Ellington

Travis Charles Vandersloot, 29

Travis Charles Vandersloot, 29, passed away Monday, March 23, 2009, as a result of an automobile accident near Somers. Travis was born Sept. 14, 1979, in Billings to Robert D. and Cynthia (New) Vandersloot.

Proposed storage facility ignites opposition

Deer Creek residents and those who travel U.S. Highway 93 between Somers and Lakeside were shocked on Tuesday morning to find heavy equipment busily clearing a 6.5 acre parcel just north of Deer Creek Road.

Thursday

The Columbia Falls Lions Club meets at 6:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays each month at the Back Room, in the same building as the Nite Owl Restaurant. Contact a Lions Club member for information about joining the organization.

House passes stimulus bill, on to Senate

As everyone predicted, we passed the stimulus money bill, House Bill 645, out of the House. It's now in the Senate. They will probably change things around.

Head-on claims life of another highway trooper

For the third time in 18 months, a local Montana Highway Patrol trooper has died after being in a head-on crash while on duty.

Commissioners approve Lakeside Estates again

The Lakeside Estates phases 3-5 earned unanimous approval from the Flathead County Commissioners last week, subject to 21 conditions and relatively few actual concerns.

Jenkins, Grubb win local Colgate Country Showdown, advance to state competition

Two Kalispell artists, Jonathan Jenkins and Jarrod Grubb, have emerged as winners in the local finals of the 28th annual Colgate Country Showdown held last weekend at the Majestic Valley Arena.

Local residents killed in car crashes

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Haynes has died from injuries he suffered in an on-duty collision with another vehicle south of Kalispell on Monday morning.

Local residents killed in car crashes

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Haynes has died from injuries he suffered in an on-duty collision with another vehicle south of Kalispell on Monday morning.

West Glacier group in Colgate Country Showdown semifinals

Sunshine & the Belton Boys of West Glacier has made the cut and will be one of 25 artists or groups that performs Friday night during the 28th annual Colgate Country Showdown at the Majestic Valley Arena.

Thursday

The 2009 Employment Exploration Expo will be Thursday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Kalispell Center Mall. Employers will have the opportunity to network with thousands of potential candidates — accessing job seekers of various skill and experience levels. For more information, contact Roberta Diegel at Flathead Workforce Center at 758-6200 or Marcy Roberts at 253-4133.

Spoklie wants to expand gravel pit operation outside Glacier National Park

The owner of a gravel pit just outside Glacier National Park has proposed expanding the operation by tenfold, raising concerns about its impact to the Park and Park visitors.

Ronald Brooks

Ronald Edward Brooks, 71, of Valier, died of congestive heart failure Friday at a Conrad hospital.

Fire department burns old house in training fire

Take heart in this Bigfork; your fire department is no good at starting fires.

WEB UPDATE: Board gives plan unanimous recommendation

Just two weeks shy of a full year since it first went before them, the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan got a unanimous recommendation for approval from the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday night.

West Glacier group in Colgate Country Showdown semifinals

Sunshine & the Belton Boys of West Glacier has made the cut and will be one of 25 artists or groups that performs Friday night during the 28th annual Colgate Country Showdown at the Majestic Valley Arena.

Slaughter-house bill clears last hurdle

HELENA - The Senate voted 27-23 Friday to approve legislation that would give future horse slaughterhouses and processing plants in Montana protection from court injunctions seeking to stop them.

Bigfork students compete in science fair

They ranged from making rock candy to powering an alarm clock with a grapefruit, but students at Bigfork Elementary and Middle School showed one thing in common with their science experiments; they're an inquisitive bunch.

Speaker: Palestinian children victims in unjust war

When it comes to her feelings about Israel, Barbara Lubin has gone full circle. The 67-year-old activist told a crowd at Bigfork United Methodist Church on Thursday night that she was raised in a conservative, Zionist Jewish household in Philadelphia, but a trip to the Middle East when she was in her 40s changed all that.

Why Indian Country is disappointed

As one of the many people in Indian Country who looked to the Obama administration for change, I am deeply disappointed with what it is saying about our 13-year-old lawsuit over the government's admittedly broken Indian Trust.

Stanton Everett Smith, Jr.,71

Stanton Everett Smith, Jr.,71, passed on March 20th at the family home in Bigfork with his cherished family at his side. He had a valiant eight-month fight with lung cancer.

Ferndale shooter sentenced to 110 years, no parole

POLSON – District Court Judge C.B. McNeil sentenced Ronald Lon Petersen to 110 years in Montana State Prison without parole on Monday for the shooting death of a 24-year-old Ferndale man on New Year's Eve 2007.

Tennis gets started Saturday

It may not quite feel like spring yet, but Bigfork High School's tennis team is braving the weather as their tennis season gets into full swing.

12 wrestlers qualify for state

Bigfork's Little Guy Wrestling Team has 12 wrestlers who have qualified for the state meet on Saturday, March 28, in Thompson Falls.

Letters to the Editor

ACORN and the census

First-ever alumni game brings in more than $2k

Saturday's alumni basketball game raised $2,670 in donations and ticket sales and brought together around 250 community members and past and present Bigfork High School basketball players.

Local residents killed in car crashes

A 35-year-old Columbia Falls woman and her teenage son were killed in a two-vehicle crash at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19 on the Highway 93 overpass near Church Drive north of Kalispell.

C-Falls hosts Little Guy state tourney

Columbia Falls High School will be the site of the Little Guy state wrestling tournament this weekend.

Whitefish Mountain Freestyle team qualifies six for Nationals

Six members of the White-fish Mountain Resort Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Team have qualified for the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA) National Cham-pionships at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado on April 5-10.

Jax Robert Steele

Jax Robert Steele, son of Jennifer and Andrew Steele, of Whitefish, was born Feb. 25, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Doesn't get why they don't get it

A

Felony charges filed in high 'school assault

Two Whitefish High School students have been charged with felony aggravated assault charges after a fellow student was severely beaten in the high school parking lot as school let out on March 18.

Help with skiing

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Whitefish Community Foundation and the Big Mountain Ski Club for their generous contributions to Muldown’s third- and fourth-grade field trip to Whitefish Mountain Resort this past January.

We'll miss you, Finny

Craig Finberg's two-month battle with pancreatic cancer came to an end Friday afternoon, March 20, as he passed away at his home in Dillon at the age of 51 — surrounded by his family and close friends. They included his mother, Norma. His father, Math, passed away in 1999.

About the Darlings

The brambles and the bushes around Columbia Falls used to be populated with a clan named Darling. Yep! That was their last name. There are still 11 Darlings in the phone book, but perhaps only one of the originals who personally knows me. Talked to him last week and he said the first time we met was in 1945 when Columbia Falls beat my Flathead Braves in a football game. Didn't want to argue with him because he's over eighty years of age. Pete says he still works up there for the city. Hate to concede anything here, but sorta remember Columbia Falls beat the Braves earlier that year in a warmup game. Maybe it was a spring practice contest and our best guys had gone fishin' … don't remember. Worked with Pete's brother Les during World War II in the Forest Service.

BNSF shows interest in Railway District land

Neighborhood has been undergoing a renaissance

Chamber director reflects on past

And looks to the future …

Choir concert a great event

Sometimes we take events for granted, enjoying efforts of others without thinking of their dedication and perhaps some sacrifices made.

Death penalty is not a deterrent

I served as chief special prosecutor for the state for 21 years. During that time, I was involved with the prosecution of many homicide cases, including five death penalty cases involving homicides committed by prison inmates against other inmates. I also managed the prosecution of 14 inmates for the 1991 prison riot homicides.

Nolan named to all-state team

Columbia Falls senior point guard Mackey Nolan has been named to the Class A boys all-state basketball first team. Nolan is joined by senior Grant Getts on the Northwestern A all-conference first team. Wildcat junior Mitchell Wassam was elected to the all-conference second team, and junior teammate Kyle Howell received all-conference honorable mention.

Holt continues to capture Nordic ski racing medals

Glacier Nordic Ski Team continued to earn medals after Stella Holt seized the gold medal in the sprint race at the 2009 Junior Olympics in Truckee, Calif., on March 9.

JV boys compile 14-3 hoop record

Coaching a junior varsity team is always a challenge, but Columbia Falls boys coach Dan Block made the best of the situation during the 2008-09 basketball season. The Wildcat JV posted an impressive 14-3 record, finishing the season with an 11-game win streak.

Ronald Brooks

Ronald Edward Brooks, 71, of Valier, died of congestive heart failure Friday at a Conrad hospital.

Local alpine skiers race at Junior Olympics

Three Whitefish skiers raced at the United States Ski Association’s Western Region Junior 3 Olympics and Junior 4 Festival at Brundage Ski Resort, near McCall, Idaho, on March 19-22.

Lowell Alden Dukleth

Lowell Alden Dukleth, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully in Oceanside, Calif., on March 10, 2009.

Obama visit to Glacier? GPI figures that it doesn't hurt to ask

Glacier Park Inc. has invited President Barack Obama to visit the Park this summer.

House Bill 2 passes, stimulus on the way

This week, the Montana House of Representatives passed House Bill 2 after some discussion. The House Minority Leader, Rep. Scott Sales, R-Bozeman, made an attempt to make further cuts with a fistful of amendments, but they were all voted down. Only a third of the House members voted for the adjustments, I was one of them.

Bravo for Badger-Two Medicine Travel Plan

The Badger-Two Medicine represents some of the finest remnant unprotected wild country in the lower 48 states. It is an integral biological part of the Glacier/Bob Marshall ecosystem. All species that have evolved here are still present. Not only does the Badger-Two Medicine represent wonderful wildlife habitat and some of the finest scenery in the ecosystem, but it also contains some of the most critical wildlife habitat in the ecosystem. National Forest lands here contain some of the best winter ranges for elk, moose, deer, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep. They also contain critical spring range for Grizzlies from as far away as the South Fork of the Flathead River.

First Days of Spring

Court strikes down rule that allows guns in parks

A federal judge last week restored rules that keep concealed weapons out of national parks.

C-Falls man killed, trooper injured in crash

A 29-year-old Columbia Falls man was killed and a Montana Highway Patrol trooper was seriously injured in a two-vehicle head-on collision early Monday morning on U.S. 93 north of Somers.

PTA Carnival hits Lakeside March 28

West Shore News

West Shore News launches Web site

West Shore News

Flathead resident heading out for 7,000 mile ride

In the 21st Century, where the culture of fast food and technology has made most people somewhat timid about any adventure that takes them too far from electrical outlets, cell towers or Big Macs, few people will ever cross the country on the back of a horse.

Winter ending without Flathead Lake freezing over

With spring finally in sight, it looks like Flathead Lake will make it another year without accomplishing a rare feat: Freezing over.

'Finny' ends courageous battle with cancer

Craig Finberg's two-month battle with pancreatic cancer came to an end Friday (March 20) afternoon as he passed away at his home in Dillon at the age of 51, surrounded by his family and friends.

Columbia Falls woman and son killed in crash

A 35-year-old Columbia Falls woman and her teenage son were killed in a two-vehicle crash at 8:30 p.m. Thursday (March 19) on the Highway 93 overpass near Church Drive north of Kalispell.

Uninsured motorist ID system has plenty of support

We heard an interesting bill in House Transportation last week. House Bill 615 would set up a system to identify vehicles that are uninsured. Senator Brueggeman has a similar bill in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Scientists talk about space, aliens at SMS

Students at Somers Middle School got a special treat last week when two of the managers of MSU's Space Public Outreach Team (SPOT) in Bozeman paid the school a visit to provide some insight into the search of extra-terrestrial life.

William Kenneth "Bill" Colvin, 81

William Kenneth "Bill" Colvin, age 81, died Friday, March 13, 2009 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, KS. He was born January 22, 1928 at Wichita, KS, the son of William Kemper and Clara (Radar) Colvin.

Ferndale shooter sentenced to 110 years, no parole

Ty Hampton / Northwest Montana News Network

Columbia Falls woman and son killed in crash

A 35-year-old Columbia Falls woman and her teenage son were killed in a two-vehicle crash at 8:30 p.m. Thursday (March 19) on the Highway 93 overpass near Church Drive north of Kalispell.

'Finny' ends courageous battle with cancer

Craig Finberg's two-month battle with pancreatic cancer came to an end Friday (March 20) afternoon as he passed away at his home in Dillon at the age of 51, surrounded by his family and friends.

Ferndale shooter sentenced to 100 years, no parole

Ty Hampton / Northwest Montana News Network

Man killed, trooper injured in crash

A 29-year-old man was killed and Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Haynes was seriously injured in a two-vehicle head-on collision early Monday morning on U.S. 93 north of Somers.

TBD

'Finny' ends courageous battle with cancer

Craig Finberg's two-month battle with pancreatic cancer came to an end Friday (March 20) afternoon as he passed away at his home in Dillon at the age of 51, surrounded by his family and friends. They included Tammy, his wife of 12 years.

Columbia Falls woman and son killed in crash

A 35-year-old Columbia Falls woman and her teenage son were killed in a two-vehicle crash at 8:30 p.m. Thursday (March 19) on the Highway 93 overpass near Church Drive north of Kalispell.

'Finny' ends courageous battle with cancer

Craig Finberg's two-month battle with pancreatic cancer came to an end Friday (March 20) afternoon as he passed away at his home in Dillon at the age of 51, surrounded by his family and friends. They included Tammy, his wife of 12 years.

Columbia Falls woman and son killed in crash

A pregnant 35-year-old Columbia Falls woman and her 13-year-old son were killed instantly in a two-vehicle head-on crash at 8:30 p.m. Thursday (March 19) on the Highway 93 overpass near Church Drive north of Kalispell. The 16-year-old female driver of the second vehicle was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center and later flown to Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle for treatment of injuries. According to Deputy Coroner Sgt. Ernie Freebury of the Flathead County Sheriff's Department, the West Valley Fire Department was required to extricate the woman and her son from their vehicle.

Washington & Lee U gets book back, 145 years later

RICHMOND, Va. - Washington and Lee University has a missing library book back on its shelves _ nearly 145 years after it was stolen by a Union soldier during the Civil War.

Woody Allen says American Apparel is harassing him

NEW YORK - Actor-director Woody Allen has accused a clothing company of trying to harass and intimidate him with a "scorched earth" approach to defending itself against a $10 million lawsuit. In papers filed Wednesday by his lawyers, the 73-year-old Allen said American Apparel Inc. went too far in requesting information about his family life, personal finances and career.

Actress Tawny Kitaen settles fraud suit against ex

LOS ANGELES - Tawny Kitaen and her ex-boyfriend have settled a lawsuit she brought against him claiming he cheated her out of $3 million in assets during their four-year relationship.

New lawyer for Pakistani suspect in Mumbai attacks

MUMBAI, India - The judge presiding over the first trial in the Mumbai terrorist attacks assigned the Pakistani defendant a new lawyer Thursday, a day after the trial was abruptly adjourned and the man's attorney dismissed for a conflict of interest.

Pirates land OF Young from Dodgers

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired switch-hitting outfielder Delwyn Young from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor league players or for cash.

Celtics' Kevin Garnett could miss all of playoffs

WALTHAM, Mass. - Kevin Garnett isn't ready to start the playoffs, and Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Thursday that there's a strong possibility that he will miss the entire postseason.

US captain freed by Navy snipers arrives in Kenya

MOMBASA, Kenya - The sea captain who clashed with Somali pirates and was freed by U.S. Navy snipers is arriving in port in Kenya aboard an American destroyer.

America's uninsured haven't shown collective power

WASHINGTON - If the uninsured were a political lobbying group, they'd have more members than AARP. The National Mall couldn't hold them if they decided to march on Washington.

Clement Freud, grandson of Sigmund Freud, dies

LONDON - Clement Freud, a grandson of Sigmund Freud who became a well-known writer, politician and urbane regular on British radio, has died. He was 84.

'Housewives' hunk Gale Harold returns to the set

LOS ANGELES - Gale Harold is back on Wisteria Lane.

Vietnam suspends newspaper over China reporting

HANOI, Vietnam - Authorities in Vietnam have shut down a newspaper for three months over controversial articles on a territorial dispute with neighboring China, state media reported Thursday.

Bucs sign free agent QB Leftwich

TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed quarterback Byron Leftwich as a free agent.

American sailors who thwarted pirates return to US

WASHINGTON - Transformed from agony to adulation, an exultant Maersk Alabama crew has returned to rejoicing families in America as its captain still awaits a hero's reception after a five-day ordeal as a captive of Somali pirates.

Man allegedly stabs brother over pork and beans

GILLIAM, La. - A sheriff's deputy said a 54-year-old man stabbed his 63-year-old brother during an argument in their kitchen over a can of pork and beans. Sheriff's spokeswoman Cindy Chadwick said the suspect was booked Tuesday on one count of aggravated battery.

Hackers grabbed more than 285M records in 2008

SAN FRANCISCO - Hackers made off with at least 285 million electronic records in 2008, more than in the four previous years combined, according to a new study that shows identity thieves are getting better at exploiting careless mistakes that leave companies vulnerable to attack.

Yao back after missing game with sore right foot

HOUSTON - Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was back in the lineup on Monday night after sitting out the last game with a sore right foot.

Expelled UN nuclear inspectors leave North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea - U.N. nuclear experts left North Korea on Thursday after the communist regime ordered their expulsion amid an escalating standoff over the regime's recent rocket launch.

Gov't won't classify proxies as 'sophisticated'

SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. government has dropped _ for now _ a plan to classify the use of "proxy" servers as evidence of sophistication in committing a crime.

PC shipments slide in 1Q, HP tops Dell in US

SEATTLE - Global shipments of personal computers fell 7.1 percent in the first three months of the year, but the decline was smaller than expected and research group IDC on Wednesday said the industry could turn around by the end of the year.

Homeland security chief defends agency risk report

WASHINGTON - Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Thursday a report warning that military veterans could be prone to joining right wing extremism was a routine assessment giving a "situational awareness" of potential threats.

FIA rules in favor of part that helped Brawn GP

PARIS - Brawn GP's Jenson Button can keep his Formula One victories, while Ferrari will have to rush to redesign its car.

US sailors who thwarted pirate hijackers fly home

MOMBASA, Kenya - The American crew who thwarted Somali pirates was flying home to the U.S. on Wednesday but without its captain, who was still aboard a Navy destroyer after being rescued from the hijackers, their shipping company said.

Spurs clinch Southwest Division with OT win

SAN ANTONIO - Michael Finley hit a 3-pointer as time expired to force overtime, and Tim Duncan put on a dominating show from there, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a division-clinching 105-98 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

'Caveman' thwarts store robber with step ladder

ACWORTH, Ga. - Police said a would-be robber got more than he bargained for when he tried to rob a Quik Thrift store with a knife. A quick-thinking customer, known only as "Caveman," grabbed a step ladder and hit the suspect at least once Monday. The customer chased the suspect from the store using the ladder as protection.

Man crashes truck through gate at Arkansas airport

FORT SMITH, Ark. - A man in a pickup truck crashed through a fence gate at the Fort Smith airport, drove 100 yards and attempted to reach a parked airplane. The man, 28, would not have gotten anywhere after reaching the tarmac Thursday morning _ the plane was missing its propellers.

Tigers pay tribute to Fidrych before game

DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers paid tribute to Mark Fidrych with a moment of silence and a special video before Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox.

Swedish museum to exhibit Pirate Bay server

STOCKHOLM - One of the servers of Swedish file sharing Web site Pirate Bay that was confiscated by police last year has become a museum artifact.

Jones-Drew, Jaguars agree to 4-year year extension

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Running back Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to terms Wednesday on a four-year contract extension.

AbitibiBowater files for bankruptcy protection

NEW YORK - Newsprint maker AbitibiBowater Inc. on Thursday filed for bankruptcy court protection in Canada and the U.S. after deciding there was no other way it could deal with its more than $6 billion debt.

Claims of biz swindle in Dubai's ruling family

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - In this Gulf city-state, two things have long been untouchable: business interests and the ruling family. However, an attempt to sue a member of the family over an alleged financial swindle is a sign of how much the economic crisis has rattled business as usual here.

TV ratings for Masters final round down slightly

NEW YORK - Television ratings for the final round of the Masters are down slightly from last year.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Ousted Thai PM urges protesters to join reconciliation talks with government.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

In Mexico, Obama to offer solidarity in drug war

WASHINGTON - Confronting a security threat on America's doorstep, President Barack Obama is venturing into the heart of Mexico. His swift diplomatic mission is meant to show solidarity with a neighbor _ and to prove that the U.S. is serious about halting the deadly flow of drugs and weapons.

Obama: Better trains foster energy independence

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is calling for the country to move swiftly to a system of high-speed rail travel, saying it will relieve congestion, help clean the air and save on energy.

MADRID - Spanish attorney-general says prosecutors will recommend against torture probe of US officials.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

Univ. of Florida, ASPCA fill void for animal CSIs

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Only a few investigators in the country are trained to adequately investigate and prepare cases for prosecution of the horrendous crimes against animals that can leave dogs, roosters and other animals maimed and tortured.

Harrington's hopes of a third major ends with a 9

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Padraig Harrington needed to make a charge Saturday in the Masters for a shot at a third straight major.

Suleman wants to trademark 'Octomom' nickname

LOS ANGELES - "Octomom," the nickname that has dominated headlines for nearly three months, could belong to Nadya Suleman alone.

Peres dismisses talk of Israel attacking Iran

JERUSALEM - Israel's president dismissed talk of attacking Iranian nuclear facilities in talks with the U.S. Mideast envoy Thursday, saying there is no military solution to the nuclear threat from Tehran.

Herbal wine, just the thing for ailing pharaohs

WASHINGTON - When great-grandma took a nip of the elderberry wine "for medicinal purposes," she was following a tradition that goes back thousands of years.

Wife of Boston face transplant donor speaks out

BROOKLINE, Mass. - The wife of a Massachusetts man whose tissue was donated for the nation's second face transplant said her husband told her before heart transplant surgery that he wanted to donate his organs if he didn't survive the operation.

The planet is movie set in Disneynature's `Earth'

LOS ANGELES - How do you make a movie when the whole planet is your set?

'Hungry Eyes' singer jailed for Ohio drunken drive

BEDFORD, Ohio - The singer of the 1980s love song "Hungry Eyes" has pleaded no contest to drunken driving and failing to control his car and has been sentenced to a month in an Ohio jail.

Fan fights NY Yankees 'God Bless America' ejection

NEW YORK - A baseball fan who says he was ejected from Yankee Stadium by police after he left his seat to use the bathroom during the playing of "God Bless America" sued the New York Yankees and the city on Wednesday.

French author Maurice Druon dies at age 90

PARIS - French author Maurice Druon, a fighter for France's World War II Resistance movement and writer of one of its anthems, has died. He was 90.

NBA executive: Saunders will be next Wizards coach

WASHINGTON - Flip Saunders has agreed to become the new coach of the Washington Wizards, with an announcement expected next week, according to an NBA executive.

Tens of thousands rally at tax day 'tea parties'

ATLANTA - Whipped up by conservative commentators and bloggers, tens of thousands of protesters staged "tea parties" around the country Wednesday to tap into the collective angst stirred up by a bad economy, government spending and bailouts.

Celeb birthdays for the week of April 19-25

Celebrity birthdays for the week of April 19-25:

Brooks to remain Thunder head coach

LOS ANGELES - The Oklahoma City Thunder hired coach Scott Brooks on Wednesday, removing the interim tag from the 43-year-old's job title and giving him his first head coaching gig.

Thomas to give 1st year salary back to FIU

MIAMI - Isiah Thomas sat in his new gym for an hour, at one point turning his gaze toward the Florida International players he'll now coach.

Despite family talk, Weis wants to stay with Irish

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis confirms he talked with his family about whether they thought he should quit after last season, though he said he never wanted to leave.

US sailors who thwarted pirates back with families

WASHINGTON - An exultant Maersk Alabama crew has returned to rejoicing families in America and the ship's captain awaits his own hero's reception in the states after a five-day ordeal as a captive of Somali pirates.

Giants CB Kevin Dockery signs free agent tender

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Cornerback Kevin Dockery signed a one-year free agent tender for $1.54 million on Monday, agent Drew Rosenhaus said Monday in an e-mail.

Vatican investigates doctrine of US sisters

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has launched a doctrinal investigation into the leadership of Catholic sisters in the United States, reportedly because they have not sufficiently promoted the Vatican line on homosexuality and other issues.

Chiefs sign LB Zach Thomas

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City added another veteran linebacker to its rebuilding roster Monday when it signed free agent Zach Thomas.

Kanye West's arraignment delayed

LOS ANGELES - Kanye West's arraignment on misdemeanor charges has been delayed until May.

Cousins joins Calipari at UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Forward DeMarcus Cousins has signed a national letter of intent to play at Kentucky, the first one secured by new coach John Calipari.

WASHINGTON - Obama says US must upgrade high-speed rail, lower energy dependency, clear traffic congestion.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

Kidd's triple double helps Mavs top Rockets 95-84

DALLAS - Jason Kidd notched a triple-double and Jason Terry was superb in the fourth quarter, powering the Dallas Mavericks to a 95-84 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night that started the dominoes tumbling in the Western Conference playoff chase.

Oil rises to near $50 on economic recovery hopes

NEW YORK - Despite a steady drumbeat of woeful economic news, investors continued to prop up oil prices Thursday, betting the global economy would turn around this year.

Stocks slip after regional manufacturing contracts

NEW YORK - Stocks are slipping following a Philadelphia Federal Reserve report that regional manufacturing shrank again in April.

Craig MacTavish fired as Edmonton Oilers coach

EDMONTON, Alberta - Craig MacTavish was fired as coach of the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday after they failed to make the playoffs for the third straight year.

Celtics to keep Garnett out until playoffs

BOSTON - Kevin Garnett will not play in the Celtics' two final regular season games, but remains on track for the start of the playoffs.

Cavaliers lose No. 2 at home to Sixers

CLEVELAND - LeBron James watched as the Cleveland Cavaliers couldn't quite make history.

Nokia profit plunges 90 percent in 1st quarter

HELSINKI - Nokia Corp. says its profits plummeted 90 percent in the first quarter amid a slump in demand for mobile phones.

Suzuki back in the Mariners' lineup

SEATTLE - Ichiro Suzuki tied the record for most career hits by a Japanese player with his first grand slam in six years Wednesday night, his second hit of his season debut following his first career trip to the disabled list.

McLaren F1 says CEO Ron Dennis stepping aside

LONDON - McLaren chief executive Ron Dennis relinquished all Formula One roles Thursday amid the fallout from a lying scandal that could lead to the team being banned from the world championship.

KC Pros: insufficient evidence to charge Montero

SEATTLE - King County prosecutors say there is insufficient evidence to file any criminal charges against Seattle Sounders FC star Fredy Montero. A woman had accused him of raping her twice in March.

What a kick! McIlroy's sand swipe causes fuss

AUGUSTA, Ga. - What a kick Rory McIlroy has been at Augusta.

FIFA urges fair play in Asian electioneering

SEOUL, South Korea - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for discipline and restraint after soccer's governing body was asked to investigate accusations raised in an increasingly spiteful battle for an Asian seat on its most powerful committee.

Rays' Longoria to miss 2 games

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria missed Wednesday's game against the New York Yankees because of a death in his family.

Wall Street set for a mixed opening

NEW YORK - Wall Street is poised for a mixed opening Thursday after news that JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s first-quarter profit topped analysts' estimates was tempered by word that the big mall operator General Growth Properties Inc. had filed for bankruptcy protection.

`Harry Potter' sweeps into theaters 2 days early

LOS ANGELES - Harry Potter and his school chums are heading back to class a little sooner than expected.

Hudson River hero pilot gets Air Force award

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The US Airways pilot who safely landed his plane in New York's Hudson River received an airmanship award Wednesday from the Air Force Academy, where he graduated in 1973.

Dutch lawmaker to make sequel to anti-Islamic film

THE HAGUE, Netherlands - A Dutch lawmaker is planning to make a sequel to the anti-Islamic film that sparked protests among Muslims around the world.

Boeheim: Flynn may stay at Syracuse

CHICAGO - Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim says Big East tournament MVP Jonny Flynn might not be headed to the NBA along with teammates Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris.

Army officials say war concussions overdiagnosed

ATLANTA - Mild brain injuries _ once considered an under-recognized problem in returning military troops _ are being overdiagnosed because the government is using soft criteria instead of hard medical evidence, an Army doctor and two other officials contend.

Finley saves Spurs from opening playoffs on road

SAN ANTONIO - Michael Finley didn't sneak away without a replay review this time. But there was no doubt he beat the buzzer on a 3-pointer that saved the San Antonio Spurs from starting the playoffs on the road for the first time since Tim Duncan was a rookie in 1998.

For Sale: A taste of royalty from Princess bride

LONDON - A slice of cake from one of Britain's most controversial royal weddings was placed on sale at an antiques fair in Birmingham on Thursday.

Ari Haan quits as Albania soccer coach

TIRANA, Albania - Ari Haan has quit as Albania coach after two losses left the team next-to-last in its World Cup qualifying group.

Israel's Lieberman wants new ideas on Palestinians

JERUSALEM - Israel's foreign minister says at his first meeting with the U.S. Mideast envoy that his country needs to find a new approach to making peace with Palestinians, the latest sign that the new hard-line Israeli government and Washington are diverging on how to reach a settlement.

Federer marries longtime girlfriend in Basel

BASEL, Switzerland - Roger Federer married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec on Saturday in a small ceremony in his hometown.

NYC church tweeting the Passion of Christ

NEW YORK - Experience the Passion of Christ _ in 140-character bursts.

McLaren says chief executive Dennis stepping aside

WOKING, England - McLaren chief executive Ron Dennis is stepping aside from all Formula One roles with the team.

NC DA: Accused Marine to return to US from Mexico

RALEIGH, N.C. - A Marine corporal accused of killing a pregnant colleague and then fleeing to Mexico has exhausted his extradition appeals and is expected back in the United States this week, a district attorney said Wednesday.

Police probe Erie, Pa., officer's off-duty joking

ERIE, Pa. - A city police officer was suspended after someone posted to the Web a video of him, in a bar and apparently intoxicated, joking about a homicide victim.

Swiss drugmaker Roche 1st quarter sales up 7 pct.

BASEL, Switzerland - Pharmaceuticals maker Roche Holding AG reported Thursday a 7 percent increase in first quarter sales thanks to strong demand for its cancer drugs, anti-virals and eye products.

JPMorgan Chase posts better-than-expected profit

NEW YORK - JPMorgan Chase said Thursday it earned $2.14 billion for the first quarter, thanks to rising deposits and lower borrowing rates. The profit was 10 percent lower than last year, but better than expected.

Elvis fan club's license plate is fit for a 'King'

JACKSON, Miss. - Elvis Presley always wanted a youth center in his birthplace of Tupelo. Fans hope a new specialty license plate will help pay for it, more than 50 years after the rock 'n' roll icon came up with the idea.

AP source: Talk of delaying 2 WTC towers for years

NEW YORK - The owners of ground zero, locked in a new round of heated talks with a private developer about how and when to build office towers at the World Trade Center site, have proposed indefinitely putting off two of three planned skyscrapers until the real estate market recovers, officials familiar with the negotiations say.

Stocks fluctuate on mixed readings about economy

NEW YORK - Investors held off making big moves Thursday after mixed news on the economy outweighed several pleasant surprises from earnings reports.

Austria sends woman to jail for threatening Caruso

VIENNA - An Austrian court has convicted a woman of threatening "CSI: Miami" star David Caruso and sentenced her to seven months in jail in a secure psychiatric unit, officials said Wednesday.

Ebay to buy stake in S. Korean online marketplace

SEOUL, South Korea - EBay Inc. said Thursday it plans to pay as much as $1.2 billion for control of South Korea's top online marketplace, potentially one of the company's largest acquisitions as it moves to expand in Asia.

French fishing protest softens on English Channel

PARIS - French fishermen allowed sea traffic to resume at two English Channel ports but continued to block a third Thursday to push for higher European fishing quotas, regional officials said.

Monaco workers strike over job cuts

MONACO - Hotel service in Monaco was limited and casino roulette wheels were expected to stop spinning Thursday as employees in the wealthy Mediterranean principality went on strike to protest job cuts, union leaders said.

NY boy, 9, made plastic parachute, took death dive

NEW YORK - A friend says a 9-year-old New York City boy might have been imitating a video game character when he apparently made a plastic parachute and jumped to his death from his apartment building's roof.

Brey expects Harangody to test NBA waters

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame coach Mike Brey indicated forward Luke Harangody will announce Thursday that he will put his name in for the NBA draft, but keep open the option of returning for a senior season.

Israel's Lieberman says new peace approach needed

JERUSALEM - Israel's foreign minister told the U.S. Mideast envoy Thursday that wide-ranging concessions offered to Palestinians in the past resulted in wars and his country needs to find a new approach, the latest sign that the hard-line government and Washington are diverging on how to reach a settlement.

Sentencing expected in US soldier's court-martial

VILSECK, Germany - A U.S. Army master sergeant convicted of murder in the 2007 killings of four bound and blindfolded Iraqis made an emotional closing statement Thursday, urging a jury to let him complete 20 years of military service.

Mets RHP Pelfrey (forearm) could miss start

NEW YORK - Mike Pelfrey has tendinitis in his pitching forearm that could cause the New York Mets right-hander to miss his next scheduled start.

Crosby, Malkin score as Penguins beat Flyers 4-1

PITTSBURGH - Almost seemed as if the Pittsburgh Penguins were playing last season's conference finals against the rival Flyers all over again.

'Housewives' hunk Harold returns to the set

LOS ANGELES - Gale Harold is back on Wisteria Lane.

Republicans criticize report on right-wing groups

WASHINGTON - Republicans on Wednesday said a Homeland Security Department intelligence assessment unfairly characterizes military veterans as right-wing extremists. House Republican leader John Boehner described the report as offensive and called on the agency to apologize to veterans.

More than century old, royal wedding cake on sale

LONDON - A slice of cake from one of Britain's most controversial royal weddings is up for sale after more than 130 years.

`Idol' judges save finalist from elimination

LOS ANGELES - A sequel has been greenlit for Matt Giraud on "American Idol."

Ex-Broncos player to admit to single drug charge

BILLINGS, Mont. - Former NFL player Travis Henry has signed a plea deal with prosecutors in which he admits to a single cocaine conspiracy charge in exchange for two other charges being dropped.

Study: Cuts in greenhouse gas could lessen warming

WASHINGTON - A new scientific study finds that the absolute worst of global warming can still be avoided if the entire world cuts emission of greenhouse gases the way President Barack Obama and Europe want.

Indians start voting in monthlong elections

NEW DELHI - In tiny villages and sprawling concrete cities, tens of millions of Indians voted Thursday at the start of the world's largest exercise in democracy, a monthlong process expected to yield no clear winner as this Asian giant grapples with global economic malaise.

Police: Charges filed against Bills' Whitner

CLEVELAND - Buffalo Bills defensive back Donte Whitner has been formally charged with aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest for his role in an altercation outside a Cleveland nightclub early Saturday.

Ebay to buy stake in SKorean online marketplace

SEOUL, South Korea - EBay Inc. said Thursday it plans to pay as much as $1.2 billion for control of South Korea's top online marketplace, potentially one of the company's largest acquisitions as it moves to expand in Asia.

The Babe would approve of house he didn't build

The Babe would probably recognize the new house, and not just because it's across the street from the one he built. Give him a bat and he'd feel right at home swatting a few toward the short right-field porch as an elevated train rumbled by in the gap between the bleacher seats.

Islanders win draft lottery and No. 1 pick

NEW YORK - The final result of the New York Islanders' worst season in nine years is the opportunity for them to land a player who just might be able to turnaround the beleaguered franchise.

Pope to acknowledge suffering at Canadian schools

TORONTO - Pope Benedict XVI is expected to acknowledge abuse of aboriginals at Christian-run schools when he meets with survivors later this month at the Vatican, a spokesman for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said Wednesday.

Alaska's Palin polarizes even as she prevaricates

JUNEAU, Alaska - It's not getting any easier for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who is becoming a more polarizing figure at home while she tries to maintain a national profile from one of the most remote states in the union.

Iranian scientists claim they have cloned a goat

ISFAHAN, Iran - Iranian scientists have cloned a goat and plan future experiments they hope will lead to a treatment for stroke patients, the leader of the research said Wednesday. The female goat, named Hana, was born early Wednesday in the city of Isfahan in central Iran, said Dr. Mohammed Hossein Nasr e Isfahani, head of the Royan Research Institute.

Israel Pres: No military fix to Iran nuclear plans

JERUSALEM - The Israeli president has told President Barack Obama's Mideast envoy there is no military solution to the threat caused by Iran's nuclear program and talk of Israeli plans to attack nuclear facilities there are "unfounded."

Texas' James declares for NBA draft

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas swingman Damion James has decided to enter the NBA draft but won't hire an agent.

Stalking charge dropped against Nate Dogg

COMPTON, Calif. - Criminal charges have been dropped against Nate Dogg, who was accused of stalking and threatening his estranged wife.

Study gathers best science on heart-healthy foods

CHICAGO - What we know for sure about diet and what protects the heart is a relatively short list.

Could Paulus take Lambeau leap from Duke?

DURHAM, N.C. - Now this would be quite the Lambeau leap.

Woods doesn't seem to get this Augusta National

AUGUSTA, Ga. - If Tiger Woods is wondering what it will take for him to win a fifth green jacket this weekend, he might look at what Sandy Lyle managed to do to Augusta National on Friday. Five birdies in a row isn't too shabby for a 51-year-old, especially one who hasn't won a tournament of any kind in 17 years.

Russia ends Chechen counterterrorism operation

MOSCOW - Russia on Thursday ordered an end to its counterterrorism operation in Chechnya, a move that could lead to the withdrawal of tens of thousands of troops from the southern republic battered by two separatist wars in the past 15 years.

Red Wings will begin defense of Cup with Cleary

DETROIT - Detroit Red Wings forward Dan Cleary says he will be healthy enough to play in Game 1 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

LeBron to sit out Cavs' season finale

CLEVELAND - The Cavaliers have chosen reward over risk.

Medvedev seeks to justify tag as liberal successor

MOSCOW - Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev lent credence to his image as a cautious liberal Wednesday when a publication critical of the Kremlin ran his first Russian newspaper interview.

Despite family talk, Weis planned to stay at ND

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis confirms he talked with his family about whether they thought he should quit after last season, though he said he never wanted to leave.

Griffey, Suzuki, Mariners roll 11-3 over Angels

SEATTLE - Now Ken Griffey Jr. truly is back. And so is Ichiro Suzuki.

"Carry On" producer Peter Rogers dies at 95

LONDON - Peter Rogers, producer of all 31 "Carry On" films, has died at age 95, Pinewood Studios said Wednesday.

`Idol' judges save Matt Giraud from elimination

LOS ANGELES - A sequel has been greenlit for Matt Giraud on "American Idol." The 23-year-old piano player from Kalamazoo, Mich., who crooned Bryan Adam's "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" from "Don Juan DeMarco" for his movie song performance Tuesday, received the fewest number of viewer votes Wednesday on the popular Fox singing competition. However, the judges decided to use their one-time power to save him from elimination.

Potential high-speed rail corridors

Ten corridors the Obama administration had identified for possible high-speed rail projects:

DHS sec.: Request for Guard on border under study

NOGALES, Ariz. - On her first visit to Arizona as Homeland Security secretary, Janet Napolitano said Wednesday that requests to return the National Guard to duty along the U.S.-Mexico border are under review.

Today in History - April 16

Today is Thursday, April 16, the 106th day of 2009. There are 259 days left in the year.

Griffey hits No. 613, 400th as a Mariner

SEATTLE - Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 613th career home run and 400th as a Mariner on Wednesday night in his second home game of his return season in Seattle.

Twin Reno girls treated for rare disease

RENO, Nev. - Twin 5-year-old girls living with a rare disease are among the first in the country being treated for their condition at a Reno hospital after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted special permission to use an experimental drug.

Holder praises JAGs for work with terror suspects

WEST POINT, N.Y. - Attorney General Eric Holder praised military lawyers for representing terror detainees at the risk of their own careers and warned that government officials must rely on the rule of law even when they act in secrecy for reasons of national security.

Saints sign LB Waters

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Saints have signed free agent linebacker Anthony Waters.

Broncos owner thinks trade was good for both sides

DENVER - Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen says he's pleased with the trade that sent Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears and that both sides got what they wanted.

Tent school opens for youngest quake victims

POGGIO PICENZA, Italy - Children toting knapsacks entered three "classrooms" erected in a blue tent city Thursday, a symbolic return to normalcy for some of the youngest victims of Italy's earthquake.

NBC football broadcaster John Madden retires

NEW YORK - John Madden, the burly former coach who has been one of pro football's most popular broadcast analysts for three decades, is calling it quits.

Galapagos volcano erupts, could threaten wildlife

QUITO, Ecuador - Ecuador officials say a volcano is erupting in the Galapagos Islands and could harm unique wildlife.

Man punched after removing Cowboys flag from car

WASHINGTON - Police said a man was punched in the face after grabbing a Dallas Cowboys flag from a car in downtown Washington. D.C. police Lt. Eric Hayes said someone snatched the flag from a car as it was stopped in traffic Tuesday evening and apparently threw it to the ground.

Mavericks' Howard rests ankle

DALLAS - Mavericks swingman Josh Howard sat out Monday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves to rest his chronic left ankle injury.

GoDaddy.com to sponsor Darlington race

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Darlington Raceway says GoDaddy.com will be the presenting sponsor at next month's Southern 500.

China reports 7 new deaths from child virus

BEIJING - Seven more children have died in an especially virulent outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in central China, bringing this year's death toll from the virus to 57, state media reported Thursday.

Historical photos of Flathead on display

Flathead Lake and the rivers that flow into it have always played an enormous role in the lives of Flathead valley residents, which is why one Bigfork collector opened his private collection of historic photographs last Friday, in an exhibit that will continue through end of March, at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History.

'Slumdog' filmmakers give Mumbai charity $747,000

MUMBAI, India - The makers of the hit movie "Slumdog Millionaire" have donated $747,500 to a charity devoted to improving the lives of street children in Mumbai, the filmmakers said Thursday.

Mauritania coup leader cedes power to seek office

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania - The leader of a coup that ousted Mauritania's elected government gave up power Wednesday, freeing him to seek the presidency in balloting aimed at returning civilian rule.

Jury still deliberating in Castroneves tax case

MIAMI - A Miami jury is returning for a third day of deliberations in the tax evasion trial of Brazilian race car driver Helio Castroneves, his sister and his lawyer.

Glaxo and Pfizer create new HIV drug company

LONDON - Drug makers GlaxoSmithKline PLC and Pfizer Inc. said Thursday they plan to create a new company to invest in the research and development of HIV treatments.

Mall operator files for bankruptcy protection

LOS ANGELES - General Growth Properties Inc., the nation's second-largest mall operator, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection early Thursday after it failed to persuade a majority of its debt holders to give it more time to refinance billions of dollars in debt racked up during the housing boom.

Parks meeting focuses on Mattson property, trails

The long-coveted Mattson property — purchased last year with the intention of turning it into a lakefront park in downtown Lakeside — has been the subject of numerous debates in recent months, but owners Bruce Ennis and Maggie Davis say they intend to follow through.

Judge says he will approve 25 years for insurgent

WASHINGTON - A federal judge said he would approve a 25-year sentence agreed to as part of a plea deal with Wesam al-Delaema, who videotaped himself and others showing off roadside bombs they said they would use to kill Americans.

Bills' Lynch suspended for 3 games by NFL

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Bills running back Marshawn Lynch will miss the first three games of the regular season after being suspended without pay by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Avalanche GM Francois Giguere fired

DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche fired general manager Francois Giguere on Monday, saying fans and management "deserve better" than a last-place finish in the Western Conference.

Cardinals' Carpenter goes on 15-day DL

PHOENIX - The St. Louis Cardinals placed pitcher Chris Carpenter on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left ribcage on Wednesday and said he could be out four to eight weeks.

Spanish AG says no torture probe of US officials

MADRID - Spanish prosecutors will recommend against opening an investigation into whether six Bush administration officials sanctioned torture against terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, the country's attorney-general said Thursday.

NYC's new archbishop aims to renew church

NEW YORK - Archbishop Timothy Dolan was installed Wednesday as the leader of Roman Catholic New York, taking the most prominent American pulpit in the church during an elaborate ceremony that drew thousands of parishioners and civic leaders to St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Mayo, Gay lead Grizz past Hawks 98-90

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - O.J. Mayo scored 26 points and Rudy Gay added 20 to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 98-90 victory over a group of the playoff-bound Atlanta Hawks reserves on Wednesday night.

Yikes, bedbugs! EPA looks to stop resurgence

ARLINGTON, Va. - "Don't let the bedbugs bite."

Oil rises to near $50 on 2nd half recovery hopes

VIENNA - Investors brushed off poor U.S. economic news and focused on a possible second half recovery in global crude demand on Thursday, pushing oil prices up to near $50 a barrel.

Not on the menu: Pizza workers charged in pranks

CONOVER, N.C. - A gross video posted on YouTube showing a Domino's Pizza worker stuffing cheese up his nostril and waving salami under his rear end as he is making sandwiches has led to charges against him and a co-worker who recorded him, authorities said Wednesday.

'Golden Boy' Oscar De La Hoya quits boxing at 36

LOS ANGELES - Oscar De La Hoya knew it was time to retire after Manny Pacquiao pummeled him into submission in December. Still, he wavered another four months before persuading himself to let go.

Mich. Muslim group says FBI asking people to spy

DETROIT - A Michigan Muslim organization said Thursday it has asked U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate complaints alleging the FBI is asking followers of the faith to spy on Islamic leaders and congregations.

Jamie Foxx apologizes to Miley Cyrus

NEW YORK - Jamie Foxx has apologized to teen star Miley Cyrus for a radio routine in which he urged the 16-year-old to "make a sex tape and grow up."

Pa. man begs to be sent to jail, but judge refuses

HOLLIDAYBURG, Pa. - A central Pennsylvania man begged a judge to send him to jail, only to have the judge tell him to borrow money to repay a convenience store $214 for gasoline the man allegedly stole in six separate trips. Jerome Banks, 42, wanted Blair County Judge Hiram Carpenter to jail him Tuesday.

US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,273

As of Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at least 4,273 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

Retiring NY archbishop celebrates last Easter Mass

NEW YORK - In spite of a recent health scare, Cardinal Edward Egan has celebrated his final Easter Mass as the archbishop of New York at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Abortion foes raise new questions on Kan. gov.

TOPEKA, Kan. - An anti-abortion group released a document Wednesday that it said raises new questions about ties between President Barack Obama's health secretary nominee and one of the nation's few late-term abortion providers.

High schools rife with hazing, Maine study finds

PORTLAND, Maine - Authors of an ambitious survey of hazing in colleges and universities have turned their attention to high schools and discovered that many freshmen arrive on campus with experience _ with 47 percent reporting getting hazed in high school.

Pens earn home-ice advantage on NHL's last day

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Most of the late-season NHL drama was gone before the curtain closed Sunday on the regular season.

Rapper Jim Jones talks theatrical venture

NEW YORK - Jim Jones is starting a new movement in hip-hop, or at least trying to.

Council recommends reapproval of Lakeside Estates preliminary plat

The Lakeside Community Council met late last month to review a preliminary plat for phases 3-5 of the Lakeside Estates subdivision, which had previously received approval from the Flathead County Commissioners in March of 2004.

McHale still mum on coaching future

MINNEAPOLIS - Watching Kevin McHale work the sidelines for the Minnesota Timberwolves, it is difficult to gauge just how much coaching he has left in him.

US Army soldier sentenced to life in prison

VILSECK, Germany - A U.S. Army master sergeant convicted of murder in the 2007 killings of four bound and blindfolded Iraqis has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Perry, Campbell share Masters lead, Woods 7 back

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell shared the lead at the midway point of the Masters on Friday while Tiger Woods was seven strokes off the pace heading into the weekend.

Still no verdict in Castroneves tax case

MIAMI - Jury deliberations will stretch into a fifth day in the complex tax evasion case of Brazilian race car driver Helio Castroneves and two co-defendants.

Jim France leaves as head of NASCAR track operator

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Jim France, son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., will step down June 1 as head of the largest operator of NASCAR tracks.

Sharks start over after record-setting season

SAN JOSE, Calif. - And just like that, the greatest regular season in San Jose Sharks history is an unspoken memory.

All-Pro LB Harrison, Steelers reach new deal

PITTSBURGH - James Harrison isn't one of the NFL's biggest bargains any longer.

UN nuclear inspectors leave North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea - U.N. nuclear experts ordered to leave by North Korea amid an escalating standoff over the regime's recent rocket launch departed the country Thursday.

Egypt to search 3 sites for Cleopatra's tomb

CAIRO - Archaeologists will begin excavating sites in Egypt next week in an attempt to solve a mystery that has stymied historians for hundreds of years: Where is the final resting place of doomed lovers Cleopatra and Mark Antony?

Percentage of black players in baseball rises

NEW YORK - Black players accounted for 10.2 percent of major leaguers last year, the most since the 1995 season.

China Eastern Airlines suffers $2.2 billion loss

BEIJING - China Eastern Airlines Ltd., one of China's three major state-owned carriers, said it suffered a 15.3 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) loss for 2008 due to high fuel costs, fewer passengers and a wrong-way bet on fuel hedging contracts.

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. - American crew of ship seized by Somali pirates arrives back in US.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

They're baaaack! Amazon restores sales rankings

NEW YORK - The missing sales numbers are coming back on Amazon.com.

Rollins fire department hosts regional ice training

The weather and temperatures were near perfect when members of eight area fire departments came together last weekend to conduct a regional ice rescue training workshop. The training included a full range of exercises in Lake Mary Ronan using some of the latest in ice rescue techniques and equipment.

Nokia profit plunges 90 percent in Q1

HELSINKI - Nokia Corp. on Thursday said profits plummeted 90 percent in the first quarter because of fading demand for mobile phones amid the worldwide downturn _ but its shares surged as analysts had expected an even gloomier report.

Nokia profit plunges 90 percent in first quarter

HELSINKI - Nokia Corp. on Thursday said profits plummeted 90 percent in the first quarter because of fading demand for mobile phones amid the worldwide downturn _ but its shares surged as analysts had expected an even gloomier report.

Billy Bob Thornton's band cancels Canadian tour

TORONTO - Billy Bob Thornton's band has canceled the rest of its Canadian tour after the actor compared the country's fans to mashed potatoes with no gravy in a testy interview that caused a sensation online.

Ex-coach Gene Bartow undergoing cancer treatment

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former UCLA and UAB basketball coach Gene Bartow has been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Garnett could miss all of the playoffs

WALTHAM, Mass. - Kevin Garnett isn't ready to start the playoffs, and Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Thursday that there's a strong possibility that he will miss the entire postseason.

US beats Canada to win women's hockey world title

HAMEENLINNA, Finland - The United States won its second straight women's World Hockey Championship title Sunday, beating Canada 4-1 behind defenseman Caitlin Cahow's two goals.

Lemaire says Wild will be better off without him

ST. PAUL, Minn. - By all accounts, the Minnesota Wild would have been far less successful with someone other than Jacques Lemaire behind the bench.

NY governor introduces bill to allow gay marriage

NEW YORK - Gov. David Paterson announced plans Thursday to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, making a political gamble that he can ride the momentum of other states that have recently allowed the practice.

Community Club keeps pace with times

Times have changed in the Flathead Valley, and, in order to keep pace, the Lakeside Community Club has both grown and adapted over the years.

Valuev to fight Chagaev for WBA heavyweight title

FRANKFURT - Nikolai Valuev and Ruslan Chagaev will fight for the WBA heavyweight title on May 30, most likely in the Finnish capital Helsinki.

Bills tickets to be more affordable in Toronto

BUFFALO, N.Y. - It'll be more affordable to watch the Bills play their annual regular-season game in Toronto this year.

Evite rival Socializr launches events aggregator

NEW YORK - Socializr, the online invitations startup from Friendster founder Jonathan Abrams, now helps users manage their events from sites like Facebook, MySpace, Evite and Meetup.

Medvedev: Russia needs more political competition

MOSCOW - President Dmitry Medvedev says Russia needs stronger political competition and a greater freedom to protest.

Jobless rate: 11.3 percent

Flathead County's January unemployment rate hit 11.3 percent in January, its highest rate in at least 15 years.

Services held in Detroit for `Pop' Winans

DETROIT - Mourners celebrated the life of gospel music family patriarch David "Pop" Winans Sr. at services in his native Detroit.

NFL releases full regular-season schedule

NEW YORK - The Dallas Cowboys will open their new $1.1 billion stadium in a nationally televised Sunday night game against the New York Giants on Sept. 20.

BAGHDAD - Iraqi army officer: Suicide bomber drove into base west of Baghdad, killing 15 Iraqi soldiers.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

Johnston lawyer bristles at `deadbeat dad' label

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Levi Johnston's lawyer is bristling at suggestions from Gov. Sarah Palin's family that the 19-year-old is a deadbeat dad.

Man jailed for spraying urine, feces on food in UK

LONDON - An unemployed chemist was jailed Tuesday for spraying a mix of urine and feces on food, wine and children's books in several British stores. Sahnoun Daifallah was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of four counts of contaminating goods.

AARP: Prescription drug prices on the rise

WASHINGTON - Prices of the most popular brand-name prescription drugs are on the rise even as the economy falters, the AARP says.

Indonesia drops defamation charges against Time

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Indonesia's top court cleared Time Magazine of charges it defamed ex-dictator Suharto by alleging in a cover story that his family amassed a huge fortune during his rule. It said Thursday the publication did not have to pay $106 million in damages.

George Harrison gets Hollywood Walk of Fame star

LOS ANGELES - Hundreds of George Harrison's biggest fans and best friends, including Paul McCartney and Tom Petty, turned out Tuesday to see a posthumous star for the quiet Beatle unveiled during a raucous celebration on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

NASA names treadmill after Colbert

NEW YORK - One small step for NASA, one giant running leap for Stephen Colbert.

Senate panel to investigate wiretapping violations

WASHINGTON - Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein says she will investigate indications of new wiretap violations by the National Security Agency.

Religion news in brief

FORT WORTH, Texas - Texas Christian University will not provide on-campus housing for gay students this fall as previously planned.

Michigan could be next stop for Duke's Paulus

DURHAM, N.C. - Greg Paulus' next home could be the Big House.

China's navy to build new ships, planes

BEIJING - China's navy will move faster to build large combat warships, next-generation aircraft and sophisticated torpedoes in a modernizing overhaul for fighting in an era of information technology, its commander in chief said.

Iraq: Suicide bomber kills 16 Iraqi soldiers

BAGHDAD - A suicide bomber dressed in an army uniform detonated an explosives belt Thursday among Iraqi soldiers lined up for lunch at a base west of Baghdad, killing at least 16 and wounding 50, Iraqi officials said.

New orangutan population found in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Conservationists have discovered a new population of orangutans in a remote, mountainous corner of Indonesia _ perhaps as many as 2,000 _ giving a rare boost to one of the world's most endangered great apes.

NBC broadcaster John Madden retires

NEW YORK - John Madden, the burly former coach who has been one of pro football's most popular broadcast analysts for three decades, is calling it quits.

Pa. forest drilling procedure suit settled

PITTSBURGH - The U.S. Forest Service will review and allow public comment on gas and oil drilling projects in the Allegheny National Forest under a settlement reached with environmental groups.

Boo looking for three in a row

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - Boo Weekley's having too much fun at Harbour Town to worry about chasing history.

Chipper Jones held out with thumb injury

ATLANTA - Chipper Jones expects to miss at least two games after aggravating his bruised left thumb for the second time in a week.

Governing not easy for Alaska's polarizing Palin

JUNEAU, Alaska - It's not getting any easier for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who is becoming a more polarizing figure at home while she tries to maintain a national profile from one of the most remote states in the union.

Obama to offer Mexico solidarity in drug war

WASHINGTON - Confronting a security threat on America's doorstep, President Barack Obama is venturing into the heart of Mexico. His swift diplomatic mission is meant to show solidarity with a neighbor _ and to prove that the U.S. is serious about halting the deadly flow of drugs and weapons.

Epilepsy drug in pregnancy may lower child's IQ

ATLANTA - Toddlers of moms who took the epilepsy drug valproate during pregnancy had lower IQs than the children of women who used other anti-seizure medicines, according to a new study.

LeAnn Rimes to sing national anthem at Ky. Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Country music star LeAnn Rimes will help start a new tradition at the Kentucky Derby this year.

Islanders look to hit lottery after lost season

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - When the New York Islanders trudged off the ice following their NHL-worst 47th regulation defeat, they tried to move forward as quickly as possible.

Augusta knew the answers and passed the test

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Masters chairman Billy Payne called it an "important test" for Augusta National to regain its personality as a golf course where it's as much fun to listen as it is to watch.

Spanish AG: No torture probe of US officials

MADRID - Spain's attorney general has rejected opening an investigation into whether six Bush administration officials sanctioned torture against terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, saying Thursday a U.S. courtroom would be the proper forum.

Wis. nurse called out of surgery and laid off

MADISON, Wis. - A nurse was called out of surgery so a manager could tell her she was being laid off. Dean Health said the surgery was minor and the patient wasn't affected, but the manager who summoned the nurse from surgery violated medical protocol. Dean Health spokesman Paul Pitas said the incident happened at Dean's West Clinic in Madison on Wednesday or Thursday.

Olden takes over at Yankee Stadium announcer

NEW YORK - Paul Olden is taking over as the Yankee Stadium public address announcer in the absence of Bob Sheppard.

Domino's workers face charges after YouTube video

CONOVER, N.C. - Authorities say two Domino's Pizza workers in North Carolina each face a felony charge after a video posted on YouTube showed one of them putting cheese in his nostril and waving meat under his rear end while assembling a sandwich.

Ill. police say boy, 13, used handgun to rob bank

PEORIA, Ill. - A 13-year-old boy used a handgun to rob a Peoria bank before police caught him hiding in a nearby garage after a foot chase. Police said the teen used the gun to rob South Side Bank on Monday. They said he fled the bank with the weapon and a bag of money wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and a red bandana on his face.

McGinn returns, Mitchell hoping to rejoin Sharks

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Sharks recalled left wing Jamie McGinn from their Worcester AHL affiliate for the postseason on Monday, and center Torrey Mitchell also is hoping to rejoin the Sharks during the playoffs after missing the entire regular season with leg injuries.

Products recalled due to possible salmonella risk

The following recalls have been announced because the products may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems:

Orangutans threatened by illegal pet trade

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Orangutans are still being captured for pets in Indonesia, further threatening the survival of the critically endangered great apes, conservationists said Thursday, blaming poor law enforcement.

Jackson's stuff not for sale following settlement

LOS ANGELES - Michael Jackson's glove is not going once, going twice _ or going anywhere.

Red Wings recall F Darren Helm from Grand Rapids

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings have recalled forward Darren Helm from Grand Rapids.

Israel balks at UN war crimes probe of Gaza war

JERUSALEM - Israel is unlikely to cooperate with a Gaza war crimes probe because it distrusts the U.N. agency sponsoring the investigation, an Israeli government official said Wednesday.

Platform falls at Ohio car racetrack, injuring 5

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A concrete viewing platform at a central Ohio racetrack has collapsed before a NASCAR event, injuring several people.

Sri Lankan troops attack rebel defenses

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - Sri Lankan troops backed by helicopter gunships attacked Tamil Tiger defenses in the northeast Thursday, a rebel-allied Web site reported, as international pressure grew for a new cease-fire to allow civilians to escape the fighting.

Washington Legislature expands gay partnerships

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Same-sex domestic partners would have all the rights and benefits that Washington state offers married couples under a bill passed Wednesday by the state Legislature.

Calipari quickly winning over Wildcats

LEXINGTON, Ky. - John Calipari stepped away from the sea of tape recorders, microphones and cameras and walked quickly down the hall toward Kentucky's glistening practice court inside the Joe Kraft Center.

Signs threaten killing of Texas college students

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Authorities in Nacogdoches, Texas, are on alert after signs promising a deadly mass shooting were found on and near the Stephen F. Austin State University campus.

UN: Naval escorts are getting food aid to Somalia

GENEVA - The United Nations warned Wednesday that piracy off Somalia's coast could deprive the country's poorest of much-needed food aid.

Georgetown says G Omar Wattad transferring

WASHINGTON - Georgetown says sophomore guard Omar Wattad is transferring at the end of the semester.

China's growth slows to 6.1 pct in first quarter

BEIJING - China's economic growth slowed to 6.1 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, hit by the global slump, but the government said conditions were better than expected.

`Hannah Montana' earns box-office crown with $32M

LOS ANGELES - Hannah Montana is queen of the box office. Miley Cyrus' "Hannah Montana: The Movie" debuted as the No. 1 weekend draw with $32.3 million.

Boat blast off Australia kills up to 3 refugees

SYDNEY - An explosion or fire Thursday aboard a refugee boat being escorted to a detention center by Australia's navy has killed up to three people, police and the government said.

Early spring birds 09

MOMBASA, Kenya - The US captain freed from Somali pirates is arriving in harbor in Kenya aboard an American destroyer.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

Air Force suspends Rembert for unnamed violation

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Air Force cornerback and kick returner Reggie Rembert has been suspended for an undisclosed violation of school standards.

QB Michael Vick being held in Atlanta prison

ATLANTA - Michael Vick was back in Atlanta, the city where he rose to NFL stardom, but as a prisoner rather than a player, an official said Friday.

US Soccer: Plenty of time for new stadiums

NEW YORK - Los Angeles and San Francisco have plenty of time to build new stadiums or rehabilitate current venues ahead of the 2018 or 2022 World Cup in the views of the U.S. bidders.

US commander in Gulf submarine crash loses command

MANAMA, Bahrain - The skipper of an American nuclear submarine that collided with another U.S. Navy vessel at the mouth of the Persian Gulf last month has been relieved of command, the Navy said.

Ferrell survives `Man vs. Wild' with Grylls

LOS ANGELES - Will Ferrell says it was a thrill to join adventurer Bear Grylls for an icy episode of Discovery Channel's "Man vs. Wild."

Greenland to hold parliamentary elections in June

COPENHAGEN - Greenland's premier has called elections for June 2, saying he wants voters to decide who will govern the semiautonomous Danish territory once it gets more say in own affairs.

Tightly bunched West standings cause some hassles

The stat geeks and sports radio hosts love it. For the guys involved, the jumbled mess in the Western Conference standings is creating some headaches.

Celtics say Garnett could miss entire postseason

WALTHAM, Mass. - Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says there is a strong possibility that Kevin Garnett will miss the whole postseason.

US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 605

As of Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at least 605 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a result of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to the Defense Department. The department last updated its figures Wednesday at 10 a.m. EDT.

Fla. SEAL museum wants relics of pirate standoff

FORT PIERCE, Fla. - A Florida military museum wants to acquire objects from Sunday's rescue of an American hostage by Navy SEAL snipers.

One-of-a-kind Fuzzy says goodbye to Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The best and worst moments of Fuzzy Zoeller's professional life took place on the same expanse of manicured lawn, a few hundred yards apart.

Experts: Spot of Mexican surrender in Texas found

DALLAS - Archaeologists believe they've found the spot where hundreds of Mexican soldiers surrendered to the Texas army after a battle that sealed Texas' independence from Mexico 173 years ago.

Southwest Airlines posts 1Q loss, plans buyouts

DALLAS - Southwest Airlines Co. reported a surprisingly large loss in the first quarter as traffic fell in what the CEO called the carrier's toughest revenue environment ever.

Wednesday's rainout keeps Washington winless

WASHINGTON - Manny Acta wasn't pleased to hear his winless Nationals' game against the Philadelphia Phillies was rained out Wednesday.

Monks put faith in wrinkle-cream to raise funds

WORCESTER, Mass. - A few years ago, members of the Teresian Carmelites monastery had nearly run out of ways to raise money for their charitable work.

Rhoades leaves Randolph-Macon to join VCU staff

ASHLAND, Va. - Mike Rhoades is leaving his position as men's basketball coach at Randolph-Macon College to join Shaka Smart's coaching staff at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Judge denies evangelist Alamo request for bail

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A federal judge in Arkansas has rejected jailed evangelist Tony Alamo's request for bail while he awaits trial on charges he took young girls across state lines for sex.

8 states seek stimulus money for high-speed rail

CHICAGO - Eight Midwestern states hope to secure federal stimulus money for a network of faster passenger trains with Chicago as its hub _ joining forces to boost their chances of getting a cut of $8 billion set aside for high-speed rail.

Survey finds more politics and partisanship online

NEW YORK - As more Americans than ever turn to the Internet for election news, more are finding it at Web sites that share their own political views, a new survey finds.

Crespo not facing charges for alleged sex act

MIAMI - Authorities have reviewed evidence but have chosen not to file charges against Grammy Award-winner Elvis Crespo, who is accused of performing a sex act on an airplane en route from Houston to Miami.

White House seeks health plan compromise

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's top health care adviser said Wednesday a compromise is within reach on a government health plan for the middle class that wouldn't drive private insurers out of business.

Former Ill. governor wants to join reality TV show

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Just when you thought the saga of ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich couldn't get any stranger, it has.

NHL-best Sharks set playoff sights on Red Wings

NEW YORK - The Detroit Red Wings find themselves in a familiar position _ the favorite.

Review: BlackBerry App World simple, light on apps

NEW YORK - I'm typing this in between perusing Facebook, trying (and failing) to master a guitar-simulation game and listening to Internet radio on my smart phone.

NY co.'s ship safe in Kenya after pirate attack

NEW YORK - An American cargo ship damaged by Somali pirates while carrying humanitarian supplies has arrived safely in a Kenyan port under U.S. Navy escort.

Police, protesters at Caterpillar site in France

GRENOBLE, France - Police deployed Thursday at a plant in the French Alps run by U.S. manufacturer Caterpillar where workers camped out overnight to protest layoffs.

Man jailed for urinating on woman during flight

HONOLULU - A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to three weeks in jail for urinating on a 66-year-old woman during a Continental Airlines flight last month from Los Angeles to Honolulu. Jerome Kenneth Kingzio, a resident of the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was sentenced after pleading guilty Tuesday to assault charges in federal court in Honolulu.

Company says prostate cancer vaccine shows promise

An experimental treatment that takes an entirely new approach to fighting prostate cancer extended survival in a late-stage study, its maker announced Tuesday.

TNT finishes NBA season with double-digit growth

TNT completed its regular-season NBA coverage with a 14 percent increase in viewers, its second straight year of double-digit growth.

New Yankee Stadium formally opens

NEW YORK - Appropriately, the first official pitch at America's most expensive stadium will be thrown by the pitcher with the richest contract, CC Sabathia.

Iraq: Suicide bomber kills 15 Iraqi soldiers

BAGHDAD - An Iraqi army officer says a suicide bomber walked into a base west of Baghdad and set off his explosives belt, killing 15 Iraqi soldiers and wounding at least 40.

Harley-Davidson to cut more jobs as 1Q profit dips

MILWAUKEE - Harley-Davidson Inc. says its first-quarter profit fell 37 percent and expects to cut as many as 400 more jobs as the motorcycle market remains sluggish.

Wizards interim coach flexible about future

BOSTON - Washington Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott is open to working in management or on the bench now that Flip Saunders is set to become head coach.

Small ND town clears out as tenuous dam holds

KATHRYN, N.D. - National Guard helicopters dropped sandbags hoping to redirect water away from a small town where residents have been evacuated and National Guard soldiers posted to keep watch.

MCT presents 'Rumpelstiltskin' to full house

After a full week of rehearsals and related activity, Missoula Children's Theatre and the Somers-Lakeside PTA presented their latest, "Rumpelstiltskin," to a full house during both performances last Saturday afternoon and evening.

A look at vessels still held by Somali pirates

At least 15 ships and nearly 300 crew members are believed to be currently held by pirates off the coast of Somalia, according to the International Maritime Bureau, NATO and others. A look at the ships still being held Wednesday:

Obama to offer solidarity to Mexico in drug war

WASHINGTON - Confronting a security threat on America's doorstep, President Barack Obama is venturing into the heart of Mexico. His swift diplomatic mission is meant to show solidarity with a neighbor _ and to prove that the U.S. is serious about halting the deadly flow of drugs and weapons.

French raid pirate ship, US seeks to freeze assets

MOMBASA, Kenya - The U.S. and its allies battled Somalia's pirates on two fronts Wednesday, with French forces seizing a bandit mother ship and Washington seeking to keep the marauders from their spoils. Another U.S. freighter headed to port with armed sailors aboard after pirates damaged it with gunshots and grenades.

Police say 'doc' used vet gear to perform implants

MADRID - A Spanish man accused of using veterinary equipment to perform cosmetic surgery is in the doghouse. Catalonian regional police said they arrested the 63-year-old Barcelona native for allegedly practicing medicine without a license in filthy conditions at his home.

Avalanche's GM Francois Giguere is fired

DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche have fired general manager Francois Giguere after the team finished last in the Western Conference.

Scientist: First cloned camel born in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A scientist says the world's first cloned camel has been produced in the desert emirate of Dubai. Nisar Ahmad Wani, a senior reproductive biologist at the government's Camel Reproduction Center, says the cloned camel is a six-day-old, one-humped female called Achievement or Injaz in Arabic.

Camera captures wolves killing lambs in Oregon

GRANTS PASS, Ore. - A motion-detector camera has photographed two wolves killing lambs on a ranch in Eastern Oregon _ the first documented wolf attack on livestock in Oregon since they started moving into the state in 1999.

Spurs take NBA Southwest crown and No. 3 seed

SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs are the NBA's Southwest Division champions and the No. 3 seed for the Western Conference playoffs. They have Michael Finley, Tim Duncan and the Dallas Mavericks to thank for that.

China's economic growth slows further in 1Q

BEIJING - China's economy grew at its slowest pace in at least a decade in the first quarter, but stronger industrial activity added to tentative signs the slump might be bottoming out amid huge stimulus spending.

Man plays same number on 20 tickets, wins $90K

RICHMOND, Va. - A North Carolina man has a knack for picking the winning number for Virginia Lottery drawings. The lottery said Wednesday that Steve Granger of Henderson, N.C., won $90,800 in Sunday night's Pick 4 drawing by playing the same number combination, 5-1-1-7, on 20 tickets.

Iran willing to build new relationship with US

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran's president on Wednesday sent the clearest signal yet that the Islamic Republic wants warmer ties with the U.S., just one day after Washington spoke of new strategies to address the country's disputed nuclear program. Taken together, the developments indicate that the longtime adversaries are seeking ways to return to the negotiating table and ease a nearly 30-year-old diplomatic standoff.

Report: NEC Electronics, Renesas near merger

TOKYO - NEC Electronics Corp. and Renesas Technology Corp. are reportedly in final negotiations to merge their operations and form Japan's biggest semiconductor maker by sales.

Celtics G Ray Allen suspended 1 game for elbowing

NEW YORK - Boston Celtics All-Star Ray Allen has been suspended for one game by the NBA for elbowing Cleveland's Anderson Varejao in the groin on Sunday.

Wildcats nearly capture state title

Only two boys basketball teams are still playing in the final game of each Class A season, and Columbia Falls was one of them for the fourth time in the last nine years Saturday.

Gannett 1Q profit tumbles as ad declines deepen

NEW YORK - Gannett Co., the largest newspaper publisher in the U.S., reported a 60 percent decline in first-quarter profit Thursday and said the decline in its advertising revenue is accelerating.

Kinsler hits for cycle, Rangers end 5-game slide

ARLINGTON, Texas - Ian Kinsler went 6-for-6 while hitting for the cycle as the Texas Rangers beat the Baltimore Orioles 19-6 Wednesday night to snap a five-game losing streak.

World markets steady ahead of JP Morgan earnings

LONDON - World stock markets remained subdued Thursday as relief over China's economic growth was offset by renewed fears about the state of the U.S. economy ahead of key earnings releases from leading American banks.

Mars rover Spirit has unexplained computer reboots

PASADENA, Calif. - NASA's aging Mars rover Spirit has rebooted its computer at least twice for unknown reasons.

UN inspectors leave North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea - U.N. nuclear experts ordered to leave by North Korea amid an escalating standoff over the regime's recent rocket launch departed the country Thursday.

Soccer coach punches referee after ejection

SAO PAULO - The coach of a team relegated to Brazil's third division punched the referee in the face after being ejected from the bench.

South Carolina's Archie to enter draft

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina junior Dominique Archie says he'll declare for the NBA draft but expects to return for his senior season.

Rangers' Kinsler hits for cycle

ARLINGTON, Texas - Ian Kinsler, who had already hit for the cycle, doubled in the eighth to become the second player in Rangers history with six hits in a game.

English village may use potholes for speed control

LONDON - A British country village is considering a novel way to frustrate speeders by leaving its potholes in place.

`Kite Runner' among last year's challenged books

NEW YORK - Not everybody loves "The Kite Runner."

Michael Vick returns to federal prison in Kansas

RICHMOND, Va. - Suspended NFL star Michael Vick has returned to a federal prison in Kansas after a stint in Virginia for his bankruptcy case.

Struggling Ferrari to work on car development

MARANELLO, Italy - Ferrari team manager Luca Baldisserri will not travel to this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, staying behind to work on car development in the wake of a disastrous start to the Formula One season.

`Cosby' kid Rudy in new reality TV show

NEW YORK - Rudy from "The Cosby Show" has grown up, and she's about to show off her life on cable TV.

Yankees outfielder Nady to go on DL

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - New York Yankees right-fielder Xavier Nady will be put on the disabled list with a right elbow injury and could be sidelined for an extended period.

Packers trade long snapper Jansen to Panthers

GREEN BAY, Wis. - The Green Bay Packers traded long snapper J.J. Jansen to Carolina on Monday for a conditional 2011 seventh-round draft pick, perhaps signaling the end of veteran Jason Kyle's eight-year run in that position with the Panthers.

Wall Street opens higher after JPMorgan earnings

NEW YORK - Wall Street is modestly higher in early trading after JPMorgan Chase & Co. became the latest bank to report better-than-expected first-quarter earnings.

BAGHDAD - Iraqi police say a car bomb in the disputed northern city of Kirkuk has killed 10 people.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

NBA suspends Celtics' Allen for elbowing Varejao

PHILADELPHIA - The NBA suspended Boston guard Ray Allen one game without pay for elbowing Cleveland forward Anderson Varejao in the groin.

15M hits later, YouTube Symphony makes live debut

NEW YORK - Even before they played their first note together, they were listed as one of the world's most inspiring orchestras.

High Museum, MoMA partnership to launch in June

ATLANTA - The High Museum has announced a four-year collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art in New York City that will bring several of Claude Monet's water lily paintings to Atlanta this summer.

Wade wins scoring title on bench

Dwyane Wade wrapped up his first NBA scoring title on the bench, sitting out the Miami Heat's last game on the final night of the regular season.

US foreclosures up 24 percent in 1st quarter

WASHINGTON - The number of American households threatened with losing their homes grew 24 percent in the first three months of this year and is poised to rise further as major lenders restart foreclosures after a temporary break, according to data released Thursday.

Raptors' Bargnani sits out finale

CHICAGO - Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani sat out his second straight game because of a sore left heel and missed the season finale against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

No Spanish torture probe of US officials

MADRID - Spanish prosecutors will recommend against opening an investigation into whether six Bush administration officials sanctioned torture against terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, the country's attorney-general said Thursday.

Justice Dept. reins in surveillance program

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has reined in electronic surveillance by the National Security Agency after finding the agency had improperly accessed American phone calls and e-mails.

Obamas made $2.7M in 2008, paid $855K federal tax

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's long tenure on the best-seller list is paying off: He and his wife, Michelle, made $2.7 million last year, nearly all of it from his books.

Obama writes FIFA in support of US World Cup bid

NEW YORK - U.S. President Barack Obama wrote a letter to FIFA president Sepp Blatter supporting the American bid to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

Georgetown says Monroe to stay for sophomore year

WASHINGTON - Georgetown says Big East rookie of the year Greg Monroe is sticking around for his sophomore season.

Treating kids with malaria at home doesn't work

LONDON - Treating African children at home for malaria doesn't help in cities because most fevers aren't actually caused by malaria, a new study said Tuesday.

Timberwolves' McHale still mum on coaching future

MINNEAPOLIS - Watching Kevin McHale work the sidelines for the Minnesota Timberwolves, it is difficult to gauge just how much coaching he has left in him.

Turkoglu out for Magic's regular-season finale

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu will miss the regular-season finale against the Charlotte Bobcats with a sprained left ankle but should be ready for the playoffs this weekend.

Ferrari ditches KERS system for Chinese Grand Prix

SHANGHAI, China - Ferrari is the first Formula One team to ditch the problematic KERS energy-boost system, electing not to use it for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

Gonzaga's Daye to pursue NBA draft

SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga forward Austin Daye will make himself available for the NBA draft, but will not hire an agent and thus leave open his option of returning to the Bulldogs.

Stoltze calls back workers to restart sawmill

F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber will resume operations at its sawmill on Monday (March 23).

Outdoor advocate survives icy lake plunge

Long-time Whitefish resident and outdoor-advocate Steve Thompson had a quite a scare in January when he fell through the ice on Whitefish Lake while cross-country skiing near Les Mason Park.

Aloha graffiti

Dick Peterson - Kailua-Kona Hawaii

BSC hears community reports

The Bigfork Steering Committee had plenty to take in last Thursday, not least of which was digesting that it was the first gathering since the committee's vice chairwoman, Elna Darrow, passed away on Feb. 26.

Lawmakers scrutinize plan for stimulus spending

HELENA – Legislators got a look last week at the bill to spend $800 million in federal stimulus dollars and learned what the state can and can't do with the cash. They also heard the governor's ideas for spending the money.

Local skier wins top trophy

Nick Becker was named the overall champion at a three-day race series held at Big Sky Resort on March 13-15. The Whitefish Mountain Resort Race Team member was presented with the large trophy at an awards ceremony following Sunday's final race.

Mrs. Spoonovers sues over mural

Judy Scallen says she would choose jail over backing down

The last best knock-out blow

Sen. Max Baucus says he's delivered the "knock-out blow" needed to safeguard the popular Montana phrase "the last best place."

Budget bill passes peacefully, stimulus money up next

This week the house voted in favor of House Bill 2. On a 65-35 vote HB 2 was approved in the house and now takes a turn with the Senate. House Bill 2 is the Montana State budget.

Kayla DeWit named to all-state team

Columbia Falls sophomore Kayla DeWit has been elected to the Class A basketball all-state girls first team for the 2008-09 season. DeWit and Alyssa Ladenburg, the sole senior on the team, are part of the Northwestern A all-conference team. Junior Kelsey DeWit was named to the all-conference second team.

Bus ride is an adventure

Bus rides are routine for many, but a new adventure for me. I have encouraged others to use the system, but took my third ride last week.

Pay your taxes

Gary Miller - Whitefish

Ronald Mohn

Ron Mohn, 62, has gone fishing. He left this world on March 10, 2009, to go to that secret fishing hole where the fishing is always great and the stories are tall. He was an author, an avid fisherman, entrepreneur, a consummate storyteller, and best friend to all who knew him.

Swimmer captures state titles, heads to regional meet

After just two years on the Wave Ryder Swim Team, 10-year-old Joseph Potkonjak, of Bigfork, has qualified for two events at next weekend's Northwest Sectionals Age Group Competition in Federal Way, Wash.

Hockey champs

Photo courtesy of Sheri Craven

Nate Chute racers compete under blizzard conditions

Nearly 90 competitors from Whitefish and places far and wide braved blizzard-like conditions and a tough field in the 10th annual Nate Chute Hawaiian Classic snowboard competition March 14-15.

Wildcats nearly capture state title

Only two boys basketball teams are still playing in the final game of each Class A season, and Columbia Falls was one of them for the fourth time in the last nine years Saturday.

Robert William Kemler, 82

Robert William Kemler, age 82, passed away March 3, 2009 at his home in Lakeside, Montana. He was born on May 31, 1926 in Canandaigua, New York to William F. and Anna E. (Durnin) Kemler.

Orvid Berge

Orvid Karsten Berge, 79, died March 11, 2009, at his home in Whitefish.

Third graders donate $2,100 to community

When children reach the 3rd grade at Bigfork Elementary School, they spend the year learning plenty of new skills and knowledge, but perhaps most importantly, they learn about community.

To submit a birth announcement call (406) 837-1132 or fax (406) 837-1132;

Alahna Jo Hader,

Heartfelt tribute to Craig Finberg

Columbia Falls and Dillon have squared off on the court in boys basketball many times. But when the Wildcats and Beavers met in for the Class A championship Saturday night at Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls, it was very special — and emotional.

Orsua lands 31-pounder during Mack Days

The race is on. Spring Mack Days began March 13 and continues on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until April 26. More than $45,000 in cash and prizes sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will be given away at the conclusion of the event. Mack Days are used as a management tool as part of the Flathead Lake Co-management Plan to reduce numbers of non-native lake trout and restore a balance of native trout in Flathead Lake.

Elna Darrow, 65

Death came to Elna Darrow, 65, as she passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, February 26, 2009. By her desire and the wishes of her family, she was cremated. Her ashes will be scattered in a private family ceremony on Red Tail Ridge that overlooks the family farm home, Paladin Farms, where George and Elna lived for 32 years. The title of a work of art in their home expressed the pact between Elna and her husband George, "If I could live forever and you would be with me . . . I'd choose a house for all seasons in mountain greenery." She is survived by her husband, George and stepchildren – Roy (Jeanne) Darrow, Reed (Cathie) Darrow, John Darrow (Rose), and Karen Darrow along with seven wonderful grandchildren; her nephew, Todd Bezenek, and various cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Eshom and her sister, Virginia Eshom-Bezenek.The family of Elna Darrow wishes to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the many notes of sympathy and condolences together with offers to be helpful in any way needed. Bigfork and the Flathead Valley are an exceptionally supportive community.

Glacier Centennial projects include Heaven's Peak Lookout

Glacier National Park is looking at several on-the-ground projects to celebrate its 100th anniversary, including restoration of the remote Heaven's Peak Lookout.

Snowboarders raced last weekend in the Nate Chute  Hawaiian Classic event.

Spending bill passes House, heads for Senate

Legislators began the tedious process of accepting or rejecting the House Appropriations Committee's best stab at House Bill 2, the government's spending bill. The governor's budget was given to the Legislature in December and modified by the committee.

Plans for creation of a resort tax put on hold

It appears any possibility of instituting a resort tax in Bigfork is off the table for the time being, while a few community members investigate the possibility of changes to state law concerning creation of tax districts.

Letters to the Editor

Thanks from Lighthouse

Tourism assessment a perfect compromise

Letter from the editor

Wrestlers fare well in Eureka

The Bigfork Little Guy Wrestling team took 25 boys to Eureka last weekend and had 16 place high enough to qualify to move on to the Inter-Valley Tournament in Thompson Falls this Saturday.

Jayden Patricia Godbold

Jayden Patricia Godbold, daughter of Melodie Schmidbauer and Timothy Godbold, of Kalispell, was born Feb. 4, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Badger-Two Medicine Plan kudos

To the editor,

Spring means flood potential for homeowners

There are some things you can control; Mother Nature isn't one of them. The spring of 2008 reminded us that even though we didn't make the list for the top 10 areas affected by flooding; the danger is very real to the Flathead and surrounding areas. With an above-average mountain snowpack, the result of warm weather could be devastating. Nobody knows that better than the experts at Kalispell based National Flood Services; the largest flood insurance administrator in the Nation who responds to the personal and financial devastation of flooding across the country every day.

Ululating in the North Fork

The Trailwatcher / G. George Ostrom

Vals knocked out of state tourney in 2 games

It wasn't quite the trip to the state tournament that the Bigfork girls basketball team had planned. Their two-and-out performance was a painful memory of last year's state tournament, but just the fact that the Valkyries made it to the Butte Civic Center last week was more success than some thought the team would have accomplished when the season started.

Biomass power plant proposals floated

Concept went through the wringer eight years ago

Budget process is critical for the state

Rep. Bill Beck

Committee gets first look at lodge's skybridge

A Starbucks for Safeway?

A stimulus for creating more debt

The stimulus package is a "spending" package. Obama urged everyone to go out and SPEND IT!! "That's the whole purpose," he said emphatically, obviously afraid it might go into savings instead. This hyped-up spending program, as designed, gives Obama a psychological boost as he launches his new administration. People are temporarily reassured and delighted that things seemingly return to normal with maybe better things to come.

Dogs' state title hopes dashed early

The Whitefish boys made an early exit from the 2009 Class A state basketball tournament in Great Falls over the weekend, falling 42-48 in the first round to eventual state champions Dillon.

I don't get why they don't get it

American Internation Group, the giant insurance company whose slipshod financial services sector is largely responsible for getting the world's financial crisis rolling, has announced that it will dole out somewhere in the ballpark of $730 million in 'retention pay" and "performance bonuses' to executives and "valuable" employees. Now I know nothing is easier than doing someone else's job, especially if you've never done it before, so I can't offer anything more than a layman's perspective on why this is necessary, but according to my understanding it is to retain employees who have so much specialized expertise that only they can repair the damage that they caused. Supposedly they understand the workings of incredibly obscure financial transactions with a complexity (and substance) somewhere between Voodoo rites and the secret ceremonies of the Mystic Knights of the Sea. The question arises: if only they understand how to fix it, how come they didn't understand enough about it to know that they were breaking it. That, and why are they being rewarded to fix something they broke?

Lady Lions donate big bucks to local causes

Bigfork Eagle

Darfur law

Joe Mazur - Whitefish

Park plows should rev up on east side

The surest sign of spring?

Boll, Taylor get All-Conference nods

The Northwest A Conference boys basketball All-Conference teams were announced this week, and two Vikings made the lists.

Thank you for support of 'Finny'

To the editor,

Middle school teams wrap up sesasons

After three months of hard work, all four Bigfork area middle school girls basketball teams have wrapped up their seasons and each team has a great deal improvement and success to show for it.

Nancy Watson

Nancy Ann Watson, 58, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at her home in Columbia Falls surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born to John Floyd and Audrey Jones in Mankato, Minn., on Jan. 22, 1951.

Exploring the road less traveled: Flathead resident heading out for 7,000 mile ride

JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

Ronald Mohn

Ron Mohn, 62, has gone fishing. He left this world on March 10, 2009, to go to that secret fishing hole where the fishing is always great and the stories are tall. He was an author, an avid fisherman, entrepreneur, a consummate storyteller, and best friend to all who knew him.

Letters to the Editor

Pass HB 14

Berna Crowe

Berna J. “Bernie” Crowe, lost her battle to cancer on March 11, 2009. She was born in Kalispell on Dec. 18, 1939 to Bernie and Margaret Benson. She moved to Columbia Falls in 1946 and was raised by her mother and stepfather, Tom Smith. Bernie attended schools in Columbia Falls.

SMS 7th graders fall in championship game to Fair-Mont-Egan

The eighth grade Somers girls basketball team played two tournament games on Thursday and Friday, losing to Kalispell in both games. The seventh grade girls, however, made it to the championship game in the Stillwater tournament, having won a landslide (Somers 30, West Valley 2) victory over West Valley on Thursday and narrowly defeating St. Matthews on Friday (Somers 25, St. Matts 24) by just one point. Despite shutting down the Fair-Mont-Egan's lead scorer, who scored 30 points for the team in an earlier game, the Mustangs lost to Fairmont Eagan by three points in the championship game (Somers 22, Fair-Mont-Egan 25).

Community Club keeps pace with times

West Shore News

Governor urges quick action on stimulus spending

HELENA – Gov. Brian Schweitzer outlined his plan for the state's share of federal stimulus money last week, saying lawmakers need to quickly appropriate the money to jump-start the timber industry, freeze college tuition and rebuild highways.

House budget bill main concern in Helena

HD 11

Obituaries

Robert William Kemler, 82

Starting the second half in Helena 

At the halfway point of every legislative session, there comes a point that's known in Montana politics as "transmittal." It means that the bills that started in the House of Representatives are "transmitted" to the Senate for them to vote on. Likewise, the bills from the Senate come over to us in the House.

Scam artists employing new tactics and no shame in effort to 'separate you from your money'

The letters started out innocently enough, just asking for a bit of cash to help provide for homeless dogs. Just $5.

Bill to protect Montana waterways from invasive species

It may seem like much ado about, well, not much, but Montana Senator Verdell Jackson is pushing a bill that would help protect Montana's lakes and rivers from a very tiny, but very troublesome menace.

Study: Perception of tourism's role is changing

A small minority of Montanans continue to believe that tourism creates more negative impacts than positive benefits to the state, but tourism is not seen as a main cause for making Montana seem "overcrowded."

Parks meeting focuses on Mattson property, trails

West Shore News

Meyer to speak about K2 climbing disaster

A doctor who treated victims of the worst climbing disaster on the Himalayan Peak K2 will speak about the incident in Columbia Falls on March 28.

Letter from the editor

No one is safe from wily scam artists

Kalispell native tells of paddling derring-do

Brad Ludden and his expedition mates wanted to know just one thing from the man in a remote village in Madagascar: "Is there anything downstream that might kill someone?"

Tickets on sale for BHS alumni game to benefit bus driver

The organizers of the Bigfork High School Alumni Basketball Games are asking that anyone interested in attending the event, which will be held March 21, purchase their tickets by next Wednesday, March 18, or sooner if possible.

No 'sure thing' in sports

Going into any game there is almost always a favorite to win, whether it be a game of horseshoes or the Super Bowl. Analysts, fans, sports writers and people that don't have an opinion of their own until someone shares theirs, all seem to think they know who is going to win before the game has even started.

Five BHS squads named to Academic All Team list

The results for the Army National Guard Academic All Team Awards were released last month and Bigfork placed in the top five in five fall sports.

Senior Roxy Thurman named to All-State squad

Selections have been made for the girls basketball All-State and All-Conference teams and three players from Bigfork made the lists.

Eighty-five will keep jobs at CFAC

The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant won’t shut down entirely after all. The plant has negotiated an agreement with the Bonneville Power Administration for about 35 megawatts of power — enough to keep half of one potline open.

Wildcats beat Browning, earn berth in state title game

Columbia Falls earned a berth in the championship game in the Class A  Boys State Basketball Tournament in Great Falls on Friday, rallying for a 64-55 victory over Browning in the semifinals at Four Seasons Arena. The Wildcats will face Dillon in Saturday's 8 p.m. title game. Dillon knocked off Billings Central 51-48 in the other semifinal game Friday night. While C-Falls went into state as the Northwestern A Divisional champion, Dillon (Beaverhead County) was the Southwestern Divisional champ.

Class A Boys State Basketball schedule, scores

Class A Boys State Basketball Tournament

Vals knocked out of state tourney in 2 games

It wasn't quite the trip to the state tournament that the Bigfork girls basketball team had planned. Their two-and-out performance was a painful memory of last year's state tournament, but just the fact that the Valkyries made it to the Butte Civic Center last week was more success than some thought the team would have accomplished when the season started.

District 6 property could be sold to Bee Hive

Columbia Falls School District 6 trustees have taken under consideration interest in the purchase of 2.6 acres of school property northeast of the junior high from the district.

hoops

Plum Creek's mill here will call back 140 workers after shutting down in January.

140 called back to Plum Creek

C-Falls faces Corvallis in Class A State Tournament opener

It makes sense for a basketball team to break down a season into three parts — the regular season, the divisional tournament and state tournament. The team must accomplish goals to be one of the eight teams in its class playing at state.

Historical photos of Flathead on display

West Shore News

Community Kitchen very successful

One of the most successful volunteer programs in Columbia Falls is possibly one of the least known. It also probably serves more families and individuals than any other organization, excluding the Food Pantry.

C-Falls tops Corvallis 61-44, advances to state semifinals

Columbia Falls advanced to the semifinals of the Class A Boys State Basketball Tournament in Great Falls today (Thursday) with a 61-44 first-round victory over Corvallis.

Council recommends reapproval of Lakeside Estates preliminary plat

West Shore News

District 6 property could be sold to Bee Hive

Columbia Falls School District 6 trustees have taken under consideration interest in the purchase of 2.6 acres of school property northeast of the junior high from the district.

Jobless rate: 11.3 percent

Flathead hits highest unemployment in 15 years

Bulldogs set to battle Dillon on Thursday

State boys basketball tournament runs through Saturday in Great Falls

Whitefish Pilot

Senior Roxy Thurman named to All-State squad

Kailey Fierro, Mallery Knoll earn All-Conference team spots for the Vals

Selections have been made for the girls basketball All-State and All-Conference teams and three players from Bigfork made the lists.

Does anybody really know what time it is?

Change to Daylight Saving Time really got to me this year. There is not a relationship between the time and the arrival of spring. Yes, spring is officially still eight days away. But springtime weather will likely be later this year than last.

Crunch time in the legislature

Since my return from the transmittal break, the Business and Labor Committee, of which I am vice chairman, has been cleaning up a few House bills and starting to hear Senate bills. It appears at this time that we will need to take action on only about 40 bills.

Bill to protect Montana waterways from invasive species

It may seem like much ado about, well, not much, but Montana Senator Verdell Jackson is pushing a bill that would help protect Montana’s lakes and rivers from a very tiny, but very troublesome menace.

Governor urges quick action on stimulus spending

HELENA – Gov.  Brian Schweitzer outlined his plan for the state’s share of federal stimulus money last week, saying lawmakers need to quickly appropriate the money to jump-start the timber industry, freeze college tuition and rebuild highways.

Exploring the road less traveled

Flathead resident heading out for 7,000 mile ride

In the 21st Century, where the culture of fast food and technology has made most people somewhat timid about any adventure that takes them too far from electrical outlets, cell towers or Big Macs, few people will ever cross the country on the back of a horse.

City books are in good shape despite downturn

New finance director will have to deal with building codes fund

By RICHARD HANNERS

Downtown streetscaping plan draws heat

11th hour opponents resistant to changes on Central Avenue

By RICHARD HANNERS

Wildkats out of state in two despite solid effort

Columbia Falls might not have won a game at the Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament last week, but the Wildkats have a ton of hard work to show for their effort. They went to Butte with very little state tournament experience, but learned a lot in their two games.

Wait is over for Wildcats

C-Falls faces Corvallis in Class A State Tournament opener

It makes sense for a basketball team to break down a season into three parts — the regular season, the divisional tournament and state tournament. The team must accomplish goals to be one of the eight teams in its class playing at state.

Pass House Bill 14

To the editor,

Starting the second half in Helena

At the halfway point of every legislative session, there comes a point that’s known in Montana politics as “transmittal.” It means that the bills that started in the House of Representatives are “transmitted” to the Senate for them to vote on. Likewise, the bills from the Senate come over to us in the House.

Wants areal town

It was time to move from the big city, crime, traffic, insects, heat, humidity. Florida had lost its charm. It had grown into something that was no longer fun or to be proud of. Tired of walking on the busy downtown sidewalks where eyes never meet. Everyone is a stranger. The town might appear real, but it was re-manufactured. 

No ecosystem

To the editor,

Diane Sledge

Diane Sledge

Doughnut representation is goal No. 1

By RICHARD HANNERS

Study: Perception of tourism's role is changing

A small minority of Montanans continue to believe that tourism creates more negative impacts than positive benefits to the state, but tourism is not seen as a main cause for making Montana seem “overcrowded.”

Nate Chute boarder-cross returns March 14-15

The 10th annual Nate Chute Hawaiian Classic returns to Whitefish Mountain Resort on March 14-15, with more than 100 competitors expected to race.

Graffiti canruin towns

Has anyone noticed the dramitic increase in graffitti over the last several weeks around town? When I moved here six months ago, I saw it on the train trestle and one mailbox.

Glacier eyeing a decidedly uncertain future

In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson signed the "Organic Act” which created the National Park Service. In that bill, it said the Service has a purpose "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

Patricia Silliker

Patricia Silliker

Whitefish skiers heading for championship races

Five members of the Whitefish Mountain Resort Race Team have qualified for championship events so far this season.

Half-time report from the Montana Senate

It is transmittal time in Helena, which means the legislature has completed half of the 61st session. The bills that have been approved by the Senate now move to the House for debate and vice versa. If a bill passes both the Senate and the House, it then goes to the governor for either his signature or his veto.

Holt is Junior Olympic national ski champ

Whitefish High School sophomore Stella Holt won the 2009 Junior Olympic National Cross Country ski championship in her age group last weekend with a blistering time of 2:24:25 in the sprint race competition.

Likes downtown look now

My husband and I purchased a home very close to downtown Whitefish about three years ago.

No one is safe from wily scam artists

Letter from the editor

Alex Strickland

FEC meeting March 21

To the editor,

Five BHS squads named to Academic All Team list

The results for the Army National Guard Academic All Team Awards were released last month and Bigfork placed in the top five in five fall sports.

Duped:Scam artists trying to 'separate you from your money'

The letters started out innocently enough, just asking for a bit of cash to help provide for homeless dogs. Just $5.

Kalispell native tells of paddling derring-do

Brad Ludden and his expedition mates wanted to know just one thing from the man in a remote village in Madagascar: “Is there anything downstream that might kill someone?”

Burt Gewalt

Burt Gewalt

Obituaries

Robert William Kemler, 82

Wheeler-dealer was expert in flipping real estate

Robert Beasley has moved away, leaving lenders scrambling

By RICHARD HANNERS

140 called back to Plum Creek

With a slight uptick in the pine board market, about 140 workers will be called back to Plum Creek's Columbia Falls sawmill.

Tickets on sale for BHS alumni game to benefit bus driver

The organizers of the Bigfork High School Alumni Basketball Games are asking that anyone interested in attending the event, which will be held March 21, purchase their tickets by next Wednesday, March 18, or sooner if possible.

The hardest decision I have ever made

Lini Reading resigning after successful 15 years as girls soccer coach

After a decade and a half of inspirational speeches, practice drills, game planning and plenty of victory celebrations, head Whitefish girls soccer coach Lini Reading is hanging up her clipboard to spend more time with her family.

No sure thing in sports

Going into any game there is almost always a favorite to win, whether it be a game of horseshoes or the Super Bowl. Analysts, fans, sports writers and people that don’t have an opinion of their own until someone shares theirs, all seem to think they know who is going to win before the game has even started.

Chalkboards are a thing of the past

School district utilizing new high-tech interactive whiteboards

By DAVID ERICKSON

Little Guy wrestling kicks off season with pair of tourneys

Bigfork’s Little Guy Wrestling team had their first official meet last weekend and had eight of their 21 boys place in the top four at the tournament in Libby, which brought in 627 bracketed wrestlers from Northwest Montana and Northern Idaho.

Letters to the Editor

Pass HB 14

Creeping socialism

ocialism in and of itself is not evil. As a young man, I freely chose to participate in the noble socialism practiced by the U.S. Marine Corps. All of my basic needs were provided by my government, and in return I did my country’s bidding.

Brave souls take the plunge at this years Winter Carnival

Class A girls state tourney schedule

2009 Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament

WEB UPDATE: Vals knocked out of state tourney

The Bigfork Valkyries lost their second game of the 2009 Montana High School Association Class A Girls Basketball Tournament on Friday afternoon, falling 49-47 to Belgrade High School.

Thursday

Barbara Lubin will be speaking, and Jack Gladstone will be singing at a Benefit for the Children of Gaza, to take place on Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m., at the Bigfork United Methodist Church, 750 Electric Avenue, Bigfork. All donations will go to the children of Gaza. For further information call 755-3704.

Have a birth announcement?

Share your new joy with us. E-mail editor@westshorenewsonline.com. Deadlines are every Friday at 5 p.m.

Sunday

The events for the day with each event beginning a new line but no blank lines between events

Columbia Falls girls edged by Hamilton in OT to open state tourney

Hamilton’s girls basketball team lives and dies by the 3-pointer and the Lady Broncs came alive in the first round of the Class A state tournament Thursday (March 5) at the Butte Civic Center. The Lady Broncs rallied from a 14-point deficit and edged Columbia Falls 51-48 in overtime.

Winter storms blowing through Flathead

Don’t put those parkas away yet. The National Weather Service in Missoula is predicting chilly temperatures, high winds and significant snowfall as two different fronts move into Northwest Montana in the next few days.

Bigfork loses one if its best

I have, since the day I arrived at the Bigfork Eagle, made a conscious decision to avoid crossing Elna Darrow if at all possible. When I was shown a list of "People I need to know in Bigfork," she and her husband, George, were at the tip top. The pair was also near the top of the "People I should avoid making mad in Bigfork" list.

Donations needed

To the editor,

Blackpowder shoot in city bad idea

Last week city leaders proposed amending city law to allow blackpowder shooting, under permit, in city parks.

Janice Howell

Janice Howell

Subdivision regs update is priority one

State law has changed, but numerous ‘discretionary’ items also on the table

By RICHARD HANNERS

The Birth of a Notion

Roughly 75 percent of you good, observant and highly intelligent folks who read this column were quite young or not even born when it started. Got that perspective from looking at a few “average population age” figures a while back. Yup! It was forty seven years ago when I wrote a letter to

Mary Call

Mary L. Call, 74, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2009,  at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M., due to complications of pancreatitis. 

Bigfork collector opens photo exhibit Friday

A Bigfork collector, who has spent years gathering historic pictures of the Flathead, plans to introduce part of his collection during the month of March. The collection will include pictures from both the East and West Shore areas, as well as the Swan and Flathead Rivers.

Judge dismisses gun club law suit

Noise from shotguns is not ‘tangible’ and not trespassing

By RICHARD HANNERS

Downtown plan needs look

I would like to commend the local citizens who took the time to circulate a petition against making Central Avenue narrower and adding bulbouts and raised pedestrian crossings at intersections.

Disappearing glaciers show need for policy change

It wasn’t long ago that my dad took me hiking in Glacier National Park, an end of a summer trip before I headed east for college. Camping out in the open, we spent two nights traversing the backcountry of the spectacular national park in Northwest Montana. While it was my dad’s way of saying good-bye to me before I moved across the country for school, it was also time for me to say good-bye to the park as I knew it that summer. 

Remembering a limo ride with Paul Harvey

Editor's note: Broadcaster Paul Harvey died on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the age of 90.

Letters to the editor

We have lost a friend

Loves peaceand quiet

I would like to take the opportunity to thank John Wilson from the Whitefish Public Works Department and his staff for their hard work on establishing the railroad quiet zones.

Nordic skiers take top honors at Sun Valley

Last weekend, 12 members of the Glacier Nordic Prep Team made the long trek to Sun Valley, Idaho, to compete in the Western States Youth Ski Festival where the team, along with coach Chad Castren, was awarded the Team Sportsmanship Trophy.

Lady Bulldogs end year with a victory

By DAVID ERICKSON

Girls win Divisional, face Hamilton in first round

You wouldn’t think a team with only one senior and not an abundance of varsity girls basketball experience would go 9-1 in conference games and go on to win a divisional title. But the Wildkats of Columbia Falls have accomplished those feats.

Jopek tied up in budget and property tax issues

By RICHARD HANNERS

A long road, but Valkyries headed to state

The clock ticked down to less than 10 seconds and Bigfork assistant girls basketball coach Jim Epperly clapped his hands and began to chant, "We're going to state," and the bench followed, soon to be joined by the crowd.

'Village bill' finally tabled in Helena

It was an ignoble demise, but the so-called "village bill," which proposed creating a middle ground form of government to bridge the gap between unincorporated and incorporated communities, was tabled less than two days after it was introduced on Feb. 16, without any serious discussion.

Halftime report from State Senate

It is transmittal time in Helena which means the legislature has completed half of the 61st session.  The bills that have been approved by the Senate now move to the House for debate and vice versa. If a bill passes both the Senate and the House, it then goes to the governor for either his signature or his veto. During this session, I predict the governor will do a little of both. Overall, the session in the Senate has been both cordial and respectful of opposing views. I have read hundreds of e-mails and received a countless number of phone messages asking me to either support or oppose bills. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every citizen who has actively participated in the democratic process.

Heart of Whitefish answers critics

Downtown merchants respond to streetscapingpetitioners

After eight years of planning, 11th-hour opposition to the Downtown Infrastructure Improvement Plan has surfaced. A petition is circulating downtown, intending to stop the pedestrian enhancement portions of the project.

Mae Nielsen

Mae Nielsen

New program keeps better track of firefighter response

The Columbia Falls Fire Department will be getting an upgrade that will allow firefighters’ progress to be tracked when responding to a call.

Scrabble thanks

Literacy Volunteers of the Flathead’s fourth annual Spellebrate Literacy/Scrabble Competition has crowned new top scorers for the 2009 season — Ron and Barbara Hurd, Lucy Smith and Marjorie DeZort took home the top-scoring title.

Keep sidewalks clear of ice

Did you know that it’s our obligation and responsibility as citizens of Whitefish to keep the sidewalks on all sides of our property clear of snow and ice?

An American racial dilemma

Many of us American citizens are whatever racial descent we choose to be, depending upon what advantage that genealogical choice might provide under varying circumstances. Think of our late, mostly Norwegian, friend Ted Rugland dyeing his white hair, beard, and mustache, bright green and going to Butte for the traditional March 17th celebration noting the removal of snakes from Ireland.

Fentanyl a drug of abuse

A friend telephoned me asking what I knew about fentanyl. My reply was first, how do you spell it, and secondly, what is it.

WEB UPDATE:Pair of cold fronts headed toward the Flathead

Bigfork Eagle

Bulldogs punch ticket to state tourney

By DAVID ERICKSON

Carnival a success

The 50th Winter Carnival was a wonderful month-long celebration. None of the activities could happen without the enthusiasm and support of the committee, the business community, the returning past royalty, and all of the fantastic citizens of Whitefish and the surrounding area.

Climber bagging Glacier peaks in winter

A Whitefish man has successfully summited four of Glacier National Park’s 10,000-footers this winter — all solo ascents.

Betty Blades

Betty Blades, 72, was called home by the Lord on Feb. 22, 2009. The most caring, selfless and loving people are not easily described and yet so easy to know, feel and remember. Our much-loved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Betty (mom, grandma) was known as such a person. Her family and friends have comfort in knowing she passed quickly and without suffering.

Climber bags top peaks in winter

Biking, skiing and climbing Glacier Park’s 10,000-footers

By RICHARD HANNERS

County planners eyeing Whitefish lakeshore regs

Flathead County planning officials are considering using regulations under revision by the Whitefish Lake and Lakeshore Protection Committee as a model for lakes around the valley.

Obituaries

Elna E. Darrow, 65

CFAC contract continues BPA power subsidies

A stop-gap contract between the Bonneville Power Administration and the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. will continue to subsidize power costs to the company.

Bigfork Rotary president helps fight polio in India's slums

As the buzz around eventual "Best Picture" winner "Slumdog Millionaire" reached a fever pitch in the weeks before the Oscars, one Bigfork Rotarian was experiencing the backwaters of the world's second most populous country first-hand.

Lake light pollution fixed

To the Whitefish Pilot, city manager Chuck Stearns and Sean Averill at The Lodge At Whitefish Lake:

Boys upset Whitefish, breeze by Polson for championship

Sometimes it takes an attitude adjustment to get you going in the right direction. It doesn’t hurt to have a storied school tradition on your side, either.

Vikings end season with quick tournament exit

"I'm real proud to have been their coach. They're great kids and they worked hard without a lot of return as far as wins," said Bigfork High School head boys basketball coach Lyle Whiteman of his team after they ended their season by losing both of their games at the Northwest A Divisional Tournament last weekend.

Bigfork icon Elna Darrow dies

Elna Darrow, peerless volunteer, champion of Flathead Lake and tireless advocate for the Bigfork community, died of natural causes last Thursday, Feb. 26. She was 65.

No applications on the table for BLUAC

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee met last Thursday for its regular monthly gathering, but in what could well be a clear sign of the construction industry's travails, did not have any applications to consider.

Susan Allen

Susan Jan Allen, 55, went to be with the Lord on March 2, 2009. She passed away in her home — surrounded with the comfort and love of her family.

FINAL DAY, NORTHWESTERN A TOURNAMENT

Photo slideshow by Karen Nichols

This is the first test of slideshow upload

Columbia Falls girls, boys capture Divisional Tournament titles

Columbia Falls boys and girls basketball teams captured Northwestern A Divisional Tournament titles and state tournament berths Saturday night (Feb. 28) at Glacier High School

Northwestern A Divisional Basketball Tournament scores

Northwestern A Divisional Tournament

CFHS hoop teams win Divisional championships

Columbia Falls boys and girls basketball teams captured Northwestern A Divisional Tournament titles and state tournament berths Saturday night (Feb. 28) at Glacier High School. The Wildcat boys breezed by Polson 54-45 in the first title game, then the Wildkat girls squeezed out a 55-53 victory over Bigfork in overtime.

WEB UPDATE: Vikes fall to Bulldogs, out of tourney

The Bigfork Vikings lost their second game in the double elimintaion Northwest A Divisional Tournament on Saturday morning to Whitefish, ousting the Bigfork boys from the tournament.