazzola believes God brought her to Cayuse Prairie.

Home sales slowly rebounding

Dewey Bacon

Dewey Eugene Bacon, 56, was born June 28, 1957, in Whitefish and passed away on Nove. 29, 2013 at his home in Hungry Horse due to complications of cancer.

Meeting called for to look at Forest Plan

On Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 8:30 p.m., some of us will be meeting at the Kalispell Center Mall conference room. The audience will mainly consist of us who are interested in how our federal forest will be managed in the future.