Should city double sewer impact fee?

A difficult decision of whether to more than double wastewater impact fees is before the Kalispell City Council, which will hold a public hearing on the matter Monday night.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Limited proposals draw few hunters to public meeting

Hunters lined up in Kalispell on Saturday to sound off on big game regulations proposed for the next two years.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Open for business: Crowd packs Cabela's on opening day

With a line of several hundred people snaking through a jam-packed parking lot and rock anthem music blaring from speakers, the grand opening of the Kalispell Cabela’s Outpost store resembled something close to a sporting event Thursday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Back in business: Glacier reopens but Logan Pass won't

Glacier National Park reopened Thursday after Congress took action to end the federal government’s partial shutdown.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Going batty in Glacier: Netting project reveals three new species in park

Just a couple of years ago, very little was known about the bats that inhabit Glacier National Park, but an ongoing inventory project has shed new light on the mysterious nocturnal creatures.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Challenging Denali: Kalispell native summits North America's tallest peak

After years of climbing in Glacier National Park, Flathead Valley native David Steele recently reached the summit of North America’s highest peak, Alaska’s Denali.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Youth's art to grace park passes

A drawing of Lake McDonald Lodge by Valarie Kittle, a senior at Glacier High School, turned out to be the winning image that will appear on Glacier National Park season passes this year.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Baucus lists priorities for rest of term

Taking a break from his work shift at the Plum Creek mill in Evergreen, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., discussed priorities for his final 19 months in the Senate, a list that includes federal tax reform.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Max the millworker: Another day on the job at Evergreen stud mill

Wearing jeans and work boots, Sen. Max Baucus looked like an old hand working the board edger Wednesday at the recently reopened Plum Creek Timber Co. stud mill in Evergreen.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Aquatic species revamp planned

A revamped and more aggressive approach to prevent aquatic invasive species from proliferating in Montana has quietly been taking shape in Helena, but it soon will get a higher profile in the Legislature.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

State aims to harvest wind-blown Swan timber

Officials at the Swan River State Forest are pulling together a rapid effort to salvage timber that was blown down in a severe storm June 26.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Crash claims life of Kalispell woman

An elderly Kalispell woman died Thursday afternoon after being struck by a GMC Suburban while she walked across Center Street in front of Kalispell Center Mall.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Candidates vow to push for states' rights

Gubernatorial candidate Bob Fanning announced in Kalispell Wednesday that Flathead resident Chuck Baldwin will be his running mate, and the two made it clear that states’ rights will be the major theme of their campaign.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Study: Trout inhibited by temperature

A recently published research paper suggests that maintaining natural temperatures on the Flathead River system may inhibit the movements of invasive lake trout to upstream waters.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Rep. Rehberg rallies crowd in Whitefish

Speaking to a standing-room-only crowd of about 200 people at the Whitefish Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Thursday, Montana Rep. Denny Rehberg urged continued public support for retaining a veterans memorial statue of Jesus Christ on national forest land on the Big Mountain.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Drones could be wings of the future

Maybe it had the appearance of being an undersized aircraft, a radio-controlled toy, but backers of the Center for Remote Integration see big things for Montana in the unmanned aircraft that was demonstrated on a remote airstrip south of Columbia Falls on Tuesday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Pro-life group gathers signatures for amendment

The Montana ProLife Coalition has once again launched a petition drive for a personhood amendment to the state Constitution that would establish rights for the unborn.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Gas explosion destroys southern Kalispell home

Neighbors felt their houses shake as an enormous gas explosion blew apart a house on the south side of Kalispell Saturday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Candidate hopes to benefit from crowded field

Former state Sen. Ken Miller from Laurel says he will benefit from the abundance of Republican gubernatorial candidates because he has been focused on face-to-face, grass-roots campaigning since June 2010.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Mountain Jesus in jeopardy

After being denied a permit renewal to keep a memorial statue of Jesus Christ on the Big Mountain, the Knights of Columbus have appealed the Flathead National Forest decision and garnered the support of Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Former state road boss joins gov. race

Former Montana Department of Transportation director and Kalispell businessman Jim Lynch has announced he will be a Republican candidate for governor, joining eight other GOP hopefuls.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Hiker deters charging griz with bear spray

What a difference pepper spray can make. That’s the confirmed thinking of Dan Kotter after he recently deterred a charging grizzly bear in the Great Bear Wilderness while working on a bear population research project.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Arduous quest establishes memorial for crash victims

A quest to erect a memorial for two Daily Inter Lake reporters who died in an airplane crash near Perma in June 2010 has been accomplished, with a sense of relief and reward for those involved.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Grizzly caught after run-in with bowhunter

The male sibling of a grizzly bear that crossed Flathead Lake also had westward tendencies. It was recently captured in the Kuhns Wildlife Management Area about 10 miles northwest of Kalispell after a run-in with a bowhunter.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Out for a swim: Grizzly conquers lake

Could it be webbed claws? Or maybe an ancient connection to a Labrador bloodline?

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Glacier Park visitation numbers down from 2010

As Glacier National Park’s 2011 summer season comes to a close, park visitation statistics are nearly 20 percent behind last year’s record-high numbers.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Ramp reduction ordered

A long-running dispute over public access to Church Slough off the lower Flathead River has taken an odd turn with a court order to reduce the width of a new county boat ramp for the purpose of limiting the size of boats that can use it.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

County imposes fire restrictions

As persistent hot and dry conditions continued to fuel fires, the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday approved fire restrictions for private property in the county.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Who shot eight deer? Poachers sought

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens are searching for poachers who killed eight deer in the Whitefish area during the first two weeks of August.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Uncertainty a problem for economy

Deficit spending, taxes and excessive regulation have combined to create a stew of uncertainty that is at the root of the country’s sluggish economy, Rep. Denny Rehberg said at a Kalispell Chamber of Commerce roundtable discussion Friday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Ex-federal defender turns to private law practice

After spending 20 years wrangling with all manner of legal cases for the Department of Agriculture — mostly representing the Forest Service — Ken Pitt is setting up shop as an environmental attorney in Polson.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Fish project targets Necklace Lakes

A multiyear project aimed at restoring native westslope cutthroat trout in alpine lakes above the South Fork Flathead drainage will resume next week when Necklace Lakes will be treated with a toxin to remove non-native or hybrid fish.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Fire crews gear for possibility of lightning

While some firefighting resources are being redirected from the Flathead area to other parts of the state, local firefighters are gearing up for possible lightning today and tonight.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Panel looks toward efficient government

A panel of Montana legislators will meet in Kalispell this week to discuss efficiency in government with local officials, health care and technology experts and the public.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Burnout effort aims to rein in Swan fire

Two large wildfires in the Bob Marshall Wilderness settled down somewhat Friday, while a burnout operation was initiated on a fire just outside the wilderness seven miles southeast of Swan Lake.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Fires churning away

Wildfires in the Bob Marshall Wilderness have spread rapidly over the last couple of days, and an aerial burnout operation is planned today on a fire burning just outside the wilderness southeast of Swan Lake.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Wilderness fire grows to 2,000 acres

Flathead Valley residents got to take in a familiar summer spectacle Wednesday: Smoke columns towering over the Swan Mountain Range.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

New process makes for quick construction

Dangling from a crane in downtown Whitefish, a 40-foot-by-8-foot wooden floor plate weighing 4,400 pounds slowly swings into place — not your typical piece of construction material.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Airport project scrapped

A taxiway paving project at Glacier Park International Airport has been scrapped along with dozens of other projects at airports across the country because Congress hasn’t passed legislation to fully fund the Federal Aviation Administration.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Judge: Pot transactions between caregivers illegal

Flathead County District Judge Stewart Stadler has ruled that the Montana Medical Marijuana Act does not allow for transactions of marijuana between caregivers.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Lost Prairie Boogie starts tomorrow

The 44th annual Lost Prairie Boogie gets under way Saturday with about 250 skydivers and their families expected to attend.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

A walk in the woods

Stormy Good Monod has put in plenty of miles on the trails of Northwest Montana, and she shares what she knows in her recently published guide book, “Day Hikes Around the Flathead.”

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Missing rafter identified

The man who is presumed to have drowned in the Flathead River Sunday has been identified as Robert Alsop, 37, of Hungry Horse. A search for him continued Tuesday with no results.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Rivers run high for Fourth of July

While the threat of flooding has waned on most Western Montana rivers, that is not the case for the Flathead and Swan rivers, which are expected to remain near or over flood stage possibly for the next two weeks.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Shuttles extend Sun Road access

Glacier National Park will be hard-pressed in avoiding a record late opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass, but the park is gearing up its free shuttle service for expanded service this weekend beyond the vehicle closure gates at Avalanche Campground.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Plows still haven't reached park pass

With west-side plows still a mile short of Logan Pass, Glacier National Park is on pace for one of the latest cross-park openings of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Mountain to open alternate chair lift

A heavy helicopter went to work Friday on Big Mountain, hauling off a leaning chair-lift tower from the area of a hillside slump because it was regarded as a hazard.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lake Five fishing access gets green light

After more than six years of legal and administrative delays, construction of a state fishing access site on Lake Five between Coram and West Glacier soon will proceed.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Cold spring sets new weather lows

According to the National Weather Service, summer arrived Tuesday at 11:16 a.m. in Western Montana, and the new season delivered the warmest weather of the year, triggering mountain snowmelt and flood conditions after a record-setting spring for cold, wet weather.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

New book chronicles Montana's waterfalls

There are many books on the plants, animals and sights to see in Montana, but none until now have been devoted to the state’s wild and wonderful waterfalls.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Snow moves game animals around

Spring big-game surveys conducted by state biologists produced better-than-expected winter survival, but heavy mountain snowpack did move animals in unusual ways.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

New bears added to griz trend study

An ongoing grizzly bear population trend study got off to a good start this year with three bears being captured and fitted with radio collars in the North Fork Flathead drainage.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Ground search for fugitive scaled back

The scope of a manhunt for armed fugitive David Burgert expanded Monday, including a warning that he might be headed to the Kalispell area.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Dave Wallace

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Flood damage

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

South Fork flows rise dramatically

The runoff appears to be well under way in the South Fork Flathead drainage, with Spotted Bear District Ranger Deb Mucklow reporting a sharp increase on the South Fork River to flows that she has never seen before.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Pair of families living on the edge

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Huntress scores big in New Zealand

Angie Haas-Tennison lived up to her Extreme Huntress title on a recent New Zealand safari, bagging five game animals, including an estate tahr with record-breaking potential and a huge red stag.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Flathead Lake is expected to exceed full pool

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is projecting that Flathead Lake may rise four feet and exceed its full-pool elevation of 2,893 feet in early June due to high inflows of water.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Harsh winter depletes antelope numbers

The June 1 deadline for deer and pronghorn antelope license drawing is fast approaching, but this year hunters should expect slimmer pickings due to high mortality from a brutal winter in Eastern Montana.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Dam breach narrowly averted near Libby

Lincoln County officials recently narrowly averted a serious flooding situation on a rural lake with an earthen dam southeast of Libby.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Governor talks floods during Kalispell visit

Gov. Brian Schweitzer and a good part of his administration were in Kalispell Thursday to meet with local emergency responders and inform them of the state’s capabilities in assisting with flood response.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Early start for bear troubles

With too much snow at higher elevations and an abundance of food attractions in the valleys, grizzly bears and black bears have been stirring up trouble lately.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Longtime park ranger retires

Some reporters over the years have affectionately called him “Jack Pot,” because Jack Potter is a treasure trove of information for anything related to Glacier National Park.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Overhaul of historic hotel resumes

Rehabilitation work at the historic Many Glacier Hotel in

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Here comes the melt: Rivers, streams rising

A trend of warmer weather will settle in over Western Montana this week and the deep mountain snowpack finally will start to melt, with rivers and streams expected to approach or exceed flood stage by the middle of next week.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Veto gets warm reception in Whitefish

Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s veto of House Bill 316 in Whitefish Thursday was well received at a forum heavily attended by representatives of the Flathead Valley tourism industry.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Crowd calls for veto of marijuana restrictions

A crowd of people lined the streets near the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Thursday to urge Gov. Brian Schweitzer to stop a bill that is expected to effectively bring an end to the state’s medical marijuana industry.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Governor, lawmakers share session insights

Gov. Brian Schweitzer and a panel of Republican lawmakers from the Flathead Valley sized up some successes from the recently concluded legislative session, and they traded some jabs over failures during a Politics @ the PAC event Thursday at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Canadian exchange: 'You be ready, because we're coming'

The Flathead Valley has been restored as a prime destination for recreation- and bargain-seeking Canadians, and local businesses can and should do more to ensure the trend will last, according to a panel of speakers at a seminar Friday in Kalispell.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Local flooding threat grows: 'It's going to be hard to avoid'

As the big chill continues, the snowpack across Western Montana and particularly in the Flathead River Basin persists along with continued forecasts for high flood potential.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Libby Dam scrambles to prevent flooding

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will ramp up releases from Libby Dam, possibly in an unusual way, to ensure that flows can be curtailed during the peak runoff to avoid flooding on the Kootenai River.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Ski resort surmounts a variety of challenges

Whitefish Mountain Resort has faced some stiff challenges over the last decade, but hard choices and disciplined management practices have enabled a turnaround, Chief Executive Officer Dan Graves, told a business group Tuesday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

The winter that just won't end

Snow keeps piling up in Glacier National Park and in mountain ranges across Northwest Montana at a time when the snowpack usually is diminishing.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

People urged to prepare for flooding

Local emergency response officials are urging residents of flood-prone areas to plan and prepare for potential flooding.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

New 5-acre pond promises a top-notch fishing experience

Robin Street looked on with satisfaction as a bucket brigade of volunteers delivered lunker rainbow trout to the family fishing pond on land that had been his family’s since 1883.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Big revamp planned at hatchery

It’s been cobbled together as an advanced conservation hatchery for more than a decade, and now the Sekokini Springs Westslope Cutthroat Isolation Facility near Coram has the final funding it needs for completion.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Sunken treasure: Looking for logs in Flathead Lake

There’s nothing particularly conspicuous about the two pontoon boats bobbing on Flathead Lake’s Somers Bay on a mid-April day, but that’s only because the unusual activity surrounding those boats is happening underwater.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Montana, Idaho wolves delisted by Congress

Congress passed legislation Thursday removing Montana and Idaho wolves from the Endangered Species list and returning management to the state, as part of a budget bill to continue federal funding this year.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Flood watch extended to local rivers

The National Weather Service has raised the likelihood for flooding on rivers and streams in Northwest Montana, but flooding is not expected for weeks because of continued cool weather.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

A new coin of the realm

With the Columbia Falls High School jazz ensemble setting an upbeat tone for the event, several hundred people gathered Wednesday for the official launch of Glacier National Park’s commemorative quarter.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Glacier Park was ready to close down

Uncertain whether a deal would be struck by last night’s deadline for a federal government shutdown, Glacier National Park officials were ready to shut down the park today.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Firefighters question city numbers

Kalispell firefighters contend that laying off seven firefighters is unnecessary because the city is overbudgeting the cost of firefighter compensation.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Hungry Horse Dam to release more water

Water releases from Hungry Horse Dam have been bumped up over the last week to make room for runoff from a persistent, well-above-average snowpack.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Scientists study rare Glacier stonefly

A decision to preclude an obscure stonefly species from protection under the Endangered Species Act was announced this week, just as one of the first studies on the species was published in a journal on climate change.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Mint rolls out Glacier Park coin

A piece of Glacier National Park worth 25 cents soon will be available as the United States rolls out a commemorative quarter for the park.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Flood planning begins

Local emergency service officials and residents are beginning to prepare for potential flooding, with well above average snowpack and streamflow forecasts for the Flathead Valley.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

New method may provide better wolf estimates

Monitoring wolf populations has never been easy and it’s gotten more difficult in recent years with an expanding wolf population in Montana, but now there’s interest in putting a new method to work, possibly as soon as this year.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Bears, fire and weather delays

She’s been the public liaison for Glacier National Park through 22 years and six park superintendents until today — Amy Vanderbilt’s last day on the job.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Grizzly bears beginning to emerge from dens

Glacier National Park officials advise park visitors to be aware that bears are emerging from their dens, and Flathead Valley residents are reminded to secure potential bear attractants.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Forecasters expect spring flooding

Based on a recent survey of low-elevation snow, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Missoula anticipates small-stream flooding and possibly river flooding in Northwest Montana.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Local man on radiation duty in Japan

Dwayne Strand, a Flathead High School graduate and nuclear engineer for the U.S. Navy, is leading efforts to monitor radiation at the Yokosuka naval base about 40 miles south of Tokyo, Japan.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Fire levels home of family

A home off of Foothill Road was gutted by fire Tuesday night, killing pets and destroying a family’s belongings.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Searches target alleged trafficking

A total of 26 criminal search warrants were executed Monday at medical marijuana operations across Montana — including raids in Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Kalispell and Olney — along with warrants aimed at seizing up to $4 million from lending institutions.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Hungry Horse dam operated in favor of fish

Fish in the Flathead River below Hungry Horse Dam have had the best conditions possible in recent years as the dam has been operated to mimic natural flows, according to a comprehensive study recently published in a prestigious science journal.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Train derailment blocks tracks near Essex

Nineteen cars on a BNSF Railway train derailed about four miles west of Essex on Wednesday, bringing railroad traffic to a halt until the line could be reopened sometime today.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Governor candidate wants work-comp reform

When Gov. Brian Schweitzer suggested that it may be better for workers’ compensation reform to be deferred to the next legislation session, it got Rick Hill’s attention.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Should bison be treated as wildlife?

Tasked with exploring the feasibility and desirability of establishing a population of wild bison in Montana that would be regulated through hunting, Arnold Dood has found himself pondering their absence from the state’s grasslands.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Tester says budget standoff will end with compromise

A government shutdown is politically undesirable for Republicans and Democrats, Sen. Jon Tester said Tuesday, and he believes that making serious long-term spending cuts will require a comprehensive legislative package with buy-in from both parties.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

'Opt-in' parks fee proposal in trouble

A bill that would require Montanans to “opt-in” rather than “opt-out” of paying a fee to support state parks when they register their vehicles has been referred back to a committee and probably won’t make it the floor of Senate, one of the bill’s co-sponsors said Friday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Oil money eyed for school funding

Efforts are under way in Helena to siphon oil money surpluses from Eastern Montana school districts for the benefit of schools across the state.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Schweitzer makes stand on wolves

Gov. Brian Schweitzer has drawn a bold line on the land, announcing Wednesday that he is directing Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks not to prosecute ranchers who kill wolves that threaten livestock.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Governor still upbeat about state budget

Gov. Brian Schweitzer continues to have an optimistic outlook for state revenues and is clearly positioning himself for an upcoming budget tangle with the Republican-controlled Legislature.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Senators ask for continued county funding

With a significant federal funding source for rural schools and counties set to expire this year, Montana’s senators are prodding the Obama administration to extend the program.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Business-tax change will be one of last bills

HELENA – Lawmakers want to tackle the state’s business equipment tax, but it’s predicted to be a moving target through the duration of the legislative session.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Legislators strive for property tax reform

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Panel kills hospital tax measure

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Reichner's work-comp plan has inside track

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Flathead Valley group gets Capitol experience

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Sheriff's deputy gets DUI fine

Flathead County Sheriff’s Deputy Bruce Parish was sentenced Friday for a driving under the influence charge, and Kalispell Municipal Judge Heidi Ulbricht rejected the claims of a man who said Parish ran over his hand while backing up his truck on the night of Aug. 28.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Woman speaks up on history of abuse

It took nearly a year and the spectacle of another domestic homicide case for Sarah Peters to speak out about her own experience, and her views on how more can be done to prevent similar crimes and raise awareness about domestic violence.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

New life for an old radio station

The building has a new look and the broadcast has a new sound, but KGEZ, the oldest radio station in Northwest Montana, is back in business.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Avalanche risk high again

Avalanche danger across Northwest Montana is getting increasingly dicey, with the Glacier Country Avalanche Center rating the hazard as “high” between 5,000 and 6,000 feet.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Epic excursion: Two Polson graduates at sea for seven months and 8,000 miles

It was an adventure that was years in the making, one that would lead two Polson High School graduates and their friends on an 8,000-mile sailing voyage from Hawaii to New Zealand over seven months.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Moose runs afoul of volleyball net

Freeing the young bull moose tangled up in a volleyball net wasn’t an easy job for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks personnel to tackle.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Hunter wins national contest

KIla-area resident Angie Haas-Tennison has claimed the title of “Extreme Huntress” in a national contest.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Four charged in casino robbery

Four young Flathead Valley residents have been charged with felonies related to a Nov. 20 casino robbery, a heist that involved boyfriends and girlfriends, a brother and sister and a woman who worked at the casino.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Dock builder explains reason for EPA fine

A Lake County construction contractor recently fined for depositing materials in Flathead Lake says his offense was far less offensive than it sounds.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Ex-park superintendents call for more protections for Glacier, Waterton

A coalition of retired superintendents from Glacier National Park and neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park is calling for actions by both countries to finalize park protection actions that were advanced this year.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Lake-trout netting study delayed

A draft environmental review for a lake trout netting project on Flathead Lake has been delayed but should be released sometime this winter, an official with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes said Thursday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Flathead legislators take lead in Helena

Every state senator and several House members in the Flathead Valley’s legislative delegation landed key chairman positions in committee assignments that were announced Wednesday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Baucus touts bill to reduce taxes

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., has introduced a bill aimed at cutting taxes for middle-class families with breaks for businesses and estate tax reform provisions.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Hunting veteran named 'Unsung Hero' by Outdoor Life magazine

Brad Borden has plowed thousands of hours into bow hunting — with great success — but it is the thousands of hours he has volunteered for outdoors education and conservation that brought him into the ranks of 25 annual award winners recognized by Outdoor Life magazine.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Sun Road crews still working

The first significant snowfall of the season hit the Flathead Valley this week, but construction work on Going-to-the-Sun Road continues in Glacier National Park.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell-area woman in running for exclusive New Zealand hunt

Growing up in Libby, Angie Haas-Tennison thinks her school colors could have and should have been camouflage, because life has always seemed to revolve around hunting.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

BPA looks at rate hike next year

The head of the Bonneville Power Administration was in Kalispell on Monday to explain an expected electricity rate increase next year and provide insight into the risks and challenges ahead.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Orthopedic surgery doesn't stop huntress from getting her goat

Climbing through jungle-like alder, straight uphill, past the treeline, into the rocky mountaintops favored by mountain goats is a tall order.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Hunters fend off pack of aggressive wolves

Two Flathead Valley men who were retrieving an elk in the South Fork Flathead drainage say they ended up fending off a pack of aggressive wolves Saturday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead Food Bank sees record demand last month

Food banks across Montana, and particularly in the Flathead Valley, have seen an unprecedented surge in demand as economic stagnation and high unemployment have persisted in the state.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Bonus day with Saturday opener

Saturday is the official opening day for the 2010 general hunting season, but it actually gets underway today with a special provision that gives youth hunters a first crack at deer.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Bringing back the goats

They mostly blinked out on the Whitefish Range sometime in the 1960s, but now there is a proposal to bring mountain goats back.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Montana inclined to keep wolf management

Idaho’s move to end its cooperation with the federal government over wolf management may or may not have ramifications for Montana, a state that is not likely to follow the lead of its western neighbor.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Research closes in on hive disorder

An affliction that has plagued North American honeybees for the last five years may not be so mysterious any more due to research led by a University of Montana professor who spoke Friday to a gathering of beekeepers in Kalispell.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Veteran legislator faces Democratic challenger

The Senate District 5 race once again pits Democrat Edd Blackler against veteran Republican Sen. Verdell Jackson with many of the same differences that distinguished the two in the past.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Swan Valley land deal moves ahead

A conservation project covering 9,500 acres of former Plum Creek Timber Co. lands in the west Swan Valley has been advanced by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Worries about wolves

Montana’s lone congressman got an earful from people concerned about wolves and their impacts on wildlife and livestock at a hearing Wednesday in Kalispell.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Schweitzer optimistic about Montana's fiscal health

Gov. Brian Schweitzer says Montana is heading for an economic rebound, and he refutes gloomy projections for the next biennium because he intends to restrain state spending.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Fish purging operation begins

A project aimed at purging non-native fish from an alpine lake in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area got under way Wednesday, with a helicopter flying in people and gear from a staging area in the Foothill Road area.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Judge tosses out Bison Range funding deal

A federal judge has rescinded a controversial funding agreement that allowed the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to assume most jobs and management duties at the National Bison Range at Moiese.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Rains confound dam plan

Sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with government biological opinions, and that was the case this week with heavy rains in the Kootenai River Basin.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Searchers look for overdue angler

A 30-year-old Hungry Horse man is missing in Glacier National Park after an afternoon fishing trip along Upper McDonald Creek at the north end of Lake McDonald.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Habitat plan for 5 species released

After more than seven years in development, a final habitat conservation plan for protected fish and wildlife species on state forest lands is being rolled out by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Alpine road job may be done in 2012

Accelerated by federal stimulus funding, this year’s work on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is helping to propel rehabilitation of the road’s alpine section toward completion in two years.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Rehberg to take action on delisting wolves

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., has drafted legislation to amend the Endangered Species Act to allow for the delisting of gray wolves in Idaho and Montana.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Ambitious effort aims for forest museum

An ambitious effort to bring a national museum on the Forest Service and conservation history to Missoula has been quietly gaining momentum, marching toward a groundbreaking target next summer.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Hungry bears on the move

Bears are on their annual fall hustle for food in the Flathead Valley, prompting a variety of reports, including one from a resident on West Colorado Street in Kalispell who encountered a black bear in her driveway Monday night.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Flying stoves landed safely

They are just simple, industrial gas cooking stoves, but there was nothing simple about getting them into Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park’s backcountry.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Man's poaching case part of broader probe

A Lake County man pleaded not guilty Thursday to two felony charges related to the poaching of a moose.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Tester says stimulus put people back to work

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., believes misperceptions persist about the federal stimulus spending and the health care reform, and he discussed soon-to-expire tax cuts along with some of his recent votes during a stop Friday in Kalispell.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Road move may nix bridge

The Flathead County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to abandon a short road in Hungry Horse, a decision that may end a developer’s plans to build a private bridge over the Flathead River.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

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.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

State pursues options on wolves

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.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

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.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

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.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Man dies after road altercation

Glacier National Park officials are being tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the death of a Browning man in the Two Medicine Valley on Thursday morning.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Low water hampers sturgeon spill test

Last month’s efforts to boost white sturgeon spawning on the Kootenai River were not as successful as hoped, mainly because of this year’s low-water conditions, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official said Thursday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Developer plans to span river

A developer’s proposal to build a private bridge across a narrow chasm on the Flathead River near Hungry Horse has riled homeowners on the county road that would lead to the bridge.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

New forest leader oversees busy summer

Chip Weber has a diverse background and broad interests in forest management, all of which should be helpful for the new supervisor of the Flathead National Forest.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Werner Lookout available for rent

Following the lead of the Flathead National Forest’s popular cabin rental program, the Stillwater State Forest now is offering the Werner Peak Lookout for rent for the next few months.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

O-Mok-See nationals to be staged in Kalispell

Roughly 400 riders and possibly 2,000 spectators are expected July 25-30 for the 45th Annual National O-Mok-See competition at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Quick response best for business

Businesses of all types need to be nimble and aggressive in growing and improving in a time when the economy and culture are changing at an unprecedented rate, business consulting guru Morrie Shechtman told a gathering of about 300 people in Kalispell Friday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Long riders

A horseback endurance race in the upper Thompson River area is expected to attract more than 50 competitors from across the region July 17 and 18.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Rehberg talks about partisan divides

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., fielded questions, comments and concerns about federal spending, deficits and conflicts with states Tuesday in Kalispell.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Wreckage being removed

The wreckage of an aircraft that crashed in mountains above the lower Flathead River drainage last week was scheduled to be hauled out by helicopter starting Tuesday, according to the lead investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Changes made to trail run

Organizers of a 100-mile run on the Swan Crest have withdrawn their application for a special-use permit, but a scaled-back version of the event still will be held July 30 and 31.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Riding high

At age 95, Sally Cook flew down the 1,300-foot long “Heaven” zip line Wednesday, coming to a stop on the landing deck with perfect form: knees up, arms fully extended.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Libby Dam tests inconclusive on sturgeon spawning

The spill test at Libby Dam ended Thursday morning, but it’s still unclear whether there was any success in using higher flows to get white sturgeon to move into optimal spawning habitat on the Kootenai River.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

'It's a little wild out there now'

Gov. Brian Schweitzer is confident there will be changes to Montana’s medical marijuana law, that Montana’s agreement with British Columbia over mining in the Canadian Flathead will produce the expected results and that the state will endure its fiscal challenges.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Sun Road opening uncertain

Glacier National Park plow crews are still digging into the Big Drift near Logan Pass, and with poor weather on the horizon it’s unlikely that the pass will open to vehicle traffic by Friday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Forest launches array of stimulus projects

The Flathead National Forest is launching a series of federal stimulus projects this summer, some of which will cause temporary access changes across the forest.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Mountain goat study halted by animal deaths

A mountain goat study in Glacier National Park has been suspended following the deaths of two goats after they were shot with tranquilizer darts.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Developer sues county over Church Slough site

A businessman who donated park land along Church Slough to Flathead County several years ago has sued the county for installing a fishing access at the site.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Weather rules road-plowing progress

Torrents of rain and sleet would come and go Thursday, along with misty clouds that would obscure the view of plows on Going-to-the-Sun Road and the slopes above them.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside grizzly moved

After getting a report of a bear eating chickens south of Lakeside, Heather and Derek Reich thought they were going to try to capture a troublesome black bear.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Road-maintenance cuts might be mitigated

The Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday deferred a decision to stop maintaining some county roads.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Paddlers challenge 'Wild Mile' this weekend

The 34th annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival gets under way today with kayaking events on the “Wild Mile” of the Swan River

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Case against paralegal dismissed

The state Attorney General’s Office has agreed to dismiss a complaint that alleged Flathead Valley paralegal and former state Sen. Jerry O’Neil had been “deceptive” in his practice.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Lawsuit threatened over Swan Crest run

Keith Hammer and his Swan View Coalition have filed a 60-day notice of intent to file a lawsuit if a planned endurance run in the Swan Mountains is not moved to another location.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

State deals with worries over worms

A potentially dangerous tapeworm carried by wolves has raised growing concerns, but some state officials say the issue is an overhyped, alternative way to demonize wolves.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Westside fund decision deferred to August

The Kalispell City Council voted Monday to delay until August a decision on redistributing Westside Tax Increment Financing District money.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Second century for a 'sacred place'

About 1,000 people gathered to celebrate Glacier National Park’s 100th birthday on Tuesday in a ceremony aimed at recognizing people who have supported and protected the park for decades.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Libby Dam spill test for sturgeon planned in June

A spill test for white sturgeon will proceed at Libby Dam in June, based on recent inflow forecasts for Lake Koocanusa, and an old dispute has resumed over the way the dam will operate this summer.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Veteran, newcomer vie for Senate nomination

For Rep. Jon Sonju, the Montana Legislature’s prime task is to do anything and everything to improve the state’s economy.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Grizzly captured in Swan

Two grizzly bears have been roaming too close to homes in the Swan foothills north of Ferndale for several days, and one was captured for relocation Wednesday morning.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Bison Range trail ride canceled

A popular annual trail ride that has been held at the National Bison Range since the Korean War has been canceled by the refuge manager, raising the ire of riders who have participated in the event for years.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Internet bragging leads to poaching bust

An Oregon man who proudly posted pictures of his big game kills on a website has been convicted of poaching the animals near his father’s home in Trout Creek.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Grizzly population growing steadily

Bear managers suspected the Northern Continental Divide grizzly population has been increasing, and now a six-year trend study has confirmed an annual average growth rate of 3 percent.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

State starts study of North Fork Road

The Montana Department of Transportation has commissioned a “corridor study” to determine future improvements on the North Fork Road.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Explosion, fire destroy man's truck

Justin Sherman woke up Thursday to an unpleasant surprise: an explosion outside his Echo Lake-area home.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Sturgeon spill still planned at Libby

With a boost from recent precipitation, it appears that spilling water for Kootenai River white sturgeon is still on track at Libby Dam.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Tribes pull back on netting plan

Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal officials said they are backing off plans for gill netting on Flathead Lake and are willing to consider other methods for suppressing lake trout.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Rehberg: Health reform doesn't get at problem's root

Montanans are in a foul mood over federal health care legislation and a lack of attention toward economic recovery, the state’s lone congressman said during a stop in Kalispell Saturday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Glaciers continuing to shrink

Two environmental groups have issued a new report drawing attention to the effects of climate change on Glacier National Park, particularly the ongoing recession of the park’s alpine glaciers.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Review set for lake trout plan

The Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes are launching a public review process for a controversial lake trout netting project for Flathead Lake, starting with upcoming meetings in Polson, Kalispell and Missoula.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Hundreds protest big government

Protesters lined both sides of Kalispell’s Main Street at Depot Park Saturday, waving flags and banners and holding up placards with slogans against big government, big spending and pending health care legislation before Congress.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Sen. Tester defends health care overhaul

Speaking to Flathead County Democrats at their spring dinner Saturday, Montana Sen. Jon Tester defended support for the Senate health care bill as a responsible and necessary pursuit in Washington.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

County pursues Church Slough ramp

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has launched a public comment process for a permit that would allow Flathead County to construct a public boat ramp on Church Slough.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Snowpack at 'very low' levels

Mountain snowpack in Northwest Montana and the rest of the state is now considered “very low,” and it’s not likely to recover.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Fires, bears, lawsuits: Retiring forest leader has seen them all

After going through historic wildfires, a litany of litigation, budget crunches, challenges in grizzly bear conservation and much more, Flathead National Forest Supervisor Cathy Barbouletos is retiring.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Ski resort to restrict uphill hikers, skiers

Whitefish Mountain Resort and the U.S. Forest Service have moved to restrict the increasingly popular uphill hikers and skiers on the Big Mountain.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Young skier a hit in elite circles

Mitch Gilman, a skiing wunderkind from Whitefish recently named as one of the top 20 youth skiers in the world, took first place in the 12- to 15-year-old division of an extreme skiing event in Crested Butte, Colo.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Wayne Herman

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Shady Lane Evergreen Fire

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Five hurt in crash

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Charges against four people dismissed

A state hearing examiner has dismissed all charges filed by the Montana Auditor's Office against the former owners of a specialized decorative tile company that was based in Bigfork.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Boat use soars on lower Flathead River

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

State board considers lease increases

The State Land Board is meeting Monday to consider ways to mitigate steep increases in fees for leaseholders on state trust lands.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Firefighting crews quickly put down lightning fire

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

West-side road to close

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Wilderness a challenging place to hunt wolves

Wolf pursuit open in some districts

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Conservative leader calls for people to act

A Heritage Foundation gathering featuring one of the organization's most prominent board members drew a crowd of 240 conservatives to Kalispell on Thursday - many of them from across the state.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Riverpark subdivision approved

Flathead County Commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a controversial subdivision along the Stillwater River, saying they had no legal justification to deny it.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Injured man's recovery exceeds expectations

After being comatose for 10 days, Dustin Frost woke up to a world of recovery that has been progressing ever since, his father said on Friday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

State wolf hunt begins next week

Initial hunting will open in backcountry areas

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Slow fire year idles contractors

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Governor: 'We will weather the storm'

Heading into the Labor Day weekend, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer expressed concern about the state's unemployment rate but confidence in the state government's fiscal position.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Beach building

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Trade rep promises to enforce lumber agreement

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., visited the F.H. Stoltze lumber mill west of Columbia Falls on Wednesday with U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk -and both pledged to continue vigorous enforcement of the U.S.-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Rare insect studied for species protection

Glacier Park is home to special kind of stonefly

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Five days in the wilderness

Man rescues injured dog stranded on ledge above South Fork

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Troublesome griz killed

One cub dies, another destined for Bronx Zoo

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

New vets center OK'd for Kalispell

Tester pushes for expanded services

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

'Timeless light': Glacier photo collection unveiled

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Park to destroy female griz

Managers say decision was 'gut-wrenching'

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish team enjoys rugged climb up Mount Rainier

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Flathead's Senate 'subcommittee'

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Commercial netting OK'd to target lake trout

An experimental netting project aimed at curbing the proliferation of lake trout in Swan Lake and upstream waters has been approved by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Shooting gallery

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

State land leaseholders pull together

Reappraisals could make rent fees unaffordable for some

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Ski champ gets aerial rescue

For Stella Holt, breaking a leg on Glacier National Park's Mount Gould was definitely painful, but her subsequent short-haul helicopter rescue was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Healing wounded warriors

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

State offices move to new building

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Paving payment plan bothers landowners

The Flathead County commissioners heard from Mennonite Church Road area residents Thursday, most of them strongly opposed to a rural special improvement district aimed at paving the road.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

'Lost Rod' surfaces in Kalispell

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Bill includes 25 wilderness areas

The Jobs and Recreation Bill includes 25 new wilderness designations in Montana, many of them small, and Sen. Jon Tester says that is a reflection of how the bill was tailor-made through years of collaborative negotiations.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Williams recalls past wilderness proposal battles

Former Montana Rep. Pat Williams unsuccessfully tried to pass wilderness legislation 16 times during his 18 years in Congress, but he says things have changed since then and Sen. Jon Tester's proposal stands a better chance.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Tester unveils new-style wilderness bill

Collaboration the byword for effort

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Moose on the loose (with help)

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Lake advocate explains new rules to county

The chairman of the Whitefish Lake and Lakeshore Protection Committee updated the Flathead County commissioners on updated regulations for the lake, responding to a recent advertising campaign opposing the revision.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Judge orders five-state bull-trout habitat analysis

A federal judge in Portland, Ore., has ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to re-analyze a critical habitat designation for bull trout throughout a five-state range that includes Montana.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Railroad says it's done buying property

Gov. Brian Schweitzer led a meeting Tuesday aimed at addressing community concerns and questions over BNSF Railway's contaminated properties in Whitefish.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Woods Bay fire stopped at 10 acres

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Fire season unfolds quietly

The Flathead Hot Shots have yet to be shipped off to a wildfire, perhaps an indicator of a quiet summer fire season ahead.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Dogs' plight sparks response

The director of the Flathead County Animal Shelter said there has been a "phenomenal" response from people eager to help with 41 huskies rescued from filthy conditions last week.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County seeks help with rescued dogs

These huskies (41 of them) will need homes

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Money to pay for fuels reduction

Timberland owners in Northwest Montana have an "unprecedented" opportunity for free fuels reduction work with federal stimulus funding being offered through the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Logan Pass opens this week

Barring bad weather or other unexpected setbacks, Going-to-the-Sun Road is scheduled to open from both directions over Logan Pass on Friday, Glacier National Park officials announced Tuesday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lake trout found in Lindbergh Lake

Lake trout have turned up in the Swan Valley's Lindbergh Lake, presenting a new threat to the drainage's population of native bull trout.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Runner had no time to avoid bear

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

River marathon: 123 miles in under 18 hours

Raft crews race from Schafer Meadows to Sportsmens Bridge

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Practicing for a wildlife incident

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Forest work adds up to $13 million

The Flathead National Forest has detailed a series of road and infrastructure projects that will be carried out with $13.3 million in federal stimulus money over the next couple of years.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Go fish: Local ponds stocked with trout

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Wolves in court again

A coalition of environmental groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging the recent delisting of gray wolves in Montana and Idaho, raising some of the same legal issues that blocked delisting last year.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Candid cameras capture wildlife antics

It's not like the greatest hits of the natural world, a highlight reel of wildlife at their wildest, but images captured by grizzly bear researchers in Northwest Montana do provide fascinating, revealing glimpses of candid wildlife behavior.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Skiing season better than expected

Whitefish Mountain Resort's winter season ended with a bang last weekend, but there's still skiing to be had at Blacktail Mountain near Lakeside and at Turner Mountain near Libby.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Local freestylers' new tricks pay off

Seven members of the Whitefish Mountain Resort Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Team have qualified for upcoming National Championship competition at Colorado's Copper Mountain.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Winter takes toll on deer

Fewer fawns only partly due to predators

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Governor pushes to keep Montana dam flows stable

Gov. Brian Schweitzer is pressing the Obama administration to back hydroelectric dam operations that favor Montana rivers and reservoirs but face continuous challenges from downstream interests.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

'You can carry but you can't shoot'

Legislation that will clear the way for the public to carry loaded firearms in national parks will have unintended consequences, Glacier National Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright predicts.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Surprise: Good weather coming this weekend

It's sure to be a busy Memorial Day weekend at Northwest Montana's lakes and campgrounds, with a forecast for warm and mostly sunny weather.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Massive slide traveled 3,800 vertical feet

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Closing in on Logan Pass

Plow crews churn through avalanche debris

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Glacier primed for wilderness designation

On the eve of its centennial year, Glacier National Park is primed for a long overdue wilderness designation, Glacier Superintendent Chas Cartwright said Tuesday at a Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Stimulus money misses the mark?

Communities like Lincoln County often not getting a piece of the pie

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Going great guns

Firearms firms expanding local manufacturing in Kalispell

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Flathead gets new judge spot

Flathead County will get a fourth District Court judge after a bill became law over the weekend.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Area legislators give session mixed reviews

Flathead legislators returned home last week with varying degrees of satisfaction in approving a modest, balanced budget, but they also returned with concerns about whether the state's spending plan can weather a turbulent economy.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Stimulus to benefit Sun Road

Glacier National Park is getting an additional $27 million in federal stimulus funding to pay for ongoing reconstruction of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Tiger muskies growing in lake

Beneath the surface of Horseshoe Lake west of Kalispell, a small force of planted predators has been going to work on unwanted nuisance fish.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Opposition may not matter

State ready to OK expansion of Spoklie gravel pit

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Ethics complaint disputed by senator

Barkus says aid for firm based on fairness, not self-interest

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Civic Doody

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Glacier in line to get $17 million

The National Park Service has announced that it will direct $750 million in federal stimulus money to 800 projects, including more than $17 million for maintenance work in Glacier National Park.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Glacier plans year of centennial events

Planning efforts are revving up for Glacier National Park's upcoming centennial, which actually will involve a yearlong series of celebrations starting this summer.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Business tax break dies in session

The last bill offering significant reductions in the state's business equipment tax was defeated Wednesday in the Montana House on a narrow 51-49 vote.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Go fish: Local ponds stocked with trout

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Paving plan gets cold shoulder

County officials planning a Creston-area paving project were peppered with questions and comments Monday, facing a crowd that was mostly resentful of a proposed Rural Special Improvement District to pay for the project.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

State plans fuel-reduction projects

A new state grant program that will drive fuel reduction work on more than 4,000 acres of Montana forestlands includes funding for five projects in the Flathead Valley.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Skiing season better than expected

Whitefish Mountain Resort's winter season ended with a bang last weekend, but there's still skiing to be had at Blacktail Mountain near Lakeside and at Turner Mountain near Libby.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

North Fork fifth on endangered list

An "indefinite opportunity" for coal mining and other resource development in Canada has put the North Fork Flathead River on a list of the nation's 10 most endangered rivers.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Nice day for a deal

Blue skies Saturday help to draw large crowd to annual fundraiser

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Market analyst foresees 'unusual opportunities'

The chief market strategist for D.A. Davidson said the economy is far from a depression, and even showing signs of recovery, but it will face significant hazards in the near future.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Candid cameras capture wildlife antics

It's not like the greatest hits of the natural world, a highlight reel of wildlife at their wildest, but images captured by grizzly bear researchers in Northwest Montana do provide fascinating, revealing glimpses of candid wildlife behavior.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Ecogroups planning to file suit

A group of 13 environmental groups on Wednesday announced plans to challenge the federal government's plan to remove wolves in the Northern Rockies from protection under the Endangered Species Act.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

'Tea Party' protests high spending

Organizers of a "Tea Party" protest Saturday in Kalispell aren't sure what to expect, but they hope for a turnout similar to other tea parties across the country recently.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Comments due soon on gravel pit

The owner of a controversial gravel pit near West Glacier is pursuing a state permit to expand his operation, less than a quarter mile from Glacier National Park, from 2 to 24 acres.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

WEST WINGS

No need to crane your necks to see waterfowl by the thousands in Flathead during northern migration

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

911 board arrangement still unresolved

Talks stalled Thursday over an agreement to settle how Flathead County and three city governments will oversee development and operation of a consolidated 911 dispatch center.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

Local freestylers' new tricks pay off

Seven members of the Whitefish Mountain Resort Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Team have qualified for upcoming National Championship competition at Colorado's Copper Mountain.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

when the SAWS go silent

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

Land trust gets $1 million wetlands grant

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

Protest planned against federal gun bill

There's a low, grass-roots rumble building over new gun control legislation in Congress, and a former Flathead Valley state senator intends to raise the volume.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

Uncertain future for business-tax cut

Montana House Republicans previously opposed full funding for a Children's Health Insurance Plan expansion, but they reached a budget compromise with Democrats Monday providing for just that.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

Wolf delisting back on track

There had been uncertainty about how the Obama administration would proceed, but Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced Friday the decision to remove gray wolves from the list of threatened and endangered species.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

State may join effort to halt spread of mussels

Kalispell senator's legislation advancing

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

Group wants wilderness bill for Montana

Residents, retired feds urge delegation to protect more public lands

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

When 40 positions become two

Federal job promises don't add up

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

Whitefish skier takes fourth national crown

By a margin of just two seconds over seven runs, Kelsey Schmid-Sommer of Whitefish won her fourth straight U.S. National Telemark Champion title in Colorado on Sunday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

Lawmakers ready to prioritize money

HELENA - So far, there are no certain federal stimulus infrastructure projects slated for Flathead County, but there could be once the Montana Legislature plays its part in determining where the money will go.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO

Hunters vent frustrations

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Peaceful session reaches midway point

HELENA - The Montana Legislature has reached the halfway point of the 61st session with accomplishments, pending challenges and a political tone that is distinctly different from the rancorous 2007 session.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Rep. Rehberg voices stimulus fears

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont, arrived in Kalispell Wednesday with a big subject on his mind: the recently enacted $787 billion economic stimulus law.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plum Creek land sells for $250 million

Two conservation groups on Tuesday announced the purchase of 111,740 acres of Plum Creek Timber Co. lands in Western Montana for $250 million.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Salish elder a 'remarkable woman'

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Instructors target mentor hunting bill

A groundswell of opposition is emerging against a bill that would allow people of any age to hunt with a mentor for five years before being compelled to take a hunter education course.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Agency OKs Swan Valley timber plan

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has approved a forest management project in the Swan Valley that will yield an estimated 21.5 million board-feet of timber over three years.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

You can't get there from here

More roads to school unlikely to be built soon

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Court upholds $2.2 million award

A 2005 federal jury award against former Kalispell businessman Dick Dasen Sr. has been upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

State may get $2 million riverfront property

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Photo exhibit documents glaciers' retreat

The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell is featuring an exhibit of photographs that chronicle the century-long recession of glaciers in Glacier National Park.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Bill would name highways for fallen troopers

Flathead lawmakers have proposed legislation to dedicate portions of U.S. 2 to two Montana Highway Patrol troopers who were killed in line-of-duty vehicle collisions.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Elk group grows from humble start

Foundation marks its first 25 years

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Plan gets strong backing

A bill that would add six judges to Montana district courts, including one in Flathead County, got strong support in a legislative hearing this week.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Skijoring offers weekend of fun

Novice riders, skiers sought for annual Whitefish event

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Search turns up hunters, dogs inside Glacier Park

Two hunters recently chased their mountain lion-hunting hounds into Glacier National Park, and a search-and-rescue team ended up chasing the men.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

New proposal would ease wolf protections

Wyoming not part of the plan

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Deer hunting faces sharp reduction

A sharp reduction in antlerless deer tags is being proposed for the 2009 hunting season in Northwest Montana, reflecting estimated declines in the region's whitetail deer population.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Logging operations scaled back

With its log yards full and a lower demand for products, Plum Creek Timber Co. is telling logging contractors to stop work in the woods.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Court reverses forest road ruling

Bears come first, 9th Circuit rules

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Next weather insult: rain on top of snow

The weather is about to get more complicated, with a forecast projecting rain on top of a heavy snow load starting today.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

C. Falls Aluminum plant shutting down

The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. notified its employees Tuesday that the plant will be shut down within 60 days, eliminating about 200 jobs.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Tester wants to help small businesses

Montana Sen. Jon Tester predicts next year will be busy for Congress, with a sharp focus on addressing the country's staggering economy.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

North wind may blow into blizzard

Forecasts for the incoming deep freeze worsened on Friday, with the National Weather Service issuing a blizzard warning for the Flathead Valley that will continue into this afternoon.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Legislators expect state surplus to keep shrinking

Montana state governments official $287 million projected surplus could easily continue to shrink and likely will require frequent adjustments as the upcoming legislative session progresses, two Flathead lawmakers said last week.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Glacier hiker commits suicide

A Pennsylvania man was found dead near Kintla Lake in Glacier National Park Wednesday, and officials have determined it was a suicide.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Wildlife areas: Ranch hunting on public land

They aren't the only destinations for hunters, but the state's Wildlife Management Areas are among the best destinations in Northwest Montana.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Wildlife areas: Ranch hunting on public land

They aren't the only destinations for hunters, but the state's Wildlife Management Areas are among the best destinations in Northwest Montana.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Youths get first shots at Lost Trail

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Rehberg: We had to do something

He didn't support the final $700 billion package for rescuing staggering financial institutions, but U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., is certain that Congress had to take some action to protect the country's overall economy.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Baucus hears of need for health-care repair

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Senator: Economy will rebound

It all comes down to confidence, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said in describing the country's potential for recovering from the ongoing global financial crisis.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

'We've got to rebuild trust'

Calif. lawmaker returns to Kalispell to stump for Obama

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Senate District 3

Bruce Tutvedt and Mark Holston bring classic Republican and Democrat values to the Flathead Valley's Senate District 3 race, and some stark differences.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Senate District 2

Ryan Zinke and Brittany MacLean have common goals for Montana but differing philosophies on how to achieve them in their candidacies for Senate District 2.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Net loss

Lake trout fished out of Swan Lake to aid native species

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Super flyway

Mount Aeneas ridge a worthy spot for raptor watching

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

4 wolves killed after 2nd attack

Four wolves have been killed and efforts to kill a fifth are under way after it was confirmed that the Hog Heaven Pack was responsible for a second attack on livestock in the last week.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Big year for climate awareness

Steve Running kicked off a lecture series on climate change in Kalispell on Thursday, taking an audience of about 150 people into the basics and the complexities of the subject.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Wolves sought in cattle killings

Two valuable heifers have been killed by a pack of wolves west of Kalispell, incensing the livestock owner and raising concerns among other ranchers in the area.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Firms seek OK to offer helicopter ski services

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is considering a proposal that could bring helicopter skiing to state lands in the Whitefish Mountain Range.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Candidates disagree on containment

Republican Duane Grimes stresses the need for competition and consumer choice, while Democrat Monica Lindeen talks about the need for preventive care and other measures for holding down the cost of health care.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Hiking the Highline

Views, wildlife, foliage highlight popular Glacier Park trail

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

DNA study doubles bear census

The estimate is in: There were 765 grizzly bears roaming the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem during the summer of 2004.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

New life for old chalet

Granite Park gets a makeover

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Legal wins may boost log harvest

Timber harvesting in the U.S. Forest Service's Northern Region continues to be tangled by litigation, but the agency recently has been prevailing in important cases, the regional forest and rangeland manager said Friday in Kalispell.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Snared hair the key to 8-year bear study

A bear-hair roundup in the Salish Mountains west of Kalispell this summer was the final field work in an eight-year study aimed at sizing up Montana black bear populations and how they're holding up against hunting pressure.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Park visits skyrocket in August

Glacier National Park visitation jumped in August, but the park's free shuttle system still ended up with fewer riders than last summer.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Veep pick the talk of St. Paul

Hurricane Gustav put a damper on the opening of the Republican National Convention, but Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has since taken the convention by storm, according to a Kalispell husband-and-wife team attending the event.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Search for missing hiker continues

A Glacier National Park map looks like a child has been scribbling on it for hours, but those curling and zigzagging lines aren't random scribbles.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Democratic delegates 'all fired up'

Joan Vetter Ehrenberg of Whitefish has been at the center of American politics this week, with a bird's-eye view of major players at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Search for missing man intensifies

Hiker's planned route covered 90 miles in Glacier

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Visitor numbers down at Glacier National Park

National economy, fuel prices blamed, but Canadians are cushioning the fall

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

'A hankerin' for the West'

New superintendent finds bonanza at Glacier Park

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Park place

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Fire danger grows

High country is still green, but low-elevation areas are drying out fast

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

New reservoir flow plan a win for state

Lake Koocanusa and Hungry Horse Reservoir will drop 20 feet below full pool over the next couple months, but it will happen in a way that has been long fought for by the state of Montana.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Mack Attack winners caught from same boat

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Huckleberry harvest

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

People to blame for fires

The fire season may be relatively slow in Northwest Montana, but fire managers are concerned about a recent rash of human-caused fires.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

New docks part of a revamped Scout camp

Improvements under way on Melita Island

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Owens 'touched a lot of lives'

Memorial planned Saturday in Kalispell

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Tying one on

Art of fly-tying taught by masters

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Flying fish

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Young griz heads for new home

A young female grizzly bear that was captured in the Whitefish Range on Wednesday will be the third bear in four years to be relocated today in the Cabinet Mountain Range.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

CEO: Plum Creek here to stay

Plum Creek Timber Co. is "committed long-term" to its operations in Montana, even with plans to sell 320,000 acres in a sweeping conservation deal, said Rick Holley, the company's president and chief executive officer.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Fly fishers converging on Whitefish

The 43rd International Fly Fishing Show and Conclave stirred up Tuesday in Whitefish and will be in full swing by Thursday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Fish-purging plan will proceed

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission declined to vote Thursday on a motion to suspend the use of a fish toxin as part of a westslope cutthroat restoration project in the South Fork Flathead Basin.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

New rules for river campers

Guidelines tightened for sanitation at dispersed campsites along two rivers

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Logan Pass opening today

The entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open this morning, Glacier National Park officials announced Tuesday night.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Happy 75th, Sun Road

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

'Controlled explosion'

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Sun Road at 75

Public invited to Friday event

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Slides set back Glacier plowing

'They've been having a heck of a time'

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Baucus still plans active campaign

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., plans to wage an all-out campaign for re-election, even though his Republican opponent is widely regarded as having a slim chance at best in the race.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Sun Road celebration relocated

A prolonged winter at Logan Pass has prompted Glacier National Park officials to relocate the June 27 celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Critters in the corridor

Cooperative effort maps Middle Fork wildlife crossings

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Weather may get closer to normal

Hotter temps should lead to another round of high river flows

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Forest eyes changes in fire policy

A wildland "fire use" policy that has been mostly applied to wilderness areas is being considered for other parts of the Flathead National Forest.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Plows close in on Logan Pass

Some stretches of Sun Road may stay unpaved for now

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lightning survivors recount strike at Star Meadow

Woman recalls 'bright yellow light over my shoulder'

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Extreme team banks on experience

500 miles in 10 days, with 100,000 feet of total elevation gain

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Judge limits late snowmobiling season

A federal judge has shot down extended-season snowmobiling on the Flathead National Forest, finding that the forest's road-density rules for grizzly bears apply to snowmobiling as well.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Wet stuff: Rain, 30-50 inches of snow

'Deep moisture' to slam region

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Have fun, but call ahead first

It may be cold and soggy, but it will be a Memorial Day weekend with a variety of public lands and facilities open for a rush of recreationists willing to brave the weather.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Agency, legislators to update reappraisals

Representatives of the Montana Department of Revenue were in Kalispell on Monday, gathering information on real estate market trends for a statewide property reappraisal.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Photographer shows off his specialty in a new book

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

To save a species

Bison Range turns 100

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

First a heat wave, then high water

Record temperatures expected to drive flooding by Monday

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

The nation's No. 1 ranger

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Officials plan for high water

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Crawdads, barred owls and mules

Forestry Expo open to public this weekend

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

New dam plan helps Montana

The federal government this week released a combination of "biological opinions" to govern the recovery of 13 threatened or endangered salmon and steelhead species in the Columbia Basin.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Flathead expects flooding

Snowpack puts area at high risk

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Cooler spring weather increases flood potential

A stubborn snowpack is raising flood potential for western Montana's rivers and streams, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service said Friday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Fish dinner - by the ton

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Candidates are pushing for coal development

Montana's "second-tier" statewide political races don't always involve big issues and differences between candidates, but at least two of those candidates are saying that's not the case when it comes to energy development.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Map takes tourists off beaten path

geo-tourism (n): Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

The Great trophy hunt

More than 100 animal heads, hides and horns were auctioned Saturday in Kalispell

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Epic snow makes skiers smile

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Finding places to hunt the biggest challenge around Flathead Valley

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Judge tosses case over forest road issue

A federal judge has shot down a lawsuit challenging road management actions associated with timber salvage projects on the Flathead National Forest.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Study backs spray to deter bears

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Plows clearing park roads

Logan Pass expected to open on June 13

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Park budget will allow new hires

A Glacier National Park budget report has been completed, showing increases in operational funding but a shortfall for cyclic maintenance projects.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Web site is an action-packed Internet destination that brings Montana's outdoors to the computer desktop. Wildlife (and other attractions) on the Web

If only all government Web sites could be like the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Web site.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Glacier Park gets new leader

A 21-year veteran of the National Park Service has been named superintendent of Glacier National Park.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

B.C. group lists Flathead as endangered river

A British Columbia umbrella organization for outdoor recreation groups has again named the Flathead River near the top of the province's most endangered rivers.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Gas costs may not deter summer visitors

Experts predict tourism increase

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Late filers crowd legislative races

Local legislative races got more crowded Thursday - the deadline for filing - with late-comers that included Constitution Party candidates along with veteran legislators and candidates.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Forest districts study off-road vehicle rules

The Hungry Horse and Glacier View ranger districts are treading into tender territory, asking for pubic comments on a travel management rule that designates where off-road vehicles can and cannot go.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Dynamic change protects shoreline

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Local races shaping up for Legislature

Several Northwest Montana legislative races have gotten busier with new candidates joining the hunt as a March 20 filing deadline looms.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Outdoor fun offered indoors

Massive show runs for 3 days

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Groups file new lawsuit over Rock Creek Mine

Another layer of litigation has been added to block development of the Rock Creek Mine proposed just outside the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS AGO

Plan expands habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday proposed to vastly expand its critical habitat designation for the threatened Canada lynx.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Groups resisting delisting

A coalition of environmental groups announced plans Wednesday to challenge the federal government's decision to remove the gray wolf from endangered-species protection.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Couple denies fraud allegations

The founders of a decorative tile company are vigorously refuting securities fraud allegations from the Montana Auditor's Office.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Governor says state will win school-funding lawsuit

Gov. Brian Schweitzer said this week he's confident the state will prevail in the latest "quality education" lawsuit.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Coal-bed drilling plans withdrawn

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Skiing season can be tough on knees

Combine two quality ski areas, lots of skiers and snowboarders, and every year, there will be a batch of people trying to mend themselves after crashes on the slopes.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Agencies resume tussle over Libby dam spill

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing its insistence on a test spill of water from Libby Dam to see if the higher flows have any biological benefits for the threatened Kootenai River white sturgeon.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Snow banks

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Commissioner continues fight over fish poisoning

A state project aimed at ridding the South Fork Flathead River drainage of hybrid fish does not have the public support that Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks claims, according to the Fish, Wildlife and Parks commissioner who represents Northwest Montana.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Hall of fame

Tanner Hall's career is getting as huge and complex as his gold-winning superpipe run at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo., last week.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Crowd of 200 packs hearing on wolf hunts

There was predictably strong support for a Montana wolf-hunting season at a hearing on hunting regulations in Kalispell, with many hunters calling for a season extending beyond dates proposed by the state.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Saving land for the future

Couple puts prime riverfront property into conservation easement

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

'People will enjoy this open space for a long time'

Siderius families protect 670 acres

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Moose on the loose

Whitefish photographer: 'I hit it on the nose'

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Have your say on wolf hunt

Proposals part of Saturday gathering for area hunters

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Court rules against Tutvedt

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Wolves kill hound on a hunt near Kalispell

A Flathead Valley houndsman reports that wolves killed one of his hounds and severely wounded another on a recent mountain lion hunt west of Kalispell.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Trees get new life as river barrier

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Anglers haul in plenty of pike at annual derby

Some were holed up in ice shelters, enjoying their mobile creature comforts. Others sat comfortably on chairs or buckets, casually bobbing their mini-rods. The youngest seemed happy to sit or kneel or even lie down on the ice, waiting for the next bite.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Wolverine study starts second stage

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

New snow heightens avalanche risk

Two slides in two days affect snowmobilers

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell police loaded for BEAR

'Intimidation factor' looms large in new armored vehicle

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Salvage work planned in burned area

Logging proposed on 6,485 acres

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Holders will be notified

The water-rights adjudication process has started in the Flathead basin, with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation planning to examine 5,200 claims during the next 18 months.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Agency issues directions

The Department of Interior has issued directions for re-establishing joint management of the National Bison Range at Moiese between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Bagging the big bull

Cheyenne Moore knew the elk was big, but she didn't know how big.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Highway elk tunnel funded

Enough money has been raised for the state to proceed with construction of a wildlife underpass on Montana 206 east of Kalispell.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Blacktail aims for Dec. 8

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area west of Lakeside is entering its 10th season with plans for a Dec. 8 opening.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Mountain of change

Just some more snow, and a $20 million transformation will be revealed at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Forest may build new ATV trails

For the first time in a long time, there is an effort to expand motorized recreation opportunities on the Flathead National Forest.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Mining issues getting noticed in B.C.

Potential industrial development in the Canadian Flathead drainage is gaining a higher profile in British Columbia, with possible environmental consequences that would counter international law, Canadian speakers said at a gathering Monday in Whitefish.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Holm announces retirement

Glacier National Park superintendent will leave in January

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Shake, rattle and roll

During the rut, rattling is a handy hunting technique

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lion pounces on hunter

Backpack saves man from more serious injuries

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

One year later, most road damage repaired

It was a year ago when Glacier National Park officials were just coming to realize just how badly a torrential rainstorm had damaged the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Forest considers options for fire area

It is a sprawling burn, with blackened trees covering one slope after another for miles and miles. And the Tally Lake Ranger District is now deep into the task of figuring out what to do with the landscape burned by the Brush Creek Fire last summer.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

No bids on trees blackened by fire

The Flathead National Forest opened bidding Thursday for 3.5 million board feet of blackened hazard trees in the Brush Creek Fire area - and nobody showed up.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lone Pine rising

Creating Lone Pine State Park from scratch today would be difficult if not impossible, and that's one reason why the urban-forest park on the western fringe of Kalispell has been a priority for improvements over the last year.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Help (still) wanted

Labor crunch continues to challenge employers

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Groups express concern about coal-bed plans

Several Montana conservation groups are concerned about plans to expand a coal-bed methane operation with continued discharge of wastewater into an Elk River tributary.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lake trout proliferate in Swan Lake

Netting turns up invaders by the thousands

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish ready to make their run

When fog rises from the Flathead River on crisp autumn mornings, the time has come for the whitefish run.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Wolves on the prowl

With almost 40 packs in Northwest Montana, a hunting season may not be far off

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

A Pathfinder on safari African hunt is a major success for quadriplegic Kalispell hunter

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Lakes conference kicks off

POLSON - The Flathead Valley is not alone in its efforts to protect water quality, as rapid development has prompted similar and even more aggressive efforts in other western communities.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Pheasant Valley

Hunters converge on Ninepipe for bird opener

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO