Whitefish in a 'beary' sticky situation

Residents called the Whitefish Police Department about two different black bears spotted roaming in town. The first sighting was reported on Dakota Avenue, where the animal was eating berries out of a tree. The second bear was seen on Big Mountain Road “tearing up a bag of garbage.”

An employee of a Baker Avenue business called police when a man allegedly began threatening to beat people up. The man left the premises before officers arrived.

A woman told police her phone had been lost or possibly stolen at a Central Avenue business. Police took a report of the phone description, in case it was found or turned in.

A caller on Central Avenue said golf clubs had been stolen out of the back of their vehicle overnight. The caller said the thief may have gained access through an open window, because the vehicle had been locked.

A Meadowlark Lane resident called police to complain about what “sounds like a rock and roll band playing.” Officers drove through the area, but “did not find any rock and roll music.”

A caller on Baker Avenue reported a large brawl involving a dozen or more people going on outside. Another fight was reported a few hours later on Central Avenue. It was unknown if the fights involved the same parties.

A Karen Road resident called the Columbia Falls Police Department with a complaint about dogs barking nearby. The animals had allegedly been left outside all night long and had been barking nonstop. Police spoke with several other neighbors who confirmed the report. No one was home at the residence in question, but officers did observe the dogs outside barking and “it is loud.” Officers were going to follow up again with the owner later in the day.

The Kalispell Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire on Fifth Avenue East.

The Bigfork Fire Department responded to reports of a power lines emergency on Montana 35.

The West Valley Fire Department responded to reports of an illegal burn and a grass fire, both on Old Reserve Drive.