Ellington

Deep Bulldogs, Wildkats win ARM Invite titles

WHITEFISH — The Whitefish boys used depth to win their own ARM Invitational track and field meet Saturday, and the Columbia Falls Wildkats won the girls team title the same way.

As Kalispell City Council prepares to expand Parkline Trail, users praise the multi-use path

On a beautiful day last week, walkers and local business owners praised Kalispell’s multi-use Parkline Trail as City Council eyes expansion of the repurposed rail corridor.

Local legislators react to Zephyr's silencing

Flathead Valley lawmakers had a front row seat last week to a sequence of events that thrust Montana into the national spotlight and ignited a debate about what constitutes legislative decorum.

Catering company elevates events with customized charcuterie

The team started by creating charcuterie boxes, but after receiving requests for grazing tables and catering services, they decided to expand their services.

David E. Laird, 87

David E. Laird, 87

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Legals for April, 30 2023

Juanita Ortiz Bernabe, 78

Juanita Ortiz Bernabe, 78

Decision to bar Zephyr an avoidable outcome

An unprecedented week at the state capitol last week drew the attention of the nation when Democrat Rep. Zooey Zephyr was barred from the House floor and from participating in debates for the remainder of the session.

Margaret Jo (Dragonfly) Burns , 83

Margaret Jo (Dragonfly) Burns, 83

Letters to the editor April 30

Letters to the editor April 30

Diane Blankenship, 75

Diane Blankenship, 75

Where have Montana manners gone?

It was Feb. 10, 2007, and I was standing on the House floor, presenting my bill to allow alternate certification of teachers by local school districts on a one-year trial basis.

Women settlers brought community to the Flathead Valley

Women and their labor were vital to many aspects of life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some accounts from history might have you believe they were not in NorthWest Montana at all, but slowly and surely they made their way out West.

Law roundup: Female chapped about lifetime ban

A female was allegedly detained after stealing Chapstick and given a lifetime ban to all the sore’s locations.

Spartan race marks 10 years of bringing in competitors

The racers that come to Kalispell to participate in the event contribute over $1 million to the local economy, as more than half of the racers stay in Kalispell hotels, motels and vacation rentals, according to Discover Kalispell.

Let her speak: Support and follow Zephyr

When Americans think of Montana, they picture snow-capped peaks, rolling prairies, and rainbow trout darting through the crystal-clear rivers that run through it.

Elizabeth Bonitz, 63

Elizabeth Bonitz, 63

Community briefs

Kalispell Women’s Connection meets; Dahlia sale; Flathead Democrats spring banquet May 6; Hopa Mountain accepting scholarship applications

ImagineIF Board continues looking at Gateway, but has stipulations

The ImagineIF Board of Trustees has decided to continue pursuing the Gateway Community Center as the new home for its Kalispell branch, but members still hope to garner enough support to find a more suitable location.

Bullpen, clutch hitting key A Lakers’ sweep

An excellent bullpen and timely hitting led the Kalispell A Lakers to a doubleheader sweep of the Great Falls Chargers Saturday, 6-5 and 4-3.

Mohl homers in Grizzlies’ softball loss

Montana’s Kynzie Mohl hit a two-run, first-inning home run, but the Grizzlies didn’t score from there in a 5-2 loss to Weber State Saturday, in Big Sky Conference softball.

Holden, Nikunen lead AA Lakers to sweep

Adam Nikunen had a pair of two-hit games, Max Holden threw a near-shutout and the Kalispell AA Lakers swept the Great Falls AA Chargers Saturday at Griffin Field.

Banner day for Glacier's duos

Glacier’s Harrison Sanders and Timmy Glanville defeated teammates Trey Engellant and Ethan Woods to claim the No. 1 doubles title at the Western AA Invitational at FVCC on Saturday, one of several Wolfpack doubles wins.

Seahawks sign O’Connell as undrafted free agent

Patrick O’Connell, the standout linebacker for the Montana Grizzlies, signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday.

Portion of East-Side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road closed

Warming temperatures and spring snowmelt are contributing to increased water levels on rivers and lakes, and saturated soils across Flathead National Forest, especially on roads and trails. All forest users should use caution during this time.

Lake County awaits final decision on funding PL 280

House Bill 479, a bill originally introduced by Ronan Rep. Joe Read and Bigfork Rep. Bob Keenan, has passed the House and advanced out of the Senate Finance and Claims Committee by executive action, 19-0, Monday.

State jobless rate drops again

Montana reported another all-time low unemployment rate in March, but Northwest Montana counties lag behind the state as a whole.

Whitefish wins Cat-Dog baseball game

Whitefish used a combination of small-ball offensively and strong pitching on the mound to take home an 8-0 victory over Columbia Falls at Memorial Field on Friday.

Persinger, Allen, Cooke hit HRs as Pack sweep

Zoey Allen and Emma Cooke hit home runs, and Nakiah Persinger packed two homers into one game as Glacier swept Butte Friday in a Western AA softball doubleheader.

Moultray, Mann lead Wildkats over M-A-C

Maddie Moultray threw a 5-inning one-hitter, Sydney Mann hit a two-run home run and Columbia Falls downed Mission-Arlee-Charlo 14-0 in non-conference softball action Friday.

Carroll’s Kauffman wins Frontier triple jump

State AA champion one spring, Frontier Conference champ the next.

PHOTOS: Kalispell's Arbor Day celebration 2023

Third-grade students from School District 5 gathered for a day full of activities including environmental education booths, park beautification, tree planting and a ceremony at Kalispell's Arbor Day celebration at Woodland Park on Friday, April 28.

Montana latest to ban gender-affirming care for trans minors

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Friday to ban gender-affirming medical care for young transgender people — the battle over which ended with the removal of a transgender lawmaker from the House floor.

Montana requires prior approval for Medicaid-paid abortions

Montana physicians will have to provide prior documentation showing that an abortion is medically necessary before the state's Medicaid program will authorize payment for the procedure, under a new rule that takes effect next week.

PHOTOS: Special Olympics Glacier Area Spring Games

Special Olympics Glacier Area Spring Games

New burn permit system for Flathead County

Beginning in May, Flathead County will use the same fully supported burn permit and notification service used in 29 other counties across the state.

Charles "Skip" Monroe Dunfee, 87

Charles "Skip" Monroe Dunfee, 87

Legals for April, 28 2023

Law roundup: Mailman accused of taking catnap

Officers with the Kalispell Police Department were asked to check in with a mailman after someone thought they saw him sleeping in his U.S. Postal Service truck.

Voters reminded to mail ballots for school elections — polls open in three school districts on May 2

Ballots are due May 2 for registered voters living in school districts that are holding mail-ballot elections. Ballots may be mailed or hand-delivered but are due in a voter’s respective district by 8 p.m.

Libby mom and preemie share air ambulance experience at ALERT banquet

Verity Thorne remembers the fear that came with hearing her 2-month-old son, born prematurely and having spent his first days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, needed to go to Salt Lake City for life saving care.

Glacier inholder case centers on jurisdiction

The case of a private home built along the shores of lower McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park could come down to jurisdiction.

Tami Rasmussen-Heikes, 61

Tami Rasmussen-Heikes, 61

Experienced C-Falls wins Kat-Dog 21-0

Columbia Falls beat Whitefish 21-0 in three innings Thursday in the first installment of varsity Cat-Dog softball at the Smith Fields sports complex.

Polson takes pair of tennis duals from C-Falls

Polson swept a pair of duals from Columbia Falls on Thursday in a Wednesday meeting of the Northwest A rivals.

Lillard, Johnson lead Glacier to dual sweep

Jeff Lillard and Kai Johnson won two events each, and Glacier swept Missoula Sentinel in a track and field dual held Thursday at the Wolfpack’s home track.

Eureka girls, Libby boys win Lincoln County meet

Eureka’s girls scored big in the throws and jumps, and the Lions won their side of the annual Lincoln County track and field meet Thursday at Logger Stadium.

ImagineIF Foundation executive director steps down

ImagineIF Libraries’ biggest fundraising partner is seeing another executive director exit, this time after just a year on the job.

Guardsman spoke of 'murder,' may still possess secrets: US

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — The Massachusetts Air National guardsman accused of leaking highly classified military documents kept an arsenal of guns, talked of "violence and murder" on a social media platform and an "assassination van," prosecutors wrote ahead of Thursday's hearing for 21-year-old Jack Teixeira.

Whitefish couple's $101M donation funds nursing education center in Missoula

Community Medical Center has signed a letter of intent to donate land in Missoula for a new nursing education building to be built with a portion of a $101 million investment by philanthropists Mark and Robyn Jones to Montana State University.

Carol Ann Gordon, 80

Carol Ann Gordon, nee Wandesforde, died unexpectedly in her sleep on April 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 80. She was born March 24, 1943, in Seattle to Harold Wandesforde and Anna Henderson Tait.

Valley Voices takes stage for spring concert

The concert “Music! Who Could Ask for Anything More?” is a selection of music initially rehearsed in 2020 but was never performed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The stellar Steller’s jay

Anyone who spends time birdwatching in high or low elevations of coniferous forests in the Western U.S. and Canada are likely to see the bold and inquisitive Steller’s jay.

Former sportscaster holds book signing for memoir

Whitefish resident Tony Hernandez marks the release of his first book, “Always Turn Down the First Offer” a memoir of his 36-year sportscasting career, with a reading and signing Saturday.

Tester lobbies White House for greater rural representation on Amtrak board

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester has threatened to block President Joe Biden’s slate of Amtrak board of directors nominees because of what he sees as insufficient geographical representation.

UM philosophy professor speaks on wildlife recovery

Environmental philosopher and author Christopher Preston will speak on his latest book, “Tenacious Beasts: Wildlife Recoveries That Change How We Think about Animals” May 3 at the Northwest Montana History Museum.

Whitefish wine and food fest supports children’s activities

The annual wine tasting, food festival and auction event raises funds to support children in the community through sports and the performing arts.

Events

Sons of Norway lodge celebration; Handbell Festival; Speaker gives talk on mental health

Alleged pantless drunk driver fought deputies, prosecutors say

An accused drunk driver faces a felony charge after deputies arrested her while responding to a string of incidents beginning in Martin City that involved a woman in various states of undress.

Hockaday Museum hosts programs on Salish storytelling and bark baskets

The Hockaday Museum of Art next month is hosting Montana Conversations, which includes presentations on Salish storytelling and baskets, along with a basket making workshop.

Laws as reminders of the reason they exist

Every little once in a while I am reminded that laws are created to protect us from ourselves, or more particularly from our faulty memories, or from forgetting history.

Multiple events set for Mental Health Awareness Month

Flathead County Mental Health Collaboration Specialist Jerramy Dear-Ruel said the area is experiencing a mental and behavioral health crisis, along with many other communities nationwide, so it’s important to take time to learn how to address the issue.

Paddling Film Festival is May 14 in Whitefish

Paddling Film Festival is May 14 in Whitefish

Rep. Zooey Zephyr's town feels divide from rest of Montana

MISSOULA, Montana (AP) — In the college town of Missoula, pride flags are as common a sight as the peaks of Montana's Rattlesnake Mountains. Even a downtown crosswalk is rainbow-colored.

Choir caps 10 years with One Voice fundraiser

The Crown of the Continent Choir concludes its 10th year Sunday with its annual “One Voice” fundraiser at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

William E. Marsh, 88

William E. Marsh, 88, of Plains passed away April 11, 2023, at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. Bill was born June 6, 1934, in Scobey.

Letters to the editor April 27

Letters to the editor April 27

Martin City man facing criminal endangerment charge pleads not guilty

A Martin City man accused of dragging a person down a Columbia Falls street with his pickup in March pleaded not guilty to a single count of criminal endangerment earlier this month.

Legals for April, 27 2023

ATP Kids theater presents ‘Les Miserables’

Fifty-five high school students from around the Flathead Valley will show audiences the transformational power of forgiveness, mercy, justice and love in an ATP Kids production of the Broadway musical “Les Miserables.”

Evening of music showcases college’s music department, community band and choir

An evening packed with music is planned May 3 to spotlight ensembles from Flathead Valley Community College music department, the Flathead Valley Community Band and the Columbia Falls Community Choir.

Jazz-infused opera about champion boxer comes to O’Shaughnessy Center

The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD season continues Saturday with “Champion,” the operatic, jazz-infused, retelling of the tragic life and redemption of boxer Emile Griffith.

Man given suspended sentence in 2022 back behind bars for alleged knife attack

A Kalispell man sentenced last year for spitting on a police officer is back behind bars after allegedly attacking a person at a gas station earlier this month.

City benefits from mistake while Whitefish residents pay

Whitefish contracted two consulting firms to produce reports that determined the water usage statistics of Whitefish households.

Pass the WD-40

It’s springtime in the Flathead! For the outdoor minded resident, we have a host of options for outdoor fun.

Law roundup: Man returns home to face the heat

A Lakeside man allegedly returned home to find the oven turned up to 500 degrees, which heated the house up enough to melt unlit candles. He reportedly thought someone

Flathead senior Tali Miller closing out an underrated career

Tali Miller was a solid three-sport athlete for the Flathead Bravettes — volleyball, basketball and track and field — before flag football came along last fall.

Montana lawmaker Zooey Zephyr barred from 2023 session

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Republican leaders will vote Wednesday on censuring or expelling lawmaker Zooey Zephyr, a transgender state representative who has been silenced in the House since last week after telling colleagues that if they voted for a bill to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender children they would "have blood on their hands."

Gianforte seeks to expand TikTok ban to other social apps

Montana's governor is asking lawmakers to expand the state's proposed TikTok ban to more social media companies that provide certain data to foreign adversaries.

Disney sues DeSantis, calling park takeover 'retaliation'

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Disney sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday over the Republican's takeover of its theme park district, alleging the governor waged a "targeted campaign of government retaliation" after the company opposed a law critics call "Don't Say Gay."

Gianforte’s son one of many lobbying governor against trans bills

In late March, David Gianforte made an appointment to talk about three bills with Montana’s Republican governor, Greg Gianforte, who happens to be his father.

Sarah Marlene Brenchley Gage (Marlene), 91

Sarah Marlene Brenchley Gage (Marlene), 91

Jeffrey Fred McAtee, 57

Jeffrey Fred McAtee, 57

Kalispell City Council poised to bring industrial waste regulations up to federal standards

Kalispell City Council discussed industrial wastewater pretreatment enforcement at its work session Monday.

Intersection of Fourth Avenue East, East Center Street to close for water and sewer project

The intersection of East Center Street and Fourth Avenue East will be closed starting April 26 as part of an ongoing water and sewer replacement project.

Dorothy Stefanoff, 91

Dorothy Stefanoff, 91

Kalispell Elks makes donation to Hockaday

The past Exalted Rulers of Kalispell Elks Lodge No. 725 donated $500 to the Hockaday Museum of Arts.

Nude prowler pleads guilty to burglary charge

Adrien Yves Leroux, 26, appeared before Judge Robert Allison in Flathead County District Court on April 17 for a change of plea hearing after reaching a deal with prosecutors.

FVCC event raises funds for student scholarships

The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation raised $45,000 for student scholarships during its recent Festival of Flavors event.

Law roundup: Man calls 911 to fuss about accusation

A man reportedly called 911 because he was upset that he was accused of trespassing at a construction site and said that there was a dog loose in the area.

Libby City Council approves Ercanbrack as new chief of police

Libby City Council approved the hiring of Cody Ercanbrack as the municipality's new police chief at an April 20 special meeting.

'This is white knuckle territory:' road crews make progress on plowing Going-to-the-Sun Road

To view where construction crews are working and how far the road is open under the current conditions tab, visit nps.gov/glac.

William “Billy” Charles Sapa, 53

William “Billy” Charles Sapa, 53

Arbor Day celebration Friday at Woodland Park

Kalispell has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for 36 years,

Brothers facing assault with a weapon charges reach deferred prosecution agreements

Eugene George Hallas, 73, and Raymond Irwin Hallas, 66, initially faced charges of felony assault with a weapon following an Aug. 24, 2022 disturbance on a property on Montana 40 between Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

Legals for April, 26 2023

Wildkats score late to put away Flathead

Columbia Falls’ Sydney Mann outdueled Flathead pitcher Macey McIlhargey, shaking off a homer by Kaidyn Lake to beat the Bravettes 6-3 in non-conference softball action Tuesday at KidSport.

Valley athletes shine at Pilcher Top 10

The 23rd Russ Pilcher Top 10 meet brought in solid spring weather Tuesday, along with the best track and field athletes within a 150-mile (or so) radius of MCPS Stadium.

Flathead sweeps Bigfork netters

Flathead earned dual victories in non-conference tennis on Tuesday at FVCC.

One killed in deputy-involved shooting in Lake County

The shooting occurred after deputies were asked to help an individual perform a welfare check on a person located in a home on Cold Creek Lane, officials said.

Updated: Montana House cancels after rally for transgender lawmaker

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's House speaker canceled a Tuesday floor session a day after seven protestors were arrested for disrupting proceedings with demands that Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a transgender Democrat silenced by lawmakers for comments against bans on gender-affirming care, be allowed to speak.

Biden announces 2024 reelection bid: 'Let's finish this job'

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday formally announced that he is running for reelection in 2024, asking voters to give him more time to "finish this job" and extend the run of America's oldest president for another four years.

Trump gets endorsed by Daines, GOP's Senate campaign chief

Former President Donald Trump has gotten his most high-profile endorsement from a Senate Republican yet, winning the backing of Montana's Steve Daines, chief of the Senate's GOP fundraising arm.

Harry Belafonte, activist and entertainer, dies at 96

NEW YORK (AP) — Harry Belafonte, the civil rights and entertainment giant who began as a groundbreaking actor and singer and became an activist, humanitarian and conscience of the world, has died. He was 96.

Attempt to revive controversial top-two primary proposal stalls

Renewed efforts to restrict the ability of third-party and independent candidates to make the ballot ahead of Montana’s 2024 U.S. Senate race stalled just as they began Monday with little explanation.

Law roundup: Scary men driving big trucks harass individual

Someone, who reportedly felt unsafe in Kalispell, complained about big, scary “rednecks” driving big trucks were harassing them on the bypass when Kalispell Police Department officers weren’t around.

Legislature must address pension debt

You may believe that Montana is debt free following actions by the legislature earlier this year to pay off state debt.

Fire Grants and Safety Act passes US Senate

The Fire Grants and Safety Act, which would reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program, passed the U.S. Senate last week.

FWP asks for administrative rules for grizzlies

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are seeking approval from the state Fish and Wildlife Commission to move forward with the process of making administrative rules that address management of grizzly bears.

Legals for April, 25 2023

GOP plan addresses the looming debt crisis

There’s dignity and honor in work.

Larry Smith, 76

Larry Smith, 76

Kalispell man allegedly involved in multiple armed confrontations sentenced

Prosecutors initially charged Jose Angel Estrello, 40, with counts of assault with a weapon in two separate cases stemming from alleged incidents in July 2022.

Letters to the editor April 25

Letters to the editor April 25

Montana transgender lawmaker silenced again as backers erupt

Montana Republicans persisted in forbidding Democratic transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr from participating in debate for a second week and her supporters brought the House session to a halt Monday — chanting "Let her speak!" from the gallery before they were escorted out.

Struggling Bed Bath & Beyond files for bankruptcy protection

NEW YORK (AP) — Bed Bath & Beyond — one of the original big box retailers known for its seemingly endless offerings of sheets, towels and kitchen gadgets — filed for bankruptcy protection, following years of dismal sales and losses and numerous failed turnaround plans.

Funding to send Montana prisoners to Arizona private prison reinstated by Senate committee

The Senate Finance and Claims Committee voted Friday to put the $3.9 million annually that would go toward funding 120 beds for Montana prisoners at a CoreCivic private prison in Arizona into a separate bill after nixing the funding several other times this session.

Coke's strong quarter fueled by higher prices, China rebound

Coca-Cola Co. reported higher-than-expected sales in the first quarter as it continued to hike prices and its business in China improved.

Cities reviving downtowns by converting offices to housing

A growing number of developers are considering converting empty office towers into housing as part of an effort to revive struggling downtown business districts that emptied out during the pandemic.

Unprepared for long war, US Army under gun to make more ammo

The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant is at the vanguard of a multibillion-dollar Pentagon plan to modernize and accelerate its production of ammunition and equipment not only to support Ukraine, but to be ready for a potential conflict with China.

Banks are paying savers again after many years of low rates

Banks are paying up for savers' deposits in a much bigger way than they have in more than a decade, based on recent earnings reports from the nation's biggest banks.

Stocks drift ahead of week's deluge of profit, economic data

Stocks are drifting as Wall Street remains hesitant to make big moves amid questions about where the economy, interest rates and corporate profits are heading.

Tommy O'Connell is player of week at Miles

Glacier High and Kalispell Lakers alumnus Tommy O’Connell was the Mon-Dak Conference player of the week for April, after hitting .500 for the Miles Community College Pioneers.

Law roundup: Scooter rider disappears in a flash

A man with a missing tooth allegedly took a white scooter, that said “Flash” on it, for a test ride,

Legals for April, 24 2023

AA Laker sweep Cranbrook Bandits

Ostyn Brennan had a game — really, a day — and the Kalispell AA Lakers swept a pair of mercy rule-shortened Legion games from Cranbrook, British Columbia Sunday at Griffin Field.

A Lakers split with Northstars

Bryce Buckmaster was strong in relief and Hunter Glidden’s sacrifice fly in the seventh lifted the Kalispell A Lakers ovre Havre 4-3 in the first game of a Class A Legion doubleheader Sunday at Archie Roe.

Accepted into Idaho’s first pediatrics residency, Whitefish medical student looks to help children and families

There is no inclination where someone will end up, that is until match day, where across the United States medical students find out near simultaneously whether they matched into a program or not.

Letters to the editor April 24

Letters to the editor April 24

Pollution lawsuit could curb use of aerial fire retardant

BILLINGS, Mont. — A legal dispute in Montana could drastically curb the government's use of aerial fire retardant to combat wildfires after environmentalists raised concerns about waterways that are being polluted with the potentially toxic red slurry that's dropped from aircraft.

Patricia Miles, 80

Patricia Miles, 80

Law roundup: Woman chased back inside by loose dogs

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report that three dogs allegedly tried to attack a woman’s dog and chased her back into her house in Coram.

Bill Sutton, 72

William “Bill” Robert Sutton, 72, passed away in Kalispell, on April 17, 2023.

Wallace 'Wally' J. Fowler

Wallace "Wally" J. Fowler

Paris Hilton 1, commonsense 0

Arguably the worst bill of the session just passed. House Bill 218 was a mishmash of House amendments when delivered to the Senate.

Partisan primaries are a problem

Two autumns ago, we wrote a report and op-ed documenting the state of representation and democracy in Montana.

Our students deserve to be fully funded

If there’s one thing we all can agree on, it’s that we want what is best for our kids. This includes our own children, our grandchildren, and our neighbors, as they are all our kids, our future.

Critical choices on school election ballots

School election ballots hit area mailboxes earlier this week, and there are no shortage of trustee candidates for voters to consider.

Letters to the editor April 23

Letters to the editor April 23

Betty Mae Harvey, 92

Betty Mae Harvey, 92

At curtain, I’ll fake Manhattan

Flathead Valley opera fans have it pretty good.

Zinke requests funding for 15 Montana projects

Congressman Ryan Zinke is requesting federal funding for 15 projects in Western Montana aimed at expanding local infrastructure, economic development and law enforcement capabilities.

Ellen Imogene Gravning, 96

Ellen Imogene Gravning, 96

Local tech businesses awarded job creation grants

Big Sky Trust Fund Job Creation grants were awarded to ClassOne Technology, GL Solutions, and Nomad Global Communication Solutions.

Community briefs

Special Olympics games April 27-28; Special Olympics golf classic; Community meals set

Architect focuses on elements of nature and light when designing buildings

Now as the owner and architect of Rowen Architecture, Jason Cherry uses his skills to create bold and authentic homes in the Flathead Valley.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

FVCC taps into role-playing game’s popularity with continuing education class

A cooperative storytelling game, Dungeons & Dragons lets a group of players act as their characters as they complete quests, slay monsters, solve puzzles and, occasionally, save a fictional world.

As Montana looks to ban TikTok, questions linger

Less than a month after Congress battered TikTok’s CEO about Chinese influence over the social media platform and the threat it poses to national security, Montana lawmakers are trying to pass their own statewide ban of the popular app.

Mike McAuliffe, 81

Mike McAuliffe, 81

Business newsmakers

Happenings at Flathead businesses

Legals for April, 23 2023

AA Lakers sweep Norths

The Kalispell AA Lakers pitchers were stingy with the hits, and swept a doubleheader from Class A Havre Saturday, 6-1 and 13-3.

A Lakers no-hit, one-hit Chargers

While the AA Kalispell Lakers were tying up hitters on Griffin Field, the A Lakers’ were doing them one better.

Glacier netters sweep Butte, Sentinel

It was a good day for the Glacier tennis teams Saturday, sweeping visiting Western AA schools Butte and Missoula Sentinel in duals at FVCC.

Bravettes tie Sentinel, beat Butte

The Flathead Bravettes counted a win and a tie Saturday against Butte and Missoula Sentinel on a blustery morning at FVCC.

Polson softball tops C-Falls Friday, 8-6

Samantha Rensvold hit a go-ahead, 2-run single in the seventh inning for Polson, and the Pirates rallied to beat Columbia Falls 8-6 in a Northwest A softball showdown Friday.

Hurdler Schrader leads C-Falls boys to Iceberg win

The Columbia Falls Wildcats capped a busy week with the boys team title in their own Iceberg Invitational track and field meet Saturday.

Polson’s Fisher, Eureka’s Butts throw gems; Mission rallies

Polson pitcher Espn Fisher scattered four hits in seven innings of work, and drove in a run as the Pirates held off Columbia Falls 3-2 Friday in high school baseball.

Board selects Dziowgo as new Columbia Falls Public Schools superintendent

The Columbia Falls Public Schools Board of Trustees on April 12 selected Cory Dziowgo as its next superintendent.

Governor signs bill authorizing veterans cemetery in Columbia Falls

A new veterans cemetery serving former servicemen and women in Northwest Montana is coming to Columbia Falls.

Homeowner sues county commissioners over zoning decision regarding fence

The homeowner who was denied a property zone change earlier this year for an already erected fence is suing the Flathead County commissioners.

Band and orchestra students perform at District Music Festival

Scenes from the District Music Festival at Glacier High School on Thursday, April 20. (Casey Kreider photos/Daily Inter Lake)

Trans lawmaker silenced for 2nd day by Montana House speaker

A transgender Montana lawmaker was silenced for a second day Friday as her Republican colleagues have refused to let her speak on the chamber's floor this session until she apologizes for saying lawmakers would have "blood on their hands" if they banned gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth.

State suspends OPI’s authority to award contracts

Montana’s Office Public Instruction temporarily lost its authority to enter into high-price contracts for goods and services Tuesday after the Department of Administration discovered deficiencies in the agency’s practices.

Man who left death threats at Tester’s office changes plea

Kevin Patrick Smith, 46, initially pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening to murder and to assault a member of Congress at his Feb. 23 arraignment, but struck a deal with prosecutors on March 21.

County Finance Department wins award

This is the 14th year the department has received the award, according to the county.

David Stephenson, 80

David Stephenson, 80

Law roundup: Online tax preparer imposes levy of its own

A man contacted police concerned that his girlfriend put something in the gas tank of his car.

Accused machete-wielding stalker pleads not guilty

A demonstrative John Drew Peterson pleaded not guilty to a felony stalking charge in Flathead County District Court on Thursday.

Mary Lou Carol Venard, 70

Mary Lou Carol Venard, 70

Meet the trustee candidates running in Kila School District 20

The Daily Inter Lake reached out to school board trustee candidates in contested elections. The information below was provided by candidates for Deer Park School District and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.

Meet the trustee candidates running in Swan River District

The Daily Inter Lake reached out to school board trustee candidates in contested elections. The information below was provided by candidates for Swan River District and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.

New district courtroom opens marking end of two-year project

The courtroom’s completion marks the end of a multi-phase project aimed at creating more space for county services and creating the necessary room to accommodate adding a fifth District Court judge.

State says it will implement restrictions on Medicaid funding for abortions

A new state health department rule will add red-tape for Montanans seeking to use their Medicaid benefits to cover abortions, a long-debated policy the state’s Republican administration has said is a proper and legal restriction on state funds.

Daines, Feinstein team up to create Senate Wildfire Caucus

Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines announced this week the creation of the bipartisan Senate Wildlife Caucus in cooperation with U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat.

Meet the trustee candidates running in Whitefish School District

The Daily Inter Lake reached out to school board trustee candidates in contested elections. The information below was provided by candidates for Whitefish School District and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.

Legals for April, 21 2023

AA, A Lakers gearing up

With any coaching endeavor there is the possibility of attrition, and this year’s Kalispell AA Lakers won’t have a trio of players that saw plenty of action in 2022 and were eligible to return this summer.

Great Falls prep events canceled

A pair of events set for Saturday in Great Falls have been canceled by a spring storm: The East-West Crossover softball jamboree and the Optimists Club Invitational girls track and field meet.

Glacier bats stay hot

The spring air was cool in Kalispell Thursday but the bats were hot for the Glacier Wolfpack, who beat Flathead 12-4 in crosstown softball at KidSport.

Walk-up music approved by MHSA for softball, baseball

It’s official: Walk-up music for softball and baseball is coming to a field near you.

Sun Road plows beyond the Loop

Glacier National Park plow crews have reached the Loop on the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Transportation commission approves plans to accommodate Lakeside coaster

The Montana Transportation Commission approved another step necessary for a controversial alpine coaster to open near Lakeside after a meeting that saw more than 100 people sign up to speak in opposition.

Group features intricate vocal harmonies

The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. and is presented by the Whitefish Theatre Company.

National Geographic Live — Filmmaker, photographer and marine conservationist speaks at FVCC

Emmy-nominated director, National Geographic photographer and marine conservationist Andy Mann will share engaging stories in “From Summit to Sea,” at the Wachholz College Center April 27.

James "Chip" E. Vineyard Jr, 58

James "Chip" E. Vineyard Jr, 58

FHS theater will enchant audiences in Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’

Lovers, conjurors, and shipwrecked wanderers take the stage at Flathead High School in Shakespeare’s epic romance, “The Tempest.”

Four rescued from Lower Stillwater Lake

The Whitefish Fire Department rescued four people who fell through the ice at Lower Stillwater Lake on the afternoon of April 12.

Wilderness Speaker Series concludes with Tim Ryan’s presentation on ‘The Trails that Support our Ancestors’

The 2023 Wilderness Speaker Series concludes April 26 with a presentation on “The Trails that Support our Ancestors,” by Tim Ryan, department head of Culture and Language Studies at Salish Kootenai College.

The other side of the Montana Constitution

For some time now I’ve watched efforts by Montanans to improve their state Constitution, and the anguished opposition by figures in Montana’s former political establishment, who exclaim, in essence, “How dare they?”

Bigfork Community Players make a toast with 'Drinking Habits'

The Bigfork Community Players’ are sure to uncork the laughs with their performance of “Drinking Habits.”

Development plan for Somers Beach State Park finalized

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks finalized its development plan for the recently created 106-acre Somers Beach State Park this week.

ATP appoints board members

Alpine Theatre Project has appointed several individuals to its board of directors.

WTC holds auditions for ‘Harry and Sam Dialogues’

Auditions for “The Harry and Sam Dialogues” will be held on Sunday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Law roundup: Retired meat processor protective of trade secrets

A Libby man took a trip to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office where he claimed he was the “most experienced meat processor in the northwest,” since retired, and reported that a few years ago a high school friend asked him for information on his smoked meat process. Recently,

Prosecutors say woman attempted to cash fake savings bonds

A woman claiming to be from California allegedly tried to cash counterfeit savings bonds at a Kalispell bank earlier this month.

Arts and Entertainment Events

Roller derby bout; Storytelling event; Music at Eagles

Kalispell man accused of aiming handgun while passing vehicle

A Kalispell man is behind bars after allegedly aiming a handgun at a family in another vehicle while passing them near Columbia Falls earlier this month.

Letters to the editor April 20

Letters to the editor April 20

Legals for April, 20 2023

Pulitzer-prize winning ‘Doonesbury’ creator comes to FVCC

Award-winning social observer and “Doonesbury” creator Garry Trudeau will be in Kalispell April 25 as part of the Wachholz College Center’s Speaker Series.

Tackling crime and improving the safety of our community

Five generations ago, my mother’s family settled in Kalispell’s Lower Valley.

Screening of ‘Touch of Evil’ set at museum

Movie Night at the Museum continues with “Touch of Evil” on April 25, hosted by former museum executive director Gil Jordan.

Grammy award-winning bluegrass band plays Wachholz Center

The band performs on the campus of the Flathead Valley Community College at 7:30 p.m. April 22.

Glacier’s Anderson enjoying senior season at third base

If the spring of 2020 seems like a couple minutes ago, you’re not alone. Glacier third baseman Avery Anderson remembers that freshman season, or lack thereof, well.

120 years later, a righthander is remembered

Before Saturday turned the well-dressed into the overdressed, bundled-up local baseball historian Betsy Wood gave a short speech at the corner of 9th Street E and 8th Avenue E in Kalispell.

Kalispell Public Schools superintendent search changes course, will seek interim

Kalispell Public Schools will seek an interim superintendent for the 2023-24 school year after opting against interviewing any of the five applicants who responded to the initial job posting.

Montana Republicans want censure while misgendering lawmaker

A group of conservative Republican lawmakers in Montana deliberately misgendered a transgender colleague in demanding that she be censored for language she used on the floor while speaking against a bill that would ban gender-affirming medical care for children.

Ban of medical care for transgender minors clears legislative hurdle

For almost three weeks, Senate Bill 99 sat in a stack of papers on some desk in the Capitol, fading slightly from the political foreground. After passing through a procedural step called “enrolling,” the bill was awaiting signatures from the Senate president and House speaker before it could be transmitted to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office.

Montana shelves GOP proposal to alter U.S. Senate primary

A proposed change to next year's Montana U.S. Senate primary that could have hurt Democratic Sen. Jon Tester's reelection chances is likely dead after a state legislative committee shelved the GOP-backed measure Wednesday.

Columbia Falls City Council denies 180-unit subdivision east of Flathead River

The Columbia Falls City Council on Monday voted 5-2 against a zone change that would have allowed a Florida developer to build an 180-unit subdivision just east of the Flathead River.

Lawmakers sign off on governor’s amendments to bill banning gender-affirming care

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday recommended amendments be made to Senate Bill 99, the legislature’s proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors, calling the term “Orwellian Newspeak” and asking lawmakers to “strengthen” the bill by tweaking certain language around the definitions of “male” and “female.”

ImagineIF Libraries hosts mending workshop

At this free Earth Day event, learn how to reduce textile waste by mending and repairing gear and clothing.

Lakers split Sunday twinbill with Mavs

This past Saturday was balmy, but Sunday was good enough and the Kalispell AA Lakers took advantage of the weather to split the first two games of their American Legion baseball season.

William Eric Kuehn, 91

William Eric Kuehn, 91

Law roundup: Staff has bigger fish to fry other than man’s ire

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a call about an “extremely belligerent” customer allegedly being hostile toward staff who couldn’t sell him a fishing license without an ID. Since his visit, the

FEC awards safety grants to nonprofit organizations

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety Directors has awarded $44,080 to nine area nonprofits, including Flathead County Search and Rescue Association.

BNSF investigates oil sheen spotted in Whitefish River

A stretch of the Whitefish River is closed while BNSF Railway workers investigate an oil sheen that appeared earlier this month on the shoreline near Roundhouse Landing.

Kalispell couple competes to support nonprofit capital campaigns

It’s clear how much fun Margit Baake and Todd Rogers have when they talk about the hours they spend volunteering and working for the boards of the Flathead Food Bank and Samaritan House.

Meet the trustee candidates running in Cayuse Prairie

The Daily Inter Lake reached out to school board trustee candidates in contested elections. The information below was provided by candidates for Cayuse Prairie School District No. 10 and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.

Kalispell City Council approves land deal for Parkline Trail extension

Kalispell City Council gave the go-ahead Monday to purchase a tract of vacant railway land with the goal of extending the Parkline Trail.

Meet the trustee candidates running in Deer Park School District

The Daily Inter Lake reached out to school board trustee candidates in contested elections. The information below was provided by candidates for Deer Park School District and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.

Community organizing group sets affordable housing, infrastructure as priorities

A group of over 50 Flathead County residents formed campaign committees working on issues related to affordable housing, mental health and infrastructure at a community meeting led by organizing project United Today, Stronger Tomorrow at its April 6 meeting.

Meet the trustee candidates running in Columbia Falls School District No. 6

The Daily Inter Lake reached out to school board trustee candidates in contested elections. The information below was provided by candidates for Columbia Falls School District No. 6 and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.

Thelma Louise Ray, 73

Thelma Louise Ray, 73

Legals for April, 19 2023

Janet Henneford, 84

Janet Henneford, 84

Lillard, Glacier boys forge Crosstown split

While some races lacked the usual star power — the Swede Dahlberg meet looms in Butte Friday — there were some personal records at the dual, which the Glacier boys and Flathead girls won at Legends Stadium.

Lakers split Sunday twinbill with Mavs

Last Saturday was balmy, but Sunday was good enough and the Kalispell AA Lakers took advantage of the weather to split the first two games of their American Legion baseball season.

Bill Sapa, coach of Columbia Falls baseball team, owner of Blue Moon, dies

Bill Sapa, the owner of the Blue Moon Bar and Nite Club in Columbia Falls and the coach of the Columbia Falls High School baseball team has died, multiple people have told the Hungry Horse News.

Fox, Dominion reach settlement over false election claims

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Fox and Dominion Voting Systems reached a settlement Tuesday in the voting machine company's defamation lawsuit, averting a trial in a case that exposed how the top-rated network chased viewers by promoting lies about the 2020 presidential election.

Gianforte supports transgender minor health care ban

Montana's Republican governor indicated Monday he would sign a bill to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, but he suggested changes to make it clear that public funds could not be used to pay for surgery or hormone treatments for youth diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

T. rex skeleton expected to fetch millions at Zurich auction

BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Interested investors may have to dig deep into their pockets to claim a giant Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that was dug up from three sites in the United States and is going up for auction Tuesday in Switzerland.

Jury seated to hear case about Fox's false election claims

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — A jury was seated Tuesday to hear a voting machine company's $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News in a trial that will test First Amendment protections and expose the network's role in spreading the lie of a stolen 2020 presidential election.

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area extends season

Thanks to another shot of winter weather, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area will continue its 25th anniversary season through April 22.

Daines looks to make more money available for encouraging public access to private lands

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is looking to boost outdoor recreation funds aimed at increasing access to private lands through federal dollars.

Center provides tools to move beyond homelessness

The Flathead Warming Center’s winter emergency shelter services are quickly coming to an end. April 30 will be the last night we host overnight guests for the 2022-2023 winter season.

Legals for April, 18 2023

US Postal Service establishing village post office in Coram

Coram area residents say they had to wait about three days to get their mail at the Coram Post Office, though their mailboxes were full of mail last Wednesday.

Letters to the editor April 18

Letters to the editor April 18

Carol Creelman, 86

Carol Creelman, 86

Stoltze receiving $1M federal grant to launch wood processing plant

Stoltze Timber Systems in Columbia Falls is receiving $1 million in U.S. Forest Service funding to support the development of a wood processing plant and allow for the implementation of new timber water crossings.

Law roundup: Guide disgusted by amount of broken clays in river

A river guide out floating in Kalispell complained to Flathead County Sheriff’s Office about the “gross amount” of orange clays someone shot into the river.

John Highfill, 66

John Highfill, 66

US tax breaks lure European clean tech companies as EU lags

That's because a new U.S. clean energy law offers generous tax credits — up to 40% of costs — in what is a "massive, massive incentive" for producing in America, CEO Tom Einar Jensen said.

Speaker McCarthy vows to pass debt bill — with spending cap

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy pledged on Monday to pass legislation to raise the nation's debt ceiling — but on condition of capping future federal spending at 1%.

Minnesota settles lawsuit against e-cigarette maker Juul

The terms will be kept confidential until formal papers are publicly filed with the court in 30 days, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement.

Wall Street holds steady as earnings season kicks into gear

The S&P 500 was virtually unchanged in its first trading after squeezing out its fourth winning week in the last five.

US dollar scarcity threatens Bolivia's 'economic miracle'

The scarcity of the greenback, which opposition politicians attribute to the Central Bank running out of hard currency reserves and the government blames on speculation, means that for the first time since 2011, a parallel market for the U.S. dollar has emerged that charges slightly more than the official price.

Kalispell City Council poised to approve land deal for Parkline Trail expansion

Kalispell City Council will discuss and vote Monday on moving forward with a deal to purchase an additional section of retired railway that could extend the municipality’s Parkline Trail.

Legals for April, 17 2023

Whitefish Council considers update to zoning procedure

City Council meets at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall, 418 E Second St.

Letters to the editor April 17

Letters to the editor April 17

Rensel, Moultray lead C-Falls over Stevi

COLUMBIA FALLS — Maddie Moultray threw four no-hit innings, Demye Rensel hit a grand slam and the Columbia Falls Wildkats swamped Stevensville 20-3 in Class A softball Saturday.

Couple finds creative outlet in leatherwork

The husband-wife team now creates high quality leather bags and accessories under the name Beargrass Leather.

Earl Strand, 94

Earl Strand, 94

Parker Kelly, 88

Parker Kelly, 88

National Dems view Zinke's House seat as vulnerable

Democrats nationally are targeting Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke’s seat in Congress heading into 2024. But is it possible to flip Montana’s newest congressional district?

Ballots mailed out for May school elections

Schools holding mail ballot elections have until Monday to send out ballots to active, registered voters. Ballots are due in respective districts by 8 p.m. May 2, election day.

Flathead County faces dearth of mental health care options

Mental health care options in Flathead County remain scarce, with clinics and emergency facilities closing and new patients turned away or placed on months-long waitlists.

Legals for April, 16 2023

Meet the trustee candidates running in Kalispell Public Schools

The Daily Inter Lake reached out to school board trustee candidates in contested elections. The information below was provided by candidates for Kalispell Public School District 5 and edited for spelling, punctuation and format.

Law roundup: Woman tires of neighbor catnappers

A Columbia Falls woman alleged that her neighbors had a habit of stealing her cat and taking him into their house.

FVCC culinary students serve up savory bites at new pop-up restaurant

Something new is cooking at Flathead Valley Community College this month.

Carolyn Marie Grisez, 92

Carolyn Marie Grisez, 92

Robert Gregory Bain, 51

Robert Gregory Bain, 51

Evergreen sidewalk effort deserves unanimous support

With all due respect to Shel Silverstein, the sidewalk will not end in Evergreen.

John Andrew Liebert III, 52

John Andrew Liebert III, 52

Common-sense community banks distinct from Silicon Valley speculators

The financial sector has been under intense scrutiny after the failure of two large financial institutions specializing in high-risk industries, such as cryptocurrency.

Don’t mess with Montana’s good elections

As Montana Secretaries of State, both Democratic and Republican, for 24 years we supervised Montana’s elections.

Is the planned hospital merger in our best interest?

Major changes are brewing in health care for the Flathead Valley and its surrounding areas which would affect every one of us, but none of us seem to really know what is afoot.

Steven Eckels, 67

Steven Eckels, 67

Photographer hopes to tell story through images

Austin Seback loves being able to pursue his true passion of photography.

Bravettes third at MCPS Invite

The Flathead Bravettes are making strides, if a third-place finish at Saturday’s MCPS Invitational track and field meet is any indication.

Wolfpack sweep Helena squads

Ella Farrell threw a 12-inning complete game and hit a solo home run with two out in the bottom of the inning Saturday, as the Wolfpack beat visiting Helena Capital 5-4.

Bigfork thinclads sweep Dilly Bar Invitational

Jack Jensen won two distance races, Scout Nadeau swept the discus and shot put and Bigfork won both sides of the Dilly Bar Invitational track and field meet Saturday.

Libby boys win own track invite

Libby sprinter Mauro Vasquez-Otero won twice, teammate Cy Stevenson went big and the Loggers won the boys title at their own Libby Invitational track and field meet Saturday.

Bravette softball drops pair to Helena schools

The Flathead Bravettes got their offense going early, but the Helena schools outscored them in the end while winning their Western AA softball matchups Saturday.

TikTok ban gets final approval by Montana Legislature

Montana's House gave final passage Friday to a bill banning the social media app TikTok from operating in the state, a move that's bound to face legal challenges but also serve as a testing ground for the TikTok-free America many national lawmakers envision due to concerns over potential Chinese spying.

Man accused of running over trooper facing drug smuggling charge

A Rexford man accused of running over a Montana Highway Patrol trooper in February is facing an additional charge for allegedly smuggling methamphetamine into the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Glacier sweeps track dual from Butte

The Glacier Wolfpack swept their track and field dual with Butte in emphatic fashion Friday, and put up some nice marks in the process, especially on the boys side.

Snow interrupts Ronan tennis duals

Friday’s weather threw a bit of a wrench into things for tennis duals in Ronan, but Columbia Falls and Whitefish each swept its duals against the host.

Bulldogs Schwaiger, McInytre no-hit Eureka in 3-0 victory

Whitefish pitcher Ty Schwaiger was untouchable for six innings, and Jake McIntyre finished the 7-inning no-hitter as the Bulldogs beat Eureka 3-0 in high school baseball Friday night.

County, city leaders propose reshaping the narrative around growth

Community leaders proposed reshaping the public perception of growth and development in Flathead County via a multiyear campaign at the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Growth Summit on April 12.

US Supreme Court's abortion pill order spares safe havens

Before the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in Friday, access to an abortion pill was in line to become more cumbersome in California, New York and some other states that have positioned themselves as safe havens for those seeking to end their pregnancies.

Montana GOP seeks to bar 3rd parties from key Senate race

Libertarians lined up with Democrats on Friday against a proposal that would effectively block third party candidates from next year's Montana U.S. Senate election, as Republicans try to consolidate opposition to incumbent Jon Tester in a race pivotal for control of the Senate.

Senate committee amends obscenity bill to keep decisions in hands of locals

The Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee put the knife to Rep. Bob Phalen’s obscenity bill on Wednesday, which sought to punish schoolteachers and school librarians who provide “obscene” material to students, amending the bill to effectively maintain local control over what materials are available to kids in school and clarifying existing law surrounding obscenity.

Following acquisitions in Essex and Missoula, company eyes other opportunities

Officials with the Washington-based hospitality company that purchased the historic Izaak Walton Inn near Glacier National Park in December say their company is growing rapidly and they see big opportunities in Montana in the years ahead.

Hospital oversight bill heads to full Senate, but without criticized amendments

A bill aimed at providing more oversight for nonprofit hospitals in Montana is on its way to the full Senate, but without an amendment that health care organizations say could have cost them millions in fees.

Beverly Jean Fisher, 93

Beverly Jean Fisher, 93

Council discusses adding C-PACE district, changing marijuana facility ordinance

At a work session last week, the Whitefish City Council considered a plan that could help businesses and also looked at potential changes to the marijuana facility ordinance.

Eight Montana Law Enforcement Academy grads headed to Flathead Valley

Of the 65 officers graduating from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy earlier this month, eight are headed to agencies in the Flathead Valley.

Two Lake County elected officials and CFO announce departures

Two Lake County elected officials and the chief financial officer announced last week that they are leaving their posts in the courthouse in the near future.

EPA won’t clean up old town dumps near Columbia Falls

While the cleanup plan for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. continues, there’s an old dumping ground that won’t get cleaned up in the Superfund site process — a town dump that once served residents in and around the city.

Flathead again the fastest growing county in Montana

Flathead County was the fastest growing county in Montana from July 2021 to July 2022, with 3,089 new residents counted in that time according to recently released Census data.

Briefs: Windauer lands scholarship; Lakers camp April 21

Columbia Falls standout Justin Windauer is among three Montana wrestlers to land Alexander (Zander) Blewett III scholarships to start their college careers.

Marcy A Mills, 70

Marcy A Mills, 70

Legals for April, 14 2023

Pack sweeps crosstown

The weather came out to play Thursday at the FVCC tennis courts and it brought a little bit of everything – rain, snow, wind and a little sunshine. Flathead and Glacier showed up too, and braved the elements. The Wolfpack swept its crosstown opponent; the boys 8-0, and girls 5-3.

Wolfpack walks off Sentinel with 6 in 7th

Emma Cooke’s two-run double capped a six-run rally by Glacier Thursday, and the Wolfpack walked off Missoula Sentinel 15-14 in a wild Western AA softball game at Glacier High.

Lions 9 has roared into first season

There are some understandable and ongoing concerns from American Legion coaches about the addition of baseball as a Montana High School Association-sanctioned sport this spring.

High school baseball debuts in Whitefish, Butte wins battle of the Bulldogs

History was made on the baseball field Thursday as the Whitefish Bulldogs held their first ever home opener at Memorial Field against the Butte Bulldogs in a nonconference game that the visitors won 10-2.

Guardsman arrested in leak of classified military documents

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Massachusetts Air National Guard member who has emerged as a main person of interest in the disclosure of highly classified military documents was taken into custody Thursday by federal agents, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced.

Man arrested in standoff with SWAT faces assault charge

Prosecutors formally filed a felony assault with a weapon charge against the 52-year-old man arrested following a standoff near West Idaho Street in Kalispell earlier this week.

Scientists challenge US wildlife director's qualifications

Dozens of scientists from universities and environmental groups are pushing for the removal of the head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, claiming she lacks the educational background required to run the agency despite securing Senate confirmation last year.

Amendment to send Montana prisoners to Arizona scrapped

A Senate committee on Tuesday voted to scrap plans to send 120 incarcerated Montanans to a private prison in Arizona.

Montana close to becoming 1st state to completely ban TikTok

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana lawmakers were expected to take a big step forward Thursday on a bill to ban TikTok from operating in the state, a move that's bound to face legal challenges but also serve as a testing ground for the TikTok-free America that many national lawmakers have envisioned.

Court preserves access to abortion pill but tightens rules

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal appeals court ruled that the abortion pill mifepristone can still be used for now but reduced the period of pregnancy when the drug can be taken and said it could not be dispensed by mail.

Legals for April, 13 2023

Political party power needs limits

I give an unapologetic sigh of relief that the Legislature’s attempts to send harmful — in my view — amendments to the Montana Constitution to the voters are in trouble.

Briefs: Griz McGourin, Capser bow out

MISSOULA — Jacob McGourin, a redshirt junior defensive end for the Montana Grizzlies, announced his retirement from college football on Wednesday.

Law roundup: Gun pointed in man's face

A man reportedly called the Whitefish Police Department when he turned around during an argument with his wife to see a gun pointed at his face.

Vocal supergroup performs for one night only in Whitefish

Pop and vocal jazz band The Black Market Trust will bring the sounds of great American crooners combined with the romantic gypsy fire of jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt to the the O’Shaughnessy Center April 22.

'Anything Goes' at Flathead Valley Community College

When it comes to Flathead Valley Community College's theater and music department — “Anything Goes.”

Wolfpack Theatre Company presents two historical dramas

Focusing on the forgotten, the Wolfpack Theatre Company at Glacier High School will feature two historical dramas at the upcoming Acting and Stage Production Showcase” Friday and Saturday.

Letters to the editor April 13

Letters to the editor April 13

Turkey time in Northwest Montana

Wow, in the last week I have been lucky to experience two great outdoor events.

Whitefish Mountain Resort skier visits reaches new heights

Whitefish Mountain Resort broke its visitation record with more than 500,000 skiers and snowboarders riding Big Mountain during the 2022-23 ski season, which ended Sunday.

Kalispell City Council eyes Parkline Trail expansion

Kalispell City Council indicated interest Monday in moving forward with a deal to purchase an additional section of retired railway that could extend the municipality’s Parkline Trail.

Mack Days: Columbia Falls angler reels in Easter lunker

An Easter surprise and a catch of a lifetime happened for Bryan Long of Columbia Falls over the fourth weekend of 2023 Spring Mack Days event on Flathead Lake.

Suspect in Browning stabbing pleads guilty in federal court

A 24-year-old pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in federal court in Great Falls on Tuesday for allegedly stabbing another man at a party in Browning last year.

Local author dives into contemporary women’s fiction with latest novel

Local author Mary Frances Erler’s latest book, “Lauren’s Dark Passage,” delves into contemporary women’s fiction — a departure from her previous works of historical fiction and fantasy/science fiction.

Grand operatic comedy shows in onscreen performance by the Metropolitan Opera

The grand operatic comedy “Der Rosenkavalier” comes to the Whitefish Performing Arts Center Saturday in a live onscreen performance as part of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD season.

Photojournalist speaks at Wachholz Center

She has photographed in more than one hundred countries during her rich and varied career.

Dramatic comedy closes this weekend

This show is being presented as a cabaret theatre with both table and fixed seating available.

Judge blocks rules intended to protect nation's waterways

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a federal rule in 24 states that is intended to protect thousands of small streams, wetlands and other waterways throughout the nation.

Cheaper gas and food provide some relief from US inflation

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer inflation eased in March, with less expensive gas and food providing some relief to households that have struggled under the weight of surging prices. Yet prices are still rising fast enough to keep the Federal Reserve on track to raise interest rates at least once more, beginning in May.

Abortion providers fail to block 15-week restriction before it becomes law

A Helena judge on Monday denied a motion filed earlier today by Montana abortion providers seeking to block House Bill 721, a bill that would prohibit the most common procedure for terminating pregnancies after the first trimester.

District board issues cease and desist order on inholder home along McDonald Creek in Glacier

The Flathead Conservation District has formally issued a cease and desist order to the California couple building a home on lower McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park.

Eric Jon Brechel, 52

Eric Jon Brechel, 52

Suspect in failed break-in takes plea deal

Kyle Kenneth Smith, 32, changed his plea before Judge Amy Eddy on April 6 after striking a deal with prosecutors.

County Planning Board looks at rezone for land adjacent to wildlife management area

A number of public hearings regarding zone changes and subdivisions are also on Wednesday’s agenda, along with a proposal to revise the county’s vacation rental regulations.

Workshop looks at music’s impact on the brain

The free event called “Your Brain on Music” is Saturday, April 15 at the Whitefish Community Library at 11 a.m. and is presented by Diane Volkman, a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music.

Logan Health hosts wellness expo April 15

On Saturday, April 15, Logan Health will be hosting a wellness expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Logan Health Fitness Center at 205 Sunnyview Lane.

Evergreen sidewalk project looks to next phase

The goal is to construct a half-mile of sidewalk north of Evergreen Junior High School.

Martin City motorist accused of dragging man with pickup truck

Wayne Robert Armstrong, 35, is scheduled to appear before Judge Danni Coffman on April 13 for his arraignment on the felony charge in Flathead County District Court.

Legals for April, 12 2023

Robert Hensler, 86

Robert Hensler, 86

Law roundup: Woman not on the market for a friend

A man reportedly left notes on a neighbor’s vehicle stating they had talked before and he wanted to be her friend and would stop by her house.

Nonprofit hosts Earth Day event April 22 in Kalispell

Focusing on uplifting common-sense solutions to climate change, event attendees will learn how to reduce carbon pollution, clean up the air and learn about creating a livable world for future generations.

Historic presentation examines Charles Lindbergh's Montana connections

Charles Lindbergh became world famous after his solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927.

Glacier, Flathead netters sweep Columbia Falls

The Glacier boys tennis team continued their strong start with a 7-0 nonconference dual win over Columbia Falls on Tuesday at FVCC.

Moy, Dowler to play in Montana-Wyoming All-Stars

A pair of Kalispell hoops standouts, Noah Dowler and Maddy Moy, picked up more honors Tuesday with their selections to the Montana-Wyoming All-Stars basketball series.

Fast marks out of cool Kalispell Time Trials

Tuesday seemed less than optimal for a fast track meet, but plenty of impressive marks were put up at the Kalispell Time Trials held at Legends Stadium.

Goudette, Wolfpack rally past Big Sky

Kenadie Goudette drove in three runs and Glacier offset Missoula Big Sky’s six-run inning with one of their own to beat the Eagles 13-8 in Western AA softball Tuesday.

Ric Reed inducted to Buffalo Hill Hall of Fame

Ric Reed will be inducted into the Kalispell Golf Association Hall of Fame on Wednesday, April 19. Mr. Reed was selected for his countless hours of volunteer service both as a Kalispell Board member and BHGC member.

Paulson retiring as Frontier commissioner

Frontier Conference commissioner Kent Paulson announced his retirement at a Tuesday afternoon press conference in Helena, effective June 30.

Zinke wants probe of Glacier's ticketed entry program

Congressman Ryan Zinke called for a federal investigation into the government contractor managing the online vehicle reservation system at Glacier National Park just hours after meeting with stakeholders on the topic in Columbia Falls on Tuesday.

Polson police chief resigns after DUI charge

Polson Police Chief Wade Nash stepped down from his role Tuesday and has announced that he will officially retire from the force May 2. The announcement came Tuesday morning, and followed the chief’s DUI arrest early Saturday morning.

Pending abortion ban can't be prevented, Montana judge rules

A bill to restrict abortions in Montana will become law — at least temporarily — if the governor signs it, a judge ruled.

Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation names new executive director

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation has named Clifford Kipp as the nonprofit’s next executive director.

One arrested following SWAT-involved call in Kalispell

Authorities set up a perimeter around a building on Kalispell's west and north side after responding to an assault with a weapon call about 10:42 a.m.

Police: Juvenile in custody in connection with Kalispell shooting

Authorities say a suspect in Monday morning’s alleged shooting in Kalispell is in custody and is being held at the Missoula County Juvenile Detention Facility.

Florence Pound, 77

Florence Pound, 77

‘Top two’ scheme all about political power

In Montana, we pride ourselves on working together, fair dealing, finding common ground, and protecting our Montana values.

Bill to change school immunization requirement for exemptions heard

House Bill 715 would require schools to provide information about exemptions when they communicate with parents about vaccination requirements.

West Yellowstone’s sewer plant overworked by tourists, stifling growth

WEST YELLOWSTONE — When a town has twice as many hotel rooms as residents, it can run into a unique set of issues.

Letters to the editor April 11

Letters to the editor April 11

Jimmie Ray Fahlgren, 68

Jimmie Ray Fahlgren, 68

Man accused of making death threats against Tester takes plea deal

Indicted on charges of threatening to murder and threatening to assault a member of Congress, Kevin Patrick Smith initially maintained his innocence at his Feb. 23 arraignment in U.S. District Court.

Abortion clinics in conservative-led states face increasing legal threats

Thirty years ago, Blue Mountain Clinic Director Willa Craig stood in front of the sagging roof and broken windows of an abortion clinic that an arsonist had burned down early that morning in Missoula, Montana.

Law roundup: People scramble to Easter egg hunt

A church’s helicopter Easter egg drop garnered more interest than organizers expected and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office was called upon for traffic control assistance.

Montana abortion proposal met with preemptive lawsuit

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Planned Parenthood of Montana filed a preemptive lawsuit Monday seeking to stop legislation that would ban the abortion method most commonly used in the second trimester, arguing the proposed law is unconstitutional.

Residents escape burning home in Whitefish without injury

A house fire in Whitefish over the weekend caused no injuries but left an East Second Street home a total loss, fire officials said on Monday.

Shooting in Kalispell leaves one injured

Kalispell Police are investigating a Monday morning shooting in the city’s southwest side that left one injured.

Police: 4 killed in shooting at downtown Louisville building

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A shooting Monday at a bank in downtown Louisville killed at least four people and wounded at least eight others, police said. The suspected lone shooter was also dead.

Letters to the editor April 10

Letters to the editor April 10

Law roundup: Man’s anger fueled by cinnamon liqueur

An angry drunk man, who allegedly had his fill of a cinnamon liqueur, went back to a business despite being told to leave and pushed his way back into a room he had occupied earlier in the evening.

Avid quilter sews way through retirement

She’s been quilting for four decades and sewing for even longer.

Edward Farrar, 75

Edward Farrar, 75

Kalispell City Council to consider land deal for Parkline Trail expansion

Kalispell City Council will discuss buying land that would allow it to extend the Parkline Trail at its work session Monday.

Legals for April, 10 2023

Ostroms mark 65th anniversary

Ostroms mark 65th anniversary

Hard conversations about homelessness

There’s been no shortage of opinions on the Flathead Valley’s homeless population since the Flathead County commissioners’ penned a letter in January that ultimately set the conversation into motion.

86th mission lasted 1,881 days

Tom was my grandmother’s favorite relative judging by the clippings she displayed wherever she lived.

Legislators in Helena are trying to centralize government

Why the persistent attack on local governments this session?

Deloris Marie Hofeldt, 95

Deloris Marie Hofeldt, 95

Legals for April, 9 2023

Stack Financial Management included on best-of lists

Stack Financial Management manages over $1.7 billion in assets for individuals, families, and business owners across Montana and the U.S.

Kalispell artist crafts gavel gifted to U.S. Speaker of the House

A gavel made by Ron Kelley was presented to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, on March 23 in the United States Capitol.

Donald Ervin Grell, 88

Donald Ervin Grell, 88

California seeks federal help for salmon fishers facing ban

Dealing a blow to the Pacific Northwest's salmon fishing industry, the Pacific Fishery Management Council approved the closure Thursday for fall-run Chinook fishing from Cape Falcon in northern Oregon to the California-Mexico border.

New Seattle airport terminal lacks space for enough planes

In a letter sent in August to Clark Construction, which built the new facility, the Port said the 20% shortfall in capacity could cause "damages to the Port's operations in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars over the expected life of this project."

Biden is set to propose toughest-ever rules on car pollution to spur EV sales

The proposed standards on cars and light trucks, set to be announced Wednesday in Detroit, are expected to govern tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide, smog-forming nitrogen oxide and other pollution from vehicles manufactured for model years 2027 through 2032.

Microchips or microgreens? Oregon tweaks farm protection law

Lawmakers backing a bill that also provides about $200 million in grants to chipmakers said it's needed to make Oregon more competitive in luring more of the multibillion-dollar semiconductor industry to the state.

Community briefs

Somers Beach State Park celebration; Fundraiser for injured trooper; Bigfork church series continues April 17; American Legion crews work on highway markers; P.E.O. chapter takes scholarship applications; Women’s Connection meets; Energy conservation art contest

James Kirby, 82

James Kirby, 82

Columbia Falls Lions Club’s Easter egg hunt beloved tradition

Children run around, some with baskets in-hand, picking up eggs placed by the Columbia Falls Lion Club members for the traditional celebration.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Duo assists with home organization to create beautiful spaces

With their new business, Simply Organized Montana, the two women are bringing a luxury home organization experience to the Flathead Valley.

Letters to the editor April 9

Letters to the editor April 9

MSU’s manufacturing center launches apprenticeship program

The Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship is a one-year program that combines on-the-job training with online technical classes on topics like safety, math and measurements, manufacturing processes, and quality control.

Law roundup: Bicyclist aces tennis net takedown

A man riding a bicycle around reportedly entered a tennis court, knocked one of the nets down and rode off into the sunset.

Building Permits

Building Permits

William 'Bill' Smith, 81

William 'Bill' Smith, 81

Stop the war on public schools

I have been a Montana State legislator since 2009 and a public school teacher since 2004.

Libby City Council approves separation agreement with police chief

Libby City Council voted unanimously last week to approve a separation agreement with Police Chief Scott Kessel.

Raymond Pitsch, 74

Raymond Pitsch, 74

Glacier ticketed entry unfair and bad for business

As a seasonal small business owner in East Glacier, I’m greatly concerned with the overreach of the Glacier National Park pilot program for ticketed entry.

A. Barry Clark, 80

A. Barry Clark, 80

Don 'K' Subaru makes donation to Sparrow’s Nest

The donations come from a portion of the sale price of every new Subaru sold or leased during the November through December 2022 campaign, plus $50 per sale or lease contributed by Subaru.

Jerry LaRoque, 80

Jerry LaRoque, 80

Sentinel sweeps Flathead duals

Missoula Sentinel swept its tennis duals with Flathead on Saturday at FVCC in Western AA’s opening weekend.

Vals win own Invite; Whitefish girls go fast

The Bigfork Valkyries had the points and the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs had the times.

McIlhargey pitches Bravettes over Knights for first victory

Macey McIlhargey threw a complete game four-hitter, and MacKenzie Brandt drove in three runs to lead Flathead to its first softball win of the season, 8-1 over Missoula Hellgate on Friday.

Pack boys win pair of tennis duals

The Wolfpack boys got their tennis season off to a strong start with two duals wins Saturday at the FVCC courts.

PHOTOS: The 2023 Whitefish Pond Skim

Skiers and snowboarders navigate their way across the pond during Whitefish Mountain Resort's annual pond skim competition on Big Mountain on Saturday, April 8.

Swan Song: Beloved Mission Valley choral director takes final bow

Christian Bumgarner stepped in front of the Mission Valley Choral Society on April 1 for the final concert he would lead under the arched ceiling and luminous paintings of the historic Mission in St. Ignatius.

Nuce, Maroon make waves in Griz spring game

MISSOULA — Asked about defensive end Henry Nuce, Montana Grizzlies football coach Bobby Hauck started with the phrase, “He’s young.”

DNA technology solves 41-year-old mystery of missing St. Ignatius woman

Mildred Hubertz was 59 when she went missing in 1968 from St. Ignatius, a small town 40 miles from Missoula.

New case brought against outlaw motorcycle club member

Michael Allan Murphy, 49, faces two new counts of issuing a bad check in Flathead County District Court.

Montana breaking ground on $10.2-million indoor facility

The University of Montana will break ground in April on a new on-campus, state-of-the-art indoor practice facility.

Easter egg hunts planned for the Flathead Valley

Easter weekend arrives April 8 and 9. Here are a few Easter hunts to hop on down to for an egg-cellent family outing.

Judge cancels Montana gas plant permit over climate impacts

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A judge canceled the air quality permit for a natural gas power plant that's under construction along the Yellowstone River in Montana citing worries over climate change.

Reports: Utah State hiring Bobcats' Sprinkle

Montana State men’s basketball coach Danny Sprinkle, who took the Bobcats to the last two NCAA Tournaments, has been hired away by Utah State according to several reports on Friday.

Flathead sweeps dual from CMR; both teams put up big marks

Some impressive, even spectacular, early-season marks were put up Friday during a dual track and field meet that Flathead High swept from Great Falls CMR at Legends Stadium.

Wolfpack win softball home opener

Spring is in the air and softball is underway for the Glacier Wolfpack who took home a 15-0 win over Missoula Hellgate after the run-rule came into play in the bottom of the third inning.

State issues permit for controversial Arlee gravel pit

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an opencut mining permit for a controversial gravel pit northeast of Arlee, just off of White Coyote Road.

Campaign sends generators to war-torn city in Ukraine

One of Whitefish’s newest residents, Yurii Zinchenko, recently gave a presentation in Kalispell that illustrated the amount of destruction that is occurring in Ukraine, particularly in his hometown of Kharkiv.

Lakeside man facing multiple criminal cases takes plea deal

James Scott Mende, 37, pleaded guilty by way of an Alford plea to a single count of threats and other improper influence in official and political matters in relation to his March 9 arrest.

Law roundup: Man asks to talk with officers about life

Looking to bend an ear, a man called the Columbia Falls Police Department.

Matching campaign launched for Owen Sowerwine conservation easement effort

The Flathead Land Trust has announced a matching campaign as they raise funds to place the Owen Sowerwine area under a conservation easement.

Design phase of Reserve Drive widening project to get underway

The city of Kalispell, in partnership with the Montana Department of Transportation, is kicking off a road widening project on Reserve Drive between Hutton Ranch and Whitefish Stage roads.

ImagineIF Libraries Kalispell branch launches section for challenged books

ImagineIF Libraries officials have launched their solution for childrens’ books challenged by the public: a shelf in the childrens’ section of the Kalispell branch.

Employers at job fair look to increase perks to attract workers

Whether it's to compete with other employers or to create a livable income, several employers said they are raising wages and beefing up benefits packages to attract potential employees.

Legals for April, 7 2023

Rebuilding year for Columbia Falls, Whitefish girls tennis

Columbia Falls played host to Whitefish’s netters Wednesday, and it was the first time the Bulldogs played on an outdoor court this spring.

Wolfpack start strong at Great Falls dual

Jeff Lillard, Kash Goicoechea and Ethan Anderson all got out of the gates fast Thursday for Glacier as the Wolfpack won its track and field dual at Great Falls High.

Columbia Falls teams place 5th in Hamilton

The Columbia Falls track and field teams got early tests Thursday, both finishing fifth at the 20-team Hamilton Invitational.

Prescribed fire projects planned across Flathead Forest

Prescribed fire projects on the Flathead National Forest area planned this spring as weather, fuel conditions and air quality conditions allow.

Tracks set to reopen following Paradise derailment

Montana Rail Link is set to reopen its tracks through Sanders County four days after a freight train derailed along the Clark Fork River.

Flathead Valley youth hockey coach pleads not guilty to child rape charges in Butte

A youth hockey coach accused of raping two boys at Butte hotels pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse without consent Wednesday, five days after he pleaded not guilty in Kalispell to four rape charges in Flathead County.

Law roundup: Unsecured gun earns owner a lecture

Someone reportedly pulling into an apartment parking lot was alarmed to see a 9 mm gun sitting on top of a parked car but didn’t see anyone around.

‘Music of Legends’ — Film comes alive through music

The violin and cello will be paired together for a night of movie magic through music.

Gianforte talks internships and work experience with Kalispell educators

Gov. Greg Gianforte joined educators, administrators and students in a roundtable discussion focused on workplace experiences and individualized learning at Flathead High School on Wednesday.

Law roundup: Child falls out of car, clings to door

Officers with the Kalispell Police Department counseled a mother whose child reportedly fell out of a vehicle.

Flathead Freeride Club skiers qualify for junior championships

In only its second season of offering a competitive freeride program at Whitefish Mountain Resort, the Flathead Freeride Club has two athletes qualified for the North American Junior Championship going on at Kicking Horse Resort near Golden, B.C., Canada this week, April 5-9.

Letters to the editor April 6

Letters to the editor April 6

We are failing sexual assault survivors. HB 79 will fix that.

There were 1,524 reported cases of sexual assault in Montana in 2019 — that’s 430 more cases than in 2013.

Opening reception set for ‘The Heart of Art’ exhibit

“The Heart of Art” exhibition, featuring the work of local artist Lael Gray, is a “modern impressionist’s view of familiar scenes.”

Lessening Montanans’ tax burden

The 2023 Montana Legislature began its legislative session with an unprecedented surplus, mainly due to the over-collection of state taxes from Montana taxpayers.

Museum screens Oscar-nominated film ‘Belfast’

A screening of actor-filmmaker Kenneth Branagh’s movie “Belfast” will be held at 7 p.m. April 14 at the Northwest Montana History Museum in partnership with Flathead Valley Celtic Festival.

Accused shooter enters Alford plea to misdemeanor charges

Jeffrey Allen Smith, 49, initially faced multiple counts of felony assault with a weapon in Flathead County District Court for the alleged June 18, 2022 shooting at Lower Stillwater Lake.

Legals for April, 6 2023

Firefighter foundation supports those who put lives on the line

The foundation provides immediate immediate financial assistance to the families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and assists injured firefighters and their families. The Flathead chapter, which started in 2019, is hosting their third banquet in Kalispell on April 15.

Kalispell man pleads guilty to drug distribution charge

Authorities began investigating Ryan Christopher Newby after learning that a pair of Glacier High School students departed the campus May 20 in the vehicle of a man apparently unknown to them, court documents said.

Arts and entertainment events

Arts and entertainment happenings

WTC presents dramatic comedy ‘Evelyn in Purgatory’

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents the dramatic comedy “Evelyn In Purgatory,” referred to as “The Breakfast Club” for teachers.

Sculptor Chip Clawson's work featured in FVCC art gallery exhibition

Whimsy and fantasy dance together at the Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery, which presents “Imagine This,” an exhibition of Helena sculptor Chip Clawson’s work.

Softball season gearing up for valley schools

After snow and more snow, it feels like the 2023 softball season can begin in earnest in the Flathead Valley. Glacier has its home opener Thursday against Missoula Hellgate; the same day Whitefish returns to varsity softball with a trip to Northwest A foe Ronan.

A little snow couldn’t hurt his Pro Day

A couple weeks ago, when Patrick O’Connell got back to his hometown, it was a balmy 50 degrees in the Flathead Valley. “Not bad,” he thought.

San Diego couple asks for ruling in Glacier Park home removal case

The California couple who built a private home along the banks of McDonald Creek inside Glacier National Park have petitioned the Flathead County Conservation District for a declaratory ruling — another step in the regulatory process that could see the matter eventually go before a district court judge.

Republicans seek to change Montana primary to thwart Tester

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Republican state lawmakers in Montana are advancing legislation that would alter next year's U.S. Senate primary in an apparent bid to thwart the reelection of Sen. Jon Tester, one of several Democrats on the ballot in GOP-leaning states.

Critics line up to speak against drag legislation in Montana Senate

House Bill 359 had nearly 60 opponents and seven proponents during the hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

Record number of bison killed just outside Yellowstone National Park this winter

The number of bison killed by hunters just outside the Yellowstone National Park boundary this winter is 1,067, according to the latest report issued by the Interagency Bison Management Plan.

Kalispell City Council approves housing developments

Kalispell City Council approved several major housing developments Monday and finalized an ordinance aimed at discouraging panhandling on city streets.

Forest Service taking public comment on Pacific Northwest Trail plan

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input regarding a management plan for a 1,200-mile hiking trail that stretches from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean.

Legals for April, 5 2023

Explore Whitefish names new executive director

Julie Mullins has worked in the convention and visitors bureau industry for over 20 years.

Festival in Whitefish features Montana-made spirits

The Montana Distiller’s Guild was formed in the fall of 2014 by a group of small-batch distillers and their supporters, dedicated to promoting this fast-growing industry representing a perfect triangle of manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.

Ranger Joe wins second in regional division at World Pizza Games

The World Pizza Games are part of the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, where pizza restaurant owners from all over the world show up to network, buy equipment and compete in the many games.

Senate passes Tester's bill to increase veterans compensation

A bill that would increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and military survivors under the Department of Veterans Affairs passed a Senate vote last week.

Flathead Electric annual meeting April 22

Members of Flathead Electric Cooperative democratically control their co-op and conduct its business via their annual members meeting. This year, the meeting takes place on April 22 at Canvas Church.

Bears reemerge in the Flathead Valley

Bears in Northwest Montana didn’t miss a beat as the weather began to warm up — reports of bear sightings continue to come in from across the Flathead Valley.

Bill Hagerman, 87

Bill Hagerman, 87

Bravettes first, Braves second at own Tri

Flathead’s Brody Thornsberry and Kasen Kastner won two events each, while seven different Bravettes won events to win their side of the triangular meet they hosted Tuesday at Legends Stadium.

Former Griz shine for scouts at Pro Day

Ask any of the 11 quarterbacks Justin Ford intercepted during his time at Montana, and they'll likely agree: throw to his side of the field at your own risk. After a record-breaking career and now months of training, Ford and six other Grizzlies will look to move on and do great things at the next level.

Whitefish girls look like threat to repeat

The Kelliann Blackburn Era of Whitefish girls track ended in 2022 with the program’s fifth State A championship, and now the Matt Beckwith Era begins.

Montana judge upholds suit over Native education requirement

A judge in Montana refused to dismiss a lawsuit Tuesday brought by Native American tribes, parents and students against state education leaders that alleges the state's unique constitutional requirement to teach students about Native American history and culture has not been upheld.

House brings down Gianforte’s ‘HOMES Act’

The Montana House voted decisively Monday evening to kill one of Gov. Greg Gianforte’s key housing affordability proposals, a bill that would have allocated $200 million toward infrastructure to help build new homes in an effort to ease the state’s housing crunch.

Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony charges

Former President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, according to several news reports.

Billings Clinic plans pay cuts amid talks to integrate with Logan Health

Montana’s largest independent health system Billings Clinic is cutting salaries and implementing a hiring freeze in an attempt to cut expenses.

Biden offers $450M for clean energy projects at coal mines

President Joe Biden's administration is making $450 million available for solar farms and other clean energy projects across the country at the site of current or former coal mines, part of his efforts to combat climate change.

Law roundup: Exhausted caretaker calls 911 for break

An exhausted woman in Bigfork called 911 reportedly saying someone needed to come take care of her mother because she couldn’t do it anymore.

Gianforte’s flagship red-tape relief bill takes a legislative beating

The single highest-profile component of Gov. Greg Gianforte’s signature red-tape relief effort, his much-touted push to streamline Montana’s code book in the name of efficient government, has emerged from its initial brush with the Legislature in a much-reduced form.

Prosecutors: Squatter threatened to shoot deputies

Dion Jay Stark, 51, is being held in the county jail with bail set at $50,000 following the March 29 confrontation with law enforcement.

Letters to the editor April 4

Letters to the editor April 4

Legals for April, 4 2023

Judicial supremacy does not exist

The Montana Supreme Court, in McLaughlin v. The Montana State Legislature makes the claim that Judicial Supremacy essentially amended the Montana Constitution to confer power and control over the executive and legislative branches.

Resignation of Lincoln County clerk, election officials sparks response from residents

A proposed subdivision in the Yaak may have sparked the most discussion at a Lincoln County Commissioners' meeting last week, but the recent resignations of three county employees also generated comments.

Glacier Park plows begin clearing some roads

Glacier National Park plow crews started clearing some roads on the east side of the park last week.

Sanders County derailment spurs memories of 1999 'Silver Bullet Derby'

Sunday’s Montana Rail Link derailment along the Clark Fork River near Paradise brought back memories for some Sanders County locals who recalled a similar incident more than two decades ago.

Law roundup: Neighborhood problem brought to deputies

Someone with a “neighborhood problem” in Kalispell sought out the help of the Flathead County Sherriff’s Office.

WSJ: McDonald's closes U.S. offices ahead of layoffs

The Wall Street Journal cited an internal email from the Chicago fast-food giant saying U.S. corporate staff and some employees overseas should work from home while the company notifies people of their job status.

UFC, WWE combine to form $21.4B sports entertainment company

A new publicly traded company will house the UFC and World Wrestling Entertainment brands, with Endeavor Group Holdings Inc. taking a 51% controlling interest in the new company. Existing WWE shareholders will hold a 49% stake.

Births

Births

Oil producers' cuts could boost gasoline prices, help Russia

Russia is joining in by extending its own cuts for the rest of the year.

Bank survey shows Japan's businesses turning pessimistic

The headline measure in the Bank of Japan quarterly survey called "tankan" found such sentiments stood at plus 1, down from plus 7 in December. It's the worst quarterly result since December 2020.

Trump returns to New York to face charges in criminal probe

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump flew Monday from Florida to New York for his historic booking and arraignment on hush money charges, as the nation's largest city bolstered security and warned potential protesters it was "not a playground for your misplaced anger."

Legals for April, 3 2023

Letters to the editor April 3

Letters to the editor April 3

Whitefish looks at small subdivision in southern part of city

City Council meets at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall, 418 E Second St.

Kalispell City Council to discuss proposed housing developments

Kalispell City Council meets at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. Residents can also attend the meeting online via Zoom.

Conrad Mansion volunteer showcases history through fashion

Each year Teresa Knutson puts on a new historic clothing exhibit focusing on 19th- and 20th-Century fashion which are on display on all three floors of the historic Conrad Mansion.

Freight train derails into Clark Fork River

A Montana Rail Link freight train derailed in Sanders County on Sunday morning, sending multiple railcars into the Clark Fork River.

Warming Center occupants share their stories

With homelessness on the rise in Flathead County, recent discourse in public meetings and letters to the editor have debated the problem's causes and solutions.

Time’s up on the Cottonwood fix

At a time when we need to be scaling up forest restoration to protect Montana’s forests from catastrophic wildfires, getting this work done just became more difficult.

Billings’ problems aren’t Kalispell’s

Kalispell could bear the brunt of unintended consequences rolled into a Billings senator’s bill that aims to fix a problem exclusive to The Magic City.

Letters to the editor April 2

Letters to the editor April 2

Briefs: Brisendine commits, Connolly retires, Mohl homers

Reagan Brisendine, a junior at Glacier High, announced her early commitment to the University of Montana soccer program in February.

Dennis Smith, 77

Dennis Lloyd Smith, 77, of Bigfork, passed away on March 28, 2023.

Ronald Hutzenbiler, 74

Ronald L. Hutzenbiler of Kalispell, formerly of Laurel, passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of March 29, 2023.

Births

Births

Law roundup: Woman doesn't go with the flow

Someone allegedly told the Kalispell Police Department they returned to their motorhome in a parking lot to find the lock had been messed with and urine on the floor inside.

Whitefish company develops soccer ball made of recycled denim

Legend Soccer’s latest product, the Zanya ball, is made for intense play in the street, at home or in the backyard and emulates the same environmentally-friendly values as their bamboo shin guards.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Job fair features more than 100 employers

The event includes two segments – high school career exploration and a job fair.

The real agenda behind Montana charter schools

Critics of Montana public schools, are recycling student achievement boogeymen and offering charter schools as the solution.

Flathead Lake Brewing Co. Pubhouse set to reopen

The past four months have been spent fixing drywall, repainting, replacing floors, and updating the kitchen, according to the business.

A night at the Warming Center

Most nights, the Kalispell shelter fills up and has to turn people away to fend for themselves.

Helen Caudill, 88

Helen Caudill, 88

Legals for April, 2 2023

Governor-appointed board caters to a foreign mining company

When a Canadian mining company successfully lobbied a Montana board appointed by Gov. Greg Gianforte to let them add more pollution to Montana’s water, it’s time to take a step back and figure out how we got here.

Lucey, Stanger help Eureka win track invite

Milynn Lucey and Remmi Stanger won two events each for Eureka, to help the Lions win the girls team title at their Eureka Invitational track and field meet Saturday.

Pirates slug way to win over Libby

Polson had eight hits Saturday, and a lot of them were big: The Pirates hit three home runs in a 13-3 win over Northwest A softball foe Libby.

PHOTOS: The 57th annual Creston Auction

The 57th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair runs Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. It is the largest annual fundraiser for the Creston Fire Department and has been held in Creston since 1966.

At least 26 dead after tornadoes rake Midwest, South

Storms that dropped possibly dozens of tornadoes killed at least 26 people in small towns and big cities across the South and Midwest, tearing a path through the Arkansas capital, collapsing the roof of a packed concert venue in Illinois and stunning people throughout the region Saturday with the damage's scope.

Fiery derailments renew Americans' focus on railroad safety

Americans are renewing their focus on railroad safety after a string of recent derailments, especially two fiery ones involving hazardous chemicals in Ohio and Minnesota that prompted evacuations.

Water main work closes busy Kalispell street

Fifth Avenue WN between Railroad Street and Center Street will be closed for about two weeks in April while the Kalispell Water Department undertakes a water main relocation project.

U.S.-Canada agreement to address transboundary mining pollution

The Biden Administration announced at the end of March that the U.S. and Canada intend to come to an agreement this year to reduce and mitigate the impacts of water pollution from mining operations in the Kootenai watershed, including addressing selenium issues.

U.S. 93 north of Kalispell gets traffic signal

The intersection of U.S. 93 and Rose Crossing north of Kalispell is undergoing some major changes to accommodate increasing traffic spurred by new development in the area.