Ellington

Crews respond to fire complex on Spotted Bear

A dry lightning storm July 29 lit up as many as 17 new wildfires on the Flathead National Forest.

Drought earns Flathead, Lincoln counties natural disaster area designation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated Flathead and Lincoln counties primary natural disaster areas Monday.

Wildfire at Niarada races to 5,000 acres

A wildfire west of Elmo raced across Montana 28 on Sunday, leaving a scorched swath of 5,000 acres in its wake.

Montana’s anti-drag law on hold

A federal judge in Helena on Friday temporarily blocked state officials from enforcing Montana’s new law restricting drag story hours and drag shows ahead of one of the state’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations, which kicked off Sunday in the state capital.

Man questioned in Montana after Arizona woman reappears following four years missing

A man was detained and questioned by police and his Montana apartment searched as authorities tried to piece together the mysterious disappearance and sudden reappearance this week of Alicia Navarro, who was 14 when she vanished from her Arizona home four years ago.

Shelter opens in Kalispell for wildfire evacuees

An emergency shelter for people displaced by the Northwest Montana wildfires opened Sunday night in Kalispell.

Law roundup: Woman points bat at people in parking lot

A woman wearing a black tank top and glasses was allegedly waving a bat around, pointing it at people and charging toward them in a parking lot.

O’Connor, Paddleheads slug way past Riders twice

The PaddleHeads are still hard-hitting — especially McClain O’Connor. Missoula shook off a leadoff home run by Glacier’s Gabe Howell with seven straight runs Sunday, and then scored four more times late in an 11-5 Pioneer League win.

Letters to the editor July 31

Letters to the editor July 31

Laird S. Ayers, 61

Laird S. Ayers, passed away on July 27,2023. He was born in Billings, making him a fourth-generation Montanan, and lived in the Flathead Valley for most of his life. Several years ago, he took Jesus Christ to be his personal Lord and Savior, inheriting the right to enter the kingdom of heaven to live with his Lord eternally.

Twins finish third at State A

Maddox Muller was sterling in relief and the tying run was on third in the seventh inning Sunday, but the Glacier Twins lost 3-2 to the Laurel Dodgers at the State A Legion baseball tournament.

Legals for July, 31 2023

Machinery sparked fire north of Whitefish Lake

A heavy aerial and ground attack kept a wildfire near homes on the north end of Whitefish Lake in check over the weekend.

Wildfire closes Montana 28 west of Elmo

At least three new fires were sparked in the Mission Valley on Sunday following the passage of a dry lightning storm.

Turner’s ‘jog’ down reservoir complete

Mike Turner on Saturday morning successfully aqua jogged the length of the Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Victims say Montana's lax DUI laws keep justice forever out of reach

Montana is above the national average for alcohol impaired driving deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state has one of the highest fatality rates in the nation for drunk driving deaths. Around 66% of all fatalities on the road were the result of impaired driving in 2020, a number that has increased.

Best of the Flathead: Occupational therapist works to prepare children for the world

For the second year in a row, Rita Haskins has been voted Best Occupational Therapist in the Best of the Flathead.

Zinke should pause effort to derail Glacier reservations

Glacier National Park’s ticketed entry system has become the subject of regular lashings from Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, even as Glacier officials tell him it’s a necessity given the millions of visitors who want to share in Montana’s crown jewel each summer.

Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country keeping up with growing demand for services

The Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country is working to continue expanding and keep costs low to ensure more children can attend programs, the organization’s Vice President Pam Koller says.

Law roundup: Florida woman leaves infant in vehicle

A woman allegedly left an infant in a car seat in a beige Suburban with all the windows up while she went into a store. A Kalispell Police

Show N’ Shine best of show returns with another car show debut

Show N’ Shine is one of the largest car shows in the state, according to the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce.

Delivering income and property tax relief

As I meet with Montanans in every corner of our state, I hear the same concern often — taxes are too high. And they’re right. Taxes are too high and need to be reined in.

Legals for July, 30 2023

Despite price hikes, well known P&G brands like Tide and Crest continue to sell

P&G increased prices by about 7% across various brands from the same period last year, less than the 10% increase in third quarter.

Meant to Bee focuses on custom goods at affordable prices

Out of that frustration, and care for the area, Meant to Bee was born, a locally sourced, customizable goods store that aims to sell local products at an affordable price.

Robert Lewis Cartwright, 91

Robert Lewis Cartwright

Russell Giesy, 72

Russell Giesy

ImagineIF Libraries increases security presence at Kalispell branch

The ImagineIF Libraries Board of Trustees is increasing the hours per week a security guard is present at its Kalispell branch.

Leo Brandt, 94

Leo Brandt

Officials seek info on wildfires outside of Libby

Several wildfires sparked by fireworks on the Jennings Haul Road this month has authorities seeking the public’s help in tracking down the people who caused them.

Blake's Odds and Ends brings fun gifts to Evergreen

The Blake family has their own store, selling a little bit of everything for reasonable prices: Blake’s Odds and Ends.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Robert McLeod 87

Robert Norman McLeod, 87, of Bozeman, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Twins top Bandits, play Sunday for shot at title

Sam Hall threw a three-hitter, Mikey Glass had four hits and scored four times and the Glacier Twins beat Belgrade 10-2 Saturday at the State A Legion baseball tournament.

Clinic increases access to health care at Evergreen School District

In the fall of 2019, the Evergreen School District began discussions with Greater Valley Health Center to open a school-based health clinic in the Evergreen School District.

Laird S. Ayers, 61

Laird S. Ayers, 61

Kalispell Moose Lodge serves the community

The national fraternal organization was founded in 1888 in Louisville, Kentucky and now boasts over 1,500 lodges and a million members across the United States, Canada and Great Britain, according to its website.

Montana property taxes explained

By now, most Montana property owners have opened their 2023 property classification and appraisal notices, and many have been surprised by the Montana Department of Revenue’s estimate of their property’s market value.

Shop’s in-house natural soaps and body care products target skin health

The shop sells candles, body butters, lip and teeth care, face products, sun care and bar soaps, among 400 plus products.

The government is not better at spending your money than you are

I just came driving back from Seattle and the price of gas is very expensive in Washington.

Turn and face the change

We can’t change the certainty of change. That’s the source of our frustration with it. It highlights our lack of control and the folly of foresight as it neatly sidesteps expectation.

Young entrepreneur opens 406 Cakes and Cravings in Polson

When one girl's dreams of decorating cakes at Scottage Cakery were dashed when the owners decided to sell their business, she decided to take over and start her own baking business: 406 Cakes and Cravings.

Ralph Ertz, 84

On April 14, Ralph Ertz Sr. went to be with Jesus, and his wife Lavonne.

Jared Lee McManus, 47

Jared Lee McManus

William Sheehan, 73

William Sheehan

Conservation of common loon remains a priority

Easily recognizable by their many wails and calls, loons are large birds when compared to ducks. They only lay two eggs at a time, leaving the nest when disturbed, sometimes so quickly that their feet knock eggs into the water.

William 'Will' Dopp, 48

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Will Dopp, 48, who passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023.

5-acre fire crops up along Whitefish Lake

A small wildfire on the north end of Whitefish Lake drew a quick response Saturday afternoon.

Glacier National Park Conservancy receives grant for Wheeler Cabin

The Glacier National Park Conservancy has received a Montana Historic Preservation Grant for preservation of the Wheeler Cabin in Glacier National Park.

Twins oust Lethbridge, play Bandits Saturday

Down 4-0 early, the Glacier Twins scored eight times in the fourth inning, five times in the sixth and ousted Lethbridge from the State A Legion baseball tournament Friday, 13-4.

Range Riders win Friday; lost to Missoula Thursday

Gabe Howell doubled twice and scored four times, and the Glacier Range Riders held off Missoula for a 9-7 Pioneer League baseball win Friday at Glacier Bank Park.

US proposes 18% fuel economy increase for new vehicle fleet from 2027 through 2032

The proposed numbers were released Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which eventually will adopt final mileage requirements.

US price and wage increases slow further in the latest signs of cooling inflation

Together, the figures provided the latest signs that the Federal Reserve's drive to tame inflation may succeed without triggering a recession, an outcome known as a "soft landing."

Stock market today: Wall Street returns to rallying following reports on profits and inflation

Stocks have been rising recently on hopes high inflation is cooling enough to get the Federal Reserve to stop hiking interest rates.

Shooting in Marion leaves teenager wounded

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting near Moose Crossing in Marion on Friday that left a teenager wounded.

Committee recommends denial of Bigfork subdivision

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee voted to recommend the denial of three requests by Longbow Land Partners, Inc. pertaining to the planned North Shore Woods housing development project during its July meeting Thursday.

Glacier Park International Airport to conduct emergency drill Saturday

Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell will conduct an emergency drill on Saturday, July 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. The drill will involve airport staff, emergency responders and law enforcement participation.

Legals for July, 28 2023

Harold Herington, 90

Harold Herington

County considers Lower Valley property again for septage plant

Flathead County is reconsidering a previously rejected Lower Valley property as the potential location for a regional septage treatment facility.

Whitefish establishes new buffering regulations for marijuana dispensaries

Whitefish City Council voted unanimously last week to adopt amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance regarding marijuana dispensaries.

West Valley School Board appoints interim superintendent amid turmoil

Elementary Principal Richard Gross will serve as the 2023-24 interim superintendent of West Valley School District, pending approval of a contract, following a rift between administrators and members of the school board.

Arizona mom never stopped looking for her daughter. Alicia Navarro appeared 4 years later in Montana

HAVRE, Mont. (AP) — When Alicia Navarro disappeared in 2019 from her home in a Phoenix suburb days before her 15th birthday, she left a signed note for her family promising she would return.

City OK’s Boys and Girls Club project, RAISE project

Columbia Falls City Council last week approved two key infrastructure projects.

Investigators say poor track conditions caused a 2021 Amtrak derailment in Montana that killed three

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Poor track conditions that should have been flagged by a freight railroad company's inspectors caused the derailment of an Amtrak train in Montana that killed three people and injured 49 others in 2021, federal investigators said Thursday in a final report.

Montana train derailment report renews calls for automated systems to detect track problems

Federal investigators renewed their recommendation that major freight railroads equip every locomotive with the kind of autonomous sensors that could have caught the track flaws that caused a fatal 2021 Amtrak derailment in northern Montana.

Law roundup: What lies beneath, onlooker ponders

Spotting a woman covering herself in a blanket, an onlooker wondered what might be beneath the fabric.

Destiny Marie Wright, 21

Destiny Marie Wright

Flathead Valley's available housing supply continues to shrink, experts say

The available housing supply continues to dwindle in Flathead County while the unemployment rate remains low, according to a mid-year economic forecast presented by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Twins fall into loser’s bracket, Mariners eliminated at State A

The pitching-rich Glacier Twins had a tough time with the opponents’ hurler Thursday, losing 5-1 to Caden Clifford and the Billings Blue Jays at the State A Legion baseball tournament.

Man questioned in Montana after Arizona woman reappears following four years missing

HAVRE, Mont. (AP) — A man was detained and questioned by police and his Montana apartment searched as authorities tried to piece together the mysterious disappearance and sudden reappearance this week of Alicia Navarro, who was 14 when she vanished from her Arizona home four years ago.

More than 520 firefighters assigned to Seeley-Swan blaze

Firefighters on the Colt Fire near Seeley Lake hoped to take advantage of cooler weather Thursday in their efforts to build control lines around the state’s largest active wildfire.

Authorities investigate fatal shooting at Rexford Bench boat launch

Two men are dead after a shooting Wednesday afternoon at the Rexford Bench boat launch on Lake Koocanusa in Lincoln County.

Arizona teen Alicia Navarro missing for nearly 4 years shows up safe at Montana police station

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona teenager who disappeared nearly four years ago is safe after walking into a police station in Montana, authorities said.

Columbia Falls concert celebrates anniversary of trip to Europe

Some 53 years ago, 87 Columbia Falls High School band members and 22 chaperones departed for Europe to put on several concerts for largely adoring crowds.

Whitefish likely to ask voters to approve spending resort tax dollars on community housing

Whitefish City Council voted unanimously earlier this month to review a proposed financial plan that reallocates resort tax funds to include community housing.

Treescapes the focus of Cawdrey art show and gourmet dinner event

Paintings of trees through the seasons is the focus of a mother and son art show presented by Cawdrey Gallery at Dancing Spirit Ranch.

Law roundup: Man’s gunshot wound allegedly not accidental

Someone called the Kalispell Police Department alleging a man accidentally shot himself in the leg, but it turned out to be his groin.

Groups object to Gunsight Lake fish project

Local environmental groups are objecting to a Glacier National Park plan to establish native bull and westslope cutthroat trout in Gunsight Lake.

Mule deer quotas adjusted in response to spring surveys

While mule deer populations remain steady in portions of the state, spring green-up surveys conducted by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologists showed populations in some parts of the state remain lower than desired, and as a result, licenses available to hunters in those areas have been cut back.

Native plant notes: Snowberry

Waxy-white berries bunched on the ends of twiggy stems make winter the most conspicuous season for Snowberry, a deciduous North American native.

Too many tourists follow a leader

A spectacular picture recently appeared on social media of a young lady in Arizona. She was poised on the edge of a cliff emblazoned with sunset colors. Immediately her online followers clamored to know where the picture was taken, so “I can get one just like it.”

Diving into the lifeguard shortage

While swimming in Hawaii this winter I was disappointed in my overall swimming strength and endurance as I entered my 70s.

Broadway stars and hopefuls to perform showstopping hits

ATP sets fundraising goal to continue operations

They’ve starred in some of the most well-known Broadway productions in history, including “Rent,” “Anything Goes,” “The Lion King” and “Color Purple,” and for one week they’ll perform some of their greatest showstopping hits on the Whitefish stage.

Range Riders knock out PaddleHeads Wednesday

The Glacier Range Riders needed a little extra to beat the Missoula Paddleheads Wednesday, and Dean Miller provided it.

2 Twins All-State; 2 A Lakers all-District

The Glacier Twins celebrated not only a West A District Legion title last weekend, but also having two selections to the All-State team for Class A American Legion.

Senators squeak out AA Legion title

Luke Dowdy threw a complete game four-hitter, and Manu Melo had a hand in both Helena runs in the Senators’ 2-1 win over the Billings Scarlets Wednesday, in the Montana/Alberta AA Legion baseball championship.

Kroger throws shutout in Twins’ win; M’s fall

Kellen Kroger threw a shutout and the Glacier Twins made one first-inning run hold up for a 1-0 victory over Butte Wednesday, in the first game of the State A Montana/Alberta Legion tournament.

Legals for July, 27 2023

'Big fruit year' say cherry growers

Flathead cherry season is here, and lots of sweet, juicy cherries are ripe and ready to eat. “Big fruit this year,” said Bruce Johnson, a board member of the Flathead Cherry Grower’s Co-op. “Lots of size, and lots of stands are open.

State commission to reform Montana's mental health system launches

A new state commission dedicated to rebuilding Montana’s mental health system met for the first time last week.

Tickets on sale for Tower of Power Holidays and Hits Tour

Tickets are on sale now to see the Tower of Power, a horn-led funk and soul band, perform on its Holidays and Hits Tour at the Wachholz College Center located on the Flathead Valley Community College campus.

Big Richard Band headlines Whitefish Hootenanny

The Whitefish Trail Hootenanny, considered the local’s finale event of the summer, is planned for Friday, Aug. 25 starting at 5 p.m. in Depot Park in downtown Whitefish.

Stage 1 fire restrictions to begin Saturday across Northwest Montana

Northwest Montana fire managers on Wednesday decided to enact stage 1 fire restrictions across the region beginning Saturday.

Whistleblower tells Congress the US is concealing 'multi-decade' program that captures UFOs

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is concealing a longstanding program that retrieves and reverse engineers unidentified flying objects, a former Air Force intelligence officer testified Wednesday to Congress. The Pentagon has denied his claims.

Updated: Biden's son Hunter pleads not guilty to 2 tax crimes after agreement with prosecutors falls through

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden's son Hunter pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two tax crimes after a deal with federal prosecutors unraveled during a court hearing following the judge's concerns over the agreement.

Major automakers unite to build electric vehicle charging network they say will rival Tesla's

DETROIT (AP) — Seven major automakers say they're joining forces to build a North American electric vehicle charging network that would rival Tesla's and nearly double the number of fast-charging plugs in the U.S. and Canada.

Traps removed after no sign of the grizzly that killed a woman near Yellowstone

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Wildlife workers on Tuesday halted their efforts to capture a grizzly bear that killed a woman over the weekend near Yellowstone National Park after finding no sign of the animal since the day of the attack.

Troy Dispatch no longer taking calls for service

Emergency and non-emergency dispatch services for the Troy Area District were transferred to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch on Monday, July 17.

Creativity encouraged on Sacred Eats' menu

Despite being scammed out of almost all of their savings, Chris and Kallai Boyce decided to take a leap of faith two years ago and open Sacred Eats, the on-site restaurant at Sacred Waters Brewing Company in Evergreen.

Zinke seeks money for Kalispell infrastructure project

Federal money for community infrastructure projects in Kalispell and on the Blackfeet Reservation may come within the year.

Law roundup: Husband shot by paintball gun

Drama unfolded at Woodland Park when a woman called the Kalispell Police Department to report that her husband was reportedly shot by paintball guns controlled by boys standing on the hill behind the pool.

Twins back in their usual spot — at State

The Glacier Twins got a late start to their Legion season, thanks to the first year of baseball as a high school sport in Montana.

Legals for July, 26 2023

James Blow, 68

James Blow

Judge approves $9M settlement for Blackfeet telecomms customers who alleged discrimination

A federal judge has approved a $9 million class action settlement involving a nonprofit telecommunications co-op that will pay back millions in capital credits to several hundred tribal members of the former Browning Exchange who alleged discrimination when the company withheld the credits after a 2020 sale.

Griz open practices Aug. 7

The 2023 Montana Grizzlies begin their quest to return to the top of the Big Sky Conference standings on Aug. 7, with the first of 18 practices of fall training camp.

Legals for July, 26 2023

LaVerne Johnson, 91

LaVerne Johnson

Revocation of release sought for man awaiting sentencing for drunken wreck

Prosecutors are seeking to revoke the release of a man awaiting sentencing for a negligent vehicular assault charge after he allegedly violated the conditions of his freedom.

Big Sky football: Griz, Cat coaches chew on preseason predictions

When you look at the 2023 Big Sky Conference football preseason polls, it's important to know that in 2022, the Montana Grizzlies were the pick, and finished 8-5. Montana State, picked second and third by the media and coaches, and Sacramento State were co-champions.

Russell Alan Yerian, 42

Russell Alan Yerian

Easy summer salad for sharing

Quinoa can sometimes be an intimidating food to cook but is much easier to deal with than people may realize.

State Supreme Court races draw early candidates

The first signs of competition in the two races for Montana’s Supreme Court slated for next year are beginning to show.

PaddleHeads pull away, beat Range Riders 8-4

The Missoula PaddleHeads just keep going, pulling away in the late innings Tuesday to beat the Glacier Range Riders 8-4 in Pioneer League baseball.

Gianforte requests federal drought relief for Northwest Montana

Gov. Greg Gianforte asked the federal government on Tuesday to designate Northwest Montana as a primary natural disaster area due to drought conditions.

Small fire on the east side of Glacier National Park contained

A wildfire less than a tenth of an acre in size is contained on the east side of Glacier National Park.

Billing Police investigate hate crime after Lyle Lovett band member spots noose

A musician who performs with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band found a noose on a light pole over the weekend, prompting police in Montana's largest city to investigate the case as a possible hate crime.

Crime lab IDs human remains found near Polebridge

Human remains found earlier this month in the wilderness north of Polebridge have been identified by the Montana State Crime Lab.

Biden's dog Commander has bitten Secret Service officers 10 times in four months, records show

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden 's dog Commander bit Secret Service officers at least 10 times between October 2022 and January, including one incident that required a trip to the hospital for an injured law enforcement officer, according to records from the Department of Homeland Security.

More Montanans lose Medicaid coverage as reevaluations continue

Montana health officials ended Medicaid health insurance coverage for 19,244 people in May, bringing the total number of people removed from the public health program up to 34,204 since the state began reevaluating enrollee eligibility in April — an administrative power it did not have during the federally designated pandemic emergency.

Seeley-Swan wildfire doubles in size

A wildfire burning northeast of Seeley Lake doubled in size Monday as critical fire weather blasted the region.

Bail will stay at $200K for man suspected of exposing himself

A Flathead County District Court judge last week nixed a request to lower bail for a man accused of exposing his genitals at the Kidsport Complex in Kalispell in late April.

Whitefish mushroom hunter recounts rescue from Frozen Lake area

An outing earlier this month that started as a day trip to pick mushrooms in the Frozen Lake area northeast of Eureka turned into an international search mission for a man many consider a Whitefish legend.

Rural-urban divide is oversimplified

For the past decade, the media has been obsessed with the idea of a growing divide between rural and urban areas, often portraying it as a deep chasm separating the nation’s citizens.

Kalispell paving projects set to begin July 26

Motorists should expect delays with various paving projects around Kalispell set to start up Wednesday.

Letters to the editor July 25

Letters to the editor July 25

Kalispell business groups look to hire security guards to patrol downtown

A trio of Kalispell business organizations are raising funds to pay for private security guards to patrol the downtown area in an effort to deter what representatives describe as vagrancy, and customer and employee safety.

Zinke works to delist Yellowstone’s grizzly population

The House Appropriations Committee approved July 19 U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke’s amendment to delist the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Grizzly from the Endangered Species Act.

Legals for July, 25 2023

West Nile Virus detected in mosquitoes sampled from Blaine County

Mosquitoes sampled from Blaine County have tested positive for West Nile Virus, prompting state health officials to urge Montanans to take extra care in avoiding bites this season.

Keith William Kiser, 81

Keith William Kiser

Law roundup: Road rage incident ends with fisticuffs

Kalispell Police Department responded to a report of a fight and found a man at the scene with visible injuries on his face and the back of his hands.

Flathead Lake's low water level prompts disaster declaration request

Flathead County commissioners asked Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday to issue a disaster declaration for Flathead and Lake counties owing to the repercussions of Flathead Lake’s diminished water level.

Authorities search for grizzly bear that killed woman near Yellowstone National Park

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (AP) — Authorities searched Monday for a grizzly bear that attacked and killed a woman on a trail west of Yellowstone National Park along the Montana-Idaho border.

Fire in Seeley-Swan grows to 2,927 acres

Evacuation orders are in place for some residences in the Seeley-Swan Valley due to a wildfire burning about 12 miles northwest of Seeley Lake.

Man accused of pulling gun gets suspended sentence

Accused of drawing a gun during a noise dispute with a neighbor last year, a Columbia Falls man earned a suspended jail sentence in Flathead County District Court in June.

UPS strike could be just around the corner

As the deadline to reach a new contract nears, a potential UPS strike feels closer than ever.

Glacier librarian hits the road to learn about the auto industry

Kerrie More is not an automobile industry scholar — yet. She recently spent a week in Indianapolis learning about a part of history that shaped the everyday lives of Americans.

Bozeman Bucks oust Lakers from State AA

MISSOULA — It wasn’t supposed to end this quickly for the Kalispell Lakers, whose pitching was built to last at the State AA Legion tournament.

Taylor drills pair of first inning home runs in Riders win

BILLINGS — It was the Crews Taylor show early on Sunday afternoon at Dehler Park as Taylor drilled a pair of bombs before the first inning was over to jumpstart the Range Riders offense and help lead Glacier to a 14-9 win over the Billings Mustangs.

Law roundup: Children taunt woman by calling her a ‘Karen’

About five to seven children reportedly riding bicycles and hanging out near mailboxes taunted a woman and went to her porch where they called her a “Karen” after she asked them to leave a trailer park where they didn’t live. She told

Letters to the editor July 24

Letters to the editor July 24

Scott Evans Bryan, 60

Scott Evans Bryan

John Hackenberg, 76

John Hackenberg

Twins win West A title, 11-10 over Mariners

POLSON — The Glacier Twins took the long route to a district title, and it could have been longer.

Legals for July, 24 2023

Woman found dead after grizzly bear encounter near Yellowstone National Park

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (AP) — A woman was found dead in Montana on Saturday after coming into contact with a grizzly bear on a trail west of Yellowstone National Park.

Deck collapse at Montana country club leaves more than 30 injured during popular golf tournament

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — More than 30 people were injured when a deck collapsed at a country club overlooking Montana's largest city, police said Sunday.

PHOTOS: The Event at Rebecca Farm 2023

Scenes from The Event at Rebecca Farm held Wednesday, July 19 to Sunday, July 23.

Karyl Kim Struck, 67

Karyl Kim Struck

Former classmates dedicate memorial tree, plan for 50th reunion

The Flathead High School Class of 1973 is gearing up to celebrate its 50th reunion with a week of events sure to be filled with hugs, laughs, stories, photos and many shared memories.

Lester McKean, 89

Lester McKean

A Lakers’ season ends with District loss to Bucs

The Kalispell A Lakers didn’t get the kindest of draws at the West A District Legion tournament, and a 7-6 loss to the Bitterroot Bucs on Saturday is proof of that.

Scarlets no-hit Lakers in State AA opener

The first thing you need to know about the Kalispell Lakers’ State AA Legion opener on Saturday is, Max Holden threw a whale of a game. The rub is that Billings Scarlets’ hurler Drew McDonald was unhittable.

Top eventer Tamra Smith got “leg up” from Broussard grants

The first time Tamra Smith came to the Event at Rebecca Farm, she was a groom for another rider. That was around 2005, she’d guess.

Somers outfitter gets lakegoers enjoying the water

Paddle Board Outfitters in Somers had a modest start by renting out paddle boards to recreationists on Flathead Lake.

Thistle Nationals set sail on Flathead Lake

The event was hosted by the North Flathead Yacht Club.

Rose Card, 90

Rose Card

Letters to the editor July 23

Letters to the editor July 23

Mission Valley tops Twins, makes West A title game

Zakarius Muzquiz had three hits and drove in two runs, helping Mission Valley knock off the top-seeded Glacier Twins 6-2 in the semifinals of the West A District Legion tournament Saturday.

Loan program to assist meat processors

The money comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program and will be loaned to a number of meat processing businesses for use in processing and packaging operations.

Uncontrolled spending burdens Montana taxpayers

Taxpayers had sticker shock last month as reappraisal notices hit mailboxes, detailing significant increases in property valuations and leaving many fearful of property tax hikes.

Library board rudderless in pursuit of new location

ImagineIf Libraries board is set on finding a new home for its Kalispell branch, but appear directionless in their pursuit without a map to follow.

Colleen Elmora Tafoya, 89

Colleen Elmora Tafoya

William Wesley Foultner, 87

William Wesley Foultner

Bryce Olson, 53

Bryce Olson

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Legals for July, 23 2023

Law roundup: Cops don’t look deeper into ‘plumber’s crack’

Someone complained that the pants of a man they saw napping in the grass were hanging halfway down exposing his “behind.” Kalispell Police Department officers assessing

Kootenai Outdoor Adventure Club making memorable connections

It’s an ambitious undertaking to be sure, but the benefits of the Kootenai Outdoor Adventure Program are very tangible.

James Ronald Short, 77

James Ronald Short

Todd Harvey, 58

odd Raymond Harvey, 58, of Monroe, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly in his home on July 17, 2023, his wife of 40 years by his side.

Milton Nickel 86

Milton Lawrence Nickel, 86, of Polson, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Polson.

Dixiedorcas Beasleyloving, 82

Dixiedorcas Beasleyloving, 82

Kenneth Raymond Bunker, 89

Kenneth Raymond Bunker

Dealing with Chinese economic coercion

What are gallium and geranium? Earlier this month China announced that effective Aug. 1, it will put export bans on these two seemingly obscure metals.

Montana's regressive property tax system

One of the less acknowledged consequences of property tax reappraisal is that it can sharply shift local property tax burdens from one class of taxpayers to another.

Zinke targets Glacier National Park ticketed entry system with legislation

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke’s latest attempt to roll back the vehicle reservation system in Glacier National Park is coming in the form of legislation.

Mustangs top Riders Friday, 7-1

BILLINGS — Gabe Wurtz homered and drove in four runs Friday, leading the Billings Mustangs to a 7-1 Pioneer League win over the Glacier Range Riders at Dehler Park.

Twins edge A Lakers 3-1 Friday at West A

POLSON — Kellen Kroger and Maddox Muller combined on a three-hitter, and the Glacier Twins edged the Kalispell Lakers 3-1 Friday at the West A District Legion tournament.

Judge orders Montana health clinic to pay nearly $6 million over false asbestos claims

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A health clinic in a Montana town plagued by deadly asbestos contamination must pay the government almost $6 million in penalties and damages after it submitted hundreds of false asbestos claims, a judge ruled.

Tribal community mourns loss of "pillar"

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes lost “a pillar” earlier this month, when Vern Clairmont died July 11 of pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

Woman arrested during Majestic Valley Arena brawl changes plea

The Washington state woman arrested for allegedly wielding a bat during a large brawl involving outlaw motorcycle clubs at Majestic Valley Arena in February pleaded guilty Thursday to felony criminal endangerment.

Patriot Front members jailed, banned from downtown Cd'A

A Kootenai County judge sent five members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front to jail Friday and banned them from the city's downtown area for a year, following their conviction for conspiracy to riot, a misdemeanor.

Fishing restrictions possible on Flathead River due to low flows

State wildlife officials may implement fishing restrictions in Northwest Montana as rivers and streams run at or near historic lows for late July.

Grizzly euthanized after spate of conflicts in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park officials on July 20 euthanized an aggressive and food-conditioned grizzly bear suspected of charging at a picnicking family near Swiftcurrent Lake Boat Launch earlier in the week.

Judge sets a trial date for next May in Trump's classified documents case in Florida

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has scheduled a trial date for next May for former President Donald Trump in a case charging him with illegally retaining hundreds of classified documents.

C-Falls felon sentenced to 15 years for illegally possessing loaded shotgun

A Columbia Falls man with multiple felony convictions was sentenced July 20 to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded shotgun.

Patriot Front members convicted

A jury has convicted five Patriot Front members of the misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to riot by disturbing the public peace.

Tony Bennett, masterful stylist of American musical standards, dies at 96

NEW YORK (AP) — Tony Bennett, the eminent and timeless stylist whose devotion to classic American songs and knack for creating new standards such as "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" graced a decadeslong career that brought him admirers from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, died Friday. He was 96, just two weeks short of his birthday.

Everyone wants a piece of the 'Barbie' movie marketing mania

There are pink benches at bus stops and pink clothing displayed in store windows. Microsoft's XBox has come up with a Barbie console series and HGTV is hosting a four-part Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge.

Pioneer League: Riders' HR barrage buries Billings

Gabe Howell doubled and hit two homers, and the Glacier Range Riders got back on the winning track Thursday, with a 9-1 rout of the Billings Mustangs.

A Lakers, Twins win at West A; play Friday

Hunter Glidden’s RBI single broke a 4-4 title, and the Kalispell Lakers scored 10 runs over the final two innings of a 12-5 defeat of Cranbrook at the West A District Legion tournament Thursday.

Sun Road crews go back to intermittent daytime construction

Construction crews assigned to the Going-to-the-Sun Road rehabilitation project are back to working during the day intermittently, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Knudsen advocates for access to abortion records across state lines

Montana’s attorney general and Republican officials from 18 other states are opposing a federal effort to strengthen medical privacy regulations, arguing that states with abortion bans should be able to obtain reproductive health care records for criminal investigations, including when a patient travels to another state.

Homemade explosives render women's restrooms in Lawrence Park unusable

The women’s restroom in Lawrence Park is closed indefinitely after vandals blew up the toilets on the Fourth of July using homemade explosives, officials say.

In first summer, Stumptown sets fast pace

It was during the State A track and field championships, Memorial Day weekend, that Josiah Osborne said the quiet part out loud.

Lightning siren installed at Woodland Water Park

The Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department has installed a detection system at the Woodland Water Park that warns swimmers of nearby lightning strikes.

Planning Board rejects Kapoor zone change

The Flathead County Planning Board last week rejected a zone change request by Florida company Location Ventures on 12.4 acres east of Columbia Falls along U.S. 2.

Legals for July, 21 2023

Nikunen, Lakers head for State AA tourney

It wasn’t a pretty end to the regular season for the Kalispell Lakers, but they head into the State AA tournament starting Saturday in Missoula knowing they’re a handful of runs away from 40-plus wins.

Law roundup: Parking wars claim motorist’s tire

A confrontation over a parking spot prompted a woman to vent — the air from the other driver’s tire, that is.

Tar balls are being found 100 miles downstream from Yellowstone River train derailment

LAUREL, Mont. (AP) — Tar balls have shown up 100 miles downstream of a railroad bridge collapse last month that sent numerous tank cars carrying petroleum products plummeting into Montana's Yellowstone River, officials said Friday, as dropping water levels and rising temperatures hinder cleanup work.

World War II veteran surprised with flight in Miss Montana

Local 99-year-old World War II veteran Betty Meyer was honored July 15 for her service in the Women’s Army Corp with a flight aboard a restored C-47 affectionately known as "Miss Montana."

Janet L. Schalk-Jorgensen, 72

Janet L. Schalk-Jorgensen, 72

Parts of Three Mile, Four Mile drives closed for construction

A slate of construction projects have caused closures on portions of Three Mile and Four Mile drives in Kalispell this week.

Missing Koocanusa cliff jumper found dead

A missing Lincoln County man was found dead in Lake Koocanusa on Wednesday evening.

Police testify in Patriot Front trial

The lead detective who investigated the 31 members of Patriot Front found crammed into a U-Haul truck on their way to a 2022 Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene testified he doesn’t think the group planned to commit violence.

Senate Judiciary panel considering ethics rules for the Supreme Court

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Judiciary Committee is considering a new ethics code for the Supreme Court, an attempt to respond to recent revelations about justices' interactions with wealthy donors and others. Republicans are strongly opposed, arguing the ethics bill could "destroy" the high court.

The wait is over as Powerball finally has a winner for its jackpot worth over $1 billion

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A winning ticket has been sold in California for the Powerball jackpot worth an estimated $1.08 billion, the sixth largest in U.S. history and the third largest in the history of the game.

Community band performs in Columbia Falls

The Flathead Valley Community Band is planning to present “A Concert in the Park” concert on Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Marentette Park, Columbia Falls.

Letters to the editor July 20

Letters to the editor July 20

Music of the Legends — A Classical Celebration and tribute to cellist Jessica Chen

Violinist Wai Mizutani and pianist Wei-Yi Sun join together to perform the sixth Music of Legends Tribute — A Classical Celebration July 22.

New concert series launches at ImagineIF Libraries

From July 24 through Aug. 26, the community is invited to relax, kick back, and enjoy the sweet sounds of local artists.

Museum shows science fiction classic

Produced by Julian Blaustein and directed by Robert Wise, the movie features Michael Rennie as Klaatu, an alien humanoid sent to Earth with an ultimatum. The movie screens at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 25 at the museum

A probiotic milk factory will be built near Atlanta, bringing $305 million investment and 90 jobs

Yakult Honsha Co. said Tuesday that its American subsidiary plans to start production at a new plant in Cartersville in 2026.

Convicted child rapist given deferred sentence

A 32-year-old man convicted of raping an underage girl about a decade ago received a deferred sentence in Flathead County District Court earlier this month.

Polson hosts annual art shows this summer

The eighth annual Flathead Lake Festival of the Arts is July 22-23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sacajawea Park located on Flathead Lake in Polson.

Columbia Falls Heritage Days runs July 26-30

The annual Columbia Falls Heritage Days celebrates the town’s history.

Riders see win streak end at 10

The Glacier Range Riders couldn’t make it 11 straight wins Wednesday, because Billings pitcher Pat Maybach refused to give up a hit for eight innings.

Protecting health care providers and patients

Our frontline workers deserve freedom of conscience while helping Montanans. House Republicans passed major legislation to protect the freedom of health care providers this session.

Spend an evening with pianist Holly Bowling

Tickets are on sale now to see pianist Holly Bowling perform at the Wachholz College Center on the campus of Flathead Community College Aug. 11.

Superintendent Arntzen pleads guilty to traffic violation

Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen pleaded guilty to a traffic violation this week for “following too closely” in an error she described in Helena Municipal Court as a “bump with the bumper.”

Flathead Valley man pleads guilty to criminal endangerment

A Flathead Valley man accused of injuring his newborn during a drunken Christmas Eve argument with his girlfriend pleaded guilty earlier this month to criminal endangerment.

Motorist involved in deadly wreck sentenced to state prison

The Missoula man convicted of vehicular homicide for killing his passenger in a drunken wreck near Martin City last summer received a partially suspended sentence in Flathead County District Court earlier this month.

Port Polson Players continue season with laughfest

Hopeless nerd Rick Steadman (Kai McDonald) takes a ride on the wild side as the Port Polson Players continue their 48th season with Larry Shue’s masterpiece, “The Nerd,” July 21-Aug. 6.

Law roundup: Beastly man escorted from building

A woman allegedly heard a man inside an office screaming and growling at a person, calling them names and demanding money back because he needed to get out of the country.

Work group forming to study boating on Lake Five

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are recruiting for a citizen-led work group tasked with studying motorized boat use on Lake Five.

Getting in the game with trail cameras

I recently received a new issue of a bow hunting magazine. It included their annual review of new bow hunting gear. There were over 60 pages of new bow hunting gear.

Valuing the American worker

About once a year I deal with an outfit out of Boise called General Gear or tractorparts.com.

Legals for July, 20 2023

Crafting effective job descriptions: a guide for recruiters

A well-crafted job description is the foundation for attracting and hiring top talent.

Bankruptcy slams the brakes on Dutch e-bike manufacturer VanMoof

The Amsterdam-based company, started in 2009 by brothers Taco and Ties Carlier, posted a statement on its website informing clients that an Amsterdam court declared VanMoof bankrupt on Monday.

Man missing after 90-foot cliff jump into Lake Koocanusa

Lincoln County authorities are searching for a man who reportedly jumped off a cliff into Lake Koocanusa and failed to resurface on Monday evening.

IRS whistleblowers airing claims to Congress about 'slow-walking' of the Hunter Biden case

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans raised unsubstantiated allegations Wednesday against President Joe Biden over his family's finances as they summoned IRS whistleblowers to testify publicly for the first time about claims the Justice Department improperly interfered with a tax investigation into Biden's son Hunter.

Grizzly euthanized after conflicts at Hungry Horse Reservoir

A grizzly bear was captured and euthanized after several conflicts with people along Hungry Horse Reservoir last weekend.

Patriot Front members arrested during Pride event stand trial

Free speech is at the heart of the trial of five Patriot Front members accused of planning to violently disrupt a Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene City Park in June 2022.

Triple-digit temperatures to roast Western Montana this weekend

The hottest temperatures of the summer are set to bake Northwest Montana this weekend, with some low lying areas likely hitting triple digits for the first time this year.

IRS whistleblowers will testify to Congress as they claim 'slow-walking' of the Hunter Biden case

WASHINGTON (AP) — Whistleblowers claiming the Justice Department improperly interfered with a yearslong investigation into Hunter Biden will testify before Congress on Wednesday as House Republicans accelerate their probes into the president and his family.

Experts forecast intense fire season for Montana

Montana is likely to see a rapid increase in wildfires as the summer grows hotter and the rain stops, according to fire weather experts.

Marion man who prompted SWAT response now facing felony charge

Authorities are holding Christopher Martin Klett, 46, in the county jail with bail set at $100,000 following his arrest after the July 8 confrontation on Lower Lost Prairie Road.

Whitefish firefighters receive grant to assist hearing-impaired seniors

Hearing-impaired, deaf, and deaf-blind senior citizens need more than the traditional smoke detector to notify them of an emergency, especially after removing their hearing aids before to going to bed.

Lois Cavill, 85

Lois passed away July 10, 2023.

Law roundup: Contractor threatens to fight trash talking competitor

A passerby found a bag containing drug paraphernalia left in a Seventh Street parking lot. They turned it over to the authorities for destruction.

C-Falls man pleads guilty to negligent vehicular assault

Kenneth Malcolm Stevenson, 35, entered the changed plea in Flathead County District Court before Judge Dan Wilson on July 6.

Roundup for Safety awards $22,500 in grant funding

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety Board on July 13 awarded $22,500 to support area nonprofit community safety projects, including multiple AEDs and first aid kits.

AA Lakers swept by Great Falls

The Kalispell AA Lakers got their offense going Tuesday, but were outscored down the stretch of an 11-8 loss to the Great Falls Chargers, in both Legion teams’ final regular season games.

Woman accused of drunkenly crashing into deputy’s vehicle sentenced

Judge Heidi Ulbricht handed down the sentence to the state Department of Corrections in Flathead County District Court on July 6.

Flathead senior winner of car giveaway awarding students

The winner of the car is randomly selected from all participating high schools from the Flathead Valley.

ImagineIF trustees ask Kalispell City Council for Depot Park building

ImagineIF Libraries trustees Monday asked Kalispell City Council to sell the recently vacated historic rail building near Depot Park to the county as a potential new home for the system’s Kalispell branch.

James ‘Bud’ Harold Ridenour Jr., 85

James ‘Bud’ Harold Ridenour Jr., 85

Range Riders rally for 10th straight win Tuesday

Three Glacier hitters homered and three relievers combined on four scoreless innings in a 5-3 Pioneer League win over Billings Tuesday, the Range Riders’ 10th straight victory.

Totten named president of Back Country Horsemen chapter

She is the youngest Backcountry Horsemen Association president in the history of the organization.

Doctors, families, youth seek injunction to stop Montana’s law banning gender-affirming care

Attorneys for doctors, families and transgender minors have counted the ways that Senate Bill 99, which bans gender-affirming care for those less than 18 in Montana, violates the state and federal constitution.

Thomas Kreber, 68

Thomas Kreber, 68

Trump says he has been notified he's a target of the US probe into efforts to overturn 2020 election

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday he has received a letter informing him he is a target of the Justice Department's investigation into efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, an indication he could soon be charged by U.S. prosecutors.

Kalispell Police investigate shooting that wounded one

Authorities are investigating an alleged early morning shooting in Kalispell that left one man wounded and hospitalized.

Boating reopens on Glacier's Two Medicine and St. Mary lakes

Boating opportunities are now available on St. Mary and Two Medicine lakes on the east side of Glacier National Park. Park officials on Monday said it’s the first time since 2019 that boating has been available on these lakes.

Rabid bat reported in Flathead County

A bat that had human contact tested positive for rabies last week, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department. It’s the first animal that has tested positive for rabies in Flathead County this year.

Letters to the editor July 18

Letters to the editor July 18

Allegedly drunk motorist accused of flashing gun

Prosecutors brought Dell Thomas Russon, 55, up on a felony count of assault with a weapon and a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge following his July 3 arrest near Lilac Loop.

Law roundup: He’s not leaving without some coffee

Not content to leave empty handed, a man asked to depart a local coffee shop returned to swipe another customer’s cup of joe before leaving for good.

Wayne Jay Blake, 79

Wayne Blake

Attorneys seek dismissal of Columbia Falls murder case

Attorneys for accused killer Zain Alexander Ray Glass are asking a Flathead County District Court judge to dismiss his murder case, arguing he remains unfit to stand trial and that key deadlines have been missed.

Legals for July, 18 2023

Columbia Falls man accused of wielding baseball bat in attack

An argument over money near a Columbia Falls gas station earlier this month allegedly escalated into a beating with a baseball.

Molly Ann Doudna Sanderson, 82

Molly Ann Doudna Sanderson

Dinesen, Coleman shine in second season with Riders

It was last August when Mason Dinesen walked from the short walk to the temporary clubhouse of the fledgling Glacier Range Riders, having been acquired from the venerable BIllings Mustangs.

Columbia Heights rollover leaves driver dead

A 42-year-old Kalispell man died after rolling his vehicle near mile marker 141 of U.S. 2 on Sunday night, authorities say.

Range Riders take 9-game win streak into break

The Glacier Range Riders closed the first half of their Pioneer League season with a flourish Saturday, hitting three home runs and overrunning the Idaho Falls Chukars 13-5.

Known as a logger, Bob Love shines as a writer and poet

Bob Love is probably better known by friends and neighbors as a logger and outdoorsman, but he’s been writing for more than 50 years now.

Whitefish plans to create more distance for marijuana dispensaries

Whitefish is considering increasing the buffer between marijuana businesses and schools and churches as well as the distance between such businesses themselves.

Births

Births

Law roundup: Person concerned about child’s front row seat

Someone voiced concerns to the Kalispell Police Department about a child’s safety when they reportedly saw the kid crawling on his mother’s lap in the front seat of a GMC truck and he had his head against the windshield.

City council to vote on city airport amendment

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. It can also be attended virtually via Zoom.

Legals for July, 17 2023

Billings golfer Moore claims 2nd State Am title

ANACONDA — Nathan Bailey was spectacular and Joey Moore was steady — and it was Moore who won the 2023 Montana Men’s State Amateur, with a birdie on the second playoff hole Saturday.

Letters to the editor July 17

Letters to the editor July 17

Smoke from Canadian wildfires creates unhealthy conditions from Montana to Ohio

CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency posted air quality alerts for several states stretching from Montana to Ohio on Sunday because of smoke blowing in from Canadian wildfires.

Glamping in a small cabin on the Tobacco River

Glamping is a form of camping involving accommodations that traditional camping can’t offer, a way to satisfy one's need for time outside without the lack of access to a bathroom or a bed.

Twins take 2 from A Lakers Saturday

The second doubleheader in two days between the Glacier Twins and Kalispell A Lakers went the Twins’ way Saturday.

Cancer navigators at Logan Health help patients through difficult diagnosis

At Logan Health, a team of social workers helps patients navigate the uncertainty.

Hidden historical paradise features a life-size replica of Stonehenge

The Stonehenge Air Museum, which sits on the family’s property, is located in a hangar tucked off of U.S. 93.

Law roundup: Burmese python escapes in Columbia Falls

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a Burmese python snaked its way outside a Columbia Falls residence. A man allegedly

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

The property appraisal blame game

If you darn near keeled over after opening your property appraisal notice this month, you’re not alone.

Births

Births

Biden’s labor relations nominee has a dismal record

The wealth of natural resources has always provided opportunity in the Treasure State. For generations, energy development, mining, logging and other resource industries have provided working Montanans with good paying, reliable employment.

Shirley Heldstab, 87

Shirley Heldstab

We can see clearly now

For more than 50 years, travelers along U.S. 2 might have spied a bison in a plexiglass “tank” mounted atop a pole on the north side of the road where Kalispell gives way to Evergreen.

Della Nielsen, 90

Della Nielsen

Letters to the editor July 16

Letters to the editor July 16

Court decision saves Northwest Montana grizzly bears

Thanks to a successful court challenge by the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, over 10,000 acres of grizzly bear habitat in northwestern Montana will not be decimated by commercial logging.

Legals for July, 16 2023

A guide to Montana’s school choice laws

Though considered standard across the nation, it took Montana 24 years to pass its first true charter school law, now known as the Community Choice Schools Act.

Homegrown mercantile helps community of Eureka

What began as the Montana Farmacy, and has since expanded, into a place where you can get old-fashioned goods — candies, teas, soaps and herbal remedies.

20,000 descend on Whitefish for country music festival

As darkness finally enveloped the main stage at Under the Big Sky in Whitefish on Friday night — smoky sunset hues giving way to sophisticated concert lighting design — Caamp frontman Taylor Meier offered praise to the behind-the-scenes crews that helped pull off opening night of the three-day folk and country music festival.

Twins, A Lakers split first twinbill

Hunter Fann’s two-run single broke a 2-2 tie, and the Kalispell A Lakers went on to beat the Glacier Twins 6-2 for a split in the West A Legion doubleheader Friday at Griffin Field.

AA Lakers split with Scarlets

BILLINGS — A tough-luck loss and a clutch win gave the Kalispell Lakers a sweep of their AA Legion with the Billings Scarlets Friday.

Range Riders run win streak to 8

The red tops looked good on the Glacier Range Riders Friday. So do eight straight wins.

After 58 years in the family, Finberg sells Columbia Bar to Ruis

It’s the end of the an era in Columbia Falls as local developer Mick Ruis has formally purchased the Columbia Bar on Nucleus Avenue from longtime owner Cary Finberg.

Downtown Kalispell parking lot slated for hotel project poised to change hands

A city-owned parking lot in downtown Kalispell slated for redevelopment as part of The Charles Hotel project could change hands as soon as month’s end, officials say.

Comment deadline extended for CFAC superfund site

The Environmental Protection Agency has extended the public comment period for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company Superfund site proposed cleanup plan an additional month.

Bill aims to ease path to homeownership for volunteer firefighters

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester recently introduced a bill aimed at increasing affordable housing for volunteer firefighters and other first responders to bolster recruitment and retention.

Plan to raise Flathead Lake level torpedoed by water management team

A regional water management team on Friday opted not to alleviate Flathead Lake’s low water level by increasing flows out of Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Alyvia Rae Cornett, 21

Alyvia Rae Cornett

Gordon "Duff" Gerrish, 92

Gordon "Duff" Gerrish

Legals for July, 14 2023

Law roundup: Bartender receives sobering message from customer

Officers responded to a report of a fight between a pugilist and a man armed with a stick.

Tranel says Zinke’s ‘extremism’ makes him vulnerable in 2024

Missoula Democrat Monica Tranel is confident in her chances of winning Montana’s western district U.S. House seat in the 2024 election.

FTC investigating ChatGPT creator OpenAI over consumer protection issues

The agency sent OpenAI a 20-page letter requesting detailed information on its AI technology, products, customers, privacy safeguards and data security arrangements.

Electric Co-op warns customers of phone scam

Flathead Electric Co-op is warning customers that scammers claiming to be Co-op employees are contacting members and attempting to obtain their private information.

Planning board approves subdivision, parking lot

The board also approved a request from Casa Mexico restaurant for a conditional use permit for the construction of a parking lot at their 1741 Airport Road location.

Lori Zieske, 61

Lori Zieske

A dog-legged route to Saints’ Hall of Fame

Jim Mee’s original plan was to play on the hardcourt alongside Andy Garland, and it’s fitting that both the Libby Logger, Mee, and Sentinel Spartan are headed into Carroll College’s Hall of Fame in September.

Vern Clairmont, 69

Vern Clairmont

Whitefish community funds improvements to home of retired ski patroller

A well, septic system and toilet were recently installed at his Whitefish home, paid for by money raised online and through a silent auction.

Range Riders pull away to record 6th straight win

Jackson Raper fueled an eighth-inning rally with an RBI double, and the Glacier Range Riders pulled away to a franchise-record sixth straight win Wednesday, 7-2 over Idaho Falls.

78 nonprofits to participate in Great Fish fundraiser

A record number of Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations will participate in the 9th annual Great Fish Community Challenge hosted by Whitefish Community Foundation August 10 to Sept. 15.

Stock market today: A raucous week for Wall Street closes with a quiet, mixed finish

The S&P 500 slipped 4.62, or 0.1%, to 4,505.42 to edge back from its highest closing level since April 2022. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 113.89, or 0.3%, to 34,509.03, and the Nasdaq composite fell 24.87, or 0.2%, to 14,113.70.

State seeks to quell concerns over spike in property tax estimations

An audible groan could be heard among the roughly 300 in attendance at a meeting in Kalispell on Wednesday when state officials said they weren’t able to provide specifics on what property tax bills will look like following a considerable increase in market home values on reappraisal notices sent out earlier this month.

Carole Lee Moseley, 77

Carole Lee Moseley

Jury delivers guilty verdict in Kalispell fitness center shooting trial

A jury found Jonathan Douglas Shaw guilty Thursday of deliberate homicide in the 2021 shooting death of a gym employee outside of Fuel Fitness in Kalispell.

Human remains discovered in woods north of Polebridge

Human remains were found in the wilderness north of Polebridge on Thursday, according to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

US inflation hits its lowest point since early 2021

The inflation figure the government reported Wednesday was down sharply from a 4% annual rate in May, though still above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.

Earth sizzled to a global heat record in June

An already warming Earth steamed to its hottest June on record, smashing the old global mark by nearly a quarter of a degree (0.13 degrees Celsius), with global oceans setting temperature records for the third straight month, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday.

Concert supports North Valley Music School’s building campaign

The free event will feature John Arthur Martinez, a singer/songwriter from Austin, Texas, who performs Americana, Texas Hill Country swing and country music.

Artist inspired by landscapes featured at Phillips Gallery

Her art has taken her to France, Costa Rica, and across the U.S. from Upstate New York to California.

Legals for July, 13 2023

Murder suspect testifies in fitness center shooting case

Accused killer Jonathan Douglas Shaw took the witness stand Wednesday, describing himself as responding to an imminent threat when he shot and killed unarmed Fuel Fitness employee Matthew Hurley on Sept. 16, 2021.

Head to a tropical island with Bigfork Summer Playhouse’s ‘Margaritaville’

“Escape to Margaritaville” runs in nightly rotation at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.

Furniture sale raises funds for child with heart condition

Doug Hammerberg in conjunction with Phillips Gallery will be donating 50% of all sales of his furniture sold at the gallery in hopes of extending the life of his friend, 4-year-old Avi Adams of Helena.

‘Yard sale’ at the museum

We know what some might think: The museum is selling its stuff? Let us explain.

ImagineIF trustee votes for state commission to leave library association due to “Marxist leadership”

ImagineIF board trustee Carmen Cuthbertson joined other State Library Commission members in voting for the Montana State Library to leave the American Library Association, an organization that provides resources and connects librarians throughout the United States.

Law Roundup: Nosey neighbors learn campers remain legal

The owner of a truck reported the vehicle was struck while parked at a local supermarket.

Whitefish native performs at Under the Big Sky

Whitefish native Izaak Opatz is returning to the valley this weekend to play a set for Under the Big Sky, a music festival that brings Montanans and tourists to Whitefish for a weekend of packed music.

Popular Thursday!Fest back for two events this summer

The first event is July 13 and the second is Aug. 31.

Hockaday’s Arts in the Park returns for 53rd year

A favorite event held in historic downtown Depot Park, Kalispell’s premier arts festival features over 80 juried local and visiting artists and artisans, live music performances, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, children’s activities and more.

Royal Sweep: Lakers walk off Billings 3-2 in final home game

To the list of things Max Holden has done well for the Kalispell Lakers this season, add this: An A-plus helmet toss.

The Klan in Montana

History may not repeat itself, but it rhymes. Patterns and cycles seem to repeat over time.

Lake level could hit lowest level by Saturday

In the past weeks, the water level of Flathead Lake has dropped 1.75 feet below full pool of 2,893 feet, and is expected to be a full two feet below by this Saturday.

Going-to-the-Sun Road construction moves to nighttime only schedule

Construction work on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is now only during night and early morning hours to avoid summer traffic.

Legals for July, 13 2023

Downtown Kalispell businesses look at program aimed at reducing homelessness

Members of the Kalispell Business Improvement District board on Tuesday discussed starting a charitable fund to reduce homelessness, as well as training downtown business employees in mental health de-escalation techniques.

Letters to the editor July 13

Letters to the editor July 13

Gianforte urges decision on plan to raise Flathead Lake level

Gov. Greg Gianforte expressed frustration Wednesday after a water management team failed to make an immediate recommendation on a plan to release water from Hungry Horse Reservoir to raise Flathead Lake’s sagging water level.

Vandals hit Foy's Lake dock, restrooms

Local authorities are investigating vandalism at a Kalispell area park that occurred Tuesday evening.

Bigfork cafe focuses on organic and vegan food

When Jenny and Chris Evans first opened Max’s in 2019, they never foresaw the transition into a full-scale cafe. For a year, the 800-square-foot building was a market, home to fresh produce, coffee, and artisan gifts and goods.

Historical group hosts presentation on Conrad Mansion

The presentation is sponsored by the Northwest Montana Posse of Westerners, a local history group.

Stoney "Rocky" Gene Shipp, 55

Stoney "Rocky" Gene Shipp

Law roundup: Man apparently trigger happy with bear spray

Man apparently trigger happy with bear spray

Audit: Kalispell Police needs 5 additional officers

A public safety management consultant has recommended that the Kalispell Police Department hire five additional full-time officers, as well as invest in their facility and vehicle fleet.

Legals for July, 12 2023

Legals for July, 12 2023

Columbia Falls property rezone goes before county planning board for vote

The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday is set to vote on a request for a zone change for 12 acres in Columbia Heights.

Gym patron recounts gunfight with fitness center shooter

Jurors heard Tuesday from the man credited with subduing accused Fuel Fitness shooter Jonathan Douglas Shaw following a gunfight in the Kalispell fitness center’s parking lot in September 2021.

AA Lakers take pair from Royals

Max Holden and Andre Cephers each threw complete games, and the Kalispell Lakers swept a AA Legion doubleheader from the Billings Royals Tuesday at Griffin Field.

Hours reduced for Flathead Valley domestic violence helpline

The Flathead Valley’s shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence is reducing the hours of its telephone Helpline due to a shortage of volunteers.

Sorbet great way to use fresh fruit

Now that we’re well into summer and fruit is in full swing, let’s look at one of my favorite ways to feature the bounty: hand “churned” fresh fruit sorbet.

Missing Whitefish mushroom picker found alive in Canada

According to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Clifford Persons was picking mushrooms with a friend in an area about 11 1/2 miles east of Eureka.

U.S. Attorney: Billings, Helena, Great Falls top cities for fentanyl

Billings, Helena and Great Falls are top hotspots for drug trafficking of fentanyl, while Missoula falls in second, U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Jesse Laslovich said Monday at a public forum.

Montana labor commissioner resigns following DUI arrest

Montana Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Laurie Esau resigned Monday, a day after she was arrested in Missoula on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.

Anger grows over property appraisals, but officials say tax bills will likely be lower

Richard Hopkins was one of more than 100 residents to pack a hotel convention center here on Monday to voice frustration over property appraisal notices from the Department of Revenue.

Zegna, Lucky lead Range Riders to Monday win

Nick Lucky homered, Nick Zegna threw seven strong innings and the Glacier Range Riders cruised to a 7-0 lead on the way to an 8-3 Pioneer League baseball win over Idaho Falls Monday.

Zinke presses for improved visitor experience during Glacier tour

Congressman Ryan Zinke and members of the House Appropriations Committee made several stops throughout Northwest Montana last week to better understand local transportation and housing needs.

Legals for July, 11 2023

Tester hears veterans' concerns about the VA during Kalispell meeting

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester took in local veterans’ concerns about the Department of Veterans Affairs during a roundtable discussion in Kalispell on Friday.

Neal Del Barber, 63

Neal Del Barber

Kalispell Planning Board to review subdivision, parking lot project

The Kalispell Planning Board on Tuesday will discuss major subdivision approval for Pioneer Estates, a proposed 22-lot residential subdivision.

Newcomer Tim Sheehy for U.S. Senate?

Sen. Steve Daines, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee has forwarded a confusing plan. On one hand, he and Republican leadership are putting forth the story that the battle against incumbent Sen. Jon Tester is an incredibly important senatorial race.

Letters to the editor July 11

Letters to the editor July 11

Max Effort: In his third season with the AA Lakers, Max Holden has been a leader on offense and on the bump

When Max Holden got to the AA Kalispell Lakers in 2021, veteran coach Ryan Malmin figured he’d be a pitcher-only player, and Holden himself figures to be a pitcher at the next level.

Law roundup: Fireworks don’t go over well with neighbors

Revelers trying to extend the Fourth of July festivities beyond the holiday kept the Kalispell Police Department busy after dark.

Trial of accused fitness center shooter gets underway

Prosecutors alleged Monday that accused murderer Jonathan Douglas Shaw made plain his intent to kill just moments before he shot Matthew Hurley dead in the parking lot of Fuel Fitness in Kalispell on Sept. 16, 2021.

Montana Democrat Monica Tranel seeks rematch against Zinke

Montana Democrat Monica Tranel announced Monday she is seeking her party's nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke in next year's election, after suffering a close loss in 2022 to the former Trump administration Cabinet member.

Law roundup: A case of mistaken gas

A potentially explosive situation turned out to be a real gas upon further investigation by the Kalispell Police Department. Officers responded to Main Street for a report of a car loaded with propane tanks along a parade route. Authorities located the vehicle, but didn’t turn up any propane. Instead they found a tank inside containing helium, an inert and non-combustible gas.

Legals for July, 10 2023

Road work begins in Swan Lake area

An extensive road construction project near Swan Lake is set to begin July 17.

Y2K fashion has taken over. And Gen Z is loving it

If there's one thing retailers can agree on, it's that Gen Z is hot for the early 2000s fashion trends now booming in popularity.

Letters to the editor July 10

Letters to the editor July 10

Wall Street drifts ahead of updates on inflation, profits

The S&P 500 rose 0.1% in afternoon trading, coming off just its second losing week in the last eight.

Kalispell City Council to review Police Department audit

Kalispell City Council will review the findings and recommendations of a third-party audit of the municipality’s Police Department during a work session Monday.

A Lakers go 4-0, win Harp tourney

Hunter Fann hit a bases-loaded triple in the second inning, setting the pace in the Kalispell A Lakers’ 8-3 win Sunday over the Inland Empire Astros in the championship of the John R Harp Tournament.

Egypt's inflation rate sets record high at 36.8% in June, official data show

Prices in Egypt rose across many sectors, from food items and medical services to housing and furniture following the Russia-Ukraine war, which unleashed a wave of inflation across the globe.

Outgoing Habitat for Humanity director sought to propel nonprofit to new heights

When Bob Helder took over as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley in 2017 he made the team design paper airplanes.

Cooler hiring in June could help the Fed achieve an elusive 'soft landing' for US economy

The pace of hiring by businesses and government agencies in June — 209,000 added jobs — was the smallest monthly gain in 2 1/2 years.

Europe signs off on a new privacy pact that allows people's data to keep flowing to US

The EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework has an adequate level of protection for personal data, the EU's executive commission said.

Riders complete sweep of Mustangs Saturday

BILLINGS — Gabe Howell homered for the third straight game and drove in five runs, and the Glacier Range Riders completed a three-game sweep of Billings with a 13-2 in Saturday at Dehler Park.

Raising Flathead Lake's water level a complicated conundrum

As Flathead Lake’s water level continues to drop prematurely this summer, lake-reliant businesses like Marina Cay Resort are preparing for a substantial financial hit.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

Ownership change brings new chapter for Kalispell bookstore

Despite changing owners in June, The Bookshelf in downtown Kalispell will remain a bookstore — much to the relief of many loyal customers.

New license requirement worth the hassle

Beginning this month, everyone who recreates on state lands will be required to purchase a Montana Conservation License to access many sites previously open with few restrictions to the public.

Montana shelters: Tough summer but thankful for state funding

Operating a shelter is difficult. People assume winter is the worst, but the summer, with extreme heat and no rain, is just as punishing. However, this summer, there are additional challenges.

Fred Adkins, 79

Fred Adkins

Carol Pitt, 56

Carol Pitt

Glacier Park International Airport receives $7 million for expansion

Glacier Park International Airport has received a $7.3 million federal grant to put toward its ongoing expansion and modernization project.

Bob "Robert" Johnson, 90

Bob "Robert" Johnson

Legals for July, 9 2023

Polson roundtable focuses on homelessness, protecting businesses

Interim Polson Police Chief George Simpson gathered with Main Street business owners at City Hall on a Friday morning last month to discuss strategies for handling a growing houseless population in the community, and its impact on their establishments.

Donna Mae Bruner, 85

Donna Mae Bruner

Bette Ruth "Stapp" Burgess, 98

Bette Ruth "Stapp" Burgess

Leone Foster, 95

Leone Foster

Ricky Dotson

Ricky Dotson

Moore tops Medley in playoff to win 4th of July tourney

Joyce wins Women's title

Joey Moore faltered at the end, and then he didn’t, making birdie on the first playoff hole to win the 85th annual Earl Hunt Memorial 4th of July tournament Saturday.

Horsepower — Back Country Horsemen mark 50 years

Founded in 1973, the Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead is celebrating 50 years of ensuring public lands remain open to recreational stock animals, namely horses and mules.

Michigan homicide suspect escapes custody in Sanders County

A Michigan man wanted for a 2011 homicide escaped from custody Sunday morning in the Plains area.

Family brings 'glamping' experience to Paradise

Camping, like so many things, has evolved from the days of the Old West.

Community briefs: Rain garden walking tour in Kalispell

Rain garden walking tour in Kalispell

Lowering prescription drug prices starts with addressing patent abuse

One of the most pressing issues facing health care today is skyrocketing prescription drug prices.

Letters to the editor July 9

Letters to the editor July 9

Supermajority Republicans grew Montana government and raised taxes

Less government and lower taxes. You hear that political slogan from Republican candidates early and often while they are campaigning.

Gordon Floyd "Duff" Gerrish, 92

Gordon Floyd "Duff" Gerrish

Larry M. Calvert, 88

Larry M. Calvert

Signs installed to help motorists navigate busy Parkline Trail crosswalk

Hoping to make the array of signals and flashing lights adorning the pedestrian crosswalk where Kalispell’s Parkline Trail intersects with Main Street a little easier for motorists to understand, officials have in recent months installed more detailed explanatory signs.

Cheryl Sue Peterson, 83

Cheryl Sue Peterson, 83

Solar storm expected to make Northern Lights visible in 17 states

A solar storm forecast for Thursday is expected to give skygazers in 17 American states a chance to glimpse the Northern Lights, the colorful sky show that happens when solar wind hits the atmosphere.

Medley leads Hunt Memorial by 1 after 36

WHITEFISH — Andrew Medley shot a solid 72 Friday, but his lead at the 85th annual Earl Hunt Memorial Fourth of July tournament shrank to one stroke at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Range Riders rally again Friday at Billings

BILLINGS — Matt Clayton drove in four runs and for the second straight night the Glacier Range Riders ate up an early deficit to beat the Billings Mustangs, this time by a 9-4 score on Friday.

Montana adds protections for kids in private residential treatment programs

Meg Applegate, along with her parents, and other students who attended similar alternative, for-profit behavior modification programs in Montana testified about their experiences to help pass a new law that aims to bolster protections for teens in programs that are part of what is commonly referred to as the “troubled teen industry.”

Montana Supreme Court says officers must have more than a hunch to search a vehicle

What began as a minor traffic stop in eastern Montana became a drug bust three years ago. But a recent Montana Supreme Court ruling has overturned the conviction, and put more safeguards in place, saying a minor – nearly trifling – stop can’t transform into a search-and-seizure operation without clear probable cause.

Chief Earl Old Person Memorial Highway unveiled in Browning

Officials unveiled the Chief Earl Old Person Memorial Highway on Thursday.

Range Riders pull away on Mustangs Thursday

BILLINGS — Dean Miller homered to put Glacier ahead for good and Benjamin Fitzgerald drove in five runs as the Range Riders pulled away to a 15-6 Pioneer League win over Billings Thursday.

Transgender woman, bookstore, teacher sue over Montana law banning drag reading events

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A transgender woman, the owners of an independent bookstore and an educator who teaches in costume are among those challenging Montana's first-in-the-nation law that bans people dressed in drag from reading to children in public schools or libraries.

Columbia Falls man dies in fiery crash near Whitefish

A Columbia Falls man died in a fiery crash Thursday morning on Montana 40 near Whitefish.

Law roundup: Hacker takes Facebook account hostage

How much is a Facebook account worth? A hacker thought it might be as much as $300, which is what the cybercriminal demanded from a local woman.

Legals for July, 7 2023

Twins start Gallo tourney with win over Miles City

Maddux Muller hit a two-run single to spark a six-run second inning for the Glacier Twins Thursday, in their 9-1 win over the Miles City Mavericks at the Ed Gallo Wood Bat Tournament.

AA Lakers hit, pitch way to series win with Elks

Ostyn Brennan threw six sharp innings, Carter Schlegel had four hits and the Kalispell Lakers beat Lethbridge 8-4 Thursday in AA American Legion baseball at Griffin Field.

Lorraine Kay (Rainy) Hanson, 58

Lorraine Kay (Rainy) Hanson

Medley fires 65 to lead men at 85th Earl Hunt Memorial

Andrew Medley strung together two birdies on the front nine, then eagled No. 10 to start the back on the way to a 65 at the 85th annual Earl Hunt Memorial Fourth of July Golf Tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Kalispell officials call on residents to conserve water

City officials in Kalispell announced Thursday that the high demand for water has triggered Stage 1 water restrictions and called for residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption until at least August.

Michelle Scott notches ace at Whitefish

Michelle Scott used a 30-degree rescue to pick up a hole-in-one on Monday at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Glacier's Goicoechea is Griz-bound

Kash Goicoechea, a senior-to-be at Glacier High School, announced his commitment to the Montana Grizzlies football program via Twitter on June 29.

Accused killer out free after white supremacist helps post bail

The 19-year-old accused of beating a homeless man to death in Kalispell last month is free from the county jail after a known white supremacist with deep ties to Flathead Valley put up property to help cover his $500,000 bail.

Officials say 12K pounds of asphalt removed from Yellowstone River thus far after train derailment

Crews over the holiday weekend finished removing the remaining train cars from the Yellowstone River after last month’s derailment and bridge collapse near Reed Point, and while cleanup efforts continue, officials will no longer perform daily water quality testing after finding no harmful hydrocarbon or sulfur levels downstream of the crash.

TikTok and 5 content creators ask federal judge to block Montana from banning app

TikTok Inc. and a group of five content creators who are suing the state of Montana over its first-in-the-nation law to ban the video sharing app are now asking a federal judge to block implementation of the law while the case moves through the courts and before it takes effect in January.

Registration open for Mutton Bustin' at Northwest Montana Fair

Now is the time to register children for Mutton Bustin’ at this year’s Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, scheduled for Aug. 16-20 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

Legals for July, 6 2023

Council approves developments, sewer regs

Kalispell City Council approved several development projects and voted to implement a series of industrial sewer regulations at its Monday meeting.

G Joan "Joanne" Gregory, 81

G Joan "Joanne" Gregory, 81

Encaustic painter Pam Caughey is ‘master of the abstract’

Hamilton-based encaustic painter Pam Caughey can take the heat.

Letters to the editor July 6

Letters to the editor July 6

Zinke latest to endorse Sheehy for Senate

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke on Wednesday threw his support behind Navy SEAL veteran and businessman turned U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, joining other prominent Montana conservatives in endorsing the Bridger Aerospace CEO.

Celebrating America

We celebrate America on this Fourth of July because we are a great nation with great dreams, great ability and great heart.

Montanans are getting their money back

Nearly all working-age Montanans, more than half the state’s total population, are getting some welcome news this month: the state is sending them money.

Known as a logger, Bob Love shines as a writer and poet

Bob Love is probably better known by friends and neighbors as a logger and outdoorsman, but he’s been writing for more than 50 years now.

Legals for July, 6 2023

Right to bear arms

Here we are in the middle of the Fourth of July week.

Law roundup: Deal to buy fireworks fizzles

story

Raptor pitchers hold Range Riders for win

A day after shutting down the Ogden Raptors 2-1, the Glacier Range Riders saw their offense stymied in a 3-1 Pioneer League loss Wednesday at Glacier Bank Park.

Kalispell man arrested after allegedly pulling gun

A Kalispell man faces a felony charge in Flathead County District Court for allegedly aiming a gun at the head of another person last week.

Man allegedly attacked fast food employees, deputies

A man who allegedly attacked fast food restaurant employees before turning on sheriff’s deputies late last month now faces multiple charges in Flathead County District Court.

Comedy in the Woods presents international comedian Rich Hall

Comedian Rich Hall will make his first Polebridge appearance during Comedy in the Woods at Home Ranch Bottoms Friday, Aug. 11.

Comedian Tom Papa comes to the Wachholz

Tickets are on sale now to see stand-up comedian Tom Papa at the Wachholz College Center March 1.

Victims of fatal Flathead Valley crashes ID’d

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has identified the three people killed in a pair of vehicle crashes earlier this week.

Kalispell resident attributes house fire to errant firework

Kalispell resident Ron Booth was startled by the sound of two kids knocking at his door of his Denver Avenue home around 9:30 p.m. on the evening of July Fourth.

Rain, waves drown Whitefish’s fireworks show

Wind-driven lake swells, rain and lightning were blamed on the 11th-hour cancellation of the Fourth of July fireworks display in Whitefish on Tuesday night.

Local family hopes to overcome devastating house fire with community support

A house fire that destroyed a double-wide trailer home on Armory Road early Friday morning, June 23, left a young family displaced.

DREAM Adaptive’s annual watersports week at Echo Lake

DREAM Adaptive Recreation has teamed up with Launch Watersports to provide the nonprofit’s 15th Annual Watersports Week on Echo Lake.

Whitefish Schools’ Dave Means honored as Superintendent of the Year

Whitefish School District Superintendent Dave Means assumed the role at one of the most challenging times for schools across the world.

Legals for July, 5 2023

Bigfork development paused amid fierce criticism from neighbors

More than 150 concerned citizens were left with more questions than answers as the proposed Northshore Woods housing development in Bigfork was pulled from consideration at the monthly meeting of the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee at the request of the developer last week.

New certified nursing assistants graduate Browning training program

A public-private partnership led by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry graduated a cohort of 22 new certified nursing assistants in Browning in June.

Governor's housing task force extended to 2025

Gov. Greg Gianforte last week extended his housing task force through June 2025, citing in part the continued lack of affordable workforce housing in Montana and private residential construction costs “skyrocketing” 18.4% in just one year.

New private school in the works for Thompson Falls

A Trout Creek resident with nearly two decades of teaching experience wants to give area families another option for their children's education.

Law roundup: Motorist loses race with a rat

A cat-sized rat startled a Kalispell motorist, who spotted it running up the middle of the road and into a cluster of nearby shrubs.

Donald Leach, 97

Donald Leach, 97

Joyce Eileen Schmautz, 71

Joyce Eileen Schmautz

Kathleen Ann Williams, 80

Kathleen Ann Williams

Museum offers walk into Kalispell's past

The Northwest Montana History Museum is breathing new life into the history of Kalispell and its surrounding areas through a guided downtown walking tour.

Murder suspect expected to return willingly to Michigan

A Michigan man wanted for a 2011 homicide won't fight extradition back to his home state.

Marketing trends analysis in recruitment: Insights from Montana

Recruitment is a dynamic process that continually evolves to meet the changing needs of organizations and job seekers.

Glacier National Park officials taking public comment on proposed Swiftcurrent project

Glacier National Park officials are soliciting public comment on a proposal to close the Swiftcurrent developed area during the 2025 summer season for water and road improvements.

2 killed, 3 injured in suspected DUI wreck near Columbia Falls

Two people were killed and three others were injured in a suspected DUI wreck Monday evening on U.S. 2 south of Columbia Falls.

Asbestos clinic leaders say verdict won’t halt efforts

A federal jury’s decision that the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby committed fraud has left clinic leadership undeterred.

Letters to the editor July 4

Letters to the editor July 4

Law roundup: Caller concerned for cows’ safety

A concerned passerby reported a dozen bovines munching grass on the side of the highway. Responding officers discovered they were behind a fence in a pasture just doing regular cow things.

You too could be a citizen lobbyist

What is it like to step into Sens. Steve Daines’ or Jon Tester’s office in Washington, D.C., as an ordinary citizen?

Flathead County found mostly responsible for 45-year-old’s death

A jury has found Flathead County mostly negligent in the death of a Kalispell man who was killed after a deadly mishap involving a county-owned semi-truck near Creston in late 2021.

Fireworks rules vary across the valley

Fourth of July holiday revelers are gearing up for celebrations but when it comes to fireworks there are several restrictions which must be observed.

Suspect in church fire charged with arson

A man accused of setting a Kalispell church ablaze last month has pleaded not guilty to one count of arson in Flathead County District Court.

Conservation license now required to access some state lands

A new rule that went into effect over the weekend requires all outdoor enthusiasts to secure a conservation license to access some state lands previously open with few restrictions to the public.

Fireworks sales boom in lead up to July Fourth

In the weeks leading up to Independence Day, dozens of pop-up stands around the Flathead Valley are meeting the area’s explosive demand for fireworks.

Legals for July, 4 2023

Wildfires crop up as conditions dry out

A few small wildfires cropped up in far Northwest Montana over the weekend, continuing an uptick in incidents over the last week as forest fuels begin to dry out.

Teen killed in motorcycle wreck near Bigfork

An 18-year-old from Bigfork died Sunday evening in a motorcycle wreck on Montana 35, according to Montana Highway Patrol.

Patriot Front trials set for July in Coeur d'Alene

More than a year after their arrest for allegedly planning to violently disrupt a Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene City Park, six members of white nationalist hate group Patriot Front are expected to stand trial.

Whitefish Council examines fire department plan

A strategic plan for the Whitefish Fire Department calls for adding firefighters and equipment to the department while continuing to examine the future needs of the agency, which is seeing service calls increase.

Legals for July, 3 2023

Law roundup: Suspicious slough swimmer slips away

Someone was suspicious of an individual they reportedly saw swimming across a slough and then getting out and walking across a resident’s back deck but told the Kalispell Police Department they couldn’t see where they went.

Kalispell City Council to host budget public hearing, vote on housing, sewer regs

Kalispell City Council will vote at its Monday meeting on housing and commercial development projects as well as move toward adopting industrial sewer regulations and hold a public hearing on the proposed municipal budget.

Letters to the editor July 3

Letters to the editor July 3

Couple wants to build supportive tiny house community

The Gabaldons are community organizers and sober-living evangelicals whose vision of a supportive, affordable tiny house community has been forged through their own battles with drugs and alcohol.

Cleanup begins after asphalt binder spill into Montana's Yellowstone River after train derailment

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Globs of asphalt binder that spilled into Montana's Yellowstone River during a bridge collapse and train derailment could be seen on islands and riverbanks downstream from Yellowstone National Park a week after the spill occurred, witnesses report.

Fire destroys Kalispell home

A fire destroyed a two-story home on Second Street West in Kalispell on Saturday evening.

Harmful rhetoric about homelessness must stop

Scott Bryan’s life mattered, and the allegations of his heinous killing deserve a forceful response.

We craft the future to come

Any one of these things would make a community proud, and Kalispell got three new landmarks in six months.

Stephen Richard Peters, 70

Stephen Richard Peters

Thomas Sverre Lee, 74

Thomas Sverre Lee, 74

Meeting set to discuss state property appraisal notices

Many property owners may be getting notices showing valuations have risen since the last reappraisal cycle in 2021.

Osweiler football camp has strong turnout

Legends Stadium in Kalispell was the place to be for youth football players Saturday as the Brock Osweiler football camp took place in collaboration with the Flathead Braves football program.

Flathead Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Business Newsmakers

Happenings at Flathead businesses

Advocates ask commissioners to denounce violence against homeless

Four days after a homeless man was allegedly murdered in Kalispell, advocates for the homeless and community members appealed to the Flathead County commissioners on Thursday seeking condemnation of reported acts of violence against homeless people.

Legals for July, 2 2023

Letters to the editor July 2

Letters to the editor July 2

Robyn Dombrowski, 70

Robyn Dombrowski, 70

Halden Curtiss, 85

Halden Curtiss

Legals for July, 2 2023

Nonprofit improves bike trails across the valley

Ever shred Spencer Mountain’s Otter Pop trail at mach chicken and hit a booter that sends your stomach into your throat?

Gary Jefferson, 67

Gary Jefferson, 67

Law roundup: Teens with bat throw fireworks at person

Kalispell Police Department responded to a report of two to three teens, who reportedly had a bat with them, were on the walking path in Woodland Park, throwing

Soccer club moves toward opening indoor training facility

Designed by Jackola Engineering and Architecture, the future 16,800-square-foot indoor sporting facility is strategically located in Evergreen to ensure accessibility for families across the Flathead Valley.

Is paperwork a good excuse not to feed hungry children?

Approximately 73,000 Montanans. That’s how many hungry children Gov. Greg Gianforte could feed this summer but has cruelly chosen not to.

Fighting the fentanyl crisis in Montana

Families and communities across Montana are being devastated by illicit fentanyl — a drug so powerful that just 2 milligrams, the amount that would fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially fatal dose.

Cheryl Sue Peterson, 83

Cheryl Sue Peterson, 83

Shirley Elizabeth McClarty, 95

Shirley Elizabeth McClarty

Montana FWP releases draft administrative rules to manage grizzlies if delisted

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks issued its first look last week at draft rules for how the state plans to manage grizzly bears should the federal government agree to delist them as endangered species in areas of Montana.

U.S. continues to be a light to the world

As we approach the 4th of July, I’m reminded that it is the only holiday that celebrates all of us in union.

PHOTOS: Former NFL and Flathead QB Brock Osweiler hosts pair of football camps in Kalispell

Former NFL and Flathead Braves quarterback Brock Osweiler hosted a pair of free football camps at Legends Stadium in Kalispell on Saturday, July 1.

Patriot Front trials set for July

More than a year after their arrest for allegedly planning to violently disrupt a Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene City Park, six members of white nationalist hate group Patriot Front are expected to stand trial.

PHOTOS: A springtime hike to Iceberg Lake

Scenes from a springtime hike to Iceberg Lake in the Many Glacier region of Glacier National Park on Sunday, June 18.

ImagineIF Library board trustee expresses interest in removing fair treatment policy

Carmen Cuthbertson, a trustee for ImagineIF Libraries, is pushing for the removal of the county library system’s fair treatment policy.

Mountain Climber bus system to reintroduce fares

The Mountain Climber, Flathead County’s public bus system, will reintroduce $1 fares for rides after more than three years of delivering free transportation.

Community band holds Fourth of July concert

The Flathead Valley Community Band will present “An American Celebration” concert on Tuesday, July 4, in Kalispell’s Depot Park.

Dick Erb: “Brilliant, humble and inclusive”

Moiese Valley rancher Dick Erb brought a wise and generous spirit to life’s challenges – whether it was fine-tuning the sprinklers in his hay fields, helping stabilize the economies of nations facing debt crisis or focusing his insights and global experience on complex local issues.

Whitefish City Council approves $49.3M preliminary budget

The Whitefish City Council approved the preliminary fiscal year 2024 budget at its meeting in June after two work sessions to review and discuss it.