Friday, November 15, 2024

Subdivision proposed near Grouse Mountain soccer fields

Development is front and center as the Whitefish City Council starts the new year by considering a 20-lot residential subdivision next to the Grouse Mountain soccer fields on Fairway Drive.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Opposition voiced over rural Bigfork vacation rental proposal

The Flathead County Board of Adjustment will start the new year on Jan. 4 by weighing in on a request for short-term rental housing in Bigfork that has drawn opposition from neighbors.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County poised to complete building projects in 2022

Flathead County will see a number of building and remodeling projects come to fruition in 2022, including the renovation of the former CenturyLink building that will house several county departments and a new 911 backup center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish council considers short-term rental rule changes

The Whitefish City Council on Monday will wrap up a public hearing for a proposal that aims to update and improve regulations and enforcement for residential short-term and medium term rentals.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

County extends health officer contract, OKs pay raise

County extends health officer contract, OKs pay raise
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Christian Academy seeks to make temp classrooms permanent

Whitefish Christian Academy is asking the city of Whitefish to allow temporary classrooms at the school to be made permanent.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County approves tiny home project

A plan to build nine residential tiny homes on 4.18 acres at 125 Wiley Dike Road in the Lower Valley near Somers won approval from the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

County OKs tiny home project; neighbors object

A plan to build nine residential tiny homes on 4.18 acres at 125 Wiley Dike Road in the Lower Valley near Somers won approval from the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners reappoint 2 Health Board members

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday decided to retain incumbent Board of Health members Dr. J. Peter Heyboer II and Ronalee Skees, reappointing them for another three-year term.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

County extends health officer contract, OKs pay raise

The Flathead County commissioners have extended the contract for Public Health Officer Joe Russell to June 30, 2022, and gave him a raise as the county continues its search for a new health officer.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Creston subdivision proposals top Planning Board agenda

Two proposed subdivisions in the Creston area top the Flathead County Planning Board agenda for Wednesday’s meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell library director resigns amid dispute with board

The interim director of ImagineIF Libraries has resigned amid growing tension between some library board members and library staff over what she sees as board overreach in how the library is operated.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish council to vote on curbside recycling, short-term rental rules

The Whitefish City Council has packed its final meeting agenda for the year with a number of big decisions, ranging from a proposed mandatory curbside recycling program to a reconsideration of where marijuana may be sold in the city starting in January.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Interim library director resigns amid conflict with board

The interim director of ImagineIF Libraries has resigned amid growing tension between some library board members and library staff over what she sees as board overreach in how the library is operated.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Short-term rental requests draw opposition near Whitefish

The Flathead County Board of Adjustment is being asked to weigh in on two separate short-term rental requests that have drawn opposition from neighbors.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Planning Board rejects Mountain Gateway project

The Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday voted 3-1 to recommend denial of the proposed Mountain Gateway mixed-use development at the base of Big Mountain.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Library reviewing gender identity books after complaints filed

ImagineIF Libraries has received a formal request to remove the graphic novel and memoir, “Gender Queer,” by Aia Kobabe, and Interim Library Director Martha Furman is establishing a review committee to investigate the complaint.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Mountain Gateway hearings continue Thursday

The Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday will continue two public hearings on the proposed Mountain Gateway development at the base of Big Mountain.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish proposes stiff fee increase for short-term rentals

A city proposal to increase the business license fee for a short-term rental unit in Whitefish is the focus of a public hearing at the Whitefish City Council meeting on Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

Flathead County names new planning director

Interim Flathead County Planning and Zoning Director Erik Mack has been hired to fill the director position that was vacated by Mark Mussman in July.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

County approves new commission district boundaries

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday finalized new commission district boundaries based on population growth throughout the county.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

Evergreen sidewalk project gets $25,000 from Flathead Electric

Evergreen’s sidewalk project recently got a big boost from Flathead Electric Cooperative with a $25,000 grant.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

Whitefish council tackles pot rules, infrastructure projects

The Whitefish City Council on Monday is poised to finalize its game plan on where marijuana dispensaries will be allowed in the city.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

County eyes septage treatment, biosolids facility

Flathead County has taken the first step in working toward a long-term solution for handling the county’s burgeoning septic waste by seeking firms or individuals interested in developing a septage treatment and biosolids composting facility.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

Proposed retreat center west of Whitefish includes horse facilities

A camp and retreat center proposed on 20 acres of agricultural land off U.S. 93 west of Spencer Lake near Whitefish will need a conditional-use permit to move forward.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

Citizens group forms to oppose Mountain Gateway project

A new nonprofit group called Flathead Families for Responsible Growth has formed in response to the proposed Mountain Gateway development at the base of Big Mountain, a sizable project the group says will negatively impact water quality, traffic and the small-town way of life in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

Kalispell woman joins race for Montana's 2nd House seat

Mary Todd, a Kalispell businesswoman and church leader, announced Thursday she is running as a Republican for Montana’s newly established second U.S. House seat.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

Hearings Thursday for big housing project in Whitefish

One of the biggest housing projects ever proposed in Whitefish, along with a request for accompanying commercial development — all at the base of Big Mountain — is the focus of two public hearings Thursday before the Whitefish Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

Whitefish council to vote on two hotel projects

The Whitefish City Council will decide the fate of two hotel projects at Monday’s meeting, and is poised to potentially deny approval of an 85-room hotel planned on U.S. 93 South.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS AGO

Early voting for municipal election starts in mid-October

Ballots for the Nov. 2 municipal elections will be mailed to voters on Oct. 13, according to the Flathead County Election Department.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Commissioners restore marina standards in zoning regs

A zoning text amendment that adds marina as a conditional use in the B-3 community business zone was approved last week by the Flathead County commissioners, correcting an error when zoning changes were made in 2018.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Commissioners restore marina standards in zoning regs

A zoning text amendment that adds marina as a conditional use in the B-3 community business zone was approved last week by the Flathead County commissioners, correcting an error when zoning changes were made in 2018.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County OKs purchase of new election software

The Flathead County commissioners took another step forward in updating the county’s election equipment on Tuesday by approving the purchase of new election software.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Pfizer booster shots to begin in Flathead County

Flathead City-County Health Officer Joe Russell said the health department will begin giving Pfizer booster shots this week, now that the Centers for Disease Control’s independent advisory committee has recommended certain people get a booster shot at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Columbia Falls transportation plan ready for public perusal

A draft transportation plan that prioritizes millions of dollars’ worth of potential road improvements in Columbia Falls over the next two decades will be unveiled to the public next week during three separate events.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

COVID-19 shuts down Eureka elementary school

Eureka Elementary School closed Monday due to a large number of COVID-19 positive or symptomatic staff, Eureka Superintendent of Schools Jim Mepham said in an online post alerting parents throughout the school district.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Assessment for 911 center will be on November tax bills

Flathead County property owners will begin seeing a new assessment supporting the consolidated 911 dispatch center on tax bills that go out in November.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Proposed zone change for marinas would affect Bigfork development

The Flathead County commissioners will consider a zone change regarding the use of marinas that affects Bigfork Bay during a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 21.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County hits pause button a second time on vote tabulators

The purchase of new vote tabulators for Flathead County elections has been tabled again by the county commissioners to enable further evaluation of the proposed equipment.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners weigh in on congressional redistricting

The Flathead County commissioners have recommended to the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission that Flathead County be kept within a Western Montana congressional district.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Proposed zone change for marinas would affect Bigfork development

The Flathead County commissioners will consider a zone change regarding the use of marinas that affects Bigfork Bay during a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 21.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Covid shuts down Eureka elementary school

Eureka Elementary School closed Monday due to a large number of Covid-19 positive or symptomatic staff, Eureka Superintendent of Schools Jim Mepham said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County mulls purchase of new vote tabulators for elections

The Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday will further consider the purchase of new vote tabulators and a hardened laptop system for use in county elections, after tabling the matter Aug. 26.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Rose Crossing safety project completed

A safety improvement project to adjust a troublesome 90-degree turn on Rose Crossing near Kalispell has been completed, except for hydroseeding in the road right of way that will happen this fall.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Zone change proposed for acreage near Happy Valley

A proposal to alter the zoning on roughly 28 acres north of Happy Valley to allow further development is among four zone-change requests awaiting the Flathead County Planning Board at its Wednesday meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Columbia Falls brewery among businesses suing Montana secretary of state over duplicate charges

Backslope Brewing of Columbia Falls is one of seven small businesses that have sued Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, alleging her office overcharged many businesses for various fees and then declined to issue refunds unless requested in writing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Longtime Flathead physician Bruce McIntyre dies at age 100

Well-known Flathead Valley physician Dr. Bruce McIntyre died Aug. 25 at the Immanuel Skilled Nursing Center in Kalispell, where he was a resident. He was 100.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

State says path along Montana 35 needs community support

A shared-use path along Montana 35 in Bigfork could become a reality with financial backing from the community, state highway officials recently told the Flathead County commissioners.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

US 2 roundabout, interchange near Kalispell almost complete

The new $5.2 million roundabout on U.S. 2 at the Dern/Springcreek Road intersection west of Kalispell will open to motorists in October, state highway officials told the Flathead County commissioners during an Aug. 10 briefing about road construction projects throughout the county.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish, Columbia Falls schools announce opposite mask policies

The two biggest school districts in the North Valley will take opposite approaches to mask requirements when the school year starts in a couple weeks.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

County renews agreements for Sliter Park

The Flathead County commissioners have signed two agreements that will keep the Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park in downtown Bigfork operating as one of the community’s premier parks.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

County renews agreements for Bigfork's Sliter Park

The Flathead County commissioners have signed two agreements that will keep the Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park in downtown Bigfork operating as one of the community's premier parks.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

West Glacier Vision Plan offers guide for growth

The heavily traveled Going-to-the-Sun Road serves as the west entrance to Glacier National Park, but it's also West Glacier's main street. It's a conundrum that has put the West Glacier community in a struggle to save its small-town soul amid burgeoning park visitation and the accompanying impacts.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Hoopers' beloved Mustangs to be displayed at car show

Those in Bob Hooper's wide circle of friends and acquaintances know he had a passion for old cars — Ford Mustangs in particular.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork bridge owner sues county

In the latest legal chapter of the embattled "bridge to nowhere" that connects the north shore of Flathead Lake to Dockstader Island, the property owner who built the bridge is now suing Flathead County for inverse condemnation.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork bridge owner sues county for 'taking'

In the latest legal chapter of the embattled "bridge to nowhere" that connects the north shore of Flathead Lake to Dockstader Island, the property owner who built the bridge is now suing Flathead County for inverse condemnation.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Judge rules DEQ failed to consider cumulative impacts of Creston bottling plant

The ruling is the latest chapter in the ongoing litigation over operation of the bottling plant.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Judge rules state agencies' review of bottling plant insufficient

A Flathead County District Court judge has ruled the Montana Department of Environmental Quality failed to consider the cumulative impacts of the Montana Artesian Water Co. water bottling plant near Creston at full build-out when it conducted an environmental review of the plant.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Flathead Class of 1951 gathers for 70th reunion

In the days leading up to commencement in 1951, many of Flathead County High School's 219 graduating seniors likely were cruising to the local drive-ins to gather one last time as classmates.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County gets $3M-plus federal payment

Flathead County will receive a $3.114 million payment from the federal government under a program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Deadline for municipal election filing is Monday

City council elections in all three of Flathead County’s incorporated cities will be heavy on incumbents this time around.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Lost Prairie skydiving 'king' Fred Sand dies

Fred Sand, who ran the Skydive Lost Prairie drop zone for 42 years and mentored hundreds of skydivers, died Monday at his home.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Wyoming auto group plans expansion in Whitefish

A Wyoming-based automotive group has plans to open an auto sales and service business in the former DePratu Ford VW building in Whitefish, and hopes to be up and running by mid-July.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Zoning reg changes proposed for North Fork

A proposed amendment that tweaks zoning regulations in the North Fork of the Flathead River area is the focus of a public hearing tonight before the Flathead County Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Luxury estate sells for $55 to Texas investors

The Homestead, a sprawling, nearly 1,700-acre luxury property northwest of Whitefish, has been sold to a group of investors from Texas for $55 million, PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate in Whitefish announced Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Rural Whitefish luxury estate sells for $55M to Texas investors

Rural Whitefish luxury estate sells for $55M to Texas investors
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Rural Whitefish luxury estate listed at $55M sold to Texas investors

The Homestead, a sprawling, nearly 1,700-acre luxury property northwest of Whitefish listed for $55 million, has been sold to a group of investors from Texas.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Retired Flathead District Judge Ted Lympus dies

The Honorable Ted O. Lympus, a former Flathead County Attorney and Flathead District Court judge for decades, died peacefully at home Thursday morning in Missoula.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Tighter restrictions proposed as COVID numbers climb

In response to a dramatic increase in Flathead County COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, the county Board of Health on Thursday will consider a proposal for tighter restrictions for crowd sizes at bars, restaurants, churches and other social gatherings if case numbers continue to rise.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Tighter restrictions proposed as Flathead COVID numbers climb

The proposal from the City-County Health Department would reduce capacity at bars, restaurants and churches to 25%.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Health board considers tighter restrictions as COVID numbers climb

Health board considers tighter restrictions as COVID numbers climb
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Tighter restrictions proposed as Flathead COVID numbers climb

In response to a dramatic increase in Flathead County COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, the county Board of Health on Thursday will consider a proposal for tighter restrictions for crowd sizes at bars, restaurants, churches and other social gatherings if case numbers continue to rise.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

The ties that bind: Three couples, all longtime friends, celebrate 60th wedding anniversaries

The stage was set for a night to remember as the couples arrived at the Whitefish home of Don and Diane Peterson on Wednesday evening.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish rolls out sustainable tourism plan

The Whitefish City Council tonight will zero in on a game plan to address how to manage a growing number of tourists in the resort town.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish considers raising affordable housing prices

A proposal to increase the city of Whitefish’s affordable home purchase and rental prices through the Legacy Home Program is the focus of a public hearing Tuesday before the Whitefish City Council.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Zoning changes in highway corridor considered

The city of Whitefish proposes to add another layer of planning oversight for some businesses in the secondary business district along the U.S. 93 South corridor by changing them from permitted to conditional uses.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish budget factors in utility upgrades

A proposed final budget of $65.5 million is the centerpiece of tonight’s Whitefish City Council meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Sustainable tourism topic of discussion for Whitefish

As visitors continue to pack Whitefish even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Whitefish City Council tonight will get a first look at a new Sustainable Tourism Management Plan for the city.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

News flash: DIL learns Ellington

Hagadone rolls out its new publishing system
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Board of Adjustment to decide asphalt plant permit

West Valley property owner aims to build asphalt plant for gravel operation
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

911 levy heads to Flathead County voters this fall

Flathead County voters will have another chance this fall to decide whether or not to support a ballot measure that will tax property owners to support capital improvements for the Flathead Emergency Communications Center.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

COVID-19 continues to ravage Montana

Montana COVID cases reach 1 million mark
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

911 levy heads to Flathead voters

Flathead County voters will have another chance this fall to decide whether or not to support a ballot measure that will tax property owners to support capital improvements for the Flathead Emergency Communications Center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Hearing set Tuesday on proposed 911 center levy

The Flathead County commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 21, before voting on a proposal to place the creation of a special district for the Flathead Emergency Communications Center on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish proposes mandatory mask use

A dozen more positive cases of COVID-19 reported over the past three days in Flathead County have prompted the Whitefish City Council to schedule a special meeting and public hearing on Wednesday to consider an emergency ordinance making the use of masks mandatory in the city.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish proposes mandatory mask use

A dozen more positive cases of COVID-19 reported over the past three days in Flathead County have prompted the Whitefish City Council to schedule a special meeting and public hearing on Wednesday to consider an emergency ordinance making the use of masks mandatory in the city.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Mineral, Sanders counties get $900,000 in federal payments

Mineral and Sanders counties will receive more than $900,000 this year from the federal government under a long-running program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lake County to get $474k from federal comp program

Lake County will receive $474,568 this year from the federal government under a long-running program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish council mulls mask resolution

The Whitefish City Council tonight will consider passing a resolution that strongly encourages — but does not mandate — the use of masks in public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

County reaps $3 million in payments in lieu of taxes

Flathead County will receive just over $3 million this year from the federal government under a long-running program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County jobless rate improves

Flathead County’s unemployment rate improved in May, posting at 11.9% as the lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions enabled businesses to begin to reopen. Flathead had posted a 16 % unemployment rate in April.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Amtrak to reduce Empire Builder service to three days a week

Amtrak will cut its passenger train service on the Empire Builder to just three days a week starting in October, due to ridership declines from the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said this week.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Sweet Peaks Ice Cream seeks permit for manufacturing facility

A proposal by Sweet Peaks Ice Cream to operate an ice cream manufacturing facility and retail store on U.S. 93 S. in Whitefish is the focus of a public hearing Thursday before the Whitefish Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Flathead veterans to honor acclaimed military officer with flag ceremony

Maj. Gen. Neil Van Sickle was the oldest living West Point graduate when he left this world at 104 years old on Sept. 29, 2019, and while it’s a marvel to reach that ripe old age, it was the wide-ranging accomplishments throughout the many decades of his live that are …
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Local schools to remain open for now

Public schools in Flathead County will remain open “at this point” in time as school administrators continue to monitor the potential threat of a coronovirus outbreak.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

ALERT pioneer Dr. Jack Davis dies

Dr. Jack Davis, who helped create the ALERT emergency helicopter service based at Kalispell Regional Medical Center and was integral in developing the hospital’s cardiology program, died Saturday in Tucson, Arizona.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

West Valley collector creates lavish dioramas

As Trish Hurley contemplates the pleasure she gets from collecting dolls and outfitting them in grand style, she admits it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

West Valley collector creates lavish dioramas

As Trish Hurley contemplates the pleasure she gets from collecting dolls and outfitting them in grand style, she admits it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Historic cabins burn in Glacier blaze

Glacier National Park officials have confirmed that a number of structures were lost Sunday night as wind and extreme fire conditions caused the Howe Ridge Fire to swell to well over 1,500 acres.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Historic cabins burn in Glacier blaze

Glacier National Park officials have confirmed that a number of structures were lost Sunday night as wind and extreme fire conditions caused the Howe Ridge Fire to swell to well over 1,500 acres.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Elderberry elixir: the cure for what ails us?

A co-worker of mine from the early 1980s sent me an intriguing email the other day. I hadn’t heard from him for years, but he remembered my Minnesota connection and sent me a copy of an article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune he knew would grab my attention.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Elderberry elixir: the cure for what ails us?

A co-worker of mine from the early 1980s sent me an intriguing email the other day. I hadn’t heard from him for years, but he remembered my Minnesota connection and sent me a copy of an article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune he knew would grab my attention.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Pre-evac orders in place for border fire

Flathead County issued pre-evacuation orders over the Labor Day weekend for residents of Moose City north of Pole-bridge near the Canadian border in the area where the Elder Creek Fire has crossed the border into the United States.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Pre-evac orders in place for border fire

Flathead County issued pre-evacuation orders over the Labor Day weekend for residents of Moose City north of Pole-bridge near the Canadian border in the area where the Elder Creek Fire has crossed the border into the United States.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Study: Whitefish needs 1,000 more homes by 2020

Whitefish needs nearly 1,000 more dwellings to compensate for current workforce housing shortages and keep up with demand through 2020, a new affordable housing needs assessment reveals.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish wants input on U.S. 93 corridor plan

A plan to rezone 490 acres of land along the U.S. 93 corridor outside of Whitefish city limits has prompted the city of Whitefish to schedule a public hearing Monday to provide more public feedback on the proposed corridor plan.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Complaint prompts hearing over portable toilet storage

A complaint over the storage of portable toilets at North Valley Refuse is the impetus for a conditional-use permit request that will be considered Dec. 6 by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

New cookbook benefits Creston Fire Department

There are 548 recipes in Louise Tidwell’s new cookbook and she’s made all of them except one — a recipe for homemade vinegar.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Helping nonprofits navigate the art of giving

One of the most important tenets Chany Reon Ockert strives to convey to the nonprofit organizations she helps is that fundraising is not begging for money.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish City Council vote expected on hotel hot tub

A final decision is expected tonight on the Firebrand Hotel’s quest to install a rooftop hot tub.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Divers find historic houseboat in Somers Bay

The first privately owned houseboat ever to navigate the waters of Flathead Lake — a beauty of a boat launched in 1928 — has been resurrected from Somers Bay almost 80 years since the luxury vessel burned and sank.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO

Extraordinary women are all around us

How extraordinary that the 100th anniversary of the election of the United States’ first woman to hold federal office — our very own Jeannette Rankin — coincided almost to the day of our recent presidential election.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO

Holmquist retains commissioner seat

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO

Whitefish council mulls hotel's rooftop hot tub proposal

The fate of the Firebrand Hotel’s embattled rooftop hot tub proposal will be determined by the Whitefish City Council tonight following a public hearing on the matter.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO

Flathead Tiny Talks aim to inspire audiences in just 8 minutes

Got a few minutes?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO

Clear Choice Clinic expands to meet growing demand

A major expansion and renovation of the Clear Choice Clinic in Kalispell is the latest chapter of a nonprofit ministry that began 17 years ago as a small pregnancy resource center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO

Glacier Precast scrambles to meet demand

Tom Anderson may be feeling a little deja vu as he assesses the workload at Glacier Precast Concrete these days. It seems a lot like the economic boom of the early 2000s that preceded the national years-long recession.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO

County gets jail planning grant

Flathead County will receive a $40,000 state planning grant to evaluate the county adult detention center and expansion options.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish poised for more annexation

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Woman featured on Norwegian TV show

A 28-year-old Montana native with strong family ties to the Flathead Valley got in touch with her Norwegian heritage in a big way as part of the reality TV cast for the popular “Alt for Norge” show.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Food bank director has passion for helping others

Twelve years ago, Lori Botkin took a job as office manager of the Flathead Food Bank as a temporary position until she could figure out her next career move.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish studies increase in housing cash-in-lieu fee

The rising cost of housing in Whitefish has prompted the City Council to consider increasing the city’s cash-in-lieu fee per housing unit from $8,000 to $12,000.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Adaptive program opens doors for differently abled athletes

Moving Forward Adaptive Sports is living up to its name in the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

A story of love and loss

Every September when Suicide Prevention Awareness Month rolls around, I wonder if this will be the year I share my own story of loss to suicide. And every year I say no, it’s not time yet, and tuck that pain and loss back into the deepest trench of my heart …
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Show founders still thrilled by big engines

Nick Poncelt and Steve Skyberg never have totaled up the number of horsepower units contained within the many engines they’ve restored and rebuilt, but suffice to say it’s a lot of power.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Board approves Happy Valley casino

A proposed casino and tavern near Happy Valley on Tuesday won unanimous approval from the Flathead County Board of Adjustment despite heavy opposition from neighbors.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish considers water and sewer rate increases

A proposal to raise water and sewer rates by nearly $5 a month for an average household will be discussed at a public hearing Tuesday before the Whitefish City Council.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Green-box monitor has 'the greatest job'

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then to Dennis Kelleher the new Bigfork green-box garbage collection site is Buckingham Palace and he’s king of the castle.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Crawl-space rules added to flood regulations

Development requirements for crawl spaces in Flathead County’s flood fringe or regulated flood hazard area are among the flood-plain regulation revisions that will be considered this month by the county Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Zoning plan could affect bottling plant

A citizen-initiated effort is underway to expand the Egan Slough Zoning District to include property where a water bottling plant is proposed near Creston on property that currently is unzoned.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Slope repair may start this fall

The stabilization of a slump-prone bluff near Village Greens golf community is finally moving forward six years after the first landslide occurred.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Addition planned for Lakeside Fire Hall

State law will allow a proposed addition to the Lakeside Fire Hall, even though the building project doesn’t meet the Lakeside zoning district’s required rear setback of 20 feet.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners OK $92 million budget

The Flathead County commissioners last week unanimously approved a $92 million budget and voted to continue a funding mechanism that sets aside about $1 million a year for construction of a new jail.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish property owners appeal annexation ruling

A group of property owners along the east shore of Whitefish Lake has appealed a Flathead District Court ruling over annexation to the Montana Supreme Court.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Wild Jo's ready to open in Col. Falls

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Sister's memory lives on at Smith Valley Fire Dept.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: It's a dog's life for Minnesota mayor

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners OK Bigfork green-box fee

The Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution creating a special fee district for the new green-box garbage collection site in Bigfork.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Attendance, revenue up for fair

Good weather, a sold-out country western concert and strong attendance combined to make the Northwest Montana Fair “an overall success,” Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Property taxes going up again this year

Flathead County is on track to adopt a final budget that raises property taxes by 3.2 percent and increases the county’s workforce by 14 full-time employees.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Four finalists named for Whitefish city manager job

The city of Whitefish has narrowed its list of prospects to four finalists for City Manager Chuck Stearns’ replacement.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Hearing on Happy Valley casino postponed

A public hearing for a tavern and casino planned off U.S. 93 near Happy Valley has been rescheduled for the Flathead County Board of Adjustment’s Sept. 6 meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish mulls zone change for outfitters

The Whitefish City Council tonight will consider a compromise to an earlier request to allow recreational guides and outfitters as a permitted use in the city’s secondary business zone along U.S. 93 S.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: Auf Wiedersehen, Mr. Klassen

The older you get the more inevitable it becomes that people you know and love are plucked away by death.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Caregiver of the Year known for her poise and patience

When North Valley Hospital became an affiliate of Kalispell Regional Healthcare through a partnership finalized May 1, the transition came with a substantial amount of behind-the-scenes work on many levels.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Longtime Columbia Falls judge gets national award

Longtime Columbia Falls City Judge Susan “Tina” Gordon has been named the most outstanding non-attorney judge in the United States by the National Judges Association.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Housing survey underway in Whitefish

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and the city of Whitefish last week launched an online employer housing survey, one key part of an effort to quantify the extent of the affordable workforce housing shortage affecting local workers and the businesses that employ them.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Costs still climbing for Whitefish City Hall project

The Whitefish City Council once again is being asked to approve additional money for the City Hall and parking structure, this time to cover the costs of removing contaminated soil from the building site.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Parks and Rec user fee increases proposed

The Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department has proposed a number of fee increases for youth recreation programs and park facility user fees to offset a funding shortfall in the department.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: Trip down memory lane takes a detour

My mother-in-law has been visiting for a few days, so the dinner-table conversation invariably has been dominated by reminiscing about my husband Tim’s childhood days.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Local history fanatic eyes opera house restoration

A relative newcomer to Kalispell has set his sights on restoring one of the city’s historic crown jewels: the 1896 McIntosh Opera House.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Casino, tavern proposed near Happy Valley

A casino with a restaurant and bar planned at the intersection of U.S. 93 and Hodgson Road near Happy Valley will be considered by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment at a public hearing on Aug. 2.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

SpiritWorks Herb Farm steeped in healing arts

Carolyn “Lindy” Dewey bought her 10 acres of wooded paradise near Whitefish five years ago as a place where she could grow an organic garden.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Greenhouse, working farm proposed near Whitefish High

The Whitefish School District is asking the city for a conditional-use permit to build a greenhouse and transform space around Whitefish High School into a working farm and outdoor classroom space.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish to vote on Marriott hotel request

A decision about whether to grant a conditional-use permit to allow construction of a Marriott hotel is front and center on the Whitefish City Council’s agenda tonight.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: In a crazy world we still pray for peace

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

County mulls lakeshore regulation overhaul

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead cherry season arrives early

The cherry harvest around Flathead Lake is expected to begin next week, about 10 days earlier than normal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: Bologna news a refreshing change from U.S. politics

Up until a couple of months ago, I used to enjoy watching the morning news on TV while I ate breakfast and sipped a cup of coffee. I can’t do it any more.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

County plans $77.7 million in building projects

Flathead County has rolled out a proposed $77.7 million capital improvement plan for the next five years that includes $50 million for a new jail in 2020 and 2021.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Hobby Lobby coming to Kalispell

Hobby Lobby plans to build a 55,000-square-foot store in Spring Prairie Commons near the Kidsports athletic complex in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Traffic-flow options outlined for Courthouse couplet

Eight options for routing U.S. 93 traffic around the Flathead County Courthouse will be presented at a public meeting Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

200 jobs disappearing as C. Falls mills to close

Weyerhaeuser Co. will permanently close its lumber and plywood mills in Columbia Falls by late August or early September, eliminating 100 jobs, the company announced late Wednesday afternoon.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Alano Club of Kalispell expands

The irony of turning a bar into a gathering place for 12-step recovery programs is not lost on the leaders of the nonprofit Alano Club of Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Donors pitch in to provide South Campus patio

An outdoor patio is ready to go at Flathead County’s new South Campus Building, thanks in large part to Dave Reynolds of Alpine Sprinklers and Landscape.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: Water-ski feat stands test of time

Among the interesting things about working at a newspaper that’s been around since 1889 are the requests we get to find old stories. Our archives are a treasure trove of Flathead Valley history, and most of the time we’re able to track down what readers need through an archive search.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Sewer fix aims to keep groundwater out

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell pilot a finalist for White House Fellowship

Former U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds lead solo pilot Maj. Jason Curtis of Kalispell is among the national finalists for the 2016-17 White House Fellows Program, the White House announced Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish native steps into city clerk job

For 16 years, Michelle Howke was on the front line of answering phone calls to Whitefish City Hall, providing a steady voice of calm whether the caller was friendly or frazzled.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Subdivision proposed north of Kalispell

A major subdivision proposed north of Kalispell along Whitefish Stage Road tops a full agenda for the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday, June 8.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

EPA addresses ongoing cleanup of Somers tie plant

Ongoing cleanup at the former railroad tie plant in Somers will be outlined at a community meeting Thursday in Somers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: This milestone birthday is cause for reflection

Wasn’t it just yesterday I was bemoaning my 50th birthday? Now it’s 10 years later and I’m on the precipice of another milestone.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Beloved educator and coach Gene Boyle dies

Longtime Flathead Valley educator, school administrator and coach Gene Boyle, whose high fives and hugs endeared him to generations of students, died Monday morning, less than a week shy of his 74th birthday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish looks at horse-and-carriage operation

Will Whitefish be a one-horse town?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Give Local fundraising effort extended until May 10

The Give Local Flathead fundraising campaign for 70 area nonprofits has been extended through May 10 due to technical problems with the national Give Local America website that shut out Flathead area donors.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

County jail sets inmate record

The number of inmates housed at the Flathead County Detention Center set another record Sunday night, with 128 prisoners crammed into the jail.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

County jail sets inmate record of 128

The number of inmates housed at the Flathead County Detention Center set another record Sunday night, with 128 prisoners crammed into the jail.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish council looks at Lion Mountain annexation

Annexation is back on the agenda tonight as the Whitefish City Council considers its options for bringing areas around Whitefish Lake into the city.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork ranch owners again seek permit for weddings

A Bigfork couple whose commercial wedding facility was shut down three years ago because of a zoning violation is once again seeking a permit to resume holding weddings.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish board looks at west-side subdivision

A proposed subdivision on Whitefish’s west side tops the Whitefish Planning Board agenda on Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Majestic Valley seeks zone change

A zone change that would allow a hotel, restaurant and other mixed uses south of Majestic Valley Arena will be considered by the Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Daughters of American Revolution share rich history

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution will bring a lot of history with them as they gather in Kalispell this week for the annual state conference.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish council considers housing project

A 41-unit housing development planned on U.S. 93 South will be considered during a public hearing tonight at the Whitefish City Council meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

City wins suit over annexation

The city of Whitefish has prevailed in a legal dispute over the city’s legal right to annex a number of properties along the east shore of Whitefish Lake.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Webcam chronicles daily life of osprey pair

There’s love in the air in Evergreen.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish loses court appeal over gated roads

Grouse Mountain Estates Homeowners Association has the right to install gates and close its private subdivision roads to vehicular traffic, the Montana Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Rose Crossing zoning changes proposed

A proposal to change the zoning and create smaller lot sizes on rural land along Rose Crossing north of Kalispell tops the Flathead County Planning Board agenda on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish studies sewer options for Lion Mountain

A preliminary engineering report that outlines septic and sewer alternatives for Lion Mountain and possible incentives for utility connection and annexation is the focus of a Whitefish City Council work session tonight.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

County dives into major revision of floodplain regs

Flathead County is embarking on a major revision of its floodplain and floodway management regulations to coincide with new flood insurance rate maps adopted last year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Buckle collection becomes classroom tool

As Steve Eckels studies the mesmerizing swirls of a piece of Polish flint, he sees the melody of the ancient stone.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Caregiving a way of life for Prestige director

The best part of Patty Cordell’s job is feeling like she has 64 grandparents under her roof at any given time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Jury finds Flathead mobile-home salvager guilty of decay violation

A Columbia Heights property owner has been convicted of violating Flathead County’s community decay law for failing to dispose of more than 50 older mobile homes he moved to the property as part of a salvage operation.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Property owners urge changes to county plan

Dozens of residents in the Karrow Avenue area have asked the Flathead County commissioners to leave the existing zoning in place in their neighborhood when county zoning in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish is adopted.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Applied Materials restructures workforce

Applied Materials in Kalispell has placed 16 employees in its separation program as the company restructures its work force to compensate for market demand.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Goguen lauded for 'inspiring' philanthropy

There’s no doubt the allegations of sexual abuse against Whitefish philanthropist Michael Goguen and his counterclaim of extortion by his accuser have raised eyebrows in the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Rural Bigfork neighbors reactivate land-use group

The LaBrant-Lindsey Lane Land Use Advisory Committee has planned a public meeting Monday to rekindle interest in the neighborhood plan that covers an area north of Bigfork.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Traffic study details options for courthouse couplet

Creating an eastside bypass on Willow Glen Road and turning Kalispell’s First Avenues east and west into one-way streets are among the alternatives traffic engineers have identified for rebuilding U.S. 93 around the Flathead County Courthouse.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Quest for citizenship an insightful journey

Thao Huynh was sure the plane had somehow landed in the wrong place when she and her parents and younger sister arrived in the Flathead Valley that stark winter day in 2010.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County to install heated sidewalks

Flathead County is poised to spend between $258,000 and $295,000 to install heated sidewalks at two high-traffic county buildings in an effort to improve public safety.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Site picked for county athletic facility

A site south of Kalispell has been selected for Flathead County’s multi-use recreational facility, allowing business and design plans to move full steam ahead.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County renews Sliter Park lease

Flathead County will extend its lease with PacifiCorp for Sliter Park in Bigfork for another five years, the county Park Board unanimously decided Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Walmart building sold to U-Haul

The former Walmart building in Evergreen that had been studied for a future expansion of the Flathead County jail has been sold to U-Haul Co. of Montana.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Park gazebo project takes shape in Whitefish

The Whitefish City Council tonight will take the first step toward building a gazebo in Depot Park when it considers approving a $34,900 contract with Robert Peccia and Associates to design and oversee construction of the structure.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish to revisit transportation plan's projects

The Whitefish City Council is dusting off the city’s 1999 South Whitefish Transportation Plan to start looking at street and bridge improvement projects outlined in the long-range resource document.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Paraplegic to compete in Mrs. Montana pageant

A Kalispell woman who was paralyzed in a 2009 hit-and-run accident and then was injured again in another crash last year will be the first-ever wheelchair contestant in the upcoming Mrs. Montana pageant.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County pays $8,500 to settle demolition lawsuit

Flathead County will pay $8,500 in a negotiated settlement with LM Excavating to end a legal battle over the demolition of the county-owned Kalispell Feed & Grain facility south of Kalispell, the commissioners unanimously decided Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Court order halts grain elevator demolition

A temporary restraining order issued Tuesday by a Flathead District Court judge has halted the demolition of grain elevators at the county-owned Kalispell Feed & Grain property while a legal battle plays out over a missing cover page in the winning bid application.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County alters load limit to aid farmers

The load limit on the west end of Church Drive will be revised to allow truckloads of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer to reach West Valley farmers during the spring breakup season.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County resumes load limit discussion

The Flathead County commissioners are expected to make a decision Tuesday about whether to allow heavier weight limits on a portion of Church Drive so farmers can get their fertilizer delivered in time for spring field work.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Democrat files for county commissioner

A retired mental-health recovery center director has filed as a Democrat for the District 2 Flathead County commissioner position held by Pam Holmquist.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Lawsuit filed over Kalispell clinic destruction

Former Kalispell abortion provider Susan Cahill is suing the man convicted of destroying her health-care clinic as well as the man’s parents, Hope Pregnancy Ministries and the ministry’s executive director.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Educator publishes book about Chief Charlo

The story of Chief Charlo had been on Donna Maddux’s mind for a long time, about 46 years to be exact.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: Minus the memories, Mom is still Mom

Conversation with Mom has become more difficult in recent years as the agonizingly slow effects of Alzheimer’s disease continue to disassemble her memory one neuron at a time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish woman claims Mountain Man title

Sara Erb has very good aim.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Construction companies question hauling exceptions

Local construction companies are crying foul over Flathead County’s decision to waive load restrictions on a short segment of Stillwater Road that will be used for 10 days of hauling for the U.S. 93 bypass project.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County still studying farm-road weight limit

Flathead County’s spring load weight limits on county roads took effect Wednesday, but the commissioners remain undecided about whether to make an exception for Church Drive so heavy loads of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer can be delivered to West Valley farmers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Building relationships is an integral part of foundation job

As the president of the Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation, Tagen Vine has been at the helm of a philanthropic endeavor that has brought in $21.5 million over the past decade.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish woman named top mom

A 26-year-old Whitefish woman who juggled motherhood and military life has been named Montana’s Mother of the Year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Early load limits won't affect bypass hauling

Unseasonably warm weather has prompted the Flathead County commissioners to set spring load limits on county roads more than two weeks ahead of normal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County compromises on zoning setback

The Flathead County commissioners last week agreed to retain a 100-foot setback for the city of Whitefish’s primary water source, a key compromise as the county inches closer to adopting zoning in the “doughnut” area surrounding Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Valley Voices Choir to sing at Carnegie Hall

The Valley Voices Community Choir has been invited to perform at New York City’s world-famous Carnegie Hall in November after being “discovered” via a YouTube video the choir posted online.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish proposes moratorium on density averaging

The Whitefish City Council on Tuesday will consider a six-month moratorium on allowing the averaging of residential density across zoning districts when a planned-unit development overlays more than one zoning district.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Mission trip builds momentum for outreach

Giving hope to people who struggle every day to simply survive is a profound experience.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell vocalist to audition for 'The Voice'

As Michal Downing cradled her dying boyfriend in her arms 10 years ago, her first impulse was to sing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

EPA unveils final Libby cleanup plan

A final asbestos remediation plan for Libby and Troy calls for the cleanup of several hundred remaining properties over the next two to three years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Polluted soil: New headache for Whitefish project

Contaminated soil has been detected at the City Hall/parking structure site in Whitefish, adding another wrinkle — and added cost — to a project that is already more than $1 million over budget.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish bracing for parking crunch

Faced with a critical parking shortage this summer, the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead in finding alternative parking solutions.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Store features Christian connection center

Last summer Jade Owens stepped outside her comfort zone and began a venture — an adventure, really — that is connecting her to all kinds of people in need of a little encouragement and unconditional love.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork husband donates kidney to wife

Tyson Niewoehner simply smiles when asked how he and his wife, Shelley, will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

A flair for the flare: Novice glassblower learning the tricks of the trade

It was a YouTube video that sucked Hunter Linstead into the world of glassblowing about a year ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: 'Orphan trains' a compelling slice of history

There are plenty of good books out there to wile away the winter doldrums, but one in particular has left me wanting to learn more about the actual historical events on which the fictional novel was based.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Millions of dollars poured into street repair

The potholes in Whitefish used to be so big they made front-page news.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County supports Superfund alternative for CFAC

The Flathead County commissioners this week will send a letter to state and federal officials urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to designate Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. a Superfund alternative site.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Superfund designation probably delayed until fall

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency likely will seek a Superfund designation for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. site this fall, an agency official said Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Marriott studies 111-room Whitefish hotel

Marriott has filed pre-application paperwork with the Whitefish Planning Office for a three-story, 111-room hotel along U.S. 93 just south of Mountain Mall in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Eco camp planned near Whitefish

A proposal to create an eco-friendly camp and retreat center near the Whitefish Assembly of God Church south of Whitefish goes to the Flathead County Board of Adjustment for a public hearing on Feb. 2.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Children's Theatre building purchase in the works

The Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork has offered to sell its majority interest in the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre building on Grand Avenue for $85,000.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Two Fair Board incumbents reappointed

After readvertising various Flathead County board vacancies amid criticism that the application process was flawed, the county commissioners this week reappointed incumbent Fair Board members Butch Woolard and Sam Nunnally.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lung cancer screening program takes shape

A lung cancer screening program that Kalispell Regional Healthcare will launch in March has an ulterior motive: It aims to make lung screening as commonplace as a mammogram or colonoscopy.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Olympic ski champ cancels trip to Whitefish

Olympic and world champion skier Picabo Street has canceled her trip to Whitefish as she faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly assaulting her father last month while her three children witnessed the incident.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Wings lifts Kalispell family during child's cancer treatment

When Chris and Nicole Ross Miller headed to Spokane on a fall day in 2014 with their two young daughters, they expected to stay for the weekend.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork apartments to get tax credits

A proposal to renovate the Little Jon Apartments in Bigfork won approval from the Montana Board of Housing on Tuesday, with the prospective new owners of the housing complex receiving $2.6 million worth of federal tax credits.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Planning Board: Tap house proposal tops agenda

A plan to convert the former Dire Wolf restaurant building into a tap house will be considered during a public hearing before the Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish City Council hearing deals with Haskill Basin easement

The purchase of a conservation easement for 3,020 acres of land in Haskill Basin involves a seven-part public hearing at the Whitefish City Council meeting on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Foster Grandparent Program is recruiting

It’s been a year of heartfelt hugs for Linda Gimbel.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Foundation makes big strides in Cambodia

Rachel Riggio went to Cambodia three years ago with a mountain of a mission.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Tax credits sought for Courtyard Apts. upgrade

Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana is vying for state housing tax credits that would enable the agency to undertake a major renovation of its Courtyard Apartments on Airport Road in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: Lottery woes and Norwegian stamina

Thank goodness a trio of lucky players finally won the $1.5 billion Powerball drawing so we can all get on with our lives. I’m not a gambler, but I succumbed to the office pool for the now historic largest lottery drawing in the world.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Helen, Van Kirke Nelson's collection spans decades

A collection of rare American Indian artifacts owned by Helen and the late Dr. Van Kirke Nelson of Kalispell will be sold at auction Feb. 6 in Boston by internationally acclaimed auction house Skinner.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Maintenance chief files for commission

Tim Harmon, the maintenance supervisor for the Flathead County Fairgrounds, is challenging incumbent District 2 County Commissioner Pam Holmquist on the Republican ticket.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Holmquist files for re-election

Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist filed for re-election on Thursday, touting her ability to solve problems and keep the county financially on track.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County appeals greenbelt court ruling

A Flathead District Court ruling that rejected Flathead County’s greenbelt zoning classification has been appealed to the Montana Supreme Court by the county commissioners.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County appeals greenbelt court ruling

A Flathead District Court ruling that rejected Flathead County’s greenbelt zoning classification has been appealed to the Montana Supreme Court by the county commissioners.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County appeals greenbelt court ruling

A Flathead District Court ruling that rejected Flathead County’s greenbelt zoning classification has been appealed to the Montana Supreme Court by the county commissioners.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Building inspector remembered for work ethic

Longtime Whitefish Chief Building Official Virgil Bench died Monday after battling cancer for several months. He was 63.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Canvas Church debuts expansive lobby

A new 6,000-square-foot lobby at Canvas Church will open the weekend of Jan. 16 and 17, capping a $3 million remodeling and rebranding of the church.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Eckhart Tolle discussion group forming locally

A local discussion group based on the writing and teaching of German author and spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle is being formed in the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County details summer road projects

A 3-mile section on the north end of KM Ranch Road is one of the biggest road rehabilitation projects Flathead County has on tap for the summer construction season.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish stages open house at new park site

The city of Whitefish will hold an open house at 10 a.m. Monday at the James Bakke estate on West Seventh Street to give prospective bidders a chance to inspect six buildings on the property that need to be moved or salvaged to clear space for a city park.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County picks firm to demolish old grain elevators

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday selected Spoklie Gravel and Oilfield Service of Kalispell to demolish the grain elevators at the county-owned Kalispell Feed & Grain property south of Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County studies innovative plan for road paving

The Flathead County Road Department is working with property owners in three outlying areas on a collaborative agreement to pave sections of several county roads.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Innovative paving plan includes Chapman Hill Road

The Flathead County Road Department is working with property owners in three outlying areas on a collaborative agreement to pave sections of several county roads.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Innovative paving plan includes Chapman Hill Road

The Flathead County Road Department is working with property owners in three outlying areas on a collaborative agreement to pave sections of several county roads.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners swap committee assignments

The Flathead County commissioners voted Monday to retain Commissioner Pam Holmquist as the commission chairwoman for another year, but swapped several committee assignments.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Upgrade planned for Bigfork apartment complex

The potential sale of the Little Jon Apartments in Bigfork is aimed at making improvements to the apartments and keeping them affordable for several more decades, the prospective buyers said recently.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Businesswoman leads by example

Marie Hickey AuClaire had a request before she agreed to tell her life story: She doesn’t want the spotlight to shine on her.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

City Hall cost overrun tops tonight's agenda

The Whitefish City Council starts the new year with an old headache of how to handle a cost overrun for the new City Hall and parking structure.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

'God's timing' brings Columbia Falls woman to clinic

Tammy Stevens remembers well the first night she timidly walked into Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic more than 12 years ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Shepherd's Hand celebrates 20 years

As Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic recently noted its 20th anniversary, volunteers celebrated the outreach ministry’s past. They also envisioned what the clinic’s future will look like.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County seeks grant to study jail options

Flathead County officials hope to hear in January whether the county will get a $45,000 planning grant to study alternatives for expanding the county jail.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

New specialist targets lung cancer

In Dr. Katarine Egressy’s world, early intervention is the name of the game.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: 'Affluenza' a symptom of sick society

I’ve been following with great interest and even greater disgust the case of the Texas teenager whose defense for killing four people in a drunk-driving accident was “affluenza” — he was too rich to know right from wrong.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Local teens excel at Youth Challenge Academy

Antonio ScottiBelli and Quinten Gilbertson were headed down similar paths before they enrolled in the Montana Youth Challenge Academy several months ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Cost estimates soar for slope stabilization project

The stabilization of a slump-prone bluff off Whitefish Stage Road has been stalled because Flathead County received no bids from contractors to complete the work.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Early ranger a close friend of Teddy Roosevelt

A new book about Theodore Roosevelt and his leadership ability details a friendship and mutual admiration between the 26th president of the United States and backcountry hunting guide Fred Herrig, an early forest ranger in Northwest Montana who spent the last part of his life living in Fortine.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County admits 911 district process was flawed

Acknowledging flaws in the process of establishing an E-911 special district, the Flathead County commissioners voted 2-1 Wednesday to terminate the process.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County's proposed 911 district fails

A proposed countywide tax district to raise $1.9 million per year for 911 dispatch center upgrades will not move forward.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

911 tax district protests due Tuesday

The Flathead County commissioners will release the results of the E-911 special tax district protests shortly after 5 p.m. today when the protest period officially ends.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Crossword whiz had roots in Kalispell

A Kalispell native who was famous for his finesse in solving crossword puzzles died recently of heart disease at his home in Maryland.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Ugandan boy reunited with parents

Victor and Kari Kimera are getting exactly what they wanted for Christmas this year: Their 13-year-old son Marvin has finally come home.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Group shares Gospel amid ski culture

During this busiest week of the season at Whitefish Mountain Resort, a local Christian outreach ministry is going the distance to deliver the Christmas message — and plates of cookies — to resort workers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: Christmas letters still a time-honored tradition

Facebook and electronic greeting cards may have stolen a little of the anticipation of getting Christmas cards and letters in the mail this time of year, but I’ll admit I still look forward to hearing from friends and family members during the holidays.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Songwriter Don Pfrimmer dies at 78

Prominent country music songwriter Don Pfrimmer, who grew up in Whitefish, died of leukemia Dec. 7 at his home in Nashville. He was 78.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish City Hall shortfall close to $1 million

Cost overruns for Whitefish’s new City Hall and parking structure have now grown to nearly $1 million in a “worst case scenario,” the Whitefish City Council learned Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Teen shelter tops Whitefish agenda

Seven public hearings, including a permit request for a homeless teen shelter, will keep the Whitefish City Council busy tonight during its only meeting this month.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish City Hall: Cost overruns mounting

Higher-than-expected material and labor costs for the new Whitefish City Hall and adjoining parking structure have forced the city of Whitefish into a cost-cutting scenario that still leaves the city nearly $227,687 short for the $14.95 million project.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Top instrumentalist still adding to collection

In David Griffith’s world, a musician can never have too many instruments.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Carving a niche: Local stone, salvaged timber repurposed as decor

The raw materials are stacked high in Montana Stone Carving’s woodshop in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Assessments not likely to change before Dec. 29

It’s doubtful the Flathead County commissioners will consider any changes to tax assessments for the proposed 911 special district before the protest period ends Dec. 29.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Piano teacher finds new ways to stir her soul

Judy Doxtater’s home music studio in Evergreen has little decor surrounding her two Yamaha pianos, but a piece of artwork on one wall sums up the longtime piano teacher’s philosophy: “Music is the voice of the soul.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: 'Shop 'til you drop' mantra loses its appeal

On any given day, I enjoy shopping as much as the average consumer, I suppose.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Housing projects on Whitefish board agenda

A wide array of housing projects will be the focus of public hearings Thursday at the Whitefish Planning Board meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Change proposed for Bigfork subdivision

A proposed zoning text amendment for a 113-lot subdivision in Bigfork goes before the Flathead County Planning Board for a public hearing on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Olympic star Picabo Street part of local fundraiser

Ski Foundation’s auction features cat-skiing trip with champion downhill skier
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish looks at utility study, treatment plant

The Whitefish City Council will focus on a water and sewer rate structure study and talk about options and cost estimates for wastewater treatment center improvements during a work session at 5 p.m. today.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Lighthouse Christian Home expanding

On any given day the Lighthouse Christian Home is bustling with activity as residents tend to their daily chores, be it laundry or feeding chickens.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Artist bequeaths scenic acreage to city of Whitefish

A Whitefish artist who treasured open space and nature has bequeathed four acres of wooded land off West Seventh Street to the city of Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

911 district raises plenty of questions for taxpayers

Flathead County officials are fielding plenty of calls from residents opposed to the proposed countywide tax to raise $1.9 million a year for the consolidated 911 dispatch center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

Fundraiser for adaptive sports program Saturday

A fundraising event for Moving Forward Adaptive Sports will be held Saturday evening at Casey’s in Whitefish, even though the founders of the nonprofit program are recovering from a vehicle accident in Denver.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

Kalispell paraplegic injured in Denver crash

A Kalispell woman left paralyzed in a 2009 hit-and-run accident was injured in another vehicle accident Monday while in Denver to begin a rehabilitation program and promote the opening of a new paralysis recovery center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

Plum Creek deal creates timber 'Goliath'

Plum Creek Timber Co.’s manufacturing facilities in the Flathead Valley won’t see any immediate changes as Weyerhaeuser Co. finalizes its purchase of Plum Creek for $8.44 billion.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

COLUMN: Welcome to the world, Marlena

When last I wrote, I was pacing the floor like a madwoman waiting for my first grandchild to be born. You’ll recall I was frantic because my daughter was several days past her due date — “tick-tock, tick-tock.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

Colorful string a problem for ospreys

An ongoing problem of ospreys becoming tangled in baling twine has prompted a local wildlife biologist to lead an effort to remove the twine from nests in the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

FVCC grad goes to Poland for logging sports world meet

A Flathead Valley Community College forestry graduate and Logger Sports competitor is headed to Poland next week to compete in the Stihl Timbersports World Championship.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

County breast screening numbers drop

The number of women getting breast and cervical cancer screenings at the Flathead City-County Health Department has dropped over the past year because more women are tapping into the federal Affordable Care Act.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

Workshop to explore the challenges of raising chickens

So you want to raise some chickens in your backyard.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish studies highway corridor zoning

Proposed new transitional zoning districts along U.S. 93 West in Whitefish will be discussed during a Whitefish Planning Board work session that is part of the board’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Bigfork pilot to compete in World Air Games

If you see a light-sport aircraft flying around cellular towers in the Flathead Valley in the coming weeks, it’s probably Todd Ware out for a practice run.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County wins grant for senior center upgrades

Flathead County has been awarded a $437,459 Community Development Block Grant that will be used to upgrade area senior centers and improve accessibility for handicapped users.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Housing, water quality dominate Whitefish forum

During a candidate forum Wednesday night, Whitefish City Council candidates weighed in on several pressing issues facing the resort community, from a critical shortage of work-force housing to deteriorating water quality in Whitefish Lake.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Walmart jail plan thwarted

Flathead County’s tentative deal to buy the former Walmart building and property has fallen through because the owner has received a higher offer for the former box store and 14-acre site in Evergreen.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Early voting starts Oct. 14

Early voting for the upcoming municipal election in Flathead County starts Oct. 14.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Building blitz helps Bench family

A building blitz Sept. 18 through 20 helped erect a home for Whitefish Chief Building Official Virgil Bench, who is undergoing cancer treatment. But the job’s not done yet, said Tyler Frank of Malmquist Construction.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

COLUMN: Family history well worth the time and effort

I just got a new book in the mail and I’ve been poring over it for days. It’s not a best seller by any means, but to me it has great sentimental and historic value.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Featured quilter loves to sew 'every single day'

The signs of addiction are evident throughout Sally Glutting’s home.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish poised to adopt new flood-plain maps

Two public hearings on tonight’s Whitefish City Council agenda deal with adopting new flood insurance rate maps for the city and amendments to Whitefish flood-plain regulations.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish to privatize Ice Den management

A recent decision by the Whitefish Park Board to privatize the management of the Stumptown Ice Den will be the focus of a Whitefish City Council work session today.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plaintiffs defend challenge to dam sale

Plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the transfer of Kerr Dam to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes say they were dismayed that initial media coverage of their legal battle chose to focus on national security issues rather than their ongoing work to protect the public’s interest as it pertains to …
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Local deacon to share altar with Pope Francis

When Risen Christ Parish Deacon Floyd McCubbins was asked if he wanted to assist while Pope Francis says Mass in Philadelphia later this month, one might say he consulted a higher power: He asked his wife.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County, city may collaborate on plan for new gym facility

The beginning of a partnership between Flathead County and the city of Kalispell is in the works for a multi-use recreational facility.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Outdated plan complicates zoning effort

A push by Evergreen business leaders to create special zoning to boost commercial development is complicated because the applicable master plan for that area is nearly 30 years old.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Hungry Horse mom chooses advocacy after son's suicide

Denise MacDonald got a text message from her youngest son at 2 p.m. Aug. 12, 2011, that confirmed her worst fear.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: In hindsight, our 'good old days' were hazardous

While I was trolling the Internet for story ideas recently, I came across a humorous article I could certainly relate to: “28 Reasons Children of the ’70s Should All Be Dead.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Concerns raised over county zoning plan

A flood of last-minute comments about Flathead County’s proposed zone changes in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish has prompted the county Planning Board to call a special meeting Sept. 23 to further consider the changes.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Parade of Homes winners named

Some of the finest homes in Northwest Montana will be showcased during the Flathead Building Association’s annual Parade of Homes today through Sunday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Fundraising aims to 'Save Gateway'

A fundraising campaign launched Tuesday aims to raise $1 million by Sept. 30 to purchase the Gateway Community Center and complete renovations within the facility.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Columbia Falls library getting upgrade

The ImagineIF Columbia Falls Library is getting a facelift that includes a revamped children’s area, updated technology lounge, new shelving and other improvements.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish PEO chapter celebrates anniversary

Scrapbooks and memorabilia showcasing 100 years of philanthropic service by the Whitefish PEO Chapter D were on display Aug. 18 as members celebrated the chapter’s centennial.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County wins growth policy lawsuit

A Flathead District Court ruling in a lawsuit brought by Citizens for a Better Flathead against Flathead County over growth policy amendments favors the county’s actions and procedures.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Garbage, recycling to take center stage in Whitefish

Garbage and recycling — including discussion of mandatory curbside recycling with monthly charges — dominates the Whitefish City Council work session agenda on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Farmland case court date changed

A court hearing over Flathead County’s recent zone change allowing smaller lots on farmland near Whitefish has been rescheduled to Oct. 5.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

City plans targeted economic district

A plan to create a targeted economic development district in a northside industrial park is the focus of a special meeting of the Columbia Falls Planning Board on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Ceremony planned at Benghazi memorial in Bigfork

A monument built as a memorial to those killed in the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012, will be the backdrop for a ceremony planned on Friday, Sept. 11, to honor all fallen heroes.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish U.S. 93 rebuild completed in Whitefish

Reconstruction of the second phase of U.S. 93 west of Whitefish wrapped up Friday, with Schellinger Construction completing the project on time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County stuck on fire restrictions

Flathead County will keep its Stage 2 fire restrictions for now because the county commissioners on Friday were at an impasse over how to proceed with lifting the restrictions.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Izaak Walton Inn 'back in the saddle'

The historic Izaak Walton Inn opened for business again Monday afternoon after a fire evacuation order for the Essex area was lifted earlier that morning.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside on track for green-box work green-box site

The Flathead County Solid Waste District is moving forward with an expansion of the Lakeside green-box garbage collection site and a special fee district to pay for it.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County repeals Whitefish plan

The Flathead County commissioners voted Tuesday to repeal a 1996 Whitefish City County Master Plan for the “doughnut” area around Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Appeals court says Jesus statue can stay on mountain

The Jesus statue on Big Mountain can remain standing on U.S. Forest Service land, a 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel ruled today.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County OKs $105.2 million budget

The Flathead County commissioners unanimously approved a $105.2 million budget on Wednesday, commending department heads for continued fiscal diligence.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Treehouse retreat proposed near Whitefish

A plan to build a camp and retreat center near Whitefish featuring high-end rustic treehouses goes before the Flathead County Board of Adjustment on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: Chicken at church, 'awesomesauce' new words

The age-old question is: “Why did the chicken cross the road?”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Smoke affects fair turnout

Northwest Montana Fair attendance was down about 2.3 percent this year, due largely to heavy smoke from area wildfires and a wind and rain storm that blew through the Flathead County fairgrounds Aug. 21.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Zoning transition continues in Whitefish 'doughnut'

Flathead County continues its takeover of planning oversight in the Whitefish “doughnut” area with two public hearings at the county Planning Board meeting on Sept. 9.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Builders rally to help one of their own

Local builders are joining forces to construct a home for Whitefish Chief Building Official Virgil Bench while he undergoes treatment for small-cell lung cancer.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork tax district assessments finalized

A public hearing will be Wednesday to set the assessments for the recently created Rural Special Improvement District that will help fund the final round of Bigfork stormwater system improvements.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County poised to raise property taxes

Flathead County residents can expect a 1.8 percent increase in property taxes for the coming fiscal year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Conservation deal preserves Plum Creek land

More than 15,000 acres of Plum Creek Timber Co. land northwest of Whitefish will be conserved through an agreement announced Monday by the company and The Trust for Public Land.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Old blacksmith shop is eatery once again

Pans of freshly baked cornbread cool on a kitchen counter. The smell of smoked beef brisket wafts through the air.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish set to auction unusual items from City Hall

Are you in the market for a century-old steel jail cell?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

DeSoto has long Kalispell history

Leonard Anderson of Evergreen hadn’t been inside Boyd’s Blacksmith Shop — now the newly opened DeSoto Grill — since he brought his neighbor’s horse to the shop for new horseshoes in the 1930s.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Fire hits Plum Creek fiberboard plant

A fire early Thursday morning at Plum Creek Timber Co.’s medium-density fiberboard plant in Columbia Falls shut down a production line, but a second line was up and running by midafternoon.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County OKs exemptions to fire restrictions

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday unanimously adopted Stage 2 fire restrictions on private lands in the county, but also approved exemptions that will allow farming, construction work and activities such as lawn mowing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County extends Whitefish 'doughnut' interim zoning

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday agreed to extend interim zoning in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish for one more year as the county works toward permanent zoning in that area.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Review panel to consider ombudsman for Whitefish

A proposal to create an ombudsman position for the city of Whitefish is among the items the Whitefish Local Government Study Commission wants city voters to consider.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County wants to exempt farming from fire restrictions

The Flathead County commissioners will meet Thursday morning to consider exempting farming operations and welding operations with available water sources from Stage 2 fire restrictions.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish sues county over farmland zone change

The city of Whitefish is suing Flathead County over the county’s recent approval of a zone change allowing smaller lot sizes on 62 acres of farmland near Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Longtime 4-H leader sees value in youth program

Thirty-four years ago, Linda Stewart wanted to get involved with the Swan River Buttons & Bows 4-H Club, and as luck would have it she was in the right place at the right time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish parking district takes shape

The city of Whitefish is in the final throes of creating a special improvement district to pay for a portion of the cost of building a downtown parking structure as part of the new City Hall complex.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Chamber charging fees for parade entries

Most participants in the Northwest Montana Fair parade on Friday will have to pay $20 registration fees this year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish prepares to relocate city offices

The city of Whitefish is moving its offices and City Council chambers to another location at the end of August in preparation for the construction of a new City Hall.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Monterra addition focus of Whitefish hearing

A request to build 66 more dwelling units in the Montana housing development in Whitefish goes before the Whitefish City Council tonight for a public hearing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Funding challenge raises $163,000

Local nonprofit groups participating in the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Community Challenge fundraising campaign have raised more than $163,000 over the past seven weeks.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

COLUMN: Embracing the arts is a worthy endeavor

If we’re lucky in life, we have been raised by parents who taught us to appreciate the arts.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Tentative deal reached on Walmart building

Flathead County has a tentative agreement to buy the former Walmart building and 14-acre site in Evergreen for $2.8 million.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish derails bid for City Hall vote

The city of Whitefish has rejected a proposed petition requiring a public vote on Whitefish’s $14.8 million City Hall project, a maneuver that will buy the city enough time to get the new City Hall and parking structure built before a court battle plays out.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell woman is one of many who experienced Glacier fire first-hand

Debra Arnold of Kalispell was among the hikers in Glacier National Park who made a speedy exit from the park after the Reynolds Creek Fire roared to life Tuesday afternoon.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Two local hospitals work on collaboration

Kalispell Regional Healthcare and North Valley Hospital have created a joint task force to explore further collaboration between the two hospitals.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish plans to raise ice rink fees

After operating the Stumptown Ice Den at a deficit totaling $607,000 over the past eight years, the city of Whitefish proposes to increase user fees at the ice rink to cover operating costs and deferred maintenance.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Pastor's book a cathartic journey after daughter's sudden death

What is it like to pick out a casket for a 5-year-old a day before Christmas Eve?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Next airport expansion on the drawing board

As Glacier Park International Airport wraps up a nine-year, $32 million capital improvement program, planning already is underway for terminal expansion within the next five to 10 years.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish loses lawsuit over subdivision roads

A Grouse Mountain homeowners association has the right to close its subdivision roads to vehicular traffic, a Flathead district judge has ruled.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

'Fun at a very high level'

Many of Andy Zimet’s closest friends say he died doing what he loved.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners OK zone change

The Flathead County commissioners are moving forward with a proposed master plan amendment and zone change from residential to industrial on 2.1 acres along Whitefish Stage Road.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside subdivision OK'd despite concerns over water

A 15-home subdivision within the Eagle’s Crest development south of Lakeside won approval Thursday from the Flathead County commissioners.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Online auction gets no bidders for mall space

An online auction last month failed to attract any bidders for a portion of the former Gateway West Mall owned by American Capital Management.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Condo project on tap at Monterra in Whitefish

A second phase of condominium development is planned at Monterra in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Airport passengers set June record

Glacier Park International Airport set a record for passenger volume in June and is on track for another record-breaking year, Airport Director Cindi Martin said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Fair will increase gate fee

It will cost more to attend the Northwest Montana Fair this year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Planning begins for new Bigfork library

ImagineIF Libraries will begin to lay the groundwork for a new library in Bigfork with a community idea session planned Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish School Board leader dies

Longtime Whitefish School Board member Pat Jarvi died unexpectedly Friday. She was 72.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish needs permit to build City Hall

The next step for the proposed Whitefish City Hall and parking structure complex is for the City Council to approve a conditional-use permit for the project.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish wants input on government

If you have an opinion about city government in Whitefish, now is the time to voice it.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Hot summer evokes flashbacks for Midwesterners

To put things in perspective, here’s how oppressive the Flathead Valley’s heat wave has been: The summer weather in Minnesota has been more pleasant lately than Northwest Montana.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Without a trace

On the day after Independence Day in 1975, 14-year-old Robin Pettinato was walking barefoot to a friend’s house in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Second North Valley teen went missing 9 months later

Nine months after Robin Pettinato disappeared from Whitefish, a second North Valley teenage girl was reported missing from Columbia Falls.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Polson's fireworks depend on wind

The Polson Chamber of Commerce is still planning a fireworks show this evening at dusk, but officials said late Friday the show still could be canceled if winds become too strong.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Late surge of candidates enters City Council races

Last-minute filings in Columbia Falls and Whitefish have created contested City Council races in both cities.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

'No fireworks - period'

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday morning unanimously voted to ban the use of fireworks throughout the county on both public and private land outside city limits, effective immediately.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Kennel proposed north of Kalispell

A commercial dog kennel and caretaker’s facility planned north of Kalispell will be considered by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment on July 7.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish picks new public works director

A Wisconsin man has been hired to replace Whitefish Public Works Director John Wilson, who recently resigned to take the lead public works job for the city of Missoula.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Filing deadline is Thursday for city council elections

Filing for city council positions in Flathead County’s three incorporated cities ends Thursday with a few slots to fill in each city.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead gets $2.2 million in federal money

Flathead County has received just over $2.2 million from the federal government under a long-running program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish resort tax jumps to 3 percent

Lodging, restaurant food and drinks and luxury retail items will cost a little more in Whitefish starting Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Extension agent blends education, entrepreneurship

When a friend told Patricia McGlynn in 2008 she should apply for the Flathead County extension agent job, McGlynn’s first question was: “Is there water there?”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish guide helps with earthquake aftermath

Ten seconds.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Carved in stone

Every time Ron Bealer begins engraving a memorial monument, he knows his work will stand the test of time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish farmland zone change approved

The Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a zone change to allow smaller lots on 62 acres of farmland east of Whitefish after neighbors fells short in their campaign to stop the proposal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lookout years jump-started adventurous life for author

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Landfill workers file union grievance, vote to strike

The union representing county landfill employees has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the Flathead County Solid Waste District over a change in work schedules.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County budget vote planned Tuesday

The Flathead County commissioners today will consider adopting a preliminary budget for the next fiscal year that is just 1 percent bigger than last year’s budget.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Glacier Bancorp names CEO successor

A bank president from Salt Lake City has been chosen to succeed Mick Blodnick as president of Glacier Bancorp.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Sriracha restaurant opens next to Blue Cow

A passion for Thai food that started 18 years ago in Billings has catapulted Roger Vanlandingham into his latest business venture — starting Sriracha Thai Wok in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Second Street Pizza expands into Kalispell pizzeria

There’s another new restaurant in Kalispell’s Blue Cow neighborhood.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Buddy was a good dog

Two weeks ago my brother and sister-in-law posted a photo of Dad’s dog on Facebook, alerting the family that Buddy had passed away.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish considers river site for cemetery

The search for land to create a new Whitefish city cemetery may be over.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish tackles rising cost of City Hall project

The Whitefish City Council tonight must decide how to deal with a funding gap between a $13 million cost limit it approved in March for a new City Hall and parking structure — and the latest cost estimate of about $14.8 million.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Customized cruisers: Motorcycle maverick converts two-wheelers to trikes

There’s not much Dan Herstein doesn’t know about motorcycles, but it’s his niche business of converting two-wheel bikes into customized trikes that has established him as a conversion guru in the bike world.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Top local Realtors honored

The Northwest Montana Association of Realtors presented its 2015 awards Wednesday night, naming the Realtor of the Year, Rookie of the Year and the Jean Carter Spirit Award.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Great Fish Challenge

A new fundraising campaign launched by the Whitefish Community Foundation will keep 32 local nonprofit groups busy this summer.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Hot Monday shatters temperature record

By 4:30 p.m. Monday, Kalispell already had shattered its record high temperature for June 8, with the mercury topping 94 degrees at Glacier Park International Airport.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Lakeshore property owners sue over planned annexation

A group of 18 property owners along the east shore of Whitefish Lake are suing the city of Whitefish over the anticipated annexation of their property.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell Rotary lauds first female member

Nancy Manning broke the gender barrier when she joined Kalispell Rotary as the first female member 25 years ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

$58,834 grant to enhance Troy Farmers Market

The Farmers Market in Troy is about to get bigger and better.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Fish tales and the rest of the story

I’ve returned from The Last Frontier with a new moniker: The Halibut Queen.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Local visitor center to open in W. Glacier

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead in establishing a visitor information center in West Glacier where all area Chambers of Commerce can promote their communities to Glacier National Park visitors.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Neighbors oppose Whitefish area zone change

A neighborhood campaign is underway to stop a zone change for 62 acres of farmland near Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Indiana man hired as Flathead County planning director

An Indiana man who spent several years as a planner for Kootenai County, Idaho, has been hired as the Flathead County planning director.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Industrial zone sought for Whitefish Stage tract

A proposal to change the zoning on five acres of land along Whitefish Stage Road to light industrial is the focus of two public hearings June 10 before the Flathead County Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Lifelong connection with cemetery

Few people are born in a cemetery, but Bob Beck was one of them.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Where did Demersville painting go?

You wouldn’t believe some of the calls we get here in the Inter Lake newsroom. People count on us for all kinds of information, from the curtain time of a local theater production to finding a copy of Uncle Ernie’s obituary from 1957.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Dark fruit trials begin at FVCC

The quest to develop alternative agricultural crops in Flathead County continued last week with a new dark fruit research plot planted at Flathead Valley Community College.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Auction delayed for former Gateway Mall

The auction of a portion of the former Gateway West Mall in Kalispell has been rescheduled for June 15 at the request of the nonprofit Gateway Community Center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Former Whitefish couple lead relief effort in Nepal

A former Whitefish couple who provide education and shelter for children in Nepal are now on the front line of earthquake relief efforts in the Kathmandu area.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish council continues 'doughnut' transition

Whitefish is still dealing with the aftermath of losing planning jurisdiction over the “doughnut” area outside the city. Two of three public hearings tonight will deal with lakeshore regulation ramifications.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish ready to start building City Hall

The demolition of Whitefish City Hall is on track to start in September, making way for a new three-story City Hall and parking structure on the same site.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Motherhood comes full circle

It’s impossible to remember the details of every Mother’s Day I’ve celebrated since having children three decades ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Filing begins for city elections

Filing for City Council positions in Flathead County’s three incorporated cities began Monday and continues through July 2.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Corridor plan, lake vendors top Whitefish agenda

Public hearings about commercial vendors on Whitefish Lake and a corridor plan for U.S. 93 West top a full agenda tonight for the Whitefish City Council.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Williams honored for community service

In the world of community service, Tamara Williams is a mover and shaker.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Two permits now needed for Whitefish lakeshore work

The Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday finalized the transfer of jurisdiction for Whitefish and Lost Coon lakes to county control.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Section of Gateway mall on auction block

A portion of the former Gateway West Mall in Kalispell that houses a collective of local nonprofits will be sold through an online auction on May 19.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

County poised to assume Whitefish Lake oversight

The process of absorbing Whitefish lakeshore regulations into Flathead County’s regulations continues Tuesday with two public hearings before the county commissioners.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Rural air museum showcases extraordinary collection

At the Stonehenge Air Museum near Fortine, the stories are just as incredible as the airplanes themselves.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Curator steps into dream job at aircraft museum

Sam Winefordner swears he heard a choir of angels singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” the first time he stepped inside Jim Smith’s hangar and cast his eyes on the most extraordinary collection of vintage aircraft he had ever seen.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Rural Fortine microbrewery sees rapid growth

H.A. Brewing Co. head brewer and owner Chris Neill has put his own spin on that famous “Field of Dreams” quote: “If you build it, they will come.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish opposes zone change for 'doughnut' ag land

A proposed zone change for 62 acres of agricultural land in the former Whitefish “doughnut” area is opposed by the city of Whitefish and a local land-use watchdog group.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Beloved Dr. Van Kirke Nelson dies at 83

Dr. Van Kirke Nelson, a pioneer of the ALERT air ambulance service and longtime obstetrician-gynecologist who delivered well over 7,000 babies during his medical career in Kalispell, died Saturday at age 83.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Stoplight sought near railroad underpass on U.S. 2

A proposal to install a stop light at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Flathead Drive near the Conrad Complex to accommodate traffic in and out of the planned Glacier Rail Park in Kalispell is being reviewed by the Montana Department of Transportation.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Congress restores funding for roads, schools

A federal funding program that will provide about $1.4 million for Flathead County roads and schools this year has been reauthorized.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

New site considered for Whitefish microdistillery

The Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday will consider an alternate location for a proposed microdistillery and tasting room in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Over or under? Evidence settles TP debate

There’s a lot of superfluous stuff on Facebook, and I try hard not to get sucked in to most of the bantering that’s done via social media. I couldn’t help zeroing in on a recent recurring post, though, that seemed to settle once and for all the great toilet paper …
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

ImagineIF named Montana Library of the Year

Innovative programming, community outreach and a “visionary” strategic plan have earned ImagineIF Libraries the Montana Library Association’s Library of the Year award.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Ball starts rolling for county sports facility

Plans for a Flathead County recreational facility are moving forward as supporters begin to explore funding options for the project.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish studies proposed corridor plan

A corridor plan that addresses future land use along U.S. 93 West will be discussed during a Whitefish City Council work session today from 5 to 7 p.m.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish to consider spending plan

A $47.2 million spending plan for capital improvements over the next five years may be adopted by the Whitefish City Council tonight.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Karrow, Houston Tracts to be focus of zoning workshop

Zoning options for two neighborhoods just outside Whitefish city limits — Karrow Avenue and Houston Tracts — are the focus of a Flathead County Planning Board workshop April 8.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Dragon Boat Festival organizers seek permit

The Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau’s request for a conditional-use permit to allow the temporary use of four properties in Lakeside for the Montana Dragon Board Festival will be considered Tuesday by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Voter awareness advised in Whitefish elections

Whitefish residents will vote in two separate elections that will overlap in the coming weeks, and that has prompted a word of caution from the Flathead County Election Department.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish dog park ranked one of best in U.S.

Whitefish has gone to the dogs big-time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Flathead's von Trapps embark on new journey

The von Trapp children who launched a worldwide music career from their family home near Somers are all grown up now, but still follow the sounds of music.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Putting voles in the crosshairs - with gum

Gardening season in the Flathead is still a couple of months away, but I already have anxiety about what I’m predicting to be a banner season for those pesky subterranean dwellers called voles.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Planning director to step down

Flathead County Planning Director B.J. Grieve is changing jobs, but he’s not going far.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Court hears county growth policy lawsuit arguments

Whether or not Flathead County complied with mandatory procedures when it adopted an amended growth policy in 2012 was the focus of oral arguments Monday in Flathead District Court.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Transparency questioned in water compact letters

Flathead County’s handling of letters sent to state legislators and officials in opposition to the proposed tribal water compact has prompted Commissioner Gary Krueger to take issue with what he says is a lack of transparency in the public process.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Homeowners win slope lawsuit

A District Court judge has ordered the Flathead County commissioners to follow through with a federal grant it rejected in March 2014 for slope stabilization near the Village Greens subdivision and golf course.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

C. Falls Chamber of Commerce director to retire

A lot has changed since Carol Pike took the reins of the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 27 years ago as its part-time director.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Pair of alternate funding sources considered

There are few people who dispute the idea of a conservation easement to protect the city’s water resources in Haskill Basin.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Resort tax request aims to preserve critical Haskill Basin

Whitefish voters face a major decision next month about how to pay for the long-term protection of the city’s water supply.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Opposition focuses on funding source

The proposed 1 percent resort tax increase for Whitefish doesn’t have the blessing of everyone in the resort town.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Friends rally to help Mother of the Year

A Whitefish mother of three whose advocacy work and community service recently earned her the Montana Mother of the Year award now needs a little support of her own.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

$4 million project begins at county's old jail

The cost of renovating and expanding Flathead County’s historic old jail building has climbed to nearly $4 million as construction begins in tandem with ongoing environmental cleanup.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Murdoch's confirms plan to build store near Columbia Falls

Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply will break ground in April on a 46,000-square-foot store at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Montana 40 near Columbia Falls.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Plum Creek invests heavily in plant upgrades

Plum Creek Timber Co. plans to invest $10 million in plant improvements this year at its Northwest Montana manufacturing facilities.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Assisted-living relocation 'going smoothly'

All of the residents of Greenwood Village Assisted Living in Kalispell have been placed with other facilities since receiving 30-day notices that the facility will close in late March.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County landfill sees increase in waste stream

The Flathead County Landfill disposed of 100,445 tons of garbage during the 2014 fiscal year, an increase of 5.42 percent over the previous year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

South Campus project kicks off March 18

Flathead County seniors will gather on Wednesday, March 18, for a groundbreaking ceremony at the South Campus Building construction site at the corner of First Avenue West and 11th Street in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Community meal program brings Canyon folks together

On the last Thursday of the month, the former Canyon Elementary School in Hungry Horse is a beehive of activity.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

U.S. 93 business growth detailed in Whitefish

The sound of progress was audible as hammers pounded and saws buzzed during the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Progress report planned on rail-yard work

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Longtime community leader Murphy dies at 98

Longtime Flathead Valley community leader and local author Sylvia Murphy died of congestive heart failure Monday in Kalispell. She was less than a month shy of her 99th birthday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. permanently closed

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. is closing permanently and will demolish some plant facilities, company spokesman Haley Beaudry said Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

DePratu has new owner

DePratu Ford Volkswagen in Whitefish has a new owner and a new name.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Seniors get eviction notices issued

Residents of Greenwood Village Assisted Living in Kalispell are in shock and disbelief after receiving an eviction notice Friday that gives them 30 days to find a new place to live.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

'Pillar of Bigfork' dies at 90

Longtime Bigfork civic leader and environmental policy pioneer George Darrow died Wednesday in Kalispell. He was 90.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

ImagineIF rebranding pays off for Libraries

The Flathead County Library System took the bold step of rebranding itself as ImagineIF Libraries a year ago, and the public has responded in a big way, library officials say.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish woman selected as Montana's Mother of the Year

A Whitefish mother of three has been named Montana’s Mother of the Year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Determined paraplegic woman starts adaptive sports program, foundation

A lot has happened since Starla Hilliard-Barnes was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Montana last July.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Legislation aims to reauthorize federal money

Montana’s congressional delegation is pushing for legislation to reauthorize the federal Secure Rural Schools funding program that provides about $1.6 million annually for Flathead County roads and schools.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish considers resort-tax increase

The Whitefish City Council will decide Tuesday whether to move forward with a plan to ask voters to approve a 1 percent increase in the city’s resort tax.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Cold snap may boost pond hockey

The Montana Pond Hockey Classic will go on as scheduled in the Flathead Valley next weekend, even if organizers have to find an alternate location because of ice conditions.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

New shopping center goes to Planning Board

The Kalispell Planning Board begins its review of a fourth phase of commercial development in north Kalispell during a work session that follows tonight’s board meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Low fuel costs drive savings for county

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

Construction still on the rebound

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

Groundwater contamination increase detected at landfill

Flathead County and state officials are closely watching an increase in groundwater contamination at the county landfill to determine what kind of corrective action can best address the problem.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork chlorinating its drinking water

Coliform bacteria contamination in Bigfork’s drinking water supply was discovered last month, prompting the Bigfork County Water and Sewer District to alert water users.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County OKs plan for 'doughnut' zoning

Acknowledging there is still much work to be done before it’s finalized, the Flathead County commissioners on Monday accepted the Planning Board’s recommendations for proceeding with planning and zoning in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Old jail asbestos, lead paint removal underway

Flathead County is tapping into federal cleanup money to remove lead paint and asbestos and from the historic old jail building that is scheduled for restoration.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County worries annexation bill would be 'land grab'

A bill that would allow cities to include wholly surrounded county parks in annexations is being closely tracked by Flathead County parks officials.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Ice dam damages historic home

A heavy snowfall in early January, followed by thawing and freezing that created a thick ice dam on the roof of the Conrad Mansion Museum, has damaged the ceiling and walls within the historic 120-year-old Kalispell home.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Colleague's comments on tribe rile commissioner

Flathead County Commissioner Gary Krueger has sharply criticized fellow Commissioner Phil Mitchell for purportedly derogatory comments Mitchell made about American Indians in a newspaper article about the proposed tribal water-rights compact.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County trims $250,000 from building cost

The Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday agreed to cost-cutting measures for the South Campus Building that will trim more than $250,000 from the overall cost.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Governor asks county to reconsider compact opposition

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has asked the Flathead County commissioners to reconsider their opposition to the proposed tribal water rights compact.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell woman speaks out about son's heroin overdose

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

Flathead Valley Bridge Center: A place of their own

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

Next up in North Kalispell: 14 buildings on 28 acres

Plans are emerging for a new phase of commercial development in north Kalispell involving 14 buildings on 28 acres south of Costco.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County to shift rabies oversight

Following an outcry from local veterinarians over a proposed Flathead County law change to scrap a rabies vaccination requirement for dogs, the commissioners now plan to turn the rabies control program over to the county Health Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Aging programs won't change: Agency on Aging will remain a county department

A small group of seniors applauded Tuesday when the Flathead County commissioners unanimously voted to retain the Area IX Agency on Aging as a department of the county.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County mulls cost-cutting for South Campus Building

A work session on Friday to discuss the cost of Flathead County’s South Campus Building revealed the county could save well over $300,000 by trimming various building amenities.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish lakes added to county regs

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish hotel discussion continues Thursday

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Shopping network pioneer Paxson dies at 79

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County treasurer's duties are wide-ranging

As Flathead County treasurer, Adele Krantz has a lot more to keep track of than tax collections.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County says no to water compact

Flathead County Commissioners Phil Mitchell and Pam Holmquist on Thursday voted to send a letter to state officials opposing the proposed tribal water rights compact.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County could oppose water compact

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday will consider signing a letter to state officials that adamantly opposes the proposed tribal water rights compact.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Holmquist reappointed commission chairwoman

Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist was reappointed commission chairwoman Monday and Commissioner Gary Krueger will serve as vice-chairman.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Plows can't keep up with snow

Flathead County snowplows have been out in full force, but with 836 miles of county roads to cover and a storm inundating the county with snow, road crews are stretched to the maximum, county Public Works Director Dave Prunty said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Commissioner says so long but not goodbye

As outgoing Flathead County Commissioner Cal Scott packed up boxes on Wednesday and began his move out of the Courthouse, he offered a promise of continued involvement in the county he loves.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell Senior Citizens vote to relocate

The Kalispell Senior Citizens have voted overwhelmingly to relocate their center to Flathead County’s South Campus Building scheduled to be built next year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Contract award delayed on South Campus Building

A construction contract award for Flathead County’s South Campus Building has been delayed until 10 a.m. Wednesday to allow county officials more time to finalize a contract.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Stormwater tax district approved for Bigfork

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday finalized their approval of a Rural Special Improvement District for the final round of Bigfork stormwater system improvements.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Family of longtime newspaper carriers giving up Kalispell route

Over the last 18 years, the Oxford family has had some interesting encounters while delivering the Daily Inter Lake in the expansive Mission Village subdivision just north of Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Funding options studied for county building

With total costs for Flathead County’s South Campus Building coming in over budget, county officials are looking at options to keep the project on track.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Pet lynx survives for another Christmas

Kevin Moore thought his beloved pet Canada lynx, Misha, wouldn’t be around for Christmas this year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Four firms seek county building contract

Three Great Falls-based construction companies and Swank Enterprises of Kalispell will vie for the chance to build Flathead County’s South Campus Building.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Deadline near for Bigfork stormwater district

Property owners in a proposed Bigfork Rural Special Improvement District have a Christmas Eve deadline to protest the county’s plan for stormwater system improvements.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Older Grouse Mountain subdivision asks to join lawsuit

A lawsuit over the use of permanent gates in the Grouse Mountain Estates subdivision in Whitefish has a new legal wrinkle.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

CFAC opposes Superfund designation

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Historic Hugh Hockaday holiday display revived at KM Building

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County to consolidate recycling program

The Flathead County Solid Waste District is consolidating its recycling program and will phase out recycling bins at four green-box collection sites starting Jan. 1.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish 'Doughnut' - Board picks options for zoning

After nearly four hours of discussion on Wednesday, the Flathead County Planning Board emerged with recommendations for Whitefish area zoning and lakeshore regulations.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Big Arm group embodies community spirit

No one in the Big Arm Knit Witz knew how to knit very well before the community group organized two years ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

County delays decision on 'doughnut' regulations

The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday delayed a recommendation on how to proceed with Whitefish area zoning and lakeshore regulations because the board hadn’t received all of the public comments and correspondence.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners approve accessory dwellings

A zoning amendment to allow accessory dwellings in most Flathead County zoning districts won unanimous approval from the county commissioners on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

CFAC breaks off talks with state

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. has ended discussions with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality over the state’s pursuit of an environmental assessment of the defunct plant site.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Report: Libby cleanup efforts have reduced health risks

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Priest's personal story reflected in Christmas tale

In the quiet of a small country church this evening, a Christmas story like no other will unfold.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish subdivision sues over city's no-gate rule

The Grouse Mountain Estates Homeowners Association has sued the city of Whitefish over a recent resolution passed by the City Council that stiffened the city’s prohibition of gated communities.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish: New boutique hotel proposed

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County: Building project moving forward

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Flathead grad Ben Clanton: Finding success in children's books

Ben Clanton gives Whitefish sixth-grader Chaz Gillette a high five after Gillette came up with an idea to finish their story panel at Whitefish Middle School on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

'The ball has been given to Republicans'

When he takes office next month, Ryan Zinke will be the first Navy SEAL to serve in Congress.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Longtime Kalispell doctor Swanberg dies

Well-known Kalispell physician Louise Swanberg died unexpectedly Tuesday at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She was 65.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Compact a top issue for local legislators

The tribal water rights compact, tax reform and infrastructure needs statewide are shaping up to be priority issues as the Montana Legislature prepares to convene in January.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

New resource program addresses asbestos exposure

The stark reality of life in Libby is that the potential for further exposure to asbestos is an ongoing risk.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Incoming commissioner sees critical role

Newly elected Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck takes office in January, but the weight of his hometown’s asbestos issue already rests on his shoulders.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell kidney donor featured in Rose Parade

A Kalispell woman who donated her kidney to her father will be featured in the Rose Parade today to bring attention to the importance of organ donations.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

A city with Superfund fatigue

Superfund fatigue.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Long-awaited toxicity report nearly ready

Excavation of yards is a common sight around Libby, where asbestos cleanup has been underway for nearly 15 years. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is overseeing the cleanup, the Army Corps of Engineers is managing the contracts for soil removal. (Photo courtesy of EPA)
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

$400 million and counting: Superfund cleanup still going in Libby area

Mike Cirian keeps track of a lot of numbers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Local road work wrapping up in Kalispell area

Construction work on a mile-long stretch of U.S. 2 west of Kalispell in on track to wrap up in early December, although bad weather could thwart the final tasks.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

A party with purpose: Girls with hair-loss disorder getting new locks

Kiersten Koelzer and Lilia Sterkel bubbled with delight as they twirled in tutus and tried on wigs amid a party atmosphere at Picture Me Makeover Studios in Kalispell last week.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Leader says his Policy Institute is pro-European 'It

Richard Spencer doesn’t see himself as a hatemonger.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Crowd wants 'no hate' law

More than 100 people — most of them carrying “Love Lives Here” signs — filled the Whitefish City Council chambers Monday to protest against prominent white nationalist Richard Spencer and his organization’s presence in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

County delays decision on accessory dwellings

A county proposal to allow accessory dwelling units in most zoning districts was tabled Monday by the Flathead County commissioners after several people testified the zoning amendment needs further study.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Churches unite to help those in need

Ten area churches have joined hands to weave a tapestry of services that are wrapped in Christian love as they’re offered to some of the Flathead Valley’s neediest citizens.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Looms create shared artwork at ImagineIF libraries

Community tapestries are taking shape as the latest hands-on project at three ImagineIF libraries.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Lakeshore regulation issue still unresolved

There’s still no recommendation from the Flathead County Planning Board about how the county should handle lakeshore protection regulations for Whitefish and Lost Coon lakes.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Recount likely for county dispatch district

After a tally of Flathead County’s provisional ballots on Monday brought a county emergency services ballot measure to within 11 votes of passing, County Administrator Mike Pence said he will recommend a recount.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Planning board looks at Whitefish lakeshore regs

Lakeshore protection regulations for Whitefish and Lost Coon lakes are the focus of a public hearing before the Flathead County Planning Board on Nov. 12.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

KM Ranch Road paving project scrapped

A petition to pave KM Ranch Road using a cost-sharing Rural Special Improvement District has been withdrawn amid neighborhood opposition.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Rep.-elect Zinke ready to get to work

In the less than two months before the 114th U.S. Congress convenes, Montana Representative-elect Ryan Zinke said he has a lot to get done. And he’s anxious to get started.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

911 voting may be close enough for a recount

With a razor-thin margin between supporters and opponents of a special district to fund the county’s consolidated 911 dispatch center, the outcome of that ballot measure won’t be known until roughly 200 provisional ballots are counted on Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

40-home subdivision planned near Kalispell

A 40-home subdivision is planned on 47 acres about six miles southeast of Kalispell off U.S. 2.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Mitchell rolls to county triumph

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Mountaintop smart home up for auction block

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Candidates sparse for local government commissions

With only two candidates vying for local government study commissioner positions in Whitefish and no candidates in Columbia Falls, write-in candidates likely will determine who serves on the study commissions in the two North Valley cities.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Extension studied for Evergreen zoning

An enterprise overlay zone created for Evergreen a year ago as an emergency measure to spur business growth hasn’t yet shown significant results, but the zoning tool may need more time to be effective, a Flathead County Planning Office report advises.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Wedding host guilty of zoning violation

A Bigfork wedding facility operator pleaded guilty Tuesday in Flathead County Justice Court to a criminal misdemeanor for violating county zoning laws.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Commissioners approve letter on water compact

A letter detailing Flathead County’s priorities as negotiations continue over a tribal water compact will be sent to Gov. Steve Bullock.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Commissioners vote for majority rule

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday adopted a written policy about how the commissioners may add or delete agenda items from now on.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Compact back on commission agenda

In an unusual turn of events, the Flathead County commissioners on Thursday will consider approving a letter written by Commissioner Gary Krueger to Gov. Steve Bullock outlining the county’s priorities in the ongoing negotiations over the tribal water rights compact.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Jobless rate down to 4.8 percent

Flathead County’s unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest level in more than six years.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Dustup emerges over KM Ranch Road paving plan

A citizen-initiated proposal to pave nearly 6 miles of KM Ranch Road using a Rural Special Improvement District funding approach has rankled many longtime residents along the gravel road who say they can’t afford it.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Water compact meeting postponed

Flathead County Commission Chairwoman Pam Holmquist has postponed the commissioners’ discussion and public comment session planned Wednesday on the proposed tribal water rights compact.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Whitefish considers action on bear issue

An increasing problem with bear encounters in Whitefish has prompted the city to propose an emergency ordinance dictating how garbage will be handled citywide.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

House candidates debate in Kalispell

Candidates for Montana’s lone U.S. House seat covered a lot of ground during a Sunday evening debate in Kalispell, starting with the Ebola crisis and touching on gun rights, environmental regulations and a deadlock in Congress before winding up with their views on sustaining Social Security and Medicare.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

New 'Posse' group launched to celebrate Western heritage

For those enthralled with the history of the American West, the newly organized Northwest Montana Posse of Westerners stands ready to enlighten and entertain participants about the Western way of life.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Commissioners take up water compact again

At the request of local property rights advocate Russ Crowder, the Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday will take public comments and discuss the proposed water rights compact involving the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO

Options surface for Whitefish doughnut zoning

The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday dives into its second workshop to discuss long-range planning and zoning in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Educator's life shaped by rural-school experience

With 354 undergraduate credits and a college career at the University of Montana that spanned eight years before he got his teaching degree, Jack Eggensperger has a simple explantion: “I loved going to school.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Water compact talks to continue

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission will meet Wednesday in Polson for another water-rights negotiating session.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County stands firm in Agency on Aging support

The Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday affirmed their support of the Agency on Aging with a unanimous vote for the county to continue providing services for seniors.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Trail group seeks loop near C. Falls

The Gateway to Glacier Trail nonprofit organization has asked Glencore for a trail easement along the east side of the Flathead River near Columbia Falls.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Kalispell considers growth policy

A growth policy that lays out a framework to guide growth in and around Kalispell over the next 20 years is the focus of a public hearing and vote at tonight’s Kalispell City Council meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish to decide City Hall plans

The Whitefish City Council is settling in for a long meeting tonight, with nine public hearings that culminate with the council making further decisions about the design, cost and construction start date for a new City Hall.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Fiscal conservative vows to protect taxpayers

Phil Mitchell gave a decade of public service to Whitefish — four years on the City Council and six years on the School Board — and believes that experience gives him the ability to seamlessly step into the job of county commissioner.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Commissioners to discuss, vote on programs

The Agency on Aging is back on the Flathead County commissioners’ agenda next week for discussion and a vote to galvanize the county’s stand on providing aging services.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

GOP wants Schnebel voting record probed

The Flathead County Republican Party claims Democratic county commissioner candidate Stacey Schnebel engaged in illegal voting because she continued to vote in Whitefish city elections after she moved to Coram several years ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

City aims to strengthen gate policy

The city of Whitefish is standing firm in its prohibition of gated communities within the resort town following a request from the Grouse Mountain homeowners association to permanently gate its entrances.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish: 60-unit apartment complex proposed

A 60-unit apartment complex has been proposed on the south side of Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Flathead air-rescue pioneer Parod dies

Ted Parod, a pioneer in emergency air-rescue service in the Flathead Valley, died Saturday in Columbus of heart failure at age 73.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Still no debate, but candidates will attend forums

Contenders for Flathead County’s District 1 county commissioner seat remain at an impasse over a public debate, but both candidates will participate in candidate forums in the coming weeks.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish organizes interim plan board

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County studies 'doughnut' zoning

Now that interim zoning is in place for the “doughnut” area around Whitefish, the big question facing Flathead County is how to make the leap from interim to permanent county zoning.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County OKs design work for South Campus

An architectural and engineering agreement for a building to house the Agency on Aging won unanimous approval Thursday from the Flathead County commissioners.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Art of preservation: Group learns restoration tips for historic cemetery

Not all historic gravestones are made of stone.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Group forges ahead on cemetery preservation

A work group formed earlier this year to restore the historic Demersville Cemetery is bringing in a nationally known gravestone conservator to conduct a daylong workshop Tuesday at the cemetery south of Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish lakeshore restrictions uncertain

How to proceed with lakeshore protection regulations for Whitefish and Lost Coon lakes is the next big issue for Flathead County to sort out in the wake of a court ruling that handed planning jurisdiction around Whitefish back to the county.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County imposes interim zoning in 'doughnut'

Declaring it an emergency situation, the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to impose interim county zoning, effective immediately, in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Proposed zone change aims to help businesses

A proposed change to county zoning regulations would allow more traffic to and from home-based businesses.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Out of Eden: Thrift-store operators lose their space

A Columbia Falls thrift store that raises money for School District 6 will be homeless within a month.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Christian Center transformed to Canvas Church

It was time for a makeover.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County leaders debate next zoning steps

Acknowledging that zoning the “doughnut” area around Whitefish puts Flathead County in “uncharted water,” the county commissioners on Tuesday began considering an interim zoning proposal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Air show attracts crowd of 25,000

About 25,000 spectators attended the Mountain Madness Air Show, which took to the skies Saturday and Sunday and “went on without a hitch,” Air Show Director Chris Parson said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Thunderbirds zoom into Flathead

All eyes were on the sky when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flew into the Flathead Valley Thursday afternoon.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Man went from bakery job to Air Force pilot

The news media swarmed around Maj. Jason Curtis of Kalispell Thursday afternoon for a chance to interview him while other members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds took a back seat to the “hometown hero.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Split commission OKs budget

Flathead County adopted a $102.3 million budget and a $14.5 million capital improvement plan on Thursday, but the vote wasn’t unanimous.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Board backs land buy for Bigfork green boxes site

Bigfork residents are one step closer to getting a new green-box collection site in their community.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Sheriff, judges back jail plan

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said he solidly supports a proposed funding plan that would set aside money over seven years to expand the county jail.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Couple's park addition to be dedicated Wednesday

The Lakeside couple who donated a $3 million waterfront park to Flathead County fours years ago have developed a second phase of the park in Lakeside and will deed it to the county today.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Wedding hostess charged with zoning violation

A Bigfork woman has been charged with a criminal misdemeanor for allegedly holding a commercial wedding at her ranch in violation of county zoning laws.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County budget has plan for jail expansion

Flathead County’s $102.3 million final budget — up 26 percent over last year — includes a funding mechanism to begin setting aside money for a jail expansion.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Mentors helped shape Thunderbird pilot's life

As one of six stars of the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds squadron, Maj. Jason Curtis has all the qualities of an elite pilot.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Water-ski project taking shape

Greg Alsbury already has his lot reserved in the new Rosewater water-ski community that’s taking shape off Rose Crossing north of Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Conference strives to help mothers who have lost a child

A ministry that offers comfort, hope and encouragement to mothers who have suffered the loss of a child is coming to the Flathead Valley in September for a “Journey of the Heart” conference.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Rain slightly dampens fair attendance

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Attorney brings theatrical touch to Bar Association

Dressed in historic Western attire that includes a sheriff’s badge, Bigfork attorney Randy Snyder gets noticed in a big way as president of the Montana Bar Association.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Couple still seeking OK to stage weddings

A Bigfork couple whose commercial wedding facility was shut down last summer because of a zoning violation once again have applied for a permit to continue staging weddings at their Ten Arrows Ranch.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Siblings shine with steers

The first time was a charm for brothers Nate and Garrett Tutvedt, who won the champion and reserve champion awards for their market steers at the Northwest Montana Fair.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Firm to design county's south campus building

Flathead County has chosen CTA Architects Engineers of Kalispell to design a $6 million building that will house the Agency on Aging and other county services.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

County excludes Whitefish from planning transition

The Flathead County commissioners will allow the city of Whitefish to create a city planning board, but have declined Whitefish’s offer to help with the transition from city to county planning control in the embattled two-mile “doughnut” around Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

After 'doughnut' decision, Whitefish moving forward

The city of Whitefish is reorganizing its planning efforts in the wake of a recent Montana Supreme Court ruling that handed control of the two-mile “doughnut” around Whitefish to Flathead County.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Teen masters canoe-building 'odyssey'

Five years ago, Rebecca Brown was getting ready to start the eighth grade when she tagged along with her dad to the Big Sky Antique and Classic Boat Show in Lakeside.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Jail tales

Pat Walsh spent most of his childhood at the Flathead County Jail, but he wasn’t behind bars.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Sponsor pitches in $75,000

Whitefish Credit Union has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Flathead County Fairgrounds that will invest $75,000 in the 112-year-old fairgrounds.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside artist drawn to 'the magic of wild places'

As a child, Julie Wulf was sure that fairies were real.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

U.S. 93 may lose famed Kalispell couplet

Rerouting U.S. 93 to the east side of the Flathead County Courthouse will be considered as the state Department of Transportation moves forward with design options for a future highway rebuild.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Tiny baby but major heartbreak

Ayden James Downs made history at Kalispell Regional Medical Center when he was born Monday morning.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

'Righteous victory' for people

The Montana Supreme Court’s ruling in the Whitefish “doughnut” jurisdiction battle is a “righteous victory” for residents of the embattled two-mile area around Whitefish, plaintiff attorney Duncan Scott said Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Cherries OK after rainstorms

Flathead Valley’s ripening cherry crop was not damaged despite heavy rainfall at Yellow Bay and other areas around Flathead Lake.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Designed to serve: Lakeside architecture firm has unique mission

Partnership is a word that comes up often in a conversation with John Hudson.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell paraplegic wins statewide competition

A Kalispell woman who was left paralyzed in a hit-and-run accident five years ago has been named Ms. Wheelchair Montana.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Plum Creek plant ramping up to full production just weeks after fire

Plum Creek Timber Co.’s medium-density fiberboard plant in Columbia Falls is expected to be back to full production later this week following an explosion and fire on June 10.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Brother keeps memory of 'top gun' alive

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Fireworks master: Lakeside display puts spotlight on its veteran pyrotechnician

When the first explosion of color dazzles the sky over Lakeside tonight, Mike Martin is the man behind the magic.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Club seeks donations for annual fair

The Lakeside Community Club is gearing up for its 25th annual Lakeside Community Fair on Saturday, July 12, and needs donations for the popular “Attic Treasures” sale and silent auction that raise money for a variety on area nonprofits.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Slope project grant hearing stalled again

A court hearing on a county decision to terminate a grant for slope stabilization near Village Greens was postponed on Friday for another three months, much to the chagrin of homeowners who want the unstable bluff reinforced.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

War refugee enjoys homecoming

A World War II refugee whose family wound up in Kalispell after the war returned to the Flathead Valley this week to remember the community that once embraced him so warmly.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Rescued eagles need fish

Two bald eagle chicks rescued from the shore of Whitefish Lake during last week’s heavy rainfall are eating a lot of fish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Road work ahead on two major highways

Drivers will need extra time and patience this summer as they navigate roads in the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead gets big slice of federal money

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Loving Lakeside

Deb Newell joined the Lakeside Community Club for the same reason women have sought out the social and community service organization for 105 years. She wanted the social interaction.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Home building rekindled

It’s shaping up to be quite a busy summer for the Flathead Valley’s construction industry, with residential projects scattered throughout the county.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

State group to keep grape quest going

A three-year research trial for cold-hardy grapes is wrapping up in Western Montana, but grape growers have formed the Montana Grape and Wine Association to continue their quest to grow grapes in this climate.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Local jobless rate down to 5.6 percent

For the month of May, Flathead County posted its lowest unemployment rate since September 2008.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Soaked hillside section slumps after heavy rains

Another section of hillside overlooking the Village Greens subdivision collapsed early Thursday morning under the weight of record rainfall in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

The band plays on: D-Day switch didn't deter musicians

Seven Flathead Valley Community Band members performed at a D-Day ceremony in France, but it wasn’t where they expected to play their instruments.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners OK $98.1 million budget

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday put their unanimous stamp of approval on a $98.1 million budget that includes $14.1 million in capital improvements for the coming year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell woman cares for squirrel with special needs

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Rabbi part of pivotal pool protest in Florida in 1964

Rabbi Allen Secher of Whitefish was at the very front of the line on June 17, 1964, as a group of demonstrators marched to end segregation in St. Augustine, Fla.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Rescue and release: Wild Wings Recovery Center a place for healing

Beth Benjamin Watne worked gently and quietly, with a laser-like focus, as she prepared to release a rehabilitated bald eagle back into the wild.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Fairgrounds get $1.5 million makeover

Flathead County is spending more than $1.5 million to upgrade its aging fairgrounds.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Cap, gown, defibrillator: A graduation miracle

A Flathead High School senior battling a life-threatening heart condition wanted more than anything to walk across the stage Friday night and claim his diploma.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Ambitious plan for county libraries

A new facilities master plan for the Flathead County Library System calls for the construction of new libraries in Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Bigfork, an investment that would cost roughly $22.6 million.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Lakeshore variance corrections OK'd

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday approved technical corrections after the fact for oversights on two lakeshore variances allowing fill projects on the north shore of Flathead Lake.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Subdivision of 40 lots planned near Columbia Falls

Development activity is coming back to life in the Columbia Falls area with a 40-lot major subdivision planned near the Blue Moon Nite Club.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Zinke marches ahead for GOP

Just hours after his narrow win in the Republican U.S. House primary race, Ryan Zinke was out kayaking on the Whitefish River, confident he will be able to unify his party and raise enough cash to beat Democratic challenger John Lewis in the November election.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Eagle takes flight as students watch

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Biblical principles guide standout student

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Crowd vocal on green boxes

The bottom line of nearly two hours of public testimony Thursday about Flathead County’s garbage collection sites is that Bigfork and Lakeside residents want to keep their green boxes — period.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Elected county leaders to receive pay raises

The Flathead County commissioners gave themselves and other county elected officials a 1.5 percent cost-of-living pay raise on Tuesday, effective when the new fiscal year begins July 1.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

New site possible for Bigfork green boxes

A potential new site for the Bigfork green-box waste collection site has been found and an appraisal of the property is underway.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Conrad Cemetery flag ceremony honors brothers

Two brothers who grew up in Somers and served in the military during World War II will have a flag flown in their honor throughout the next year at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Chalet girl: New book shares outdoor adventures of woman who has spent much of her life in Glacier National Park

Beth Dunagan didn’t learn how to swim or drive a car until she was in her 20s, and there’s a very good reason for that.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Legendary liberators of Italy: Woman goes to Italy for salute to Checkertail Clan

The legendary Checkertails were a sight for sore eyes when they arrived in Lesina, Italy, in March 1944.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Elected offices have few requirements

As Flathead County voters contemplate their choices for the next slate of county elected officials, they expect well-qualified candidates but may be surprised that state law requires very few qualifications for most elected positions.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Voters to decide whether to study their local governments

Should the number of county commissioners be increased from three to five?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Air show organizers outline volunteer needs

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish projects sizable budget increase

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Businesses ask to tap Whitefish tax fund

Nearly $1 million in tax-increment revenue has been requested for two business projects in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Canyon zip-line attraction to open this summer

An elaborate zip-line attraction is taking shape off U.S. 2 near Columbia Heights and should be open by July.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

MacKenzie River - with a twist

At the new MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub in north Kalispell, the furnishings are as noteworthy as the menu.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish projects win Planning Board support

An expansion of The Lodge at Whitefish Lake’s marina and a housing development on Second Street both won favorable recommendations Thursday from the Whitefish City-County Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Remington to close local firearms plant

Remington Outdoor Co. is closing its Montana Rifleman firearms manufacturing east of Kalispell and will move production to Alabama, a company spokesman confirmed Friday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

County OKs new site for youth home

A revised site plan that relocates Intermountain’s planned therapeutic youth group home farther away from a waterfowl preserve near Somers got a favorable nod from the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Sisterly surprise: Siblings reunited in Kalispell after 42 years

Donna Guthrie of Kalispell got the surprise of a lifetime when she opened her front door Wednesday evening.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Former Sheriff Chuck Rhodes dies

Former Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Rhodes, whose local law enforcement career spanned 27 years, died Monday at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was 79.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Online savvy: Whitefish native at helm of 'Find it' Web services

The first title on Maria Phelps’ business card is Web gal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Coram civic leader promises fresh perspective

Stacey Schnebel said she’s unencumbered by political history or special interests and will bring a fresh perspective to county management.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Retired railroader calls for county transparency

Retired railroader calls for county transparency
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish businessman touts budget experience

Phil Mitchell says he will be a budget watchdog if he’s elected Flathead County commissioner.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

County incumbent cites on-the-job experience

Flathead County Commissioner Cal Scott said he’s up to speed on issues facing the county and can hit the ground running if he is re-elected.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners OK sign-limit change

Flathead County is one step closer to eliminating time-limit rules for political signs.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Family seeks justice for two children

Darby Hodges was just 18 months old when he was found dead on June 27, 2010, in Kalispell. The autopsy listed the cause and manner of death as undetermined, though the medical examiner’s report noted two broken ribs and multiple contusions and abrasions on the boy’s head.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

New study to look at potential for 'dark' fruits

Montana State University Extension Agent Pay McGlynn is taking the economic development potential for local fruit a step further with a new study of “dark” fruit.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Steeped in tradition: New Evergreen eatery serves up savory pho

At Pho Ly, it’s all about the broth.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

County delays sign-limit vote

Flathead County’s regulations for political signs will stay in place for now.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

'Substantial confusion' - Flathead County debates changes to political sign rules

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday heard testimony both for and against a county-driven proposal to allow political signs on private property for any length of time, but won’t make a decision on the zoning text amendment until Friday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

County may lift limits on political signs

A proposed change to Flathead County zoning regulations that will allow political signs to be posted on private property for any length of time before and after an election is drawing public criticism.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Judge stops county grant rejection

Flathead District Judge Ted Lympus on Tuesday granted a temporary restraining order stopping Flathead County commissioners from terminating a federal grant to stabilize a bluff off Whitefish Stage Road near Village Greens.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Statewide 'Main Street Montana' plan unveiled

A co-chairman of Gov. Steve Bullock’s Main Street Montana Project laid out the fundamentals of a state economic development blueprint at the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce meeting Tuesday, calling it a plan that is “practical and achievable.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish lodge wants marina expansion

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

'A taste for helping'

A ministry that began by feeding 18 hungry people one evening in 1989 continues to serve those in need of a meal in the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Character sketches: Kalispell artist finds his niche in book illustrations

By day, Shane Morgan is a busy family man, a father of two who works full time for a computer network cabling and telephone interconnect company.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

County nixes slope stabilization

A group of Evergreen homeowners wanting to stabilize a bluff off Whitefish Stage Road seem to be back at square one after the Flathead County commissioners pulled the plug on their four-year effort to get federal money to stabilize a section of the bluff that collapsed in 2010.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Justices hear 'doughnut' case

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Ministry plans to build women's shelter

Peggy Christensen is taking another leap of faith with A Ray of Hope, this time with plans to build a shelter for women and children in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Decision expected on Whitefish hotel project

The Whitefish City Council tonight will decide whether to allow the construction of a 76-room Hampton Inn & Suites planned off U.S. 93 South.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

'Doughnut' case to be heard in Missoula

Whitefish residents will have a rare opportunity to hear oral arguments in the “doughnut” lawsuit when the Montana Supreme Court holds a session on Friday at the University of Montana in Missoula.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Annexation sought for rail park

The Flathead County Economic Development Authority has asked the city of Kalispell to annex its 40-acre Flathead County Rail Park east of Whitefish Stage Road just outside Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Entrepreneur sees Flathead's business potential

When serial software entrepreneur Greg Gianforte started RightNow Technologies in Bozeman 17 years ago, the naysayers told him all the reasons he’d never make a go of it.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Herbal product maker unveils expansion plan

With plans to double the company’s growth over the next three years, Mountain Meadow Herbs has asked Flathead County to apply on the company’s behalf for a low-interest loan to help finance “bigger and faster” production equipment.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork lakeshore decision stalled

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday postponed a decision on a major lakeshore variance permit to further study the proposal and wait until the full commission is present for a vote.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Friend makes special pledge to cancer victim

Vivian Gelormino dearly hopes she can shave her head on April 30.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Baby bonanza: Young mom at helm of businesses geared to children

As a young mother of two, Jade Carpenter knows how important networking with other parents can be. That’s why she has two growing businesses — and a third on the way — to enable parents to tap into not only a range of baby products but also the expertise and …
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Burn victim recalls 'horrific' ordeal

A storm was rolling in that fateful July 2013 evening in Williston, N.D., as Casey Malmquist stood on the back deck, watching the weather and killing time before dinner with a celebratory glass of wine and a cigar.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Builder part of White House workshop

Columbia Falls-based SmartLam — the only manufacturer of cross-laminated timber in the country — had a voice on the national stage at a high-profile wood products workshop offered by the White House Rural Council in Washington, D.C.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

'A heart for young people'

There’s a reason Tammy Walker wakes up every morning as Flathead County’s biggest advocate of the 4-H youth organization.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Mom's efforts get national attention

Sabrina Wisher doesn’t see herself as anyone special.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Runoff hard on county roads

Flathead County’s gravel roads sustained a fair amount of erosion damage this winter, especially in hilly areas where runoff problems were the worst.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Rerouting road to east may not work

A state highway official told the Flathead County commissioners on Monday that a design alternative to route all four lanes to the east side of the courthouse when U.S. 93 is reconstructed doesn’t pencil out financially.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Revamp of old jail to start this year

Restoration of Flathead County’s historic old jail building south of the main courthouse is on track, with construction set to begin by late summer.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Developer plans 76-room motel in Whitefish

Another hotel proposal has surfaced in Whitefish, this time a 76-room Hampton Inn & Suites planned off U.S. 93 South behind the defunct Wendy’s restaurant.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Store's strategy is to stay one step ahead

Sportsman & Ski Haus President Dave Harvey remembers well the day his business partner, Chief Executive Officer Mike Gwiazdon, told him there was big competition moving in next door.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Driven to success: Vehicle sales brisk as Don K completes expansion

The Don K car dealership in Whitefish threw quite a party last week to celebrate the final piece of a transformative multimillion dollar expansion — a new 14,000-square-foot Subaru showroom.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Campus camaraderie: FVCC's intramural program brings students together

From Wii boxing to night skiing on Big Mountain, Flathead Valley Community College students are tapping into the college’s intramural sports program offerings in record numbers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Green Auto Group buys Hyundai dealership

The Green Auto Group has purchased Kalispell Hyundai in Evergreen and renamed the dealership Green Hyundai.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Candidates step up for county elections

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Columbia Falls mulls downtown zoning changes

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Making a mark in coating industry

Sometimes success in business is as simple as anticipating a need and finding a way to give customers what they want.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Voters decide government reviews

Flathead County voters will decide during the June 3 primary election whether they want an independent, citizen-led review of their local governments.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Mom's quest: to quell son's seizures

Kelly Fisk’s desperate search for something — anything — to control her 4-year-old son’s seizures has led her to a medication derived from marijuana.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County holds hearing today on new septic rules

A public meeting today will focus on proposed changes to Flathead County’s regulations for septic systems.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish downtown plan up for hearing next week

Nearly two years after it began the process of updating the original 2006 Whitefish Downtown Master Plan, the city of Whitefish still is working toward approval of the revisions and has scheduled a public meeting Wednesday, March 12.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish resumes annexation talks

The Whitefish City Council on Monday will resume its discussion about annexing dozens of properties surrounding Whitefish Lake, but opposition already is being raised in at least one neighborhood.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Hospital benefactor Winkley dies at age 77

A Kalispell philanthropist who made a difference in the lives of thousands of women by giving them access to mammograms has died.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Eureka business incubator is a thriving entity

A business incubator in Eureka’s 22-acre business park is full, and that has the Tobacco Valley Industrial District Board of Directors looking at plans for future expansion.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County learns about new septic waste process

New technology that injects septic waste into decomposing material at the landfill may be feasible for Flathead County, county officials learned this week.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Eureka business incubator a thriving entity

A business incubator in Eureka’s 22-acre business park is full, and that has the Tobacco Valley Industrial District Board of Directors looking at plans for future expansion.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork open container law challenged

The Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork has asked the Flathead County commissioners to rescind the county’s open container law for Bigfork, saying it prevents the broader use of public facilities such as Sliter Park.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish proposes food vendor changes

Four years after the city of Whitefish imposed stricter regulations for mobile food vendors, the Whitefish Planning Board is recommending a change that would offer vending permits good for one year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Propane prices high as national shortage continues

A nationwide shortage of propane has sent prices spiraling upward for Flathead Valley residents, but by and large the propane supply in Northwest Montana — though tight at times — seems to be holding out.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Drama at Sochi keeps us riveted

I’ve been spending way too much time watching TV this week, but for me the Winter Olympics have always been simply mesmerizing. Whether it’s the awe-inspiring figure skaters or those insanely talented freestyle skiers, I can’t get enough of it.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Firm transforms discarded skateboards

Worn-out and discarded skateboards are being transformed into jewelry and unique art pieces by a Whitefish company that’s going the distance in the recycling arena.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Flathead a rising star in state economy

State economists are bullish about where economic growth is headed in Montana, and Flathead County once again is a player in the projected growth.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Love never dies: Widow still sweet on her husband

They say love never dies, and Virginia Johnson knows this is true.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Group sues county over growth-policy changes

Citizens for a Better Flathead is suing the Flathead County commissioners over changes made to the 2007 growth policy.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Loan program boosts businesses in Columbia Falls

A revolving loan program in Columbia Falls has proven to be an effective economic development tool, investing $2.1 million in that city’s businesses since it began in 2002.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Team prepares for Ecuador mission work

For the fifth time in 11 years, a local group of volunteers is heading to Ecuador to offer medical and dental services and other assistance for some of the South American country’s poorest residents.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

MontanaSky building data center

MontanaSky Networks is shoring up the last round of financing for a $3.8 million regional data center in Evergreen and hopes to begin interior construction May 1.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish looks at false alarm, firework issues

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial has asked the Whitefish City Council to consider tightening city laws that deal with false-alarm reports and fireworks violations.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

To beer or not to beer

The fate of the popular Beer Barter event at the Whitefish Winter Carnival will be decided tonight by the Whitefish City Council.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

The concertmaster

For nearly as long as she can remember, Sally Jerde has played the violin.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Montana Olive Oil opens store in Whitefish

Connoisseurs of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar may recognize the Montana Olive Oil Inc. label on bottles sold through the Apple Barrel near Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish leader DePratu dies at 74

With the death of Bob DePratu on Friday morning, Whitefish has lost another of its beloved community leaders.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Construction a bright spot in growing economy

Employment in the Flathead Valley is expected to grow by 2.7 percent this year, a local economist told business leaders in Kalispell on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Evergreen Fire District paying delinquent taxes

The Evergreen Fire District has fired its bookkeeper and is in the process of paying the federal and state governments about $178,700 in delinquent payroll taxes.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Group organizes to address cemetery upkeep

Tombstones snarled in overgrown lilac bushes. Graves where there is no idea of who’s buried there. Missing and incomplete records.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

'It's starting to happen' Bicycle touring an emerging tourism market

A new report verifies what local business owners have known for some time: The Flathead Valley is a superhighway for bicycle touring groups that bolster the local economy as they pass through.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Food-bank advocate dies at 86

June Munski-Feenan, the petite and persistent redhead who shepherded North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish since its humble beginnings, died Tuesday of cancer.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County planning workload rises 30 percent

The Flathead County Planning Office’s workload increased 30 percent during 2013, due in part to more interest in local land development.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Group questions county's public notice process

The Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday declined to authorize a notice of public hearing for two zoning matters after a citizens advocacy group claimed the county is not meeting state requirements for notification.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Film delves into life of Lost Prairie skydiving pioneer

It’s been nearly 33 years since Joan Carson plummeted 8,000 feet to her death in a skydiving accident at Lost Prairie west of Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Local group launched for Vietnam veterans

The Northwest Montana chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America is up and running.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County library system has new name

Starting today, the Flathead County Library System has a new name: ImagineIF Libraries.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Vacancies plague Whitefish plan board

The Whitefish City-County Planning Board’s Jan. 16 meeting has been canceled because it can’t get a quorum of the current five board members.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Block grant for Providence Home delayed

A $450,000 federal grant for the construction of Intermountain’s therapeutic youth group home near Somers has been stalled amid questions about the environmental assessment for the project.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County soft-pedals water compact support

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

Zoning-law interpretation not an exact science

In the world of county zoning laws, not everything is black and white.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County votes to support water rights compact

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday reversed their earlier opposition to a water rights compact involving the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes, voting 2-1 to draft a letter of support for the compact.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

No resolution in sight for NBC Montana, DISH

Northwest Montana DISH Network subscribers remain without their local NBC station as negotiations drag on between Bonten Media Group and DISH.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Business park proposed near airport

A proposed business park with the potential for a hotel development near Glacier Park International Airport will be the focus of a Flathead County Planning Board public hearing on Jan. 8.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Work group sought for historic cemetery

An effort is underway to create a work group to oversee the record-keeping and maintenance of the historic Demersville Cemetery south of Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Local Hero: Excitement soars as Flathead graduate visits air-show organizers

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

Evergreen: Enterprise zone OK'd

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved new zoning in Evergreen that could diversify business uses along Evergreen’s highway corridors.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Rescue story corrected - 52 years later

It’s never too late to set the record straight.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Boys and Girls Club weathers financial storm

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

'A girl of burning desire'

Angela Miller knew of only one way to rise above the bleak existence of her indigenous tribe on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. She had to get an education.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

High court stays local 'doughnut' ruling

An order issued Tuesday by the Montana Supreme Court will allow Flathead County to conduct land-use planning in the two-mile “doughnut” around Whitefish, but restricts final adoption of county zoning for that area until the high court has ruled in the case.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Free clinic adds dental program

Shepherd’s Hand Clinic in Whitefish is launching a new dental program that will begin offering free care to low-income Flathead Valley residents on Jan. 13.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Ostrom painting to be auctioned

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

Local woman an advocate for reservation dogs

A Flathead Valley woman with family ties to the Browning and Babb areas has taken the lead in helping the Kaawa’ pomaaka Society, an organization that rescues dogs and cats on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Beloved piano finds its way back home

Coleen Carter of Whitefish didn’t want to part with her piano when she fell on hard times a decade ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Food Bank opens new center

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

Homeless shelter scrambles to pay repair bill

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

Kalispell man will help typhoon relief in Philippines

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

Pilot killed in Alaska crash had Whitefish ties

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

Group leader: youth home manager a competent presence

The thing Lance Isaak remembers about his first trip through the Flathead Valley is the snow, how it fell gently downward without a breath of wind to disturb it.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Architects vie for Whitefish City Hall project

Four architectural firms will pitch their design ideas for a new Whitefish City Hall and parking garage complex during an upcoming design contest to be staged at the City Council chambers in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Label maker gets county tax break

Total Label USA was granted a tax break Monday spread over 10 years, though the decision by the Flathead County commissioners wasn’t unanimous.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Christmas spirit alive and well at new store

Rob Willington says the Home for Christmas store he and his wife, Bette, opened three months ago in Whitefish is as much a ministry as it is a retail business.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside residents implore county to maintain road

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

New owner has big plans for Somers mansion

The new owner of the Somers mansion is ready to embark on a renovation of the landmark home that she says will be a labor of love.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Complaint filed against Quiet Skies group

Sandy Welch of Whitefish has filed a complaint with the state Commissioner of Political Practices against Scott Davis alleging that the Quiet Skies group violated state laws.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Regional data center planned

MontanaSky Networks plans to build a $1.4 million regional data center at the former Vann’s appliance building in Evergreen.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Kings of the mountain: Whitefish skiing pioneers inducted into Hall of Fame

Five Big Mountain skiing pioneers who had the vision and perseverance to make Whitefish Mountain Resort what it is today will be the inaugural inductees into the newly established Ski Heritage Center Hall of Fame.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Ethiopian expedition: Flathead resident runs ultra-marathon to help children

This was no ordinary run for a cause.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

New vans haul disabled veterans

When three of the four vans serving local disabled veterans crossed the 200,000-mile mark some time ago and a third van had topped 196,000 miles, Larry Smith decided it was time for some new wheels.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Swank a hotbed of Bobcat backers

There are fans, and there are die-hard fans.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish teacher honored for saving man's life

A Whitefish mother of two is being hailed as a hero in Lake County, where she has received two awards in recent days for her role in saving a man’s life in August.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Couple has plan to keep ranch in nuptial business

Bill and Alana Myers want to keep using their Ten Arrows Ranch for wedding celebrations and will present a proposal next week to keep them in the business of making couples’ dreams come true.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Bigfork assisted-living center nears completion

An assisted-living center with views of the Swan Mountains near Bigfork will open Jan. 1.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

County easements questioned on Lupfer Road

Several easements along Lupfer Road that weren’t secured by Flathead County more than 80 years ago are now the focus of an access issue as a state timber sale north of the road is planned.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Veterans Home residents recall one heck of a life

Together, Ben and Butchie Ryan have spent 67 adventurous years that have taken them from Venezuela to Alaska and many points in between.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Film spotlights U.S. struggle with hunger

Flathead Valley leaders who help feed the hungry hope a local showing of “A Place at the Table” will be the springboard for more community advocacy in fighting hunger.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Library facilities master plan underway

A husband-and-wife consulting team from Wisconsin has embarked on a facilities master plan for the Flathead County Library System that will detail future space needs for the main library and its three branch libraries.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Zone change makes way for subdivision

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday gave a favorable nod to a zone change that will pave the way for a 113-lot subdivision east of U.S. 2 in the Rose Crossing area.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Empowering women: AAUW chapter marks eight decades of advocacy

In the shadow of the Great Depression, as drought persisted in America’s heartland and unemployment peaked at 25 percent, a group of Kalispell women gathered at Vera Ann O’Neil’s home in May 1933 to talk about what they could do to help women in their community.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Convicted drunken driver shares sobering message

On Oct. 26, 2006, Jason DeShazer made a choice that proved to be fatal — but not for him.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Building for senior programs

The owners of the Alpine Business Center on Wednesday asked the Flathead County commissioners for a two-year lease on the building that houses the Agency on Aging.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Commissioners back Evergreen enterprise zone

The Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday authorized the planning staff to proceed with the paperwork needed to establish an enterprise zone in Evergreen to spur economic development.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Stormwater: Bigfork and county mull options for system work

Creating a separate stormwater district to pay for the completion and ongoing maintenance of the Bigfork stormwater system may be a viable option and is worth exploring.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Bigfork given time to find green-box solution

The ball is in Bigfork’s court to find a viable site for a new green-box collection facility by the end of January.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Film poised to go mainstream

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Conrad Mansion stages final holiday bazaar

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Evergreen zoning request aims to spur business

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Columbia Falls election: Lovering wants to preserve C.F. small-town feel

For Jenny Lovering, running for a seat on the Columbia Falls City Council is a matter of practicing what she preaches.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Boundaries adjusted for districts

Flathead County has redrawn the boundaries for its three commissioner districts to reflect shifts in population from 2000 to 2010.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

One man's generosity: Recluse leaves $1 million to Whitefish church

Roger A. Wold, a longtime Whitefish resident who lived a simple, reclusive life prior to his death last year, has given $1 million to Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County grantwriter a 'Jill of many trades'

Creative thinking, multitasking, collaboration and the ability to write about a wide variety of topics are a few of the ingredients Flathead County grantwriter Debbie Pierson has blended into a successful recipe for pulling money into the county coffers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish election: Life Noell

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County outlines use for new building

Flathead County’s 4-H and Extension Service programs finally will have a place to call home.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish election: Strong downtown important to council hopeful

Pamela Barberis grew up in an atmosphere of public service in Vermont, where her father was the moderator of the local town-hall meetings — the pinnacle of local government in her hometown of Dorset, population 400.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Young Kalispell women rule at state pageants

Two young Kalispell women — one a student at Glacier High School and the other a Glacier alumna — won top honors at state scholarship pageants on Sunday in Missoula.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Memory lane

It has been 65 years since the Class of 1948 walked the hallowed halls of Flathead County High School, but to many alumni the memories of those school days are still crystal clear.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Green-box site stirs discussion

Despite the efforts of Bigfork residents to offer options to retain their green-box refuse site, the Flathead County Solid Waste District Board still isn’t convinced it’s in the county’s best interest to keep the site.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Kalispell Olympian wins state honor

When the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament gets underway in Great Falls in mid-November, Chrissy Siefke of Kalispell will lead the way with a torch held high for the opening ceremony.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Quilting a constant learning process for seamstress

Avid quilters know exactly what Susan Gilman means when she says that quilting touches people’s souls. It is, quite simply, therapy.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Fairgrounds master plan still in conceptual stage

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Secure Rural Schools Program: Senate OKs extension of funding

The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed legislation that will extend Secure Rural Schools funding for an additional year, a move that should pump more than $1 million into Flathead County.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Couples say, 'I do' ... neighbors say, 'We don't' - Illegal wedding facility shut down amid complaints

A wedding facility near Bigfork that has drawn complaints from neighbors and has been shut down because of a zoning violation has put the spotlight on a larger issue: How does Flathead County regulate such commercial venues in a place that has become a hot spot for destination weddings?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Flathead Valley chapter forming for Vietnam vets

Drawing inspiration from this year’s Run to the Wall — a cross-country motorcycle trip to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. — Somers veteran John Burgess has taken the lead in starting a Northwest Montana chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Million-mile man: Kalispell postal carrier honored for safe driving

Charlie Strong navigates the heavy traffic in North Kalispell on a daily basis, weaving in and out of myriad parking lots and side streets in Hutton Ranch Plaza.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

'Sure and steady' for 75 years: Republican women an integral part of local GOP effort

The year 1938 was a monumental time for Republican Women in the Flathead Valley as well as on the national political stage.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Blessed are the peacemakers: Mennonite church marks century of service, pacifism

Who are the Mennonites?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Local breeders tout the American bully

Two Kalispell brothers are riding the wave of popularity of a new dog breed recently recognized by the United Kennel Club: The American bully.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish housing project revamped once more

A new design plan is emerging for the embattled 2nd Street Residences project in Whitefish — this time a subdivision of about 68 to 70 single-family homes.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Mennonite church marks century of service, pacifism

Who are the Mennonites?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County zoning regulations get makeover

The first extensive revamp of Flathead County zoning regulations in nearly two decades is well underway, with a fourth workshop planned later this month.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish pursues nonmotorized river corridor

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

Whitefish housing project stalled

Facing an uphill battle over density and traffic issues, the developers of the proposed 2nd Street Residences subdivision in Whitefish have withdrawn their application and will redesign the project for a second time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork group identifies options for green-box site

A study group has developed two alternative plans for keeping the Bigfork green-box refuse site, handing the ball off to county officials to decide the next step.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Fair attendance down this year

Attendance at the Northwest Montana Fair was down a little over 5 percent from last year, due in part to the sudden cancellation of the Chris Young concert on Wednesday night of the five-day fair that ended Aug. 18.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish plan calls for three parking structures

A proposed update of the Whitefish Downtown Master Plan takes an aggressive approach to the city’s parking problem, recommending sites for three parking structures in the coming years.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

'The value of diversity': Special Friends director advocates for those with disabilities

If you’ve seen the Special Friends Advocacy Program folks selling fry bread at the Tuesday night Picnic in the Park gatherings in Kalispell or at any number of other summertime festivals, chances are you’ve seen Gay Moddrell somewhere in the midst.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Supreme Court ruling favors Lakeside plan

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a Flathead District Court ruling last November that threw out a lawsuit challenging the planning process for the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Onlookers reflect at Vietnam memorial replica

Pat Curran strode briskly across the grass, still clad in his leather motorcycle gear as he approached the Moving Wall. In his hand he clutched the names of three high school buddies from Anaconda who died while serving in the Vietnam War.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County still mulling future of recycling program

A workshop about how to move forward with Flathead County’s recycling program yielded good discussion Tuesday but no clear consensus yet about what level of service to continue.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish City Council: Different opinions on spot zoning aired

Two schools of legal thought about spot zoning collided at Monday’s Whitefish City Council hearing for 2nd Street Residences, a housing project planned on one of the city’s remaining areas of open space within city limits.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish postpones vote on housing project

Just past midnight at Monday’s meeting, Whitefish City Council members decided they still had too many unanswered questions about the controversial 2nd Street Residences housing development, so they opted to table a decision until Sept. 3.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

2nd Street project tops heavy Whitefish agenda

With five public hearings on tonight’s agenda — including approval of next year’s budget and the hot-button 2nd Street Residences project — it’s going to be a long night for the Whitefish City Council.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Photo phenom: Little exhibitor wins big at the fair

Matthew VanSwearingen is only 4, but he knows what he likes when it comes to taking pictures.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Bear encounters a yearly ordeal for pair daughter

Call it a daddy-daughter bonding experience extraordinaire.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside: Popular lakefront park could be expanded

Just three years after dedicating the popular Volunteer Park on the shore of Flathead Lake in Lakeside, Flathead County has an opportunity to expand the park with financial help from the same philanthropic couple who created it.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Hands-on knowledge

Nuggett Carmalt’s first job at the Northwest Montana Fair wasn’t a glamorous one, but it involved horses, and she loved it.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Jumping for Joel: Memorial event generates skydiving scholarships

As the adrenaline rushes and parachutes open at the Lost Prairie Boogie over the next nine days, thoughts will turn to Joel Atkinson. Those who knew him will smile and remember how passionate the 25-year-old Whitefish man was about skydiving.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside Boat Show: New Boat Building Center featured at classic showcase

The beautifully restored “woodys” lined up for the Big Sky Antique and Classic Boat Society’s show in Lakeside are always a crowd-pleaser, but this year organizers are taking the event a step further by bringing spectators inside the new Boat Building Center for a close-up look at traditional boat building.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Unstoppable Gladys Shay takes a break: Longtime journalist retires but keeps writing

Gladys Shay has officially closed out a storied career with the Hungry Horse News, ending a run that spanned 30 years of full-time reporter work — she was assistant editor when Publisher Mel Ruder won the Pulitzer Prize in 1965 — plus decades of column writing and occasional features about …
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Harvest ahead of schedule

The Flathead Valley’s cherry harvest is in full swing, running a few days ahead of normal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Family Friendly Flathead: New nonprofit group grows from quest to help families

The recession was hard on the Blair family.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish project gets board OK

The Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday recommended approval of the redesigned 2nd Street Residences subdivision on the east edge of the city, despite a huge outpouring of opposition from neighbors who say the high-density plan is too intrusive for that area.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Local grain crop pummeled by Wednesday's storm

The hailstorm that swept through the Flathead Valley on Wednesday heavily damaged many wheat and barley fields in the Creston and Lower Valley areas.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

$500,000 gift: Benefactor caps funding for food bank

Whitefish philanthropist Mike Goguen has put the finishing touch on a fundraising campaign for a new North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Going buggy over ticks

I was so smug when I arrived in Minnesota a few weeks ago and discovered I'd arrived before mosquito season, at least for the most part.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Storm damage: Cherry crop not harmed

The Flathead Valley’s cherry crop was spared from damage Wednesday afternoon as a fast-moving storm pummeled the Kalispell area.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Neighbors sue county over water-ski subdivision

The Rose Crossing Neighborhood Coalition is suing the Flathead County commissioners over their recent approval of the Rosewater water-skiing subdivision.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Harvest season: Cherries might be fewer, but bigger

The cherry harvest at a couple of the southernmost orchards in the Finley Point area on Flathead Lake gets underway today, kicking off what’s expected to be a very good season for local cherry growers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish housing project revisions detailed

Developers of the proposed 2nd Street Residences subdivision in Whitefish have reconfigured the project with fewer apartments and less density in an effort to address neighborhood concerns.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

A stitch divine

The altar at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Ferndale is adorned with wildflowers these days, and it’s a collection of blooms that will never die.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Book details Glacier's ghostly encounters

Whether the historic buildings in Glacier National Park are as haunted as the legends claim was an intriguing prospect for Billings author Karen Stevens.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish ski museum launched

A museum and hall of fame that will showcase the history of skiing in the Flathead Valley is off the drawing board and on its way to becoming a reality.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish maneuvers to retain control

The legal wrangling over planning control of the two-mile “doughnut” area around Whitefish took another twist on Thursday when the city of Whitefish asked the court to take action that would allow Whitefish to retain control of the doughnut.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish builder severely burned in home explosion

Longtime Whitefish builder Casey Malmquist is in stable condition at a St. Paul, Minn., hospital after suffering extensive burns when a house exploded Monday evening in Williston, N.D.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Judge: County gets control of 'doughnut'

A Flathead District Court ruling has returned planning control of Whitefish’s embattled two-mile “doughnut” area to Flathead County, declaring a referendum passed by Whitefish voters is invalid.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

New project helps disabled in Libby

Call it the ultimate Montana keepsake.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

County in a bind over recycling

Should Flathead County continue to subsidize its recycling program at a loss of about $50,000 a year or scrap the program all together?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Judge voids county's greenbelt zoning

A Flathead District Court judge has thrown out Flathead County’s greenbelt zoning classification, saying it constituted spot zoning and was an “abuse of discretion.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Fireworks show ends with a bang

A barge loaded with fireworks burst into flames on Whitefish Lake Thursday night just as the grand finale of the annual Fourth of July fireworks show was underway.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish independent library 'doing well'

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

Famed Whitefish writer joins Cowboy Hall of Fame

The late Dorothy M. Johnson, a Whitefish author known for her wit and grit, is among this year’s inductees into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

New main library tops $44.4 million spending plan

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

Saddle Club building eyed for ski museum

A log building used for decades as a clubhouse for the Mountain Trails Saddle Club in Whitefish soon may have a new use as a local skiing hall of fame and museum.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

County workers get hefty pay raises

The Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday approved a bigger-than-expected pay raise for county employees, awarding a 3.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment instead of the proposed 3 percent increase.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Behind closed doors

Kalispell’s Conrad Mansion is 118 years old and it’s still revealing some intriguing secrets.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

County handyman proposed to handle 'frivolous' requests

Flathead County needs a part-time handyman to handle a growing number of “frivolous” work orders from county departments.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Wooden wonders - Family history buoys passion for classic boats

Lorne Kermath’s 1955 Curly Craft is one of the wooden boats that will have the crowd talking as Whitefish Woody Weekend II unfolds June 28-30 in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Rate shows healing economy

For the first time in nearly five years, Flathead County’s unemployment rate has dropped to 7 percent, signaling a rebirth of local growth.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Land offered for county athletic facility

Flathead County may have a site already for a proposed recreational facility, the county commissioners learned Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

County pay to go up 3 percent, maybe more

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday approved a 3 percent pay raise for the county’s elected officials — including themselves — but stalled a decision on a cost-of-living adjustment for other county employees until next week.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead gets hefty federal allocation

Flathead County has received a $2.17 million payment from the federal government under a program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Developer seeks approval for Whitefish hotel

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

Whitefish lip-balm maker seeks expansion incentives

Owners of the Whitefish-based Hurraw! lip balm company have asked the city of Whitefish for property tax incentives and financial help with utility lines and impact fees as they plan to build a new manufacturing center in the Baker Commons business park.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Red Road Foundation - Siblings lead project to build safe house

Rachel Riggio is a shoot-for-the-moon woman who wants to heal the world, and she’s starting with an ambitious project in Cambodia.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

County to buy property south of courthouse

Flathead County has a tentative deal to buy the State Farm Insurance building along South Main Street for future expansion of the county courthouse campus.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Historic jail slated for renovation

A $1.5 million renovation of the historic Flathead County Jail building adjacent to the courthouse is planned over the next two years as a remedy for expansion needs at the nearby Justice Center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

C. Falls library project put on hold

Concerned that a lack of county commissioner support for relocating the Columbia Falls Branch Library has cast a negative pall over the project, the Flathead County Library Board reluctantly voted 3-1 on Monday to put the effort on hold.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Worth the risk

There’s a hint of nonchalance as Judi Fenton talks about the time she was nearly attacked by a deadly cobra on a playground in Senegal, or tells about the time she almost died of dengue fever contracted during a trip to Costa Rica.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell proposes crackdown on panhandlers

A proposed law aimed at cracking down on panhandlers in Kalispell will be discussed tonight during a City Council work session.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Water-skiing subdivision OK'd;County adds more oversight to project

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

Decision expected on water-skiing subdivision

A final decision on whether to approve the controversial Rosewater water-skiing subdivision north of Kalispell is expected from the Flathead County commissioners on Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Speed limits may go up on U.S. 2

Motorists soon may be able to drive 65 miles per hour once again along the stretch of U.S. 2 from Evergreen to Montana 40.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

County nixes joint dog licensing program

The Flathead County commissioners have turned down a proposal that would have combined dog licensing for the cities of Kalispell and Whitefish with the county licensing program.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

County targets property for landfill expansion

A group of 14 parcels covering 91 acres will be sought for expansion of the county landfill, the Flathead County commissioners have decided.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Cycling for a cause

When bicyclists begin their daunting 130-mile ride through the Pioneer Mountains on June 29, the late David Sobba will be on the minds of many.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Have your say on City Hall complex

Whitefish residents will have their final say on a proposed downtown parking structure and City Hall complex tonight before the City Council decides how to proceed.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

The need to read: Literacy Volunteers marks 25 years of opening books

Consider the mother of three, a high-school dropout who works full time at a local fast-food restaurant because she lacks the skills to get a better-paying job.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Pea leaf weevils infest Flathead fields

By LYNNETTE HINTZE
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Housing project on agenda

A scaled-back housing development planned on the east side of Whitefish tops a heavy agenda for the Whitefish City-County Planning Board on Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell native's film advocates same-sex equality

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Planning Board backs water-skiing subdivision

After more than four hours of discussion on Wednesday about noise and the integrity of a plastic liner for a manmade lake at the proposed Rosewater water-skiing subdivision, the Flathead County Planning Board reaffirmed its support of the development.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Trucking firm fined for 2008 spill

The trucking company responsible for a 2008 tanker spill near the shore of Flathead Lake that cost more than $1 million to clean up will pay a $83,500 fine, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Real-life care bears

Not every teddy bear passes the “cuddle test” for 5-year-old Emma Anderson.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell Farmers Market moves to FVCC

The Kalispell Farmers Market has found a new home and will open today in the north parking lot at Flathead Valley Community College.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Agency director keeps her job

Flathead County Agency on Aging Director Lisa Sheppard will keep her job despite one county commissioner’s attempt to oust her.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Seniors turn out to support director

Senior citizens turned out in droves to speak their mind about Agency on Aging issues Tuesday morning during an extended public-comment period at the Flathead County commissioners’ chambers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

'Buffoonery' cited in Agency on Aging building vote

There’s no good reason for Flathead County to stall the Agency on Aging building project, Commissioner Cal Scott said Friday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Glencore still hopes to reopen CFAC

Acknowledging they “need to do a better job of communicating,” the owners of Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. gave the Flathead County commissioners a status report Wednesday about the prospects of restarting the mothballed plant.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Agency on Aging: Decision expected on plans for new facility

The Flathead County commissioners are expected to make a decision this morning about how they will proceed with plans for a new Agency on Aging building.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Longtime doctor remembers ALERT's early days

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Wood-burning passion refueled after accident

When it came time to put her artistic ability down on paper, there was no question Dale Cordier-Homan would sketch the St. Ignatius Mission, the ornate Catholic church that was the backdrop of her childhood on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Construction going 'full tilt' in Whitefish

While construction activity may just be waking up in much of Flathead County, building is in full swing in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Planners study cyclical growth to gauge next local upswing

In a county prone to construction boom-and-bust cycles, how does a planning director anticipate the next big upswing in subdivision activity?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Farmers market in limbo

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Board split on new site for Agency on Aging facility

There’s still no consensus among Flathead County commissioners about where to build a new Agency on Agency facility, despite an architectural report that recommends a 2-acre site north of the fairgrounds.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Report favors fairgrounds for new Agency on Aging building

A 2-acre tract of county land north of the Flathead County Fairgrounds is the best option for construction of a new Agency on Aging facility, a preliminary architectural report has recommended.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

County declines Whitefish study offer

Flathead County won’t participate in a study for the U.S. 93 South corridor that runs through the two-mile planning “doughnut” outside Whitefish, the county commissioners said Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Two Kalispell runners not harmed at race

Two Kalispell runners had finished the Boston Marathon and were safely out of the area before bombs exploded Monday at the finish line of the famous race.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Parking options studied in Whitefish

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

Ex-beauty queen convicted of fraud

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

Airport sues over tower closure

The Flathead Municipal Airport Authority that owns and operates Glacier Park International Airport has asked a federal court to reverse the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent decision to close Glacier’s air-traffic control tower because of sequestration budget cuts.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Special painting of Virgin Mary bonds sister, brother

On a hilltop in France, Richie Carter found divine inspiration and the perfect gift for his beloved sister.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Sprinkler accident floods Justice Center

A mishap during a fire sprinkler system upgrade caused extensive flooding on three floors of the Flathead County Justice Center Wednesday night.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Farm-to-table movement keeps growing

The farm-to-table movement is growing in the Flathead Valley, but there are challenges both local producers and consumers face in sustaining community-supported agriculture.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Water-skiing subdivision wins partial OK

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

Price of power heading upward

A June 1 rate increase for Flathead Electric Cooperative members will bump up most area residential electricity bills by about $4.75 per month.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Seniors anxious to get new facility

There was no consensus at a public forum on Thursday about where to build a new Flathead County Agency on Aging facility, but there was agreement about moving ahead with the project as soon as possible.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

County proposes dog licensing consolidation

A proposal to enable Flathead County to administer dog licensing for the cities of Kalispell and Whitefish is in the formative stage and will need approval from both cities and the county commissioners to move forward.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Massive housing project proposed for Whitefish

The first major housing development to surface in Whitefish since the economic downturn began several years ago is on the Whitefish Planning Board agenda tonight.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

County ready to begin buying property for landfill expansion

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

Grape, apple studies also under way

Montana State University Extension Agent Pat McGlynn had economic development in mind when she decided to find out if there are varieties of cold-hardy grapes that could sustain a number of wineries in the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Cherry growers mull new varieties

This is a pivotal year for local cherry growers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Field trial the newest ag research in Flathead

A field trial to evaluate the feasibility of commercial hops production in Western Montana will get under way this summer at a Whitefish area ranch, once again putting the Flathead Valley in the spotlight for progressive agricultural research.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Envisioning a world without bosses

Imagine a workplace without a boss — or any managers, for that matter — a place where every employee is on equal footing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Senators want to block money to Singapore firm

In the search for truth about why a young American engineer with ties to Northwest Montana was found dead last year in Singapore, Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester are hoping money — or the lack of it — talks.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Corridor study eyed for Whitefish highway strip

Property owners along the U.S. 93 strip that slices through the two-mile planning “doughnut” south of Whitefish want more zoning flexibility and have hired a consultant to shepherd a corridor study for the area.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Senators want pollution study of CFAC site

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

County has June 18 deadline to adopt revisions

New flood insurance rate maps affecting about 1,000 Evergreen properties become effective June 18.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Joint planning meeting ahead

The Flathead County commissioners and Planning Board will talk about the Planning Office’s work plan for the coming year when the two groups meet Wednesday for a joint workshop.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Singapore mystery: Couple finds a national audience for son's story

A Marion couple seeking the truth about their son’s mysterious death last June in Singapore are making the rounds in the national media circuit in an effort to draw attention to the international case — and action from the U.S. government.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Club's financial challenges cancel horse racing

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

Fifty-five hours of fear

It’s been more than three decades since Ron Valiquette and his two-man crew survived 55 hours of punishing hurricane-force winds and waves in a yacht off the Oregon coast.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Landfill board mulls expansion options

The Flathead County Solid Waste Board on Tuesday toured two potential sites for future landfill expansion, but some board members later were miffed to learn the county commissioners already have a consensus on which site they prefer.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Judge hears key arguments in jurisdiction battle

A pivotal court hearing on Thursday brought the legal battle over control of Whitefish’s two-mile planning “doughnut” area a step closer to resolution.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

An aging agency

An entourage of county officials and representatives from PayneWest Insurance toured the Flathead County Agency on Aging facility on Friday to begin addressing short-term fixes for a number of safety concerns at the rented building on Kelly Road.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Murder in Singapore?

Halfway around the world in Singapore, a brilliant young electronics engineer with ties to the Flathead Valley was found dead in his apartment last June.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County reaffirms decision to seek grant

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday stood by an earlier vote to pursue a $450,000 federal grant to help pay for a new Agency on Aging building.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Water-skiing plan gets board support

A water-skiing subdivision planned on farmland north of Kalispell got a favorable nod from the Flathead County Planning Board last week following a public hearing that lasted more than four hours.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Proposal would crack down on illegal rentals

Short-term rentals are back on the agenda in Whitefish, this time to set additional enforcement standards for properties with rentals for 30 days or less.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Tuesday votes on building plan may be reversed

Still uncertain about how to proceed with plans for a new Agency on Aging building, the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday morning voted to move forward with pursuing a grant and authorizing a preliminary architectural report for a new facility.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Wetlands trail to open in July

A long-awaited nature trail through a high-profile wetlands area in Whitefish will open in July.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Invasive species, septic leaching are top concerns

Aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels are among the biggest environmental threats facing Whitefish Lake, a local water monitor told the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Testimony split on library plan from Whitefish

Proposed legislation that would give citizens the ability to create their own library district drew both supporters and opponents during a legislative committee hearing Tuesday in Helena.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Septic treatment plan lacks support

A regional septic-tank effluent treatment facility for the Flathead Valley likely will be a requirement sometime in the future, but right now there’s no buy-in from either government officials or local septic haulers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Prison evangelist, worship leader start new ministry

Nearly four decades after Monty Christensen gave up a life of drug addiction and crime to follow Jesus, he’s writing a new chapter in his life.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Polson author co-founds innovative publishing firm

A new publishing company with offices in Polson and Bloomington, Ind., is using two novels by Polson author Gary Cook to jump-start the company.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Board hears plan for water-skiing development

Rosewater Subdivision, a development planned north of Rose Crossing around a 27-acre manmade lake, will be the focus of a public hearing on Wednesday before the Flathead County Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Stinger's Libby plant likely to close

Stinger Welding, a beacon of economic development in Libby just two years ago, now faces an uncertain future in the wake of a lawsuit over assets and the recent death of its chief executive officer.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County unofficially pursues federal grant

The Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday agreed to continue their pursuit of a $450,000 federal grant for a new Agency on Aging building — but declined to pass a motion putting their intentions officially on the record.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

West Reserve picked for road priority list

The section of West Reserve Drive between the Glacier High School roundabout and Farm to Market Road will be placed on the state’s priority funding list for secondary road improvements, the Flathead County commissioners decided Wednesday in a split vote.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Glacier specialty plate still a top seller

Dozens of organizations have used specialty license plates to raise money over the last decade, but none of the plates for nonprofit groups has been as popular as the one for Glacier National Park.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Diversity, customer loyalty keep Polson business going

Bob Ricketts figures there are a couple of good reasons he’s still in business at Three Dog Down in Polson: Loyal customers and the ability to diversify when the economy went south.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Doctor Down a world leader in medical transport wraps

Doctor Down, Three Dog Down’s sister company that manufactures down wraps for rescue missions, began with an inquiry in 1992 from St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Tireless promoter dies at age 72

Gary Elliott, a prominent Whitefish businessman for decades who operated some of the resort town’s most memorable eateries, died Sunday of cancer. He was 72.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County's investments still growing sluggishly

Flathead County’s investments are chugging along, albeit at continued historically low interest rates, County Treasurer Adele Krantz told the county commissioners on Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Terror-rehab scholar trains for Everest

After completing her doctoral thesis on terrorist rehabilitation programs in Malaysia and Singapore, Laura Khor decided she needs to do “one big thing” before settling into a career.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Roller derby standouts honored

The women of the Flathead Valley Roller Derby League have made quite a name for themselves in just three years, and not only for their feisty, flamboyant style.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Bequest helps task force

The Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force got a generous financial boost recently when one of its faithful volunteers died unexpectedly and left the nonprofit group a home valued at upwards of $300,000.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Toxic dumping at Lakeside detailed

The illegal dumping of a hazardous material recently at the Lakeside green-box refuse site illustrates the need for fenced and staffed sites, Flathead County Public Works Director Dave Prunty said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork green-box decision delayed

The Flathead County Solid Waste Board on Tuesday voted to delay a decision on closing the Bigfork green-box refuse site for six months to allow Bigfork residents time to come up with an alternative plan for garbage collection in the bayside community.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Some Whitefish impact fees on chopping block

The Whitefish City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday night to consider a committee recommendation to eliminate some of the city’s impact fees.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Willow Glen bumped from state road list

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

Open house showcases library upgrade

An extensive upgrade of the Flathead County Library in Kalispell has been completed, and the public is invited to an open house today to see the results.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Hunting dog a contender

Most people have never heard of the Pudelpointer breed of dog, and neither had Todd Wirthlin until he bought one three years ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Audubon enthusiast earns lifetime award

Bob Lopp was a teenager attending a weekend camp at Rogers Lake when camp leader Ernie Birnell introduced him to the world of birding. He’s been scouring the skies and forests for birds ever since.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish wants more money for park use

The cost of using Whitefish city parks for big events may be going up big-time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish studies impact-fee fate

A committee tasked with reviewing Whitefish’s impact fees has recommended for a second time that the city should drop some of the fees.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish reports busiest shoulder season ever

Resort tax collections for the autumn months of 2012 indicate Whitefish had its busiest shoulder season ever.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

New judges take oaths of office

Retiring Flathead District Judge Kitty Curtis’ words of wisdom for two incoming district judges were succinct: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Medical staff rallies to save 'miracle' mom, baby

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

Lauman ready for second retirement

Dale Lauman has the kind of amicable demeanor that puts people at ease. He’s thoughtful, inquisitive and doesn’t rile easily.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Future farm academy will include autistic children

The seed for Sherry Lewis-Peterson’s farm-based school has been germinating for quite a while.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County aims to snag road money

Flathead County plans to vie for money from a restructured federal highway program to make improvements to Blacktail and North Fork roads.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Fairgrounds use on upward spiral

Usage of the Flathead County fairgrounds is at an all-time high, according to a year-end report compiled by Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Conrad Cemetery named to historic register

The cemetery named for Kalispell founder Charles E. Conrad now has an official place in history.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Superfund designation sought for CFAC land

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

Man sets up lights for a cause

Adam Birks’ display of 15,000 Christmas lights is impressive in its own right, but he has added a charitable twist to the light show to make it even better.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Early designs unveiled for Whitefish City Hall

Consultants studying parking-garage options for downtown Whitefish rolled out conceptual drawings last week of what a new City Hall and parking structure could look like when City Hall is rebuilt at its current location.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork subdivision gets nine-year extension

In an unprecedented move, the Flathead County commissioners last week agreed to extend the planned unit development for a Bigfork subdivision for another nine years.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Undercover giving

Ed Toren says he’s a “slide under the table” kind of guy. He likes working behind the scenes to help those in need.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Montana senators help move bill forward

The U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year struck down the Stolen Valor Act that made it a crime to falsely claim a military award, but lawmakers in both the House and Senate have moved forward with new, more specific versions of the law.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Flood-plain rule changes revived

A long-awaited overhaul of county flood-plain regulations has been revived and will be the focus of a public hearing Wednesday before the Flathead County Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Turnout for teen raises more than $50,000

The outpouring of support for 17-year-old Taylor Peterson has been, in a word, extraordinary.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Appraisals vex landfill neighbors

Several property owners whose land is targeted for future county landfill expansion say they’re upset with recent appraisals they believe don’t reflect the true value of their property.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Saving the mansion on the hill

The yellow hilltop mansion that’s been a landmark in Somers for 109 years faces an uncertain future, but an effort is under way to preserve the historic home.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Eureka dog stars in 'Santa Paws' movie

David and Debbie Marion and their two sons couldn’t wait to watch “Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups” when the direct-to-video movie was released last week. It’s not every day the family dog is the star of the show.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

A father's heartbreak, a girl's last wish

Not a moment goes by that Chuck Peterson doesn’t wish it was him instead of his only daughter, Taylor, in the final throes of cancer.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Sharing precious Christmas gifts: Nativity sets take center stage at church

Pauline Sjordal was 25 years old and a public health nurse in Connecticut in 1966 when she received a Christmas gift from her mother that’s as precious today as it was 46 years ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Montana Firearms Institute aims to boost local industry

Chris Hyatt knows exactly why he got involved in creating the Montana Firearms Institute. It’s as much about helping future generations get good jobs here as it is about supporting the firearms industry, he said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish microbewery gets Planning Board OK

Ryan Zinke’s proposed microbrewery and bed and breakfast inn along the U.S. 93 West corridor in Whitefish won Planning Board approval recently despite a recommendation from planners to table the project until a corridor study is done.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Land Board OKs Whitefish Trail deals

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

New pictorial showcases Conrad Mansion

Visitors touring the Conrad Mansion in Kalispell now have the keepsake they’ve been wanting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Water table bogs down cemetery search

A high water table in Whitefish has complicated the city’s search for land to develop a new cemetery.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Governor criticizes Amtrak ski fee

A $10 ski handling fee that Amtrak plans to begin charging this ski season is being criticized by local tourism officials and Gov. Brian Schweitzer.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish microbrewery plan could face delay

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Whitefish seeks state approval for trail deed

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Local vote-counting goes well overtime

Record numbers of absentee voters and late registrations slowed vote counting in Flathead County on Tuesday and Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Judge dismisses Lakeside planning lawsuit

A lawsuit alleging open-record violations and challenging the planning process for the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan has been thrown out of court.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Deadline approaching for asbestos trust enrollment

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Trading card game conjures up craze at Evergreen shop

Magic happens nearly every day at Heroic Realms in Evergreen.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Couple embarks on another assisted-living project

Bill and Char Dale introduced the Flathead Valley to a new alternative for elder care 14 years ago when they opened Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell, the area’s first assisted-living center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Trail easement under consideration

The Whitefish City Council is on the cusp of approving a deed of public recreation use easement that will create permanent public access for the Whitefish Trail.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Commissioners to review county decay law

The
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Longtime school leader in Whitefish remembered fondly

Russell Giesy was a Whitefish coach, teacher, school administrator and decorated war hero who by all accounts gave it his all every day. And those who knew him never forgot him.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Glacier JV helps make special memory for autistic player

A 50-yard run for a touchdown was a golden moment 17-year-old Patrick Fuglei won’t ever forget. Neither will his teammates and opposing players.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Judge lifts injunction affecting Lakeside plan

Å Flathead District Court judge on Tuesday lifted a court order that had prevented a 2010 update of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan from taking effect.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Flathead County's investments still lagging

Flathead County Treasurer Adele Krantz had two words to describe the latest quarterly report on the county’s investments: “Not great.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Appraisals under way near landfill

The appraisals for 14 parcels of land targeted for long-term county landfill expansion should be done by late November, providing a big piece of the financial picture for future expansion, county Public Works Director Dave Prunty told the county commissioners on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Library Board still pursuing CF branch move

The Flathead County Library Board is moving forward with a plan to relocate the Columbia Falls Branch Library to Glacier Discovery Square, despite the county commissioners’ recent decision to remove a $1.9 million earmark for a new library.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Zoning a key issue at county forum

Flathead County commissioner candidates for Districts 1 and 3 weighed in on zoning, neighborhood plans and even the United Nations Agenda 21 plan for sustainable development as they responded to questions during a forum on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Four trail proposals asking for federal funding

Four proposed trail projects are vying for what likely will be Flathead County’s last direct allocation of federal money for trails through the longstanding Community Transportation Enhancement Program.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Dayton ranch family featured in stockgrowers' book

The Meuli family’s ranching roots reach down five generations in Proctor Valley, so when it came time for the Montana Stockgrowers Association to profile Montana cowboys in its new book, the Meulis were well-suited to the theme.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Asbestos settlements part of 'global' deal

Lawyers for Libby asbestos victims are working toward settlements with W.R. Grace & Co., BNSF Railway Co. and certain insurance companies in what Grace has deemed a “global resolution.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Lakeside plan injunction remains in place, for now

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Citizens group reflects on 20 years in the planning trenches

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County OKs revised growth policy

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County library gets a facelift

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Board backs Thompson business proposal

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Retired pastor's book reveals church life at its best - and worst

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Study reveals increased homelessness in Kalispell

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Bigfork stormwater tax district rejected

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Commissioner clarifies educational background

Flathead County Interim Commissioner Cal Scott acknowledged this week he does not have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nevada-Reno, as was stated in primary election stories in the Daily Inter Lake and Hungry Horse News.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Commissioner touts business background

Interim County Commissioner Cal Scott had a couple of jobs in the 1960s that made him realize his calling in life would be helping people.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Museum leader aims for county job

Gil Jordan was weary of big-city life in Los Angeles when he headed to Montana in the late 1970s with a rather singular goal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Democratic hopeful says he's a fiscal conservative

Balance and moderation are words that surface frequently as Gil Jordan talks about the issues he sees as most pertinent in the Flathead County commissioner race.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Candidate wants to fight for people

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Mears-LaChappelle on the issues

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

West Valley farmer touts strong work ethic

In Gary Krueger’s life the old adage, “like father, like son,” seems to hold true, especially when it comes to work ethic.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish considers cultural arts center expansion

The Whitefish City Council will take a tour of the O’Shaughnessy Center at 6 p.m. today to learn more about expansion plans proposed by Whitefish Theatre Co.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Cabela's CEO says Kalispell a 'sweet spot' for company

A growing firearms industry in the Flathead Valley is the “frosting on the cake” for Cabela’s as it makes plan to build a Kalispell store that’s expected to have annual sales in excess of $20 million, the company’s top executive told firearms enthusiasts on Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Foes, fans chime in on revised plan

Comments on a revision of the 2007 Flathead County growth policy have been pouring into the commissioners’ office as the Oct. 1 deadline approaches.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

North Valley Food Bank facility plan unveiled

There are boxes and bags of food stacked on every inch of counter space, so the need for a bigger facility was not lost on the crowd attending last week’s open house at the North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Baldwin, Lieser vie for open Whitefish House seat

The House District 4 race in Flathead County has an odd twist: Neither candidate lives within the district.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Kalispell aims for air show in 2013

An air show featuring the U.S. Air Force’s elite Thunderbirds may be on the horizon for next year in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Commissioner hopefuls talk up business, leadership skills

Leadership, stewardship and business development were themes that resonated with Flathead County commissioner candidates at the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s forum on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Bigfork assisted-living center approved

An assisted-living center planned three miles north of Bigfork won approval from the Flathead County commissioners on Monday, despite lingering concerns from neighboring property owners.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish annexation targets U.S. 93 parcels

The city of Whitefish is moving forward with the annexation of 17 parcels of land in the U.S. 93 corridor that will increase the city’s property tax collections by about $22,640 a year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Resort tax collections soar

Whitefish resort tax collections in July were up 14 percent over last July, another indication of a rebounding local economy.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Old gear leads to a bumpy road

A recent chip-seal coating that produced a bumpy “washboard” surface on a portion of Whitefish Stage Road is being blamed on old county road equipment.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Yarn shop scores deal for college kits

Camas Creek Yarn is bursting with collegiate spirit these days, with shop owner Melanie Cross in the end zone as head cheerleader.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Appointments now required for driver services

If you need to renew your driver’s license or take a driver’s examination, you’ll need an appointment.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Firefighter responded to both Trade Center bombings

Kevin Shea insists he was just an average firefighter during the years he served in the heart of New York City.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish hydro plant goes online

Whitefish once again has its own hydroelectric plant.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Quartet lifts off for 'bucket list' flight

On a glorious, crisp September morning, Patti Winn’s “bucket list” got a little shorter.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish ready to decide on City Hall site

After weighing public input about possible sites for a new Whitefish City Hall, the City Council on Tuesday will hold a public hearing to consider a resolution that calls for rebuilding City Hall at its current site.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Couple embarks on seventh mission trip to Czech Republic

Don and Ruth Slabaugh came back in February completely exhausted from their mission trip to the Czech Republic.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County taxes go down slightly in final budget

Flathead County’s final budget for the coming year adds seven employees to the payroll and gives most workers a 2.5 percent cost-of-living raise.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Meetings continue on Bad Rock Canyon rebuild

Discussion about how to rebuild U.S. 2 through Bad Rock Canyon is the focus of a third informational meeting planned Tuesday night in Hungry Horse.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Property bill of rights part of update

A Flathead County growth policy update that includes a property owners bill of rights and a new chapter on gravel resources is on track for county commissioner approval Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Gateway to splendor: Centennial plans under way for Glacier hotel

Workers arriving at camp in March 1912 along a remote siding on the Great Northern Railway mainline had a tall order as winter dragged on.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Early numbers show boost in fair attendance

Northwest Montana Fair officials are still crunching numbers, but it looks as though attendance at this year’s fair was up 4 or 5 percent over 2011.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County zoning process streamlined

The Flathead County Planning Office has figured out a way to shave three months off the normal eight-month-long zoning amendment process.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

County not happy with flood-plain revisions

A letter sent by the Flathead County commissioners to the Federal Emergency Management Agency about flood elevations assigned to Evergreen properties echoed the frustrations felt by many Evergreen residents over the federal agency’s revisions.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Columbia Falls driver hopes to ace demo derby

Chris Cheff has a straightforward explanation about his love of demolition derbies: “It’s not every day you can beat the hell out of another car.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Still going strong: Longtime 4-H leader enters more than three dozen exhibits

It was old home week at the 4-H and open-class building at the Flathead County fairgrounds on Tuesday as Marjorie Olsen rolled her wheelchair through the aisles, stopping for hugs and hellos from most everyone.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Agency on Aging building rent discussed

Charles Lapp, one of the owners of the building rented by Flathead County for the Agency on Aging, told the county commissioners on Thursday he’d like to continue that rental relationship with the county.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish artist gets response from Her Majesty

Sixty years ago Whitefish artist James Bakke sent a drawing of Queen Elizabeth to Buckingham Palace, only to have the artwork returned with a gracious note saying Her Majesty couldn’t accept the gift.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

County pulls C. Falls library earmark

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday unanimously voted to remove $1.9 million for a new Columbia Falls branch library from the county’s proposed five-year capital improvement plan.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Beekeepers relish remote locale for honey business

Not everyone can take Going-to-the-Sun Road to go get groceries or routinely post pictures of bears on their blog.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Avail-TVN a leader in digital media services

As the Olympic games unfold in London, a digital media services company founded in the Flathead Valley nearly a decade ago has a key role in connecting television viewers to the games.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Romance of the 'Reds' - Longtime bus driver still in love with the job

More than a half century ago, Bill Trimble showed up for his summer job in Glacier National Park and took the driver’s seat of a red bus.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Heath-care exec develops software for employee scheduling

Tyler Weber knew there must be an easier way to schedule shifts for the 11 radiologists he works with as chief administrative officer of Northwest Imaging in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Canola taking root in the Flathead

The bright yellow fields seem to be everywhere in the Flathead Valley this summer, and while they add a scenic swatch to the landscape they’re also evidence of a substantial upswing in local canola production.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

New Whitefish seafood restaurant has ties to Hawaii

The story of Stillwater Fish House & Oyster Bar began 10 years ago on a beach in Hawaii when Jesse Felder, then a 21-year-old Army infantryman fresh out of basic training, and his buddies were looking for a place to camp out under the stars.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Rare Demersville records loaned to county

Local historians are tickled pink over an extraordinary collection of original records from the historic Demersville townsite that have been placed on long-term loan to Flathead County by the Don Kaltschmidt family.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Contractor group bestows top honor on Mohl

There’s a lot of living tucked into the Lifetime Achievement award Arnie Mohl recently received from the Montana Contractors’ Association.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Zaiss-Johnson Group a top performer for Merrill Lynch

John Zaiss got some “spot on” advice from his father before he embarked on a career as a financial adviser: You need to understand accounting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Airport to privatize security force

Glacier Park International Airport last week got its long-awaited approval to privatize the airport security force, a move the airport director says will enhance customer service.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Splat! New paintball park opens near C. Falls

Add paintball to the bevy of recreational offerings in the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

New West focuses on Medicare after breakup

Six months after an antitrust settlement forced New West Health Services to downsize and restructure, the company has emerged a leader in selling Medicare Advantage and supplement policies in Montana.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish scales back pay raises

Whitefish’s nonunion city employees likely won’t get the 4.7 percent pay increase promised in the city’s preliminary budget.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Sharing the BEAR

Whether it’s developing a business plan, training employees or figuring out how to get a government contract, there’s no end to the challenges facing small business owners.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Jobless rate nears 3-year low

After years of stubbornly high jobless numbers in Flathead County, the pendulum finally may be swinging the other way.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Young actor doing well after heart surgery

Max Page, the young actor who starred in the popular Volkswagen Super Bowl commercial last year, came through open-heart surgery on Thursday “just like a champion,” his grandfather said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Young actor summons courage for heart surgery

Max Page, the 7-year-old who won acclaim playing a mini-Darth Vader last year in Volkswagen’s Super Bowl commercial, is summoning some super power of his own to undergo open heart surgery in Los Angeles on Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Building hope: Kalispell man shepherds orphanage in Philippines

It’s been eight years since Mike Yap first thought about starting an orphanage in the Philippines.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Raku art puts Polson couple in limelight

When Matt and Heather Holmes put their fiery hot 2,000-degree ceramic pieces into metal buckets of sawdust, they don’t know what the end result will be.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

French dining gives way to fusion fare in Bigfork

For 12 years La Provence’s exclusive French cuisine was the pinnacle of fine dining in the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Sediment work to begin today on Whitefish Lake

The removal of contaminated sediment left in Whitefish Lake by a 1989 train derailment and fuel spill is scheduled to begin today in Mackinaw Bay and should be finished by the end of June.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

It's a Mrs. Wonderful life

Ever heard of orzechownik?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Aspiring novelist taps into online funding platform

Finding a way to get a book published is a challenge for most up-and-coming writers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Polson artist a winner in Walmart art contest

Jeff Nobles of Polson always has wanted a full-time career as an artist, and it just so happens Walmart may bring him one step closer to his dream.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish students fight for principles, save principal's job

The emotional Whitefish School Board meeting on Monday was as much about the students as it was about deciding the job status of Principal Dave Carlson.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish High principal keeps his job

In a stunning reversal of expectations, Whitefish School Superintendent Kate Orozco on Monday night changed her recommendation not to renew the contract of Whitefish High School Principal Dave Carlson.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

New food banks coming in two towns

Facing an increasing number of hungry people at their doors, two independent food banks in the Flathead Valley have outgrown their pantries and are building bigger and better facilities.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Gluten-free growth: Polson business expands to national distribution

Rachel Carlyle Edington and her two youngest daughters served gluten-free pastry samples to a big crowd at the Women 4 Wellness fair last week at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Evergreen processor takes home top state award

A funny thing happened on the way to Don Clapper’s contemplated career as a physical education teacher and wrestling coach.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish budget reflects healing economy

A slowly improving economy and increased revenue from building permits has given the city of Whitefish more breathing room in this year’s proposed budget.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Sheriff's mom wraps up EMT career

Carol Curry vividly remembers one of the first calls she got as a charter member of the Lakeside Quick Response Unit 30 years ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

A plea for equality: Kalispell native's video about partner's death goes viral

Just three days before President Obama’s historic declaration supporting same-sex marriage, a YouTube video posted by Kalispell native Shane Bitney Crone on that very issue was already on its way to going viral.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

HD 4 Democrats talk taxes, 'doughnut' dilemma

Property taxes, water quality and a resolution for the Whitefish “doughnut” jurisdictional dilemma are top issues in House District 4, where Democrats Tom Muri and Ed Lieser face off in the June 5 primary election.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Quadruplet kindergartners adapting to life in Bigfork

Chances were slim to none that Wendy Stanislao would ever have children.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

New Kalispell eatery hits 'The Spot'

Dave and Elly Snyder’s recipe for starting a restaurant in downtown Kalispell boiled down to one simple strategy — doing things their own way.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Ill wind: Man 'dealing with survivor guilt' recuperating in Libby

An Indiana tornado survivor whose story made international headlines in early March is recovering from multiple injuries at his sister’s home in Libby.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Nonprofit chiropractic clinic opens

A nonprofit clinic offering chiropractic treatment to low-income patients has opened in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Ductless wonder: Libby business earns award for heat-pump installations

Installing ductless heat pumps has been a niche that has allowed a Libby heating and cooling business to survive the recession and get some statewide recognition to boot.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Couple offers matching grant for clinic fund

A $250,000 matching challenge by Whitefish philanthropists Dave and Sherry Lesar has injected momentum and lifeblood into a permanent endowment fund recently launched by Shepherd’s Hand Clinic.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Family mourns passing of injured paratrooper

An injured soldier who struggled daily to overcome the physical challenges left by an explosion in Iraq died early Sunday morning in his sleep, just two weeks before a home being built for him and his family was due to be finished.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

New book details 'The Indian Way'

Seventeen years ago, Neil Van Sickle delved into research about the North American fur trade with the idea of writing a number of vignettes on the topic.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Lease increase may doom Girl Scout camp

The future of a longstanding Girl Scout camp north of Whitefish is in jeopardy after the state recently notified scout leaders of a five-fold cost increase in the camp’s annual lease payment.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Polson kitchen serves soup, hospitality

On a blustery March day, the women at the Wander Inn community kitchen in Polson were serving up more than hot soup.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

BPA remains a low-cost source of energy based on hydropower

The federal Columbia River Power System has delivered some of the cheapest power to the Pacific Northwest since visionaries created the system 75 years ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

'A legacy most people can only dream about'

Longtime friends and colleagues say they will remember Flathead County Commissioner Jim Dupont as an effective leader, mentor and a man of unquestionable integrity and character.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Bob DePratu: A lifetime of hard work

Bob DePratu knew one thing to be true during his hardscrabble childhood: Hard work was the gateway to a better life.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish tackles downtown parking woes

Parking issues will dominate a Whitefish City Council work session at 5 p.m. today.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Distillery, brewery produce unique spirit

There was some serious sipping going on at Glacier Distilling Co. last week as the inaugural batch of Wheatfish Whiskey was bottled.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Eating disorder center advances

It’s been four years since a residential treatment center for eating disorders was proposed for the Flathead Valley, just about the time the national recession dug its heels in here.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish enforcing cellphone ban for drivers

The Whitefish Police Department has issued close to 50 citations to violators of the city’s ban on cellphone use while driving within city limits.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Blast was intentional

The explosion and fire that reduced a Kalispell home to rubble early Friday morning were intentionally set by the occupant, a Kalispell Fire Department investigation has concluded.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

'Zombies' invade - again

Grumpa’s Zombie Flavoring, an unusual drink flavor enhancer that was all the rage in Kalispell more than 30 years ago, is back in a big way.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

On the cutting edge: Acutech expands waterjet, ironwork capabilities at new facility

A business initially built on cutting-edge waterjet technology has expanded into a new facility on Montana 40 with broader capabilities and a new name.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Lincoln Electric announces sizable rate increase

Lincoln Electric Cooperative will raise its rates by nearly 11 percent later this spring to offset substantial increases in wholesale power rates.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Airport scanners coming soon

The body scanners are coming.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork merchants voice concerns

From a purported “blacklist” for dissidents to secret financial information, the list of allegations made by some business owners against the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce is sizable.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

VFW in driver's seat for Bigfork car show

Bigfork’s Rumble in the Bay car show will have new leadership this year as the Bigfork VFW Post 4042 takes the reins of the Labor Day weekend event.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish considers $2.5 million park plan

A $2.5 million master plan to renovate and preserve Depot Park in Whitefish will be considered during a public hearing at tonight’s Whitefish City Council meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

The Shipping News: Kalispell man receives top industry award

With more than 25 years of work in the transportation industry, Peter Saunders knows a thing or two about shipping.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Portraits of the past

A century ago the American Indian culture in Montana straddled two worlds: Life on government-imposed reservations and life as it had been for centuries.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Couple serious about stolen valor

A former Kalispell resident who has spent years developing a database of verified military award recipients has been in the national limelight lately.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Firm launches new version of software

A locally developed investment software program called Dynamic Investor Pro is getting some pretty good buzz in the investment world these days, and its owners are ready to launch a national marketing campaign for their product.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell Chamber outlines 2012 goals

Expanding tourism and advancing pro-growth legislation will be at the forefront of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s agenda this year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

'You are our pot of gold'

Canadian visitors have time and money to spend in the Flathead Valley, and they really like it here.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Evergreen Post Office veteran steps aside to battle cancer

There were many special deliveries for Linda Graham on Tuesday, all of them well wishes for a community leader who has operated the Evergreen Post Office for the past 20 years.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Teddy's footprint in the Flathead

There’s no doubt that Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt spent time hunting and campaigning in Montana.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Economic recovery still 'disappointingly' slow

The tale of the tortoise and the hare might be an apropos analogy for economic recovery in Montana this year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Judge promises quick decision for Whitefish 'doughnut' injunction

By LYNNETTE HINTZE
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Decision looms for Whitefish school funding

A proposal to give $2.5 million in tax increment revenue to the Whitefish High School reconstruction project is the focus of a public hearing tonight at the Whitefish City Council meeting.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

On the 'A-Team'

Jeff Halsey has one thing in common with the unflappable Hannibal Smith from the "The A-Team" 1980s action TV series: They both "love it when a plan comes together."
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Restoring Marina Cay

With new owners and renovation plans already in the works, Marina Cay Resort is poised for a strong future in Bigfork.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Payments begin in state asbestos settlement

More than 200 people with asbestos disease have received their portion of a $43 million state settlement to compensate those sickened by asbestos exposure from the former W.R. Grace & Co. vermiculite mine at Libby.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Cobblestone Moon a mix of old and new treasures

The riddle begins like this: What do you call a business that’s part yarn shop, part art gallery, part collectibles and antiques, part floral shop, part children’s clothing nook and part design emporium?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Local real estate market still troubled

The Flathead real estate market may have its worst days behind it going into 2012, according to Kalispell appraiser Jim Kelley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Flathead economy beginning to improve

The economic picture of the Flathead Valley still isn’t the rosiest, but it’s better than a year ago.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Allegiant adds direct flights to California

Allegiant announced Tuesday it will offer nonstop jet service between Kalispell and the San Francisco Bay Area two days a week starting April 27.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Trailhead Supply expands to retail store

For Andy Breland, life’s always been more about saddlebags than moneybags.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside mother speaks out about daughter's fatal beating

The last time Roxanne Wadman of Lakeside spoke to her daughter Alicia "Lisa" Sherman was during a phone call on Dec. 15.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Citizens group wants greenbelt zone overturned

A complaint was filed Friday in District Court attempting to revert action taken in recent months by the Flathead County commissioners to create a new zone classification.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Reimer brothers all attain Eagle Scout rank

Four brothers. Four Eagle Scouts. One extraordinary accomplishment.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Coffee kiosk will help free clinic

The Pin and Brew, a coffee kiosk in front of the Pin and Cue in Whitefish, now is donating 100 percent of its profit to Shepherd’s Hand Clinic.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish backs $2.5 million for school plan

The Whitefish City Council on Tuesday unanimously agreed to move forward with a proposal to give $2.5 million in tax increment revenue to the Whitefish High school reconstruction project.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Group backs bond issue for school

Members of Whitefish Community Partners, a politically diverse group of Whitefish leaders, say they'll support a bond issue for the Whitefish High School reconstruction project regardless of the City Council's decision on the use of city tax-increment revenue for the project.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

New Whitefish council has busy first meeting

The Whitefish City Council starts the new year with a new slate of council members and a new mayor.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Longtime bakery dream materializes

Alisha May waited 17 years for the perfect spot to open a bakery, and she has found it next door to Echo Lake Cafe.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Council considers $2.5 million school request

The Whitefish City Council on Tuesday will take the first step toward potentially allocating a portion of the city’s tax increment revenue to the proposed Whitefish High School reconstruction project.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Program helps Canadian shoppers

A new initiative called Canada Certified is being launched in the Flathead Valley to allow business owners to accept Canadian debit cards.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Resort-tax collections on upward spiral

Massive street reconstruction projects in Whitefish during September and October didn't hamper resort-tax collections.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Man came 'within a hair's breadth of dying'

The nights are long for Blaine Wright.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Stellar Recovery plans to expand Kalispell call center

Stellar Recovery Inc., a debt collection agency that has tripled its top-line revenue over the past year, is moving its corporate headquarters from Kalispell to Jacksonville, Fla., but will continue to expand the Kalispell call center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Montana's first oil well was drilled at Kintla Lake in 1901

The history of oil in Montana began in an area that never had any substantial development of the natural resource — the Flathead Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Area contractors tap into building frenzy

Faced with stagnant construction activity in the Flathead Valley, many local contractors are heading to the Williston Basin to build houses in boom towns.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Convenience store taps solar, wind power

By the end of the year, motorists will notice big changes at Midway Mini Mart in Happy Valley.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Ringing the bell a little louder

Bill Milner has done a lot of out-of-the-ordinary things in the course of a lifetime.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

State clarifies rules for nonprofit taxi services

A new ruling by the Montana Public Service Commission clarifies how nonprofit taxi services must operate and likely will affect services such as The Ride Guy taxi service based in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish considers reprioritizing street projects

With a blessing from the Resort Tax Monitoring Committee, the Whitefish City Council tonight will consider moving the Second Street East reconstruction project higher up on the priority list for street projects paid for with resort-tax revenue.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Preparedness turns to need for fire victims

Hayley Matthews was all ready for winter.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Ex-commissioner Dale Williams leaves unique legacy

Former Flathead County Commissioner Dale Williams, known for his iron-fisted style and conservative approach to planning and property-rights issues, died Friday at age 62.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Hearing focuses on Whitefish critical areas law

The Whitefish City-County Planning Board will finalize its recommendations to revamp the city’s critical areas ordinance following a public hearing on Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Veteran loses everything, including medals, in house fire

A young Army veteran just back from active duty in Afghanistan, his wife and his mother lost everything — including the soldier’s numerous military medals and citations — in a mobile-home fire early Monday at Forest Acres near Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Whitefish council tackles City Hall, high school

The Whitefish City Council has two big-ticket discussions on tap at tonight's meeting: How to move forward with a decision for a new City Hall location and how to use tax increment money for high school improvements.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Referendum could repeal 'doughnut' deal

A referendum aimed at repealing a 2010 planning agreement is part of the Whitefish city election that began last week when registered city voters get their ballots in the mail.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Tamarack Grief Resource Center expands programs, services

After her husband died in 2008, Cinnamon Hall contemplated how to help her two young sons deal with the loss of their father. She found guidance - and open arms - through Tamarack Grief Resource Center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Whitefish studies $42 million in special spending

The Whitefish City Council tonight will begin mapping out a plan for how to spend millions of dollars in projected tax increment finance district revenue over the next decade.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO

Wise: 'We need to change our attitude'

It was the town's sense of community, not its resort status, that drew Doug Wise to Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Vail wants to preserve family-friendly nature of Whitefish

Mary Vail says her focus for improving Whitefish begins with finding ways for families to flourish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Noell wants to protect Whitefish's quality of life

There's no time like the present to get involved in city government, Life Noell maintains.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Muhlfeld vows to work for 'common benefit' of citizens

Balance figures prominently into John Muhlfeld’s view of city government. It’s something Whitefish needs and he feels equipped to deliver if elected mayor.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Art therapist uses creative process to help clients

Natalie Norrell sees the healing effects of art on a daily basis.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish seeks public input on City Hall options

After the Whitefish City Council last month put the brakes on choosing a site for a new City Hall, city officials now are gathering public comments.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Hildner ready to put government knowledge to work

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Economic turnaround will take time

With consumer confidence lagging, financial problems looming in Europe and an economic slowdown in Asia at hand, crawling out of America's "Great Recession" will be a test of endurance, First Interstate Bank's staff economist said Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Traffic situation improves in Whitefish

After two weeks of major street reconstruction in downtown Whitefish, the initial gridlock has subsided and traffic flow has improved, city officials say.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Airport gift shop felled by lease dispute

A disagreement over terms of a new lease for the Kindred Spirits Gift Gallery at Glacier Park International Airport has prompted the gift-shop owner to bow out of a relationship that has spanned 17 years at the airport.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

'Carmageddon' starts in Whitefish

Patience, folks.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Couple wins big at custom car show

In the Colby family, hot-rodding is a his-and-hers sport.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Keeper of the cross

Duane Carlson came home from Reno earlier this year with something big, and it wasn't a jackpot from one of the casinos.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Radio man has long career in industry

Robin Mitchell attributes his success in the radio business to two simple strategies: Give the people what they want and don't be afraid to take chances.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Complaint dismissed against Whitefish judge

The Montana Judicial Standards Commission has dismissed a citizen complaint against Whitefish Municipal Judge Bradley Johnson involving a verbal dispute last summer at the Columbia Falls Post Office.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Asbestos victims frustrated by program changes

The end of two significant medical funding programs for Libby asbestos victims has been confusing and frustrating for patients who must now tap into the “Libby Provision” of the federal health-care reform law.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell triathlete aims to swim Lake Chelan

A Kalispell triathlete who last year became the third person ever to swim the length of Flathead Lake has set the bar higher this summer as she attempts to swim the 55-mile-long Lake Chelan in northern Washington.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Rural shop specializes in rare books

If you’re looking for a 1833 edition of “Introduction to Geology” with hand-colored illustrations, Parkland Books has a copy.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Stinger Welding gets $17 million for new Libby plant

LIBBY, Mont. - Stinger Welding will get $17 million to complete its new fabrication plant in Libby, the Montana Community Development Corporation said.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish prepares to raise pay for city workers

While the Whitefish Police Department union has agreed to a limited contract opening to negotiate a minimum pay increase of 3.3 percent, the Whitefish Fire Department union declined to open its contract this year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

U.S. 93 project to begin this fall

After years of working toward a highway design that can accommodate both pedestrians and heavy through traffic, the city of Whitefish is finally ready to put its U.S. 93/Second Street reconstruction project out to bid.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Laura Bush to visit here; Obama cancels

President Barack Obama has canceled a trip to Montana and will not be in Whitefish later this week, Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial said Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Pastor celebrates milestones

It's a year of anniversaries for the Rev. John Bent.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish studies resort-tax changes

Used books, fake plants and granola bars have been added as taxable "luxury" items in a proposed ordinance that aims to address administrative interpretations of Whitefish's 2 percent resort tax.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Veteran council member leaves long legacy

Duane Larson has made a lot of difficult decisions during his 23 years on the Kalispell City Council.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Jobless rate dips 1.5 percent

Flathead County’s unemployment rate improved in May, heralding the typical upswing in hiring as summer sets in.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Fair Board OKs alcohol sales during horse races

Beer and wine will be sold during the two days of horse racing planned at the upcoming Northwest Montana Fair, the Fair Board decided Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Weed Auto Sales of Evergreen

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

Kalispell seeks grant to buy foreclosed homes

The city of Kalispell has its sights set on another round of state grant funding that would allow the city to buy foreclosed homes and resell them to low-to-moderate income families.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Goodwill store gears up for May 5 opening

The shelves are fully stocked. The staff is raring to go. And at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 5, the doors open wide at Evergreen's new Goodwill store.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish tackles beer signs, strip zoning

Public hearings at tonight's Whitefish City Council meeting deal with typically controversial topics in the resort town: streets, signs and zoning.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Flathead Electric rates going up June 1

A June 1 rate increase for Flathead Electric Cooperative members will bump up most area residential electricity bills by about $3.55 a month.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish mulls sign-law changes

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

Spencer timber sale talks continue

A stakeholder meeting to air concerns about the proposed Spencer Lake timber sale will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Glacier Bank community room in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Push to block health reform concerns asbestos victims

After Democratic Sen. Max Baucus’ hard-fought battle to include provisions for Libby asbestos victims in the federal health-reform law, many of those victims are worried a move by Montana’s congressman will pull the plug on their long-term care.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Block-grant cuts would limit local agency

Proposed funding cuts to the federal Community Services Block Grant program would have a dramatic effect on Northwest Montana residents living at or below the federal poverty rate, the Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana said this week.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork committee accused of open-meeting violations

Flathead County officials say they are checking into allegations that the Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee violated the state open-meeting law on several occasions.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County nixes North Fork zoning change

Agreeing it posed undo restrictions on private property rights, the Flathead County commissioners on Monday unanimously rejected a text amendment that would have banned temporary structures in the North Fork Zoning District’s 150-setback from public roads and bodies of water.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Flathead plus financial job equals happiness

Like so many others who have found their way to the Flathead Valley, Sandy Carlson and her family were lured here by a couple of vacation trips to ski on Big Mountain and see Glacier National Park.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Beer Barter is new Winter Carnival event

There's a new event at the Whitefish Winter Carnival on Saturday and it involves free beer. Need we say more?
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Beer Barter is new Winter Carnival event

There’s a new event at the Whitefish Winter Carnival on Saturday and it involves free beer. Need we say more?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Airport's request to privatize on hold

The opt-out program Glacier Park International Airport sought to privatize its security force instead of using federal workers has been put on hold by the administrator of the federal Transportation Security Administration.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish considers new cemetery

With no room left at its 93-year-old cemetery, the city of Whitefish is taking the first step to create new burial grounds for the resort town.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

'Doughnut' initiative proposal rejected

The Flathead County Attorney’s Office has rejected a citizens initiative effort to create a community council for Whitefish’s two-mile planning “doughnut” area, saying it doesn’t meet legal criteria for an initiative.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Horse-racing organizer gets national attention

There were a few times last summer when Janis Schoepf could almost hear the theme song from “Rocky” playing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners reorganize for new year

Flathead County Commissioner Jim Dupont will serve as chairman of the commission for the coming year. His step up to chairman on Monday was part of the routine reorganization that’s done when a new commissioner comes on board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Courthouse renovation starts next month

Flathead County is moving ahead with a $2.44 million renovation of the 108-year-old main Courthouse.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County to look at North Fork setbacks

The issue of banning temporary structures in the North Fork Zoning District’s 150-foot setback from public roads and bodies of water is the focus of a Jan. 14 public hearing before the Flathead County commissioners.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Sleigh rides a step back in time

It was one of those rare crystal-clear bluebird days at the Hanson ranch west of Marion as the Stutzman children piled into the sleigh, giddy at the prospect of a dash through the snow.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Study backs county's speed zone request on U.S. 2

Results from a state traffic study support Flathead County’s request to extend a 60 mph speed zone on U.S. 2 for another 5.3 miles west, from Batavia Road to just west of Kila Hill.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County OKs new zoning in Lakeside

Acknowledging a solid show of support from property owners, the Flathead County commissioners on Monday unanimously passed a resolution of intent to create a new lakefront zoning district in Lakeside.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Referendum proposed to reject 'doughnut deal'

A referendum has been proposed to give Whitefish voters a chance to reject a recently revised city/county agreement on planning control of Whitefish’s two-mile planning “doughnut.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

'Doughnut' intervenors want court ruling

As promised, the intervenors in the city of Whitefish’s lawsuit against Flathead County over control of Whitefish’s two-mile planning “doughnut” have asked Flathead District Court Judge Katherine Curtis to rule on the merits of the lawsuit.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Christian Center musical 'The Christmas Post' delivers a message of faith in hard times

For many cast members of Christian Center’s Christmas musical, “The Christmas Post,” the line between fiction and real life has been razor thin.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Airport pat-downs prompt couple to forego flight

Glen and Jean Hook were supposed to fly to Las Vegas on Monday for a Thanksgiving family get-together.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish wants mandatory permits in 'doughnut'

As the city of Whitefish and Flathead County prepare to shake hands on a memorandum of understanding about governance of the two-mile planning “doughnut,” a new city proposal for mandatory zoning compliance permits in the doughnut area could rip the scab off a wound that barely has begun to heal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Strip zoning, 'doughnut' decisions loom in Whitefish

The city of Whitefish has a cornucopia of major issues to deal with tonight, including decisions on the two-mile planning “doughnut” and a related lawsuit, U.S. 93 strip zoning and vendor permit fee changes.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Kalispell von Trapps on 'Oprah'

Kalispell’s own von Trapp children will perform on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” on Thursday during a special show that reunites the entire cast of “The Sound of Music” for the first time in 45 years.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

New manager sees big potential for fairgrounds

Mark Campbell remembers bunking down in the aisles and staying overnight in the barn where his prized beef cattle were housed at the county fairs of his youth. He still remembers the first blue ribbon he ever won.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO

Sports complex proposed in C. Falls

Sixteen acres of overgrown Flathead County park land in Columbia Falls may find new life as a sports complex.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Marion mom frustrated with working-poor predicament

Cairi Passler is in a bad place, literally.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Decision looms for Whitefish 'doughnut' area

A public hearing over a compromise for control of Whitefish's two-mile planning "doughnut" is sure to pack Whitefish City Hall tonight as the City Council considers a plan that gives the county final say on Whitefish laws as they affect the doughnut area.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Longtime cabinetmaker strives to 'be involved'

Ole Netteberg's heart pumps at half the pressure it should, but no one could accuse him of being halfhearted about anything.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside Neighborhood Plan emerges for 2nd hearing

The proposed Lakeside Neighborhood Plan is back on the Flathead County Planning Board agenda for a second public hearing on Sept. 15.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Local library use is on the rise

The Flathead County Library and its four branch libraries are busier than they've ever been, and the numbers tell the story.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Expansion sought for U.S. 93 business

Owners of a firearms and aerospace manufacturing facility north of Kalispell have plans to add a practice rifle range, retail sales component and increased processing capability to their operation.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Judge, citizen clash in unusual encounter

A woman who tailed Whitefish Municipal Judge Bradley Johnson’s vehicle to the Columbia Falls Post Office on July 9 and told him he was speeding on Nucleus Avenue has been charged with disorderly conduct.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

W. Valley motocross track stirs up controversy

A West Valley motocross track that neighbors say is causing noise and dust problems is the focus of a Flathead County Board of Adjustment public hearing on Aug. 3.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

County unveils detailed road map for trails

A detailed plan that sets the stage for county trails development over the next couple of decades is the focus of a public hearing Wednesday before the Flathead County Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish firefighter hailed as hero

A Whitefish firefighter who had just finished a grueling mountain-bike endurance race in Oregon found himself in an unusual spot afterwards — saving another firefighter’s life.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Firefighter's job is on the chopping block

While Ben Parsons is being hailed as a hero by many, there’s an ironic twist playing out in his life.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Landfill project under way

A $1.9 million project at the Flathead County landfill will permanently close an older portion of the facility and excavate four acres for the next lined cell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

'We're not quitting,' search leader promises

At dusk on Tuesday, there still was not a trace of a plane missing since Sunday with four people on board
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Fair Board restarts search for new manager

The Flathead County Fair Board has gone back to the drawing board to find a new fair manager.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Board takes second look at Lakeside plan

Now being deliberated for a third year, the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan comes back before the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday for a second work session.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Eureka couple's ministry finds footing in the great outdoors

It’s been a long time coming, but Marty and Darla Kaarre’s outdoor ministry has taken hold in the mountains of Northwest Montana.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

After 19 years, paralyzed pilot earns private license

It’s taken 19 years, but Justin Sands finally has his private pilot’s license in hand.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Subdivision proposal goes before Planning Board

A proposed 91-home subdivision on 38.6 acres along Helena Flats Road in Evergreen gets its first public scrutiny at a Flathead County Planning Board hearing on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell man is the featured 'rookie' on this season of 'Ice Road Truckers'

Ray Veilleux remembers exactly what went through his mind the first time he drove Alaska's notorious Dalton Highway, a ruthless, rugged 414-mile road stretching from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Willow Creek project discussion resumes

The controversial Willow Creek development on Foy’s Lake Road is back on the Kalispell Planning Board agenda for June 8.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

County to help out new pond for fishing

Flathead County will financially support a proposed children’s fishing pond in Evergreen by chipping in $8,500 worth of labor and equipment use to help build a parking lot and trail to the Whitefish River.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Residents question county road plan

Residents who live along many of the substandard roads the county wants to stop maintaining voiced objections and raised concerns about property values, fire protection and liability at a public hearing on Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell native recalled as hero, great athlete

The American woman who was swept out to sea and drowned Saturday evening in Italy - as she sacrificed herself to save her son - grew up in Kalispell and was a standout athlete at Flathead High School.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Blue Building staff to relocate

The Flathead County Treasurer’s Office, Superintendent of Schools Office and the motor-vehicle department will be relocated for about six months while the county’s Blue Building gets a $784,000 upgrade.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Sheriff faulted for misleading ad

Flathead County Commissioner Jim Dupont, former longtime sheriff, had intended to stay neutral in the election race that pits incumbent Sheriff Mike Meehan against challengers and law-enforcement veterans Chuck Curry and Lance Norman.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Candidate emphasizes rule of law

There’s a recurring theme that runs through Noel Gorton’s platform as she campaigns for the Flathead County District 2 commissioner seat:
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Incumbent applies life lessons from dad

Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman says he has no grand illusion that it will be easy to get re-elected for another six years.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

State wants Baker Avenue for truck route

A plan to rebuild U.S. 93 through downtown Whitefish and convert Baker Avenue into a truck route is down to the wire, with a final public meeting set next week.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Planning director given extension

Flathead County Planning Director Jeff Harris will stay on the job through the end of September, but then will be out of a job.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Author's memoir gets national attention

Laura Munson wrote her heart out for 20 years before anyone really noticed.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Sen. Baucus lauds Libby provisions in health bill

It was a battle to keep provisions for Libby asbestos victims in the new federal health-care bill, but it was worth the fight, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus told a crowd gathered Wednesday for the groundbreaking of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD clinic) expansion.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Planning director's contract unlikely to be renewed

Embattled Flathead County Planning Director Jeff Harris has been given informal notice that his contract likely won’t be renewed after it expires June 30, County Administrative Officer Mike Pence confirmed Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Heating-bill struggles on the rise

Despite warmer than normal weather over the past several weeks, a record number of Flathead Electric Cooperative members have had their power turned off this winter because they couldn’t pay the bill.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

County approves North Shore settlement

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday approved a $1 million settlement in the North Shore Ranch lawsuit, but OK’d an amendment that would allow the property to be purchased within 30 days and placed in public ownership.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Veteran broadcaster wants to restore KGEZ to 'glory days'

John Hendricks guesses he was about 5 when he broke loose from his mother during a trip to the dentist and bounded into the KOFI radio station that at the time was housed in the same Kalispell building.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County boards have varied influence

With Flathead County’s many boards of directors, not all things are created equal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Decision delayed on $1 million settlement

Flathead County commissioners agreed to postpone a decision on the proposed North Shore Ranch lawsuit settlement for one week while they consider a wealth of citizen input from Monday’s public hearing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish gets U.S. 93 money

Long-awaited left-turn signals for the congested intersection of U.S. 93 and Baker Avenue in Whitefish will be completed next year, thanks to federal stimulus money.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sheriff pursues re-election bid

Flathead County Sheriff Mike Meehan is ramping up his campaign, preparing to go “full bore” in the coming months with his bid for re-election.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County begins budget crunching

Flathead County Administrative Officer Mike Pence’s budget memorandum to department heads this week had an air of deja vu to it — reduce spending and continue a hiring freeze.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County inventories surplus, undeveloped park land

Undeveloped county parks on Whitefish and Bitterroot lakes are on a short list of surplus parks the Flathead County Park Board may recommend the county sell to generate revenue for other park development.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Land-use case costs county $1 million

Flathead County will pay $1 million in cash to settle a land-use lawsuit filed against the county by developers of the North Shore Ranch subdivision near Somers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish marijuana law ready for review

A draft ordinance that maps out where to put medical marijuana dispensaries in Whitefish is ready for review Thursday at a Whitefish City-County Planning Board work session.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Subdivision activity continues downward spiral

Flathead County subdivision activity continued a recession-induced decline in 2009, with a 40 percent drop in the number of preliminary plat applications approved.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Study: Keep 55 mph at Fairmont Road

A new traffic study for Montana 35 recommends keeping the speed limit at 55 mph through the intersection with Fairmont Road.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Champagne toast in a place called Flom

As I was watching Adam Pitman’s wonderful documentary about the Whitefish Winter Carnival recently, I was reminded of the carnival’s connection to the St. Paul Winter Carnival in Minnesota.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Longtime fair leader fired

The Flathead County Fair Board has fired longtime Fair Manager Jay Scott and appointed board member Ted Dykstra Jr. as interim manager.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County seals deal on $3 million waterfront park

Calling it an act of extraordinary generosity, the Flathead County commissioners on Thursday approved an agreement that will give the county a new waterfront park in Lakeside worth $3 million.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside plan ready for review

A new version of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan is ready for prime time and will be considered for approval by the Lakeside Community Council on Feb. 23.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Wordsmith loves to tell people's stories

When the state of Alaska filed charges against Exxon Valdez skipper Joe Hazelwood for one of the biggest oil-spill disasters of all time, it was Mary Pat Murphy who broke the story.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

While battling cancer, couple counts their blessings

A question lingers for Geri Cochrane as she curls up next to her husband, Dave, to watch him sleep.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Recession forces Hope Ranch to close

Unable to battle recession-induced funding cutbacks any longer, the Hope Ranch for troubled teenage girls has closed its doors.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Amendment on revoking variances to be considered by Planning Board

A proposed zoning text amendment giving the Flathead County Board Adjustment the ability to revoke variances has been fine-tuned and will be considered at a Planning Board public hearing on Feb. 10.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Carnival film captures heart of time-honored event

Ted Lund would have loved this documentary. He is, after all, one of the stars.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish beach property surfaces again

Now that the asking price has dropped by more than $1 million, the city of Whitefish may make another attempt at buying a lakefront lot just west of City Beach on Whitefish Lake.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish imposes layoffs, cutbacks

The city of Whitefish has laid off four employees and will furlough all other city workers for one day before the end of the fiscal year to offset a faltering general fund.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Private investigation: 'No wrongdoing by planning staff'

A six-month probe into alleged improprieties by Flathead County Planning Director Jeff Harris and his staff has cleared Harris and county planners of any wrongdoing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Planning Office vows better communication

An action plan to maximize efficiency and beef up the Flathead County Planning Office’s communications with the public, the county commissioners and the development community won unanimous approval from the commissioners on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Taxi service rolls into Whitefish

Whitefish’s taxi troubles appear to be over.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

County supports economic development district

Flathead County will invest up to $8,000 in continued support of the relatively new economic development district serving Northwest Montana.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

New paving plan emerges for Jensen, Berne roads

Unable to get the property-owner support needed to pave portions of Jensen and Berne roads, supporters of a Rural Special Improvement District for that area pitched an alternative plan to the Flathead County commissioners on Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Meaty drinks - a carnivore's nirvana

Imagine my husband’s delight when he opened the latest Food Network Magazine and discovered a piece on how to make “meaty cocktails.” For a guy who’s spent most of his career in the meat business, the idea of making bacon-infused liquor got his attention big time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Asphalt, concrete plans OK'd

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday approved a zoning text amendment that will include asphalt and concrete plants in the county’s definition of gravel extraction.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

New library program keeps the homebound reading

Norma Buck is reading mysteries, biographies and whatever else comes her way — even though she can’t get to the library any more.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

'Faith, hope, love'

The Stumptown Quilters Society is adding some color and fundraising muscle to this year’s Wings radiothon to help cancer patients.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Sheriff's Office begins radio-system switch

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has begun its conversion to a new communications network that aims to link law-enforcement and government agencies across Northern Montana.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County Fair Board gets some new blood

The Flathead County commissioners have replaced longtime Fair Board member Terry Fosbery with Joy Struble, a Kalispell area marketing and management consultant.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Proposed superintendent merger off for now

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday backed away from a proposal to consolidate the county Superintendent of Schools Office with the Treasurer’s Office, and instead will study the potential merger and reassess it by the next election cycle in four years.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Plane crashes: Miracles and mourning

The past decade has been a deadly one for pilots and passengers traversing the skies in the Flathead Valley area.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Supt. of Schools consolidation plan detailed

Citing a 1994 state task force recommendation to eliminate the position of an elected county superintendent of schools, Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman on Tuesday laid out a plan that he believes will save taxpayers at least $570,000 over four years.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Shooting range legal wrangling continues

A neighborhood group that opposes a shooting range west of Whitefish has appealed a Flathead County Board of Adjustment ruling to Flathead District Court.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Decade was boom for housing, retail growth

Flathead County is leaving the first decade of the 21st century with several years of unprecedented growth under its belt.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Sculptor's work featured in Griz Cup awards

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

Improvement deals buy time for developers

In a soft economy, developers are finding subdivision improvement agreements to be a valuable tool for extending time to make infrastructure improvements after a final plat has been granted.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Fairgrounds audit reveals deficiencies

An internal audit of the Flathead County Fairgrounds Department has turned up numerous shortcomings, including security concerns and discrepancies in the way cash is handled.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Amount of protested county taxes skyrockets

The amount of protested taxes in Flathead County is up ten-fold from last year, due to a statewide reappraisal that resulted in exponential property-tax increases, especially for waterfront property.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

'Tremendous effort' leads to parks plan

The Flathead County Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a done deal.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County mulls best way to clean Justice Center ducts

A 25-year buildup of dirt and grime in the Flathead County Justice Center’s heating-and-cooling system ducts and vents got the county commissioners’ attention on Thursday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Giving the gift of literacy

I recently listened to a presentation about literacy that made me sit up and take notice.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Montana 35 rebuilding project

As the environmental assessment nears completion for reconstruction of a 7-mile stretch of Montana 35 through Bigfork, state highway officials want to know if Flathead County will ante up the money for bike-path and landscaping maintenance.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Courthouse couplet still a conundrum

State highway officials on Thursday unveiled more options for widening U.S. 93 from 13th Street to just north of the Flathead County Courthouse couplet, and one thing’s clear from the newest design plans: Something’s got to give.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

County workers get bonuses

Flathead County used $23,850 of a $402,000 insurance refund to give 477 county employees a $50 year-end bonus.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Ashley Lake planning update under way

An effort to update the 1997 Ashley Lake Neighborhood Plan is well under way.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Nonprofit taxi service may be Whitefish option

At the suggestion of Montana Public Service Commissioner Ken Toole, a Whitefish citizens group is exploring the option of starting a nonprofit taxi service for the resort community.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Bigfork radio mogul pins hope, savvy on Portland stations

If Larry Wilson’s knee had held out, his life might have been very different.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Peer-review team probes Planning Office

The Flathead County Planning Office should find ways to step up communication with the public, the county commissioners and the development community, a statewide peer-review team has recommended.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

High court affirms ruling in condo lawsuit

Three Lakeside condominium projects are subject to the county subdivision review process, the Montana Supreme Court has affirmed.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Former Undersheriff Curry to run for sheriff's job

Former Flathead County Undersheriff Chuck Curry has kicked off the 2010 election cycle early with an announcement this week that he plans to run for sheriff on the Republican ticket.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Advocate's work for asbestos victims spans 35 years

‘All it takes is for one person to stand up’
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Superfund cleanup keeps going

Workers in white hazardous-material suits and face masks, endless amounts of orange mesh plastic fencing, excavators, dump trucks, ropes of plastic tubing through which attic insulation is sucked out: This is the landscape of Libby in cleanup mode.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Grace lawsuit claimants still in limbo

As W.R. Grace & Co. works through bankruptcy, 760 Libby-related claimants are still waiting for justice.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Clinic caseload continues to grow

CARD a partner in disease research
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Asbestos victims try to stay upbeat

Daniel “Red” Busby remembers cutting firewood up Rainey Creek near the vermiculite mine in Libby, and the sparkly frost-like dust that swirled in the air every time a tree was felled.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

More money headed Libby's way

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency broke new ground in June when it declared a public health emergency in Libby.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Inspirational teacher rises above asbestos disease

LIBBY — When the pain started, Dean Herreid was fighting fires outside Elko, Nev., running uphill at full bore to extinguish flames in a patch of juniper brush.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Residents demand answers about toxicity of asbestos

LIBBY — Frustration boiled over Tuesday at a meeting in Libby where federal scientists were long on technical explanations but short on answers about how toxic Libby’s unique form of asbestos really is.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

What's next for Libby?

In a lecture hall filled with fresh-faced, attentive University of Montana students, the question was asked: What’s next for Libby?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell woman devotes her retirement to rescuing cats

Darcy Albert has been training dogs for 36 years, but these days it’s her work with abandoned and stray cats that’s keeping her busy.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

'Old Man' walks to raise money for arts center

By his own description he’s old — just a couple of months shy of his 70th birthday. And he’s walking, day after day after day, with the ulterior motive of raising the last $700,000 for the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plan to give board more power delayed

A proposed zoning text amendment that would give the Flathead County Board of Adjustment power to revoke variances has been postponed until the planning staff adds language explaining how due process would play out in such cases.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Foodies get hooked on 'Chopped'

Who knew the Food Network could be so downright entertaining?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish studies its options for taxi service

Whitefish needs a taxi service, and not just to deliver late-night bar patrons back to their motels or homes.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Developer wants long RV stays

A proposal to allow Class A recreational vehicles to stay for up to seven months at the Viking Creek development near The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is the focus of a public hearing tonight before the Whitefish City-County Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Semitool sale: $364 million

Applied Materials Inc.’s plan to buy Kalispell-based Semitool Inc. for $364 million was hailed Tuesday by both companies as a collaborative move that will allow Applied to broaden its range of products and take advantage of a global recovery in the semiconductor industry.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

County road plan ready for prime time

A makeover of the busy intersection of U.S. 2 and Reserve Drive is among top-priority road projects outlined in Flathead County’s draft transportation plan.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

'No big surprises' in Whitefish River cleanup

Cleanup of petroleum-contaminated sediment in the Whitefish River is on schedule and so far has yielded “no big surprises,” a federal spokesman said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Slain soldier has ties to C. Falls

Pfc. Aaron Nemelka, one of the 13 people killed in last week’s massacre at Fort Hood, had strong ties to the Columbia Falls area where several of his relatives still reside.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Literary lions

Editors nurture journal with heart and courage
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Where butter heads reign

I'm reading a book this week - "The Art of Mending" by Elizabeth Berg - in which a portion of the story takes place at the Minnesota State Fair. It's a good read and has evoked all kinds of memories of that wonderfully big and lavish fair.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Sifting through 'gravel'

The Flathead County Planning Board wrestled with a definition of "gravel extraction" for four hours on Wednesday before voting to recommend denial of the proposed definition.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

County still struggling with investments

Making money off its investments continues to be a challenge for Flathead County, Treasurer Adele Krantz told the county commissioners on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

New consolidated green-box site opens Nov. 18

The county has finished construction of its new Ashley Lake Road green-box site off U.S. 2 and will open the facility on Nov. 18.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Library split could benefit county

As a group of Whitefish citizens pushes for secession of the Whitefish branch library from the Flathead County Library system, county Commissioner Joe Brenneman on Monday morning asked the burning question.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Sharing the grief

In the quiet moments past midnight, alone as her two children sleep peacefully, Tawny Haynes wonders who will teach her son all the things a boy should learn from his father.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

'Ghoulish Grounds'

It all started one Halloween night when Glen Miller hung himself from a tree on Third Avenue in Kalispell.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Whitefish loses $440,000 slope lawsuit

A Flathead District Court ruling that found the city of Whitefish violated a Whitefish couple's right to equal protection in connection with a lawsuit over construction on steep slopes has been upheld by the Montana Supreme Court.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Committee addresses shelter progress

Adequate staffing and follow-through on new programs at the Flathead County Animal Shelter are two of the biggest concerns of the Animal Advisory Committee, committee president Myni Ferguson told the county commissioners on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

One extreme to the other

Woman carves out career in wilderness medicine
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Women still facing many tough choices

I've been hearing a lot about women lately.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Staffing drives airport's quest to privatize

The Glacier Park International Airport Board's decision to move forward with privatizing the airport's security force boils down to one overriding goal: having enough staff at peak times so passengers don't have to wait in line for exorbitant amounts of time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

County parks plan called 'a workable tool for the decades'

Buoyed by an outpouring of public support, the new Flathead County Parks & Recreation Master Plan won unanimous approval from the county Planning Board on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

County budget weathers recession storm

Cutting the equivalent of 10.5 employees and holding the line on departmental spending has allowed Flathead County to come through the worst of the recession with a fiscal 2010 budget that includes a comfortable cash reserve.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Airport to privatize security

The Glacier Park International Airport Authority Board is sticking by its decision to privatize its airport security force, but took time on Tuesday to answer questions from local federal security workers who are worried about job security.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Board clarifies but softens neighborhood plan process

The Flathead County Planning Board last week moved forward on a more detailed outline of how to begin a county-sanctioned neighborhood plan, but softened its approach by removing language that would have required large percentages of landowners to support a plan.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Whitefish candidate clarifies Texas connections

A mailer that implies Whitefish City Council incumbent candidate Frank Sweeney splits his time between Whitefish and Dallas, Texas, is "massively inaccurate," Sweeney said Monday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Board stalls vote on gravel definition

Establishing a definition of "gravel extraction" will have to wait until Flathead County Planning Board members can further review a staff report and a rebuttal by applicant Gary Krueger.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Board rejects appeal over shooting range

Opponents of a shooting range west of Whitefish on Oct. 6 failed to convince the Flathead County Board of Adjustment that the shooting facility violates zoning regulations.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO

Eye for design

Fitzsimmons blends graphic-design career with volunteer work
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Miffed about mold

Somers self-help homeowners plead for help
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Canning in full swing - and then some

The minute my husband walked in the door toting a big bucket full of elderberries, I knew he had relapsed.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Board suggests softer Lakeside plan

How to accommodate future commercial growth in Lakeside was one of the issues that surfaced as the Flathead County Planning Board took its first look at the proposed Lakeside Neighborhood Plan on Wednesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Dancers 'thrilled' to be part of worldwide event

Dance students at The Wave fitness center in Whitefish are mastering their moves in preparation for the annual Thrill the World worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson's famous choreographed masterpiece, "Thriller."
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish City Council candidates mull top issues

Whitefish City Council candidates talked about green construction, conservation and the "doughnut" dilemma, among other issues, as they tried to separate themselves from the pack at a Whitefish Chamber of Commerce forum on Tuesday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Nonprofits gathering at Gateway center

The transformation of the former Gateway West Mall into a collective of local nonprofits is in full swing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Food bank ready to move

When the Flathead Food Bank completes its move to new quarters at the Gateway Community Center (formerly Gateway West Mall) the nonprofit organization will nearly quadruple its space.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Sweeney vows to keep Whitefish a special place

As the only incumbent in this year's slate of Whitefish City Council candidates, Frank Sweeney said he knows well the issues facing the city of Whitefish and evaluates situations based on merit and fact.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Mitchell cites business savvy, family focus as strengths

Phil Mitchell has a simple philosophy that's driving his bid for a seat on the Whitefish City Council: Listen to the people and respect their needs and opinions.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Church at a crossroads

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's decision in late August to allow gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy has prompted some deep soul-searching among many local ELCA members.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Protecting 'paradise' among Hyatt's top concerns

Bringing the community together on important issues is among Chris Hyatt's top priorities as he vies for a seat on the Whitefish City Council.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Evergreen church votes to leave ELCA

The Rev. Kurt Rau said he and his congregation at Calvary Lutheran Church in Evergreen began having second thoughts about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America long before the assembly vote in August opened the church's ministry to gay and lesbian clergy.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

County extends planning probe

The private detective agency investigating the Flathead County Planning Office and its director will get another $5,000 to complete the investigation.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Audit finds flawed claims process

An audit of selected county claim warrants conducted after allegations of inappropriate spending by the American Dream Montana organization found no misappropriation of money, but cited several deficiencies in the way claims are processed.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Audit finds flawed claims process

An audit of selected county claim warrants conducted after allegations of inappropriate spending by the American Dream Montana organization found no misappropriation of money, but cited several deficiencies in the way claims are processed.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Audit finds flawed claims process

An audit of selected county claim warrants conducted after allegations of inappropriate spending by the American Dream Montana organization found no misappropriation of money, but cited several deficiencies in the way claims are processed.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Kalispell soldiers to deploy overseas

Soldiers from the Kalispell unit of the Montana Army National Guard's 639th Quartermaster Co. are among 150 Guard members that have been ordered to active duty.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

'Doughnut' lawsuit sent back to local court

The Montana Supreme Court has sent the Whitefish "doughnut" lawsuit back to Flathead District Court for further consideration.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish mulls downtown retail mandates

A mandate to require ground-floor retail space in downtown Whitefish is one of five downtown master-plan amendments that are the focus of a public hearing on Thursday before the Whitefish City-County Planning Board.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Personal caterer goes heli-skiing in the off-season

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Weed panel wants city, BNSF to pull together

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sales savvy

Chuck Olson marks 35 years in real estate
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Town eyes land trust for affordable housing

Whitefish agency tells City Council that 2-year plan includes grant funding for 12 deed-restricted homes
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Planning Board backs Big Mountain plan

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish stormwater-law makeover ready

Planning Board to consider revised proposal Thursday
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

'It's a miracle she's still alive'

Marion woman rescued after
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Railroad plans $15.2 million upgrade

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish on brink of downtown overhaul

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Marketing pays off in Whitefish

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

State may pull bar's liquor license

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lawyer scraps suit over board seat appointment

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Policy draft sets aside open-space reserves

Full draft to be finished by April
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish mapping out more bike trails

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish mayor begins China venture in China

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Proposed law could limit Whitefish store size

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Right of way costs hospital $500,000

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

'He changed the presidency'

Kalispell man recalls Ford
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Judge downplays asbestos risk

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Lawyer sues to keep seat on Planning Board

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Vintage Village

Cardboard Christmas houses made in Japan preserved by collector
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Elks Lodge: Part of the fabric of Montana

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

The sky's no limit

Kalispell fighter pilot ready to fly F-16s in Korea
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Report: Child abuse cases drop in Flathead

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Small investors want to keep ties to resort

The Daily Inter Lake
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Ski resort will cash out small investors

Stock split allows Winter Sports to trim down to handful of shareholders
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

What went wrong?

Computer glitch, Election Day registration slowed Flathead vote
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 18 YEARS AGO

Flathead in transition

The only constant is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be. - Isaac Asimov
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 18 YEARS AGO

Life interrupted

Residents reluctantly find new homes after trailer court closes
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 18 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Focus on fathers

New support group helps dads get involved
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 18 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

My life as a gymnast was brief

Last week's photographs of the USA Regional Gymnastics Championships in Whitefish brought back memories of my days as a gymnast.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 19 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Life's fun in the 'old lady' pool

I fell in love with the warm water the second I submerged myself in the balmy depths of the therapy pool at The Wave, the new aquatic and fitness center in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 19 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

A 'bum' lamb was our 1989 Easter miracle

It was cold, too cold that Easter morning in 1989 when winter nudged one last time at the strip of dryland that brushes against the badlands on Montana's eastern border.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 19 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

The stories you never forget

After writing newspaper stories for 26 years, the volume of all those written words sometimes solidifies in a feeling of deja vu - been there, done that.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 19 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Quirky news just a mouse click away

Those of us charged with writing columns on a regular basis find ourselves wanting for ideas from time to time.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 19 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

A pack rat's promise: It's in a box, somewhere

January always seems like such a good month to take inventory of one's material belongings, pare down the superfluous stuff.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 19 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

A Minnesota definition of real winter

Minnesota natives wear their fortitude for winter like a badge of courage.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 19 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

The great pumpkin patch

Dad says he's going to have a pumpkin patch next year, and not just any pumpkin patch. He envisions 500 of the orange gourds planted on a gentle slope not far from the house in which I grew up.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 20 YEARS AGO

'Meating' of the minds

We turned to the Food Network last month just in time to see two guys deep-frying coiled rattlesnake meat in a turkey fryer. It was part of the Wild Game Cook-off special, an afternoon of the top wild-game chefs gathered in Springville, Ala., for an afternoon of "grills gone wild."
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Fish Tales

Miss America — No talent required
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Fish Tales

Miss America — No talent required
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Fish Tales

Miss America — No talent required
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Going batty at the Pilot

I'm not a big fan of bats. The truth is, they freak me out big time.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Going batty at the Pilot

I'm not a big fan of bats. The truth is, they freak me out big time.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Going batty at the Pilot

I'm not a big fan of bats. The truth is, they freak me out big time.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Gone too soon

Like so many kids sandwiched between the ages of my own children, Logan Taylor was one of those who grew up in my peripheral vision.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Gone too soon

Like so many kids sandwiched between the ages of my own children, Logan Taylor was one of those who grew up in my peripheral vision.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Gone too soon

Like so many kids sandwiched between the ages of my own children, Logan Taylor was one of those who grew up in my peripheral vision.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Gone too soon

Like so many kids sandwiched between the ages of my own children, Logan Taylor was one of those who grew up in my peripheral vision.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 20 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO