Ellington

Glacier boys eye hardware; Flathead has medalist threats

One thing is for sure about the State AA golf championships set for Thursday and Friday in Missoula: It’ll be better conditions.

Column: An excellent way to use up your Saturday

While Columbia Falls’ Maddie Robison lights up the scoreboard and Niels Getts pulls soccer-football double duty, the Whitefish Bulldogs just roll on down the pitch.

Unbeaten Pack gets week started on road against Hellgate

The Flathead Braves didn’t have the best time a week ago playing Helena Capital, and the task doesn’t get easier Friday with unbeaten Helena High making a visit to Legend Stadium.

Whitefish golfers set sights on state titles

A year ago the Whitefish Bulldogs’ boys golf team fired a 694 and finished a distant fourth to Laurel at the State A meet

Ski resorts struggle to hire amid Trump's student visa ban

DENVER (AP) — Milagros Sotelo was looking forward to traveling from South America to Tennessee to start a job at Ober Gatlinburg ski resort this winter.

Bullock urges local steps to stop virus

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock urged local officials where coronavirus cases are surging to adopt stricter measures including shutting down bars in some hotspots to halt the virus' spread.

Judge rejects Trump challenge to Montana's mailed ballots

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A federal judge in Montana on Wednesday rejected an effort by President Donald Trump's re-election campaign and Republican Party groups to block Montana counties from holding the general election mostly by mail, saying claims that such a system could be marred by widespread voter fraud is "a fiction."

Flathead’s COVID death toll rises to 19

The Flathead City-County Health Department announced Wednesday that three more individuals have died from COVID-19, bringing Flathead County’s total death toll to 19.

Former Montana GOP governor Marc Racicot voting for Biden

BILLINGS Mont. (AP) — A former Montana governor and Republican National Committee chair said he will vote for Democrat Joe Biden in the November election, citing character flaws in President Donald Trump.

Linda Marie Hammerberg, 70

Linda Marie Hammerberg, 70, passed away at her home in Kalispell on the morning of Sept. 26, 2020.

Open burning starts Thursday; caution advised

Open burning season in Flathead County and northern Lake County begins Thursday, Oct. 1.

VA Secretary touts need for suicide prevention advocacy for veterans

While COVID-19 cases are on an upswing in the Flathead, the decades-long specter of suicide is still the chief health concern for veterans of the armed forces in Montana and the nation.

Barbara Joan Taylor Cragg, 87

Barbara Joan Taylor Cragg died peacefully of natural causes in Missoula on Sept. 10, 2020.

Report: Whitefish Care failed to protect residents from COVID

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services recently conducted a multi-day survey in which staff discovered the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center was not in compliance with infection control and had not implemented federally recommended practices to prepare for and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

HD 3: Candidates differ on Medicaid expansion, agree on public lands

Democratic incumbent Debo Powers faces a challenge from Republican Braxton Mitchell for the House District 3 seat that includes Columbia Falls, North Fork and areas up to East Glacier and Essex.

Eulissa SarahJane (Garner) Hensley, 85

Eulissa SarahJane (Garner) Hensley, known as Jane Hensley to all who knew her, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept. 24, 2020, at the age of 85, passing peacefully in her sleep.

Timothy Allen Braaten, 51

On Sept. 23, 2020, Timothy Allen Braaten of Rollins passed away suddenly in Whitefish.

Thomas Walter Eddy, 83

Thomas Walter Eddy died peacefully at his home in Polson on Sept. 24, 2020, at the age of 83, from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

Families recount loved ones’ declines at Whitefish facility

In a recorded video chat dated Aug. 18, Deb Johnson can be heard coaching her 92-year-old father, Elton “Ott” Johnson, through a breathing exercise.

C-Falls sweeps Polson; Whitefish routs Libby

Jason Albin scored two goals for the Columbia Falls Wildcats in a 5-2 Northwestern A boys soccer win over Polson on Tuesday.

Last-minute goal dooms Bravettes; Glacier sweeps Big Sky

Missoula Sentinel’s Jayden Salisbury driving goal found the net in the 79th minute Tuesday and lifted the Spartans over Flathead 2-1 in Western AA girls soccer.

Flathead’s Rumsey Eash tops field at Stumptown Triangular, Bravettes win team title

Freshman Lilli Rumsey Eash broke the tape first and led the Flathead Bravettes to the girls’ title at the Stumptown Triangular Tuesday.

Whitefish girls upend Vals

Two goals, assist for Roberts

Whitefish boys down Bigfork in soccer

Kimera scores one goal, has two assists

Veterans Home working to contain COVID outbreak

The Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls is working to contain a COVID-19 outbreak that has infected a total 17 staff members and residents, with nine of those cases being considered “active,” as of Tuesday morning.

Secretary of state: Later ballot deadline could be confusing

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The secretary of state wants the Montana Supreme Court to block a judge's ruling that extends the deadline for county election offices to accept 2020 general election ballots returned by mail

Autopsy shows man found on shore of Whitefish Lake died of hypothermia

The body of a Columbia Falls man was recovered last week from the shore of Whitefish Lake, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office reported Tuesday.

Driver's ed fees going up for Flathead, Glacier students

A $40 driver’s ed fee increase will go into effect in September 2021 for Flathead and Glacier high school students, bringing the total cost to $310.

Legals for September, 29 2020

LAW ROUNDUP: Parking issue prompts alley spat

Kalispell Police Department received a parking complaint from a woman who allegedly approached an obnoxious young man after he pulled his truck into an alley.

Clarence Douglas 'Cowboy' Robinson, 76

Clarence Douglas “Cowboy” Robinson, 76, formerly of Kalispell, passed away Sept. 24, 2020, surrounded by his family.

Whitefish couple receive prestigious UM Service Award

The University of Montana Foundation has awarded Summerfield and Julie Baldridge of Whitefish the Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award.

Foundation acquires historic Mountain Brook School campus

From the time Mountain Brook School on Foothill Road in Kalispell was built on donated land using volunteer labor, the property has been a centerpiece and point of pride for the small community it serves.

HD 6: Candidates share health-care background, but differ on political policies

The Griz-Cat rivalry isn’t the only thing that divides Montana House of Representatives District 6 candidates Jerramy Dear-Ruel and Amy Regier.

Man cleared in Trumble Creek fatal shooting

A Flathead Valley initially charged with deliberate homicide after a shooting at a Trumble Creek residence earlier this month has been released.

Montana Senate race centers on health care, Supreme Court

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock tried to keep the focus on the pandemic and health care in the race for a Montana U.S. Senate seat, while Republican incumbent Steve Daines sought to turn the spotlight to the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy during a heated Wednesday night debate.

Three killed in Northern California wildfire; thousands flee

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Northern California's wine country was on fire again Monday as strong winds fanned flames in the already scorched region, destroying homes and prompting overnight evacuation orders for more than 50,000 people. Meanwhile, three people died in a separate fire further north in the state.

COVID testing forces Bigfork fifth-graders to go remote

Bigfork fifth-graders will transition to remote learning Tuesday through Thursday as a number of students and staff are being tested for COVID-19.

Montana Secretary of State appealing later ballot deadline

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's secretary of state has filed notice that he plans to appeal a court ruling that extended the deadline for county elections offices to accept 2020 general election ballots returned by mail.

Montana private prison reports COVID outbreak, 29 cases

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Just over two dozen inmates and detainees at a private prison in north-central Montana have tested positive for COVID-19, prison operator CoreCivic said Monday.

Pedestrian hit and killed in Hungry Horse

A pedestrian died after being hit by a tow truck at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in Hungry Horse.

Eagle Transit curtails service due to COVID-19

Area commuters will be forced to use Eagle Transit’s “on demand” service to get around for at least the next few weeks as the Flathead County public transit provider announced Monday it will be shutting down its routes due to COVID-19 concerns.

Feds to ship millions of tests in bid to reopen K-12 schools

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump planned to announce Monday that the federal government will begin distributing millions of rapid coronavirus tests to states this week and urging governors to use them to reopen schools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Wildfires in southern Idaho affect hunting opportunities

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Wildlife officials in Idaho have closed some forest areas statewide, affecting hunters and other recreationists during record-breaking fires across the West.

Kalispell council looks at accessory dwelling regs

The Kalispell City Council will take a look at the city’s policies for accessory dwelling units during a work session via Zoom videoconference tonight at 7 p.m.

Man ticked when called out for littering

A woman reportedly told the Kalispell Police Department a vehicle pulled up behind her, then a man got out and approached her in a “threatening manner” after she confronted him about throwing garbage out of his vehicle.

Barista brews cups of kindness, poured with laughter

For 12 years, Jo Mama’s Coffee owner and operator Leigh Thorson has gotten to know her regular customers quite well.

Glacier’s August visitation was robust

While visitation to Glacier National Park is down overall, the number of visitors to the Park’s west entrances — the only ones that are open — is either nearly the same as last August, or way up.

Legals for September, 28 2020

NVH births July 2020

NVH births July

NY Times: Trump paid $750 in US income taxes in 2016, 2017

President Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for president and in his first year in the White House, according to a report Sunday in The New York Times.

Flathead County Commission: Supporting small business, environment important to Larson

As a small business owner, Flathead County Commission candidate Kristen Larson understands the difficulties facing her business and other businesses in the Flathead Valley.

Flathead County Commission: Abell wants county to grow responsibly, protect resources

Brad Abell wants to help protect Flathead Valley for future generations.

Virtual tours planned for National Manufacturing Day

Manufacturing companies around Montana will offer virtual and in-person tours of their operations throughout October as part of a national effort that kicks off with National Manufacturing Day on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Blackfeet, partners complete conservation project near Glacier

The Blackfeet Nation and Vital Ground Foundation recently completed a collaborative land conservation project that will protect 74 acres of rich wildlife habitat along Kennedy Creek just east of Glacier National Park.

Time for voters to tune into local, state races

The Daily Inter Lake kicks off its general election coverage today with profiles on two newcomers to local politics who are vying for the Flathead County Commission District 1 seat held by outgoing Commissioner Phil Mitchell.

Dino diggers: Local fossil hunters showcase new discoveries

Montana’s mountains and hillsides hold secrets.

Donald Martinus, 81

Donald Martinus, 81, passed away at his home in Columbia Falls on Sept. 23, 2020.

Local health department desperate for more staff

Officials with the Flathead City-County Health Department told the Flathead County commissioners on Thursday the department is staffed “far below” other similarly-sized counties, which is impeding on employees’ abilities to tackle contact tracing and other tasks associated with the valley’s burgeoning COVID-19 caseload.

Arley ‘Jean’ Rohrbach-England, 83

Arley ‘Jean’ Rohrbach-England, 83, passed away on Sept. 23 2020, while under the loving care of Echo View Assisted Living.

New space gives Stack Financial Management room to grow

Jim and Lisa Stack started working from home decades before it became a trend.

Busy household is about to get quiet again

The last two months have been a blur because my younger daughter and soon-to-be 5-year-old granddaughter — plus their two large Akitas — have been staying with us while my son-in-law hauled all their belongings to Houston, started a post-doc position at Baylor College of Medicine, found them a place to live and survived two tropical storms that forced him to seek higher ground for their Subaru.

Legals for September, 27 2020

Local meat processors get grants to offset COVID impact

A recently announced second round of funding from the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant program will contribute $4.2 million to 40 meat processing businesses across the state, in addition to the $7.5 million awarded in August.

Water rate vote was pro-business

I would like to publicly respond to my progressive critics who oppose my election bid in Senate District 2 because of my pro-business votes while on the Kalispell City Council.

California blackouts a warning for the Northwest

Last month, California experienced its first Stage 3 electrical emergency since the Western Energy Crisis devastated the region 20 years ago.

U.S.-Canada border closure affecting relationships

Imagine you are separated from the person you love since March 16 because you don’t fall into an exemption category and therefore travel to see one another is not deemed essential.

Environmental ramifications of legalized marijuana

Here in Montana we are granted the right to vote on ballot initiatives once they clear a number of hurdles, including having the related petition garner enough qualifying signatures.

Daniel Allen McCarthy, 49

Daniel Allen McCarthy, age 49, of Kalispell, passed away on Aug. 12, 2020. Dan was born in Santa Rosa, California in 1971. He attended school in California and Montana. He worked construction, as an asphalt laborer, an oil hauler, a cook, a truck owner and operator and as a heavy equipment operator, which he loved. Dan and his wife Wendy have been together 17 years.

Alton 'Ott' Johnson, 92

Alton “Ott” Johnson passed away on Sept. 7, 2020, of COVID-19 while rehabbing from surgery for a broken hip.

COVID-19 complicates wildfire response

As they continue to battle the Callahan fire, officials are managing hundreds of firefighters and dozens of pieces of machinery drawn from multiple states.

Bridgers celebrate 50th anniversary

Jim and Wilene Bridger are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Gordon W. Helland, 90

Gordon W. Helland died Sept. 22, 2020.

Pack hosts Helena Capital; boys tie, girls win

The Glacier Wolfpack finished its season series with Western AA rival Helena Capital with a 0-0 tie at Glacier High School on Saturday.

Kahle, Smith go 1-2; Whitefish sweeps NW A divisional

Cameron Kahle fired a 72, Billy Smith came in at 74 and the Whitefish Bulldogs put four golfers in the top eight to win the Western A Divisional boys’ golf title Saturday at Polson Bay Golf Course.

C-Falls sweeps, blanks Libby

Cheyanne Johnston-Heinz scored two goals and assisted on another and the Columbia Falls Wildkats made quick work of Libby in Northwestern A girls soccer Saturday.

Libby wins big over Polson; C-Falls routs Browning

Special teams and Dawson Young played major roles in Libby’s big 42-6 win over Polson in a key Western A football game Friday.

Montana judge extends deadline for returning mailed ballots

HELENA (AP) — A Montana judge has extended the state's deadline for returning 2020 general election ballots by mail, saying that uneven U.S. Postal Service delivery times could result in ballots being delayed, unfairly requiring some people to vote earlier than others or requiring voters to risk exposure to COVID-19 to return their ballots in person.

Trump picks conservative Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court on Saturday, capping a dramatic reshaping of the federal judiciary that will resonate for a generation and that he hopes will provide a needed boost to his reelection effort.

Unhappy diner takes complaint to police

A disgruntled customer asked to speak to a Kalispell Police Department officer because a Mexican fast food restaurant allegedly mishandled her order twice.

Marlin J. Metcalf, 97

Marlin J. Metcalf, 97, passed away in Thousand Palms, California, on Feb. 27, 2020.

The long road home

Jordana Hubble joins other kids for Week of Hope at Flathead Lake Lodge

Last November, Veronica “Vo” Hubble’s world changed in an instant.

Election mail bag Sept. 26

Election mail bag Sept. 26

Legals for September, 26 2020

Judge removes Trump public lands boss for serving unlawfully

BILLINGS (AP) — A federal judge ruled Friday that President Donald Trump's leading steward of public lands has been serving unlawfully, blocking him from continuing in the position in the latest pushback against the administration's practice of filling key positions without U.S. Senate approval.

Benn’s 4 TDs highlight Bigfork’s shutout of Loyola

Cormac Benn carried the ball 29 times for 277 yards and four touchdowns to help Bigfork thump Loyola Sacred Heart 43-0 in Western B football Friday.

Rendina keys Wolfpack win

The Glacier Wolfpack got half the start it wanted Friday — the turnovers, but not the points — so instead of using Jake Rendina to protect a lead, it used the 230-pounder to build one.

Flathead’s Epperly is medalist, Glacier boys win divisional golf

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS — Flathead’s Ezra Epperly shot a second-round 76 to pin down boys’ medalist honors Friday while Glacier put five golfers in the top 10 and took the team title at the Western AA Divisional. Epperly’s two-day total of 149 put him two strokes ahead of Missoula Sentinel’s Kade McDonough, who shot a 77 Friday. Epperly’s second-round score was surpassed only by the 73 fired by Glacier’s Sam Manaker. Manaker and teammate Cassidy tied for fourth with a total of 157; Tyler Avery tied for sixth at 158 and the Pack’s Coby Kunda was eighth (159) and Will Salonen (161) 10th. Salonen shot a 77 Friday. Glacier finished 20 strokes ahead of Sentinel, with a 626 total. On the girls’ side, Butte’s Kodie Hoagland shot 82 Friday to hold off teammate Ella Prigge by two strokes and Flathead’s Marcella Mercer by three. Mercer shot 83, which wasn’t enough to offset her first-day 86. Teammate Jillian Wynne was fourth at 183. Glacier’s Alana Griffin was sixth at 185. Butte won the girls’ team title with a two-day total of 718; Helena Capital was a distant second at 782, followed by Flathead and Glacier. None of the Missoula schools fielded full girls’ teams, nor did Helena High. Western AA Divisional Golf Fairmont Hot Springs GC Friday BOYS Team scores --1, Glacier 626; 2, Missoula Sentinel 646; 3, Helena Capital 648; 4, Missoula Hellgate 679; 5, Flathead 688; 6, Missoula Big Sky 717, 7, Helena 728. Individual Top 10 Ezra Epperly, Flathead 73-76--149 Kade McDonough, Sentinel 74-77--151 Caswell Bloomquist, Capital 76-76--152 Keaton Cassidy, Glacier 77-80--157 Sam Manaker, Glacier 84-73--157 Tyler Avery, Glacier 76-82--158 Hayden Ellis, Big Sky 81-77--158 Coby Kunda, Glacier 77-82--159 Dutch Teders, Capital 84-76--160 Will Salonen, Glacier 84-77--161 FLATHEAD -- Ezra Epperly 149; Joston Cripe 88-85--173; Drew Lowery 91-91--182; Kadin Gall 89-95--184; Korbin Hawley 93-101--194. GLACIER -- Tyler Avery 158; Will Salonen 161; Keaton Cassidy 167; Sam Manaker 157; Coby Kunda 169. GIRLS Team scores -- 1, Butte 718; 2, Helena Capital 782; 3, Flathead 824; 4, Glacier 832. Individual Top 10 Kodie Hoagland, Butte 84-82--166 Ella Prigge, Butte 84-84--168 Marcella Mercer, Flathead 86-83--169 Jillian Wynne, Flathead 91-92--183 Lauren Williams, Helena 92-92--184 Alana Griffin, Glacier 91-94--185 Mackenzie Finnegan, Butte 101-87--188 Celi Chapman, Helena 98-91--189 Megan Swanson, Capital 95-99--194 Paige O’Mara, Capital 98-96--194 FLATHEAD - Mercer 169, Wynne 183, McKinlei Murer 109-108--217, Sophia Dykhuizen 125-130--255. GLACIER - Griffin 185, Chloe Tanner 99-104--203, Stella Claridge 103-106--209, Kenna Sandler 111-124--235.

Eureka boys outpace C.-Falls, Wildkats win girls’ title at Thompson Falls

Defending State B champion Eureka came out on top of a tight race with State A champion Columbia Falls and Whitefish to win the boys’ portion of the Thompson Falls Invitational cross country meet Thursday.

PHOTOS: Wolfpack runs past Big Sky, 36-18

Photos from Glacier's 36-18 win over Missoula Big Sky in Class AA high school football at Legends Stadium in Kalispell on Friday, Sept. 25.

Montana law preventing absentee ballot gathering overturned

HELENA (AP) — A Montana judge on Friday struck down a voter-enacted law that restricted third-party collection of absentee ballots after several Native American groups argued they rely on ballot collection efforts to vote.

As Blackfeet Reservation moves to shutdown, Flathead Food Bank sends supplies

The Flathead Food Bank is sending 35 pallets of food to the Blackfeet Nation before the entire reservation launches into a mandatory 14-day shutdown in an effort to combat the area’s ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Blackfeet Tribe imposes 14-day lockdown as COVID cases surge

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council is imposing a 14-day lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge on the reservation east of Glacier National Park.

Republican duo reshapes Montana politics in Trump's style

BOZEMAN (AP) — Steve Daines is the affable one, the smiler, a consummate salesman who parlayed his corporate success into a meteoric rise through Montana politics and a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Superior man pleads guilty to assaulting teen at county fair

A Superior Army veteran accused of assaulting a teenage boy at the Mineral County Fair and Rodeo more than a year ago because the youth didn’t remove his hat during the national anthem, has pleaded guilty.

Hot dog wasn’t overheated

Someone was concerned about a canine’s wellbeing when they told the Kalispell Police Department about a “big white fluffy dog” in a parked car.

Legals for September, 25 2020

Kalispell Public Schools: Bonuses offered to recruit and retain subs

Substitutes who work for extended periods of time in Kalispell Public Schools will start receiving bonuses as part of a new recruitment and retention incentive program as it faces a critical substitute shortage.

Gary Franklin, 73

Gary Keith Franklin passed on to the Father and reunited with his wife early Monday morning Sept. 21, 2020.

Marlene Anne (Brusich) Nardinger, 82

Marlene Anne (Brusich) Nardinger, 82, of Kalispell, was called to the Kingdom of God on Sept. 20, 2020, following an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Browning man convicted of sexually abusing girl

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris on Tuesday convicted a Browning man of sexually abusing a minor girl on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Edwin B. Gilliland, 80

On Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, Edwin B. Gilliland, loving husband and father passed away just a few days short of his 81st birthday.

Local events focus on National Suicide Prevention Month

The Flathead Valley Out of the Darkness walk in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month will take place Sunday, Sept. 27.

Glacier boys lead Western AA golf; Flathead’s Epperly sits 1st, Mercer 3rd

While Flathead’s Ezra Epperly had Thursday’s best round, Glacier had three boys shoot in the 70s to take a slim first-round lead at the Western AA Divisional golf tournament.

Rumsey Eash, Bravettes claim title at Sentinel Invite cross country

Flathead’s Lilli Rumsey Eash won the girls’ race and Glacier’s Sam Ells placed third on the boys’ side at the Missoula Sentinel Invitational held Thursday at Fort Missoula.

Glacier boys blank Helena; Whitefish sweeps Stevi

Sullivan Coggins scored for the Glacier Wolfpack in a 1-0 Western AA victory over the Helena High Bengals on Thursday.

Glacier, Flathead focus on do-it-all QBs in Week 3

As the Glacier Wolfpack gear up for a home game against Missoula Big Sky, head coach Grady Bennett is well aware of the Eagles’ 205-pound do-everything quarterback, Colter Janacaro.

Mountain Climber a much-needed service

Eagle Transit’s new “Mountain Climber” shuttle system is ready to roll, and it’s right on time.

Drunk driver gets 20 years in prison for killing 2 Flathead women

It was an emotional scene at the Flathead County Justice Center Thursday afternoon as two families heard the sentence for a Minnesota man who killed two Flathead Valley women while driving drunk July 4, 2019.

Kalispell snaps rainless streak; mountain snow in the forecast

Kalispell’s rainless streak finally ended this week after 21 consecutive days of dry weather.

Montana virus cases hit record; numbers rise in schools

Newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Montana spiked to another record on Thursday and health officials reported that the number of infections tied to schools had more than doubled in just a week.

Flathead Avalanche Center hires new director

Lead avalanche forecaster Blase Reardon has been tapped to lead the Flathead Avalanche Center, the Flathead Forest announced Thursday.

Legals for September, 24 2020

Letters to the editor Sept. 24

Letters to the editor Sept. 24

'Captain Underpants' to the rescue?

Kalispell’s version of the book character “Captain Underpants” came to town in the form of a man who was purportedly seen walking around a store parking lot off U.S. 93 North in his underwear “with his privates hanging out.”

Democrats should boycott the confirmation process

With announcements by Senators Romney, Grassley and Gardner, the outcome of the confirmation process for Trump’s third nominee to the Supreme Court is a done deal.

Considering lead ammunition

Many of you probably get and read FWP’s Montana Outdoors magazine. It is a great little magazine that is dirt cheap.

7 million private acres available for 2020 hunting season

For the 2020 hunting season, approximately 1,200 landowners have enrolled more than 7 million acres of land into the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Block Management Program.

Pickleball center breaks ground in Bigfork

Bigfork is embracing the popular sport of pickleball in a big way.

Bigfork film festival 2020 goes hybrid

The fourth annual Bigfork Independent Film Festival returns to the screen Oct. 2 to Oct. 4.

Column: MHSA report: So far, so good (and keep it up)

Aside from the prospect of having Zoom speech and debate meets in December, fall sports for the Montana High School Association seem to be plugging along.

Mercer taking advantage of extra time on the course

All of us had our lives altered greatly by the COVID-19 pandemic, and most often in a negative way, but for Marcella Mercer there was a silver lining.

State Supreme Court upholds ruling on Green Party candidates

HELENA (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court said in an opinion released Wednesday that it rejected a Republican-backed bid to get Montana Green Party candidates on the November ballot because a petition to qualify them was not supported by the Green Party itself.

Montana high court rules regulators set unfair solar terms

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court has ruled that state energy regulators set unfair terms that rendered the MTSUN solar farm uneconomical. Tuesday's decision paves the way for the solar farm project to move forward in 2021.

Lawyers eye neo-Nazi website founder's assets for $14M award

Attorneys for a Montana real estate agent are eyeing the assets of a neo-Nazi website operator to collect a $14 million court judgment against the man for an anti-Semitic online "troll storm" that he orchestrated against the Jewish woman and her family, court filings show.

Veterans Home reports first COVID cases

The Montana Veterans Home confirmed it had its first case of coronavirus in a resident at the home last week, despite stringent protocols in place for the facility. Two employees also tested positive for the illness and are under quarantine.

Cooney takes in more donations than Gianforte in past month

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Democratic Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney again received more donations than Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte in the most recent campaign reporting period in the race for Montana governor.

Single-dose vaccine tested as US experts say no corners cut

WASHINGTON (AP) — A huge international study of a COVID-19 vaccine that aims to work with just one dose is getting underway as top U.S. health officials sought Wednesday to assure a skeptical Congress and public that they can trust any shots the government ultimately approves.

Whitefish City Council moves meetings online

Following a tense meeting with emotions running high, Whitefish City Council Monday unanimously approved an emergency ordinance to hold future Council meetings electronically.

Judge will rule soon on GOP attempt to block mail ballots

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Requiring Montana counties to open polling places for November's election would be "absolutely catastrophic," for voters and for public health, the governor's chief legal counsel, Raph Graybill, told a federal judge Tuesday.

Montana student who killed 2 in dorm in 1990 denied parole

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — The Montana State University student convicted of shooting and killing two men in his dorm in 1990 was denied parole for the third time.

‘You Can Fly” — Local club becomes 150th member of national network

The Bald Eagle Aviation Club in Kalispell recently was honored by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as the 150th club to join the nationwide “You Can Fly” program.

Legals for September, 23 2020

FVCC reports slight decline in fall enrollment

Flathead Valley Community College’s preliminary enrollment numbers show an 8% decrease over last year.

Kalispell council bans bird feeding in parks

The Kalispell City Council on Monday voted to enact an ordinance restricting the feeding of waterfowl in city parks.

Carl Alvin Wurst, 91

Carl Alvin Wurst, 91, passed away on Sept. 16, 2020, at Brendan House in Kalispell

Florine 'Flo' (Gassert) Van, 87

Florine “Flo” (Gassert) Van, 87, of Kalispell, passed away Sept.10, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Helen Hensleigh

Helen Hensleigh died on July 12, 2020.

C-Falls home destroyed by fire

A home on Eighth Avenue West in Columbia Falls was destroyed in an early Tuesday morning fire that broke out about 12:47 a.m.

As COVID climbs, Blackfeet Reservation steps up vigilance

Facing an influx in COVID-19 cases, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council recently announced it will not order all reservation residents to quarantine for 14 days as they did recently for Babb and St. Mary, but they will start enforcing mask wearing and other regulations to slow the area’s outbreak.

Senate GOP lines up with Trump to quickly fill court seat

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans swiftly fell in line Tuesday behind President Donald Trump's rush to fill the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court seat.

Wyoming wildfire slows but windy forecast cause for concern

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A wildfire that roared across a Wyoming wilderness area toward cabins and a water supply reservoir for Cheyenne calmed down Tuesday but predictions for more gusty winds were cause for concern.

Doctor: Montana seeing 'remarkable increase' in COVID cases

Montana is seeing a "remarkable increase" in COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks, the state's medical officer said Tuesday, as officials urged residents to step up measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and seasonal influenza.

The Dude abides: "Big Lebowski" star stumps for Montana Dems

Montana Democrats are rolling out "The Dude" again as they seek to burnish the party's November ticket with some star power and counter GOP heavyweights such as Vice President Mike Pence.

Whitefish schools poised to extend hybrid learning

At a school board meeting on Thursday, the Whitefish School District will recommend continuing with a hybrid model of remote and on-site learning through Oct. 9 due to an increase in COVID-19 cases and the resulting required 14-day quarantines.

Ski resort to require pass for uphill travel

People climbing up the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort this winter will be required to have an uphill ski pass.

Libby schools see increase in out-of-state students

With schools across the country committing to remote learning, Libby administrators have seen a rise in out-of-state enrollment from families looking for an in-person education.

Veterans Food Pantry plans furniture sale

The Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry is having a furniture sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, to make room in the building.

Legals for September, 22 2020

Bigfork cancels volleyball matches after COVID-19 contact

Conference matches will be rescheduled

Several players put into quarantine

Teens fire spinning, not fighting

A passerby allegedly saw four teens hitting each other with sticks and thought they were having a fight. Turns out they were just up to their usual pastime — practicing fire spinning.

Marlin J. Metcalf, 97

Marlin J. Metcalf, 97, passed away in Thousand Palms, California, on Feb. 27, 2020.

The People's Center in Pablo recovering from fire damage

A quick response to the fatal fire set Sept. 6 at The People’s Center destroyed the gift shop, but the museum’s priceless artifacts of the Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai people should be salvaged.

Flathead Electric hosts virtual Electric Vehicle Day

In recognition of National Drive Electric Week, Flathead Electric Cooperative is holding Virtual Electric Vehicle (EV) Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 1.

Women of Rollins quilt winner has deep Rollins roots

The “Vintage Floral” raffle quilt created by the Women of Rollins Club was recently won by the Jim Hollensteiner family, a pioneer family who summer in the Rollins area.

Great Fish Challenge raises $2.7M-plus for nonprofits

Donors gave generously throughout the campaign during the sixth annual Great Fish Community Challenge organized by the Whitefish Community Foundation.

Helen Hensleigh

Helen Hensleigh died on July 12, 2020.

Whitefish woman dies in three-car crash near Olney

Law enforcement on Monday released the name of a 20-year-old Kalispell woman who died in a three-vehicle crash Friday in which three other people were injured.

Coal production in Montana saw 21% decline from last year

The Montana Coal Council has announced that coal production across the state fell during the coronavirus pandemic, wearing on an already declining market.

RV destroyed by fire in Hungry Horse

No one was injured, but a recreational vehicle was destroyed after it caught fire at 235 First Ave. S. in Hungry Horse at around 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Schools and COVID: Flathead principal quarantined, new cases in Whitefish, Lake County

A Flathead High School principal is in quarantine and new cases of COVID-19 have been reported over the weekend at Flathead High School and at Muldown Elementary School in Whitefish.

New C-Falls apartments already full

The second phase of the Highline Apartments in Columbia Falls are proving to be just as popular as the first phase.

Letters to the editor Sept. 21

Letters to the editor Sept. 21

KRMC July-August 2020

KRMC births

Legals for September, 21 2020

Rock melting taken for meth making

A man, who reportedly melts rocks looking for gold, was suspected of making methamphetamine in his garage because a neighbor saw the windows of his garage “all filmed up from the chemicals” and told the Kalispell Police Department they saw him “cooking” the drug.

Kalispell could impose penalty for feeding birds

The Kalispell City Council will decide whether to enact an ordinance against feeding waterfowl in Woodland Park at a virtual meeting scheduled tonight.

From the written word to the Big Screen, Schiffman closes the gap

When Barbara Schiffman and her husband moved to Whitefish in 2018 to retire from Hollywood and be nearer to their daughter’s family, the former Hollywood producer and script consultant brought an entire suite of experience and was hoping for a place to put her talents to work.

USS Montana submarine christened in virtual ceremony

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — She's touted as a force to be reckoned with. And after nearly a 100-year absence, a U.S. Navy vessel now bears the name "Montana."

Whitefish rolls out sustainable tourism plan

The Whitefish City Council tonight will zero in on a game plan to address how to manage a growing number of tourists in the resort town.

COVID case shuts down Whitefish City Hall

The city of Whitefish will close Whitefish City Hall Monday after city officials were notified late Friday that an employee working at City Hall had tested positive for COVID-19.

Desert communities told to evacuate as winds stoke flames

Strong winds stoked a wildfire burning for nearly two weeks in mountains northeast of Los Angeles, prompting authorities to issue new evacuation orders for desert communities that lost some homes a day earlier.

Local group helps preserve area’s fire lookouts

They stand as silent sentinels atop the pinnacles of many of Montana’s mountain peaks, extending into the heavens to keep an ever vigilant eye on the valleys below during the fire season.

Clearing the Air on the EPA's Coronavirus Response

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agency recently issued a memo waiving certain compliance requirements for energy firms in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Wildfires’ toxic air leaves damage long after smoke clears

SEELEY LAKE — When researchers arrived in this town tucked in the Northern Rockies three years ago, they could still smell the smoke a day after it cleared from devastating wildfires.

Jean Ellen Hillstead French, 91

Jean Ellen Hillstead French, 91, of Lindon, Utah, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020.

Victorian-style bed and breakfast opens in Plains

Amid the proliferation of bed and breakfast establishments sweeping the nation, it would be hard to find one more intriguing than the J&J Bed & Breakfast now open for business in Plains.

Legals for September, 20 2020

Kids swipe political signs from yards

Kids were allegedly running around people’s yards stealing political campaign signs. A man called Kalispell Police Department to report political signs were stolen from his yard, not once, but twice. Political signs he reported stolen earlier in the week had purportedly reappeared at his door, so he put them back up and they were stolen again.

What to know about buying or selling a home during a pandemic

In a year where uncertainty is the only certainty, there’s one bellwether industry leading a flock of others to prosperity.

Elizabeth 'Betty' Powell, 94

Betty was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Elizabeth McMillan Mathew and George Mathew in August of 1925. She died at the end of February 2020.

John W. Myers, 77

John W. Myers, 77, of Bigfork, passed away Sept. 4, 2020, at Ogden Mountain

Jay T. Evans, 65

Jay T. Evans died June 15, 2020, in New Orleans, where he lived for 45 years.

Officials say Flathead voters can expect airtight mail-in election

As the vast majority of Montana counties, Flathead included, prepare for an all-mail general election this November, election department heads, United States Postal Service employees and other stakeholders are working diligently to provide a secure election in which every ballot is accounted for.

My kind of heaven

Having lost two family members in less than six months recently, (my mother and oldest brother) naturally, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about death.

Stanley Virgil Webber, 71

Stanley Virgil Webber, 71, passed away Monday, Sept.14, 2020, from kidney failure and pneumonia. He was COVID negative.

"People's Rights" Organizing Linked Directly to Ammon Bundy

Local chapters of “People’s Rights” are popping up in Montana communities.

Gerald 'Jerry' Turner, 83

Gerald “Jerry” Turner, 83, died on Aug. 25, 2020 in the loving presence of his eldest son, Anthony.

Russian food truck finds success in the Flathead

Food trucks have become a familiar sight at farmers markets and parking lots across the Flathead Valley, but The Piroshki Palace isn’t like most mobile eateries.

Flathead Valley worker shortages continue into fall

Staffing shortages are nothing new in Northwest Montana. While the COVID-19 pandemic recently improved the outlook for some businesses, others are still operating on a short staff with no end in sight.

COVID data discrepancies need to be corrected

Having accurate, up-to-date information about the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in Flathead County is imperative as we all make daily decisions about how to go about our lives.

Donna Shane Hopkins, 77

Donna Shane Hopkins' generous and expansive heart, beating since her Valentine-Day birth 77 years ago, 1943, finally gave up trying to cope with all the medical challenges she experienced over the years, including a battle with COVID-19 that she survived.

Election mail bag Sept. 20

Election mail bag Sept. 20

Letters to the editor Sept. 20

Letters to the editor Sept. 20

Trump promises to replace Ginsburg with a woman - and soon

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is promising to put forth a female nominee in the coming week to fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, pushing the Republican-controlled Senate to consider the pick without delay.

Reaction to the death of Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg

Reaction to the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday at her home in Washington at the age of 87.

Documents detail push to manage Yellowstone bison as cattle

In May 2018, Yellowstone National Park's superintendent was ordered by then-Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to manage the park's bison "more actively like cattle on a ranch," according to a park briefing statement.

Legals for September, 19 2020

Hellgate girls out-kick Bravettes, 1-0

MISSOULA - The Flathead Bravettes had their chances Saturday at the Rattlesnake Fields, but a missed penalty kick and other miscues added up to a 1-0 loss to Missoula Hellgate in Western AA soccer.

Football: Huge Friday night for Polson QB; Eureka dominates

POLSON - Sophomore quarterback Jarrett Wilson threw for 439 yards and five touchdowns and ran for another score Friday to help Polson down Ronan 52-34 in a Northwestern A football game.

Volleyball: Wolfpack swarms Bulldogs

Emma Anderson and Kynzie Mohl had 12 kills each and the Glacier Wolfpack pinned a tougher-than-it-looked, three-set volleyball win on Western AA foe Butte Saturday.

State: COVID contact tracing takes priority over data reports

As COVID-19 cases in Flathead County mount, creating an upswing in contact tracing and case monitoring work for health department personnel, officials with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services say case data discrepancies between the county and state should be expected.

Man can’t stay away from train tracks

An older man fell onto the railroad tracks in Kalispell and did not get up.

Public supports signal or roundabout at Batavia Lane

The Montana Department of Transportation and members of the public seem to agree on two potential redesign options for the intersection of Batavia Lane and U.S. 2 West near Smith Valley School.

Kalispell schools face critical shortage of substitutes

A critical shortage of substitutes is among the challenges facing Kalispell Public Schools this school year.

Turnovers doom Braves in home opener

The Flathead Braves extended the fourth quarter and gave themselves some chances at a Western AA football win Friday, but the ball kept getting away.

Rendina scores 4 TDs as Glacier runs wild over Butte

Jake Rendina ran 34 times for 191 yards and four touchdowns, and the Glacier defense came up with three turnovers in a 33-17 Western AA football win Friday at Naranche Stadium.

Wolfpack soccer outkicks Butte for clean sweep

Sisters Taylor and Reagan Brisendine combined on two goals, and between them had three goals and five assists as Glacier downed Butte 8-0 in girls’ Western AA soccer Friday at Glacier High School.

PHOTOS: Flathead falls to Hellgate, 28-20

Photos from Flathead's 28-20 loss to Missoula Hellgate in Class AA high school football at Legends Stadium in Kalispell on Friday, Sept. 18.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a diminutive yet towering women's rights champion who became the court's second female justice, died Friday at her home in Washington. She was 87.

Three more COVID deaths reported in Flathead County

The Flathead City-County Health Department on Friday afternoon confirmed three additional COVID-19-related deaths in Flathead County.

Montana sets COVID case record for second consecutive day

Montana health officials reported a record number of COVID-19 cases on Friday, a day after breaking a record that has stood since July. But a state health official said that cases aren't necessarily on the rise.

Study: Ending census early will cost Florida, Montana seats

Ending the 2020 census at the end of September instead of the end of October, could cost Florida and Montana congressional seats. It could also result in Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina losing $500 million annually in federal funding for healthcare for its neediest residents, according a report released Thursday.

Flathead Food Bank temporarily closed due to COVID-19

The Flathead Food Bank temporarily closed Monday after an office staff member tested positive for COVID-19, but is expected to reopen by Sept. 22.

US judge blocks Postal Service changes that slowed mail

A U.S. judge on Thursday blocked controversial Postal Service changes that have slowed mail nationwide, calling them "a politically motivated attack on the efficiency of the Postal Service" before the November election.

Firefighter dies battling wildfire sparked by gender reveal

A firefighter died battling a wildfire in California that officials said was sparked by a device used to reveal a baby's gender.

Wildkat spikers stay undefeated

Columbia Falls volleyball stayed undefeated in Northwest A with a three-set victory over Polson on Thursday.

Dorisan Anderson, 95

Dorisan Anderson passed away Sept. 13, 2020, at the Libby Care Center.

Legals for September, 18 2020

Eagle Transit ready to launch ‘Mountain Climber’

Rebranding effort includes fleet expansion, new routes

Years of planning are coming to fruition for Flathead County’s public transportation system as Eagle Transit prepares to launch its new “Mountain Climber” system over the next few months.

Avery, Mercer lead Glacier, Flathead to team wins

The Glacier boys and Flathead girls defended the home turf Thursday, taking home team titles at the Kalispell Invitational tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

Flathead, Glacier hope to bring the smoke

Time for a little Friday Night Smoke, since the games in the Valley and elsewhere – which are still on as of this writing – will be played under less than ideal conditions thanks to massive wildfires.

Health department strained as COVID surges in Flathead

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Flathead County over the past week, which officials say can partially be attributed to Labor Day weekend activities, has strained the health department’s ability to relay case data to the state, perform contact tracing and other tasks associated with the new positives, a local health official said Thursday.

COVID-19 case confirmed at Bigfork Middle School

A student at Bigfork Middle School has tested positive for the coronavirus, Superintendent Matt Jensen told parents in an email sent out Thursday afternoon.

Yellowstone has second-busiest August, tourism still down

Yellowstone National Park had its second-busiest August on record but tourism is still down substantially this year, park officials said Thursday.

Letters to the editor Sept. 17

Letters to the editor Sept. 17

Wolfpack Theatre stages ‘Robin Hood’ in outdoor evening venue

The Wolfpack Theatre Company at Glacier High School has found a way to gather and create the magical experience of live theater with its upcoming production of “The Heart of Robin Hood.”

LAW ROUNDUP: Don’t give a dog a bone

A man’s neighbor reportedly wouldn’t stop giving his dogs food and bones, so he called the Kalispell Police Department and said his dogs have food allergies and bones get stuck in their throats.

Legals for September, 17 2020

60 schools in Montana have seen at least one COVID-19 case

About sixty schools in Montana have seen at least one confirmed case of COVID-19 in a student or staff member since the beginning of the school year, Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock said Wednesday.

Justices overturn doctor's convictions in overdose deaths

A split Montana Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned a former western Montana pain doctor's convictions of negligent homicide in the overdose deaths of two of his patients.

Montana universities see decline in enrollment amid pandemic

Two universities in Montana have reported declines in student enrollment, attributing the drop to shifted student plans during the pandemic as debates continued over remote learning or in-person instruction.

'Nothing left in the bucket': Wildfire resources run thin

Justin Silvera came off the fire lines in Northern California after a grueling 36 straight days battling wildfires and evacuating residents ahead of the flames.

U.S. outlines sweeping plan to provide free COVID-19 vaccines

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government outlined a sweeping plan Wednesday to make vaccines for COVID-19 available for free to all Americans, assuming a safe and effective shot is developed, even as top health officials faced questions about political interference with virus information reaching the public.

Bigfork, Flathead high schools report positive COVID-19 cases

Thirteen active cases now documented in schools countywide

Bigfork and Flathead high schools notified families of positive cases of COVID-19 Tuesday evening.

Whitefish man gets jail time for investment fraud conspiracy

A Whitefish man was sentenced to 87 months in prison Tuesday for his role in a multimillion-dollar international investment-fraud conspiracy.

Wyatt Gregory Wesley Bothun, 19

Wyatt Gregory Wesley Bothun, 19, died peacefully on Sept. 7, 2020 surrounded by loved ones.

Dian M. Haines, 73

Dian Haines died peacefully with two of her children by her side on Sept. 3, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She lost a decade-long battle with leukemia and respiratory illness.

Man believes ex is behind surveillance plot

A man calling from U.S. 2 in Kalispell allegedly wanted to speak to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office about “unauthorized surveillance at his location,” and possibly thought his ex was behind it.

MT Solar boosts production with game-changing robot

MT Solar, a small manufacturer in Charlo with a big reach, recently acquired a game-changing piece of robotics technology.

School opening not 'perfect,' but staff, students rally

The first weeks of the 2020-21 school year during the COVID-19 pandemic have been filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety in Kalispell Public Schools.

County rejects tax “holiday” option for employees

The Flathead County commissioners voted Tuesday to not move forward with implementing a “tax holiday” that would have allowed the county to stop withholding payroll taxes paid by county employees beginning on Sept.1.

Big 10 gets antsy in the pocket(book)

The Big 10 has long been the conference of I-formations and straight ahead run plays, and you know what else you see a lot of in that league? Punting.

Columbia Falls sweeps Whitefish

COLUMBIA FALLS -Mady Hoerner had 11 kills and Dillen Hoerner checked in with eight kills and four aces in the Columbia Falls’ Wildkats’ three-set volleyball win over Northwestern A foe Whitefish Tuesday.

Kalispell eyes redevelopment of downtown parking lot

The Kalispell City Council held a virtual work session via Zoom videoconference on Monday evening to discuss two ideas related to funding and development within the city.

Legals for September, 16 2020

Livestock, online auction drew solid support at fair

Based on the most recent numbers from the 2020 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, highlights from this year’s event included market livestock entries, the online livestock auction and the rodeo.

PHOTOS: Glacier sweeps Flathead in crosstown soccer

Photos from Glacier's 1-0 girls win and 7-3 boys win over Flathead in Class AA crosstown soccer at Legends Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Audit: Montana voter rolls included 500 dead, none voted

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A recent review of Montana's voter registration system found that there were nearly 500 deceased people still on the voter rolls, but no evidence that any of them had voted, according to legislative auditors.

Men on motorcycles accused of harassing Yellowstone bison

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Two brothers accused of riding motorcycles off-road and harassing bison in Yellowstone National Park have pleaded not guilty.

Seeping under doors, bad air from West's fires won't ease up

Dangerously dirty air spewing from the West Coast wildfires is seeping into homes and businesses, sneaking into cars through air conditioning vents and preventing people already shut away by the coronavirus pandemic from enjoying a walk or trip to the park.

Wildfire rages outside of Troy

As the Callahan Fire swelled to 1,200 acres, U.S. Forest Service and local government officials briefed residents on their efforts to battle the blaze during a Sept. 13 public meeting.

Jay Robert Hoover, 30

Jay Robert Hoover, 30, of Whitefish, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 30, 2020, while camping at Blue Lake in Stryker.

Legals for September, 15 2020

Walk to End Alzheimer’s has virtual and physical support options

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Flathead Valley residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all dementia by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m.

Man can’t get a cab, so he called 911

A man complained to dispatchers that he reportedly tried to call a taxi cab service for the last 15 minutes, but couldn’t get through.

New climate plan calls for carbon neutrality by 2050

A report commissioned by Gov. Steve Bullock to help Montana provide a framework to combat and adapt to a warming climate was released Wednesday.

C-Falls teacher picked for NY Times Teaching Project

As a world traveler who has taught overseas in countries such as Morocco, Columbia Falls English and French teacher Jeanette Price continually seeks to connect her students with the outside world.

Bravette spikers fall in 3; Stillwater tops Bigfork

MISSOULA -- Alliyah Stevens had seven kills and two blocks for Flathead Tuesday, but the Bravettes still dropped their Western AA volleyball match at Missoula Hellgate in straight sets.

Glacier sweeps crosstown soccer

Madison Becker scored in the 21st minute for the Glacier Wolfpack, and that goal held up for a 1-0 win over Flathead in a crosstown girls’ soccer match Tuesday at Legends Stadium.

Free meals available to Kalispell students through December

Free breakfast and lunch is available to all Kalispell Public Schools students.

Pence says reelecting Sen. Daines key to Trump agenda

Vice President Mike Pence is due to headline a campaign rally in southcentral Montana Monday as Republicans in the state seek to take back the governor's mansion and retain seats in the U.S. House and Senate.

Easing fires not as simple as climate change vs. forest work

Deadly West Coast wildfires are dividing President Donald Trump and the states' Democratic leaders over how to prevent blazes from becoming more frequent and destructive

Wildfires during pandemic intensify economic pain in West

The fires consuming the forests of California and Oregon and darkening the skies over San Francisco and Portland are also damaging a regional economy already singed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Smoke blankets western Montana with fire risk high

Air quality in western Montana is suffering as westerly winds carry wildfire smoke in from neighboring states.

Lakeside filmmaker shares stories from the Flathead Valley

Lakeside’s Ross Yarrow enjoys telling stories, people’s stories that is.

Kalispell mulls redevelopment of downtown parking lot

The Kalispell City Council will hold a virtual work session tonight to discuss the redevelopment of the parking lot near Valley Bank in downtown Kalispell.

Legals for September, 14 2020

County attorney: Montana shooting death was self-defense

A Montana county attorney does not plan to press charges in a shooting death categorized as self-defense.

Man attempts high chair scam at store

A store employee told Kalispell Police Department a man tried to commit fraud by returning a high chair with the same receipt he used to return a different high chair last week.

'Hazardous' air quality impacts NW Montana

Air quality in Northwest Montana was expected to go from bad to worse Sunday into Monday as smoke from Western wildfires impacts the region.

Death toll from wildfires reaches 33 on the West Coast

Nearly all of the dozens of people reported missing after a devastating blaze in southern Oregon have been accounted for, authorities said, as crews continued to battle wildfires that have killed at least 33 victims from California to Washington state.

History of deficiencies documented at COVID-infected Whitefish care center

Following a recent state investigation into Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services stamped the facility with the most serious deficiency rating possible in early September — a federal designation that was later lifted as silently as it was assigned.

Glacier spikers sweep Big Sky

Emma Anderson had 13 kills and three blocks and the Glacier Wolfpack knocked off Western AA volleyball foe Missoula Big Sky in straight sets Saturday.

Whitefish JV outkicks Stillwater Christian soccer

Madelyn Alexander scored two goals and Maeve Ingelfinger had a goal in two assists as the Whitefish JV downed Stillwater Christian 6-1 in girls’ soccer Saturday.

Ralph Raymond Ross, 72

Ralph Raymond Ross passed on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, at the age of 72 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

No time for tomfoolery

While I was checking into a hotel a few weeks ago, I had to chuckle to myself at the front-desk clerk.

Glacier boys finish fourth at Western AA preview meet

Friday’s cross country meet at Rebecca Farm saw the Glacier Wolfpack finish in the top half of the boys’ team competition, which pleased first-year coach Cody Moore.

Class A Lewistown topples Bigfork in OT

Keaton Potter scored his second touchdown of the game in overtime and Class A Lewistown upended Bigfork 22-14 Saturday in a non-conference football game.

Legals for September, 13 2020

Woman fears missing out on HOA meeting

A woman reportedly wanted the Kalispell Police Department to come over and check with her neighbors to see if they were having a homeowner’s association meeting without her. When she was advised that would be a civil issue, she claimed the neighbor’s were videotaping her from across the street and wanted to pursue stalking charges.

Whitefish OKs $61.9M capital project plan

Whitefish’s five-year capital improvement program plan calls for funding 124 projects at an estimated total cost of $61.9 million.

Kurt Wayne LaSalle, 52

Kurt Wayne LaSalle was born Sept. 11, 1967, to Erling “Dick” and Carrie LaSalle. He joined two older brothers.

Robert William Hull, 79

Robert passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020.

New C-Falls gym focuses on Muay Thai martial art

Renee Sandlin takes pride in being small but mighty.

Report suggests how to best manage grizzly bears

Gov. Steve Bullock’s Grizzly Bear Advisory Council issued its final report to the governor on Thursday, offering a host of recommendations by consensus on how best to manage grizzly bears once they’re removed from the Endangered Species List.

Couple opens storage, Penske rental facility on U.S. 2

Kayla and Levi Spencer are making big moves this month with their new two-pronged business.

Mask defiers spoil public process for all

Twice in recent weeks, a group of people deliberately not wearing face masks has shown up at public meetings in the Flathead Valley.

Business newsmakers

The Montana VA Health Care System has been selected as one of Montana’s top 10 best employers by Forbes.

Deep dive: Underwater Soldiers shows veterans the benefits of scuba

Seth Buckman remembers the blast.

Joe Thomas Moody, 79

Joe, the son of Robert and Naomi Moody, was born Oct. 2, 1940, and lived in the Columbia Falls area most of his life.

Be like Judy: We need honesty and integrity in government

The work of the 2019 legislative session has come full circle on two bills vetted in the Senate State Administration Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Bryce Bennett will rise above politics

A recent Billings Gazette editorial, “Stapleton Shows Why He Is Unfit for Any Office” is right on target.

Make Informed Choices in the Election.

The Aug. 9 guest editorial in the Inter Lake by Don Kaltschmidt, presents a prophetic fork-in-the-road choice confronting voters this coming November.

We Need a Governor Who Will Protect, Not Jeopardize, Our Frontline Healthworkers

Over the past month, several of Montana’s hardworking frontline health officials have left their posts after being harassed and intimidated for trying to keep their communities safe from COVID.

Lorene 'Sue' Jones, 78

Sept. 8, 2020, our much loved mother lost her battle with cancer but began her journey to her new life in heaven with God whom she worshipped faithfully.

Election mail bag Sept. 13

Election mail bag Sept. 13

Honesty, leadership and integrity are missing in the Trump Party

I find it necessary to respond to the letter Aug. 9 “Preserve the America we know and love” written by Don Kaltschmidt.

Senior living community confirms death of resident with COVID-19

An 87-year-old woman with COVID-19 has died, according to a press release sent by Immanuel Lutheran Communities on Saturday.

Dakotas lead US in virus growth as both reject mask rules

Coronavirus infections in the Dakotas are growing faster than anywhere else in the nation, fueling impassioned debates over masks and personal freedom after months in which the two states avoided the worst of the pandemic.

Pence drops plan to go to Bozeman fundraiser hosted by QAnon backers

Vice President Mike Pence has canceled plans to attend a Trump campaign fundraiser in Montana following revelations that the event's hosts had expressed support for the QAnon conspiracy theory.

Republican tries again to get Greens back on Montana ballot

Montana's Republican secretary of state on Friday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to restore the names of Green Party candidates to the state's November election ballot after a similar request was rejected last month. But there's little time left before ballots get printed.

Legals for September, 12 2020

Letters to the editor Sept. 12

Letters to the editor Sept. 12

911 caller doesn’t want help after all

An intoxicated man in his 60s called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office because he was having chest pains.

Vitalant releases antibody positive rates for COVID-19 virus

In an effort to support COVID-19 response and preparedness efforts, Vitalant recently released antibody positive rates for more than 250,000 blood donors across several states from June and July, Montana included.

PHOTOS: Evergreen Show 'N Shine virtual car show

Photos from the Evergreen Show 'N Shine virtual car show held outside Conlin's Furniture in Evergreen on Saturday, Sept. 12. Kruise Kalispell and Glacier Street Rod Association members partnered with Evergreen Chamber of Commerce to organize the show, which was livestreamed on the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce and Daily Inter Lake Facebook pages.

Pack pulls away from Capital in fourth quarter

Once the Glacier Wolfpack drew even in the punt snap snafu department Saturday, things started looking up.

Bravette runners take third at Rebecca Farm

On Friday the Kalispell cross country teams hosted a Western AA meet and the Flathead Bravettes had an encouraging afternoon at Rebecca Farm.

Organized opposition to weed legalization in Montana emerges

Organized opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana in Montana has emerged

'Evacuate Now:' Oregon wildfires grow as 500K told to flee

Deadly wildfires in heavily populated northwest Oregon were growing, with hundreds of thousands of people told to flee encroaching flames while residents to the south tearfully assessed their losses.

U.S. marks 9/11 anniversary at tributes shadowed by virus

Americans commemorated 9/11 Friday as another national crisis reconfigured memorial ceremonies, dividing some victims' families over coronavirus safety precautions, and a presidential campaign carved a path through the observances.

Flathead man charged with deliberate homicide

A Flathead Valley man accused of deliberate homicide in connection with a fatal shooting on Thursday is behind held at the Flathead County jail.

Whitefish care center sees four additional COVID deaths

Four additional individuals associated with Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center have died from COVID-19-related complications, according to a press release sent Friday morning from the Flathead City-County Health Department.

Fire destroys Farm to Market Pork feed mill

A West Valley business was the site of a fire Thursday evening.

Butte man accused of attempted rape in Lakeside

A man with a history of sexual assault dating back more than 30 years was recently arrested after allegedly trying to rape a woman in Lakeside.

Keith O. Strohschein, 84

Keith O. Strohschein, a longtime resident of Kalispell, went home to be with our Lord on Aug. 30, 2020.

Bypass revamp include overpass, more roundabouts

The Montana Department of Transportation’s plan to redesign the interchange at Foy’s Lake Road on the U.S. 93 bypass will replace the heavily trafficked roundabout with a four-lane overpass, but roundabouts will still be part of the configuration.

Russell A. Gregory

Russell A. Gregory, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Sept. 10, 2020, 11 months following his death on Oct. 11, 2019.

PHOTOS: Glacier pulls away from Helena Capital, 43-20

Photos from Glacier's 43-20 win over Helena Capital in Class AA high school football at Legends Stadium in Kalispell on Friday, Sept. 11.

Glacier drops volleyball opener to Sentinel in 5

The Glacier Wolfpack opened their volleyball season against perennially tough Missoula Sentinel and took the Spartans to five games before falling Tuesday.

The Pack wants back in the hunt

The Glacier Wolfpack football team went 5-6 in 2019, then saw two seniors land scholarships to play at the University of Montana.

Braves mix in new faces, aim higher in 2020

The Flathead Braves fell off from their surprise run to the 2018 State AA championship game – a 20-14 loss to Billings West – to two wins last fall.

Wolfpack sweeps Missoula Big Sky

The Glacier Wolfpack romped over the Missoula Big Sky Eagles 10-0 on Thursday in a Western AA soccer match at Glacier High School.

Glacier’s Avery, Flathead’s Mercer medalists at Helena Invite golf tourney

Glacier’s Tyler Avery was the boys’ medalist, Flathead’s Marcella Mercer had the honor among the girls and the Glacier Wolfpack swept the team titles at the Helena Invitational golf tournament Thursday.

Flathead County schools increase number of fans allowed at events

4 allowed for each home participant; 2 for each visiting team member

On the eve of Glacier High’s football opener against visiting Helena Capital, it has been announced that the number of fans allowed for each home participant has been increased to four.

10 now dead in massive Northern California wildfire

A Northern California wildfire became the state's deadliest of the year Thursday when authorities announced seven more deaths, bringing the total to 10 and there was the unnerving prospect the toll would climb as searchers looked for 16 missing people.

Olympian Maggie Voisin to provide second annual freestyle team scholarship

Olympian Maggie Voisin has announced that she is offering her second annual scholarship to cover fees to join Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Team. The scholarship also includes the cost of a season pass for the 2020-21 ski and snowboard season.

Governor releases coronavirus response protocols for schools

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announced new coronavirus response protocols Thursday for K-12 schools, as many schools across the state enter their third week of instruction.

Extra benefits ending with Montana's unemployment rising

The extra $400 in weekly unemployment insurance payments is no longer available in Montana, the Department of Labor and Industry said Thursday, even as new unemployment claims are on the rise.

Fires without precedent rage in usually cool, wet Northwest

Numerous wildfires burned in Oregon's forested valleys and along the coast, destroying hundreds of homes and causing mass evacuations.

Commission to review proposal for Dayton fishing access site

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will review a proposal for a fishing access site in Dayton.

Whitefish Theatre Co. kicks off 2020-2021 season

Whitefish Theatre Company’s 2020-2021 season kicks off Sept. 26 and 27 with the Black Curtain Theatre production “The Waverly Gallery,”

Off and running: Area harriers head to Rebecca Farm this weekend

Rebecca Farm will be a busy place this weekend. It’s a popular spot for big cross country meets, including the 2020 state championships set for Oct. 24, but because of COVID-19 there will be two smaller ones in the coming days.

Express your views peacefully

Whitefish City Council made the right call Tuesday night when they voted down a proposed emergency ordinance that would have placed restrictions on gatherings and demonstrations in the city.

Letters to the editor Sept. 10

Letters to the editor Sept. 10

Candle sparks concern in C-Falls

A neighbor was very worried about a candle she saw in a garage.

Local group completes project at Herron Park

Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead recently completed a project at Herron Park.

Kalispell picks route for downtown trail connector

The Kalispell City Council on Tuesday unanimously and enthusiastically approved the selection of First Avenue West North as the north-south street connector for the downtown core trail.

Whitefish Review's 25th issue is 'Metamorphosis'

Whitefish Review will launch its 25th issue “Metamorphosis” Sept. 10 to 12 at The Montana Book Festival, held virtually this year.

Hockaday Museum of Art offers fall art classes

The Hockaday Museum of Art’s fall classes begin Sept. 15

Entertainment briefs

Lullaby House Music, a new music company based in Whitefish, has released its debut album, “You Are Loved” for Seeds Family Worship, the popular Christian kids’ music entity.

Unmasked attendees prompt Kalispell School Board to adjourn meeting

Board switches to online format

A Kalispell School Board meeting was adjourned shortly after it began Tuesday when a group of people showed up refusing to wear masks in accordance with Gov. Steve Bullock’s statewide mask mandate.

Officials say 28 homes lost in Bozeman wildfire

Montana authorities said 28 residences have been lost in a wildfire in Gallatin County.

Whitefish council rejects ordinance restricting demonstrations

The Whitefish City Council on Tuesday night rejected a proposal that aimed to place restrictions on gatherings and demonstrations.

VP Pence to attend Bozeman event hosted by QAnon backers

Vice President Mike Pence and top officials from President Donald Trump's campaign are slated to attend a Montana fundraiser next week hosted by a couple who have expressed support for the QAnon conspiracy theory, according to an event invitation obtained by The Associated Press and a review of social media postings.

Crews battling fire near Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge

Firefighters and aerial crews worked a wildfire Tuesday afternoon at the Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge.

Lawrence D. 'Larry' Ward, 97

Lawrence D. “Larry” Ward passed away Sept. 2, 2020, in Kalispell after a recent, brief illness.

Legals for September, 9 2020

Edward John Puckett, 84

Edward John Puckett, 84, a loving, lifelong Montanan, died at his home in Kalispell, Montana, Sept. 4, 2020.

Kind hits hole-in-one

Ace at Whitefish Lake Golf Club

Chuck Kind hit a hole-in-one Sept. 5 at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Flathead splits vs Big Sky; Glacier swept by Sentinel

Arsen Sokolov scored two goals and assisted on another as the Flathead Braves downed Missoula Big Sky 5-1 in Western AA boys’ soccer Tuesday.

Big Sky spikers beat Flathead in season opener

The Flathead Bravettes volleyball team opened their season Tuesday with a match against Western AA opponent Missoula Big Sky at Flathead High School.

Four COVID-19 cases reported in Flathead County schools

Flathead City-County Health Department is reporting four active COVID-19 cases among school-aged children.

Battered by the virus, tribes race to boost census count

When Lauri Dawn Kindness was growing up, her hometown on the Crow Indian Reservation had an arcade, movie theater, gas stations and family cafe along streets shaded by towering cottonwood trees near a bend in the Little Bighorn River. Today, there's only a small grocer and a propane dealer among the deserted lots scattered through downtown Lodge Grass.

Weather, car crash factors in holiday weekend congestion in Glacier

A sharp spike in Glacier National Park visitation, combined with a car crash and inclement weather at Logan Pass, prompted a series of temporary closures at the West Glacier entrance and elsewhere throughout the course of the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Granite Peak falls lead to death, injuries, daring rescue

A helicopter pilot carried out several daring rescues involving people injured in climbing accidents over the weekend just hours before he attended the funeral for his son, who died in a firefighting helicopter crash in Oregon last month.

One injured in Bigfork shootout

A shootout in Bigfork Sunday morning has not resulted in any arrests. According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, at 11:03 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, deputies were called to the 500 block of Alpine Drive for a report of a person with gunshot wounds to the leg and shoulder.

Legals for September, 8 2020

Bennett committed to protect our elections, public lands

The office of Secretary of State is one I once held. Ensuring it’s run efficiently and effectively, with a focus on customer service, is extremely important to every Montanan.

Snow heads into Rocky Mountain states

An "unseasonably strong storm system for September" is expected to impact Wyoming on Monday.

Man dies in fire he is suspected of starting in Pablo

A Pablo man died in an arson fire he is suspected to have started Sunday at the People's Center in Pablo.

Letters to the editor Sept. 7

Letters to the editor Sept. 7

Legals for September, 7 2020

Whitefish considers raising affordable housing prices

A proposal to increase the city of Whitefish’s affordable home purchase and rental prices through the Legacy Home Program is the focus of a public hearing Tuesday before the Whitefish City Council.

WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Tobacco Valley man faces felony arson charges

A Tobacco Valley man who expressed extreme views about the world ending was arrested Aug. 29 on suspicion of intentionally setting fires, the Tobacco Valley News reports.

Kalispell council looks at more development projects

The Kalispell City Council will meet remotely on Tuesday evening via Zoom videoconference to discuss a few budget amendments, development proposals and a street connection for the downtown Core trail.

Whitefish woman builds life around passions for photography, music

Kathy Sullivan is at home on the banks of the Flathead River.

More than 200 airlifted to safety from California wildfire

More than 200 people were airlifted to safety early Sunday after a fast-moving wildfire trapped them in a popular camping area in California's Sierra National Forest, one several fires that broke out amid record-breaking, triple-digit temperatures that baked the state.

Legals for September, 6 2020

Cross Country: Reynolds, host Eureka lead the way

EUREKA – Eureka’s Isaac Reynolds won his second race of the year, Whitefish junior Paetra Cooke was the winner among the girls and their schools won the team titles at the Eureka Quad at Indian Springs Golf Club Friday.

Kalispell’s ‘bird lady’ at helm of recovery center

Kalispell’s ‘bird lady’ at helm of recovery center

When Kalispell’s Beth Watne took in her first bird of prey in the early 1980s, she had no idea it would lead to a deep-rooted fascination with raptors.

‘Small-batch’ clothing company moving to U.S. 2

Flag Nor Fail clothing company makes one-of-a-kind, small-batch fitness apparel, so it’s only fitting that the independent brand should have headquarters custom-built to fit the company’s specific needs.

Lack of leadership from Trump

It has been over six months now since Covid-19 became the issue in United States.

On Labor Day, consider the injustice of forced union dues

This Labor Day we should celebrate America’s hard working men and women, especially the nurses, supermarket clerks, and other frontline workers who have faced unprecedented challenges this year.

This election, vote for pro-life candidates

“I can’t change the world, but I can throw a stone in the water and make a ripple”

Karen Weyer Maiden, 55

Karen Weyer Maiden, 55, of Kalispell, went home to the Lord on Aug. 22, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer

Letters to the editor Sept. 6

Letters to the editor Sept. 6

Knudsen’s plan to defund DOJ dangerous

Career politician Austin Knudsen is traveling Montana campaigning on one dangerous idea: defunding the Montana Department of Justice.

Rosendale plans to subdivide your hunting heritage

Heads up Montanans, we’ve got a multimillionaire developer from Maryland trying to sell our hunting and fishing spots so that he and his buddies can turn a quick profit.

The need for collective action in times of crisis

The United States and more specifically the state of Montana is facing a unique challenge as we enter our sixth month of combating the coronavirus.

Duo doesn't let sleeping dogs lie

A man told Kalispell Police Department he and his girlfriend were assaulted in the mall parking lot. He alleged that he went into the mall and left his dogs in the car for 20 minutes when two people in a black pickup confronted him.

Douglas Arthur Crumb, 69

Douglas Arthur Crumb was born on Oct. 9, 1950, in St. Joseph Michigan to Jack and Marion Crumb.

Historic Schafer Meadows airstrip restored

Using old equipment and horse power, remote landing site gets a face-lift

The remote Schafer Meadows airstrip located deep in the Great Bear Wilderness is being restored through a collaborative effort.

Show 'n Shine moves to virtual platform this year

Popular car show to be streamed live

The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce and the Show 'n Shine Committee are excited to see everyone at the revamped 2020 Show 'n Shine on Sept. 12.

Stoltze and partners to build cross-laminated timber plant

F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber, builder Pat Clark and other investors last week announced a joint venture to create a new mass timber production facility to build large format, cross-laminated timber panels in Columbia Falls.

Art and his autos

Retired Evergreen jeweler's real gems are classic cars

Art Olson walks past decades of automotive history each time he passes through his shop.

Protect the valley's long-standing ag heritage

“It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future…” But maybe not as tough as Yogi Berra made it sound.

Glacier Symphony adapts concert season around pandemic

As the saying goes….”The show must go on!” Tickets and seating may be limited and other changes will have to be implemented to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines but, nevertheless, the Glacier Symphony, Orchestra and Chorale has planned its 2020-2021 concert season to begin Sept. 26 and 27.

Ronald E. Newton, 62

Ronald E. Newton was born on Nov. 15 of 1957 to parents Ronald A. Newton and Edna L. Newton in Ronan.

Energy Keepers explains Flathead Lake level

Data from the United States Geological Survey shows Flathead Lake’s water level has been dipping close to the 2,982-foot mark since the beginning of September — a depth property owners on the lake are all too familiar with, as it means it’s time to take their boats out of the water.

If it’s Tuesday it must be poblanos

Those who know me well know one of my summer pastimes is roasting peppers — lots of peppers.

Sheriff: Structures lost in wildfire near Bozeman

Evacuation orders were issued Saturday for some residents near Bozeman due to a dangerous wildfire in the Bridger Mountains just outside of town.

Wildcats’ Peters throws for 4 TDs

Mason Peters threw for 256 yards and four touchdowns, and the Columbia Falls Wildcats improved to 2-0 with a 55-0 win over Northwestern A foe Ronan Friday.

2 grizzly bears killed after conflicts near Yellowstone

Wildlife officials in Montana have said two grizzly bears were killed this week after entering an occupied tent and an recreational vehicle storage compartment near Yellowstone National Park.

Cane can’t hold back angry elder

The Kalispell Police Department received a call about a man who walks with a cane, who threatened to “bash the clerk’s head in” at a business.

Flathead Reservation to open Sept. 8 for non-resident recreation

The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribal Council has announced non-resident recreation restrictions will be lifted on the Flathead Indian Reservation starting Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Flathead student to compete in national science competition

Kalispell student Keanu Ng made the cut as one of the top 300 students competing in the Broadcom MASTERS.

Soccer: Wolfpack boys shut out Capital; Bravettes, Glacier girls win

HELENA – Junior Zane Elliott scored a hat trick and the Glacier Wolfpack swamped Helena Capital 4-0 in Western AA boys’ soccer Saturday.

Kila man pleads guilty to 2017 Christmas Eve rape

A Kila man accused of a vicious rape and assault of a woman on Christmas Eve 2017 has pleaded guilty.

Legals for September, 5 2020

Police exonerated in war veteran shooting

A jury ruled two Kalispell Police Department officers were not at fault in the shooting of a man in his home in January 2016.

Whitefish care facility sees sixth COVID death

A total of six individuals associated with Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center have now died from COVID-19-related issues as the facility faces what the Flathead City-County Health Department described in a Friday press release as a “major outbreak.”

Gov's office: Blocking all-mail voting would 'inject chaos'

Granting the Trump campaign's request to block a plan to allow Montana counties to conduct all-mail elections in November would "inject chaos into the election," the governor's office said Friday.

Labor Day: Record heat followed by wind, snow

Northwest Montana is poised for a wild week of extreme weather. Near-record heat and dangerously dry conditions over the weekend will give way to raw, winter-like weather beginning Labor Day.

Governor issues fire emergency order

Gov. Steve Bullock on Thursday evening issued an executive order declaring a state of fire emergency due to extremely hazardous wildland fire conditions throughout Montana.

Whitefish proposes emergency order to require permits for rallies

Whitefish City Council on Tuesday will consider an emergency ordinance prohibiting organized gatherings and demonstrations without a special event permit between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

PHOTOS: Bigfork rushes past Cut Bank, 59-7

Cormac Benn ran 21 times for 262 yards and three touchdowns, and returned an interception for another score to lead Bigfork past Cut Bank 59-7 in Class B football Friday.

Glacier Park advises Labor Day visitors to be prepared

During the Labor Day holiday weekend, Glacier National Park visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, prepare for crowds in the popular park areas and expect shifting weather conditions.

COVID-19 case reported at Columbia Falls High School

Four days into the school year, Columbia Falls School District is dealing with its first case of COVID-19.

Campfires spark 2 blazes on area islands

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is asking for people to keep a close eye on their campfires this Labor Day weekend after two wildland fires were caused by out of control campfires Thursday.

Flathead girls third at Missoula cross country

MISSOULA The Flathead girls’ cross country team ran as a group Thursday, but Missoula Hellgate did the same and faster at the Missoula Coaches Invitational meet.

Heritage Place worker tests positive for COVID-19

An employee of Heritage Place, a skilled nursing facility in Kalispell, tested positive for COVID-19 this week.

Legals for September, 4 2020

Wildlife agency seeks to carve out areas from protections

A Trump administration proposal released Friday would allow the government to deny habitat protections for endangered animals and plants in areas that would see greater economic benefits from being developed.

County OKs Rose Crossing curve fix

The Flathead County commissioners voted last week to approve a safety improvement project that will adjust a 90-degree turn on Rose Crossing in Kalispell that has been a source of citizen frustration for several years.

Woman reports strange happenings

A woman told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office she felt like “strange things have been happening to her.”

Michael 'Jay' St. Onge, 37

Michael “Jay” St. Onge, 37, passed away Aug. 20, 2020.

Benn scores 4 TDs in Bigfork romp

BIGFORK -- Cormac Benn ran 21 times for 262 yards and three touchdowns, and returned an interception for another score to lead Bigfork past Cut Bank 59-7 in Class B football Friday.

Peters throws for 4 TDs as Wildcats cruise

COLUMBIA FALLS -- Mason Peters threw for 256 yards and four touchdowns, and the Columbia Falls Wildcats improved to 2-0 with a 55-0 win over Northwestern A foe Ronan Friday.

Manufacturer gives sanitation stations to local schools

Amanda and Colten Hart have retooled their local furniture manufacturing business to help local schools keep students safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stillwater soccer ties, falls in Idaho

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho - The Stillwater Christian Cougars were outshot 22-9 but managed to keep the Bonners Ferry Badgers out of the net and forge a 0-0 tie in high school soccer Thursday.

Libby spikers edge Whitefish in 5 games

LIBBY - Olivia Gilliam Smith had 10 kills and three blocks to help the Libby Loggers edge Whitefish in five games in Northwestern A volleyball action Thursday.

Montana homecoming for artist Jan Wood Thacker

The paintings and novels by Jan Wood Thacker will be featured during September at Phillips Studio and Gallery in the Kalispell Center Mall.

At civil trial, defense argues police didn't need warrant

How law officers do their job was front and center during the fourth day of a civil jury trial about a man who was shot by Kalispell Police officers while they attempted to take his mother into custody for a mental health check.

Drive-by shooters sentenced to 15 years in prison

Two Flathead Valley men were sentenced to several years in the Montana State Prison Thursday afternoon in Flathead County District Court for their roles in a drive-by shooting last year.

Montana launches loan program as unemployment remains high

Gov. Steve Bullock announced on Thursday a new loan program to spur economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus, as applications for unemployment assistance increased in Montana for the third consecutive week.

Injured climber airlifted from Glacier Park peak

A male climber was airlifted off of Mount Gould in Glacier National Park Sept. 1, park spokeswoman Gina Kerzman confirmed.

High winds drive wildfires in Eastern Montana

People in the small eastern Montana town of Jordan were told Wednesday night that they can return to their homes after after a wind-driven wildfire briefly caused the evacuation of the ranching community.

Unemployment claims in Montana rise for third straight week

Applications for unemployment assistance increased in Montana for the third consecutive week, even as national numbers are falling, the U.S. Employment and Training Administration said Thursday.

Woman charged with DUI after crashing into deputy

A Somers woman is charged with driving under the influence after he crashed into a Flathead County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle on Wednesday.

Flathead County switches to mail ballot for Nov. 3 election

The Flathead County commissioners voted 2-1 Thursday morning to move to a mail-in election for the Nov. 3 general election, pivoting from their decision in late August to opt for a poll election.

Flathead's Skyleigh Thompson named to soccer watch list

Skyleigh Thompson, a senior soccer standout at Flathead High School, is on the watch list for the 2020 High School All-American game set for May 29, 2021 in St. Louis.

Bravettes beat Capital, 1-0

Glacier boys forge draw with Helena High

Skyleigh Thompson’s goal in the 46th minute was enough for the Flathead Bravettes, who edged Helena Capital 1-0 in Western AA girls’ soccer Thursday at Kidsport.

Class A soccer: Robison scores 5 times, Wildkats roll

FRENCHTOWN - Junior midfielder Maddie Robison scored five goals and assisted on four others as the Columbia Falls Wildkats swamped Frenchtown 10-1 in girls soccer Thursday.

Legals for September, 3 2020

Victim shot by Kalispell police testifies during civil trial

A Flathead Valley war veteran who was shot by Kalispell Police officers four years ago and one of the officers involved in the shooting testified Wednesday about their recollections of the incident during a civil jury trial underway in Flathead County District Court.

Letters to the editor Sept. 3

Letters to the editor Sept. 3

Fresh air. Fresh conversation. Fun.

0903 Montana author event 3 PIX 95 words

Bison Range reopens to vehicle traffic

After being closed for four months, federal officials have reopened the National Bison Range.

Going to the Sun’s latest CD bridges new horizons

0903 Going to the Sun’s latest CD bridges new horizons 3 PIX 714 words

Rafael Gneiting, 25

Rafael Gneiting, 25, passed away Aug. 25, 2020.

Here's to more record-setting Friday nights

On a perfect August Friday night in Columbia Falls, things got downright offensive – but Jaxon Schweikert, coach of the host Wildcats, submits that his team played excellent D.

Cat gets caught in foothold trap

A cat reportedly got its leg stuck in a foothold trap that was broken loose from its anchor.

Chemical spill at Dickey Lake under investigation

An investigation into a chemical spill that occurred at a Dickey Lake campground last week is currently underway, according to Kootenai National Forest officials.

Eastern Montana town told to evacuate as wildfire threatens

People in an eastern Montana town were ordered to evacuate Wednesday after a fire that started as an agricultural burning project got out of control and raced across dry range land to threaten the small community of Jordan.

Board denies permit for West Valley asphalt plant

The Flathead County Board of Adjustment voted unanimously Tuesday night to deny a request for a change to a conditional-use permit that would have allowed a gravel pit in West Valley to operate an asphalt and concrete batch plant as well.

Proposal puts BNSF in charge of asbestos infested railroad

Federal and state officials announced that they have proposed an agreement in which the BNSF Railway Company would be responsible for operating and maintaining a track the company is accused of contaminating with asbestos.

Glacier claims Crosstown Cup

Strong second day showing helps Wolfpack withstand Bravette charge

A strong second-day showing by the Glacier boys helped the Wolfpack withstand a charge by the Flathead girls, and the 2020 Crosstown Cup went to Glacier Tuesday at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

GOP, Trump campaign sue Montana over all-mail voting option

President Donald Trump's reelection campaign and the Republican Party sued Montana on Wednesday after Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock gave counties the choice to conduct the November election entirely by mail amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Waterton hosts first Science and History Week

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park will host the first Science and History Week virtual speaker series Sept. 21 to 24 during Canada’s National Science Literacy Week.

Karen J. McGihon, 73

Karen J. McGihon, 73, peacefully passed away on Aug. 26, 2020, at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains, surrounded by the staff from the Little Bitterroot Services, Inc. (LBSI) Group Home where Karen has lived for 17 years.

James Wilbur Noffsinger 83

James Wilbur Noffsinger 83, passed away Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020, at his home outside of Whitefish where he lived with his full-time care giver Vicki Brockish.

Woman appalled by the word ‘rump’

A woman driving on U.S. 93 in Whitefish claimed a political sign posted on hay bales had been defaced to read “Rump,” instead of “Trump,” and believed it was “obscene.”

Echo Lake tree farm taps into solar energy

Bear Paw Properties tree farm near Kalispell is getting its day in the sun.

Jurors hear testimony in trial involving Kalispell man shot by police

Jurors tasked with deciding the merits of a case against the Kalispell Police Department’s involvement in the officer-related shooting of a Kalispell war veteran heard testimony Tuesday in the second day of a week-long trial.

Legals for September, 2 2020

County OKs budget that includes building projects

The Flathead County commissioners voted Tuesday to approve the county’s final budget for fiscal year 2021.

Michael “Jay” St. Onge, 37

Michael “Jay” St. Onge, 37, passed away Aug. 20, 2020.

Bobby Lynn Parker, 89

Bobby Lynn Parker of Bigfork passed away peacefully Aug. 23, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center just 10 days after celebrating his 89th birthday.

Wildlife officials aim to remove wolf protections in 2020

The Trump administration plans to lift endangered species protections for gray wolves across most of the nation by the end of the year, the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Monday.

Drilling, mines, other projects hastened by Trump order

The Trump administration is seeking to fast track environmental reviews of dozens of major energy and infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kalispell Chamber selects new president/CEO

Lorraine Clarno of Beaverton, Oregon, has been selected to serve as the new president and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.

Marion School outlines back-to-school details

Marion School begins Sept. 3

Audrey L. Maze, 90

Audrey L. Maze, 90, formerly of Kalispell, passed away Wednesday, Aug 19, 2020, in Houlton, Maine.

Victor Arthur Look, 67

Victor Arthur Look died on July 28, 2020, at his home in Bullhead City, Arizona.

Masks, social distancing bring different feel to first day of school

Despite a rainy Monday morning, masked Elrod Elementary students waited outside the school for the first bell to ring in the first day of school amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Man scared of 'Scandinavian' writing

Law roundup

Montana remains financially resilient amidst COVID-19

I wanted to write to you today to give an update on our state budget and how we are using our Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide much needed aid to support our local businesses and communities.

Legals for September, 1 2020