Ellington

Pickens, Saints win Frontier women's title

GREAT FALLS — Jamie Pickens scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and the Carroll College Saints held off Montana Western 53-47 for the Frontier Conference women’s championship Tuesday.

Hauck tabs Mike Linehan to coach Griz D-line

MISSOULA — University of Montana football coach Bobby Hauck announced Tuesday that Mike Linehan has joined the program as the Grizzlies' next defensive line coach.

Oredigger men outscore Argos for Frontier title

GREAT FALLS — Asa Williams scored 22 points, one of seven Montana Tech players to reach double figures, and the Orediggers downed Providence 103-95 in the Frontier Conference men’s basketball championship Tuesday.

Railroads urged to examine track detectors after Ohio crash

Freight railroads should reexamine the way they use and maintain the detectors along the tracks that are supposed to spot overheating bearings, federal regulators urged Tuesday in the wake of a fiery Ohio derailment and other recent crashes.

White House: No more TikTok on gov't devices within 30 days

The White House is giving all federal agencies 30 days to wipe TikTok off all government devices, as the Chinese-owned social media app comes under increasing scrutiny in Washington over security concerns.

Biden faces dilemma in fight over large Alaska oil project

The Biden administration is weighing approval of a major oil project on Alaska's petroleum-rich North Slope that supporters say represents an economic lifeline for Indigenous communities in the region but environmentalists say is counter to President Joe Biden's climate goals.

Supreme Court argues Biden student loan plan worth billions

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has begun hearing arguments in a partisan legal fight over President Joe Biden's plan to wipe away or reduce student loans held by millions of Americans.

Senate votes down ‘child protection’ bills; firearms ‘discrimination’ bill blasted to floor

The Senate and House will be busy this week considering whether to pass bills out of their respective chamber ahead of Friday’s transmittal deadline, when all general bills not dealing with money or proposed constitutional amendments must be sent to the other chamber.

Legals for February, 28 2023

ImagineIF downsizes Marion branch

ImagineIF Libraries has downsized its Marion branch in response to a slew of changes at the community’s elementary school, which houses the facility, but will still allow book holds to be picked up at the location.

Suspect in knife attack given five-year prison sentence

Rachel Rae Gulbranson, 38, had previously pleaded guilty in Flathead County District Court to a single count of felony assault with a weapon.

Suspect in high-speed chase enters not guilty plea

Bryan Patrick Doyle, 40, of Kalispell pleaded not guilty to felony criminal endangerment and assault on a peace officer as well as misdemeanor driving under the influence, second offense, at his Feb. 23 arraignment in Flathead County District Court.

FVCC's Festival of Flavors tickets on sale March 1

The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation’s Festival of Flavors spring event tickets go on sale on Wednesday, March 1 at 8 a.m.

Man accused of attempted break-in, drug possession sentenced in district court

Jeffrey David Pierce, 39, received the suspended two-year stint with the state Department of Corrections on Jan. 19 for a felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs charge stemming back to 2021.

Bill preserves the right to hunt, fish and trap

With all the misinformation being spread about House Bill 372, I thought I’d take a minute to clear the air and break it down for everyone to digest.

Bill banning children from drag shows passes the House

A local legislator’s bill limiting drag performances in public spaces passed the Montana House of Representatives in a 64-32 vote Friday.

Bipartisan bill seeks to ban ‘killer robots’ in Montana

A bipartisan group of Montana lawmakers wants to be sure no one in the state can use robots affixed with guns, swords or other weapons to kill people under a bill that was heard Friday that would establish the “Killer Robot Attack Ban Act.”

Law roundup: Sword-wielder is not a swashbuckler

A tall slender man was reportedly swinging a sword around and talking to himself.

Letters to the editor Feb. 28

Letters to the editor Feb. 28

2-alarm fire displaces 17 residents

A two-alarm fire in a converted apartment building in Kalispell on Sunday night displaced 17 residents and two dogs, though no one was injured in the blaze.

Veteran prosecutor now sits on the bench of Kalispell Municipal Court

The veteran prosecutor has stepped into the role of Kalispell Municipal Judge.

Legals for February, 27 2023

Injured trooper faces long recovery process

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson made a brief public appearance to thank supporters and well-wishers at Logan Health Medical Center on Sunday, 10 days after he suffered critical injuries while pursuing a vehicle in Lincoln County.

Why the Inter Lake is dropping Dilbert

Effective today, the Dilbert comic strip will no longer appear in the Daily Inter Lake.

Kalispell City Council to review panhandling ordinance

Kalispell City Council will discuss strengthening a local panhandling ordinance at its Monday work session as well as a recent report on the affordable housing crisis in the Flathead Valley.

Glacier Park begins digital reservations for backcountry campsites

The digital system, first floated earlier this year, comes as park officials report a marked increase in applications for backcountry campsites in recent years.

William G. (Bill) Armstrong, 89

William G. (Bill) Armstrong

Letters to the editor Feb. 27

Letters to the editor Feb. 27

Housing measures need careful consideration

Tangible progress is being made at the state Capitol to address Montana’s workforce and affordable housing crunch, an issue that Gov. Greg Gianforte has identified as a top priority for the 2023 Legislature.

Ken Brown, 81

Ken (Cowboy) Brown

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Announcements from Flathead businesses

Chinese spying exposes American tech vulnerabilities

The Chinese spy balloons that have traversed Montana should serve as a glaring wake up call to all Americans about the increasingly aggressive and adversarial stance the Chinese government is taking against our country.

Law roundup: Ex-boyfriend reportedly steals child’s toys

A woman told the Kalispell Police Department she was at her wit’s end with an ex’s alleged harrassment. In the days following Valentine’s Day, where the couple

Time to reassess Montana's tax exempt properties

How many buildings in Montana get fire and police protection for free?

Montana Freedom Caucus isn't about freedom

Montana now has a Freedom Caucus, just like the big boys in dysfunctional Washington.

Kalispell chamber president elected chair of association, while child care initiative honored

Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO of the Kalispell chamber, was recently elected as the 2023-24 chair of the Western Association of Chamber Executives.

Jesse Edwin 'Ed' Sonny Blasdel, 93

Jesse Edwin (ED) Sonny Blasdel, 93

Black Rifle Coffee opens shop in downtown Kalispell

Retired Navy SEAL and world-record breaking skydiver Andy Stumpf has teamed up with Denver Maddux to put a Montana spin on the traditional Black Rifle Coffee Company. The shop opened recently in downtown Kalispell.

Letters to the editor Feb. 26

Letters to the editor Feb. 26

Fed's rate hikes likely to cause a recession, research says

Can the Federal Reserve keep raising interest rates and defeat the nation's worst bout of inflation in 40 years without causing a recession?

Martha Kay Rimes Bailey, 85

Martha Kay Rimes Bailey, 85

Tourism gives us the FITs

This time of year finds us hunkered down, but the travel pros are revving up, hoping to capture the FITs of the future.

Life and art: FVCC instructor marks 50 years of teaching

A special exhibition at the Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery honors Karen Leigh’s five decades of teaching art.

Flathead Watercooler

Business trainings and gatherings

Few shocked by GOP's break with Racicot

State legislators in the Flathead Valley are  — like the former governor himself — unsurprised by the Montana Republican Party’s public break up with Marc Racicot.

Roger Ivan Stradley

Roger Ivan Stradley

Steven Terrill Bauska, 78

Steven T. Bauska, 78

German court rejects farmer's climate suit vs Volkswagen

In the case at the state court in the western town of Detmold, farmer Ulf Allhoff-Cramer said that drier soil and heavier rains because of climate change are harming his fields, cattle and commercial forests.

Sandra Joan Lasater-Rosetti, 85

Sandra Joan Lasater Rosetti, 85, of Kalispell died peacefully on Feb. 19, 2023, at Wel- Life Assisted Living.

Save ranching and wildlife — invest in relationships

As a cattleman in northwestern Montana, you learn to live with uncertainty and disappointments.

Francis Melvin Crompton, 96

Francis Melvin Crompton

Community briefs

Organization holds discussion on climate change; Churches combine; Whitefish seeks volunteers to serve on committees;

ImagineIF board pledges to spend $70K on materials for Bigfork branch

The ImagineIF Library Board of Trustees is pledging to buy $70,000 in materials for the system’s Bigfork branch once its renovation project is complete.

Hellgate girls outlast Wolfpack in fourth

Missoula Hellgate’s Alex Covill poured in 27 points, and the Knights surged in the first and fourth quarters in their 59-50 defeat of Glacier in girls basketball action Saturday. Noah Fincher scored 16 points for the Wolfpack, which trailed 17-7 early but closed to 41-40 going into the final quarter.

Browning 4th, C-Falls 5 at Western A girls tourney

Browning’s 46-37 win over Polson Saturday morning put the Lady Indians in the third-place game at the Western A girls basketball divisional. They lost to Dillon 58-30 to fall to 19-3, but the top four teams advanced to the State A tournament March 9-11 in Bozeman.

Cummings, Braves fall at Missoula Big Sky, 73-57

Flathead’s Noah Cummings struck for 26 points, hitting three 3-pointers along the way, but the Braves still fell 73-57 to Missoula Big SKy in the regular season finale for both teams Saturday.

Chouinard, Bravettes heat up to beat Big Sky

The 14th verse was a lot like the rest for the Flathead Bravettes, who downed Missoula Big Sky 46-45 for their 11th conference girls basketball win Saturday, all of them by eight points or less.

Valkyries win Western B title

The Bigfork Valkyries easily won the Western B girls divisional title Saturday with a 63-30 win over Loyola and finish the season 23-0.

Columbia Falls boys 5th, one win from State A

Jace Hill had 25 points and seven rebounds to lead the Wildcats over Browning 69-50 in the fifth-place game at the Western A Divisional Saturday. Columbia Falls next plays Havre, the fourth-place team out of Eastern A, for a berth into the State A tournament March 9-11 in Bozeman.

Big Sky tour nears end for 'TJ'

Not quite a year ago, Tiana Johnson scored 14 points for Idaho against Northern Arizona, in a Big Sky Conference women’s basketball game played in Flagstaff last March 4.

Buls buries six 3s, Glacier tops Hellgate

Kaidrian Buls scored a career-high 24 points, including six 3-pointers, and Glacier beat Missoula Hellgate 69-62 in boys basketball Saturday on the Knights’ floor.

LaFrombois leads Mission to third in Western B

Zoran LaFrombois combined for 78 points in two games at the Western A divisional on Sunday, powering the Mission Bulldogs to third place and a trip to the State A tournament in Bozeman in two weeks.

PHOTOS: Flathead Classic Sled Dog Races at Dog Creek Lodge & Nordic Center

Around 40 teams from the United States and Canada hit the trails for the annual Flathead Classic Sled Dog Races at Dog Creek Lodge & Nordic Center in Olney on Saturday, Feb. 25. Races continue at 9 a.m. Sunday.

Vikings top Anaconda, into Western B chipper

Three players scored in double digits for the Bigfork Vikings on Friday in a 64-37 semifinal win over Anaconda, earning them a trip to the Western B boys divisional championship game.

Valkyries in Western B final

The Gunlock sisters again led the way for the Bigfork Valkyries at the Western B girls divisional on Friday, who cruised past Mission 69-25 and will face Loyola in the final today at 6:30 p.m.

Browning girls fall; Wildkats, Pirates stay alive

RONAN — Down one possession late, the Browning Lady Indians couldn’t close the gap and fell to Frenchtown 53-47 in the semifinals of the Western A girls basketball tournament Friday.

Pay-Per-Chew: More restaurants trying subscription programs

Large chains like Panera and P.F. Chang's as well as neighborhood hangouts are increasingly experimenting with the subscription model as a way to ensure steady revenue and customer visits.

C-Falls, Browning boys stay alive at Western A

RONAN — While Frenchtown and Butte Central advanced to the championship game, Browning and Columbia Falls stayed alive at the Western A boys basketball divisional Friday.

Glacier to reopen Avalanche campground

Glacier National Park will reopen the Avalanche Campground this year after being closed since 2020.

Kalispell man charged with making threats to kill Sen. Tester

A Kalispell man accused of threatening to injure and murder Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester was arraigned on Feb. 23 on an indictment, according to information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Inquiry issues damning report into Dutch gas drilling

A Dutch parliamentary inquiry released a damning report Friday into the government's handling of lucrative natural gas extraction that caused a string of earthquakes in the northern province of Groningen, saying that authorities put profits before people.

FVCC class focuses on live storytelling

A new non-credit class at Flathead Valley Community College wants to help both experienced and inexperienced students perfect the craft of live storytelling.

Columbia Falls Planning board votes down another high density housing project east of river

The Columbia Falls City County Planning Board last week voted against a proposed 180-unit subdivision east of the Flathead River, citing a host of concerns including traffic, wetlands, the high water table and effects on the wildlife corridor.

Flathead officials, advocates study bill to bolster workforce housing

Flathead Valley officials and housing advocates are mulling over a proposal to allow local governments to subsidize rents for residents using a small tax on short-term rentals such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb.

Commissioners’ letter shows callous indifference

In a letter to Flathead County residents, the Flathead County Commissioners called upon their “peers serving on city councils” to join them in their battle cry against the homeless population in Kalispell. This letter answers that call.

Legislation will make it cheaper and easier to build more housing

There is no singular cause for Montana’s housing crisis. Rising costs of land, materials, and labor combined with people moving into our communities, further straining our infrastructure, has made for an increasingly critical housing situation.

Lawrence (Larry) Dean Anderson Jr., 47

Lawrence (Larry) Dean Anderson Jr., 47

Legals for February, 24 2023

Suspect in drunken crash that injured deputy arraigned in district court

Auburn Bee Flores, 22, was arraigned before Judge Heidi Ulbricht in Flathead County District Court on the felony charge.

Newly resurrected Lakeside Community Council sees candidates file for May election

Eight candidates are running for seven open seats on an advisory council in Lakeside resurrected by popular demand in part because of a controversial alpine coaster development project launched over the summer.

Bill to fund Public Law 280 advances in Senate

After a hearing that included testimony from several local officials, legislation that could help Lake County fund law enforcement under Public Law 280 is advancing in the Senate.

Affordable housing advocates push to put state dollars toward price-controlled housing

Housing affordability advocates are working to drum up support in the Montana Capitol for a pair of bills that would put state resources into supporting the construction of more price-controlled housing for middle- and low-income Montanans — policies that would take a step beyond the free-market strategies that have so far drawn support from Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Law roundup: Peeping woman allegedly looking for her dog

Confronted after supposedly peering through the window of a home, a woman told the resident she was looking for her dog.

Program offers students opportunity to explore law enforcement

A dedicated group of nine local high school students were sworn in by Sheriff Brian Heino last week as the first members of the new Flathead County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program as they look to gain first-hand knowledge of the field of law enforcement.

Letters to the editor Feb. 24

Letters to the editor Feb. 24

Barry Landon Gillette, 2

Barry Landon Gillette

Browning girls advance to Western A semifinals

Mecca Bullchild scored 30 points for Browning, and the Lady Indians pulled away in the fourth quarter Thursday to beat Stevensville 65-54 at the Western A Divisional girls basketball tournament.

Vikings in Western B semis

The Bigfork Vikings used a balanced scoring attack to top Arlee 71-58 in the late first round boys game at the Western B Divisional on Thursday.

First-place Knights hold Braves down for 14th win

Connor Dick scored 15 points, Easton Sant added 10 and Missoula Hellgate pulled away after the first quarter to beat Flathead 59-29 in Western AA boys basketball Thursday.

Valkyries cruise to 69-13 win over Deer Lodge

The Gunlock sisters led Bigfork to an easy 69-13 win over Deer Lodge at the Western B Divisional on Thursday.

Larson, Hellgate Knights hand Bravettes a loss

MISSOULA — Missoula Hellgate’s Chloe Larson scored 20 points and the Knights held Flathead to one third-quarter point in a 42-36 Western AA girls basketball win Thursday.

Hot-shooting Wolfpack bombs Big Sky, 68-38

The Glacier boys basketball has been pretty good at home this season, even before Thursday’s Senior Night battle with Missoula Big Sky.

Wildcats fall, Southwest A completes Thursday sweep

Frenchtown’s Connor Michaud scored 23 points and the Broncs used a late third-quarter surge to push past Columbia Falls Thursday at the Western A boys basketball divisional.

Big Sky rallies past Pack girls in 2nd half

Audrey Hale scored 13 points to lead three Missoula Big Sky girls in double figures, and the Eagles rallied past Glacier to win their Western AA basketball battle Thursday, 48-35.

Conservation district to investigate home in Glacier Park for possible violations

The Flathead County Conservation District will investigate a private home in Glacier National Park after more than 14 people filed complaints against the owners.

Family friendly theater come to stage with one-act plays

The show “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “Bedtime Stories (As Told By Our Dad)(Who Messed Them Up) open with a sneak preview night on Feb. 23.

Wachholz center lineup includes speaker, music acts

The Wachholz College Center on the campus of Flathead Valley Community College has a variety of events set in the coming weeks.

Linderman Education Center pilots mental health screenings for students

Linderman Education Center is piloting universal screening for mental health for its student population to connect them with care as needed.

Amid dire suicide rates in Montana, governor expands student mental health screening

Montana, which perennially has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, also has a youth suicide rate twice the national average, according to a study released last year by the state Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Law roundup: People get comfy in post office lobby

Someone called 911 because three transients were sleeping in a lobby.

Legislature providing financial relief to Montanans

Republicans’ No. 1 goal this legislative session has been to provide financial relief to Montanans struggling with Joe Biden’s inflation and the high cost of living.

Amending Montana’s Constitution thoughtfully

2022 was the year of celebrating the fiftieth birthday of Montana’s Constitution — its visionary provisions and the unique bipartisan approach adopted by the citizen delegates who wrote it.

Letters to the editor Feb. 23

Letters to the editor Feb. 23

July Glacier Park reservations open March 1

The next round of Glacier National Park vehicle registrations begins next week on Wednesday, March 1 at Recreation.gov.

State wildlife commission says no to boating restrictions on Church Slough

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission voted against placing boating restrictions on Church Slough on Wednesday, denying a resident work group’s petition and subsequent recommendations.

Kalispell Middle School pilots teacher-created check-in program

Kalispell Middle School sixth-grade health and physical education teacher David Baker wants kids to know they are seen. So he created a daily check-in tool of the same name.

Backcountry adventurers know they’re taking chances

Six people have died in avalanches in the United States since the snow started to fly this fall. Every year, an average of 27 people — skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers — die this way.

Kalispell City Council finalizes park ordinances

Kalispell City Council approved the second reading of a package of ordinances placing new restrictions on the use of public parks and related facilities at its Tuesday meeting.

Legals for February, 23 2023

Things have worked out for Olsen, Wolfpack

Before his Helena Capital Bruins lost at Glacier on Jan. 13, coach Guy Almquist told his radio play-by-play man that Glacier’s Ty Olsen was a point guard in a linebacker’s body. He wasn’t complaining; he was just stating a fact.

7 years later, the Wildcats break through

The Columbia Falls Wildcats’ boys basketball team is 14-3, and if you think they’ve fattened up on Class B competition, we have some context.

County Attorney's Office not pursuing charges in Snowslip Inn shooting

The Flathead County Attorney’s Office will not pursue charges in an April 2022 fatal shooting outside the Snowslip Inn near Essex.

Montana takes another shot at passing an insulin co-pay cap bill

Alison Sharkey-Hines said her son, who was born premature and died at two weeks old, might still be here if she had access to affordable insulin.

Bill aims to give Montana Legislature standing in court fights over laws

Two bills heard Tuesday in the House Judiciary Committee aim to give the Montana Legislature, and individual legislators, options to defend their laws in court, while another sought to implement a public comment period if the state attorney general wants to get involved in litigation.

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester to run for 4th term in Montana

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said Wednesday he will seek reelection to a fourth term in 2024, a boost to Democrats' hopes of maintaining a seat in the Republican-leaning state as they try to hang on to their narrow Senate majority.

Suspects in Kalispell bank robbery plead not guilty

Two men suspected of robbing a Wells Fargo bank in north Kalispell over the summer have pleaded not guilty in Flathead County District Court to felony charges stemming from the heist.

Mushers harness dog power at Flathead Classic this weekend

Approximately 40 teams from the United States and Canada are set to race in the two-day event.

Whitefish Community Foundation awards grant to aid in skatepark expansion

The Major Community Project Grant program is dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations complete capital projects that will have a significant and positive effect on communities in the Flathead Valley.

Commissioners' letter on homelessness referenced in Helena debate

Rep. Jodee Etchart, R-Billings, referenced a letter released by the Flathead County Commission earlier this year that referenced homelessness as a “lifestyle choice for some” in explaining her opposition to providing grant funding towards supporting the unhoused.

Educators tout internships and apprenticeships at Kalispell Chamber luncheon

Learning to fly, interning at a law office, using a surgical robotic arm, identifying fish at a hatchery, creating art to display at the hospital — these were just some of the examples Kalispell Public Schools officials touched on while highlighting the transformational learning taking place in the district during a Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday.

Suspected ‘money mule’ sentenced in federal court

A Kalispell woman who pleaded guilty in federal court in September to charges stemming from an alleged overseas money laundering scheme received a more than four year prison sentence Tuesday.

Law roundup: Homeless man alleges attack at store

Officers with the Kalispell Police Department assisted a man in getting to the warming shelter after he was allegedly attacked at a gas station.

Legals for February, 22 2023

Elks Lodge collects donations for veterans food pantry

Elks Lodge collects donations for veterans food pantry

Bent track a factor in Montana Amtrak crash that killed 3

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Investigators probing a fatal 2021 Amtrak derailment in Montana disclosed Tuesday that the railroad track was bent along a curve near the accident site, and the problem got worse as freight trains traveled over the area before the crash.

Flathead, Glacier hoops postponed to Saturday

Tuesday’s winter storm postponed Western AA conference basketball games for the Kalispell schools, and have been rescheduled for Saturday afternoon.

County officials close stretch of Hodgson Road

Whiteout conditions led to the closure of Hodgson Road from Trumble Creek Road west to the Whitefish River, county officials said Tuesday morning.

15-year-old boy shot in Great Falls, 2 suspects in custody

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — A 15-year-old boy was shot while walking to school Tuesday morning and suffered life-threatening injuries, police in Great Falls said.

Advanced Opportunities bill a game-changer

If you attended Flathead High between 1967 and 1996, you may have taken Outdoor Literature from Mr. Burt.

State Republicans vote to rebuke former Gov. Marc Racicot

Marc Racicot, who served from 1993 to 2001 as a two-term Republican governor, was formally rebuked by party leadership for recently supporting Democrats in state and national elections.

Marilynn Margaret Dunn (Fry), 69

Marilynn Margaret Dunn (Fry)

Letters to the editor Feb. 21

Letters to the editor Feb. 21

Man accused of stealing snowplow pleads not guilty

Prosecutors alleged in court documents that the 29-year-old hopped into a snowplow left running near the intersection of First Avenue East and Third Street in Kalispell.

Legals for February, 21 2023

Bill would let cities tax Airbnbs to subsidize long-term rentals

A bill under consideration at the Montana Legislature would give cities, counties and resort districts the option of levying a tax on Airbnb-style, short-term rentals if they use the money to give rebates to landlords who rent to local workers on a long-term basis.

Law roundup: Student allegedly shot with a pellet gun

Three people in a blue minivan with a smashed-in headlight reportedly shot a pellet gun at a student using a crosswalk.

Columbia Falls legislator targets prohibition on pre-made Jell-O shots

Rep. Braxton Mitchell is taking on prohibition — of pre-made, alcohol infused gelatin desserts known to partiers everywhere as Jell-O shots.

Biden declares 'Kyiv stands' in surprise visit to Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Joe Biden swept unannounced into Ukraine on Monday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a defiant display of Western solidarity with a country still fighting what he called "a brutal and unjust war" days before the first anniversary of Russia's invasion.

Supreme Court weighs liability shield for internet giants

A lawsuit against YouTube from the family of an American college student who was killed by Islamic State gunmen in Paris in 2015 is at the center of a closely watched Supreme Court case being argued Tuesday.

Illinois poised to mandate paid leave for nearly all workers

Expansive paid leave legislation requiring Illinois employers to give workers paid time off based on hours worked, to be used for any reason, is ready for action by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who said he looks forward to signing it. Requiring paid vacation is rare in the United States — just Maine and Nevada have similar laws in place — although common in other industrialized nations.

World shares mostly higher as inflation worries dog Wall St

Recent data have revived worries that inflation is not cooling as quickly as hoped. That has shaken hopes the Federal Reserve might take it easier on interest rate hikes and avoid tipping the economy into recession.

Letters to the editor Feb. 20

Letters to the editor Feb. 20

Honoring life and career, Kila man inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame

Tom Harmon was inducted Feb. 11 into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 inductees for District 10 which includes Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties.

Law roundup: Model scammed out of money, photos

A man reportedly told Kalispell Police Department officers he received checks for a modeling gig but had been scammed.

Whitefish looks at temporary halt for new marijuana shops

The meeting is on Tuesday due to the Presidents’ Day holiday. City Council meets at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall, 418 E Second St.

Lake County objects to water compact

Lake County commissioners unanimously voted Feb. 8 to object to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai’s water compact with the federal government and the state of Montana.

Public park ordinances to undergo second reading by Kalispell City Council

The Tuesday, Feb. 21 meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. Residents and interested parties also can attend via Zoom.

Blizzard conditions target Flathead Valley

Weather forecasters are confident that heavy snowfall will impact all of Northwest Montana beginning Monday.

Cautious but steady consumers buoying hopes for US economy

Defying high inflation and sharp interest rate hikes, Americans keep spending — a trend that, if sustained, could keep the economy humming just enough to help avoid a much-predicted recession.

Janine Elizabeth Sanford, 76

Janine Elizabeth Sanford

Katherine Taylor, 88

Katherine Ann “Kay” (Flinn) Taylor passed away of natural causes Feb. 2, 2023, with the love of family and the caring staff at Logan Health Whitefish.

Law roundup: Someone leaves cryptic note on door

Someone allegedly left a note on a man’s door that read “Death to the confeds.”

Legals for February, 19 2023

Richard Charles Cowan Jr., 75

Richard Charles Cowan Jr., 75, passed away on Oct. 23, 2022, after a long battle with MDS.

Micki Lehman, 91

Micki Lehman, 91, passed away on Feb. 14, 2023, at Brendan House Nursing Home in Kalispell due to natural causes.

Kalispell Public Schools moves forward with plans to relocate its central office

The Kalispell Public Schools Board of Trustees unanimously approved signing a letter of intent to lease a building at 1935 Third Ave. E. with the option to purchase to relocate its central offices.

GoFundMe fundraiser set up for injured trooper

The Montana Highway Patrol trooper who was grievously injured during an incident involving a three-time convicted felon in northern Lincoln County last week has been identified and a fundraiser has been launched to support him and his family.

California-style urban sprawl is coming for the Flathead Valley

California-style urban sprawl is coming for the Flathead Valley. Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls look hardly anything like Los Angeles from the surface right now, but their zoning maps look eerily similar.

Helena is undermining grizzly bear conservation

The grizzly bear is a unique and vital part of Montana’s wildlife heritage.

Report shows Flathead needs more housing

Housing and development are hot topics. A rising population without an adequate increase in housing to serve the existing community have brought significant challenges to the Flathead Valley.

Implications of consolidated health systems

Logan Health and Billings Clinic revealed last week that the two independent hospital systems plan to engage in negotiations this year aimed at combining into a single, new organization.

Letters to the editor Feb. 19

Letters to the editor Feb. 19

Peek into the past: the lives of Chinese and Japanese immigrants in the early Flathead

In what was once the city’s Chinatown, firecrackers hung from the tops of doorways in Chinese businesses and residences, which included restaurants and laundry services that were described by locals at the time as some of the best in town.

Flathead Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Happenings at Flathead businesses

Judie Cundy, 80

Judie Cundy, 80

E-bike bill advances in key House floor vote

A bill that would explicitly open much of Montana’s trail network to e-bikes is positioned to clear the House of Representatives following lawmakers’ 54-46 vote to advance the measure.

Glacier Park International Airport expansion off to a flying start

A year and a half into construction, Glacier Park International Airport is making significant progress on its $150 million terminal expansion project with the first phase of the expansion nearly at the halfway mark.

Foundation awards grant to youth restorative justice program

The $95,000 grant was made possible by donors to the Kids Fund, established in 2019 as an initiative to support areas of health, safety and education that mitigate challenges and prevent local youth from becoming homeless.

GOP lawmakers shy away from changing Montana’s constitutional right to abortion

Republican lawmakers in Montana wield a supermajority that gives them the power to ask voters to approve a constitutional amendment that would break the link between abortion rights and the right to privacy in the state’s constitution.

James 'Lucky' Stacy, 83

James "Lucky" Stacy, 83

Joan Carol Fraser, 87

Joan Carol Fraser

Sadie Marie Burnside, 30

Sadie Marie Burnside

Community briefs

Whitefish library brings back coding class; Registration opens for home buyer education classes; P.E.O. taking scholarship applications; Free the Seeds event March 4

Restaurant focuses on food and entertainment fun

The space on U.S. 93 south of downtown features over 50 arcade games, six pool tables, four dart boards, and a restaurant.

Epperly, Walker key as Vikings surge to title

Bigfork’s Isak Epperly scored a game-high 20 points, and the Vikings pulled away in the third quarter to beat Eureka 61-35 for the District 7-B boys basketball title Saturday.

Ulutoa, second quarter lead Ronan over Whitefish

Leina Ulutoa scored 23 points, 19 in the first half, and the Ronan Maidens earned a spot in next week’s Western A girls basketball divisional with a 47-38 play-in win over Whitefish Saturday.

Whitefish boys earn spot in Western A

Whitefish senior Jack Sears scored 18 points, and the Bulldogs pulled away from the second quarter on to beat Libby 67-34 Saturday, earning a berth at next week’s Western A Divisional.

Unbeaten Valkyries cruise to 7-B title

Braeden Gunlock scored 13 points to lead a balanced Bigfork offense, and the unbeaten Valkyries coasted past Thompson Falls 51-12 for the District 7-B girls basketball title Saturday.

Former President Jimmy Carter in hospice care

The Carter Center said Saturday that former President Jimmy Carter has entered home hospice care.

Turmoil in courts on gun laws in wake of justices' ruling

A landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Second Amendment is upending gun laws across the country, dividing judges and sowing confusion over what firearm restrictions can remain on the books.

GOP bills would require re-votes on some local property taxes

A slate of bills advanced by a prominent Republican lawmaker would try to lower Montana property taxes by requiring revotes on some local tax levies while also raising the approval margins required to pass levies and bond measures in low-turnout local elections.

Whitefish hospital acknowledged for rural care

Logan Health Whitefish has been named a 2023 top 100 critical access hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Electric co-op grant assists Abbie Shelter with security upgrades

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety directors recently awarded a total of $36,311 to support area nonprofit community safety projects. The Abbie Shelter was one of six grantees, receiving $7,442 toward updates to the shelter’s security system.

Bill would shrink state Supreme Court from seven justices to five

Legislation heard in a Senate committee this week would reduce the number of associate justices on the Montana Supreme Court from six to four over the next several years.

Eureka, Bigfork to meet for 7-B boys title

EUREKA — Tristan Butts scored 18 of his 20 points after halftime Friday, helping Eureka hold off Mission 58-56 in a District 7-B boys basketball semifinal.

Vals, Bluehawks surge into 7-B girls finale

EUREKA — Behind 15 first-half points from Braeden Gunlock the Bigfork Valkyries opened up a 41-8 lead, then coasted to a 68-8 win in the semifinals of the District 7-B girls basketball tournament Friday.

Man accused of injuring trooper in vehicle chase makes first court appearance

A Lincoln County man accused of running over a Montana Highway Patrol trooper during a law enforcement pursuit Thursday made his initial court appearance Friday.

Updated: Montana Highway Patrol trooper injured in Lincoln County chase

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper is in stable condition after being run over during a vehicle chase in Lincoln County on Thursday afternoon, authorities say.

UM spring enrollment shows signs of more growth

The University of Montana today reports another rise in student enrollment for the spring semester.

Speech and debate students qualify for nationals

Speech and debate teams from Flathead, Glacier and Columbia Falls high schools will be well represented at nationals following the West District Qualifier tournament at Sentinel High School in Missoula.

Montana lawmaker: There's a religious right to abortion

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Abortion rights groups are challenging abortion bans in some states by arguing the bans — supported by certain religious principles — violate the religious rights of people with different beliefs.

Flathead County settles suit over West Glacier subdivision

The applicants, who are family members, wanted to subdivide the 8-acre property into 1-acre parcels to build homes there.

Citizen work group recommends no-wake zone for Half Moon Slough

A resident group is recommending that the state Fish and Wildlife Commission emplace a no-wake zone on Half Moon Slough at its April meeting.

Barbara Dedman, 91

Loved mother, wife and friend Barbara Dedman passed away Feb. 4, 2023, at the age of 91.

FVCC lecture series focuses on state of global democracies

International trade, global diplomacy and multilateral relations are far-reaching and impact Montanans locally.

Legals for February, 17 2023

Flathead, Glacier to offer slate of new classes

Flathead and Glacier high school students will have a slate of new courses to choose from for the 2023-24 school year including several that will get students in the outdoors to learn subject matter in P.E., science and art.

Daines, King reintroduce bill aimed at aiding communities near national parks

A year after its initial introduction in the Senate, the bipartisan Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act is getting a second chance at life.

Students with a knack for business win big at state competition

Young entrepreneurs with business sense from Flathead, Glacier and Whitefish high schools had another year of success at the Montana DECA Conference.

Glacier boys, Flathead girls earn tough wins

Crosstown II played to a packed Flathead High School gym Thursday night, and given the physical play on display, it’s fitting that each game was decided by a touchdown.

House Judiciary amends Montana bill targeting drag performances, sends it to House floor

The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday passed on party lines a bill targeting drag performances in Montana after amending it so it will apply to any place that receives any sort of state funding.

Suspect in Bigfork double homicide pleads not guilty

The man accused of murdering a couple inside their Bigfork home in October pleaded not guilty to two counts of deliberate homicide in Flathead County District Court on Thursday.

Biden wants 'sharper rules' on unknown aerial objects

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday that the U.S. is developing "sharper rules" to track, monitor and potentially shoot down unknown aerial objects, following three weeks of high-stakes drama sparked by the discovery of a suspected Chinese spy balloon transiting much of the country.

Opponents decry grizzly bill as too vague at Senate committee hearing

Critics sought more clarity Tuesday on a bill allowing livestock owners to take grizzlies on their property in anticipation of the federal government lifting protections for the species.

Letters to the editor Feb. 16

Letters to the editor Feb. 16

Legals for February, 16 2023

Suspect in pepper spray attack given deferred sentence

Judge Amy Eddy also gave Wendy Jean Warner, 49, credit for 57 days of time served.

Author shares wilderness tales to begin speaker series

Events are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month in February, March and April.

Man accused of shooting at kayakers maintains innocence

Jeffrey Allen Smith, 49, appeared before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court on Feb. 9 for his arraignment on four counts of criminal endangerment.

Law roundup: Ex's in exile on Valentine's Day

A man allegedly tried to reconnect with an ex on Valentine’s Day after they recently broke up by going to her house, hitting her door, yelling at her and refusing to leave when told to do so.

Limiting government

A friend of mine once told me how he had become a drunk. After taking his first drink he said, “I began to feel so good, so happy, so powerful that I wanted to feel — even better!”

Kalispell Planning Board recommends requests for proposed residential developments

The Kalispell Planning Board recommended Tuesday two requests from housing developers to the City Council.

FHS theater brings classic ‘Little Women’ to stage

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s time-honored novel, “Little Women” the heartwarming classic spans several years and locations across the world.

Polson festival features diverse selection of films

The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest set for Feb. 24-26 in Polson features a diverse selection of domestic and international films.

Affordable housing: lessons from a garbage can

Some problems are perplexing and complicated, with solutions evading the wisest among us.

Flathead County seeks environmental review of the lower North Fork Road

Flathead County will apply for federal funding in the coming weeks for an environmental analysis aimed at improving the lower end of the North Fork Road — a process that could ultimately determine whether the road is paved.

WTC presents double feature of family-friendly theater

Adapted from the classic book by Margery Williams, “The Velveteen Rabbit” is a touching story about the transformative power of love.

Band members present recital night

Several members of the Flathead Valley Community Band are scheduled to present an evening Chamber Night recital on Monday, Feb. 20 at First Presbyterian Church located at 530 S. Main in Kalispell.

Museum director teaches bookbinding course at museum

Over 12 sessions from March to May, students will review the history of the book, construct at least five binding formats, and as a final project assemble their own text that the participants will bind themselves.

Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre holds auditions for ‘SHREK Jr.’

Once upon a time, in a faraway swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek.

Campground shooting suspect said she fired after being hit

Prosecutors filed a single count of assault with a weapon against Chelsie Marie Morrison, 33, of Eureka on Jan. 24 for her alleged role in the confrontation.

Dinner theater murder-mystery opens this weekend

Meet the family that inspired it all.

Kubi, Bravettes grow into Western AA power

Akilah Kubi, when asked how tall she is, replied: “Five-foot-9.” Then she added, “But you can write 5-10.”

This time numbers still add up

For the record, this year’s scoring change for State AA boys did not affect the top of the team wrestling standings.

Logan Health, Billings Clinic discuss potential deal

Logan Health and Billings Clinic, two of Montana’s largest hospital systems, have opened discussions about uniting as a single health-care organization. Billings Clinic announced the potential deal Wednesday.

Bill would enshrine abortion rights in state law

A bill introduced this week in the Montana Legislature flipped the typical script for hearings on abortion access: Instead of opposing restrictive bills, reproductive rights advocates lined up to support legislation they said would uphold privacy protections by codifying legal abortion in state law.

White supremacist gets life in prison for Buffalo massacre

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A white supremacist who killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket was sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday after relatives of his victims confronted him with pain and rage caused by his racist attack.

Landlords push back on pro-tenant, mobile-home park bills

A pair of Republican-sponsored bills intended to help mobile-home park residents weather Montana’s acute housing shortage drew vehement opposition from park owners, real estate agents and the Montana Landlord Association in their initial hearings Monday morning.

Robert “Bob” Schneider, 77

Robert “Bob” Schneider

Legals for February, 15 2023

Regulators accuse Columbia Falls crypto mine of fraud, financial crimes

State Auditor Troy Downing has demanded answers from a cryptocurrency company with a bitcoin mining center in Columbia Falls accused of operating a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme.

Randy Allen Vickhammer, 72

Randy Allen Vickhammer

Shooting of vehicle in Lake County leads to arrest

Deputies were alerted to the gunshot near the intersection of Timberline Way and Eagle Trail Pass about 2 p.m., Feb. 12.

Talk discusses history of Japanese people in Northwest Montana

The presentation is at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, in the Northwest Montana Historical Museum in Kalispell.

Debbie Kerouac, 68

Debbie Kerouac, 68

Report: $60 million indoor sports facility would benefit local businesses

In addition to serving local youth and adult athletes, the visitors bureau asked its consultants to explore the viability of establishing a center that would attract regional teams for large tournaments.

Jewell Van Allen, 103

Jewell Van Allen

Leo Cornelius Coleman, 89

Leo Cornelius Coleman

Law roundup: Commotion gets man banned

Someone who reportedly had a man banned from a location for a day called the Kalispell Police Department wanting to extend the ban to a month and have him cited for trespassing when he showed up, argued with them and refused to leave.

Official: Gunman in Michigan State shooting had note threatening 2 New Jersey schools

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The gunman who killed three students and wounded five at Michigan State University was a 43-year-old with a previous gun violation who fatally shot himself after an hourslong manhunt that ended in a confrontation with police miles from campus, officials said Tuesday.

Mayor, former mayor challenge settlement of class-action lawsuit against Logan Health

Logan Health has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit stemming from a 2021 data breach, but a pair of prominent Flathead Valley residents are objecting to its terms, saying that the arrangement amounts to a bigger win for attorneys than the victims.

Flathead lawmaker wants to see more sidewalks in Evergreen

A bill that would fund construction of sidewalks along U.S. 2 in Evergreen has its first hearing Wednesday in the House Transportation Committee.

Valentine sweethearts: Couple reflects on 60 years of love and life

They have celebrated quite a few Valentine's Days in their time.

Letters to the editor Feb. 14

Letters to the editor Feb. 14

Law roundup: Man threatens to blow up building

A man allegedly carrying a fake stick of dynamite threatened to return to a business and blow up the building.

Legals for February, 14 2023

Kalispell Planning Board to weigh two large residential developments

Two large housing developments are expected to come before the Kalispell City Planning Board at its Tuesday meeting.

Redistricting commission passes Montana's legislative map

Redistricting Commission Chair Maylinn Smith broke with Democrats to pass Montana’s legislative map on Saturday, marking the end of over three years of work from the commission.

Right to repair: Keep Montana ag on the move

Montana farmers and ranchers face numerous challenges. Some of these challenges such as weather, commodity prices, and bank loan rates are beyond a single farmer’s ability to manage.

One facing felony charge after boxing match devolves into general brawl

Authorities took two into custody after a brawl involving members of two motorcycle clubs broke out during a boxing match at Majestic Valley Arena on Saturday night.

One arrested after allegedly pulling a gun in downtown Kalispell

Kalispell Police officers responded to the area around the intersection of Main and Center streets about 11:54 a.m. for a report of an assault with a weapon.

Legals for February, 13 2023

Law roundup: Eco-friendly shoplifter brings his own bags

A general manager called the Kalispell Police Department when a man with an alleged history of shoplifting in the store walked through the door carrying plastic bags and they wanted him kicked out for good.

Nude prowler allegedly caught trying to steal motorcycle

A naked 25-year-old allegedly found Feb. 9 trying to take a motorcycle he did not own from the garage of a house he did not live in now faces a burglary charge in Flathead County District Court.

Letters to the editor Feb. 13

Letters to the editor Feb. 13

Glacier boys second, C-Falls swimmers finish high up in A-B ranks

Isaac Keim headlined for the Glacier boys last weekend at the All-Class State Swim meet, where the Pack finished second overall.

Flathead student shows versatility in path to nursing career

The inquisitive and artistic senior is a recipient of the Winslow Nichols Leadership Award.

Object that invaded Montana airspace downed over Lake Huron

President Joe Biden on Sunday ordered an "unidentified object" shot down with a missile by U.S. fighter jets over Lake Huron, and it was believed to be the same one tracked over Montana and monitored by the government beginning the night before, U.S. officials said.

New owner plans to complement the past with the present at Izaak Walton Inn

After more than eight decades and hundreds of thousands of visitors, this summer the Izaak Walton Inn will receive its first major renovations and upgrades since 1995 thanks to its new Washington-based owners, LOGE Camps.

MWED partners with Missoula center to expand business opportunities

Based in Missoula, the WELL Business Center offers resources, training programs, business coaching, courses, an online community, and events designed for urban, rural, and Indigenous women across the state of Montana.

Glut of constitutional amendments on the docket

Alexander Hamilton asked the question: “whether men [and women] are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force.” What will our answer be?

Cracking down on foreign adversaries

One of my top priorities this legislative session is strengthening Montana’s position against hostile foreign nations like China.

911 dispatchers rise above the challenges

The Daily Inter Lake recently published an article in reference to the Flathead 911 center (911 dispatchers struggle with burnout amid staff shortage, Jan. 15).

Boeing plans to cut about 2,000 finance and HR jobs in 2023

A statement by the Virginia company says the jobs will be reduced "through a combination of attrition and layoffs" this year.

Move to delist grizzlies welcome news

First enacted 50 years ago, the Endangered Species Act has played a vital role in the successful recovery of more than 100 species of plants and animals in the U.S. that were pushed to the brink — bald eagles, wolves and majestic humpback whales to name a few.

Wellness center focuses on compassionate care through acupuncture, herbal remedies

The Kalispell Collective comprises three entities: Jing Shen Healing Arts, an acupuncture clinic, Ancient Ways Apothecary, offering herbal remedies, and COZY Kalispell, an herbal foot soak experience.

Velma Fay Heinrichson, 95

Velma (Seney) Heinrichson, our loving mother, went home to be with her Lord on Jan. 25, 2023.

Curtis Barton, 66

Curtis Allen Barton passed away peacefully Jan. 31, 2023, in Kalispell.

Tammy Jean Griepp, 55

Tammy Jean Griepp, 55, passed away Feb. 1, 2023.

Elton Ross Hoyt, 84

Elton Ross Hoyt, 84, passed away on Jan. 23, 2023, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.

Super Bowl ads keep it light by using nostalgia and stars

This year, crypto ads and automakers are advertising less since those industries are facing problems.

Russia announces cut to oil output over Western price caps

Analysts have said one possible Russian response to the cap would be to slash production to try to raise oil prices, which could eventually flow through to higher gasoline prices at the pump as less oil makes it to the global market.

Mexico's inflation rises, leading to interest rate hike

The Bank of Mexico said inflation was not going down as expected, and was likely to remain high for some time.

Britcoin? UK gets closer to launching a digital currency

Britcoin is moving closer to reality. U.K. authorities say British businesses and consumers are likely to need a digital version of the pound.

Letters to the editor Feb. 12

Letters to the editor Feb. 12

Marred by hail damage, Conrad Mansion getting new roof

The historic Conrad Mansion Museum is getting a new roof after last summer’s hail storm left the Kalispell landmark badly damaged.

Keith Raykowski, 66

Keith Raykowski passed away Feb. 2, 2023, after a nearly 7 year battle with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Suspect in fight faces assault with a weapon charge

Brett Wayne Pointer, 36, faces a single count of assault with a weapon in Flathead County District Court for allegedly threatening a teenager with a knife during the disagreement.

Community briefs

P.E.O. taking scholarship applications; My Glacier Village receives challenge grant; Whitefish Community Foundation hosts donor stewardship workshop

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

If time’s flying, give some away

I’m surprised how quiet it is.

Somers Beach alternative calls for 'unobtrusive' camping

After hearing concerns from residents, state officials emphasized at a public meeting last week that the overnight accommodations proposed for Somers Beach State Park would be unobtrusive.

Legals for February, 12 2023

Leaning forward into new experiences valuable in life and on ski trail

I had never been to Montana or written for a daily newspaper, so I said why not. In a way, I wouldn’t let myself lean back from the opportunity.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Happenings at Flathead businesses

Robert Higson, 95

Robert “Bob” Francis Higson, 95, a lifelong resident of Columbia Falls passed away at 95 years on Feb. 4, 2023, at The Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Franklin R. Thompson, 89

Franklin Roosevelt Thompson Sr. of Bigfork went to be with the Lord on Jan. 14, 2023.

McAtee stuffs the statsheet as Wildkats beat Whitefish 70-33

COLUMBIA FALLS — The Columbia Wildkats beat the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs 70-33 Saturday in Northwest A hoops.

Wildcats outrun Bulldogs, 74-47

The Whitefish Bulldogs made things tough early on for host Columbia Falls Saturday afternoon but down the stretch the Wildcats pulled away for a 74-47 conference win.

Brave Brawlers, Bravettes settle for silver, bronze

With their sights set on three straight titles, the Flathead boys and girls wrestling teams have a right to be disappointed with just a place (the Brave Brawlers) and a show (the Bravettes).

Capital Bruins overtake Glacier in fourth

Joey Michellotti fueled a fourth-quarter Helena Capital rally with a pair of 3-pointers, and the Bruins overtook Glacier for a 54-47 boys basketball win Saturday.

Bruins start fast, knock off Pack girls, 58-23

The Helena Capital girls bounced back after falling to Flathead Friday night with a 58-23 road win Saturday over Glacier in a Western AA matchup.

Helena hits 11 threes to beat Braves

Helena hits 11 threes to beat Braves

It’s official: Vasquez is a 4-time champ

The goal of a fourth straight state championship seemed pretty much ordained for Glacier wrestling standout Teegan Vasquez.

MatCats’ time is right now

It’s been a long time since a Northwest Montana team has captured a State A wrestling crown, and even longer for one from Columbia Falls.

PHOTOS: Barstool Ski Races at Cabin Fever Days

Scenes from the Barstool Ski Races at the 44th Cabin Fever Days in Martin City on Saturday, Feb. 11. The events at Cabin Fever Days serve as a fundraiser to help support Hungry Horse, Martin City Volunteer Fire Department and the Canyon Quick Response Unit.

Marijuana advertising bill hearing highlights confusion over existing law

Proponents consider it a return to the intent of the 2020 voter initiative, but dispensary owners and cannabis advocates think it could cripple the industry.

Downtown business group supports park measures

Property and business owners represented a large portion of the residents complaining about the presence of homeless people and providing reports to the city of disturbing or illegal behavior in Kalispell’s downtown Depot Park gazebo.

Local teens to represent Montana at Congressional App Challenge

A Kalispell Code Girls United team will represent Montana at the nationwide Congressional App Challenge for an app they designed to combat human trafficking.

Montana Considers Allowing Physician Assistants to Practice Independently

Megan Zawacki started working at St. Peter's Health in Helena, Montana, in 2020 as a physician assistant trained in treating addiction. She had gone through specialized training that allowed her to prescribe Suboxone, a medication to fight opioid addiction, but she couldn't do so for six months.

Kraft, Bengals top Pack girls 43-31

Avery Kraft scored 15 points — six in the third quarter as Helena opened up a nine-point lead on the way to a 43-31 Western AA girls basketball win at Glacier High School.

Dowler, Wolfpack pull away to win at Helena

Noah Dowler poured in 22 points and the Glacier Wolfpack pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 56-46 Western AA boys basketball win over Helena High Friday.

Bruins swamp Braves, 60-27

Joey Michelotti’s 12 points led a balanced Helena Capital offense, and the Bruins built a 35-16 halftime en route to a 60-27 Western AA boys basketball win over Flathead Friday.

Bravettes come up clutch to beat Capital 47-42

The Flathead Bravettes picked up a hard-fought 47-42 win over Helena Capital Friday night in a clash of Western AA foes.

Bravettes sit second while Glacier, others in the hunt

Let the record show that the Flathead Bravettes’ hopes of a third straight state wrestling title were in trouble before the 120-pound quarterfinals.

Brawlers, MatCats have titles in sight

Eureka sitting third in B/C race

Another Flathead sweep seems like a long shot after one day’s action at the All-Class State Wrestling meet at First Interstate Arena.

‘User fee’ bill would harm Montana nonprofits with already-slim margins, opponents say

More than a dozen nonprofit organization officials told a Republican lawmaker last week her bill was a tax masquerading as a fee that targets some of Montana’s most vulnerable people and the organizations that serve them.

Resort tax revision would allow funding of workforce housing

A bill that would revise Montana’s resort tax laws by increasing the population cap and allowing for a percentage of the tax to go toward workforce housing was presented to the state Legislature last week.

William Fullman Jr., 74

William Fullman Jr. was born October 26, 1948, and died Jan. 31, 2023.

Law roundup: Who let the dogs out? (Who, who, who, who, who)

An Akita-mix overcame a fenced yard to chase after another dog, prompting a response from the Kalispell Police Department.

Ag students receive Wilderness First Aid certification

Twenty-one natural resources students at the H.E. Robinson Ag Center recently received Wilderness First Aid certification.

Bill aimed at drag shows gets hearing in House Judiciary Committee

Critics lambasted a bill aimed at restricting drag shows during a House Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday as rife with possible unintended consequences while supporters described it as a commonsense measure to protect children.

Legals for February, 10 2023

Whitefish lakes conference taking submissions

The conference runs Oct. 18-20 with the theme conference being “Montana Lakes at Risk; Challenges and Opportunities.”

County planning board again rejects KM Ranch proposal

The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday again gave a negative recommendation for a proposal that could lead to a residential development along KM Ranch Road.

Glacier’s Vasquez eyes fourth title

Winning one individual state wrestling title is hard enough, let alone two. Even harder still to win three, and even fewer have won four.

Windauer, MatCats are going big

Flathead boys on ‘business trip’ to get third straight title

A year ago the Columbia Falls MatCats were a formidable team that was beset by injuries as the postseason approached.

Wolfpack’s Madisyn Frazier has quickly become top-flight wrestler

Madisyn Frazier recently committed to play volleyball at the University of Montana-Western this fall, but first she has a wrestling season to finish up.

Suspect in Kalispell hotel shooting charged with assault with a weapon

Prosecutors filed two counts of felony assault with a weapon Thursday against the man arrested in connection with a shooting in a U.S. 2 hotel in Kalispell earlier this week.

Whitefish murder suspect pleads not guilty

The man charged with the shooting death of a neighbor in a Whitefish extended-stay hotel pleaded not guilty to one count of deliberate homicide in Flathead County District Court on Thursday.

Whitefish Theatre Company holds auditions for ‘Evelyn In Purgatory’

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for a spring production of “Evelyn In Purgatory” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16 and 17, at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks outlines efforts to protect westslope cutthroat trout

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking for public comments on proposed state efforts to protect native westslope cutthroat trout in the Flathead Basin’s tributaries.

Gary Van Frachen, 81

Gary Van Frachen went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Feb. 5 at home surrounded by loved ones.

Music performances ahead at Wachholz College Center

An Evening with Branford Marsalis is at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 and Love, Storm: An Evening with Storm Large on Valentine’s Day is at 7:30 p.m.

Legals for February, 9 2023

Letters to the editor Feb. 9

Letters to the editor Feb. 9

Guild presents dinner murder-mystery musical comedy

It’s like the “Sopranos” only lower.

Don’t make decisions based on misconceptions

On behalf of First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell, a congregation made up of individuals with many different political, theological and social perspectives, we believe there is nothing simple about homelessness and hold fast to Jesus’ commandment to love and serve our neighbors.

Compact settlement delivers $157 million to CSKT

The Department of the Interior last week released nearly $580 million to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims.

Economic outlook conference talks "in-migration"

The seminar’s keynote speaker, economist Bryce Ward, discussed the trends driving the increase in Montana’s popularity — often attributed to the hit television show “Yellowstone” — and what the state’s future might look like.

Geno Stahlberg, 81

Geno Stahlberg, known for his magnificent big white mustache, passed away Jan. 31 at Logan Health Medical Center after a battle with heart failure.

Law roundup:Dividing line deepens between neighbors

Division between neighbors deepened when a woman called the police claiming her neighbor was banging on her door and had “challenged her” by asking if she was having company over, to which she replied that it was none of his business.

Crown choir concert benefits Samaritan House

The choir welcomes and encourages donations of cash and checks to support the Samaritan House and its efforts to provide housing for homeless veterans.

ATP begins season with evening of big band swing

In the Mood: an Evening of Big Band Swing will be on stage Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11.

Exhibition showcases FVCC art instructor Karen Leigh

The exhibition, at the Wachholz College Center on the FVCC campus, debuts in the Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery with an opening reception on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5-7:30 p.m.

State titles and bonus daughters

One thing you may not know about Amber and Bella Downing — I didn’t — is that they are not related.

Heiner, Maidens hold off Columbia Falls for win

Olivia Heiner hit four 3-pointers and scored 25 points Thursday, leading the Ronan Maidens past Columbia Falls 50-48 in a Northwest A girls basketball game.

Anderson scores 19, Wildcats hold off Ronan

Columbia Falls’ Alihn Anderson scored nine of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Wildcats win a back-and-forth boys basketball game from Ronan Thursday, 59-53.

Flathead youth hockey coach facing rape charge in Silver Bow County

The founder of a Flathead Valley youth hockey academy is behind bars and awaiting transport to Silver Bow County to face allegations he raped a child there in 2019.

Loophole allows construction of private home along McDonald Creek

A private landowner has built a home along the shore of Lower McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park and Flathead County planning officials say there’s nothing they can do about it.

Update: Suspect in Kalispell incident held on pending attempted deliberate homicide charge

The Kalispell Police Department is investigating an alleged shooting at a hotel on the city’s west side on Tuesday.

Man charged in connection with Bigfork double homicide

Derrick James Jackson faces two counts of deliberate homicide in Flathead County District Court and one count each of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Ban on transgender medical care for youth advances

A bill to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors cleared an initial vote in the Montana Senate Tuesday after an hour of intense debate and occasional rule maneuvering between lawmakers, the highest profile clash yet this session on the issue that has generated national debate in recent years.

Law roundup: Man gets ranch dressing fix, restaurant suspicious

Columbia Falls Police Department responded to a report that a man was “creeping around” a restaurant and peering in the front of the closed business. The man allegedly asked

UM alum featured in Showtime series on missing, murdered Indigenous women

With strong ties to the community and journalistic expertise, Luella Brien serves as a key voice in the docuseries.

FWP seeks public comment on boating restrictions for Half Moon Slough

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is considering a resident-submitted petition to add boating restrictions to the Half Moon Slough of the Flathead River to stem alleged erosion in the area.

Briefs: Utter, Gilliard sign with Western football

Bryce Gilliard, a standout tight end at Bigfork, and Caleb Utter, a a linebacker at Eureka, both signed to play football with Montana Western on Feb. 1.

Kalispell approves restrictions for park facilities use

Following some debate, Council signed off on the ordinances that would limit an individual’s “excessive personal property” at public facilities, ban the erection of structures on public property and limit the time an individual could use covered park structures without a permit.

Legals for February, 8 2023

James "Jim" Curtis, 84

James Broughton Curtis was born on May 29, 1938.

Buckaroo Gardner given consecutive five-year sentences for chase

Buckaroo Bennie Gardner, 43, had pleaded guilty in Flathead County District Court to criminal endangerment and criminal mischief in early December after striking a deal with prosecutors.

FVCC announces fall 2022 dean’s list

FVCC announces fall 2022 dean’s list

Deer Park School nominated for Blue Ribbon award

Deer Park School in rural Columbia Falls is one of three Montana schools nominated for the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program by Montana Office of Public Instruction Superintendent Elsie Arntzen.

Kay Koster, 97

Kay Koster was born in March 1925 in San Pedro, California to Zatha and Jennings Bryant Cook.

Planning board set to vote on KM Ranch Road project revision

The board meets at 6 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the South Campus Building at 40 11th St. W. in Kalispell.

Judge orders evaluation for man accused of threatening shelter staff

Judge Robert Allison directed staff at the state hospital to examine Ilya Paul Khmelev, 26, on Jan. 26 with an eye toward determining his mental condition.

Former Carroll coach Doug Mello to lead Glacier girls soccer program

Doug Mello officially retired from his men's soccer coaching duties at Carroll College in December 2022 after nine years at the helm and immediately began looking for somewhere to land near his new home in Eureka.

Dear Rob: A Lady Griz great pens letter of appreciation

Editor’s Note: Along with announcing the renaming of the court at Dahlberg Arena after Robin Selvig, the University of Montana has asked Selvig’s players to write letters about playing for the legendary coach.

UM renaming Dahlberg Arena court for retired Lady Griz coach Robin Selvig

Robin Selvig, the winningest coach in any sport in Montana history. will receive the ultimate recognition in having the Dahlberg Arena floor at the University of Montana named in his honor.

Vikings, Vals sweep Polson in hoops

BIGFORK — Nick Walker had 23 points and 12 rebounds — and a big first half — as Bigfork downed Polson 58-43 for a non-conference boys basketball win Tuesday.

Biden in State of Union exhorts Congress: 'Finish the job'

President Joe Biden exhorted Republicans over and again Tuesday night to work with him to "finish the job" of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation as he delivered a State of the Union address meant to reassure a country beset by pessimism and fraught political divisions.

Sixth case of deadly equine virus confirmed in Flathead County

A sixth confirmed case of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy in Flathead County has prompted state officials to extend their recommendation that area horse owners and event coordinators limit travel and cancel events in the area.

Northwest Montana snowpack dips below average

Mother Nature took the “dry January” trend to heart in Montana.

Montana bill that would ban diversity training gets first hearing

A bill that would prohibit state departments from requiring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training — similar to Florida’s “Stop WOKE” legislation — would be bad for Montana students and could lead to litigation, as it did in Florida, opponents said in a hearing.

Montana Republicans show support for medical conscience bill

State lawmakers in the House of Representatives gave broad approval Monday to a bill that would allow medical providers, health care facilities and insurers to deny services based on “ethical, moral, or religious beliefs or principles,” signaling the bill’s likely advancement to the Senate this week.

Gladys Sather, 98

Gladys Anderine Sather, 98, of Libby, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center of natural causes.

Nissen family puts land under conservation easement with the Flathead Land Trust

The Flathead Land Trust helped a Whitefish family place a 24 acre open-space property under a conservation easement in late January.

Neighbors, lawmakers want pot industry to keep the smell inside

Depending on where you live and what direction the wind blows, the smell of marijuana growers is ruining some neighborhoods, according to Rep. Jedidiah Hinkle, R-Belgrade, who wants pot cultivators to install air filtration systems so the smell of weed doesn’t seep out into other areas.

Alleged confrontation after youth sports game leads to felony charge

Tyrell Eugene Darrington, 40, is scheduled to be arraigned in Flathead County District Court before Judge Robert Allison on Feb. 8.

Legals for February, 7 2023

Bill that funds career and technical education advances in House

A bill that would provide continued funding for out-of-pocket expenses related to career and technical education unanimously passed the House Education Committee on Feb. 2.

Law roundup: Wannabe avenger should eat crow

A wannabe avenger reportedly wrote “stupid f—- handicapped” in mud on a truck parked in a spot designated for disabled individuals that didn’t have a permit visible. A note was also

Man accused of trying to break into C-Falls school pleads not guilty

Nels Edward Williams, 63, faces counts of assault on a peace officer and criminal mischief in Flathead County District Court following the alleged attempted break-in.

Paul Martin Johannsen, 62

Paul was born on May 18, 1960, to Jay and Beverly (Watts) Johannsen in Great Falls.

Letters to the editor Feb. 7

Letters to the editor Feb. 7

Game wardens seek information on three deer shot and wasted in Ferndale

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens are seeking information on three deer found shot and wasted in the Swan River north of the Montana 209 bridge in Ferndale in Flathead County.

Whitefish Mountain Resort's newest chairlift resumes running after maintenance team undergoes training

Following a rope evacuation and several day shutdown of the new Snow Ghost Express chairlift, the conveyance is spinning again at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

UM study: Montanans share common love toward grizzly bears

Small wonder, then, that Montanans, though likely never to have seen a grizzly, hold strong opinions about the legendary bruins.

Kalispell man arrested after Saturday night police chase

A Kalispell man who allegedly led law enforcement on a chase after leaving the scene of an accident Saturday night is being held in the county jail on multiple pending felony charges.

Kalispell Council to vote on C-PACE district, parks ordinances

Kalispell City Council on Monday will weigh a resolution considering the creation of a C-PACE district and three ordinances that would place limits on the use of public parks facilities.

They’re here and already attacking our Montana

All Montanans have seen the bumper stickers and heard the chatter warning potential newcomers against changing Montana.

Organizer devotes time to building female friendships

Over a decade later, Laurie McCargar dedicates her time — often outdoors — to building a community for women in the Flathead Valley through Outsiety, a group that holds free and local events for women.

Legals for February, 6 2023

Whitefish looks at limiting marijuana business locations

Council will hold a work session on the topic on Monday to discuss the possibility of amending its buffering requirements after some councilors raised concerns that too many marijuana dispensaries have been approved in downtown and about the operation of a dispensary on Central Avenue.

Law roundup: Sledders decide to slide down windshields

Someone thought it looked like kids sledding down a hill had walked over to a parking lot where they reportedly jumped on cars and slid down windshields.

Patricia Ruth Prestegaard, 89

Patricia Ruth Prestegaard, 89, of Kalispell, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Jan. 27, 2023, at her home in Boise, Idaho.

Flathead contractors recognized for excellence in construction

Local contractors Sandry Construction, Big Sky Civil Constructors and Montana Civil Contractors, Martel Construction, and Swank Enterprises were recently recognized by the Montana Contractors Association at their annual winter convention in Helena.

Lowell Vian Havener Jr., 93

Lowell Vian Havener, Jr. passed away peacefully from natural causes on Jan. 31, 2023, at Rising Mountains Assisted Living in Bigfork with his granddaughter by his side.

Law roundup: Man takes a gamble on stealing dice

A man allegedly took a gamble on shoplifting and stole a pair of dice at a store. An employee told

The true cost of homelessness

As local governments and residents grapple with the Flathead Valley’s rise in homelessness, discussions about the public and private costs of addressing the problem have come into the forefront.

Legals for February, 5 2023

Camp Scout and Gather place to mingle with variety of activities

The entire property, known as Camp Scout and Gather, has become the newest place for the local community to mingle.

William Marcel Cenis, 82

William Marcel “Bill” Cenis of Plains, Montana, 82, died in the hospital at Helena on Nov. 10, 2022.

Lester Earl Brininger, 82

On Sunday Jan. 2, 2023, Lester Earl Brininger passed away at home with his family by his side.

Mitzy Pemberton, 84

Mitzy L. Pemberton joined her creator on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023.

Leonard Doyle, 97

Leonard C. “Red” Doyle passed away peacefully at his Whitefish home on Jan. 29, 2023, of natural causes.

Seeing double: eight sets of twins attend Cayuse Prairie School

One set of twins attending the same school might be special but eight sets at a rural school with a total enrollment of 303 kindergarten through eighth-graders seems remarkable.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Build Montana program earns second national award

Build Montana, the heavy equipment program and workforce initiative created through a partnership between the Montana Contractors Association and the Montana Equipment Dealers Association, was recently honored on the national stage for the second time.

Letters to the editor Feb. 5

Letters to the editor Feb. 5

Community briefs

Youths invited to race scale model cars; Whitefish Community Foundation scholarships open Feb. 27; Annual Feed Love food drive and fundraiser; Cheerful Heart serves Lake County cancer patients; New program connects Montana stroke survivors

Weaver’s distinguished career worth celebrating

There’s been a change of guard for the Daily Inter Lake and Montana’s group of Hagadone weekly newspapers.

What Washington could learn from Montana

Ingredients: Montana beef. Hog casings. Spices. Lawmakers. Democrats. Republicans. Urban. Rural.

Legislature should fund governor’s public safety budget

Across the nation, the problems of illicit drugs and violent crime are growing – and Montana is not immune to what we would like to think is just a “big city” problem.

Windauer, MatCats wrestle their way to Western A title

Columbia Falls wrestlers Tyler Gilfrey, Winslow Peters, Josiah Kilman and Justin Windauer all won their weight classes, and the Matcats won the Western A Divisional Saturday.

Eureka wrestlers second at Western B/C Divisional

Behind individual champion Timothy Schmidt and six more top-four finishes, the Eureka Lions finished second at the Western B-C Divisional wrestling meet Saturday.

Maidens win Western A girls wrestling divisional

The Ronan Maidens ran away with the inaugural Western A girls divisional title on Saturday, outscoring runner-up Polson by more than 45 points.

Bravettes top Western AA divisional

The Flathead Bravettes picked up something else to add to their trophy case by winning the inaugural Western AA girls wrestling divisional title on Saturday at the Butte Civic Center.

Hot-shooting Wolfpack hits 70, back-to-back

With a defense that is noticeably sturdy, the Glacier Wolfpack’s recipe for victory could be this simple: Score, and you win.

Moore, Chouinard shepherd Bravettes to 6th straight win

Kennedy Moore scored 19 points, and the Bravettes used a big third quarter to win their sixth straight game Saturday, 60-52 over Butte High.

Butte bounces back to beat Braves 67-58

Early on the Flathead Braves looked poised to follow up their first win of the season Friday night with another one Saturday afternoon against Butte. The Braves were up 32-27 heading into the third period when Butte's Jace Stenson made three 3-pointers in the frame to spark a 67-58 come-from-behind victory.

Brave Brawlers hit their number at Western AA

The Flathead Brave Brawlers hit their number, qualifying 20 wrestlers for State at the Western AA Divisional meet that concluded Saturday.

Sentinel girls, up big at halftime, take down Glacier

A slow first half added up to 10-point loss for the Glacier girls basketball team Saturday, as Missoula Sentinel rolled up a 41-31 win.

Anaconda girls win Western B/C divisional

Anaconda edged Simms and Eureka to claim the Western B/C girls divisional title Saturday at the Salish-Kootenai College Gym.

PHOTOS: 22nd Whitefish Penguin Plunge raises over $75,000 for Special Olympics Montana

Participants plunged into the frigid waters of Whitefish Lake during the 22nd annual Penguin Plunge as part of the Whitefish Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 4. Organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, this year's event raised over $75,000 for Special Olympics Montana.

Nostalgia sells; nostalgia with a twist can be a smash

Those oldies but goodies keep popping up today, but increasingly with a twist.

Butte girls pull away to beat Glacier

BUTTE — Noah Fincher and Karly Allen were dialed in from long distance for Glacier, but the Wolfpack fell off the pace in the second half of a 49-35 girls basketball loss at Butte Friday.

Behind Moore’s huge game, Bravettes upend Sentinel

MISSOULA — Flathead junior Kennedy Moore scored a career-high 33 points, six in overtime, leading the Bravettes over Missoula Sentinel 58-52 in a key Western AA girls basketball game.

Wall Street rally hits wall of hot jobs, cold earnings data

The S&P 500 fell 1% for its first drop in four days, though it took an up-and-down route to get there.

An unexpected job surge confounds the Fed's economic models

For months, the Fed has been warily watching the economy's robust job gains out of concern that employers, desperate to hire, will keep boosting pay and, in turn, keep inflation elevated.

Treasury makes more electric SUVs eligible for tax credits

The revised standards for EV tax credits follow lobbying by automakers that had pressed the Biden administration to change vehicle definitions to allow higher priced vehicles to qualify for a maximum tax credit.

Judge gives five-year sentence to man accused of threatening ex-girlfriend with gun

Flathead County District Judge Robert Allison said he was concerned with James Daniel Fenn Jr.’s thought processes as he handed down his sentence for felony criminal endangerment Jan. 25.

Average long-term mortgage rate falls a fourth straight week

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the benchmark 30-year rate fell to 6.09% from 6.13% last week. That's the lowest level since September. The average rate a year ago was 3.55%.

Lawmakers seek more information about governor’s HEART fund

A fund championed by Gov. Greg Gianforte to fill gaps in Montana’s substance use and behavioral health treatment programs has spent $5.2 million since last year as the state waits for an additional $19 million in federal funding.

Glacier National Park weighs revamped wilderness camping permit system

The public has until Feb. 17 to comment on proposed changes that would alter the way wilderness camping permits are issued in Glacier National Park.

Lish Spoonhunter scores big, Browning improves to 15-0

BROWNING — Lish Spoonhunter poured in 23 points and the Browning Lady Indians held down Polson 43-34 to stay unbeaten Friday.

Flathead rallies past Sentinel for first win

It was a long time coming, the Flathead boys basketball team’s 51-49 win over Missoula Sentinel on Friday. And if it wasn’t the prettiest finish, it still felt amazing.

Boys hoops: Reagan drops 30, Browning outscores Polson 93-80

BROWNING — Robert Reagan scored 30 points, and Browning made a 25-9 lead after one quarter stand up for a 93-80 victory over Polson in Northwest A boys basketball Friday.

Team-first mentality pays off for Wolfpack in win over Butte

Glacier’s next man up mindset was on full display Friday night with nine different Wolfpack scorers chipping in to beat Butte 70-52 in Western AA basketball.

Recovery plan developed for rare stonefly populations

Two of the smallest creatures in Glacier National Park are getting king-sized attention as a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recovery plan proposes spending $735,000 to help struggling meltwater lednian and western glacier stonefly populations.

Gianforte praises progress as GOP tax relief bills advance

On Thursday, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte said he was encouraged by the progress during the session for getting Montanans tax relief with “the largest tax cut ever.”

US may lift protections for Yellowstone, Glacier grizzlies

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Biden administration took a first step Friday toward ending federal protections for grizzly bears in the northern Rocky Mountains, which would open the door to future hunting in several states.

Blinken postpones China trip after balloon spotted over Montana

The U.S. is tracking a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that has been spotted over U.S. airspace for a couple days, but the Pentagon decided not to shoot it down over concerns of hurting people on the ground, officials said Thursday.

SAFER Act offers big return for Montana

Jan. 27 was likely the most significant day to date of the 68th Montana Legislative session.

UM students revive beloved Foresters’ Ball

Forestry students and volunteers have spent the week transforming the University of Montana’s Schreiber Gym

Law roundup: I scream, you scream, we all scream

Officers with the Kalispell Police Department were summoned to the location of a man who was accused of screaming obscenities at passersby.

Donald Wayne Barta, 69

Don was born to Leland and Ila Barta, who preceded him in death.

Curtis Kennedy, 79

Born Oct. 2, 1943, in Lewistown, Montana to Herb E. and Lydia S. Kennedy, Curtis peacefully passed away on Jan. 17, 2023, in Kalispell with his wife by his side.

Co-op’s safety program supports lighting for Libby library

The Lincoln County Library building in Libby, constructed in the early 1950s, is owned and operated by the county but supported financially in many ways by the nonprofit Libby Friends of the Library.

Letters to the editor Feb. 3

Letters to the editor Feb. 3

Legals for February, 3 2023

Nonprofits conduct annual homeless survey in Flathead Valley

Nonprofit organizations serving homeless people in Flathead Valley completed an annual Point-in-Time survey, meant to get a handle on the region’s unhoused population, this week.

United Way serves nearly 500 at Winter Warm Up event

The event started a decade ago as a way to bring representatives of resources to one place in order to better reach people in the community.

Daniel Jay "Red" Ryan, 75

It is with great sadness we share the death of Daniel Jay “Red” Ryan of Trego, Montana Feb.1, 2023, at the age of 75.

Whitefish Mountain Resort president issues statement following chairlift failures

After evacuating about 150 skiers and snowboarders from the newly built Snow Ghost Express chairlift Wednesday, Whitefish Mountain Resort President Nick Polumbus sought to assuage concerned passholders this week.

Bail reduction denied for man accused of keeping child porn

Authorities are holding Noah James Lafontaine, 24, in the county jail on a felony charge of sexual abuse of children and a misdemeanor count of sexual assault with bail set at $100,000.

First-ever girls wrestling divisional starts today

This week girls wrestling will experience another first – a divisional seeding tournament.

Wildkats topple Loggers behind McAtee, Borgen

Hope McAtee scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Columbia Falls pulled away for a 62-28 Northwest A girls basketball win over Libby Thursday.

Flathead looking for nice round number (20) at seeding tourney

A year ago, on the way to their second straight State AA title, the Flathead Brave Brawlers qualified 24 wrestlers at the Western AA Divisional.

Lawmakers look to revise Montana’s marijuana laws

In its first major revision proposed to Montana’s marijuana laws since the state legalized recreational use in 2021, a House panel heard a series of bills that would adjust and change laws governing pot.

Montana resolution seeking Article V Convention tabled in split Senate vote

A resolution that would make Montana the 20th state to request an Article V Convention to amend the U.S. Constitution is likely dead after it failed on its third reading in the Senate Wednesday.

UM study finds humans cause more destructive wildfires in the West

More than three times as many houses and other structures burned in Western wildfires from 2010 to 2020 than in the previous decade, and that wasn’t only because more acreage burned, according to a new analysis from the University of Montana and its partners.

Arts and Entertainment News

Chocolate Affair; Frosty the Brewfest Saturday; FVCC Theatre Presents ‘Lucky Me;' ‘The Vagina Monologues’ returns

Montana Viewpoints: Marketing anger

I watch people driving down the highways in $80,000 pickups towing $200,000 campers (which are bigger than a lot of people’s homes, but then, so are some of the pickups) and then a boat is being towed behind the camper and not to forget the miscellaneous means of propulsion strapped here and there.

Golden-crowned kinglets: Hardly a life of royalty

Golden-crowned Kinglets are a mystery and a marvel of wintertime survival in the north woods.

Law roundup: Woman won’t support suspicious man’s wedding

A woman had enough of a man’s suspicious behavior that she went to the Kalispell Police Department to request extra patrol in her neighborhood. He was

Federal roadway safety grants awarded to Kalispell, Whitefish

The cities of Kalispell and Whitefish have earned federal grants to develop roadway safety plans.

New high density development pitched for Columbia Falls

Developers are proposing another high density housing project just east of the Flathead River, this time on 22 acres north of U.S. 2 in Columbia Falls.

Norman Ackley, 88

Norman Robert Ackley, 88, of Inverness, Florida passed away on Jan. 6, 2023.

WTC presents Mediterranean vibes of musical quartet

The sounds that stir the dry winds of Southern Spain and Morocco, two countries separated by only a whisper of the Mediterranean, are the musical DNA of the beautifully complex music of Seffarine.

Applications open for Artist Wilderness Connection

The unique collaborative artist-in-residence program, now in its 19th year, is managed by Hockaday Museum of Art, Flathead National Forest, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation and Swan Valley Connections.

Wachholz College Center holds music events

Two music events are coming to the Wachholz College Center.

Phillips Gallery opens impressionist exhibit

Phillips Gallery invites the public to meet the artist, Ronald Prestwich of Kalispell, during the First Friday opening reception for the new “Mad About Mountains and Aspens” exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m on Friday, Feb. 3.

Writer invites view into a ‘Wilderness Life’

Writer and former wildlife biologist John Fraley is one of the speakers for the 21st annual John White Series.

Letters to the editor Feb. 2

Letters to the editor Feb. 2

Suspect in June shooting back in custody

Judge Amy Eddy issued a $25,000 bench warrant for Jeffrey Allen Smith, 49, after he failed to appear in Flathead County District Court for his Jan. 19 arraignment.

Pay transparency would benefit workers, businesses

Montanans respect “honest pay for honest work.” By putting these words into action, we can provide for ourselves and our families, while creating the opportunity for a better life today and tomorrow.

In pursuit of yellow perch

Wow, it’s February and we are past the half- way point in our winter.

Kalispell woman accused of striking husband with glass vase

Natalie Kay Heser, 55, faces an assault with a weapon charge in Flathead County District Court after the Jan. 29 disturbance on the 800 block of East Washington Street.

Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater performs comedy of historical proportion

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater presents “Night at the Wax Museum."

Cancellation of equine events recommended after deadly virus detected in Flathead County

Following multiple confirmed cases of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy in Flathead County, state officials recommend that area horse owners and event coordinators limit travel and cancel events through Feb. 6.

Last of bungling burglars sentenced

Joseph Craig Neva, 20, apologized in Flathead County District Court for his role in the March 26 break-in prior to receiving his punishment.

Flathead’s Noah Poe-Hatten has his sights set on a title

Noah Poe-Hatten has way more wins, 120, than losses in his high school wrestling career, but one of the 21 defeats has stuck with him.

Whitefish Mountain Resort evacuates 150 skiers off new Chair 4

Skiers and boarders were lowered down by rope from the new Snow Ghost Express chairlift at Whitefish Mountain Resort following a mechanical failure Wednesday.

$2 million lottery ticket sold at Kalispell store

A $2 million winning lottery ticket was sold in December at a convenience store in Kalispell.

Bill would force Montana cities to allow smaller home lots

A bill heard Tuesday at the Montana Legislature aims to increase the number of modestly priced homes available to Montana residents by reining in the power of city and town governments to require that new homes be built on properties of a certain size.

Murder suspect ‘uncooperative’ with state hospital staff

The Columbia Falls man faces a deliberate homicide charge in Flathead County District Court after allegedly stabbing another man to death at a Dawn Drive home on Sept. 20.

Jerome Wayne Iverson, 68

Jerome Wayne Iverson, 68, of Columbia Falls passed away Jan. 23, 2023.

Committee debates Kalispell representative's medical ‘right of conscience’ bill

A bill that would allow medical institutions, providers and other health care employees to deny services based on their “ethical, moral, or religious beliefs or principles” was the subject of intense debate Monday during an initial committee hearing, setting up a conflict over rights of providers and patients.

Ira "Pete" Peterson, 82

On Nov. 1, 2022, Ira “Pete” Peterson joined the love of his life in Heaven.

Law roundup: Woman claims police stole her crystal

A woman walked into the Kalispell Police Department looking to file complaints against several officers for previously confiscating her “crystal.” She also told authorities that she was tired of being broke and separated from her children.

ImagineIF hires security guard in response to escalating incidents

The branch has had around 52 incidents as of noon Monday so far this year and staff recently told the board that they are becoming more frequent and more violent in nature.

Cities following legislation on housing, sales taxes, local control

Municipalities in Northwest Montana are keeping a close eye on the 2023 legislative session with a number of proposals on the docket that would change tax laws, impact housing and improve infrastructure.

Montana Meth Project launches Paint the State art contest

The Montana Meth Project is launching Paint the State 2023, a public art contest aimed at engaging Montana teens and adults in on-the-ground drug prevention.

ImagineIF board eyes Herberger’s store for future library location

The board decided to narrow its focus to the location inside Kalispell Center Mall after discussing four potential options.

Josephine Susanna Walter, 88

Josephine Susanna Walter, loving mother passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 24, 2023, at 88 years old.

Bills prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors, changing obscenity law pass committee

Two controversial bills that galvanized opposition at a couple of lengthy hearings, one prohibiting gender affirming care for minors and the other changing the obscenity law for materials in schools, passed their respective committees Tuesday.

Daines reintroduces Root and Stem Act

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines’ office announced Tuesday that he has reintroduced his Root and Stem Act after it passed the Senate during the last congressional session, but not the House.