Sunday, May 31, 2026
50.0°F

Officials identify driver of ATV killed in vehicle accident near Marion

JACK UNDERHILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 10 months AGO
by JACK UNDERHILL
KALISPELL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION REPORTER Jack Underhill covers Kalispell city government, housing and transportation for the Daily Inter Lake. His reporting focuses on how local policy decisions affect residents and the rapidly growing Flathead Valley. Underhill has reported on housing challenges, infrastructure issues and regional service providers across Montana. His work also includes accountability reporting on complex community issues and public institutions. Originally from Massachusetts, Underhill graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Journalism before joining the Inter Lake. In his free time, Underhill enjoys mountain biking around the valley, skiing up on Big Mountain or exploring Glacier National Park. IMPACT: Jack’s work helps residents understand how growth, housing and infrastructure decisions affect the future of their community. | August 1, 2024 12:00 AM

Authorities identified the man killed in a motor vehicle crash near Marion on Monday as 61-year-old Joseph Cotten of Idaho Falls, Idaho.  

Cotten, who was driving a Yamaha Raptor ATV, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino.  

While crossing U.S. 2 West near Boisverts fishing access site about 4:15 p.m., Cotten failed to yield and collided with an oncoming SUV, according to Montana Highway Patrol. 

The fatal collision remains under investigation.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at [email protected] or 758-4407.

ARTICLES BY JACK UNDERHILL

Senior Spotlight: Stillwater Christian School senior uplifts others on and off the court
May 29, 2026 midnight

Senior Spotlight: Stillwater Christian School senior uplifts others on and off the court

His ability to amp others up earned him a varsity captain position his senior year, and that same spark carried beyond the court and into the many leadership positions he took on throughout high school.

Kalispell City Council supports license plate reader technology, higher fees to free up on-street parking
May 28, 2026 midnight

Kalispell City Council supports license plate reader technology, higher fees to free up on-street parking

City councilors in Kalispell appeared willing to increase fines for parking violations and buy license plate reader technology to better enforce parking downtown.

Developer eyes $16.9M in tax increment financing funds for Kalispell mall project
May 28, 2026 midnight

Developer eyes $16.9M in tax increment financing funds for Kalispell mall project

The developer behind the Kalispell Center Mall’s impending transformation is asking for $16.9 million in tax increment financing funds to help pay for the project.