Ellington

Daily Inter Lake photographer Casey Kreider's favorite images of 2021

Daily Inter Lake staff photographer Casey Kreider's favorite images of 2021

After hectic year, road crews take a breath, airport work forges on

Following a busy year for transportation infrastructure improvements, fewer changes are coming for Montana’s ground and air travel in 2022

Krysti Kay Hoskins, 27

Krysti Kay Hoskins, 27

Conservation easement protects Columbia Falls farmstead

A conservation easement now protects 38.9 acres of land owned by siblings Charles and Diane Taylor, located south of Columbia Falls.

Law roundup: Woman’s driving leads her to hospital, then jail

A sleepy and possibly intoxicated driver going about 5 mph allegedly rolled through a stop sign and was swerving with the vehicle’s hazard lights flashing as she headed west on Three Mile to the bypass.

Letters to the editor Dec. 31

Letters to the editor Dec. 31

States empowered to stop reckless deficits

In August of 2020, we wrote an opinion opposing Modern Monetary Theory (or MMT, the “too good to be true” idea that the federal government can spend unlimited amounts of money, regardless of revenue, in order to benefit the country and the economy).

Rosendale should learn about the joys of making America a more welcoming place

In a recent op-ed, Rep. Matt Rosendale opposed resettlement of Afghan refugees as a danger to our community. We disagree and would like to share our experiences with you, and him.

Legals for December, 31 2021

Woman charged with animal cruelty in case of starving horses

A California woman has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty in connection with 17 horses that were found in various stages of starvation at several Flathead County locations in September.

Screenplay based on local author’s book receives new nomination

The screenplay based on local author Grace Larson’s book “Once in a Lifetime Comes a Man” was an official selection of the Chicago Indie Film Awards.

Opposition voiced over rural Bigfork vacation rental proposal

The Flathead County Board of Adjustment will start the new year on Jan. 4 by weighing in on a request for short-term rental housing in Bigfork that has drawn opposition from neighbors.

Hit the trails at local parks for New Year’s competition

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is hosting a friendly competition at state parks in the Flathead Valley to encourage a healthy start to the new year outdoors.

Law roundup: Cat litter thrown to the dogs

A Kalispell resident called Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to complain about people in the neighborhood were throwing solid cat litter in the road, which was being eaten by dogs in the area.

New CEO of U.S. skiing 'confident' of Olympic results

The new president and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard has vivid memories of her first time clicking into boots on a mountain in Chamonix, France, during a school trip at age 12.

Burgeoning tourism, employee housing among Glacier's 2022 challenges

With an expanding ticketed entry system and the prospect of new permanent superintendent, 2022 looks to herald many changes to Glacier National Park.

Outdoor briefs

Outdoor briefs

MT Shakespeare in the Parks stages ‘Complete Works’ at MSU

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will feature a production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised)” for its winter performance set at Montana State University’s Black Box Theatre in January.

Hockaday gears up for art classes in 2022

The Hockaday Museum of Art is offering a full slate of art classes for youth in 2022:

Legals for December, 30 2021

New Hockaday exhibit features art of Western printmakers

The Hockaday Museum of Art presents Communities West IV: Contemporary Western Printmakers, a new exhibit curated by Sukha Worob and Andrew Rice.

Taking stock of the best of a 'normal' 2021

The Year 2021 is almost gone, and it was a bit of a blur, maybe because the pandemic (well, temporarily) winded down and there were more live sports to cover.

1230 TWIF briefs

Out on Bail play New Year’s Eve at Eagles

Glacier Symphony hosts Winter Gala

The Glacier Symphony is hosting its grand Masquerade Winter Gala at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 in the Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.

Stephen 'Steve' Ross Clogg, 73

Stephen "Steve" Ross Clogg, 73, passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, 2021.

'Hospitality complex' proposed for Whitefish Railway District

A proposal has come forward to construct a multi-building “hospitality complex” in the Railway District in downtown Whitefish that would replace an apartment building on the property.

Montana's minimum wage rising 45 cents to $9.20 on Jan. 1

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's minimum wage is rising by 45 cents, to $9.20 per hour, beginning on Jan. 1, according to the Department of Labor and Industry.

Man shot, injured; tried to break into police officer's home

An intruder suffered a gunshot wound after trying to break into the home of an off-duty Great Falls Police officer, the police department said.

Rosa 'Rose' Lee L. (Cramer) Behrens

Rosa “Rose” Lee L. (Cramer) Behrens, 92, of Kalispell peacefully passed away at home on Dec. 23, 2021.

Legals for December, 29 2021

Portal opens for school and scholarship donations

Montana taxpayers and business can receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits

The race will be on for donors to support innovative education in public schools or private school scholarships and get dollar-for-dollar tax credits before a statewide cap is reached.

Repeat DUI offender arrested after smashing snowman

A woman with four previous DUIs is once again accused of driving impaired, this time allegedly plowing through a ditch and smashing a snowman in front of multiple witnesses.

Wildlife officials start feeding elk in central Idaho

Idaho wildlife officials have started feeding elk west of Ketchum and Sun Valley in central Idaho to keep them out of populated areas.

Law roundup: Man finds bone saw and blood in truck

A man allegedly found blood all over the inside of his truck. Nothing was taken from the vehicle, however, a bone saw was left behind, according to a report made to the Kalispell Police Department.

New venues, big concerts take center stage in in 2022

The Flathead Valley marks a milestone in 2022 when construction on the new 1,000-seat McClaren Hall and new Paul D. Wachholz College Center are completed at Flathead Valley Community College. A gala grand opening is planned for next summer.

2 Minnesota snowmobilers die in southern Montana avalanche

Two Minnesota men died in an avalanche while snowmobiling in the mountains north of Yellowstone National Park, where about 3 feet (1 meter) of snow had fallen over the past week, the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center said.

David William Yeats

David William Yeats was born in Whitefish on Aug. 17, 1949, to Albert and Helen (Garland) Yeats. He passed away Dec. 22, 2021, after a yearlong battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.

Legals for December, 28 2021

County poised to complete building projects in 2022

911 backup center added to North Building lineup

Flathead County will see a number of building and remodeling projects come to fruition in 2022, including the renovation of the former CenturyLink building that will house several county departments and a new 911 backup center.

Jay Vernon McClanahan, 58

Jay Vernon McClanahan, 58, was born to Floyd and Rita McClanahan on Feb. 22, 1963, in Lewistown. He passed away Dec. 18, 2021, at his home in Moscow, Idaho, after a lengthy battle with multiple health conditions.

Vernon Richard Wheeler, 78

Vernon Richard Wheeler, 78, passed away unexpectedly Dec. 21, 2021, while peacefully napping at home. Vern was born Aug. 27, 1943, in Kalispell, the youngest of 12 children born to James and Tabitha Wheeler.

Montana has spent 1,800 hours, $100K defending challenges to 2021 bills

The Montana Department of Justice has spent just more than $100,000 and nearly 2,000 hours defending the state from legal challenges against laws passed during the 2021 legislative session, according to a legislative memo.

Law roundup: Driver hits snowman on way to gas station

A reckless — possibly intoxicated — driver wearing a pink hat reportedly drove through a ditch and ran over a snowman on her way to the gas station.

Whitefish woman killed in crash on I-90

A Whitefish woman was killed Sunday when the vehicle she was riding in collided with a parked semi-truck on Interstate 90 near Belgrade.

Law roundup: ‘All of Montana’ is source of woman’s distress

Dispatchers called back a phone number connected with a 911 hang-up and the woman who answered said, “all of Montana was causing her distress.” She told dispatchers to “stay out of her business,” and hung up again.

Veteran financial adviser retiring at year’s end

Financial advising is notoriously prone to burnout, but not in the case of Rex Harris. The founder of Harris Financial Services, Inc. in Whitefish is set to retire at the end of the year after more than 30 years in the business.

Legals for December, 27 2021

Law roundup: Bah humbug: Christmas curmudgeon gets lippy

A Scrooge driving a big Ford pickup wasn’t in the Christmas spirit while shopping in Kalispell. He cursed at a woman and nearly hit her with his door after he was asked not to park in the employee lot.

Tech company specializes in serving small businesses

New tech company specializes in serving small businesses.

Dispensaries ramp up for legalized pot

A new law going into effect Jan. 1 will be blazing a new trail for Montana cannabis dispensaries.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Grants boost plans for Flathead River Alliance

The Flathead Rivers Alliance plans to have much greater outreach to river users on the three forks of the Flathead this coming summer.

Ethan Jess Fix, 13

Ethan Jess Fix was born on the 22nd of July 2008 to Brad and Christy Fix and joined older brother Dylan

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

Legals for December, 26 2021

Ace Hardware under construction in Columbia Falls

A new Ace Hardware store is coming to Columbia Falls, just west of the current Hanson’s Hardware.

Fay Lee Pemble, 94

Fay Lee Pemble was born June 6, 1927, in Kalispell, the third of four children to Charles and Verna (Johnston) Pemble.

Fatal occupational injuries decreased in 2020

The number of workplace deaths in Montana decreased in 2020, according to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.

FAQ: Recreational marijuana in Montana

On Jan. 1, 2022, adult-use recreational marijuana will become available for purchase in Montana. The launch of the new market raises a wide range of questions, from how much marijuana an individual can possess, to whether they can consume it in a national park, to the types of products that will be available for purchase.

Live nativity celebrates ‘the reason for the season’

Around a manger off Foys Lake Road sat the Heffernan family dressed as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, or one of the Magi, and an angel for Family Life Christian Church’s annual live nativity on Dec. 18.

The kindness of strangers

This is a story about a close friend who died and the wonderful message that he sent his dearest companion, Gael, with the help of some very caring, nameless people who took care of him alive, and then not alive.

Community shows the spirit of Christmas is alive

I am writing this letter because of the kindness and generosity of our community. I want to show everyone there is still kindness and caring for our fellow man during these tough times — even when we question if it is there anymore. Yes, there is!

Judge: 2 PSC districts ‘presumptively unconstitutional’ due to uneven population growth

A federal judge issued an order yesterday blocking the state’s top election official from certifying candidates running for the Public Service Commission until the constitutionality of the commission’s district map has been evaluated.

Law Roundup: Caller has a lot to talk about

A caller to the Kalispell Police Department said he wanted to talk about his son and a truck, but then he asked “if you win holding a cardboard sign panhandling on a corner.”

Climate science prevails over politics

This letter does not criticize Monica Tranel, but focuses on her letter of Dec 19, about climate change. The journal “Science of Climate Change” published my landmark paper on this subject on Dec. 14.

Flathead Valley well-represented in 2022 Shrine Game

HELENA — The Flathead Valley and Northwest Montana are heavily represented for the 75th Montana East-West Shrine Game, which released its rosters on Christmas.

Letters to the editor Dec. 25

Letters to the editor Dec. 25

Sleigh rides at Trego ranch a 'magical' experience

Sleigh rides are a magical experience at Cripple Creek Ranch near Trego.

U.S. 93 plan offers vision for Whitefish's gateway

An entrance to Whitefish that represents the character of the community. That’s the vision outlined in the City of Whitefish’s recently adopted Highway 93 Corridor Plan.

Legals for December, 24 2021

Law roundup: Deputies can’t help with mortgage

A Bigfork resident asked the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, wanting them to call his mortgage company to let them know he would be one day late.

Gerald D. 'Jerry' Schreck, 82

Gerald D. "Jerry" Schreck, 82, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully early in the morning on Dec. 16, 2021.

Jeanette J. Strobbe, 89

Jeanette J. Strobbe was born Feb. 18, 1932, in Billings to Jacob and Violet Schessler.

Penny Marie Ramón, 62

Penny Marie Ramón, 62, was surrounded by loved ones when her spirit ascended to heaven on Dec. 20, 2021, in Kalispell.

West Valley home daycare destroyed in fire; no injuries

Firefighters responded to a structure fire at a home daycare on ​Tall Pine Ridge in West Valley on Thursday, Dec. 23 at about 2 p.m.

Gas company sues Interior over Badger-Two Medicine ruling

Attorneys for a Louisiana oil and gas company have asked a federal judge to reinstate a drilling lease it held on land considered sacred to Native American tribes in the U.S. and Canada.

Tests show lead levels a problem in many Montana schools

Of the Montana schools that have met the state's program deadline, most show high levels of lead in school drinking water.

'Unabomber' Ted Kaczynski moved to prison medical facility

The man known as the "Unabomber" has been transferred to a federal prison medical facility in North Carolina after spending the past two decades in a federal Supermax prison in Colorado for a series of bombings targeting scientists.

Fyant, Gillin voted out of CSKT Tribal Council

Shelly Fyant, chairwoman of the Tribal Council of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is one of two Tribal Council incumbents who was defeated in the Tribes’ Dec. 18 election.

The Salvation Army has struck gold, again

Salvation Army volunteer Red Kettle counters were delighted to discover the half ounce Gold American Eagle coin that turned up recently in a Red Kettle manned by the Daybreak Rotary Club.

UM selects Mahdavi as new provost and executive vice president

The University of Montana has hired Dr. Pardis Mahdavi to serve as its next provost and executive vice president, the University’s No. 2 administrator and chief academic officer.

Bitter cold, snow on tap for Christmas weekend

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter in Northwest Montana, with bitter cold, heavy snow and dangerous winds in the forecast for Christmas Day and beyond.

Court hears challenge to state’s new birth certificate law

The challenge to Montana’s change in how it amends sex on a birth certificate got its first hearing in a Yellowstone County District Court on Wednesday, as attorneys for the state argued the case should be dismissed while attorneys for two transgender clients argue the state needs to enact a preliminary injunction to revert back to the law before it was signed into law in April by Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Music School offers veterans guitar lessons

North Valley Music School has partnered with Veterans Upward Bound and the Kalispell Vet Center to launch a Learn to Play Guitar class for veterans.

Donna Jean Sterner, 79

Donna Jean Sterner passed away Dec. 11, 2021, of cancer at the age of 79.

Legals for December, 23 2021

Jeanette J. Strobbe, 89

Jeanette J. Strobbe was born Feb. 18, 1932, in Billings to Jacob and Violet Schessler.

Montana joins lawsuit challenging vaccine mandate for Head Start employees

Montana has joined 23 other states in asking a federal judge to permanently and temporarily stop the Biden administration vaccine and mask mandates for Head Start and Early Head Start students, employees and staff, according to a press release from Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s office.

Donna Rose Bosch, 76

On Dec. 18, 2021, with profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Donna Rose Bosch, our loving devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister to all who loved her.

1223 TWIF brief

Hockaday’s Members Salon 2022 dates set

Hockaday features exhibit of Blackfeet tales and tepees

The Hockaday Museum of Art is currently featuring an exhibit titled “Blackfeet Lodges and the Stories of Sstaniiniki,” which was organized and loaned by the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning.

Glacier Symphony welcomes new year with Masquerade Gala

The Glacier Symphony will host its grand Masquerade Winter Gala on Jan. 15 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.

Elk Management

I am always amused by citizens that say all wildlife management should be science based.

Whitefish woodcrafter joins Kalispell art cooperative

Whitefish woodcrafter Tim Hintze has joined Paint, Metal and Mud, a unique artists’ cooperative, and now has his work on display and for sale at the gallery located in downtown Kalispell

Third act of vandalism committed on Kalispell mural

Following the third incidence of vandalism on a Kalispell mural, a concerned citizens group is upping its reward from $500 to $750 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for the graffiti.

Flathead construction company owner admits wire fraud

A Flathead Valley construction company owner accused in a scheme to defraud customers by spending money intended for projects on unrelated business and personal expenses admitted to a wire fraud crime Wednesday in Missoula’s U.S. District Court.

Two men charged in Butte shooting that left a man dead

Two Montana men face charges in the alleged murder of a 42-year-old man in Butte.

As Covid fueled the drug crisis, Native Americans hit worst

As the pandemic ravaged the country, deaths from drug overdoses surged by nearly 30%, climbing to a record high.

FVCC names new reception hall after college president Jane Karas

Flathead Valley Community College will name the reception hall of its new college center in honor of longtime college president Jane Karas.

FWP finalizes purchase of 772 acres near Columbia Falls

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks closed a deal Tuesday afternoon to purchase 772 acres of prime wildlife habitat along the Flathead River just east of Columbia Falls from the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. and its parent company, Glencore.

Legals for December, 22 2021

Code Girls United receives Spectrum Digital Education grant

Code Girls United is the recipient of a $10,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant for its educational coding, technology, and business program.

Flathead Electric's Gift of Light brightens holiday season

Flathead Electric Cooperative's Gift of Light program, established in 2010, allows donors to support anonymous members struggling to pay their electric bills.

Whitefish taking applications for Health Board seat

The city of Whitefish is taking applications for the city’s seat on the Flathead City-County Health Board.

Fay Lee Pemble, 94

Fay Lee Pemble was born June 6, 1927, in Kalispell, the third of four children to Charles and Verna (Johnston) Pemble.

Kalispell joins opioid settlement agreement

The Kalispell City Council on Monday opted to join a statewide settlement agreement against major opioid distributors.

Law roundup: Man’s colorful language dulls the senses

A store manager heard third-hand information that a man, who walked out of a liquor store, was yelling at people. The man reportedly slipped on the ice and used “colorful language.” The Kalispell Police Department counseled the man about the incident but probably didn’t ask him to paint a picture.

Missouri court adds to ban on Biden contractor vaccine rule

A federal judge in Missouri added another legal block Monday against President Joe Biden's requirement that federal contractors receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

US population growth at lowest rate in pandemic's 1st year

U.S. population growth dipped to its lowest rate since the nation's founding during the first year of the pandemic as the coronavirus curtailed immigration, delayed pregnancies and killed hundreds of thousands of U.S. residents, according to figures released Tuesday.

Whitefish man charged in brutal attack pleads not guilty

A Whitefish man accused of tying up and brutally assaulting a woman entered a not guilty plea Monday in Flathead County District Court.

Law roundup: Vehicle driven recklessly with glee

A silver Jeep SUV tore through a parking lot, almost hitting one of the employees, and the driver laughed before leaving.

Legals for December, 21 2021

Man charged following high-speed chase near Whitefish

A high-speed pursuit near Whitefish last week reportedly hit 100 mph and ended with the suspect fleeing on foot before being subdued with a Taser.

Kalispell student is UM Rhodes Scholar finalist

Teigan Avery of Kalispell is one of two University of Montana seniors interviewed for the Rhodes Scholarship.

Uneven distribution of rapid Covid tests presents challenges

Public health officials and policymakers alike see rapid antigen tests as a strong tool to keep businesses open and parents working. But a look at Montana’s distribution of the tests shows a patchwork system with limited access for many.

Columbia Falls speech captures win at Piratepalooza

Columbia Falls High School speech and debate brought home the hardware at the Polson Piratepalooza Speech and Debate tournament Saturday.

Montana's maple syrup producers face climate change challenges

David Knudson of Missoula is the only licensed maple syrup producer in Montana. He tapped 200 trees last year, sugaring the old-fashioned way.

Berreth, Bigfork down Columbia Falls, 55-31

Berreth scores 19, Scout Nadeau adds 12 for Valkyries

State postpones new election management system

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced Monday that the state will hold off on its transition to a new statewide election management system, indicating in a statement the system has not met all the criteria required for a previously slated January launch.

Montana confirms first cases of Covid omicron variant

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services officials have detected the Omicron variant through testing of positive COVID-19 samples from two Montana residents in their 30s with travel history to South Africa.

Omicron sweeps across nation, detected in Montana

Omicron has raced ahead of other variants and is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the U.S., accounting for 73% of new infections last week, federal health officials said Monday.

Fire consumes Helena Flats home

A house on Helena Flats Road was destroyed in a blaze Sunday afternoon.

Nature reserve buys ranch, grows to more than 700 sq miles

A privately-owned nature reserve that's trying to build a Connecticut-sized park where bison and other wildlife can freely roam on the U.S. Northern Plains says it is purchasing a 50-square mile ranch that abuts the Charles M. Russel National Wildlife refuge.

Kalispell weighs option to join opioid settlement agreement

The Kalispell City Council on Monday will consider joining a series of settlement agreements against major opioid distributors.

Legals for December, 20 2021

Law roundup: Man blames TikTok for tire tampering

Someone allegedly removed all the lug nuts off the rear passenger tire of a man’s truck, which was parked with a trailer on the street.

Whitefish council considers short-term rental rule changes

The Whitefish City Council on Monday will wrap up a public hearing for a proposal that aims to update and improve regulations and enforcement for residential short-term and medium term rentals.

Letters to the editor Dec. 20

Letters to the editor Dec. 20

Bigfork chef finds his niche after Covid upends career in LA

Schafer’s Restaurant chef Jeans Matheros was living a very different life in Los Angeles before the pandemic hit.

Flathead takes second at Tri-State tourney

Gabe Lake and Noah Poe-Hatten are tournament champions

Season's first avalanche warning issued for NW Montana

The season’s first avalanche warning was issued Sunday for Northwest Montana following heavy mountain snowfall overnight.

Montana St. wins first semifinal since '84, beats SDSU 31-17

Montana State freshman quarterback Tommy Mellott accounted for four touchdowns to send the Bobcats to their first title game in 38 years with a 31-17 win over South Dakota State in a Football Championship Series semifinal game on Saturday.

Starbucks vows good faith talks with 1st unionized store

Starbucks vows good faith talks with 1st unionized store

Inflation squeezes holiday budgets for low-income shoppers

Inflation squeezes holiday budgets for low-income shoppers

Popular meat shop expanding in Columbia Falls

Meat shop expanding in Columbia Falls

Letters to the editor Dec. 19

Letters to the editor Dec. 19

New Camas entrance station to open next spring

For the first time in nearly two decades, Glacier National Park will operate an entrance station on the Camas Road beginning the spring.

Patrick Edward Wakefield Heffernan, 64

Patrick Edward Wakefield Heffernan, born Nov. 11, 1957, died Dec. 7, 2021.

Whitefish man charged after woman found taped up and beaten

A Whitefish man is accused of restraining a woman with duct tape and beating her with a belt before she was able to escape to a neighboring house.

Montana manufacturing bouncing back from pandemic, report says

Despite struggling with worker shortages, disrupted supply chains and increased shipping costs, Montana manufacturers fared relatively well during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic and could see a return to pre-pandemic activity this year, according to a new report released by the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center at Montana State University.

Blackfeet student finds her path to UM graduation

Blackfeet student Mariah Omeasoo of Browning overcame challenges to graduate Saturday from UM’s Davidson Honors College and the College of Business.

Legals for December, 19 2021

University of Montana announces fall graduates

The University of Montana announces fall graduates

Holiday harvest: In search of the perfect Christmas tree

For locals in the High Country of western North Carolina, author Gloria Houston’s children’s book “The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree” is as revered as much as the area’s famed cathead biscuits and sweet tea.

Patricia L. (Farris) Bjornstad, 84

Patricia “Pat” Bjornstad was born March 6, 1937, to Forest and Margaret Farris in Kalispell.

Warren Dale Streit, 84

Beloved father, grandfather and pastor, Warren Dale Streit, known to thousands simply as “Brother Streit,” was safely gathered home on Thursday morning, Oct. 14, 2021, in Missoula, with his daughter Becky and son Michael beside him.

Wasteful spending will only make inflation worse

Montana families across the state are feeling the pain in their pocketbooks from inflation and higher prices on everything from gas to groceries to heating their homes. What’s causing this? President Biden and Congressional Democrats’ wasteful spending problems, and their multitrillion dollar reckless tax and spending spree bill will only make matters worse.

Action on climate will create Montana jobs

Around Montana, the impact of climate change is hitting hard: Extreme drought continued through the late fall and December brought record highs. Firefighters are moving from one catastrophe to the next, working longer hours, and longer seasons, than ever.

Responsible gun owners need to be heard

I own a closet full of guns. But nowhere in that closet is ammunition.

Biden boosts fuel-economy standards to fight climate change

Biden boosts fuel-economy standards to fight climate change

Jean Driggers, 72

Jean Driggers, 72, passed away in Gig Harbor, Washington, on Feb. 28, 2021, with her husband Bob by her side and surrounded by the love of her family.

Law roundup: Time for hooky bobbin’ and doughnuts

A woman and her kids were allegedly almost hit by one of five vehicles spinning doughnuts in the mall parking lot.

Late November brings the closing of two seasons

It’s a seasonal rite of passage for me to lift my road bike onto my shoulder and carry it down the steps to the basement where it will wait out the winter.

Restaurant launches in reconfigured Stumptown Marketplace

The creators of Sweet Peaks Ice Cream and Wild Coffee Company are on to their newest endeavor: Stumptown, a new wine and food business in Whitefish’s Stumptown Marketplace.

New conservation agreement aims to protect grizzlies north of Whitefish

With a new conservation agreement for 100 acres along Tamarack Creek north of Whitefish, the Vital Ground Foundation is hoping to protect the habitat of grizzly bears and other wildlife.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

Robert J. Teets, 85

Robert J. Teets, 85, was born June 3, 1936, in Columbia Falls to Robert Charles Teets and Ella Mae Watson Teets.

Manchin upends Biden’s agenda, won’t back $2 trillion bill

Manchin upends Biden’s agenda, won’t back $2 trillion bill

Proper elk management requires collaboration

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ proposal to alter its elk management strategy drew a “firestorm” of public comments over the last month.

1219 Kalispell building permits

Kalispell building permits

Glacier girls third at CMR Classic

Girls wrestling

Wolfpack girls win Missoula City swim meet

Swimming

Sorensen singes nets, Glacier girls win big

Girls Basketball

Bravettes win Best of the West Tournament

Girls Wrestling

Bravettes pull away on Bozeman, now 4-0

Girls Basketball

Wolfpack attacks the rim to edge Raptors

Connor Sullivan leads Wolfpack with 20 points

Hawks hit 11 threes, down Flathead 74-47

Luca Zoeller scores 17 for Flathead

Former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot warns republic is at risk

Former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot warned that fidelity is in jeopardy in America, not only in regard to the state and national constitutions, but to the country's spirit as well. He also said there are serious warning signs that the U.S. Constitution and republic are at risk.

3-year-old girl killed in central Montana trailer fire

A three-year-old girl was killed in a trailer home fire in central Montana, authorities said Friday. The Lewistown Police Department said a firefighter reported smoke coming from the home at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

OSHA vaccine mandate penalties to start Jan. 10

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration said Saturday that it would not issue citations tied to its coronavirus vaccination mandate before Jan. 10, so that companies have time to adjust to and implement the requirements.

Kalispell airports get slice of federal infrastructure funding

Kalispell’s two airports will receive new federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, a press release announced Friday.

Glacier takes three wrestlers into CMR second day

GREAT FALLS — A lot of lessons, a lot of emotion — and three wrestlers going forward at the CMR Holiday Classic.

Kalispell schools to buy more stop arms for buses

Kalispell Public Schools will purchase more extended stop arms for its buses as part of improved Montana bus safety laws.

Law roundup: Man just wants his pants back

A man tried to retrieve his pants and a sewing kit from a neighbor, but she wouldn’t answer her door, he told the Kalispell Police Department.

Bob Dole will be remembered well

With the unrelenting talk about election fraud, I’ve decided now to clear my conscience and disclose that I voted twice for president in 1996.

Flathead wrestlers scoring big in Idaho, Washington

Flathead’s wrestling teams continued to find success Friday, both in Couer d’Alene and Pasco, Wash.

Letters to the editor Dec. 18

Letters to the editor Dec. 18

Board finalizes sale of old C-Falls junior high building

School to become senior housing, wrestling academy

The Columbia Falls School Board on Monday approved a buy-sell agreement with Ruis Holdings to sell the old junior high school.

Patrick Edward Wakefield Heffernan, 64

Patrick Edward Wakefield Heffernan, born Nov. 11, 1957, died Dec. 7, 2021.

Bobcats plan chilly reception for SDSU

Game is at noon at Bobcat Stadium, and on ESPN2

Raptors hold off feisty Flathead boys

Gavin Chouinard leads Flathead with 14 points

Hot-shooting Hawks outscore Wolfpack

Connor Sullivan nets 15 for Glacier

Bigfork High School evacuated following bomb threat

Bigfork High School were evacuated Friday morning following a bomb threat at the school.

Covid shots for kids are scarce, demand mixed in rural Montana

So far, about 15% of the estimated 90,000 children ages 5-11 statewide have received a first dose of the pediatric COVID vaccine.

Kalispell man charged with partner assault for 3rd time

A convicted criminal with a track record of partner assault was arrested again last week following an alleged attack in Kalispell.

Law roundup: Student really doesn’t like her grades

A student was screaming, swearing and throwing plants off a deck because she didn’t like the grades she received that day.

Legals for December, 17 2021

Polson school district bumps up sub pay

The Polson School District has responded to its substitute teacher shortage by increasing the daily pay rate from $96 to $120.

Convicted burglar arrested for forgery

A Flathead Valley man convicted of felony theft in 2019 is back behind bars after he allegedly attempted to cash a stolen check.

Patricia Ann (Dragonfly) Clark, 84

Patricia Ann (Dragonfly) Clark, 84, went to meet her Lord the morning of Dec. 13, 2021.

West Valley proposes $27.3M bond for new middle school

West Valley School will put a $27.3 million bond issue on the May 2022 ballot to purchase property, build a new middle school and renovate an older section of the existing school.

Oversight left Libby subdivision without fire suppression pond

Property owners at a Libby-area subdivision have gone without a piece of fire suppression infrastructure that should have been included in the development but wasn’t owing to an error in Lincoln County’s permitting process.

Schools step up security in response to threats on TikTok

Educators announced plans to increase security in response to TikTok posts warning of shooting and bomb threats at schools around the country Friday as officials assured parents the viral posts were not considered credible.

North Valley Food Bank in urgent need of hams and other holiday food

North Valley Food Bank is seeking help from the community to provide the fixings for free Christmas dinners for neighbors in need.

‘Firestorm’ of public comment leads FWP to rethink elk management proposals

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has backpedaled on a controversial elk management strategy after a public response that FWP Director Henry “Hank” Worsech described as a “firestorm.”

Glacier High goes into soft lockdown following unsubstantiated threat

Glacier High School implemented a soft lockdown Thursday morning following an unsubstantiated threat posted to social media, school officials said.

Housing problem needs an incentive based solution

I read the article on Sunday, Dec. 12 (Town Hall Addresses Causes, Solutions For Homelessness) and had to stop and think about what it is that Montana is NOT doing to help solve this growing problem.

Ford, Buschini, Andersen on FCS ADA team

Two players from Montana, including cornerback Justin Ford, and one from Montana State were named to the exclusive FCS Athletic Directors Association All-America football team Thursday.

Back on the road: Glacier, Flathead wrestlers in top tournaments

Glacier has a two-time state champion amid a burgeoning team. Flathead has the makings of a repeat.

Bigfork, Ronan girls score wins

EUREKA — Emma Berreth scored 16 points, Braeden Gunlock added 15 and Bigfork scored an impressive 54-36 win over Bigfork in a Western 7-B girls basketball battle Thursday.

Carlson 3 lifts Browning over Columbia Falls boys

COLUMBIA FALLS — Jesse Carlson scored 15 points, including a 3-pointer with 7 seconds left, and Browning edged Columbia Falls in Northwest A boys basketball.

Saturday morning hoops for Flathead, Glacier

The Montana State Bobcats’ surge into the FCS semifinals has changed the Saturday tip-off times for Kalispell’s basketball teams.

Legals for December, 16 2021

Local authors' books win awards

A screenplay based on the non-fiction book by local author Grace Larson titled, “Once in a Lifetime Comes a Man,” has won the Best Unproduced Script Award by the LA Independent Women Film Awards. The screenplay was written by Anne Gold.

Ski Heritage Center opens for season on Friday

The Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing announced today that it will open for the winter season on Friday, Dec. 17.

Inez Carlson, 94

Inez passed away peacefully on Nov. 27, 2021.

In-state recruits dominate early signing day for Griz, Cats

The NCAA early signing football period is upon us, and Montana State and Montana combined to add 28 players Wednesday.

Letters to the editor Dec. 16

Letters to the editor Dec. 16

Infrastructure, hard and soft

Every once in a while the public’s attention is drawn to an issue with a name that few people understand and many cannot even pronounce; enter “infrastructure.”

Music School offers veterans guitar lessons

North Valley Music School has partnered with Veterans Upward Bound and the Kalispell Vet Center to launch a Learn to Play Guitar class for veterans.

FLIC film festival celebrates its 10th anniversary

The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) celebrates the 10th anniversary of its winter film festival during the weekend of Jan. 28 to 30 at the Showboat Stadium 6 in Polson.

Local author publishes inspirational book

Georgia Branscome has published her second book, “How God Speaks to Ordinary People,” her personal account of her journey to a deep connection with God.

Glacier Skate Academy presents 'Christmas on Ice'

The Glacier Skate Academy presents "Christmas on Ice" this weekend.

Letter to Supt. Arntzen: Keep up the good fight

We write to refute the unauthorized “no-confidence” letter recently sent to you by certain school superintendents gone rogue.

Law roundup: Man rocks the boat in driveway incident

Someone called the Kalispell Police Department to complain about a man who used equipment to “plow rocks” onto his driveway and said, “he did it on purpose,” in retaliation for not letting him park equipment on their property.

Brawlers, Bravettes top Big Sky in duals

Flathead’s wrestling teams started off their dual season nicely Tuesday, beating the Missoula Big Sky girls 42-12 and the boys 69-0.

Touchdown Tommy makes his mark

Touchdown Tommy Mellott is close to being a household name, even if people at the World Wide Leader don’t quite have the pronunciation down.

C-Falls holds off Eureka in boys hoops

EUREKA — Jace Hill scored 18 points, three more Wildcats reached double figures and Columbia Falls held off Eureka 68-65 for a nonconference boys basketball win Tuesday.

O’Connell, Andersen among HERO Sports All-America picks

A total of 13 players from Montana and Montana State are All-America selections by HERO Sports for 2021, and to no one’s surprise Buck Buchanan Award finalists Patrick O’Connell of Montana and Troy Andersen of Montana State are first-team picks.

Libby wrestlers split duals

LIBBY — Jace DeShazer, Zekiah Meyers and Marley Erickson each won two matches, and the Libby Greenchain split a pair of wrestling duals Tuesday.

Whitefish schools to lift K-6 mask mandate

Face coverings will no longer be required in Whitefish Schools following winter break, the school board decided Tuesday night.

Health worker vaccine mandate remains blocked in half the states

A federal appeals court panel on Wednesday lifted a nationwide ban against President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for health care workers, instead blocking the requirement in only certain states and creating the potential for patchwork enforcement across the country.

Blacktail Mountain opens Friday

Lakeside ski area joins Indy Pass system

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area will open for the season on Friday, the Lakeside ski area announced Wednesday.

Lawmakers clear roadblock in recreational marijuana regs

A state legislative panel has reached tentative consensus with the Montana Department of Revenue on a series of recreational marijuana regulations that lawmakers informally objected to in a meeting last week, resolving — at least for now — the latest in a series of hiccups that have cropped up as the state nears the launch of its adult-use cannabis market.

Montana advances grizzly bear plans that could allow hunting

Montana wildlife officials on Tuesday advanced plans that could allow grizzly bear hunting in areas around Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, if states in the U.S. northern Rockies succeed in their attempts to lift federal protections for the animals.

Yellowstone opens for winter travel, ends wildlife program

Yellowstone National Park opened its roads to oversnow vehicles for the winter season on Wednesday after suspending a wildlife monitoring program that found snowmobiles and other such machines were having minimal effects on wildlife.

Man killed by pack of dogs on Northern Cheyenne reservation

A 58-year-old man was killed by a pack of dogs on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Montana, the Bureau of Indian Affairs said Tuesday.

Kalispell man charged with 4th DUI after crash

A repeat DUI offender convicted of leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase last year is behind bars once again for allegedly driving drunk and crashing his car near Whitefish.

Local students find success in diplomacy

In an interconnected world, addressing global challenges to maintain international peace and security takes a significant amount of negotiation and collaboration.

Wreaths Across America local ceremonies planned

The annual Wreaths Across America will unfold this week with two separate wreath-laying events.

John Pemberton, 84

John Pemberton, 84, of Columbia Falls, was born in Cass Lake, Minnesota, on Aug. 15, 1937, and died in Kalispell on Dec. 12, 2021.

Interest building in downtown Kalispell parking garage

The Kalispell City Council anticipates voting on a proposed downtown parking structure during its first meeting of the new year, on Jan. 3.

John Meyer

John Meyer was born in 1933 in Kent, Ohio, to Grace and Russell Meyer and died on Dec. 8, 2021.

Kymber Rhea Johnson, 11

Kymber Rhea Johnson was born on Feb. 17, 2010, in Whitefish to her parents James and Ashley Johnson, the second of three amazing girls that they would bring into this world.

Health experts worry Covid vaccination rates inflated

The CDC's online vaccine tracker shows virtually everyone 65 and older has received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, but health experts worry COVID vaccination rates are inflated.

Beatrice L. Duval Jensen, 92

Psalms 23:1-6 Beatrice was the first born of nine children, born July 19,1929, to Leon and Anita (Sauvageau) Duval in Fargo, North Dakota

Marcia Jeane Pauli, 80

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, Marcia Jeane Pauli, loving wife and mother of two, Tony (Kathi) and Teresa (Jeff), passed away at the age of 80.

Law roundup: Time is money for watch aficionado

He said the timekeepers stopped arriving after changing his address and alleged his ex had kept six months and nearly $5,000 worth of watches.

Mary Olive Brist, 79

Mary Olive Brist, 79, was born to Stanley Gardipee and Louise Parouteau in Harlem, Montana, Jan. 9, 1942.

Whitefish Christian Academy seeks to make temp classrooms permanent

Whitefish Christian Academy is asking the city of Whitefish to allow temporary classrooms at the school to be made permanent.

Legals for December, 15 2021

Phyllis Marvin, 90

Phyllis was born Sept. 15, 1931, to Roger and May Kinniburgh Booth in Wolf Point, Montana, and passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

FVCC names theater in honor of longtime faculty member

Flathead Valley Community College is renaming its campus theater in honor of retired Performing Arts Department Chairman Joe Legate. The Joe Legate Black Box Theatre, located in the Arts and Technology building, recognizes his 30-year career at the community college where he played a leading role in building the performing arts program.

Parental rights advocates come to Arntzen’s defense

A pair of public school board trustees from Missoula and Kalispell emailed a letter to state Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Tuesday refuting recent criticisms of her leadership of the Office of Public Instruction and praising her “steadfast support” for local school boards, parents and teachers.

Man dies after jumping off I-90 bridge fearing oncoming semi

A Baltimore man who got into a crash on Interstate 90 in western Montana died after jumping off a bridge, apparently in fear that an oncoming semitractor-trailer was going to strike the crashed vehicles, Mineral County officials said.

New master plan calls for more firefighters, equipment

The Whitefish Fire Department needs to bring on additional firefighters and plan for future equipment purchases, according to a plan that examines the operations of the department.

Law roundup: Turns out, it’s not more than a feeling

Maybe it was just heartburn a person experienced when they described having “a bad feeling” after driving past a location and seeing four teens walking around.

Glacier speech and debate grabs 'wild' win

In a win described by Glacier High School head coach Greg Adkins as one of the wildest finishes at a speech and debate tournament, the Wolfpack squeaked by Flathead High School by a mere half a point this weekend.

Legals for December, 14 2021

Bonner knife makers stand test of time

Bonner knife company stand the test of time.

Melting Glaciers will produce new salmon habitat, study suggests

In a new study involving researchers from the University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station, scientists discovered warming trends may offer one silver lining to climate change, if only for a while: the retreat of glaciers in the Pacific mountains of western North America potentially could produce more than 6,000 kilometers of new Pacific salmon habitat by the year 2100.

Evergreen Chamber awards dedicated community members

Evergreen Chamber awards four dedicated community members

Kalispell woman charged in alleged cancer fraud scheme

A Flathead Valley woman accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from donors in an alleged cancer fraud scheme has been charged in Flathead County District Court.

Glacier Park plans ticketed entry at Polebridge

Glacier National Park formally announced Monday it will require a ticketed entry to gain entrance to the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer and has added a ticketed entry for the Polebridge entrance to the park as well.

Kalispell parking structure tops council work session agenda

A major component of The Charles Hotel, a boutique hotel proposed in downtown Kalispell, is up for review at the Kalispell City Council work session Monday evening.

BofA CEO: Consumers spending at fastest pace he’s seen

BofA CEO: Consumers spending at fastest pace he’s seen

Biden admin reveals 60 finalists for $1B in economic grants

Biden admin reveals 60 finalists for $1B in economic grants

Legals for December, 13 2021

Medicare urged to flex its power and slash back premium hike

Medicare urged to flex its power and slash back premium hike

Longtime Kalispell Police records official heads into retirement

Teresa Parker went to work when she was just a junior in high school and after nearly half a century, she’s ready for the joys of retirement.

Response to library board criticism

I am responding as an individual to comments published in the Dec. 9 letters to the editor, not for the library board.

Norma Teresa Munro

Norma Teresa Munro was born on Nov. 14, 1926, and passed on Dec. 9, 2021, at the age of 95.

Letters to the editor Dec. 13

Letters to the editor Dec. 13

Logan Health — Whitefish

Landon Gregory Curtis, son of Jeremy Curtis and Sierra Alina Curtis of Bigfork, was born Oct. 14, 2021, at Logan Health-Whitefish.

Law roundup: Man goes on road rage rampage

A man reportedly pulled out of a business on U.S. 93 S. and didn’t think he cut anyone off, but told the Kalispell Police Department he had a hard time getting traction then a man with road rage followed him in a small white pickup on the bypass to the U.S. 2 W. ramp.

Glacier dominates first swim meet of year

Drew Bouda, Isaac Keim and Madison Taylor all won two events

Disgraced ex-Montana police chief cleared of sex assault

A former Montana police chief who pled guilty to a federal child pornography charge this week has now been cleared of separate sexual assault allegations investigated by the state.

Town hall addresses causes, solutions for homelessness

There was a connecting theme at a town hall meeting Wednesday in Kalispell to address homelessness in the Flathead Valley: prevent it before more community members fall into its trap.

Letters to the editor Dec. 12

Letters to the editor Dec. 12

Bigfork student promotes idea of family at school

Bigfork High School student body president Nya Schara leads with compassion, kindness for her fellow classmates.

Nada L. Halan, 90

Nada L. Halan, 90, passed on very peacefully with her family in attendance in Whitefish the morning of Dec. 8 , 2021.

Herbert W. Koenig. 92

Herb Koenig went to meet his Lord and Savior peacefully the morning of Nov. 27, 2021.

Kalispell food truck plans national franchise campaign

Rescue Dog, a Kalispell food truck, recently expanded beyond the Flathead by securing a national trademark.

Logan Health Whitefish

Dawson Everett Davis, son of Travis and Lauren Davis of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 8, 2021, at Logan Health Whitefish. He joins Kinslee.

Out-compete China with tech freedom

China has a plan. It wants to be the dominant technology country by 2035.

Board overreach is gutting our library

Eyebrows were raised recently when ImagineIF Library Board Vice Chairman Doug Adams announced at a standing-room only board meeting that he would like the library to cut ties with the American Library Association.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Ellen Wilson, 69, and Larry Wilson, 69

Ellen and Larry Wilson passed away on Nov. 27, 2021, in Helena due to complications from Covid.

County OKs tiny home project; neighbors object

A plan to build nine residential tiny homes on 4.18 acres at 125 Wiley Dike Road in the Lower Valley near Somers won approval from the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday.

Patricia Lee Wyatt, 67

Patricia Lee Wyatt, 67, of Columbia Falls, died after a long, courageous battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and leukemia on Dec. 6, 2021.

Legals for December, 12 2021

17 million words (or so): that’s all she wrote

Well, dear folks, the time has come for me to put down my pen — back away from the computer is more like it — and head into retirement.

New shop makes downtown Ronan pop

The Gilligan family of Ronan has taken family popcorn night to a whole new level.

Darren Dean Yarde, 56

Darren Dean Yarde of Kalispell passed away Dec. 6, 2021, peacefully after a long battle.

Robert Joe ‘Bob’ Komenda, 62

Robert Joe “Bob” Komenda passed away suddenly at his home in Marion on Nov. 22, 2021.

Law roundup: Dog in its element chasing squirrels

A spotted white and brown dog was in its element to a property owner’s dismay, when it reportedly spent 25 minutes barking at squirrels up a tree in their yard.

Flathead muzzleloading group more than a flash in the pan

For nearly 40 years, the members of the Flathead Muzzleloader Association have been spending the second Saturday of each month stepping back in time to the days of Jeremiah Johnson, John Colter and Jim Bridger and the mountain men of early Montana.

Politicians beholden to the gun lobby

Oxford High School is the newest addition to the national list of mass school shootings.

Montana elk hunting traditions in danger

Elk hunting is everything to Montanans. We guard our vacation days with jealousy in anticipation of elk camp deep in the forests or Breaks country. We choose our sick days wisely and work hard for just the chance of harvesting an elk.

Walter Arthur Ryder, 93

Walter Arthur Ryder, 93, of Boise, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2021, following a brief illness.

River Roadhouse repurposed from vintage gas station

After being empty and idle for nearly nine years, a classic 1970s gas station west of Thompson Falls has been transformed into the River Roadhouse, and is now open for business.

PHOTOS: When the Night Comes

When the Night Comes is a fundraiser held by the nonprofit Sparrow's Nest of Northwest Montana which benefits homeless high school students in the Flathead Valley. Participants spent the night outdoors sleeping in cars and tents at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Dec. 10. Sparrow's Nest received over $42,000 in donations according to executive director Rachelle Morehead.

Flathead first, Pack third at Flathead Girls Invite

Girls Wrestling

Kentucky governor: Storms may have killed at least 70 people

Kentucky's governor said a monstrous tornado may have killed at least 70 people in the state and the toll was climbing after severe weather ripped through at least five states, leaving widespread devastation.

PHOTOS: Blue Light Tree Lighting Ceremony honors fallen law enforcement officers

People gathered to light candles, sing "Silent Night" and "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and to say a brief prayer to honor fallen law enforcement officers at the annual Blue Light Tree Lighting Ceremony outside the Flathead County Justice Center on Thursday, Dec. 9.

Johnson, Palmer help James Madison eliminate Montana 28-6

Cole Johnson passed for 295 yards and two touchdowns, Latrele Palmer rushed for 167 yards and a score and third-seeded James Madison eliminated No. 6 seed Montana 28-6 in the FCS quarterfinals on Friday night.

Law roundup: Woman takes long bathroom break

A woman locked herself in a bathroom and refused to come out for several hours, according to a call to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

Letters to the editor Dec. 11

Letters to the editor Dec. 11

Man sentenced for assaulting county jail guards

A Kalispell man who violently assaulted three jail guards earlier this year was sentenced Thursday in Flathead County District Court to serve time in the Montana State Prison.

Congress must stop the reckless spending

As we approach Christmas, we have one request to Montana’s federal delegation: please do everything in your power to stop the reckless taxing and spending proposal currently working its way through Congress.

Vaccine rule an attack on personal liberty

When I saw the news that Biden’s vaccine mandate had been blocked, I felt as though a ton of bricks had been lifted from my shoulders. Several co-workers and I went running to each other to share the news.

The Woodlands community presents a choral Christmas concert

“Sing We Now of Christmas” is the theme of the December Woodlands concert,featuring the Kalispell’s Woodlands Choir and the Treasure State Chorale.

Braves start 3-0 at Mining City Duals

Flathead downs Missoula Big Sky, Browning and Hamilton

Converse, Kubi lead Bravettes to victory

Clare Converse, Akilah Kubi each score 12 points as Flathead downs Great Falls

Fine levied in fight over mask after Knudsen intervened

A Montana man accused of threatening a restaurant manager with a handgun when he was asked to wear a face covering during the height of the pandemic was fined $100 on a misdemeanor charge, after state Attorney General Austin Knudsen intervened in the case to block more serious charges sought by local prosecutors.

Testing underway on new elections management system

Testing is underway on a new elections management system for Montana that county elections leaders warned last month was still full of bugs and didn’t appear ready for a target January 2022 start.

Company fined after exposing Montana workers to arsenic

A company that operated a Montana plant to to turn mining waste into roofing materials was fined and ordered to conduct medical monitoring of workers on Friday, after pleading guilty to a criminal charge that it exposed employees to arsenic.

Conservation group sues Army Corps over Columbia pollution

A conservation group is suing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, saying the agency is polluting the Columbia River with hot water, oil and toxic chemicals that are killing large numbers of endangered salmon.

Commissioners reappoint 2 Health Board members

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday decided to retain incumbent Board of Health members Dr. J. Peter Heyboer II and Ronalee Skees, reappointing them for another three-year term.

Gwendolyn Iowla (Meader-Evans ) Biggar, 97

Gwendolyn Iowla (Meader-Evans ) Biggar, 97, of Eureka, passed away on Dec. 2, 2021, at her home with her family by her side.

Cleanup plans considered for Libby vermiculite mine site

Officials overseeing the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site are a step closer to selecting a cleanup solution for contaminated property in and around the former vermiculite mine.

Brandon Lee Meier, 34

Brandon Lee Meier, 34, passed away on Nov. 29, 2021.

Law roundup: Man mistakenly reports elderly neighbor

After a robbery, neighbors were advised to call law enforcement if they saw any vehicles coming down a dead-end road.

Legals for December, 10 2021

AR-15 shooter accused of parole violation

A Flathead Valley man convicted of firing a gun during an incident at a state fishing access site last year is behind bars after several alleged probation violations.

Pirate boys deepest of very deep league

Polson was the best of a solid Northwest A boys basketball league a season ago, and the Pirates have the manpower to stay on top — but it won’t be easy.

Kats remain favored in young Northwest A

Columbia Falls has talent and history on its side, and that might be enough to outlast the competition in the Northwest A girls basketball race.

Column: Griz keep proving they belong

It is perhaps with maroon-colored glasses that Montana coach Bobby Hauck views his team’s 57-41 win over Eastern Washington in the FCS playoffs last Friday.

Second season of girls wrestling starts Saturday

The second season of Montana girls wrestling kicks off Saturday with the Flathead Invite, which is looking like it will have a huge turnout.

Braveheart chaplains provide critical service

As a police officer for 12 years, I have witnessed my fair share of tragedy.

Favorable conditions surprise skiers on opening day

Skiers and boarders waited a little longer this year to hit the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort, but four Columbia Falls High School students didn’t waste a single second getting up the mountain.

3 men face arson charges after fires burned 13 homes

Three men, one of whom told investigators that they were driving around "smoking marijuana and shooting fireworks at each other inside the vehicle" last week, face arson charges after two fires burned 13 homes south of Great Falls, Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter said.

Montana senators vote to block vaccine rule for private businesses

Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester crossed party lines Wednesday to support a resolution that blocks a federal rule requiring vaccines or weekly testing for workers at private businesses with 100 or more employees.

County extends health officer contract, OKs pay raise

The Flathead County commissioners have extended the contract for Public Health Officer Joe Russell to June 30, 2022, and gave him a raise as the county continues its search for a new health officer.

A few tickets remain for ATP’s upcoming shows

• Alpine Theatre Project brings back the hit concert of the summer, “Killer Queen,” Dec. 10 and 11, at Casey's, 101 Central Ave. in Whitefish.

Afghan resettlement endangers our communities

Following the Biden Administration’s completely mismanaged withdrawal from Afghanistan, I have been extremely vocal in opposition to the mass evacuation and resettlement of Afghan nationals in America.

History museum hosts its annual open house

The Northwest Montana History Museum is hosting its fourth annual Holiday Open House Wednesday, Dec. 15, featuring local author and historian John Fraley who will be signing copies of his new re-release“Wild River Pioneers.”

PHOTOS: Shop With a Cop

Columbia Falls Police Department officers participate in the Shop With A Cop program.

Legals for December, 9 2021

State seeks to increase archery range at Lone Pine State Park

The Lone Pine State Park archery range is the only developed, outdoor public archery range in the Flathead Valley.

State commission considers changes to bull elk permits

The most controversial proposal is one that would change the number of limited-entry bull elk permits in some hunter districts where elk numbers exceed the state’s population objective.

Law roundup: Strange sheet going on at woman’s house

Strange things were happening at a woman’s house that she couldn’t explain and wanted to speak to a Kalispell Police Department officer. She reportedly put sheets in the washing machine, but when she went to take them out they were gone. Was it a thief? A ghost? A significant other or her child who finally helped out with household chores? She was counseled by an officer.

Donna Lee Heffner, 71

Donna Lee Heffner, of Dayton, Montana, was born on May 5, 1950, in Havre to Clifton Lee and Donna Beverly Matthews and died on Nov. 8, 2021 in Kalispell.

Glacier Symphony celebrates the season with ‘Holiday Classics’

The Glacier Symphony continues its holiday celebrations with its Holiday Classics concert.

Bigfork Children’s Theater stages ‘Elf’

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater presents the holiday musical “Elf” — fun for the entire family.

WTC hold auditions for ‘The Revolutionists’

The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding auditions for its production of “The Revolutionists” Dec. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Letters to the editor Dec. 9

Letters to the editor Dec. 9

Outdoors columnist bags big bull elk

Hunting with me was my guide, Brett and a hunting facilitator, Greg, who books hunts for an outfitter named Bob Walker.

Terry Mero

Terry Mero of Bend, Oregon, died peacefully Nov. 17, 2021.

WTC’s ‘Elf The Musical’ adds new showtime

Due to popular demand, the Whitefish Theatre Company has added a performance for its holiday show “Elf The Musical.”

UM's O’Connell among 3 Buchanan Award finalists

The Montana Grizzlies’ Patrick O’Connell is getting to Frisco, Texas, one way or another.

Eureka, Bigfork, T-Falls girls to battle in 7-B

The District 7-B got a little bigger, and not just in terms of teams (Plains is up from Class C), but in terms of length.

Bigfork boys could go big after New Year

On their way to another boys basketball season, the Bigfork Vikings took a little detour through Florence – and came out of the Bitterroot a man short.

Consistent Lady Wolfpack retools for another run at state

Here’s what the Glacier girls have going for them: One returning starter, two seniors, and a whole lot of consistency.

Bravettes just may rise to the top

While the Flathead Bravettes didn’t have a great 2020-21 girls basketball season, garnering just two wins in a pandemic-shortened campaign, they were putting down quite the foundation.

Glacier replaces seniors with big front line

It was a cache of seniors that graduated off last year’s Glacier boys basketball team, which upset Missoula Hellgate on the way to the State AA tournament.

Braves bring size, youth to 2021-22 season

It’s unique that a basketball team can graduate a 6-foot-8 senior (Ezra Epperly), and the first detail that people mention ahead of the new season is size.

Officers investigate body found in burned camper

After the fire was extinguished, crews found a body inside the trailer, which was destroyed in the blaze.

Glacier National Park names interim superintendent

Kate Hammond will take over the reigns of Glacier National Park as a temporary detail in early January.

Timber harvest planned near Star Meadows; new ski trails proposed

The Flathead Forest is taking public comment on a substantial forest project planned for the Star Meadows area west of Whitefish.

Pfizer says COVID booster offers protection against omicron

Pfizer said Wednesday that a booster of its COVID-19 vaccine may offer important protection against the new omicron variant even though the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.

Ex-Montana police chief pleads guilty to child porn charge

A former Montana police chief pleaded guilty Tuesday to distributing child pornography via social media, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Montana said.

Freight train hits car, kills 2 people in northeast Montana

A Valley County couple died when the car they were in was struck by a freight train at an unmarked crossing in northeastern Montana, the Montana Highway Patrol said.

$500K bond set for man charged in mother's stabbing death

Bond was set at $500,000 for a Billings man who was charged with stabbing his mother to death over the weekend and wanted to know why he couldn't plead guilty at his initial court appearance Tuesday.

Gwendolyn Iowla (Meader-Evans) Biggar, 97

Gwendolyn Iowla (Meader-Evans) Biggar, 97, of Eureka, passed away on Dec. 2, 2021, at her home with her family by her side.

Brandon Lee Meier, 34

Brandon Lee Meier, 34, passed away on Nov. 29, 2021.

Students plan an escape fundraiser for suicide awareness

Who can escape to save Christmas in Whoville?

Jeffrey Allen Watts, 50

Jeffrey Allen Watts, an educator to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all, was a beloved man.

Creston subdivision proposals top Planning Board agenda

Two proposed subdivisions in the Creston area top the Flathead County Planning Board agenda for Wednesday’s meeting.

Former Kalispell councilman Rod Kuntz appointed to Health Board

Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson selected former Kalispell City Council member Rod Kuntz as the city’s representative for the Flathead City-County Health Board at a meeting on Monday.

Donald Henry Anderson

On Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, outlaw Donald Henry Anderson passed away peacefully with his two daughters at his side.

Larry C. Iverson, 78

Larry C. Iverson, 78, of Conrad, and formerly of Kalispell, passed on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.

Melvin Oftedahl, 85, and JoAnn Oftedahl, 81

Melvin and JoAnn Oftedahl celebrated 63 years of devotion to each other on Aug. 22, 2021. They lived a life of love, service and hard work that was centered on family and Christian values.

Suzanne Bahny, 70

On Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, Suzanne Bahny acquired her angel wings.

Legals for December, 8 2021

Whitefish downtown parking permits on sale

Permits are on sale now for Whitefish’s downtown parking permit pilot program.

Robert ‘Bob’ Kenneth Keller, 67

In the early morning hours of Dec. 6, 2021, instead of saying happy birthday to our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin Robert “Bob” Keller, we said our loving goodbyes.

Bigfork, Eureka each get 3 All-State picks

Three players from runner-up Bigfork and three more from semifinalist Eureka were named All-State for Class B football, in voting by Western B coaches.

Grandmother and granddaughter hike for a cause in Glacier Park

Though 70 years separate Kay Knapton and her granddaughter Olivia Secord, the pair hiked 50 miles in Glacier National Park this summer to raise funds for climate awareness and the Glacier Park Conservancy.

District superintendents critical of Arntzen's performance

Asserting that Superintendent Elsie Arntzen’s leadership is “creating serious deficiencies” and undermining public education as a central tenet of democracy — one recognized by the Montana Constitution — the top leaders of the state’s AA schools are demanding the head of the Office of Public Instruction restore the agency and start supporting schools instead of “throwing rocks at local school districts.”

Newspaper group: Regulators wrongly charging for public info

The Montana Public Service Commission is requiring hefty payments for legal reviews before releasing information that should be public record, a newspaper group alleges in a court petition against the agency.

Former school employee, first responder sentenced for rape

A former private school employee and Flathead Valley first responder charged with rape has been sentenced to state prison.

Montana election critics push for special legislative committee

Two Republican state lawmakers spoke to Montana’s Legislative Council Monday to reiterate an appeal made earlier this fall for the formation of a special legislative committee to investigate alleged irregularities in Montana’s 2020 election.

Law roundup: Wife blames husband for tone-deafness

A Kalispell woman complained to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office that her husband made her tone-deaf reportedly after blasting low- and high-pitched tones from somewhere and said she felt gaslighted, manipulated and unwelcome in her own home.

Glacier High continues speech season undefeated

Glacier High School speech and debate team bested the competition in Bozeman this weekend, continuing an undefeated season.

Gina Teresa Johnson, 63

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, Gina Teresa Johnson, loving mother, sister, grandmother, auntie, cousin and friend, passed away at age 63.

Salish Plant Society aims to help native people learn about traditional food sources

The Salish Plant Society aims to help native people learn about traditional food sources.

Whitefish veteran’s sacrifice memorialized in film

The story of Whitefish veteran Norbert Herriges, who died in 1944 when he was shot down by a German fighter pilot during World War II, is the focus of a French film.

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Kalispell mural targeted by vandals, again

A mural inside a pedestrian tunnel by the MyPlace hotel in North Kalispell was hit with a second wave of vandalism days after offensive graffiti was discovered defacing the artwork.

Legals for December, 7 2021

Evergreen Chamber tops red kettle bell ringing competition

The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce topped the Salvation Army red kettle bell ringing competition last Thursday by bringing in a whopping $5,074.57 for the day.

Whitefish ski resort postpones opening day

For the first time in 10 years, Whitefish Mountain Resort has decided to delay its stated opening day.

Gianforte petitions to have grizzly bears delisted

Gov. Greg Gianforte said Monday the state will petition the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to delist the grizzly bear in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.

Authorities ID pedestrian who died in Evergreen crash

The crash is being investigated by the Montana Highway Patrol.

Gianforte allocates $5M in federal funds to cover child care costs for medical workers

Montana will disperse $5.5 million in federal funding to assist health-care workers with the cost of child care, Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office announced Monday.

Missoula woman pleads not guilty to killing her 2 children

A western Montana woman pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of deliberate homicide alleging that she killed her young children last month by cutting their throats.

Charlo woman dies in crash after striking moose

A moose entered the roadway and the vehicle struck it, causing heavy damage to the front of the car.

Logan Health Whitefish

Dawson Everett Davis, son of Travis and Lauren Davis of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 8, 2021, at Logan Health Whitefish.

Letters to the editor Dec. 6

Letters to the editor Dec. 6

Legals for December, 6 2021

Poker pro shares her love of wilderness by giving to local nonprofits

Poker pro shares her love of wilderness by giving to local nonprofits

Kalispell council to finalize redistricting, consider numerous development projects

The Kalispell City Council on Monday will vote to redistrict its four wards, and will tackle a long list of development proposals.

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

The Whitefish City Council has packed its final meeting agenda for the year with a number of big decisions, ranging from a proposed mandatory curbside recycling program to a reconsideration of where marijuana may be sold in the city starting in January.

Law roundup: Store not stoked by skateboarder

A male was allegedly kicked out of a business after refusing to stop skateboarding in the store.

Union Pacific train derails in central Idaho

A Union Pacific train derailed early Sunday morning in central Idaho.

Montana man arrested after woman fatally stabbed

A Montana man was arrested on suspicion of deliberate homicide in connection to the weekend stabbing death of a 67-year-old female relative, police said.

Helium prospecting picking up in north-central Montana

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Helium prospecting is picking up in north-central Montana with Canadian companies expanding south after years of development in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Think snow: Ski areas prep for opening day

It has felt like spring lately, but the 2021-2022 ski season is almost here. Whitefish Mountain Resort is scheduled to start spinning its lifts on Tuesday, Dec. 7.

Door-to-door ski delivery service offers ‘extra level’ of convenience

Ski delivery service offers ‘extra level’ of convenience

Town hall meeting to address homelessness, poverty

Collaborative Housing Solutions of Northwest Montana will host a Homeless Town Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, at the Gateway Community Center in Kalispell.

Edwin Keith Nirider, 91

Edwin Keith Nirider passed away at his home in Kalispell on the eve of Nov. 16, 2021.

Trump social-media venture under scrutiny by US regulators

Trump social-media venture under scrutiny by US regulators

Betty Ann Nordtome Glazier, 99

Betty Ann Nordtome Glazier, 99, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 1, 2021.

Barbara Jean Kelly, 77

Barbara Jean Kelly, 77, passed away on Nov. 9, 2021, in Billings.

Avor Hohenshilt, 84

Avor Hohenshilt was born May 5, 1937, to Elizabeth Hoffman and Kenneth Cantrell in New York, New York, and passed on Oct. 30, 2021, of natural causes.

Sams’ confirmation is a historic moment

Charles “Chuck” Sams III was confirmed last month as National Park Service director, making him the first Native American to lead the federal agency that oversees more than 131,000 square miles of parks, monuments and battlefields across the U.S.

Robert Lawrence 'Bob' Mack, 80

Robert Lawrence “Bob” Mack passed away Nov. 25, 2021.

Model railroad group shares passion for hobby

For more than two years, the Flathead HO RR Module Group has been sharing its love of model trains around Kalispell.

Gerald 'Jerry' Thomas Madsen, 81

Gerald “Jerry” Thomas Madsen passed away on Nov. 28, 2021, at Logan Health from complications related to asbestos and agent orange exposure.

Logan Health births

Thane Odin Morton, son of Justin and Jasmine Morton of Somers, was born Nov. 4, 2021, at Logan Health Medical Center.

Why your small business should be offering gift cards this holiday season

This may be the season to start offering gift cards to your customers.

Cloyd Rex Peterson

Dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, brother and son, Cloyd Rex Peterson, passed peacefully into the arms of his beloved wife Ann on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021.

Recent study aims to estimate lynx population in Glacier Park

For the first time ever, scientists may finally be able to determine the population of lynx inside Glacier National Park.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Eloise Marie McLauchlin Hill, 84

Eloise Marie McLauchlin Hill, 84, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 1, 2021, at the age of 84.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

Letters to the editor Dec. 5

Letters to the editor Dec. 5

Gerald Virgilious 'Jerry' Newbury, 89

Gerald Virgilious “Jerry” Newbury was born in Whitebear Lake, Minnesota, on June 3, 1932;

Treasury wants more oversight of all-cash real estate deals

Treasury wants more oversight of all-cash real estate deals

1205 Building permits

Building permits

Law roundup: Man compelled to count cigarettes in store

The Kalispell Police Department responded to a report of a man who kept going inside a location to harass other customers and count cigarettes on a counter.

‘The Bag Lady’ helps keep homeless warm

Barbara St. John has been distributing specially made coats that double as sleeping bags to homeless individuals in the Kalispell area.

China tries to reassure on Evergrande as default fears rise

China tries to reassure on Evergrande as default fears rise

NYC to impose vaccine mandate on private sector employers

NYC to impose vaccine mandate on private sector employers

Christmas Stroll returns to Whitefish Dec. 10

Downtown Whitefish will be in full holiday regalia for the annual Whitefish Christmas Stroll this Friday, Dec. 10, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., with the lighting of the Depot Park Christmas trees, the arrival of Santa Claus in a horse-drawn wagon, street corner caroling, fire-dancing, juggling and much more.

Legals for December, 5 2021

Eureka girls build lead, top Stillwater Christian

Ixone Coteron scored 18 points, 13 in the first half, and Eureka took command early in a 59-41 non-conference girls basketball win over Stillwater Christian Saturday.

Big Sky notes: Another special victory for Griz

How special can special teams be? Let the Montana Grizzlies count the ways. Garrett Graves, sophomore out of Eureka, returned the third-quarter pooched kickoff 27 yards to set his team up at the 48; that led to a field goal that gave the Grizzlies the lead for good in a 57-41 FCS playoff win over Eastern Washington Saturday.

Glacier Park to keep ticketed entry for 2022 season

Glacier National Park will require tickets to enter the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor in the 2022 summer season, park spokeswoman Gina Kerzman confirmed Friday.

PHOTOS: The Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees took place at the former Alpine Lighting building at 333 S. Main St. in Kalispell on Friday, Dec. 3.

Humphrey, Griz light up Eagles to win 57-41

Cam Humphrey threw for three touchdowns and the Montana defense tightened up in the third quarter of the Grizzlies’ 57-41 win over Eastern Washington Friday in a second-round FCS playoff game

Northwest Montana should embrace Hecla

In addition to being a longtime citizen and business owner in Northwest Montana, I have been honored to serve the public as an elected state representative and county commissioner.

Daryl Baldik, 66

Daryl Baldik, our beloved brother, left us to be with our Lord Jesus on July 23, 2021.

Thinking of baby Maya’s forever mountain view

The Daily Inter Lake recently published the Toronto Star editorial “What to make of Glasgow climate summit.” My ears perk up when I hear about Scotland.

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations declining in Montana

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The number of COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations have been declining in Montana, the state health department told the governor.

Letters to the editor Dec. 4

Letters to the editor Dec. 4

Mural on Kalispell trail vandalized with hate messages

A mural in the pedestrian tunnel behind the MyPlace hotel in Kalispell was recently vandalized, according to Kip Smith with Rails-to-Trails of Northwest Montana.

Law roundup: Woman declines to answer ‘personal question’

A truck driver asked a woman to go outside with him so he could “ask her a personal question.”

West Valley students gain insight with play tweaked for modern audience

Deception, love, honor, friendship, marriage and social media.

Convicted killer accused of parole violation

An Evergreen man convicted of strangling his neighbor to death during a fight 13 years ago is facing a possible return to state prison after he allegedly got into a drunken fight with another man in Deer Lodge in October.

Montana inmate confesses to 1968 slaying, dismemberment

A Montana prison inmate serving a 100-year sentence for killing his wife in 1983 has confessed to strangling, sexually assaulting and dismembering a 19-year-old Helena woman 15 years earlier, authorities said Friday.

Interim library director resigns amid conflict with board

The interim director of ImagineIF Libraries has resigned amid growing tension between some library board members and library staff over what she sees as board overreach in how the library is operated.

Dale Lee Walter, 77

Dale Lee Walter, 77, of Kalispell, died peacefully Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, with his daughter Deborah Walter by his side.

Civil Air Patrol celebrates 80th anniversary

Flathead home to state's largest squadron

The U.S. Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary branch of the Air Force, celebrated its 80th anniversary Wednesday.

Columbia Falls man jailed after alleged road rage incident

A Columbia Falls man with a violent past has been charged with a felony after a reported road rage incident earlier this week.

Lake County voters to consider local marijuana tax

With the legal sale of recreational marijuana set to begin Jan. 1 across Montana, Lake County residents are being asked to weigh in on whether to impose a local tax to benefit county and city governments.

Home listed for $1.5M in Glacier under contract in 3 days

A manufactured home recently listed for $1.5 million in Apgar Village in Glacier National Park was under contract in a matter of days, another illustration of just how hot the real estate market is.

Legals for December, 3 2021

Law roundup: Drone not interested in paranoid man

A man was upset about a drone flying near his house.

Troy city clerk cracks open town's book of the dead

Over the past two years, Tracy Rebo, Troy’s clerk and treasurer, and other city officials have paired entries in the record book with information from the cemetery plat and a catalog of plot sales to chart the layout of the city’s burying ground.

Craft Brewers Cup back for 10th year

Ten teams of hockey players from across Montana will lace up their skates for the 10th annual Craft Brewers Cup this weekend, a brewfest and hockey tournament that benefits local youth hockey.

Seasoned QBs in one place, new faces at the other

Friday could be the Grizzlies’ time to shine, though the Bobcats seem intent on stealing headlines.

Glacier, Flathead players garner AA honors

Rendina first-team All-State for second year

The Glacier Wolfpack’s run to the semifinals came thanks to several standout players, and five of them were named first-team All-State for AA football in voting by coaches.

Wildfire destroys 24 houses in central Montana town

A late-season wildfire that came amid unseasonably warm weather and was pushed by strong winds ripped through a tiny central Montana farming town overnight, burning 24 homes and four grain elevators that had stood for more than a century.

Wednesday was Kalispell's warmest December day on record

Kalispell set another record high temperature Thursday while most residents were still asleep.

Deal reached to reduce Yellowstone's bison herd by 600-900

Officials have agreed to allow as many as 900 bison from Yellowstone National Park to be shot by hunters, sent to slaughter or placed in quarantine this winter in a program that seeks to prevent the animals from spreading a disease to cattle.

Law roundup: Too early for Christmas decor?

Someone called the Kalispell Police Department after seeing lights flashing in different directions like strobe lights at a neighbor's house.

Pedestrian killed on U.S. 2 in Evergreen

A pedestrian was stuck and killed in Evergreen on Wednesday evening, according to authorities investigating the incident.

Montana lacks snow plow drivers, road clearing could be slow

Montana's Department of Transportation warned residents Thursday that it could take longer to clear snow from highways this winter because the state has been unable to hire enough snow plow drivers.

Decomposed bodies found in Lake Blaine home

Investigators are working to determine the causes of death of two men found inside a residence in the Lake Blaine area.

Montana river level rising after gate on dam repaired

Workers have repaired a failed gate that releases water from a southern Montana dam, restoring water flow to a river known for its high-quality trout fishing, said dam operator NorthWestern Energy.

Judge blocks law that would allow more guns on campuses

Montana lawmakers overstepped their authority in passing legislation that would allow more people to carry guns on public college campuses, a state judge has ruled.

Covid vaccine clinic draws hundreds of kids

Christmas carols and health-care workers clad in elf costumes greeted over 200 children and their parents at a Covid-19 vaccination clinic Wednesday at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater stages ‘Elf’

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater presents the holiday spectacular musical “Elf” based on the “soon to be classic” movie, Dec. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19.

Glacier Symphony and Chorale perform 'Messiah' this weekend

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale performs Handel’s iconic “Messiah” at three Flathead Valley locations beginning Dec. 3 in Bigfork.

Goguen sues New York Post for defamation

In response to a recent article published in the New York Post, Whitefish philanthropist Michael Lewis Goguen has sued the media outlet for defamation.

Bird of the Month: Boreal chickadee

They are relatively tame and curious after the breeding season when they flock together in small groups.

Glee Club carols Friday at Paint, Metal & Mud

The North Valley Music School Glee Club will be performing live music for the public during the Holiday Art Stroll Dec 3 outside of Paint, Metal & Mud’s new location, 8 First St. E. (suite 104) in downtown Kalispell.

Barbara Marlene Hupfer Stevens, 85

Barbara Marlene Hupfer Stevens passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at her home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the age of 85.

Gypsy Theatre Guild reads ‘A Christmas Carol’ in Conrad Mansion

There are a few tickets still available for the Dec. 4 and 5 afternoon shows of Gypsy Theatre Guild’s “A Christmas Carol Radio Broadcast” at the Conrad Mansion Museum in Kalispell. The shows begin at 2 p.m.

Legals for December, 2 2021

Letters to the editor Dec. 2

Letters to the editor Dec. 2

Vigilante justice

Does the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse, who was accused of murdering two men and wounding another at a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, broaden the way for Americans to take the law into their own hands?

Goo Goo Dolls in concert July 18 at Kettlehouse

Logjam Presents makes its first announcement for the 2022 KettleHouse Amphitheater summer concert series

Audubon will hold two bird counts in Flathead Valley

Two counts will take place in the Flathead Valley: the Bigfork Count, now in its 48th year, and the 23-year old Kalispell Count.

Local children’s author signs his books Saturday

Montana author, book illustrator and painter Vernon Anderson will be at Phillips Studio & Gallery signing his children’s books for “Saturday Afternoon at the Mall” Dec. 4 from 1 to 3 pm.

State's first muzzleloader season for deer, elk kicks off Dec. 11

The season begins on Saturday, Dec. 11 and ends Sunday, Dec. 19.

ATP brings back hit concert and Christmas classic

Alpine Theatre Project brings back the hit concert of the summer, “Killer Queen,” Dec. 10 and 11, at Casey's, 101 Central Ave. in Whitefish.

Dora C. Gates, 94

Dora C. Gates, 94, died on Nov. 23, 2021, in Kalispell.

Inge Salmonsen, 96

Inge Salmonsen, 96, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021.

Embrace your inner elf with ‘Elf The Musical’

Full of holiday cheer, Whitefish Theatre Company’s “Elf The Musical” opens this weekend with shows on Dec. 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.

Keri Keefe watercolor exhibit at Phillips Studio

“Anthology in Watercolor” will be the first exhibition at Phillips Studio & Gallery to explore the work of Montana artist Keri Keefe.

Shop around for affordable health coverage

Who doesn’t love a deal? Especially at this time of year, we all like to find the best price on groceries and holiday gifts. And we all have a friend who will stand in line in the dark and cold for a Black Friday sale.

1202 TWIF Briefs

Head downtown Friday for Kalispell’s Art Walk & Holiday Stroll

Logan Health pauses vaccine requirement

Logan Health has suspended its plan to require employees receive the Covid-19 vaccine following a court’s ruling that temporarily pauses a federal vaccine order for health-care workers.

Wind-pushed fires force evacuations, burn homes in Montana

Hundreds of people in the town of Denton were forced to flee flames pushed by strong winds in central Montana on Wednesday, while a fire south of the city of Great Falls burned 11 homes as well as sheds and other small buildings, officials said.

Montana man dies of gunshot wound in hunting accident

A western Montana man has died of a gunshot wound in an apparent hunting accident, Ravalli County officials said.

Building Western Montana’s herd — Applications being accepted for association’s heifer program

The Western Montana Stockmen’s Association is seeking to build herds for 4-H and FFA youths by awarding heifers to lucky youths in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula and Sanders counties.

Kalispell doctor resigns from UM residency program following criticism over posts about vaccine

A Kalispell doctor who drew public criticism for his role supervising doctors-in-training with the University of Montana and while serving on the West Valley School Board has left the higher education post, according to officials there.

Mission Ridge picks longtime Blacktail Mountain employee as new manager

Longtime Blacktail Mountain employee Jessica Wood has been promoted to general manager as the new resort owner, Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort, takes the reins.

Claire Kasala, 88

Claire Kasala, 88, passed away Nov. 22, 2021, surrounded by friends and family.

Ronald J. Weprek, 64

Ronald J. Weprek, 64, took his final dirt nap Nov. 18, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones in Kalispell.

Cayuse Prairie program aims to create peaceful classrooms

Cayuse Prairie School's PAX Good Behavior Game encompasses a set of strategies teachers can use in the classroom in efforts to reduce disruption while teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors linked to self-management, self-control and self-regulation.

Legals for December, 1 2021

Law roundup: Deputies clean up laundry situation

Although tenants had been evicted from a Kalispell house for a few weeks, someone’s dirty secret was aired after indications the washer and dryer were recently used was discovered.

Robert 'Bob' Morrison, 99

Robert “Bob” Morrison, 99, died of natural causes at his residence in Kalispell Nov. 25, 2021.

Robert Lawrence 'Bob' Mack, 80

Robert Lawrence “Bob” Mack passed away Nov. 25, 2021.

Norah Grace Dooley Korn

Norah Grace Dooley Korn was born to Alma Lucile and John Loran Dooley on Dec. 14, 1932, in the small town of Creede, Colorado, and passed away Nov. 17, 2021, at her home in Kalispell.

Tara LaReene (Rasmussen) Wahl

Tara LaReene (Rasmussen) Wahl went to her reward on Nov. 12, 2021, at Logan Health Medical Center.

Columbia Falls man accused of threatening baby

A Columbia Falls man with a lengthy criminal history is charged with threatening an 8-month-old baby during a recent incident.