Ellington

Earl Hunt golf tourney back for 85th year

Temperatures are hot and so will be the competition at the 85th Annual Earl Hunt 4th of July Tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Former police chief pleads not guilty to child porn charges

The former police chief in East Helena has pleaded not guilty to three counts of distributing and one count of possessing child pornography.

Montana man pleads not guilty to federal hate crime charge

A Montana man has pleaded not guilty to a federal hate crime charge filed after he was accused of threatening a person with violent, homophobic slurs and firing seven shots into the person's house with an AK-47 rifle, prosecutors said.

Montana reduces coal ash cleanup bond at power plant

The state of Montana has reduced the cleanup bond it is requiring to guarantee the cleanup of coal ash near the Colstrip power plant in southeastern Montana, but the state is still requiring a full cleanup.

Montana governor lifts state of emergency for coronavirus

Gov. Greg Gianforte on Wednesday announced he is lifting Montana's state of emergency for the coronavirus pandemic, more than 15 months after it was imposed under his predecessor.

Bill Cosby freed from prison, his sex conviction overturned

Pennsylvania's highest court threw out Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction and released him from prison Wednesday in a stunning reversal of fortune for the comedian once known as "America's Dad," ruling that the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor's agreement not to charge Cosby.

Backcountry camper kills aggressive moose in self-defense

Idaho wildlife officials say a backcountry camper killed a moose in self-defense after the animal charged him and his dog.

Historic Northwest heat wave may have killed hundreds

Hundreds of deaths in Canada, Oregon and Washington may have been caused by the historic heat wave that baked the Pacific Northwest and shattered all-time temperature records in usually temperate cities.

Panel to study Montana prison contracts, criminal justice data

People incarcerated in Montana prisons pay on average $9.24 to make a 15-minute out-of-state call to their families, according to the Prison Policy Initiative.

Gianforte snubbed as Biden announces wildfire initiatives

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte didn't get an invitation to attend a meeting of western state governors at the White House on Wednesday to discuss a worsening wildfire threat across the region, which is once again set to experience a costly and severe fire season amid record-high temperatures, widespread drought and a weather system that's made June look more like August.

As wildfires rage, Biden is raising federal firefighter pay

President Joe Biden is temporarily raising pay for federal firefighters to ensure that no one fighting wildland fires is making less than $15 per hour.

Donald 'Don' Hunt Fairbank, 89

Donald “Don” Hunt Fairbank passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 in Kalispell.

Law roundup: Triple bogey tantrum thrown by golfers told to behave

Three people were allegedly screaming and yelling obscenities at other groups in a pro shop and were upset because they were told to behave or they couldn’t play.

Kelly W. Kvigne, 67

We are sad to announce the death of Lt. Col. (Ret.) USMC Kelly Kvigne at his home in Kalispell on June 16, 2021, from complications of an auto accident in 2019.

Legals for June, 30 2021

Robert William Cash, 50

Special Agent Robert William Cash passed away May 29, 2021, after a five and half year valiant battle against colorectal cancer.

William Haley Rice, 79

William Haley Rice was a lion of a man. Blessed to be a part of his life, his family is gutted to announce his passing on June 15, 2021.

Montana high court will decide on legislative subpoena power

The Montana Supreme Court said Tuesday that it will decide whether lawmakers had the power to subpoena the emails of the court's administrator.

Condo board boss warned of worsening damage before collapse

Weeks before a Florida condo building collapsed, the president of its board wrote that structural problems identified in a 2018 inspection had "gotten significantly worse" and owners needed to pay a hefty price to get them fixed.

Fireworks restrictions vary throughout Flathead Valley

Some Flathead Valley firefighting officials are pleading with the public to refrain from setting off fireworks this Fourth of July and instead attend professional displays, as an unprecedented heat wave creates prime conditions for destructive fires in wildland and urban areas.

Record-setting heat dome scorches western Montana

Woodland Water Park was the place to be in Kalispell on Tuesday as a potentially record-setting heat dome settled over western Montana.

Officials ID man killed in crash near Hungry Horse Dam

Authorities have identified a local man who died early Tuesday after his car went off a road and plummeted about 200 feet down a steep slope near the Hungry Horse Dam.

Montana judge blocks portions of campaign finance bill

A District Court judge in Montana has temporarily blocked parts of a campaign finance bill that ban voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts in certain areas of college campuses and would require judges to recuse themselves from cases if they have received campaign donations from anyone involved in the case.

Whitefish man sentenced for shooting at Idaho bar

A Whitefish man who pleaded guilty to firing into a crowd outside a bar in downtown Coeur d'Alene last summer will spend up to 15 years in prison.

First African American named to lead Forest Service

Veteran forester Randy Moore has been named chief of the U.S. Forest Service, the first African American to lead the agency in its 116-year history.

Open burning season ends July 1 in Flathead County

Open burning season will end July 1 in Flathead County and northern Lake County. Debris burning is prohibited through July, August and September due to increased fire danger.

Authorities ID Kalispell man who died in crash

Authorities have identified a Kalispell man who died in a traffic crash June 20.

Local speech and debate competitors excel at nationals

Local high school speech and debate students broke into the top 60 at nationals, with Flathead High competitor Alan Taylor among the top 32 in the Congress House event.

Flathead man accused a second time of DUI with kids in vehicle

A little more than two years ago, Allen Paul Parsons drove drunk at more than 80 mph with three children ages 7 years and younger in the vehicle. Before his case was resolved, Parsons missed 25 appointments for breath tests and failed another.

Law roundup: Teen’s gazes makes woman suspicious

A woman told the Columbia Falls Police Department a teenager with shaggy hair was “walking around and acting weird” on Martha Road.

Legals for June, 29 2021

Early lead sets stage for Logger victory

American Legion baseball

Lakers A team wins with a walk-off

American Legion baseball

California bans state travel to Montana, 4 other states

California has added five more states, including Montana, to the list of places where state-funded travel is banned because of laws that discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community, the state attorney general announced Monday.

Crews spend 5th day atop shaky pile of collapsed concrete

Rescuers searching for a fifth day for survivors of a Florida condo building collapse used bucket brigades and heavy machinery Monday as they worked atop a precarious mound of pulverized concrete, twisted steel and the remnants of dozens of households.

Judge dismisses gov't antitrust lawsuits against Facebook

A federal judge on Monday dismissed antitrust lawsuits brought against Facebook by the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of state attorneys general, dealing a significant blow to attempts by regulators to rein in tech giants.

2 killed when train hits tractor-trailer east of Livingston

A freight train hit a semitractor-trailer at a crossing east of Livingston, killing both people in the cab of the semitractor, Park County officials said.

Justices deny Wyoming, Montana coal suit against Washington

The U.S. Supreme Court decided Monday that it won't allow Wyoming and Montana to sue Washington state for denying a key permit to build a coal export dock that would have sent coal to Asia.

North Valley Hospital changes name to Logan Health Whitefish

The board of directors of North Valley Hospital voted last week to rename the facility Logan Health Whitefish — the latest step in a large rebranding effort by the health-care system formerly known as Kalispell Regional Healthcare.

Dangerous heat warning issued for Northwest Montana

The record-setting heat wave that has been broiling the Pacific Northwest will finally envelope portions of the Northern Rockies beginning Tuesday through the weekend.

Another legal challenge filed over judicial appointments

Another legal challenge has been filed over a new law that eliminates the Judicial Nomination Commission and allows Montana's governor to directly fill judicial vacancies between elections.

Montana warning of increase in fentanyl-related overdoses

Several Montana state agencies are warning of an alarming increase in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths.

Deadly standoff destroys Billings woman's home and peace of mind

Deb Klusman was 800 miles from home attending a nephew's wedding in Arizona when her alarm company contacted her on April 23 to say the interior garage door of her Billings home had been kicked in.

No injuries reported in plane crash near Marion

No injuries were reported Sunday after a small single-engine plane clipped a power line and crashed into a stand of trees near Round Mountain Loop in the Marion area west of Kalispell.

Montana missing persons task force discusses root causes, structural change

Montana's task force on missing Indigenous people met in Helena this week, digging into strategies to tackle the state's intractable crisis.

Legals for June, 28 2021

Law roundup: Woman delivers on malodorous promise

An immature dog owner purportedly became irate and told a man she was going to take all her dog’s poop and leave it on his lawn after he asked her to stop letting the canine defecate in his yard while they were out walking.

Kalispell council to discuss federal funding, pot rules

Three hefty discussion items are on the agenda for the Kalispell City Council’ work session Monday evening, including discussion about the city’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds.

NVH births

Zoey Helene Triplett, daughter of Collin Triplett and Breanna Okerberg of Whitefish, was born April 2, 2021, at North Valley Hospital.

Letters to the editor June 28

Letters to the editor June 28

New Soroptimist president focuses on nonprofit’s future

Soroptimist International was founded in 1921, shortly after women gained the right to vote in the United States. Betsy Kohnstamm, the incoming president of Soroptimist International of Whitefish, is making it her No. 1 priority to ensure the local group doesn’t fade into history.

Twins’ walk-off win gets them to title game

American Legion baseball

Bipartisan infrastructure deal back on track after walk-back

A bipartisan deal to invest nearly $1 trillion in the nation's infrastructure appeared to be back on track Sunday after a stark walk-back by President Joe Biden to his earlier insistence that the bill be coupled with an even larger Democrat-backed measure in order to earn his signature.

AA Lakers move to 3-1 at Palouse tournament

American Legion baseball

Twins, Rangers win Friday Gallo games

American Legion baseball

Drought woes in dry US West raise July 4 fireworks fears

Many Americans aching for normalcy as pandemic restrictions end are looking forward to traditional Fourth of July fireworks. But with a historic drought in the U.S. West and fears of another devastating wildfire season, officials are canceling displays, passing bans on setting off fireworks or begging for caution.

Hometown cowboys to compete in Bigfork rodeo

The Bigfork Summer Pro Rodeo returns to the Bigfork Rodeo Grounds on July 5-7 beginning at 7 p.m. each night.

Perspectives: Critical race theory

Perspectives: Critical race theory

Boys and Girls Club gets grant to restart Evergreen program

The Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country recently received a grant of $100,000 from the Whitefish Community Foundation to expand its program into Evergreen.

Bigfork man's research chronicles Echo Lake Fire of 1921

The 3,000-acre fire destroyed homes, farms and the Mud Lake Schoolhouse before rains finally brought it under control.

Carla 'CJ' Jeanne Taylor (Stowe), 58

Carla “CJ” Jeanne Taylor (Stowe), 58, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2021 with her children by her side after a 19-year-long battle with multiple sclerosis

Pandemic-era Mobile World Congress tech fair kicks off

A major wireless technology trade fair kicked off in Barcelona on Monday with scaled-back attendance and beefed-up health and safety measures, changes that reflect the new reality for industry conventions in the pandemic era.

Stocks trade mixed on Wall Street after big gains last week

Stocks trade mixed on Wall Street after big gains last week

Food truck is long-awaited dream for Whitefish grad

Golden Sammies food truck, owned and operated by Robert Bertelsen, serves up unique sandwiches across the Flathead.

Law roundup: Campfires not allowed in store parking lot

A manager called Kalispell Police Department to report a campfire going on the parking lot, which wasn’t allowed, and wanted an officer “to swing by” to talk to them because she wasn’t supposed to leave the store.

Protect your small business from ransomware attacks

The Better Business Bureau offers tips for keeping small businesses secure from ransomware attacks.

Proposed county budget calls for 2.1% spending reduction

The Flathead County commissioners are scheduled to vote Tuesday on a preliminary operating budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year that would reduce spending by about 2.1%.

Too many Montana children lack health insurance

In a prosperous Montana, all children – in our cities, rural areas, tribal communities, and everywhere in between – would be able to grow with health and security. Children who have health care are better able to grow into happy, fulfilled adults who contribute to their communities. But Montana’s children are losing out, and our state has work to do.

Flathead Business Watercooler

business watercooler

Racial discrimination has no place in Montana schools

A recent thoughtful and well-reasoned opinion on critical race theory from Attorney General Austin Knudsen has people on the left stamping their feet and pulling out their hair.

UM Family Medicine Residency Program graduates 10 new family physicians

Underserved and rural areas in Montana and other states will gain 10 new family medicine physicians when the University of Montana’s Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana graduates its sixth class today, June 27.

Steven Joe Tancre, 66

Steven Joe Tancre, a caring son, brother, husband, father and friend, left this world unexpectedly on April 15, 2021, at the age of 66.

Joyce Gallo-Bonner, 91

Joyce Gallo-Bonner, 91 of Whitefish, passed away on June 17, 2021, at her residence at Timber Creek in Columbia Falls.

County vaccination effort saved lives

Flathead City-County Health Department last week wrapped up its large-scale community immunization clinic at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. The effort to coordinate and administer as many shots as possible, as efficiently as possible, was nothing short of heroic.

A (former) room with a view

Having worked from home the previous eight months, coming back to the office at the beginning of June has taken some adjustment.

Margie Lorraine Puckett Corbett, 84

Margie Puckett, 84, ran into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at her she-shed in Kalispell, with her daughter Becky, son-in-law Keith and ever faithful cat Saco by her side.

Honda changing course, will build its own electric vehicles

Honda changing course, will build its own electric vehicles

Philip Robert 'Butch' Jensen, 63

Philip Robert "Butch" Jensen was born on Dec. 13, 1957, to Phillip N. Jensen and Mildred "Millie" Neilson, and passed peacefully on June 9, 2021.

Andrea Elizabeth (Ryan) Halden, 73

Andrea Elizabeth (Ryan) Halden was born on June 21, 1948, in Whitefish. She passed away at her home from medical problems on June 21, 2021, on her birthday, at the age of 73.

Razor start-up firm relocates to Kalispell

Paul Tappon and Mike Sopuch are on the cutting edge of the razor industry. The pair of University of Montana graduates founded Uno Shave Co. in 2019 in an effort to simplify shaving.

Re-prioritizing capital projects

American Rescue Plan money will soon flow into Montana and directly to local governments.

Nonprofit faces delays as it battles housing crisis

COVID-19, along price increases in lumber, labor, and other building materials have delayed completion of the organization's five-house project in Lakeside.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Implementing a culturally responsive curriculum is our duty

Recent discussions over curriculum content in Montana schools have been missing student opinions, even though we receive the education.

Legals for June, 27 2021

Woman pleads guilty in connection with crash that killed son

A woman who was involved in a multi-car collision earlier this year has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and other charges in connection with the crash that killed her 10-year-old son.

Agencies OK cleanup at grain elevator site

After several months of cleanup at the former CHS grain elevator site in Kalispell, environmental agencies have determined no further action is required at the property, where contamination from various hazardous substances had been found.

Broadband expansion will bring substantive changes

Broadband connectivity is about power. Some have it – some don’t. Montana is ranked almost dead last in the country for broadband coverage.

Anti-government icon raises concern during Kalispell visit

A former Arizona sheriff and hero of the anti-government militia movement has returned to the Flathead Valley to speak at conservative gatherings, sell his self-published books and promote his curious view of the United States' system of government.

Law roundup: Bear breaks into truck near Whitefish Lake

Bear breaks into truck east of Whitefish Lake

Letters to the editor June 26

Letters to the editor June 26

Man involved in 2019 drive-by shooting to plead guilty

A Flathead Valley man who was implicated in a drive-by shooting on the west side of Kalispell four days before Christmas 2019 has agreed to plead guilty.

A Lakers walk away with Harp tourney win

The Kalispell A Lakers managed just two hits Friday, but add in 10 walks and they had enough to beat the Billings Cardinals at the John R. Harp tournament, 6-2.

AA Lakers split first 2 at WSU tournament

Gage Brink had two hits, drove in two runs and scored three times Thursday night as the Kalispell AA Lakers beat the Spokane Expos at the WSU Summer Palouse Tournament.

Twins get lopsided win at Ed Gallo wood bat tourney

Mason Peters and Stevyn Andrachick set the table, and the Glacier Twins cleaned up for a 23-0 win over Kootenai Valley Thursday night at the Ed Gallo Wood Bat Tournament.

Pioneer League baseball on way to Kalispell

Newly a MLB “partner league,” it appears the Pioneer League has found a new partner: professional baseball could be coming to Kalispell in 2022.

Historic heat wave blasts Northwest as wildfire risks soar

The Pacific Northwest sweltered Friday and braced for even hotter weather through the weekend as a historic heat wave hit Washington and Oregon, with temperatures in many areas expected to top out up to 30 degrees above normal.

Flathead forest plan ruling favors environmental groups

A federal judge ruled in favor of environmental groups Thursday in a lawsuit that challenged the way roads are managed in the Flathead National Forest.

Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin's knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the U.S. in generations.

Explainer: How Montana will use funds to limit evictions

A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year is scheduled to expire July 31, after the Biden administration extended the date by a month. The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and had fallen months behind on their rent.

Montana to use federal money to boost child care capacity

More than $30 million of federal funding could be directed toward expanding child care capacity in Montana under recommendations approved by a state health advisory commission.

Man dies after double shooting near Montana police station

A 22-year-old Illinois man has died after a Montana shooting that left a teenager with gunshot wounds just up the alley from a police station, authorities said.

Sun Road fully reopens through Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road fully reopened for the 2021 visitor season on Friday morning. Motorists now can travel the road all the way through the park between the West Glacier and St. Mary entrances.

159 still missing in Florida condo collapse

About 160 people were still unaccounted for Friday, a day after an oceanside condominium building collapsed into a pile of rubble, and searchers combing through a twisted, shifting pile of concrete and metal feared the death toll of at least four could go much higher.

Report: Over 600 bodies found at Indigenous school in Canada

Leaders of Indigenous groups in Canada said Thursday investigators have found more than 600 unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school for Indigenous children — a discovery that follows last month's report of 215 bodies found at another school.

Legals for June, 25 2021

Nonprofits selected for Great Fish Community Challenge

More than 60 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations will participate in the seventh annual Great Fish Community Challenge hosted by Whitefish Community Foundation Aug. 5 to Sept. 17.

Flathead County gets $3M-plus federal payment

Flathead County will receive a $3.114 million payment from the federal government under a program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.

Law roundup: Potbelly pig purportedly held for ransom

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a call from someone requesting a welfare check on a truck driver when he missed his drop-off to deliver a Vietnamese potbelly pig, and instead drove 20 miles past the delivery address to Hungry Horse, where the pig was dropped off with an unknown person.

Alleged hotel streaker back in jail after DUI charge

Daniel Weston Morton was first arrested and jailed in early May after local authorities said he exposed himself to a number of people and assaulted others at a local hotel.

Lois Lorraine (Hanson) Phillips, 93

On Friday, June 18, 2021, Lois Lorraine (Hanson) Phillips went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 93.

US seeks to bolster firefighter ranks as wildfires increase

U.S. wildfire managers are considering shifting from seasonal to full-time firefighting crews to deal with what has become a year-round wildfire season and making the jobs more attractive by increasing pay and benefits.

COLUMN: Quiet run of Black and Blue success

Ahead of a Thursday flight out of Glacier Park Airport, Lance Heavirland took stock of the past high school rugby season and noted the seniors, together for six or seven years, had been really good.

Black and Blue took first, second at state

The Flathead Valley Black and Blue came up gold and silver on May 22, at the Montana state rugby football tournaments held in Helena.

Montana considers new rules to curb wolves amid public ire

A Montana commission advanced Thursday proposed rules that would allow the use of snares to hunt wolves and extend the wolf trapping season after the Republican-controlled Legislature passed laws earlier this year meant to reduce the state's wolf population.

Biden extols bipartisan infrastructure deal as a good start

President Joe Biden announced on Thursday a hard-earned bipartisan agreement on a pared-down infrastructure plan that would make a start on his top legislative priority and validate his efforts to reach across the political aisle. But he openly acknowledged that Democrats will likely have to tackle much of the rest on their own.

Not your average heat wave: Record-high temps to bake Montana

A heat wave of unprecedented stature is on track to swamp western Montana next week, and residents are advised to take it seriously.

Human skull discovered in Flathead Lake

A human skull was discovered in Flathead Lake on Wednesday.

Butte-Silver Bow awards first cash prizes for COVID vaccines

Butte-Silver Bow County announced the initial winners of its vaccination sweepstakes on Thursday, as it also begins a marketing campaign aimed at increasing the number of people who are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Daily Inter Lake Daybook

Daybook

Montana couple rescues horse from drowning in river

A western Montana couple were able to save a horse from drowning in the Bitterroot River on Father's Day, and may have made a new friend in the process.

Boom in Native American oil complicates Biden climate push

On oil well pads carved from the wheat fields around Lake Sakakawea, hundreds of pump jacks slowly bob to extract 100 million barrels of crude annually from a reservation shared by three Native American tribes.

Many feared dead after Florida beachfront condo collapses

A wing of a 12-story beachfront condo building collapsed with a roar in a town outside Miami early Thursday, killing at least one person and trapping residents in rubble and twisted metal. Rescuers pulled out dozens of survivors and continued to look for more.

Kalispell council OKs numerous development projects

The Kalispell City Council on Monday approved several requests for new construction and adjustments to existing properties, though a couple of the proposals drew some added back-and-forth discussion among council members.

Young wildlife, just leave them alone

It’s not uncommon for well-meaning people to pick up deer fawns or other wildlife.

Kenny Chesney announces 2022 concert in Bozeman

After postponing a tour stop last year in Bozeman due to the pandemic, country music star Kenny Chesney recently announced he will now play Bobcat Stadium Saturday, July 9, 2022.

Hungry grasshoppers spurred by US drought threaten rangeland

A punishing drought in the U.S. West is drying up waterways, sparking wildfires and leaving farmers scrambling for water. Next up: a plague of voracious grasshoppers.

Legals for June, 24 2021

Piecemakers’ Guild hosts annual quilt show

The Bigfork Piecemakers’ Quilt Guild hosts its annual quilt show June 25 and 26 at Bigfork Elementary School, 600 Commerce St. in Bigfork.

Patricia Louise (Taylor) Broad, 70

Patricia Louise (Taylor) Broad, 70, passed away on June 4, 2021, from complications after a long battle with cancer.

'Yellowstone Reconsidered' project honors Indigenous people of Yellowstone country

Mountain Time Arts is hosting the first of many inter-tribal gatherings in response to next year’s 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park.

Sharon M. Hunter, 80

Sharon Margaret Hunter, of Bigfork, died on June 18, 2021, at Heritage Place in Kalispell due to a steady decline following a stroke and seizures on April 18, 2021.

Laurel and Hardy classic screened at History Museum

The Northwest Montana History Museum’s next Movie Night at the Museum begins at 7 p.m. Monday, June 28, with the 1937 Laurel and Hardy classic “Way Out West.”

0624 TWIF Briefs

Third show added to Ed Asner’s production'God Help Us!

Blood shortage prompts widespread call for donations

Facing a critical blood shortage, the nonprofit transfusion medicine organization that supplies dozens of hospitals and clinics throughout Montana, Idaho and Washington with blood products recently urged individuals to donate blood as soon as possible to their local clinic.

ATP presents ‘Disney’s Descendants’ musical comedy

Alpine Theatre Project returns to the Whitefish Performing Arts Center for the first time in 18 months when it presents the ATP Kids production of “Disney’s Descendants” this weekend.

Summer concerts return to Flathead Valley

Enjoy the Riverbend Concert Series Sundays in Bigfork

Bigfork Summer Playhouse stages ‘Bonnie and Clyde’

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse’s production of “Bonnie and Clyde — The Musical” opens Wednesday, June 26, at 8 p.m.

Extremism threatens credibility

I think it was the 1977 Montana Republican state convention, and the speaker standing before the delegates was newly elected Congressman Ron Marlenee.

Law Roundup: Pup accused of attempted getaway

A stray dog jumped into the cab of a man’s truck and he didn’t want to attempt to remove it. He said it looked like the dog ripped off its leash.

Letters to the editor June 24

Letters to the editor June 24

CFAC study details cleanup plan for old aluminum plant

Marking the end of a five-year process, Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. and its parent company Glencore have released a 538-page feasibility study that details how they intend to clean up the old aluminum plant.

Montana man arrested for causing fire near Yellowstone

A Montana man was arrested Wednesday for causing a fire near Yellowstone National Park that has burned 46 square miles and torched more than two dozen homes and other structures.

Environmentalists threaten to sue Montana over new wolf laws

A coalition of environmental advocacy groups threatened Wednesday to sue the state of Montana if it implements new laws passed earlier this year permitting the snaring of wolves and expanding trapping seasons, which they say could pose a threat to the state's grizzly bear and lynx populations.

Kayaker succumbs to injuries

A kayaker who sustained a head injury and nearly drowned while paddling on the Swan River May 28 has died.

Missing mushroom hunter found alive in northern Idaho

A 76-year-old northern Idaho man who went missing for four days after going mushroom hunting has been found alive.

Interior Dept. finalizes return of Bison Range to tribes

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced Wednesday it has finalized the transfer of the 18,800-acre National Bison Range to the trust ownership of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Yellowstone, Grand Teton wildfire risk creeping higher

The risk of wildfires is growing with more warm, dry weather in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Whitefish budget decrease reflects less capital spending

The Whitefish City Council on Monday approved a $42.5 million preliminary budget for fiscal year 2022 that's dramatically lower than last year due to a decrease in capital project spending.

Whitefish man involved in standoff jailed on other charges

A Whitefish man involved in a recent standoff with police is locked up on unrelated charges from an alleged incident earlier this year.

Report: Climate change means less snow for Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park visitors hoping to see its world-renowned geysers, wolves and bears can expect warmer temperatures and less snow as climate change alters the park's environment, according to a report by U.S. and university researchers released Wednesday.

Montana Legislature withdraws subpoenas, drops case against judicial branch

The Legislature on Tuesday announced it will withdraw all outstanding subpoenas issued against members of the judiciary over the past three months, a major reversal in the rancorous dispute that centered on whether the Legislature acted properly in seeking extensive records from Supreme Court justices and the court administrator. By withdrawing its subpoenas, the Legislature said, pending litigation between the Legislature and court administrator Beth McLaughlin becomes moot.

Daines, Tester split on Democrats' big voting rights bill

The Democrats' sweeping attempt to rewrite U.S. election and voting law suffered a major setback in the Senate on Tuesday, blocked by a filibuster wall of Republican opposition to what would be the largest overhaul of the electoral system in a generation.

Jan Tow, 94

How do you thank someone who has given you the moon and the stars?

Michael J. Flanagan, 75

The family of Michael J. Flanagan is sad to announce that he passed away on June 12, 2001.

Laurence 'Larry' Robert Snyder, 87

Laurence “Larry” Robert Snyder entered heaven on June 18, 2021, to be reunited with his departed family.

Law roundup: Man fires ‘finger guns’ and misses

A man waved “finger guns” and screamed at someone who was trying to clear a park pavilion for a group.

New Swan River School principal starts July 1

Joseph “JJ” Lamb of Missoula has been selected as the new principal of Swan River School following the resignation of Marc Bunker.

Elmer Leroy Bastrom, 91

Elmer Leroy Bastrom, 91, of Whitefish, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2021.

Whitefish ski museum opens for season Thursday

The Whitefish Ski Heritage Museum will open for the summer season Thursday.

James ‘Jim’ Wendell Corbett, 80

On Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 1:30 p.m., James “Jim” Wendell Corbett passed into heaven from Cedar Wood Villa in Red Lodge, Montana.

Legals for June, 23 2021

Loggers, Mavs A split Tuesday twinbill

Caden Williams hit a 3-run inside-the-park homer and threw five innings of shutout ball for the Libby Loggers, who held on for a 9-8 win over the Missoula A Mavericks in Legion baseball Tuesday.

Bigfork’s Makena Morley to compete at U.S. Olympic trials

Bigfork native Makena Morley will run in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon this weekend in the women’s 10,000 meters.

Glacier Twins sweep 2 from Red Sox

Zach Veneman pitched six strong innings in a laugher, and Jacob Polumbus hit a grand slam for Glacier in a slugfest as the Twins swept a Class A Legion doubleheader from the Bitterroot Red Sox Tuesday.

15 GOP governors urge release of Census redistricting data

Fifteen Republican governors sent a letter Tuesday to the U.S. Department of Commerce urging that the U.S. Census Bureau release redistricting data as soon as possible, saying further delays would hurt efforts to redraw congressional and legislative districts.

Inter Lake sweeps newspaper column writing awards

The Daily Inter Lake swept the category for best column writing in the Montana Newspaper Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest.

Health department stages last COVID vaccine clinic

After more than six months in operation, the Flathead City-County Health Department closed out its community immunization clinics at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Tuesday.

Montana woman, granddaughter killed in Utah plane crash

A family member has identified the victims of a plane crash in Utah last week as a Montana woman and her 6-year-old granddaughter.

Board tables overhaul of North Fork zoning regulations

The Flathead County Planning Board has postponed action on a proposed rewrite of zoning regulations for the North Fork area, with several board members voicing concerns about vague language and potential property-rights violations that could invite legal challenges.

Whitefish woman pleads not guilty in DUI homicide

A Whitefish woman pleaded not guilty June 17 in Flathead County District Court to one count of felony vehicular homicide while under the influence for allegedly striking and killing a Columbia Falls girl with her vehicle on May 20.

Woman gets 14 years in prison for baby's smothering death

A woman who fell asleep in her car after using methamphetamine and smothered her 5-month-old daughter was sentenced Monday to 14 years in the Montana Women's Prison for negligent homicide.

Three Flathead residents die in weekend accidents

Three Flathead Valley residents died in weekend traffic accidents in the Columbia Falls area.

Municipal election battles heat up in Whitefish, Kalispell

A flurry of last-minute filings for municipal elections in Flathead County has created contested races for mayor and two of Kalispell’s four wards, and a slate of nine candidates for three council positions in Whitefish.

Teen gets juvenile probation in accidental shooting death

A Great Falls boy has been sentenced to juvenile probation until he turns 21 for the accidental shooting death of his 14-year-old friend last November.

Legals for June, 22 2021

Kalispell’s first art-inspired bike rack installed

The Kalispell Downtown Association has completed the installation of an artistic bike rack on the corner of Main Street and First Street East.

Renovations underway at Flathead Warming Center

When the Flathead Warming Center reopens this fall, the shelter is going to look a bit different.

Bitcoin fracking turns waste gas to digital gold in Bakken oil field

On a sun-baked oil pad not too far from the North Dakota border, the iconic infrastructure of the Bakken oil field towers over pink gravel, pumpjacks pulling energy-packed hydrocarbons from thousands of feet deep beneath the eastern Montana prairie.

Jerry Allen Peterson, 82

Jerry Allen Peterson, 82, of Montana, passed away Saturday, June 5, 2021, in Polson.

Law roundup: Man uneasy about campground after 35 years

A man who purportedly discovered a “suspicious campground” in the area of Martin Camp Road 35 years ago was feeling uneasy about it and wanted a deputy to accompany him back to the site.

FVCC announces spring semester dean's list

FVCC spring semester dean's list

Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee, 72, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly Monday, May 24, 2021. He did not make it to 99 years old and was not shot by a jealous husband crawling out a window, but he never grew up

Bison injures woman in Yellowstone National Park

A bison has injured a hiker in Yellowstone National Park.

US hitting encouraging milestones on virus deaths and shots

COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have dipped below 300 a day for the first time since the early days of the disaster in March 2020, while the drive to put shots in arms approached another encouraging milestone Monday: 150 million Americans fully vaccinated.

Montana health officials struggle with changes to state law

Legislation aiming to protect businesses from COVID-19 restrictions imposed by local authorities was signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte more than a month ago, but across the state, elected officials, public health officers and attorneys are left with wildly different interpretations of what the new law actually does.

Whitefish's Don 'K' re-elected as Montana GOP chairman

Whitefish businessman Don "K" Kaltschmidt was re-elected over the weekend as chairman of the Montana Republican Party.

Montana firm offers legal help with missing Native Americans

A Missoula law firm is offering no-cost legal advocacy for families of missing Native Americans, Kimberly Dudik and Associates has announced.

Bear bites camper near Mystic Lake in Custer Gallatin forest

A bear bit a person who was camping near Mystic Lake in the Custer Gallatin National Forest over the weekend, the U.S. Forest Service said.

Blackfeet Nation welcomes back tourists after risky shutdown pays off

Millions of people will flock to Montana's Glacier National Park this summer after last year's pandemic-caused tourism skid, and they will once more be able sightsee and camp nearby on the recently reopened Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Joseph 'Joe' Caputo, 88

Joseph “Joe” Caputo passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Miles City after dealing with failing health over the past several years.

Whitefish council mulls options for federal relief money

The Whitefish City Council will take up several major proposals on Monday evening, including the city's annual budget, a plan to extend the city's urban growth boundary south of Montana 40, and ideas on how to spend more than $1 million the city is receiving in federal pandemic relief.

Retired fire chief reflects on memorable career

After spending nearly a quarter century with the Kalispell Fire Department, Chief Dave Dedman headed into retirement.

Legals for June, 21 2021

Letters to the editor June 21

Letters to the editor June 21

Regier misses the mark on Glacier and state parks

State Representative Matt Regier, who happens to be my neighbor, recently penned a letter to every newspaper in Montana lamenting the new ticketed entry system into Glacier National Park.

Volene Kemp, 96

Our beautiful mother Volene Kemp, 96, joined her heavenly family on June 14, 2021.

Law roundup: Man reports kids to police for playing

A curmudgeon reported kids playing outside to the Kalispell Police Department because they were running around in front of his house and being loud, disrupting him.

Development-heavy agenda awaits Kalispell council

A robust agenda for the Kalispell City Council’s Monday evening meeting reflects the skyrocketing demand for construction in the Flathead Valley.

Man dies in fatal crash in Columbia Falls

A local man died Sunday morning after a traffic accident on U.S. 2 East...

Study underscores economic significance of Montana hospitals

A new study from the University of Montana underscores the economic significance of Montana hospitals

Project aims to preserve oral history of fire lookouts

Beth Hodder has collected more than 15 hours of audio in an effort to preserve stories from those who have staffed Northwest Montana's fire lookouts.

Whitefish Credit Union welcomes new CFO

Scott Bolster has made a career of working for credit unions because he appreciates the credit union philosophy of putting members first.

Legals for June, 20 2021

A Lakers rally past Kootenai Valley Rangers

Ostyn Brennan’s RBI single capped a 4-run, sixth-inning rally for the Kalispell A Lakers, who beat the Kootenai Valley Rangers 10-6 in Legion baseball Sunday at Griffin Field.

Fresh thinking to support the community vision

“The world we have created today as a result of our thinking thus far has problems which cannot be solved by thinking the way we thought when we created them.”

Pick-6 leads West to Shrine Game win

BILLINGS — Manhattan’s Tony Veltkamp returned an interception 49 yards for the go-ahead score and the West All-Stars snapped a Montana Shrine Game skid with a 21-12 win over the East Saturday at Daylis Stadium.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

Law roundup: Intoxicated golfer takes joyride too far

An intoxicated golfer was allegedly acting erratically when they were seen driving a golf cart in circles and screaming.

Sustaining the humanities in Montana communities

When my sisters and I were little girls in the 70s, my mother often brought us from our family’s home in Crane to the library in Sidney for “story hour.”

Mark Ottey, 78

Mark, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on June 17, 2021, after a four year battle with cancer. We all cherish the quality time we had with him up to the end of his life

Thomas Francis Kehoe Jr., 80

Thomas Francis Kehoe Jr. passed away March 10, 2020, at his home in Henderson, Nevada, at age 80.

More bears, more people set stage for conflict

There was a cautionary takeaway from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee following its meeting last week: plans for a historic number of visitors to national parks plus a peaking grizzly bear population have set the stage for an upswing in clashes between bears and tourists.

Ransomware gangs get paid off as officials struggle for fix

If your business falls victim to ransomware and you want simple advice on whether to pay the criminals, don’t expect much help from the U.S. government. The answer is apt to be: It depends.

EU, US, UK, Canada join forces to slap sanctions on Belarus

EU, US, UK, Canada join forces to slap sanctions on Belarus

Glacier sees uptick in visitors before full Sun Road reopening

Dee Horton planned her trip to Glacier National Park months in advance, booking a rental car, a place to stay and a flight to Kalispell from her home in New Orleans, knowing all those accommodations would be in short supply.

Stocks rise solidly, led by technology companies and banks

Stocks rise solidly, led by technology companies and banks

Montana needs clear, objective rules to prevent gerrymandering

This April, Montana became the first state in history to gain back a congressional seat that we lost in a previous redistricting process, giving Montana a unique opportunity to double our representation in the U.S. House.

Tobin Noel Hird, 41

Once upon a time an incredibly sweet baby was born... with a folded ear and a flattened chin

Inflation ahead? Even a top economist says it's complicated

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two months of sharply rising prices have raised concerns that record-high government financial aid and the Federal Reserve's ultra-low interest rate policies — when the economy is already surging — have elevated the risk of accelerating inflation.

Carolyn 'Carrie' Misener-Roselli, 102

We lost this beautiful person on April 28, 2021, at the ripe young age of 102

Education takes flight for Glacier High School grad

In the fall, recent Glacier High School graduate Henry Smith will launch into aerospace engineering studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Vaccinated Canadians won’t have to quarantine

Vaccinated Canadians won’t have to quarantine

In search of the perfect tomato soup

Politics and social movements aside, perhaps the one thing most of us can agree on is there’s nothing finer than a steaming hot, aromatic bowl of soup, tomato soup to be exact.

Clarice F. Bush, 92

Clarice lived to be 92 years old. Born March 20, 1929, Clarice passed away May 30, 2021.

St. Matthew's School names new principal

Former St. Matthew’s Catholic School teacher Susy Peterson returns to the private school in a new role as principal.

Restaurateur opens bar, steakhouse in Kalispell

Restauranteur opens bar, steakhouse in Kalispell

Lester Harvey Hankinson, 78

Les Hankinson passed away June 9, 2021, in Los Angeles.

A Twins end up 5-0 at Lewistown tourney

LEWISTOWN — Jake McIntyre’s two-out, 2-run double capped a big inning that broke open a close game for the Glacier Twins, who beat Lewistown 8-3 in the championship of the Gjerde Memorial tournament Sunday.

Fairways and greens for Ezra Epperly

It figured that with more court time, dunks and blocked shots on his resume that 6-foot-9 Ezra Epperly might land a college scholarship, and that’s what happened.

Lakers AA, Scarlets split for second straight day

Kostya Hoffman threw six strong innings and the Kalispell Lakers used a 6-run sixth inning to rally past the Billings Scarlets 8-6 in AA American Legion baseball Saturday.

Twins A 4-0 at tourney after another shutout

Another day, another shutout for the Glacier A Twins, who thumped Gallatin Valley 14-0 at the Gjerde Memorial Legion baseball tournament Saturday.

C-Falls man accused of sex crimes enters plea

A Columbia Falls man accused of two separate sex crimes against a developmentally disabled female and a 6-year-old boy pleaded guilty to one offense Friday afternoon in Flathead County District Court.

PHOTOS: Top Dawg Arena Cross at Northwest Montana Fairgrounds

Riders of all ages and skill levels took to the track at the Northwest Montana Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday during Top Dawg Arena Cross.

Jennifer Kate ‘Katie’ McLean Dobesh, 47

Jennifer Kate “Katie” McLean Dobesh was a loving daughter, a caring wife, a loyal sister, a doting aunt, and an incredible friend. After a courageous battle with cancer, Katie left this life to be with our Lord on June 12, 2021.

1929 Halfmoon fire’s impact on Apgar

The recent article about the Mountain House in Apgar was both entertaining and informative.

Clarice F. Bush, 92

Clarice lived to be 92 years old. Born March 20, 1929, Clarice passed away May 30, 2021.

Law roundup: Kalispell man tries to catch rascally rabbits

A man was reported to the Kalispell Police Department because he returned to a location multiple times and tried to catch rabbits using a stick.

Letters to the editor June 19

Letters to the editor June 19

World's largest farm tractor coming to Kalispell

Produced in Havre in 1977, the Big Bud 747 is 14-feet tall and weighs more than 100,000 pounds.

Patricia Marie Gies, 80

Our beloved Patty Gies brightened the world with her loving, joyous personality from the day of her birth June 5, 1939, until her death March 4, 2021.

Legals for June, 19 2021

Glacier’s Mohl named Montana Gatorade POY

Glacier High’s Kynzie Mohl has hit another one out of the park: She was named Montana’s Softball Gatorade Player of the Year this week.

Columbia Falls soccer clinic to be held June 29-30

Columbia Falls Wildcat Soccer will be hosting its second annual “Striker and Keeper Clinic” June 29-30.

AA Lakers take opener from Scarlets

Max Holden threw six strong innings and Kael Willis doubled twice and scored twice as the Kalispell Lakers beat the Billings Scarlets 5-3 Friday at Dehler Park.

Twins 3-0 and counting at Lewistown tourney

One nail-biter and two shutouts has the Glacier A Twins 3-0 at the Harold Gjerde Memorial legion baseball tournament, which continues Saturday and Sunday.

New Town Pump, casino opens in Kalispell

A new 10,000 square-foot Town Pump Convenience Store and Lucky Lil’s Casino in South Kalispell opened Thursday.

Rosendale votes against holiday marking end of slavery

Montana's lone Congressman Matt Rosendale was one of only six members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted this week against both the legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday and a proposal to award Congressional Gold Medals to fallen U.S. Capitol police officers killed in the line of duty.

More help sought for Montana fires ahead of weather shift

Montana's firefighting aircraft returned to duty Friday as officials sought even more personnel and aircraft ahead of a shift in the weather that could stir up a large blaze on the Wyoming border.

Gabriel Robert Garrido, 44

Gabriel Robert Garrido was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend. He left this world unexpectedly on June 11, 2021, at 44 years old.

Law roundup: Man fears being pursued by cartel

A man at a business told the Kalispell Police Department he was “being followed by [a] Mexican cartel.”

Tree-thinning project planned near Dayton

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input on a proposed tree-thinning and reforestation project in the Dayton area southwest of Lakeside. The deadline to comment is July 9.

Legals for June, 18 2021

Deadline for municipal election filing is Monday

City council elections in all three of Flathead County’s incorporated cities will be heavy on incumbents this time around.

Kalispell council still hashing out accessory dwelling parameters

Accessory dwelling units are getting a second chance from the Kalispell City Council.

Lois Ann Thon, 95

Lois Ann Thon, 95, died June 9, 2021.

Tiny bird gets TLC from Superior woman

Last month Superior resident Kathryn Verley saved and revived a tiny hummingbird that flew into her garage and got trapped.

Montana wildlife officials consider rules to protect trout

Wildlife officials in Montana are seeking feedback on a proposal to expand fishing restrictions to protect declining brown trout populations.

Montana considers wolf hunting rules amid population decline

A commission governing wolf hunting in Montana is considering new wolf management rules that would make it easier to hunt wolves in the state after the Legislature passed several laws earlier this year to encourage additional wolf hunting.

Glacier Park visitation up 2% in May

Year-to-date visitor numbers break record

Glacier National Park reported a 2% increase in visitors during May, compared with May 2019 pre-pandemic numbers, and the highest year-to-date visitation through May on record, Park officials said Thursday.

Montana fire aircraft temporarily sidelined after crash

A Montana firefighting agency imposed a 48-hour stand-down of its aircraft after a helicopter crash landed and burned in heavy winds.

Glacier Park visitors share video of grizzly chasing black bear

Some recent visitors to Glacier National Park had the rare experience of watching a grizzly bear chase a black bear up a tree at St. Mary Lake.

Grizzlies, tourists on collision course in bear country

Plans for a historic number of visitors to national parks coupled with a peaking grizzly bear population have prompted leaders in the Interagency Grizzly Bear Commission to consider how to manage the potential conflicts.

Transgender Montanans will need court order to change birth certificates

Kyndra Nevin recalls with dread having to ask a Montana judge to sign an order documenting that she'd had gender-confirmation surgery so she could change the gender on her birth certificate to female.

Kalispell nurses go back to the bargaining table

Two weeks after hundreds of hospital nurses walked off the job in Kalispell for three days over what they say are unfair labor practices, inadequate staffing and sub-par pay, union representatives and management at Logan Health met again on Tuesday in an effort to sort out their differences.

Bigfork baseball land deal falls through

Bigfork Youth Baseball’s field of dreams will have to remain a dream for now as the site of the proposed sports complex was unexpectedly sold to a different buyer last week.

State takes aim on scents, lures in battle with CWD

The state Fish & Wildlife Commission will vote on three items regarding CWD and urine-based scents and lures at next Thursday’s meeting.

Kila man faces charge of sexually assaulting child

A Kila man is accused of sexually assaulting a young boy in his home nearly two years ago.

Lost Prairie skydiving 'king' Fred Sand dies

Fred Sand, who ran the Skydive Lost Prairie drop zone for 42 years and mentored hundreds of skydivers, died Monday at his home.

Is it summer yet?

Has our spring season finally transitioned into summer in the Flathead?

County to hold last COVID vaccine clinic on June 22

The Flathead City-County Health Department is closing out its community immunization clinics at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Law Roundup: Don't have to go home, but can't stay here

Patrons who were told to go home by a business owner allegedly retaliated by breaking the windshield wiper on the owner’s vehicle and were arguing with people in the parking lot trying to start fights. The owner wanted the Kalispell Police Department to assist in kicking the people off the property and telling them not to return.

Celebrate the colors of summer at Summer Artfest

Summer ArtFest returns to Whitefish the last weekend of June.

Legals for June, 17 2021

Cawdrey Gallery announces new name, location, website

Cawdrey Gallery will host a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. Friday, June 18, at its new location, 206 Lupfer Ave., in downtown Whitefish, with light refreshments and beverages to follow. All are welcome to attend and see the new space.

Gabriel Robert Garrido, 44

Gabriel Robert Garrido was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend. He left this world unexpectedly on June 11, 2021, at 44 years old.

Lakers A, Bitterroot Bucs split Wednesday twinbill

The Kalispell A Lakers made three hits stand up for an 8-6 Legion baseball win over the Bitterroot Bucs Wednesday, salvaging a doubleheader split at Griffin Field.

COLUMN: Familiar name suiting up for Shrine Game

Ryker McElmurry has a familiar last name around these parts, and if the 185-pounder happened to be born in Reno, he also happens to be former NFLer Blaine McElmurry’s second cousin and is Lincoln County through and through.

Heat wave grips US West amid fear of a new, hotter normal

An unusually early and long-lasting heat wave brought more triple-digit temperatures Wednesday to a large swath of the U.S. West, raising concerns that such extreme weather could become the new normal amid a decades-long drought.

Gianforte donates salary to facility treating drug addiction

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday that he will contribute his salary from the first quarter of 2021 to a Hardin facility treating substance abuse in southeast Montana.

Bus gets stuck in Flathead River at Blankenship

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is working with state and federal officials on possible charges stemming from an incident Tuesday where a man got a bus stuck in the Flathead River just downstream from the Blankenship Bridge, Sheriff Brian Heino said Wednesday.

Montana woman pleads guilty to man's strangulation death

A Montana woman has pleaded guilty in the death of her older boyfriend and said she strangled him with a rope after a heated argument.

Fires stoked by heat, wind force evacuations in Montana

Wildfires in Montana have exploded in size, triggering evacuations and destroying an unknown number of homes as furious winds stoked the blazes and caused a firefighting helicopter to crash-land, officials said Wednesday.

Robert D. “Bob” Smith, 81

Bob Smith passed from this world to the next on the afternoon of June 6, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

Residential waterfront inventory in ‘record-low territory’

As the red-hot real estate market continues here, Flathead Lake waterfront residential inventory is in “record-low territory,” according to Realtor David Fetveit, who publishes a monthly waterfront real estate report.

Marion man accused of pistol-whipping wife

A Flathead Valley man with a varied criminal record was recently arrested after being accused of pistol-whipping and punching his wife.

Evergreen group on the hook for $50K in sidewalk effort

Evergreen community leaders say they were blindsided by a clause in a recent Flathead County resolution that requires them to come up with $50,000 in order to construct sidewalks along the U.S. 2 corridor.

Osprey returns to the wild after being shot

Pamela Bates wasn't sure to do when she found a wounded osprey in her pasture.

Lucille Marie Hammer, 99

Our beloved mother lived a long and healthy life.

Law roundup: Air guitarist rocks on

A business owner calling from Montana 83 in Bigfork reportedly had an issue with a man standing by his deck and playing the air guitar every day because they didn’t want customers to be bothered by seeing him.

Flathead man accused of choking girlfriend

A man with a long criminal record in Montana and Colorado recently was arrested after he allegedly choked his girlfriend.

Legals for June, 16 2021

Gabriel Robert Garrido,44

Gabriel Robert Garrido, 44, of Kalispell, passed away on June 11, 2021, at his home.

Ed Asner coming to Whitefish to play God in original show

TV legend Ed Asner is coming to Whitefish next month for a special production of his original show, “God Help Us!”

Glacier’s Williams named Gatorade Player of Year

Add another honor to the extraordinary high school career of Glacier High’s Kenzie Williams: She’s the Montana Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year.

Federal judge blocks Biden's pause on new oil, gas leases

The Biden administration's suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water was blocked Tuesday by a federal judge in Louisiana.

US West swelters in record-busting heat, risking wildfires

Dangerous, record-busting heat spread across the U.S. Southwest on Tuesday and into parts of Utah, Montana and Wyoming as a dome of high pressure hovered over a large swath of the region, pushing temperatures into the triple digits this week and intensifying the risk for wildfires amid a long-running drought.

Montana governor declares disaster following thunderstorms

Gov. Greg Gianforte issued a disaster declaration Tuesday in five eastern Montana counties after a series of severe thunderstorms late last week led to extended power outages.

State says breeding female of wolf pack was illegally killed

A female wolf that had pups earlier this year has been illegally killed in northeastern Washington state.

Nebraska teen dies after trying to swim across Montana river

Search crews in Montana on Tuesday found the body of a 17-year-old Nebraska boy who witnesses said had been trying to swim across the Missouri River.

State pays $250,000 to settle prison rape whistleblower case

The state Department of Corrections will pay $250,000 to settle claims from a guard who claimed he was retaliated against after reporting rape allegations at the Montana Women's Prison.

Wind whips up fires as heat grips parts of Montana, Wyoming

A sweltering heat wave smashed daily temperature records in Montana and Wyoming and complicated the fight to corral several large wildfires, as gusts fanned the blazes and triggered evacuations of some rural areas.

North Valley Music School aims to build new facility

North Valley Music School has been busting at the seams of the remodeled home on Spokane Avenue where it holds music lessons, classes and small recitals.

Intervention programs sparse throughout NW Montana

Batterer-intervention programming for domestic violence offenders is a challenge plaguing other rural Northwest Montana counties as well as Flathead County.

Batterer-intervention programs aim to curb further abuse

Over the past year, Northwest Montana has begun making inroads to address domestic violence through a legislative proposal aimed at protecting victims and the addition of three victim advocates in Flathead County.

Wyoming auto group plans expansion in Whitefish

A Wyoming-based automotive group has plans to open an auto sales and service business in the former DePratu Ford VW building in Whitefish, and hopes to be up and running by mid-July.

Legals for June, 15 2021

Law roundup: Neighbors won’t put up with any bull

Luckily no one in the neighborhood appeared to be dressed in red when a bull was reported to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office for walking down the middle of a road in Kalispell.

Bigfork to bring back popular Fourth of July parade

Bigfork's Electric Avenue will once again become a wave of red, white and blue as the annual Bigfork Fourth of July Parade returns to the downtown corridor at noon on Sunday, July 4.

Twins down Mission Valley

Homers for Veneman and Andrachick

Montana All-Stars complete another sweep of Wyoming

Ky Kouba leads five Montana players in double figures

Glacier National Park considers radio, cell signal upgrades

Public review has begun for a proposal to boost radio and cellphone service in Glacier National Park in Montana, park officials said. The deadline to comment is July 11.

Montana AG's office won't appeal decision in Bellesen case

Facing ample evidence she acted in self-defense, the Montana Attorney General's Office says it will not appeal a judge's decision to permanently dismiss a murder charge against a Lakeside woman who shot and killed her abusive ex-husband in Sanders County nine months ago.

Montana man gets life in prison for strangulation death

A Montana man was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for the October 2019 strangulation death of a woman who had given him a ride home from the casino where she worked.

Montana man gets 65 years in prison for 2017 beheading

A Montana man has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for his role in killing and beheading a man at a transient camp after the victim won $120 at a casino.

Colorado man charged with women's stabbing death in Butte

A woman was stabbed to death in Butte over the weekend and a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of deliberate homicide, Butte-Silver Bow County officials said.

Mental health crisis team responds to 911 calls in Missoula

By the time Kiki Radermacher, a mental health therapist, arrived at a Missoula, Montana, home on an emergency 911 call in late May, the man who had called for help was backed into a corner and yelling at police officers.

Logan Health Medical Center births

Coraline McIntosh, daughter of Stephanie and Danny McIntosh, was born June 1, 2021, at Logan Health Medical Center.

Letters to the editor June 14

Letters to the editor June 14

Law roundup: Man seen with pants around ankles

Someone called the Kalispell Police Department after seeing a man in a vehicle allegedly banging his head on the driver’s seat headrest and appeared to be “rocking out to music.”

Legals for June, 14 2021

Kalispell council rekindles accessory dwelling discussion

The contentious topic of accessory dwelling units returns to the spotlight Monday at a Kalispell City Council work session.

Advocates say simple questionnaires could save domestic violence victims

Domestic violence experts have long emphasized the need for police, courts and victim advocates to increase the use of lethality assessments — surveys based on years of research that help determine whether an abusive relationship might turn deadly.

Two men killed in Montana mine accident are identified

The Stillwater County Coroner's Office has identified two men who were killed last week in an underground accident at a Montana mine.

G-7 leaders agree on vaccines, China and taxing corporations

G-7 leaders agree on vaccines, China and taxing corporations

Law roundup: Man banned for napping on patio furniture

A man allegedly rode his bicycle to a grocery store and decided to take a late afternoon nap on the patio furniture.

Free meals, nutrition assistance available to families

Free meals will once again be available to children 18 and under from June 16 through Aug. 20.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Montana out-of-state tourism dropped 12% in 2020

Out-of-state visitation to Montana declined about 12% from 2019 to 2020, according to the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research.

Company opens first radioactive waste repository in ND

Company opens first radioactive waste repository in ND

Thinner Mints: Girl Scouts have millions of unsold cookies

Thinner Mints: Girl Scouts have millions of unsold cookies

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

New owners transform Stillwater Landing into yoga retreat

When Xenia Guido and Jordan Cohen arrived in Montana last fall, they made a rather abrupt landing.

On marijuana, Republicans are canceling their own votes

The majority of self-identified Republican voters — as do most Americans of all political persuasions — support legalizing marijuana. But you wouldn’t know that by observing the actions of their elected officials.

Deafening silence from the Montana media

Crickets are chirping throughout the forests and plains of Big Sky Country, but the sound is not announcing the long-awaited blossoming of spring in the Rockies.

Flathead man collects cans for cash — and a cause

Bigfork graduate donates recycling proceeds to animal rescue

For the past four years, Bigfork High School graduate TJ Sward has been on a can-collecting mission. But at first, Sward’s recycling project was a small endeavor.

Esther Beatrice Olson

Esther Beatrice Olson passed away in her sleep May 10, 2021.

Legals for June, 13 2021

Terence 'Terry' Dean Miller

Terence “Terry” Dean Miller passed away in his home in Kalispell on May 23, 2021.

New outfitter takes e-biking to the next level

The Allred brothers have a solution to the overcrowding in Glacier National Park and other outdoor hotspots.

‘Dog-whistle’ politics once again at work

If you were to credit a single individual with defeating Hitler, it wouldn’t be a statesman or a general. It would be a British mathematician – Alan Turing.

Time for hospital and union to bargain in good faith

Kalispell Regional Healthcare, now Logan Health, has been a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization since 1973. Being tax exempt affords many advantages, one being exempt from paying local property taxes. Guess who has to pay the difference? In Flathead County it is all property owners and most businesses.

New restaurant opens in Hungry Horse

The Great Bear Cafe, located across the highway from the Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse, celebrated its grand opening last week.

William Hegg, 85

Montana’s Famous Napkin and Western Artist, William F. Hegg, 85, passed April 21, 2021, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula after duking it out with multiple health challenges.

It's time to address domestic violence

In Montana, law enforcement officers responded to a domestic violence-related incident every 1.75 hours last year.

Patricia Ellen (Personett) Roberts, 79

Patricia Ellen (Personett) Roberts, 79, passed away on May 27, 2021, at her home in Columbia Falls.

Vacations — you either thrive or, at least, survive

Carol's column

Bea Swan, 82

Rejoice! Our beautiful mother joined her heavenly family May 11, 2021.

Cabinet secretaries launch roadshow to sell the Biden plan

Cabinet secretaries launch roadshow to sell the Biden plan

Statistics show domestic violence on the rise in Montana

Montana law enforcement officers responded to a domestic violence call every 1.75 hours in 2020 — and experts say that's likely a significant underrepresentation of the problem.

Kaylynn Jesse Rey Best, 20, and Jenae Lariese Best, 17

Kaylynn Jesse Rey Best, 20, and her sister Jenae Lariese Best, 17, were involved in a fatal car accident that took both their lives on May 3, 2021.

A year after a tragedy, domestic violence looms large over Flathead County

Piper Mohler was only 3 when she began taking after her mother. She was feisty and sported a head of unruly ringlets, just as Emily did when she was that age.

AA Lakers 2-1 at NW Premier tourney

Gage Brink doubled, tripled and drove in three runs and Kostya Hoffman threw five strong innings as the Kalispell AA Lakers thumped Lakeside Recovery 9-2 at the Northwest Premier tournament.

Montana girls rout Wyoming at All-Stars; boys win Friday

Forsyth’s Lindsey Hein scored 14 points, leading four players in double figures as Montana swamped Wyoming 71-39 Saturday for a ninth straight win in this All-Star series.

Twins blow out Libby to split twinbill

Danny Dunn doubled twice, drove in three runs and threw two scoreless innings of relief for the Glacier Twins in their 18-4 win over Libby late Friday in Legion baseball.

Bigfork’s Benn stars as North beats South

Bigfork’s Cormac Benn lined up at receiver Saturday and ran his way to an offensive MVP award, as his North team beat the South 28-21 in the Montana Class B All-Star football game at Lockwood Stadium.

Judge upholds dismissal of case against resort developer

A U.S. bankruptcy judge has upheld court decisions that the state of Montana lacked legal standing to file an involuntary bankruptcy petition nearly a decade ago against Yellowstone Club co-founder Tim Blixseth.

Letters to the editor June 12

Letters to the editor June 12

Teen charged with attempted robbery has troubled past

Eighteen-year-old Robert Anthony Hanna was born to homeless parents, then placed in foster care before being adopted by his aunt.

Renovation work continues at Swan Valley's Camp Ponderosa

Work continues to transform former correctional training facility into a retreat for veterans.

Covid vaccine best way to develop immunity

I am an acupuncturist practicing in Kalispell for almost 30 years now.

Letters to the editor June 12

Letters to the editor June 12

Anti-union nurses withdraw petition to split with SEIU

Logan Health nurses who sought to break ties with their union amid a contentious three-day labor strike have withdrawn their petition with the National Labor Relations Board.

Legals for June, 12 2021

Promises broken, and a session wasted

Democrats returned to Helena for the 67th Legislative Session last January ready to work on legislation that would create jobs, better our economy and support Montanans affected by the Covid pandemic.

Montana girls put down Wyoming rally in All-Stars

Forsyth’s Lindsey Hein scored 13 points, including a go-ahead basket with 36 seconds left, to help Montana win its eight straight in the Montana-Wyoming All-Stars girls’ basketball series Friday, 55-52.

Loggers walk off Twins in walk-filled opener

It was almost literally a walk-off win for the Libby Loggers Friday, who tied the game with a bases-loaded walk, then beat the Glacier Twins 6-5 when the next batter, Tripp Zhang, was hit by a pitch.

Biden nominee's link to 1989 logging sabotage blasted by GOP

President Joe Biden's nominee to oversee federal lands in the U.S. West is facing Republican pressure to withdraw over her ties to environmental activists convicted of spiking trees to sabotage a national forest timber sale more than 30 years ago.

Exclusive resort can use treated wastewater for snowmaking

An exclusive Montana resort has been granted a permit to use treated wastewater in its early season snowmaking operations, the state Department of Environmental Quality said.

Butte counselor gets 135 days in jail for Medicaid fraud

A Montana mental health counselor who pleaded guilty to billing Medicaid for counseling sessions that never happened has been sentenced to 135 days in jail and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to the government insurance program for low-income people and those with disabilities.

Justices uphold Montana law allowing gov to appoint judges

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of a new law that allows the governor to directly nominate judges to fill vacancies.

Polson woman dies in traffic mishap

An 85-year-old Polson woman died Thursday after a vehicle incident on U.S. 93 near St. Ignatius.

Legals for June, 11 2021

ImagineIF Libraries plan outdoor summer programs

ImagineIF Libraries will take educational children's programming outdoors this summer.

Law roundup: Caller worried about ducklings crossing the road

0611 law roundup

North Valley Food Bank plans Forever June celebration

This June, North Valley Food Bank celebrates the legacy of founder June Munski-Feenan with a food drive, a fundraiser and an open house.

Local Code Girls' social app a semifinalist in international challenge

Sit With Us, a mobile app developed by 11-year-old Josephine Morrison of Bigfork and 10-year-old Juliet Skinner of Columbia Falls to combat bullying and loneliness at the lunch table, has made it to the semifinals in the junior division of the Technovation Girls international coding challenge.

Bob Kun

Bob Kun of Kalispell died peacefully at home Monday, June 7, 2021

AA Lakers win nightcap with Mavs

Thomas O’Connell had four hits and drove in five runs and the Kalispell AA Lakers broke open a 2-2 game, then made an 11-run lead hold up for a 14-11 Legion baseball victory late Wednesday.

Yellowstone National Park unveils automated electric cars

Park officials have launched the first tests of electric vehicles in Yellowstone National Park that are capable of operating without drivers.

No jail time for driver who hit schoolgirl

A Eureka woman who struck and nearly killed a little girl while driving on U.S. 93 near Whitefish more than 18 months ago will serve no jail time.

Fight over Canadian oil rages on after pipeline's demise

The Keystone XL is dead after a 12-year attempt to build the oil pipeline, yet the fight over Canadian crude rages on as emboldened environmentalists target other projects and pressure President Joe Biden to intervene — all while oil imports from the north keep rising.

Montana nearing another 2-year contract with private prison

Montana's Department of Corrections is wrapping up negotiations on another two-year contract with Tennessee-based CoreCivic to operate and expand a 600-bed private prison in Shelby, Corrections Director Brian Gootkin said.

Citing grouse, judge halts Montana, Wyoming drilling plans

A judge has halted plans for oil and gas drilling on vast areas of Wyoming and Montana, citing concerns about a sagebrush-dwelling bird.

Man gets $50k settlement for hand injuries at tribal jail

A northeastern Montana man has received a $50,000 settlement from the federal government in a lawsuit alleging staff at the Fort Peck tribal jail failed to protect him from being injured by another inmate and did not seek medical treatment for the severe hand injuries he suffered during the 2018 assault.

Evergreen utility district asks Kalispell for land swap

City receives proposal for Evergreen sewer land swap

California man sentenced to prison in Whitefish man's death

A California man who pleaded guilty in the death of a Whitefish man was sentenced to the Montana State Prison Thursday morning in Flathead County District Court.

Underground mine vehicle accident in Montana kills 2

Two workers for the only palladium and platinum mining operation in the U.S. have died in an underground accident at a Montana mine, company officials said.

New Montana laws enshrine health care alternatives, for better or worse

When Paul Rana's primary care physician left the VA clinic in Kalispell to open her own practice, he followed her. But instead of picking up a new health insurance policy, Rana and his partner agreed to pay a monthly fee that came with the promise of better access.

Flathead woman faces federal drug trafficking charges

An investigation by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force, FBI and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has left a local woman behind bars facing federal drug charges.

Law roundup: Woman goes postal over mail

A woman claimed she was afraid the postmaster would put illegal contraband in her mailbox to “set her up,” and was under the impression he was “out to get her.”

Legals for June, 10 2021

Bigfork bridge owners ordered to submit demolition payment plan

The property owner who constructed a bridge to Dockstader Island that has since been deemed illegal was ordered to submit a payment plan for the demolition of the bridge by July 1 or the property will be sold.

Hecla forging ahead with Northwest Montana mines

Officials with an Idaho-based mining company developing two large copper and silver mines in Northwest Montana said they are undeterred by a recent ruling that could let the state label its CEO a "bad actor" because of a failed mine cleanup more than two decades ago in a different part of the state.

Donald Leroy Hendrickson, 87

On Memorial Day, our proud Army veteran went home for his face to face with the Lord. What a glorious day for him.

Bob Kun

Bob Kun of Kalispell died peacefully at home Monday, June 7, 2021.

Jonathan Blain Smith, 75

Jonathan Blain Smith, born Oct. 26, 1945, in Helena to Ralph I. and Alexandria B. Smith (both deceased), entered into eternal life June 6, 2021.

The fishing gets good!

For full time guides and outfitters, fishing “season” never really ends.

COLUMN: A fortunate career by any other name

The first thing you need to know about Lucky Larson is that yes, Lucky is his given name — or one of them.

Mavs edge Lakers with late rally

The offense was there for the Kalispell AA Lakers Wednesday, in the first game of their Legion baseball doubleheader against Missoula, but the pitching and defense lagged behind.

Nominee to oversee Indigenous affairs has widespread support

President Joe Biden's nominee to oversee Indigenous affairs at the Interior Department said Wednesday he won't impede tribes as they seek to improve infrastructure, public safety and the economy on their lands.

Montana crews likely to help fight fires in other states

A historic drought in the southwestern U.S. means Montana firefighters will likely be asked to help other states handle blazes that could fill Montana's skies with smoke this summer, fire-weather meteorologist Coleen Haskell told Gov. Greg Gianforte on Wednesday.

Keystone XL pipeline nixed after Biden stands firm on permit

The sponsor of the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline said Wednesday it is pulling the plug on the contentious project after Canadian officials failed to persuade President Joe Biden to reverse his cancellation of its permit on the day he took office.

1st gray wolf pups since 1940s spotted in Colorado

Colorado has its first litter of gray wolf pups since the 1940s, state wildlife officials said Wednesday.

DNA, forensic genealogy close 65-year-old double homicide

DNA evidence preserved after a 1956 double homicide and the use of forensic genealogy helped the Cascade County Sheriff's Office close the books on the 65-year-old cold case, the sheriff's office announced.

Flathead County planning director stepping down

Flathead County Planning Director Mark Mussman is stepping down after six years on the job.

Man charged with assault with a weapon, robbery

Kalispell police officers arrested an 18-year-old man Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly pointed a gun at someone and demanded his car keys in the 200 block of Second Avenue East.

Glacier National Park opens more roads, campgrounds

More roads and campgrounds are opening in Glacier National Park while crews continue preparing for the full opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Donald Leroy Hendrickson, 87

On Memorial Day 2021 our proud Army veteran went home for his face to face with the Lord. What a glorious day for him

Lakeside marina adds long-awaited pumpout station

Bruce Young is “pumped” about the new pumpout station in place at the Flathead Harbor at Lakeside.

Skier recounts 20,000-foot ski day at DREAM fundraiser

With temperatures in the valley climbing to 90 degrees, the ski season already feels like a distant memory.

Law roundup: Cattle dog opts to herd officer

Restless cattle decided to make a run for it and were reportedly seen breaking out of a fence.

Myrtle J. (Solsten) Veile, 96

Our dear sweet momma was gently swept up by God’s angels and taken home on the evening of June 4, 2021, with her daughter by her side and her sons with her in loving spirit.

Jimmie J. Blickenstaff, 74

Jimmie J. Blickenstaff, 74, passed away June 1, 2021, with his wife by his side at Kalispell Regional Medical Center and hospice care.

Carola Theresa Mann Sirucek, 91

Carola Theresa Mann Sirucek passed away on the eve of what would have been her 69th wedding anniversary to her beloved husband Edgar, of natural causes, at Expressions Memory Care in Kalispell.

Thomas Michael Witham, 69

Thomas Michael Witham, 69, of Kalispell, went to his heavenly home with Jesus on March 23, 2021.

Legals for June, 9 2021

Wolfpack softball places five on All-State list

Four Bravettes receive honorable mention

Twins trying to hit stride as season heats up

The Glacier Twins figured on another very solid American Legion baseball season, and as they head into today’s doubleheader with the Bitterroot Bucs, well, 17-7 ain’t too bad.

Boschee retires as track coach after 20 years at Glacier, Flathead

With about three weeks left in the season, Jerry Boschee turned the corner on a decision he’d been mulling since the start of the 2021 high school track: It was time to hang up the stopwatch.

Montana man sentenced for falsifying voter registration

A Montana man has been given a six-month suspended jail sentence for submitting a voter registration application under the name Miguel Raton, a rough Spanish translation of Mickey Mouse.

Board mulls whether Whitefish Lake is an airport

Is Whitefish Lake an airport?

Officials ID teen who died while swimming in reservoir

Lewis and Clark County officials have released the name of a 17-year-old boy who died while swimming at Canyon Ferry Reservoir east of Helena over the weekend.

Zoning reg changes proposed for North Fork

A proposed amendment that tweaks zoning regulations in the North Fork of the Flathead River area is the focus of a public hearing tonight before the Flathead County Planning Board.

Missoula police investigating fentanyl overdoses, 1 death

The Missoula Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies issued a warning Tuesday saying there are pills being sold on the street that appear similar to prescription oxycodone, but that actually contain fentanyl and are leading to overdoses, including the recent death of an 18-year-old in Missoula.

Montana residents, ARCO settle longtime contamination suit

A civil lawsuit between Montana residents and an oil company that dragged on for more than a decade has ended quietly after a judge dismissed the case as a result of a settlement agreement.

Idaho theme park increases security after attempted arson

COEUR D'ALENE — Silverwood Theme Park is bolstering security after someone tried to set fire to a roller coaster early Saturday.

Montana Democrats expand Native American voice in party

Montana Democrats say they're taking a first-of-its-kind approach to include more Native Americans in party decisions.

Biden nominee for public lands boss hits GOP opposition

President Joe Biden's nominee to oversee vast expanses of public lands in the U.S. West encountered Republican pushback during a Tuesday confirmation hearing over her past involvement in partisan politics as a longtime Democratic aide and environmentalist.

Senate report details broad failures around Jan. 6 attack

A Senate investigation of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol found a broad intelligence breakdown across multiple agencies, along with widespread law enforcement and military failures that led to the violent attack.

Bigfork Youth Baseball begins fundraising for home turf

After years of being forced to practice on run-down fields, Bigfork’s youth baseball players could soon have a new place to call home.

Alternative baseball league starting Kalispell team

Baseball may be America’s pastime, but it’s harder for some players to get out on the field than others.

County submits last-minute grant application for Evergreen sidewalks

Evergreen community leaders are celebrating the latest step by the Flathead County commissioners in an effort to build sidewalks along the U.S. 2 corridor, which would provide safer routes to Evergreen schools as well as better access to local storefronts.

Montana med school clash revives for-profit vs. nonprofit flap

Two universities are eyeing the chance to be the first to build a medical school in one of the few states without one. The jockeying of the two schools — one a nonprofit, the other for-profit — to open campuses in Montana highlights the rapid spread of for-profit medical learning centers despite their once-blemished reputation.

Many priced out of homes in Flathead Valley

On a sunny Saturday morning before Memorial Day, when many residents of the Flathead Valley were headed for the lake or hitting the trails, Amber Hogan was packing.

Legals for June, 8 2021

Law roundup: Cars are fast and resident is furious

Someone allegedly called 911 furious about fast vehicles speeding through the area and wanted Kalispell Police Department officers to sit on Teton Street to catch them.

Man charged with assault at local media outlet

A Kalispell man accused of threatening a Daily Inter Lake employee with a tie rod while inside the newspaper building will remain in custody after a judge denied his attempt at freedom Friday morning in Flathead County District Court.

Railroad track removal underway for Parkline Trail

Road closure June 7-11 for Kalispell Parkline

102-lot subdivision proposed in Columbia Falls

More development could soon be coming to the Columbia Falls area, including a 102-unit subdivision.

Twins, Loggers split Sunday twinbill

Twins roar back

Lakers fall to Missoula Mavs AA

Lakers had leads in both games

Lawmakers discuss policy violations by utility regulators

The two newest members of the Montana Public Service Commission told a legislative committee Monday they've spent their first five months on the job working to improve the operation, performance and culture of the office that regulates monopoly utilities.

Browning man dies in Glacier County crash

A Browning man died in a traffic crash late Thursday night in Glacier County.

Montana judge extends order blocking campus carry law

A state judge on Monday granted a request by the Montana Board of Regents to extend a temporary restraining order that blocked a new campus carry law from taking effect.

Carbon dioxide levels hit 50% higher than preindustrial time

The annual peak of global heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the air has reached another dangerous milestone: 50% higher than when the industrial age began.

Helena High student drowns at Canyon Ferry Reservoir

A 17-year-old Helena High School student drowned over the weekend at Canyon Ferry Reservoir east of Helena, Lewis and Clark County officials said.

Montana med school clash revives for-profit vs. nonprofit flap

Two universities are eyeing the chance to be the first to build a medical school in one of the few states without one. The jockeying of the two schools — one a nonprofit, the other for-profit — to open campuses in Montana highlights the rapid spread of for-profit medical learning centers despite their once-blemished reputation.

Law roundup: Man threatens person with a thumping

A bald man was reportedly outside blasting music in his truck and when someone asked him to stop he replied, “You’re lucky I don’t thump you.”

Kalispell council returns to in-person meetings

The Kalispell City Council chambers will reopen to the public for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic sent the city government into remote meetings about a year ago.

KRMC births

Juno Pitcher, daughter of Dharma Audette and Christopher Pitcher of Kalispell, was born April 28, 2021, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Legals for June, 7 2021

Whitefish City Council to meet in person after more than a year

After meeting remotely for more than a year due to the pandemic, the Whitefish City Council will convene in a hybrid format Monday evening, with members of the council and the public able to participate in person or by video.

Avid skier finds career niche as flight medic

Fletcher Anderson’s first experience with ALERT, an air ambulance operated by Logan Health, occurred at just 7 years old when he watched as one of the iconic red choppers landed in front of his house.

Letters to the editor June 7

Letters to the editor June 7

Irrigation ditch overflows, floods Billings neighborhood

An irrigation ditch that had been undergoing repairs overflowed and caused minor flooding in a residential neighborhood in Billings, triggering a recommendation that residents temporarily relocate.

Clowns used to teach landmine safety to children

A Bozeman-based performer and nonprofit leader with a penchant for red noses has partnered with a landmine safety group to create videos, GIFs and games to educate children on the dangers of landmines.

Sherpa dies after leading Flathead man to top of Everest

Six days after summiting Mount Everest for the fourth time alongside Steve Stevens, Pemba Tashi Sherpa was killed in a fall.

Hospital's corporate attitude bad for the community

I am fortunate to be a healthy individual who has required only one hospitalization for a serious surgery.

More representation in Congress is good for Montana

Thirty years ago, Montana lost one of the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives we had held for 80 years.

Houston and humidity: we have a problem

Lynnette's column

John Jacob Shoal, 90

John Jacob Shoal, 90, passed away at his home in Columbia Falls on May 16, 2021.

Legals for June, 6 2021

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

Stocks slip on Wall Street, pulling back from record highs

Stocks edged lower in afternoon trading Monday after briefly approaching the record highs they reached a month ago.

Two coworking businesses opening in Kalispell

It’s finally time for most workers to return to the office after months of working from home. The rise of new coworking spaces in the valley is reimagining what it looks like to head into the office.

Blanche I. (Thompson) Zenz, 94

Blanche I. (Thompson) Zenz, 94, died on May 11, 2021, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Christine Lee Bartlett, 71

Christine Lee Bartlett passed into the arms of her Lord on April 23, 2021, in her home in the presence of her family at the age of 71.

Anna Louise Oursland, 93

Anna Louise Oursland passed into the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ on the first of June 2021.

Law roundup: Tennis nets cut down at Hawthorne Park

Someone allegedly cut down tennis court nets at Hawthorne Park.

Manny Haiges, 87

Manny Haiges, 87, a former resident of Kalispell and West Kootenai, passed away in Rocklin, California, on May 11, 2021.

Charles T. White, 73

C.T. was born on a cold, snowy morning on Feb. 21, 1947, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Marie Kay Friede, 67

Marie Kay Friede, 67, passed away on the morning of May 20, 2021, at the Bee Hive care center in Columbia Falls

The future is bright for the Class of 2021

Congratulations to the approximately 1,000 high school seniors who graduated last week in the Flathead Valley. Your families are proud of you.

Apgar gift shop is Glacier Park institution

The Montana House in Apgar in Glacier National Park has transformed into a community hub over the years.

The Regents followed history in order not to repeat it

Last month, the Montana university system’s governing body, the Montana Board of Regents, voted unanimously to file a lawsuit challenging House Bill 102.

Flathead man achieves dream of summiting Mount Everest

Local golf pro achieves dream of climbing world's tallest mountain

After years of dreaming, Steve Stevens finally stood on top of the world at the summit of Mount Everest May 12.

AA Lakers cruising into league play 18-3

An 18-3 record has the Kalispell Lakers AA feeling good about their American Legion season, but coach Ryan Malmin feels their best baseball is still ahead.

Senior Spotlight: Whitefish's Chaz Gillette eyes career in film

Like many young people before him, Chaz Gillette, a graduating senior at Whitefish High School, is preparing to leave the small town where he grew up to explore a career in film in California. But he won't take the plunge without a very solid backup plan.

Wilderness Association rebrands to Wild Montana

The Montana Wilderness Association has changed its name to Wild Montana.

Legals for June, 5 2021

Janet Robertson, 88

Janet Robertson passed away June 1, 2021.

Drug dealer doing business in Flathead headed to federal prison

A California man who admitted trafficking methamphetamine after Flathead County law enforcement officers seized a package containing 3 pounds of the drug was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison.

Law roundup: Stranger’s odd behavior sends up red flag

A man at a business was reported to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office for “acting strange.” He went into the store, saying someone had stolen his cellphone.

Senior Spotlight: Flathead senior perseveres to overcome adversity

Flathead High School student Matthew Groneman has taken the adversity he’s overcome as a lesson in learning the extent of his perseverance.

Brisendine’s triple jump bumps her into scholarship

A career day meant everything for Glacier product Taylor Brisendine, who took off at the MCPS Stadium triple jump pit on May 29 and landed on a scholarship to Montana State University.

Staffing woes force Whitefish resort to scale back operations

Whitefish Mountain Resort will scale back its summer schedule to just five days a week due to a worker shortage that is affecting numerous Flathead Valley businesses this tourist season.

Explosion at fireworks factory investigated, no injuries

Officials with state and federal agencies are investigating the cause of an explosion at a fireworks factory in south-central Montana that destroyed a shipping container and was heard up to 10 miles away.

Walmart to again close its US stores on Thanksgiving Day

Walmart says it will close its U.S. stores on Thanksgiving for the second consecutive year.

Bald eagles kill 54 sheep at farm in Idaho

A farmer in Idaho has said he lost about $7,500 in revenue from 54 lambs killed by nearby bald eagles.

Public Service Commission to hire director after violations

Montana's Public Service Commission is looking to hire an executive director after an audit found commissioners were overspending on travel and the commission needed to improve its financial reporting and its work culture, the commission said in its response to the audit.

Fire destroys building at Miracle of America Museum

Emergency response crews were called to a structure fire at the Miracle of America Museum just south of Polson around 9 a.m. Friday.

Biden aims to restore species protections weakened by Trump

The Biden administration said Friday it is canceling or reviewing a host of actions by the Trump administration to roll back protections for endangered or threatened species, with a goal of strengthening a landmark law while addressing climate change.

Whitefish woman accused of DUI homicide free on bail

A Whitefish woman accused of striking and killing a Columbia Falls girl while driving drunk is free on bail.

Man arrested after standoff in Whitefish near schools

A man is in custody after a brief standoff in Whitefish Friday morning.

Judge: US can't delay challenge to public land coal sales

A U.S. judge has rejected the Biden administration's attempt to delay a lawsuit from several states and environmentalists who are seeking to end lease sales for coal mining on federal lands.

US adds 559K jobs as firms still struggle to fill positions

U.S. employers added a modest 559,000 jobs in May, an improvement from April's sluggish gain but still evidence that many companies are struggling to find enough workers as the economy rapidly recovers from the pandemic recession.

Yuri Ricardo Lolong, 39

Yuri Ricardo Lolong passed away on May 18, 2021, in Indonesia. A sudden illness took his life in a day.

Artists selected for tunnel murals in Kalispell

KALICO Art Center and Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana have announced their selection of professional artists to paint murals on the multiuse path in North Kalispell.

Flathead meth dealer gets lengthy sentence

A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine in Flathead and Missoula counties was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years and seven months in prison.

Kila man charged with abusing special-needs child

A Flathead Valley man recently was jailed after he was accused of abusing a special-needs child with a belt.

Senior Spotlight: C-Falls senior dancing to embrace life's music

Dancer, actor, musician, singer, black belt, mathematician — many words can be used to describe Columbia Falls High School senior Jesse Rusche.

Forest Service draining Lion Lake to repair aging dams

The U.S. Forest Service has begun draining Lion Lake near Hungry Horse in order to repair two dams that are more than 70 years old. Recent surveys found one of the earthfill dams is leaking and at risk of failure, which could affect wildlife habitat along the South Fork of the Flathead River.

White-knuckle thriller for AMC as it sells stock into frenzy

Got your popcorn? The wild ride for the summer's blockbuster stock, AMC Entertainment, got even crazier on Thursday.

Law roundup: Neighbors not to blame after all

A Lakeside woman called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to report her neighbors for “moving her hot tub without permission.”

Legals for June, 4 2021

Bigfork, Eureka send gridders to B All-Stars

Eureka and Bigfork are heavily represented in the 32nd Class B All-Star football game that is set for June 12 in Lockwood.

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

The Homestead, a sprawling, nearly 1,700-acre luxury property northwest of Whitefish listed for $55 million, has been sold to a group of investors from Texas.

Heatwave prods rising river levels

The heat is on in Northwest Montana and area rivers are quickly rising.

Montana Medicaid expansion enrollment hits record number in April

A record number of Montanans are enrolled in the state's Medicaid expansion program, which provides health insurance for low-income adults, according to the state health department.

Health center splits from Flathead County

The Flathead Community Health Center, established in 2007 as a division of the Flathead City-County Health Department, officially spun off Monday to operate as a private nonprofit with a new name: the Greater Valley Health Center.

Sun Road open to hikers, bikers at Logan Pass

Hikers and bikers can now access the Going-to-the-Sun Road up to Logan Pass when road crews are not working, Glacier National Park announced Wednesday.

Wyoming smokejumper dies of injuries suffered in New Mexico

A Wyoming smokejumper has died of injuries suffered last month while fighting a wildfire in New Mexico, the U.S. Forest Service said Thursday.

PHOTOS: Going-to-the-Sun Road snow plowing in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park officials invited journalists to view snow-clearing efforts along the Going-to-the-Sun Road near Logan Pass on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

Billings man sentenced to 75 years in prison for homicide

A Billings man with a criminal history dating back to age 9 has been sentenced to 75 years in prison for shooting and killing a man in Billings at the start of a crime spree that ended when he shot and injured a man in Butte.

Arizona election data may have been sent to 'lab' near Swan Lake

Observers of a Legislature-sponsored review and recount of election results in Arizona's largest county alleged last week that "copies of voting system data" were sent to an unnamed lab in Montana with little explanation, according to a summary of notes from the Arizona Secretary of State's office, which sponsored the observers.

Albina (Mueller) Grob, 88

Albina (Mueller) Grob passed away peacefully in her sleep April 29, 2021.

Law roundup: Animals have heyday exploring valley

A parrot reportedly flew into an Evergreen Drive resident’s yard.

Kila man accused of assaulting wife

A Kila man was arrested and jailed after he allegedly threw his wife down and threatened her with a baseball bat during a Memorial Day weekend incident.

Left-wing extremism in the military

Our institutions aren’t what they once were. Opinion polls show overwhelmingly that trust in the government,

Area students win big in Montana fish art contests

Seven young people, including five from Olney-Bissell School and two from Kalispell, were top three finishers in the Montana cutthroat trout and Wildlife Forever Fish Art Montana contests.

Letters to the editor June 3

Letters to the editor June 3

Kalispell hires new fire chief

Kalispell has a new fire chief and for Dan Pearce, it’s a homecoming of sorts. Pearce spent several years in Kalispell, from 1990-99.

Know the fishing rules

This leads to knowing how many fish you can keep and whether there is a size limit?

Robert O. Hooper Jr., 97

Robert O. Hooper Jr., 97 years old, better known to all as Dad Hooper, passed away May 29, 2021.

The federal bureau of cyber ninjas

A few months back the Republican controlled Arizona State Senate ordered a recount of all 2.1 million votes

Former Libby council member charged with felony in camper towing incident

Former Libby City Council member Darrel “DC” Orr is facing a felony charge for allegedly trying to run down a Montana Sky employee after they had his camper towed off of company property.

Senior Spotlight: Bigfork senior discovers passion for welding

Bigfork senior Grace Stewart plans to embark on a career in welding.

COLUMN: Weekend deals more memories than celebration

Memorial Day weekend is, as the name suggests, a time for remembrance and, one also supposes, celebration.

Logan Health nurses strike continues for second day

A labor strike involving hundreds of Logan Health nurses continued for a second day Wednesday.

A beer and a shot: Flathead breweries offer boozy incentive to get vaccinated

Adults 21 and older can get free beer with their COVID-19 vaccinations during pop-up events scheduled next week at breweries in Kalispell and Columbia Falls.

Bill Gates company to build reactor at Wyoming coal plant

A next-generation, small nuclear plant will be built at a soon-to-be retired coal-fired power plant in Wyoming in the next several years, business and government officials said Wednesday.

Police: 58 horses seized from Montana ranch after concerns

About 60 horses have been seized from a ranch in Montana after police believe the animals were being neglected, authorities said.

Montana man indicted on federal hate crime, firearm charges

A federal grand jury has indicted a Montana man on hate crime and firearm charges after he allegedly threatened a person with violent, homophobic slurs and fired a gun into the person's house, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Missoula aims to end illegal camping by housing the homeless

The city of Missoula is creating an incident command team to end illegal camping and create safe, indoor housing for people experiencing homelessness while making sure public spaces remain safe and usable by everyone, Mayor John Engen and three Missoula County commissioners announced.

Fundraising underway for injured kayaker

More than $44,000 has been raised for kayaker Lindsay Ashton, who nearly drowned Friday on the Swan River at Bigfork.

Washington utility inks deal to buy Montana wind power

Puget Sound Energy announced Wednesday an agreement to buy power from an eastern Montana wind farm as the Washington state utility that co-owns the Colstrip power plant seeks to reduce its carbon emissions.

Another lawsuit challenges amended Montana campaign bill

Another lawsuit has been filed to challenge a new law that bans voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts on college campuses in Montana and also requires judges to recuse themselves from cases if they have received campaign donations from anyone involved in the case.

Montana law allows hemp for commercial animal feed

Montana agriculture officials say hemp and hemp-derived substances can be used under a new state law in commercial animal feed, but with limitations.

Idaho's new wolf law has prompted a petition that could relist the animals as endangered

Critics of an Idaho wolf law approved earlier this month have launched a petition that could reinstate Endangered Species Act protections for wolves that were lifted a decade ago.

Supreme Court upholds tribal police in traffic stop, search

The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that tribal police officers can stop and search non-Indians on tribal lands for potential violations of state or federal law.

Janis Bensch

God happily delivered Janis Lynn Conn to us on April 15, 1969, in Whitefish.

Maynard Billings Adams, 76

On May 26, 2021, a loving and joyful soul left our lives.

Hundreds of local seniors prepare to graduate

High school graduation ceremonies around the valley are scheduled this week.

Legals for June, 2 2021

Terie (Tuman) Ellis, 67

Terie (Tuman) Ellis, born May 19, 1954, to Pearl (Peggy) Eggar and Gerald Tuman in Livingston, Montana, passed away on May 27, 2021, with her husband and daughters by her side, in Yakima, Washington.

Alden Thomas Harris Jr., 82

Alden Thomas Harris Jr. passed away May 17, 2021, after a long battle with cancer.

Law roundup: Woman enraged by flashing lights

A verbal disturbance ensued between two vehicles when a woman allegedly followed a man from a store parking lot to a drive-thru line and pulled up next to him, yelling.

David Charles Ivey, 86

David Charles Ivey was born Feb. 24, 1935, to Charles and Cornelia Ivey in Havre.

Senior Spotlight: GHS senior embodies possibilities for all abilities

For his final speech competition, Ty Espeseth championed the idea that people of all abilities can excel in whatever they choose to pursue. He exemplifies that message every day.

Tuition hikes approved across Montana University System

The Montana Board of Regents has approved multiple tuition hikes over the next two years for both resident and out-of-state students at campuses across the Montana University System.

Walburn wins NAIA national championship in men’s decathlon

Lee Walburn, a sophomore from Whitefish, is the national champion in the men’s decathlon at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.

Officials seek info on dead North Fork grizzly

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are investigating the death of a grizzly bear up the North Fork of the Flathead River.

Logan Health nurses begin three-day strike

Hundreds of Logan Health nurses walked off the job Tuesday morning, marking the start of a three-day strike to protest what they view as the hospital system's unwillingness to budge on union demands for better wages and working conditions.

Grizzlies euthanized after attack on llamas, wallaroos near Whitefish

Montana wildlife officials have euthanized two grizzly bears — an adult female and her cub — believed to have attacked numerous chickens and livestock animals near Whitefish.

Glacier Medical Associates reports data security breach

Glacier Medical Associates announced Tuesday the independent medical practice detected and stopped a data security incident that occurred April 7.

Lawmaker resigns to accept appointment to parole board

A member of Montana's House of Representatives resigned his seat late last month to accept an appointment to the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole, even after an attorney for the Legislature questioned the constitutionality of the move, a Montana news outlet reported.

Whitefish man accused of choking wife, threatening her attorney

A Whitefish man is facing a felony charge after he was accused of choking his common law wife.

Nurses file petition to break ties with SEIU

Logan Health nurses opposed to unionization filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board on Tuesday seeking to hold a vote to end the nurses' relationship with SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

Body pulled from Missouri River was Great Falls woman

A body found in a pickup truck that was pulled from the Missouri River in Great Falls last month is that of Tammy Goff, a woman who went missing nearly three years ago, Cascade County officials said.

Judge sides with Montana in mining pollution case

A Montana judge has sided with state environmental regulators who are using a law that provides protection from repeat polluters against an Idaho-based mining company and its chief executive.

Montana employees working remote will head back to worksites

Montana state employees who have been working remotely because of the pandemic will begin returning to their worksites this month and Capitol Complex offices that have been closed to the public will reopen in two weeks, state officials said.

Hazardous heat this week for parts of Montana, Wyoming

The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued a hazardous weather warning for parts of Montana and Wyoming as temperatures were expected to rocket higher later this week.

Wildlife officials shoot bear following attacks on calves

Authorities in Montana have trapped and killed a grizzly bear in northwestern Montana after it was suspected of attacking calves across numerous ranches in the Dupuyer area.

Legals for June, 1 2021

Senior Spotlight: Stillwater's Ryan Frampton emphasizes Christian faith

Stillwater Christian School senior Ryan Frampton has come to excel at many things in his life. He's a champion tennis player and instructor, a martial artist since age 4 who holds a second-degree black belt, a capable archer and a highly focused student.

Ruder Elementary expansion nears completion

The new addition to Ruder Elementary School is getting closer to completion.