Ellington

Threat of government shutdown ends as Congress passes a temporary funding plan and sends it to Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a federal government shutdown ended late Saturday, hours before a midnight deadline, as Congress approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open and sent the measure to President Joe Biden to sign.

On the brink of a federal shutdown, the House passes a 45-day funding plan and sends it to Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — On the brink of a federal government shutdown, the House on Saturday swiftly approved a 45-day funding bill to keep federal agencies open as Speaker Kevin McCarthy dropped demands for steep spending cuts and relied on Democratic votes for passage to send the package to the Senate.

Suspect in gas station fight earns six-month sentence

Robert Eugene McCarty, 36, initially faced a felony assault with a weapon charge in Flathead County District Court related to the April 17 melee at the Kalispell business.

Higher gas prices lift Fed's preferred inflation gauge but underlying price pressures remain mild

Friday's report from the Commerce Department showed that prices rose 0.4% from July to August, up from just 0.2% the previous month. A 10% monthly spike in prices at the gas pump drove the increase.

Louisiana citrus farmers are seeing a mass influx of salt water that could threaten seedlings

The latest hurdle comes from a slow-moving threat — a mass influx of salt water from the Gulf of Mexico that is creeping up the drought-stricken Mississippi River. Not only is the saltwater intrusion threatening drinking water supplies for communities, but it can also kill citrus seedlings.

As employers face labor shortages, Biden administration rolls out playbook for training workers

The Biden administration on Friday is expected to release a playbook on best practices for training workers as the low 3.8% unemployment rate and years of underinvestment have left manufacturers, construction firms and other employers with unfilled jobs

The Supreme Court will decide if state laws limiting social media platforms violate the Constitution

The justices will review laws enacted by Republican-dominated legislatures and signed by Republican governors in Florida and Texas. While the details vary, both laws aim to prevent the social media companies from censoring users based on their viewpoints.

Polson boys, girls lead State A golf

SIDNEY — The Polson golfers appear to travel well, with both the girls and boys teams seizing first-day leads at the State A golf tournament at the Sidney Country Club.

Prep Football: Whitefish upends Bigfork; Eureka wins big

BIGFORK — Carson Gulick threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, leading Whitefish over Bigfork 20-16 in a Western A football game.

Flathead falls to Bengals, 47-14

HELENA — Carter Kraft ran for two touchdowns and threw to Jaxan Leiberg for two more scores Friday, and Helena High beat Flathead 47-14 in a Western AA football game.

Glacier handles Capital, 56-0

Glacier coach Grady Bennett feels the 2023 Wolfpack are a little more together — and Friday, together, they put a complete thumping on the defending state champions.

PHOTOS: Glacier shuts out Capital, 56-0

Photos from the Glacier Wolfpack's 56-0 win over the Helena Capital Bruins at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 29.

Wolfpack take down AA boys golf crown

Turns out the divisional tournament was just a hiccup for the Glacier Wolfpack boys, who picked up their third State AA golf championship at Lake Hills Golf Course Friday.

Parking dispute sparked shooting, court docs say

Prosecutors filed an assault with a weapon charge against John David Walker, 70, of Dayton in Flathead County District Court on Sept. 29, two days after the shooting near U.S. 93. Kalispell Police officers, responding to reports of an assault involving a weapon about 4:30 p.m., took Walker into custody at the scene, according to a department press release.

National park gates will be locked, rangers furloughed if government shuts down

Entrances to national parks will be blocked and thousands of park rangers will be furloughed if Congress doesn't reach a budget agreement this weekend, the Department of Interior said Friday.

PHOTOS: Kila School celebrates Native American Heritage Day

Students at Kila School celebrate Native American Heritage Day with a variety of activities on Friday, Sept. 29.

Bigfork ranch looking to teach skills of the Old West

One local ranch is looking to use it’s Old West heritage to held educate children and more.

Weather closes vehicle access to Glacier's Logan Pass

Glacier National Park announced late Thursday that the Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to motor vehicles between Avalanche Creek and Jackson Glacier Overlook because of the weather.

ImagineIF Libraries director resigns

Ashley Cummins is leaving her position as ImagineIF Library Director, citing family issues.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California dies at age 90

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, a centrist Democrat who was elected to the Senate in 1992 in the "Year of the Woman" and broke gender barriers throughout her long career in local and national politics, has died. She was 90.

Glacier again tops Flathead for flag football title

It’s two years, two state titles for the Glacier Wolfpack flag football squad, who beat Flathead 28-13 Thursday night in the championship at Naranche Stadium.

Hellgate tops Flathead soccer teams

Hellgate got goals from three different players to top the Flathead Bravettes 3-0 in Western AA girls soccer on Thursday.

Whitefish holds off Vikings, 3-1

The Whitefish Bulldogs held off the Bigfork Vikings Thursday in Northwest A boys soccer, 3-1.

Wolfpack faces big Bruin test

Flathead on road to play Helena High

The tests keep coming for the Glacier Wolfpack, who on Friday will host the defending state champion Helena Capital Bruins in a key Western AA football game.

Whitefish's proposed rental assistance program well-received

The Whitefish City Council showed interest in a program aimed at providing rental assistance to residents of Whitefish.

Wolfpack sweeps Flathead

There were a few jitters at the beginning on both sides, including an errant ball that landed in the lap of a crowd member, but at the end, Glacier came away with a three-set sweep over the Flathead Bravettes in this iteration of crosstown volleyball at the Glacier High gym on Thursday.

Glacier boys lead AA golf after 18

With Sam Engellant battling Missoula Sentinel’s Kade McDonough to a first-day draw, the Glacier Wolfpack boys seized the lead after 18 holes of the State AA golf tournament Thursday.

Dementia workshop aims to educate and support caregivers

Alzheimer’s falls under the umbrella of dementia-related diseases, which are hallmarked by progressive mental decline that leads to loss of memory, issues with reasoning and changes in communication, among other symptoms.

Sally Sandvik (Adams), 80

Sally Sandvik (Adams)

Law roundup: Man learns guns and booze don’t mix

A man disarmed by a police officer after mixing a gun with alcohol phoned the Columbia Falls Police Department to inquire about where and how he could recover the weapon.

Legals for September, 29 2023

Holmes Player Haselden, Jr., 82

Holmes Player "Hap" Haselden, Jr.

Fire in Kalispell mobile home park extinguished

Firefighters from Kalispell and Evergreen doused a blaze in a lean-to used for firewood storage in a mobile home park near the intersection of Whitefish Stage Road and East California Street on Thursday morning.

Judge grants restraining order blocking abortion licensure requirement from taking effect

A judge in Helena issued a temporary restraining order temporarily blocking a law set to take effect Oct. 1 that would have required Montana abortion clinics to be licensed in order to operate.

Kalispell's Mady Rigg competes in Miss USA on Friday night

Kalispell resident Mady Rigg competes in the 2023 Miss USA Pageant in Reno, Nevada on Friday, Sept. 29.

Kalispell shooting leaves one man injured, another behind bars

Kalispell Police officers headed to Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply on U.S. 93 South about 4:30 p.m., Sept. 27 for a report of an assault with a weapon, according to a press release issued by the department.

In Glacier National Park, this toilet melds into the landscape

Over the years, Glacier Park has added a host of bathrooms along the Going-to-the-Sun Road at several pullouts.

First crosstown volleyball match on deck

Glacier, unbeaten in Western AA conference play, will be the home team tonight against the Flathead Bravettes in the first crosstown meeting of the year between the schools.

Apartment project proposed at Whitefish's south entrance

Plans emerged Monday for a large mixed-use development at the south gateway to Whitefish that would include more than 200 apartment units.

Bigfork teen accused of raping minor

Logan Sutherland of Bigfork remains held in the county jail with a transfer hearing before Judge Robert Allison in Flathead County District Court scheduled for Sept. 29.

Band Tin Finley celebrates collaboration while following creative passions

Tin Finley performs on Friday, Oct. 6 for the Daily Inter Lake’s lunch concert series Press Play.

Men’s quartet concert Oct. 4 in Whitefish

The Quartet, who have sung together for over 20 years, will present a diverse program of folk songs from Scotland, Ireland, England, Canada, and America as well as classical and sacred music.

Classic Albums Live presents Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’

Tickets are on sale to see Classic Albums Live perform Fleetwood Mac album “Rumors” in January.

'Magic John Michaels' remembered as voice of the valley

Every weekday morning, John Michael Fleming arrived at Kalispell’s Bee Broadcasting radio station at 4 a.m. to prepare for his 6 a.m. show, Bear Morning Country Club.

Suspected dog-napper facing felony charges

Ashley Nicole Smith, 37, faces felony counts of criminal mischief and criminal possession of dangerous drugs after allegedly ramming her ex-boyfriend’s vehicle and threatening him with a gun on Kalispell’s west side on Sept. 23.

Our heroes deserve better

As a Gold Star widow, Navy wife and mother, ship sponsor, and spouse of a lawmaker, I am disgusted by the actions of those who are willing to sacrifice our troops for their political gain.

Leo Allen King, 68

Leo Allen King

God, guns, guts and compromise

Sunday, Sept. 17, was the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia in 1787.

Exploring Montana's backroads

If you want to enjoy this week’s Outdoor column, you must set your clock back 100 years or more as we explore a backroads corner of Montana.

Volunteers invited to Hawk Watch in Glacier Park

Glacier National Park will host its annual Mount Brown Hawk Watch Program on Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near Lake McDonald Lodge.

Pack boys chasing Sentinel; Pirate girls aim for A repeat

The Glacier Wolfpack’s run through the AA boys golf campaign took a little detour last week at Bill Roberts Golf Course, where Missoula Sentinel decided to stop the streak.

Tudor steps down as Bravettes coach

The Flathead Bravettes basketball team will look to build on last year’s state title game appearance with a new coach: Sam Tudor announced his resignation Wednesday.

Senator Ellsworth is wrong about Whitefish

Since the 2023 Montana Legislative Session ended this past spring, the Daily Inter Lake and other papers around the state have been bombarded with op-eds from right-wing legislators bragging about how all of the draconian laws they passed during the last session are having positive impacts around the state.

Law roundup: Naked man takes one toke over the line

A naked man with a ponytail allegedly wandered outside an apartment building and walked around acting devastated. He told the responding Kalispell Police

Seeking gold: Pair of aces lead Pirates’ chase for golf title

This has been quite a run for the Polson boys golfers, a quintet of seniors that will play their final high school meet Friday and Saturday, the State A tournament in Sidney.

Wolfpack, Bravettes ready for flag football championship

The 2023 State Flag Football Championships are set for Thursday at Butte’s Naranche Stadium, and it wouldn’t surprise many if Flathead and Glacier ended up in that final, 6 p.m., slot.

Republican legislator sues Gianforte administration over tax bill

Republican state Sen. Brad Molnar filed a lawsuit against the Montana Department of Revenue Tuesday, alleging that the agency has misinterpreted state law in a way that will result in property owners across Montana being overcharged on their tax bills.

Fly Fishing Film Festival stops in Whitefish

The Whitefish event will be at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, 127 Spokane Avenue, at 7 p.m.

‘Matilda Jr.’ wraps up performances this week

Performances of Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre’s season opener “Matilda Jr.” — a story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers — conclude this week.

Legals for September, 28 2023

Quiet color palette hallmark of featured artist at Cawdrey Gallery

Her landscapes are impressionistic, moody and atmospheric, uncannily reminiscent of overcast Montana skies in November or February, according to a release.

WTC holds auditions for ‘A Christmas Carol’

Auditions for “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” will be held on Sunday, Oct. 1 and Monday, Oct. 2.

Montana judge blocks enforcement of law to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors

HELENA (AP) — A Montana law banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors is temporarily blocked, a state judge ruled Wednesday, just four days before it was to take effect.

Billings man charged with threatening Tester, Biden

A Billings man accused of threatening to kill Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and threatening President Joe Biden appeared on an indictment on Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

AG's office charges Polson officer with child sexual abuse

A recently arrested Polson Police officer was officially charged by the Attorney General’s Office for sexual abuse of children on Friday.

Golan ties scoring record in Wildcats’ win

Kai Golan scored four times and had four assists for the Columbia Falls Wildcats in an 8-2 Northwest A win over Libby on Tuesday.

Knudsen petitions Supreme Court to reverse rulings in homelessness cases

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen joined his colleagues on Monday in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a lower court’s decisions that place restrictions on local governments’ efforts to crack down on homeless encampments.

Board votes to dissolve Troy Dispatch Center

After discussion at a Sept. 22 meeting, Troy Area Dispatch Board members John Righter, Heather McDougall and Hank LaSalla voted unanimously to dissolve the Troy Area Dispatch District and permanently transfer dispatch services to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Suspect in barricade situation threw knife, strangled girlfriend, court docs say

Kalispell Police officers took Trevor Allen Berggren, 28, into custody following a late night call to a reported disturbance at an apartment on Glenwood Drive on Sept. 23.

DEQ says wastewater system near Holland Lake could be leaking

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has asked the U.S. Forest Service to test if its wastewater system near Holland Lake is leaking and contaminating the lake or groundwater. The investigation comes after Save Holland Lake — a group organized last year against a proposed expansion of the nearby Holland Lake Lodge — filed a complaint alleging the federal agency has been ignoring for months its concerns about the wastewater system near Condon.

As writers reach tentative deal and actors look ahead, here are the Hollywood Strikes' key players

The two sides had been divided on issues of pay, the size of writing staffs on shows and the use of artificial intelligence in how scripts are created.

My Glacier Village hosts Sip and Sample event

My Glacier Village, a local nonprofit serving area seniors, is hosting the Sip and Sample Autumn Stroll through downtown Kalispell on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 1-5:30 p.m.

Steak takes advantage of fall produce

Our glorious Montana summer is fading into the rich flavors of fall. This recipe is the perfect way to utilize your last few heirloom tomatoes for a tasty dinner full of fresh garden flavors.

Carol King Daly, 80

Carol King Daly

Whitefish spikers sweep Browning

Myli Ridgeway had eight kills and 13 digs to lead Whitefish to a straight-sets win over Browning in Western A volleyball action Tuesday.

Flathead sweeps Whitefish cross country

Braves’ Nuila, Wolfpack’s Bissen win individual titles

With Robbie Nuila and Josie Wilson leading the way, the Flathead cross country teams swept the Whitefish Invitational held Tuesday, with Glacier not far behind.

Sentinel downs Bravettes

The Missoula Sentinel Spartans outlasted the Flathead Bravettes 2-0 on Tuesday in Western AA girls soccer.

Legals for September, 27 2023

Kalispell City Council work session focuses on educational campaign for levy request

Kalispell City Council on Monday began debating launching a campaign to educate residents on the municipality’s public safety needs ahead of a potential levy request.

Law roundup: The time is not right for dancing in the street

Someone was spooked by a bearded man with long hair as he reportedly danced across the street and inched closer to them, making “weird movements.”

Amazon is investing up to $4 billion in AI startup Anthropic in growing tech battle

The investment underscores how Big Tech companies are pouring money into AI as they race to capitalize on the opportunities that the latest generation of the technology is set to fuel.

Oil prices have risen. That's making gas more expensive for US drivers and helping Russia's war

The increase also complicates the global fight against inflation and feeds Russia's war chest. That poses problems for politicians as well as the people having to spend more to get to work, transport the world's goods or harvest fields.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation creates online program system

Kalispell is working with CivicRec, a vendor that creates recreation management software for local governments, to create and launch the system.

Whitefish eatery focuses on health-conscious food

From smoothies and acai bowls to sandwiches and burritos, Huck’s Place offers a wide array of health-conscious food centered around boosting wellness.

Montana wardens describe fear, intimidation, while audit finds missing paperwork, scattered data

An audit of Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Enforcement Division paints a picture of employee dissatisfaction, retaliation and fear, while leaders within the department could not provide any human resources paperwork.

Commander Biden bites another Secret Service employee at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden 's dog Commander has bitten another U.S. Secret Service employee.

Sen. Booker says fellow New Jersey Democrat Menendez should resign over 'shocking' bribe allegations

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Cory Booker is calling on Sen. Bob Menendez to resign, saying in a statement that the federal bribery charges unveiled on Friday against his fellow New Jersey Democrat contain "shocking allegations of corruption and specific, disturbing details of wrongdoing."

Congress is moving into crisis mode as time runs short to avoid a government shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — With a government shutdown five days away, Congress is moving into crisis mode as Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces an insurgency from hard-right Republicans eager to slash spending even if it means curtailing federal services for millions of Americans.

Hunter Biden sues Rudy Giuliani and another lawyer over accessing and sharing of his personal data

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden sued Rudy Giuliani and another attorney Tuesday, saying the two wrongly accessed and shared his personal data after obtaining it from the owner of a Delaware computer repair shop.

Kalispell businessman donates $4M for FVCC entrepreneurship center

Flathead Valley Community College received a $4 million donation from local businessman Paul Wachholz to support the college’s future entrepreneurship center on campus in Kalispell.

Property tax rebate deadline extended

The last day to claim the Montana Property Tax Rebate is Monday, October 2.

Knife-wielding suspect sentenced for criminal endangerment

Prosecutors initially charged Corey Scott Smith, 37, with felony assault with a weapon after his July 6, 2022 arrest near Seventh Avenue East North.

19-year-old rescued from Huckleberry Mountain in May avoids double amputation

Told to expect a double amputation below the knees owing to frostbite, the 19-year-old from Michigan who spent several harrowing days lost in Glacier National Park in early May is now battling to make a full recovery without the loss of his extremities.

Toymaker Lego will stick to its quest to find sustainable materials despite failed recycle attempt

Lego said it has "decided not to progress" with making its trademark colorful bricks from recycled plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate, known as PET, and after more than two years of testing "found the material didn't reduce carbon emissions."

Glacier officials will lead other parks in whitebark pine restoration with new federal funding

An influx of federal dollars through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act is expected to bolster Glacier National Park officials’ whitebark pine restoration efforts and help them lend assistance to other parks working to protect and expand the keystone species.

Legals for September, 26 2023

Law roundup: No-return policy for man’s bad behavior

A beastly 6-foot-tall man dressed in black allegedly chewed up a receipt and spit it at an employee. Someone

Stockman Bank marks 70 years with open house events

All bank locations are holding a 70th Anniversary Open House on National Good Neighbor Day on Thursday, Sept. 28.

Robert 'Bob' Ross, 88

Robert 'Bob' Ross, 88

Montana's marijuana testing process questioned

One of Montana’s few in-state laboratories that had participated in the roll-out of the recreational and medical marijuana programs said that it has closed its doors, largely based on concerns the owners have with scientific accuracy of testing the formerly banned substance.

UM fall enrollment tops 10,000 students

MISSOULA – The University of Montana’s enrollment ascent continues, driven by a 3.7% increase in total student headcount – the largest annual growth rate in 14 years.

Kalispell Police arrest man following barricade situation

Trevor Berggren is being held in the county jail following his arrest and expected to make an initial court appearance on Monday morning.

Law roundup: Woman isn’t going to teddy bear picnic

A woman called the Kalispell Police Department to report a suspicious young woman with bags of teddy bears who was allegedly hanging around a car shop and repeatedly

ImagineIF children’s librarian Becca Johnson and the power of play

“My background in early childhood really made me passionate about play — how kids learn through play and how they learn by doing and participating and getting messy,” Johnson said. “So, I feel like one of my biggest goals when I first started was that I wanted to bring a little bit of that mess into the library.”

Letters to the editor Sept. 25

Letters to the editor Sept. 25

Kalispell City Council to review plans for public safety levy educational campaign

Kalispell City Council on Monday is expected to consider undertaking an informational campaign aimed at educating voters on the municipality’s public safety needs ahead of a levy request.

Legals for September, 25 2023

Hanna Spencer, 101

Hanna Spencer, 101, passed away on Sept. 23, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on Jan. 15, 1922, in Copenhagen, Denmark, to Boris and Elsa Lehmann. She moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, when she was 5 years old; she spoke no English when she started school there.

Collaborative art installation project takes shape at Whitefish High School

Whitefish High School and the Stumptown Art Studio along with several local businesses joined forces three years ago to start work on a large-scale art installation.

Legals for September, 24 2023

No. 15 Montana Tech knocks off No. 7 College of Idaho

In a battle of nationally ranked teams, Montana Tech came out victorious with a 44-35 win over College of Idaho.

Overcrowding at Glacier and why Congress must act

Glacier National Park has been recently criticized for trying to address an overwhelming problem — too many visitors at one time and not enough park staff to fully support the high levels of visitation.

Film tells unexpected journey of the buffalo

The series, which has been in production for four years, will take viewers on a journey through more than 10,000 years of North American history and across some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes, tracing the mammal’s evolution, its significance to the Great Plains and its relationship to the Indigenous People of North America.

Our children are worth funding

This past August, the Kalispell Public Schools Board of Trustees unanimously approved the resolutions to call for technology and safety levies to be put in front of the voters this fall.

School safety, tech levies deserve support

Many of Kalispell Public Schools’ high school students weren’t even born the last time the high school district approved a levy of any type.

Testifying before congress, Brodehl calls for more representation from gateway communities

Flathead County Commissioner Randy Brodehl told Congress last week that without a policy shift, communities that serve as gateways to national parks and other natural treasures could suffer economically from decisions made thousands of miles away.

Glacier sweeps Big Sky in soccer

Joey Paolini poured in four goals to help the Glacier Wolfpack to an 8-0 win over Western AA foe Missoula Big Sky in boys soccer on Saturday.

Griz offense struggles, falls to NAU 28-14

An early special teams breakdown gave way to major offensive struggles for the Montana Grizzlies, who fell 28-14 to previously winless Northern Arizona inside the Walkup Skydome Saturday.

Bulldogs topple Loggers

Kyler Jonson’s hat trick helped the Whitefish Bulldogs top the Libby Loggers 8-1 on Saturday in boys Western A soccer.

Wildkats play to draw with Bigfork

Bigfork’s Piper Buzzell and Braeden Gunlock buried late goals to forge a 2-2 tie with Columbia Falls in girls Western A soccer on Saturday.

Glacier’s Bissen, Flathead’s Wilson shine at Mountain West Classic

The usual suspects — Bozeman, Coeur d’Alene, Hardin, Hellgate and Gallatin — blazed through the Mountain West Classic cross country course Saturday.

Law roundup: Woman clumsily pepper sprays merchandise

A manager called the Kalispell Police Department to report a woman who allegedly purchased pepper spray and accidentally sprayed it onto pairs of sunglasses, causing more than $1,800 in damage. The manager said

Chambers, Bobcats dominate Weber 40-0

The rematch was a mismatch. Quarterback Sean Chambers threw for two touchdowns and ran for 114 yards and two more scores, and No. 3 Montana State scored a dominant, 40-0 win over No. 8 Weber State Saturday.

Nancy Harvey, 89

Nancy Harvey

ImagineIF begins new fall programming for kids and teens

These programs offer educational activities and inviting spaces for kids and teens after school.

Bread business rises to provide healthy sourdough

The home-cooked, unprocessed, made-from-scratch meals were a key element of rehabilitation, and eventually inspired Caroline Garrett to start her bread-making business, Sourdough Pursuit, to provide the same kind of nourishment for her community in Whitefish.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Letters to the editor Sept. 24

Letters to the editor Sept. 24

Tolbert Porter Edwards, 83

Tolbert Porter Edwards, age 83, passed away on Sept. 19, 2023, at his home in Marion, with his loving family by his side.

Complaint against Knudsen a partisan attack

It is shameful that the Office of Disciplinary Council, which is appointed by the liberal-dominated Montana Supreme Court, is pursuing a meritless, ethical complaint against Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen for simply doing his job representing the Legislature in a legitimate constitutional dispute between the Legislature and the court.

SBA celebrates 70 years of powering the American dream

SBA’s creation was largely a response to the pressures of the Great Depression and World War II.

Glacier sweeps Big Sky in soccer

Joey Paolini poured in four goals to help the Glacier Wolfpack to an 8-0 win over Western AA foe Missoula Big Sky in boys soccer on Saturday.

Hunting season forecast for Northwest Montana similar to last year's

As the start of the general hunting season nears, experts predict hunters will see conditions and opportunities similar to 2022 in Northwest Montana.

A memorable performance for several reasons

We thought it was just a piece of trash on the road to Bigfork. It seemed to flutter in the wind like a brown paper bag. As we got closer, we saw it was earthbound and alive.

Idaho’s Chavez boots winning FG with 1 second left

Ricardo Chavez kicked a 30-yard field goal with one second left and Idaho added a touchdown on the final play, defeating Sacramento State 36-27 in a wild Big Sky Conference opener on Saturday.

Linda Roth, 75

Linda Roth

Dorcheus, Goicoechea lead Wolfpack rout

MISSOULA — Glacier running back Kobe Dorcheus ran for 160 yards — on just four carries — and two touchdowns in the Wolfpack’s 42-0 win over Missoula Hellgate Friday.

Montana to apply for federal money for children’s meals for summer 2024

Montana’s health department director said last week the state is applying in January for the next round of federal money that helps pay for meals for children in the summer.

Prep Football: Columbia Falls cruises; Eureka wins

COLUMBIA FALLS — Columbia Falls quarterback Cody Schweikert threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more scores Friday, leading the Wildcats over Polson 42-0 in Western A football.

Flathead drops dogfight with Butte 21-7

It was a tale of two halves Friday night at Legends Stadium where the Flathead Braves lost a hard-fought western AA battle with the Butte Bulldogs 21-7.

PHOTOS: Flathead falls to Butte, 21-7

Photos from the Flathead Braves 21-7 loss to the Butte Bulldogs at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 22.

Griz and cub put down after breaking into cabins, freezers

A grizzly sow and her cub were captured and euthanized after several conflicts with people in the Fortine and North Fork areas in northwest Montana.

Travolta Christmas Show adds extra treat for final season

Share your own Christmas Eve stories for the stage, deadline Oct. 6

Calling all "Travolta Christmas Show" fans: It's time to mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the holiday season like never before. “As the show's last season, we are determined to make it an unforgettable experience for all of our cherished fans,” said stage, screen and film actress Ellen Travolta, of Coeur d'Alene.

Polson sweeps Western A golf divisional

One medalist, two titles. Polson claimed the team titles at the one-day Western A Divisional golf tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Course Thursday, and the Pirates did it pretty convincingly.

Flathead fired up to battle Bulldogs

Glacier faces Hellgate on road Friday

The Flathead Braves of 2023 have moved the football capably, second-year coach Caleb Aland noted this week. It’s the last 25 yards or so that have been difficult.

Kalispell Public Schools levy requests focus on safety and technology

Voters have until Oct. 3 to return ballots to Kalispell Public Schools that will decide the fate of technology and levy issues for its elementary and high school districts, which operate on separate budgets.

Kalispell mother joins Washington, D.C. rally on fentanyl crisis

As an advocacy group, Lost Voices of Fentanyl works to raise awareness and ultimately aims to end fentanyl-related deaths in the country. The rally on Sept. 23 aims to draw attention to the urgency behind the issue and calls for stopping drugs crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Legals for September, 22 2023

Donald William Lee, 70

Donald William Lee

Bravette spikers down Hellgate

Olive Lyngholm provided five of Flathead’s 23 total aces Thursday in a three-set victory over Missoula Hellgate in Western AA volleyball.

Gerald Hays Hill, 86

Gerald "Jerry" Hill

Law Roundup: Case of the doughnut thief

A man, who apparently is a known offender, took a doughnut from the grocery store and ate it without paying, according to the Kalispell Police Department.

Pack golfers 2nd, 3rd at Western AA

HELENA — The Sentinel boys played golf a little bit more like mortals on Thursday, but Glacier couldn’t close the gap at the Western AA Divisional.

Nine climbers rescued from peak in Glacier National Park

A group of nine hikers were rescued this week after getting stuck on a mountain near Logan Pass in Glacier National Park.

Bravettes hold off Glacier

The Flathead Bravettes took an early lead and then broke a tie in the second half to hold off the Glacier Wolfpack for a 3-2 win at Legends Stadium on Thursday in Western AA girls soccer.

Doris Bernice Seney, 102

Doris "Dorie" Bernice Seney

Whitefish Review celebrates 28th issue 'Into the Unknown'

Whitefish Review will celebrate the publication of its 28th issue on Thursday, Sept. 28 with an event featuring the photography of Susan Bridges.

Logan Health to honor NICU patients and families

Logan Health Children’s will host two events on Saturday, Sept. 23 honoring NICU patients and families.

Prescribed burns planned around Northwest Montana

Flathead National Forest is planning to conduct fall prescribed burning as conditions become favorable, and smoke will be visible from the Flathead Valley.

Permit required for fall burning season

In anticipation of open burning resuming Oct. 1, people who plan on burning are reminded they need to obtain a permit before burning.

Flashing beacons to be installed around courthouse

Phase two of the Montana Department of Transportation’s Kalispell couplet project has begun.

Women of the West is focus Hockaday exhibits and panel discussion

Montana women artists are the focus of three new exhibitions and a panel discussion at the Hockaday Museum of Art.

Flathead wrestler Anders Thompson commits to Wyoming

A big spring and summer has taken a little pressure off this coming winter for Anders Thompson, who committed to wrestle for the University of Wyoming Sunday evening.

Crosstown soccer on tap under the lights

Flathead and Glacier are set for the first crosstown soccer meeting of the season tonight at Legends Stadium.

Glacier spikers top Hellgate in 4

Sarah Downs had 10 kills and 14 digs, helping the Glacier Wolfpack stay unbeaten in Western AA volleyball play with a four-set win at Missoula Hellgate Tuesday.

Montana senators support act to boost federal firefighter wages

With the deadline to pass a federal budget rapidly approaching, members of Montana’s congressional delegation are working to permanently increase pay for wildland firefighters.

‘Lucid Dreaming’ art exhibit comes to FVCC

Montana artist Jennifer Indreland’s “Lucid Dreaming” exhibition comes to the Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery at Flathead Valley Community College.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness

Montana faces a mental health epidemic. All our families have been touched by this crisis in one way or another.

Legals for September, 21 2023

Briefs: Lakers tryouts this weekend

Registration is open for the Kalispell Lakers’ 2024 season tryouts, which begin Saturday at Griffin Field.

Law roundup: Man entranced by messages

Kalispell Police Department responded to a report of a man who was allegedly sitting in a parked vehicle, slumped over. An employee told officers the man was unresponsive after they banged on the window. Turns out, the mesmerized man,

Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents ‘Matilda Jr.’

Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents season opener “Matilda Jr.” — a story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers.

Eli Young Band to perform in Kalispell

Tickets are on sale to see the Eli Young Band, a group described as unique in the modern Country scene for being “a true band of brothers who play their own instruments, write their own songs and cling fast to their Texas roots.”

Bench warrant issued for convicted camper thief

Crystal Marie Stierns, 35, was expected before Judge Robert Allison on Sept. 7 for her sentencing on charges stemming from the theft of a camper in the Kalispell area in June 2022.

Flathead falls to Spartans in 4 sets

Olive Lyngholm had 16 kills and Kendall Kratofill added 19 digs and four aces, but Flathead still fell to Missoula Sentinel in four sets in Western AA volleyball Tuesday.

Whitefish bond issue aims to accommodate ballooning enrollment

Whitefish School District has mailed 12,230 ballots to voters who will decide the fate of a $33.7 million bond issue to address enrollment growth by expanding the high school’s academic and athletic facilities.

Whitefish Theatre Company brings comedy ‘Kalamazoo’ to the stage

Described as “both hilarious and startlingly honest,” Whitefish Theatre Company presents “Kalamazoo” by Michelle Kholos Brooks and Kelly Younger in its first Black Curtain production of the season.

Climbing competition at Stone Hill makes a comeback

In rock climbing lingo, to crank is to pull on a climbing hold as hard as possible. This month, climbers from all over the northwest are getting pumped for the return of the Koocanusa Krank, a climbing competition at Stone Hill in Rexford.

Rockumentary tapped for Movie Night at the Museum

Get ready to rock out at Movie Night at the Museum on Sept. 26 where Director Rob Reiner’s 1984 “rockumentary” “This is Spinal Tap” will be screened.

Glacier girls, Sentinel boys seize Western AA golf leads

The Western AA golfers are back at Bill Roberts Golf Course, and the Sentinel boys came to play.

Letters to the editor Sept. 21

Letters to the editor Sept. 21

Locals Day returns to Kalispell museums

Visitors who show their Montana driver’s licenses can buy a passport to the three museums, all located within a short walk of one another in downtown Kalispell.

Performance aims to introduce youngsters to music of Beethoven

Glacier Symphony will perform with Classical Kids Live! from Classical Kids Music Education at the Wachholz College Center.

PHOTOS: Flathead High School's Homecoming Parade 2023

Scenes from Flathead High School's Homecoming Parade through downtown Kalispell on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

DEQ investigates possible wastewater leak at Holland Lake

The wastewater system serving Holland Lake Lodge and a nearby campground may be leaking more than it should and polluting water on U.S. Forest Service land — but required test results may not be available until November.

Montana State University sets new enrollment record

BOZEMAN – Montana State University’s fall student enrollment is the largest in its 130-year history.

Polson man accused of stabbing his mother to death

A Polson man has been charged in the suspicious death of his elderly mother. Garret Vaska, 46, has been charged with tampering with evidence and deliberate homicide.

Cyclist killed in collision on Montana 35

A cyclist from Florida was killed in a collision with a pickup truck while crossing the intersection of Holt Stage Road, Mennonite Church Road and Montana 35 on Monday, officials say.

Josephine L. Brown, 75

Josephine L. Brown

Letters to the editor Sept. 20

Letters to the editor Sept. 20

Sam Engellant plays big for deep Wolfpack

Heading into the Western AA Divisional golf tournament Wednesday and Thursday at Bill Roberts Golf Course, the Glacier Wolfpack boys are cruising.

Briefs: Griz keeper honored again

FARMINGTON, Utah — For the second time this season, Montana Grizzlies goalie Ashlyn Dvorak has been named Defensive Player of the Week by the Big Sky Conference.

Kai Johnson’s three TD passes lead Glacier to crosstown flag football win

It was a full house at Legends Stadium Tuesday, the bleachers jam-packed with attendees for a crosstown flag football showdown between Glacier and Flathead that ended with a 25-6 Wolfpack win.

Suspect in armed barroom dispute given deferred sentence

A local man accused of threatening another man with a gun at an area bar last year received a deferred two-year sentence in Flathead County District Court earlier this month.

State ban on medical treatments for transgender minors has first day in court

In a full Missoula courtroom on Monday, attorneys for plaintiffs and the state of Montana traded arguments about whether a ban on certain medical treatments for transgender minors should be allowed to take effect Oct. 1 while a challenge to the law’s constitutionality proceeds.

Johns, Harris hat tricks lift Wildkats

Mila Johns and Josie Harris scored hat tricks for the Columbia Falls Wildkats in an 8-0 conference win over the Polson Pirates in Northwest A girls soccer on Tuesday.

Chase through Columbia Falls ends in armed confrontation

A 29-year-old is behind bars after an apparent road rage incident in Columbia Falls over the weekend that allegedly nearly ended in gunfire.

Howard V. Spain Jr., 48

Howard V. Spain Jr.

Roger M. Smith, 87

Roger M. Smith

Law roundup: Police told to look for man with attitude problem

Someone told the Kalispell Police Department to look for a young man with an attitude problem who was wearing a red T-shirt after he reportedly refused to leave and kept returning to the business.

New laws already have positive impact

The 2023 legislative session wrapped up less than five months ago. Many bills don’t go into effect until Oct. 1 of this year, Jan. 1 of next year, or later.

Lora Croskrey Steele Phillips, 78

Lora Croskrey Steele Phillips

Vote 'yes' to help sustain Whitefish's traditions and values

As the owners of The Buffalo Cafe, a downtown Whitefish business since 1983, we would like to encourage you to vote “yes" on the November ballot to reallocate 10% of the resort tax dollars for community housing projects.

Legals for September, 20 2023

House Republicans set first Biden impeachment inquiry hearing for Sept. 28

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans plan to hold their first hearing next week in their impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

Americans released by Iran arrive home, tearfully embrace their loved ones and declare: 'Freedom!'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans detained for years in Iran arrived home Tuesday, tearfully hugged their loved ones and declared "Freedom!" after being let go as part of a politically risky deal that saw President Joe Biden agree to the release of nearly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets.

Great Fish Community Challenge sets fundraising record

The ninth annual Great Fish Community Challenge ended Sept. 15 with more than $5.2 million donated to 77 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations in five weeks.

Colleen Wills Breeze, 80

Colleen Wills Breeze

State inks multi-million dollar deal with behavioral health consultants

The Montana state health department has inked a contract that will likely pay millions of dollars to a private consulting group to coordinate a mammoth two-year effort to reform mental health, addiction treatment and developmental disabilities services across the state.

Montana working on vaccine for fentanyl, heroin overdose

A vaccine to prevent overdosing on fentanyl and one for heroin are in the works at the University of Montana and partner institutions.

Letters to the editor Sept. 19

Letters to the editor Sept. 19

Law roundup: Man wants investigation of stolen meth pipe

Law roundup: Man wants investigation of stolen meth pipe

Legals for September, 19 2023

Library board pushing an agenda, again

In a stunning act of irony, the ImagineIf Library Board of Trustees has decided that their staff cannot put up a display during Banned Books Week this year.

School district transportation and maintenance departments relocate

Kalispell Public Schools’ transportation, maintenance and grounds departments recently moved into new facilities at 124 School Station Court.

Housing assistance program focus of Whitefish City Council work session

The regular meeting of the Whitefish City Council begins at 7:10 p.m.

Law roundup: Man makes empty threat to pharmacist

A man reportedly threatened to shoot a pharmacist, showing him an empty holster.

Business owner, volunteer and coach, Lynn Foster never stops pedaling

One of her favorite rides, accessible from Herron Park, remains the Foy’s to Blacktail Trail.

Legals for September, 18 2023

Rita Marie Weller, 62

Rita Marie Weller

Griz hold off Ferris St., 17-10

It says in the scoring summary that Nick Ostmo’s 3-yard run to the pylon at 1:39 of the third quarter was the difference in Montana’s 17-10 win over Ferris State Saturday.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Happenings at Flathead businesses

Community briefs

Nate Chute Foundation holds education events on suicide prevention; Lakeside Chili Cook-Off and Wiener Dog Races; Talk looks at climate impacts; Home Buyer Education class; FVCC marks Healthcare Week

Douglas Franklin Knapton, 81

Douglas Franklin Knapton

Emails expose Forest Service's preferential treatment

A recent public records request pulled the curtain back on Flathead National Forest’s dealings with a resort operator that had plans to install a tram lift to the top of Columbia Mountain, and the findings raise some ethical concerns.

Democracy means listening to people

Democracy is about listening to people. To hear from Montanans, state Democrats this summer and fall are traveling across the state, holding well-publicized, public meetings to receive input directly from citizens about how their government can better serve them and help create opportunity for their families and businesses.

Park visitors can expect traffic following end of ticketed entry, officials say

Visitors hoping to take advantage of the end of Glacier National Park’s ticketed entry system for the year might need to adjust their expectations, officials warned last week.

Retail sales rise 0.6% in August largely due to a spike in gas prices

Retail sales rose 0.6% in August, compared with a revised 0.5% increase in July, according to a report issued by the Commerce Department on Thursday.

Europe's central bank hikes key interest rate to record high even as recession threat grows

The increase of a quarter-percentage point comes as central banks around the world, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, try to judge how much anti-inflation medicine is too much — and what's the right point to halt their swift series of rate rates before the economy tips into a downturn and people lose their jobs.

Bobcats steamroll Stetson, home winning streak hits 22

With Touchdown Tommy Mellott out with injury, “Scoring” Scottre Humphrey ran for three touchdowns, quarterback Sean Chambers ran for two scores and Montana State dominated Stetson in a 57-20 win on Saturday.

Whitefish soccer splits in Hamilton

The Whitefish Bulldogs are 7-0 overall after a 4-0 win in Hamilton in Class A boys soccer on Saturday.

Bigfork’s Swan River Gardens grows into 25th year

Though the dilapidated lot proved a challenging makeover, the young couple was undaunted. With a love for the community and sharing knowledge about plants, Swan River Garden is now celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Regional bridge tournament comes to Kalispell

More than 200 card players are expected to gather to enjoy the card game this week during the Glacier Regional bridge tournament, which begins Monday at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Enough forest litigation; let’s try arbitration

Bad juju is drifting through the halls of the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Missoula.

Law roundup: Man claims he’s landlord of the county

A man wearing a gray hoodie was reportedly trespassing on a property where he tried to break into apartments and had a bicycle that was stolen. Kalispell Police Department made

Wolfpack spikers unbeaten in Western AA

The Glacier Wolfpack volleyball team remains unbeaten in Western AA play after downing Butte in four sets on Saturday. Glacier is 7-3 overall and 4-0 in Western AA.

Pack boys, girls sweep Butte

Liam Ells scored a hat trick for the Glacier Wolfpack in a 10-0 win over the Butte Bulldogs in Western AA boys soccer on Saturday.

Marilyn Young Taylor, 94

Marilyn Young Taylor, 94

Letters to the editor Sept. 17

Letters to the editor Sept. 17

Education freedom and taxes: Two birds, one stone

Many individuals claim to support education freedom and even tout support or engage in debates online, but how many of us are contributing to the development of the education freedom ecosystem?

Richard Bardo, 81

Richard C. "Dick" Bardo, 81, left his loving family and "changed his address to heaven" on Aug. 30, 2023.

In San Francisco, Kenya's president woos American tech companies despite increasing taxes at home

President William Ruto made the appeal in an address to leading U.S. technology companies and investors on Friday in San Francisco, highlighting investment opportunities in his country and lauding his government's "strategic priorities."

Legals for September, 17 2023

Biden administration restores the power of states and tribes to review projects to protect waterways

The rule, which takes effect in November, reverses a Trump-era action that limited the ability of states and tribes to review pipelines, dams and other federally regulated projects within their borders.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Northwest Montana History Museum combs through collection for yard sale

Running low on storage, volunteers and staff at the Kalispell museum have spent the majority of the year sorting through the collection and finding items that can be sold during a yard sale on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Whitefish chamber, Whitefish Pilot host forum ahead of city election

To help voters get to know the candidates, the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and Whitefish Pilot are partnering to host Politics in the Park on Tuesday, Oct. 3 in Depot Park.

Kathleen 'Kathy' Laura Grisé, 88

Kathleen “Kathy” Laura Grisé, age 88, of Columbia Falls, passed away Sept. 14, 2023.

PHOTOS: GoldenStock Montana 2023 at Haymoon Resort

Golden retrievers and their owners gather at Haymoon Resort in Whitefish for GoldenStock Montana to support Montana Precious Gold, Golden Retriever Rescue of Montana on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Federal dollars secured to improve state’s power grid

More than $14 million in federal funds is flowing into Montana to improve the state’s energy grid, officials with the U.S. Department of Energy said earlier this month.

Passenger dies after exiting moving vehicle

A Libby woman is dead after reportedly exiting a moving vehicle Friday night.

Suspect in Kila stabbing back in jail

Lisa Maylyn Owens of Kila is being held in the Flathead County Detention Center with bail set at $25,000.

Attendance down at 2023 Northwest Montana Fair

Total attendance was 76,487 people over five days.

Whitefish tops C-Falls 20-14 in OT

WHITEFISH — Carson Gulick’s third touchdown pass of the game, a 10-yarder to Mason Kelch in overtime, gave Whitefish a 20-14 win over Western A rival Columbia Falls Friday.

Wolfpack finish off Helena, 35-7

Kash Goicoechea started the ball rolling for the Glacier Wolfpack Friday, and Cohen Kastelitz finished things off.

PHOTOS: Wolfpack beat Bengals, improve to 3-1

Photos from the Glacier Wolfpack's 35-7 win over the Helena Bengals at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 15.

Whitefish netters top Vals

The Bulldogs topped Bigfork in three sets Thursday in Western A volleyball.

Bravettes bounce Bulldogs

The Flathead Bravettes bounced back Friday with a 4-2 win over the Butte Bulldogs on Friday at Kidsport.

Motorist dies after crash sends vehicle into the Swan River

The Ford Ranger was headed southbound on Electric Avenue when it collided with the tree, headed down an embankment and struck a rock in the bed of the Swan River about 3:03 p.m., Sept. 14, officials said.

Polson Police officer arrested for child sex abuse

A Polson Police officer was arrested on a pending charge of sexual abuse of children on Wednesday, department officials say.

Workers strike at all 3 Detroit automakers in a battle for a bigger share of industry profits

DETROIT (AP) — About 13,000 U.S. auto workers stopped making vehicles and went on strike Friday after their leaders couldn't bridge a giant gap between union demands in contract talks and what Detroit's three automakers are willing to pay.

Ridge Fire estimated cost just under $21 million

No structures were lost and no one was seriously injured in the Ridge Fire above Martin City. But it was an expensive fire to fight.

Emails show Forest Service hoped to keep Columbia Mountain tram plans quiet

Newly revealed emails show that the Flathead National Forest under then supervisor Kurt Steele looked to keep a proposal of a tram up Columbia Mountain from public view for more than year prior to it being first proposed.

Kalispell’s Ryan Busse announces bid for governor

Former firearms executive, author and Kalispell resident Ryan Busse tossed his hat in the ring for governor Thursday, likely pitting him against Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte in November 2024.

Kalispell Public Schools health plan honored

The 2023 Rosie Award winners were chosen from plans recommended by benefits advisors, solution providers, or clinical leaders who met two important criteria.

Glacier, Polson win team titles; Pack’s Cunningham, Tanner are medalists

After Trevor Cunningham of Glacier and Carson Hupka of Polson ended up tied at the end of 36 holes at the Kalispell Invitational golf meet Wednesday, it was decided a little playoff was in order. It turned into a big playoff.

Wildkats bounce back with win in Libby

LIBBY — The Columbia Falls Wildkats bounced back from a Tuesday loss to Whitefish with a 9-0 win in Libby on Thursday in Northwest A girls soccer.

Whitefish sweeps Pirates

Isabelle Cooke scored twice to lift the Whitefish Bulldogs to a 5-1 win over Polson on Thursday in Northwest A girls soccer.

State wildlife officials investigating alleged poaching in Creston

An investigation is underway into possible poaching in the Creston area, according to officials with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Bissen, Glacier girls third at Butte Invite

Glacier freshman Lauren Bissen ran to third place at the Butte Invitational on Friday, helping the Wolfpack girls to a third place finish as a team.

Law roundup: Discarded clothes cause traffic hangup

Looking to dispose of old threads, but apparently too busy to make it to either the donation box or dump, someone dropped off “a huge pile of clothes” in the middle of Ninth Street, according to a worried passerby who phoned the Columbia Falls Police Department to report the errant garments.

Cayuse Prairie School celebrates 125 years

Cayuse Prairie School is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a potluck event Aug. 23. The community is invited to attend the celebration from noon to 4 p.m. at the school located at 897 Lake Blaine Road in Kalispell. People planning to attend are asked

Alvin Phillip Olson, 87

Alvin Phillip Olson

National Merit semifinalists announced for 2024

Three Kalispell high school students and a Polson student have been named National Merit semifinalists.

Legals for September, 15 2023

Whitefish considers relaxing food truck regulations

Whitefish City Council is considering amendments to the city’s mobile food vendor regulations to make permits easier to obtain and more efficient to administer.

Glacier’s Griz-bound Goicoechea wants to finish strong

Glacier has won quite a few football games since this senior class came on the scene as sophomores, and yet it’s hard not to notice something. The Wolfpack is a little bit better when Kash Goicoechea is on the field.

Pack try to bounce back against Helena High

The Glacier Wolfpack welcomes Helena High to Legends Stadium knowing that a) they didn’t plan to start out 0-1 in Western AA play and b) the Bengals have been tough to beat.

AA football: Spartans pull away from Flathead

MISSOULA — Missoula Sentinel quarterback Riley Allen threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more Thursday, and the Spartans pulled away after halftime to beat Flathead 46-7 in Western AA football.

Hunter Biden indicted on federal firearms charges in long-running probe weeks after plea deal failed

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden was indicted Thursday on federal firearms charges, the latest step in a long-running investigation into the president's son that puts the case on track toward a possible high-stakes trial as the 2024 election looms.

Invasive plant completely eradicated from Beaver Lake

After nearly a decade of inhabiting Beaver Lake near Whitefish, the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil is seemingly gone — a phenomenon that many scientists call rare.

Flathead County inks deal on Lower Valley property for septage plant

Flathead County will purchase 36.9 acres in Lower Valley with the intention of developing a regional septage treatment facility on the site.

Angry and frustrated, McCarthy finds that even a Biden impeachment inquiry isn't enough for GOP

Angry, frustrated and unable to lead a fractured and unruly Republican majority, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Thursday told the colleagues threatening to oust him: Do it.

Former firearms executive Busse seeks Democratic nomination to challenge Montana Gov. Gianforte

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Former firearms executive turned gun industry critic Ryan Busse is seeking the 2024 Democratic nomination to challenge first-term Republican Governor Greg Gianforte in Montana.

Whitefish Songwriter Festival features hit songwriters and rising stars

The festival includes 40 shows in eight restaurants, bars and local businesses.

Legals for September, 14 2023

Whitefish event benefits Maui wildfire victims

#Mauistrong will host an event at the Great Northern Bar in Whitefish on Sept. 20 beginning at 6 p.m. to benefit those who were impacted by the wildfires in Maui last month.

Climate change is real and caused by humans

Human CO2 is the CO2 that is created by human activity.

The many joys of early autumn

Ah September, one of my favorite months of the year. Our days are warm and sunny, with crisp cool nights and tons of opportunities to go hunting, fishing, hiking or camping.

Wolfpack Theatre opens season with timeless classic ‘Our Town’

The Wolfpack Theatre Company at Glacier High School will open the 2023-2024 theater season with Thornton Wilder’s timeless classic “Our Town” on Sept. 18, 19, and 20 at 6:33 p.m. in the Wolfpack Theatre at Glacier High School.

Riders thrown by the Ponies down stretch

With the way they played the first half, it should have been a lock that nobody besides Missoula would have a better overall record in the Pioneer League than the Glacier Range Riders.

Remembering Mel’s piles of tires

In the 1970s, you didn’t used to see many new pickups in Trout Creek— and when you did you knew who it belonged to.

Columbia Falls event celebrates recreation

The Flow to Snow Party is a fundraising and friend-raising event hosted in partnership with Logan Health, Flathead Avalanche, Flathead Rivers Alliance and the Montana Kayak Academy.

Law roundup: Hungry man gets twisted up in crime

A man tried to steal $20 worth of pretzels. Employees were not happy. He was ticketed and released by the Kalispell Police Department.

North Valley Music School launches youth symphony

Student musicians throughout the valley are invited to audition for a new youth symphony through North Valley Music School. Middle and high school-aged students interested

Liz Cheney to speak on democracy, rule of law at UM

MISSOULA – Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, who served as the top Republican on the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, will present the 2023 Mansfield Lecture at the University of Montana.

Letters to the editor Sept. 14

Letters to the editor Sept. 14

Valley Voices Community Choir begins rehearsals

The next rehearsal for those who would like to join will be Sept. 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the choir room of Flathead High School.

Columbia Falls’ Hope McAtee racking up huge numbers on the pitch

Last Tuesday, while the Columbia Falls Wildkats were in Bigfork taking on the Valkyries, senior Hope McAtee assisted on a goal by teammate Josie Harris in the first half of the game. It might have looked like just any other soccer play, but it marked a big milestone for McAtee — she’d tied the all-class state record for most career assists, 59, set by her former teammate Maddie Robison in 2021. Now a few games out from that, McAtee is up to 64 career assists.

Confident Braves ready for Thursday tilt against Sentinel

The Flathead Braves feel like they’re making up ground on their football competition, and as an example can compare last Friday’s score against Missoula Big Sky — a 21-20 loss — to last year’s outcome.

Glacier boys lead Kalispell Invite by four strokes

The first day of the Kalispell Invitational shaped up like you thought it might, with Glacier, Missoula Sentinel and Polson bunched together in a tight boys’ team race.

Kalispell-based A Ray of Hope nonprofit expands with education center project

Christian ministry and nonprofit A Ray of Hope in Kalispell is building an education center behind its men’s shelter that will serve as a place for people to learn practical skills and get their vehicle repaired during tough times.

Flathead Audubon honors individuals, businesses with conservation awards

Three individuals and one business received Conservation Achievement Recognitions this year from Flathead Audubon Society.

Federal judge blocks suspension of right to carry firearms in public ordered by New Mexico governor

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A federal judge has blocked part of a public health order that suspended the right to carry guns in public across New Mexico's largest metro area.

Public Service Commissioner arrested, released, on misdemeanor

Randy Pinocci, a Public Service Commissioner, said he is fighting a July 5 disorderly conduct ticket from a tenant dispute and said his recent arrest at a home improvement store was the result of a miscommunication with the court.

Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante has been arrested after 2 weeks on the run in Pennsylvania

POTTSTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Escaped murderer Danelo Souza Cavalcante was captured Wednesday after eluding hundreds of searchers for two weeks, a conclusion that relieved residents of southeastern Pennsylvania who had endured sleepless nights as he hid in the woods, broke into suburban homes for food, changed his appearance, and fled under gunfire with a rifle pilfered from a garage, authorities said.

Toll from devastating floods in Libyan city passes 5,100 dead, authorities struggle to get in aid

DERNA, Libya (AP) — Search teams combed streets, wrecked buildings and even the sea for bodies in a devastated eastern Libyan city on Wednesday, where authorities said massive flooding had killed at least 5,100 people, with the toll expected to rise further.

Federal pandemic relief money helps Lincoln County commissioners pass balanced budget

The commissioners had to use the last of the American Rescue Plan Act money it had - $800,000 - to help get to a balanced budget.

Suspected drug dealer pleads guilty to possession, bail jumping charges

Jeffrey Duane Portmann, 55, of Spokane, Washington, initially faced a single count of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs in Flathead County District Court in the summer of 2017.

Eagles overwhelm Bravettes

Avory Decoite poured in four goals for the Missoula Big Sky Eagles in a 5-1 win over the Flathead Bravettes in Western AA soccer on Tuesday.

Bulldogs top Wildcats in Cat-Dog thriller

Ryder Elliott’s second goal of the game capped off an exciting finish for the Whitefish Bulldogs in a 4-3 win over the Columbia Falls Wildcats in Northwest A soccer on Tuesday.

Deadline extended for survey on Whitefish resident's attitudes toward tourism

The Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Committee has extended the deadline to submit feedback for its sustainable tourism resident survey.

Presentation uncovers lost story of Montana pioneer Johnny Grant

Lyndel Meikle, a ranger at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site for 39 years, will describe the search on Monday, Sept. 18 at the Northwest Montana History Museum in Kalispell.

Indah Sushi menu thrives on creativity and freshness

Indah Sushi began in 2015 as a food truck, and in 2017, it manifested into a downtown Whitefish brick-and-mortar. Since then, the restaurant has become a culinary staple in the Flathead Valley.

Marie Elodia Terrazas Vasquez, 89

Marie Elodia Terrazas Vasquez, 89

Law roundup: Rent dispute ends with police involvement

A parent called Kalispell Police Department when a man in his 20s that her daughter reportedly met online threw an air conditioner down the stairs in a house full of people and was being disruptive because she asked him for rent.

Per Arne Hjulstad, 83

Per Arne Hjulstad, 83

Richard Brent Marriott, 76

Richard Brent Marriott, 76

Drug dealer headed back before judge after violations

Authorities arrested Gordon Nicholas Breeden, 40, in Broadwater County on Aug. 4 for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, speeding and displaying a fictitious or altered license plate, according to court documents.

American researcher doing well after rescue from a deep Turkish cave, calling it a 'crazy adventure'

ISTANBUL (AP) — An American researcher was "doing well" at a Turkish hospital, officials said Tuesday, after rescuers pulled him out of a cave where he fell seriously ill and became trapped 1,000 meters (more than 3,000 feet) below its entrance for over a week.

Music School begins new program year

The nonprofit music school matches high-quality instruction from experienced musicians with students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

Giving for Great Fish Challenge ends Friday

There are 78 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations raising funds during this year’s challenge with the Whitefish Community Foundation.

Delwin Dale Stern, 75

Delwin Dale Stern, 75

Big Sky Notes: Griz face interesting foe in DII power Ferris State

The Montana Grizzlies had the far less strenuous football game last Saturday compared to Montana State, which lost a 20-16 heartbreaker at top-ranked South Dakota State. The roles could be reversed this Saturday. The Griz, who swamped Utah Tech 43-13 last week, brings two-time Division II champion Ferris State to Missoula while the Cats play host to Stetson of the Pioneer League.

County planning board to vote on Bigfork subdivision, considers zoning for Lakeside

The county planning board meets at 6 p.m. in the South Campus Building at 40 11th St. W. in Kalispell. Recommendations from the planning board are forwarded to the Flathead County Commissioners for final consideration.

Legals for September, 13 2023

Kalispell City Hall seeks removal of construction lien placed on municipal airport

R Porch Construction, Inc. filed an initial construction lien, listing Diablo Investments and the city as contracting owners, in Flathead County District Court on June 20.

Soles of the Flathead gala benefits Flathead Warming Center

The Flathead Warming Center hosts its annual Soles of the Flathead gala on Friday, Sept. 15 at the Wachholz College Center on the Flathead Valley Community College campus in Kalispell.

Lemon ricotta pancakes perfect brunch option

This New York Times breakfast recipe is a favorite of mine to share and the perfect brunch option for the end of summer weekends.

William Brensinger, 90

William Brensinger, 90

Carla Jeanne Herrmann, 74

Carla Jeanne Herrmann, 74

Daines outlines GOP’s strategy to retake the U.S. Senate

Even though he was speaking in South Dakota, Sen. Steve Daines had a message for Montana – and Ohio and West Virginia.

Biden plan would overhaul 151-year-old mining law, make companies pay royalties for copper and gold

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is recommending changes to a 151-year-old law that governs mining for copper, gold and other hardrock minerals on U.S.-owned lands, including making companies for the first time pay royalties on what they extract.

McCarthy directs House panel to open Biden impeachment inquiry

WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Tuesday he is directing a House committee to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his family's business dealings, launching historic proceedings ahead of the 2024 election.

Escaped Pennsylvania inmate stole gun, fled homeowner's gunfire and remains at large, police say

Escaped murderer Danelo Souza Cavalcante stole a rifle from a garage and fled a homeowner's gunfire, authorities said Tuesday as police closed roads in suburban Philadelphia, told residents to lock their doors and set up a new search area in the nearly 2-week-old manhunt.

ImagineIF Libraries will forgo Banned Books Week celebrations under board guidance

Signage and displays marking Banned Books Week will be missing from ImagineIF Libraries this year after the library system’s board of trustees advised staff against celebrating it.

Montana officials seek more control over judicial involuntary commitments

Before their legal case can proceed, people charged with crimes in Montana must understand the charges they face and participate in their own defense. But because of bottlenecks in services across the country, people in jail with serious mental illness are waiting months to receive the care needed to “restore” their competency to stand trial.

Suspect in Kalispell attack pleads not guilty

Douglas Trent Zellers, 27, pleaded not guilty to one count of burglary before Judge Danni Coffman at his Sept. 7 arraignment.

Quilter’s fabric artwork tells a story

There’s a story behind every quilt that Linda Hanson has labored to make inside her studio in Marion.

Law roundup: Boat launch dispute threatens to boil over

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a man allegedly threatening to shoot people at a boat launch and then looking for something in his vehicle after he was confronted about driving the wrong way.

Patent abuse by Big Pharma must be confronted

Pharmaceutical patents are a key instrument that promote innovation in America. They provide a financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development, and allow them to recover costs and make a profit once their medication hits the market.

Legals for September, 12 2023

Montana man mauled by grizzly has long recovery

A Montana man who was mauled by a grizzly bear that bit off his lower jaw is doing well at a hospital in Salt Lake City but has a long recovery ahead, his family said Monday.

Lawyers deny politics involved in ethics complaint against Montana attorney general

The formal ethics complaint filed against Attorney General Austin Knudsen alleging he violated state rules of professional conduct is extraordinary in the number of allegations it contains, and because it has reached this stage in the process, attorneys with longtime involvement in such cases said last week – but they assured no political games were afoot.

U.S. educators praise 'Teach to Remember 9/11' program

Twenty years ago when the Flight 93 National Memorial site was a temporary monument to the victims of the United Airlines plane that crashed there on Sept. 11, 2001, Mechanicsburg Middle School teacher Scott Marsh brought his students to the powerful location.

Garden center break-in earns suspect a felony charge

Asher Alan McAlpine-Dixon, 21, is expected to appear before Judge Amy Eddy on Sept. 14 for his arraignment on a single count of criminal mischief.

Notorious dog escapes again

A dog named Capone had once again escaped from home, according to reports with the Kalispell Police Department. But animal shelter staff were familiar with the canine and able to contact his owner.

Legals for September, 11 2023

9/11 fund seeks lawyers' help to speed payment for terror attack survivors

NEW YORK — Lawyers for people suffering cancer and other diseases blamed on the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania crash site are on notice: Get your clients' paperwork in order.

With strike looming, General Motors makes a wage offer, which auto union leader calls 'insulting'

The offer comes just a week before the UAW's national contracts with GM, Stellantis and Ford expire, and even though both sides are far apart, it's a sign of movement on economic issues.

Sterling Ray, 72

Sterling Ray, 72

Six things may be Good enough

Or maybe they were just regular Northwest Montanans, judging from the activities of many current Kalispell residents.

PHOTOS: Great Fish Fun Run in Whitefish

Whitefish Community Foundation hosted the annual Great Fish Fun Run and Community Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 9 in Whitefish’s Depot Park. The event featured 5K and 1-mile races and a nonprofit fair.

Fake rehab centers scam Native Americans far from home, officials warn during investigations

Now back on the Blackfeet reservation, Autumn Nelson is among hundreds of Native Americans who have been targeted by Phoenix-area scammers.

Fighting Saints win battle of Top 25 NAIA teams

Carroll College found a way when they needed it most in their home opener against St. Thomas University Friday, beating the NAIA power out of Florida 26-18.

Malyevac medalist in Libby; Polson sweeps team titles

Reece Malyevac needed to go low to take medalist honors at his home course, and wow did he.

Griz trample Trailblazers in St. George, 43-13

Nick Ostmo and Eli Gillman ran for two touchdowns each, and No. 13 Montana ran for 262 yards in a 43-13 non-conference win over Utah Tech Saturday.

Mary Lee Oliverson, 80

Mary Lee Oliverson, 80

Whitefish girls top Valkyries, 5-1

Delaney Smith’s hat trick lifted the Whitefish Bulldogs to a 5-1 win over the Bigfork Valkyries on Saturday in Northwest A girls soccer.

Squeezed by ever more students, Marion asks voters to approve $8.2M school expansion bond

In November, Marion School District is seeking approval for a $8.2 million bond issue to expand the school and improve building security.

Wolfpack boys win two in Helena

The Glacier Wolfpack boys come home with two wins from their weekend in Helena: 1-0 over Helena Capital on Friday and 5-1 on Saturday against Helena High.

Glacier boys surge to Helena Invite win

The Glacier Wolfpack boys golf team turned it on Friday, claiming the Helena Invitational by virtue of its top four players combining to shoot 4-under par.

Vehicle struck, killed black bear sow in Glacier in August

The same day a car drove off the edge of the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer another vehicle struck and killed a black bear on the popular roadway, Glacier National Park officials confirmed last week.

Badger-Two Medicine is a cultural touchstone

The Blackfeet Nation has, since time immemorial, remained committed to protecting our sacred cultural lands in the Badger-Two Medicine.

Births

Births

Legals for September, 10 2023

Letters to the editor Sept. 10

Letters to the editor Sept. 10

Greg and Sharon Elavsky mark 50th wedding anniversary

Greg and Sharon Elavsky 50th Wedding Anniversary

Print shop transitions to new family ownership

While Great Northern has been purchased by Minuteman Press, the Klippensteins don’t anticipate huge changes to the everyday operations of the company.

Woman wonders where her taxes are going

A caller who reported two stolen park benches months ago was upset that nothing was ever done about it. She said the she pays taxes and expects the benches to be there.

Bravettes get first soccer win

The Flathead Bravettes had a good weekend in Helena, coming away with a 2-1 win over Helena High on Friday and a 1-1 draw on Saturday with Helena Capital in Western AA girls soccer.

No. 1 Jacks hold off No. 3 Bobcats, 20-16

It was a touchdown and then it wasn’t for No. 3, Montana State, and No. 1 South Dakota State escaped with a 20-16 FCS showdown win Saturday.

The IRS plans to crack down on 1,600 millionaires to collect millions of dollars in back taxes

IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel said that with a boost in federal funding and the help of artificial intelligence tools, the agency has new means of targeting wealthy people who have "cut corners" on their taxes.

Victoria's Secret overhauls its racy fashion catwalk in the company's latest move to be inclusive

Victoria's Secret has been trying to reverse its image built on a man's vision of sexiness that eventually backfired.

Jean Anne Flink, 90

Jean Anne Flink, 90

Wolfpack show out on both sides of the ball, Bravettes cruise to big wins

The Glacier Wolfpack and Flathead Bravettes took part in the first regular season flag football event of the year in Kalispell that also saw Butte and Lockwood in competition at Legends Stadium on Saturday.

Next legislative session’s work begins now

It’s fairly common knowledge that Montana’s legislative branch of government is a citizen legislature that only meets in session for 90 business days every two years. While true, those facts often lead to misconceptions about the real nature of legislators’ work.

Gianforte should show fiscal restraint in property tax collections

During the past legislative session, the Montana Taxpayers Association was excited to support the Gianforte administration’s ideas that improved Montana’s tax systems and provided tax relief.

Bipartisan charter model can offer innovative learning

Charter schools are destined to become a part of Montana’s education landscape following the passage of two “choice school” laws this past legislative session, and despite the naysayers, the concept has a proven track record that would be a welcome addition to public education in the state.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Mustangs win, Range Riders miss PL playoffs

MISSOULA — The Billings Mustangs won again Saturday, and kept the Glacier Range Riders out of the Pioneer League playoffs

Powerful quake in Morocco kills more than 2,000

A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco, sending people racing from their beds into the streets and toppling buildings in mountainous villages and ancient cities not built to withstand such force. More than 2,000 people were killed, and the toll was expected to rise as rescuers struggled Saturday to reach hard-hit remote areas.

PHOTOS: Bravettes beat Butte, 51-0

Photos from the Flathead Bravettes 51-0 win over Butte in flag football at Legends Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 9.

PHOTOS: Wolfpack victorious over Lockwood, 67-7

Photos from the Glacier Wolfpack's 67-7 win over Lockwood in flag football at Legends Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Golf: Glacier boys surge to Helena Invite win

HELENA — The Glacier Wolfpack boys golf team turned it on Friday, claiming the Helena Invitational by virtue of its top four players combining to shoot 4-under par.

A Football: Wildcats, Bulldogs fall

DILLON — Dillon quarterback Kee Christiansen ran for two touchdowns, the second one lifting the Beavers over Columbia Falls 22-19 in Western A football on Friday.

Butte stuns Wolfpack, 28-27

BUTTE — Down 21-0, the Butte Bulldogs scored 28 fourth-quarter points to topple the Glacier Wolfpack 28-27 Friday.

With proposed ordinance, Bozeman looks to curb advance of urban camping

BOZEMAN — For Bozeman police officer Scott Vongehr, a trip to the city’s urban encampments is like a scavenger hunt for items you’d normally see at a garage sale or in your neighbor’s messy backyard.

Fuel break projects in the Flathead National Forest proposed

Officials with the Flathead National Forest are taking public comment on three proposed fuel breaks aimed at protecting infrastructure and communities from wildfires in the Ashley Lake, Good Creek and Lion Hill areas.

Broadband Commission may shift gears to get service to people in rural Montana

Will broadband businesses get to determine the areas they’ll reach with federal dollars? Or will the state prevent cherry picking and dictate where they go?

Maui beckons tourists, and their dollars, to stave off economic disaster after wildfires

There are so many since wildfires killed at least 115 people in the historic town of Lahaina that Olsten is worried about a full-blown economic catastrophe. Restaurants and tour companies are laying off workers, and unemployment is surging.

Big Sky tops Flathead 21-20

A couple sophomores stood tall in Missoula Big Sky’s 21-20 Western AA football win over Flathead Friday at Legends Stadium. One was Big Sky’s 6-foot-2 quarterback Avery Omlid. The other was Flathead's 5-7 Jordan Griffin, who did about everything except kick.

PHOTOS: Flathead falls to Big Sky, 21-20

Photos from the Flathead Braves 21-20 loss to the Missoula Big Sky Eagles at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 8.

Georgia special grand jury recommended charges in election case for Sen. Graham and 2 ex-senators

ATLANTA (AP) — A report released on Friday revealed that a special grand jury investigating efforts to overturn Georgia's 2020 presidential election results recommended indictments against a much larger group than prosecutors ultimately charged, including one current and two former U.S. senators.

Hungry Horse Reservoir's west side road reopens

The west side road of Hungry Horse Reservoir reopened to the public Friday, allowing travel all the way to Spotted Bear Ranger Station. The road had been closed since early August due to activity on the Ridge, Doris Point and Tin Solider fires. Recent rainfall has cooled the fires enough to allow both the east and west side roads to reopen.

ImagineIF Libraries receives award for educational opportunities

ImagineIF Libraries received the Friend of Education Award during the Northwest Montana Reading Council’s Back-to-School Literary Conference on Aug. 16 held at Flathead High School.

A belated pro debut for Guzman

In 2009 the Daily Inter Lake ran an article on a local boxing gym that featured, among others, an 11-year-old fighter named Dillan Guzman.

Glacier boys lead tight Helena Invite

Tanyon Murray fired a 72 to lead five Glacier boys in the top 11 of the Helena Invitational Thursday, helping the Wolfpack lead midway through the two-day tournament.

Legals for September, 8 2023

Harris, Wildkats top Polson

The Columbia Falls Wildkats bounced back from their Tuesday draw in Bigfork with a 9-1 win at home against the Poison Pirates on Thursday.

Flathead looks to run record to 2-1 in Week 3

Any football coach will tell you all games are important, but Flathead’s Western AA Conference opener with Missoula Big Sky on Friday has that late-October feel.

Law roundup: ‘Teen Wolf’ homage greeted with a reprimand

A group of teenagers promised to show better judgment on the road after officers with the Columbia Falls Police Department came across their pickup at a gas station following a reckless driving report.

ImagineIF Foundation taps Sara Busse as executive director

ImagineIF Foundation Board President Sara Busse on Thursday accepted the position of executive director at the nonprofit, which acts as the main fundraising partner of ImagineIF Libraries.

Flathead Land Trust fundraiser Sept. 13

Celebrating the water, wildlife and open spaces in Northwest Montana, the Flathead Land Trust hosts The Land Affair on Wednesday, Sept. 13. The annual fundraising event for the land trust begins at 6 p.m. at Diamond B in Kalispell.

Commissioners reject Florida developer's zone change request

Nine concerned constituents stood before the Flathead County commissioners recently to oppose a zone change request for 12 acres of land along U.S. 2 near Columbia Falls owned by Location Ventures, LLC of Florida.

Woman accused of pulling a box cutter on park patron pleads not guilty

April Dawn Werner, who has no address listed with the court, appeared before Judge Danni Coffman in Flathead County District Court on Sept. 7 and was arraigned on a single count of assault with a weapon. She is being held in the county jail with bail set at $20,000.

Postpartum resource group provides assistance for mothers

The Postpartum Resource Group of Kalispell offers peer support groups, doula home visits and Mother In Need fund, which is a small monthly scholarship to help ease the financial burden for struggling parents.

Proposed rule limits wakes on Lake Five

Lake Five near the gateway to Glacier National Park could see new boating restrictions next year after a work group came to a consensus Tuesday.

Montana’s ‘choice school’ commission gets Flathead representatives

Two Flathead Valley women recently appointed to a new state commission that will authorize and oversee charter schools in Montana are optimistic that the “choice school” model will ultimately prove to be a valuable addition to the state’s public education system, even as the concept faces some initial legal hurdles and fierce criticism.

Kalispell OK’s downtown banner policy

Kalispell has created guidelines for displaying banners in its downtown core.

Lake County deputy named School Resource Officer of the Year

Soft-spoken Lake County deputy Nate Lundeen, who was recently named School Resource Officer of the Year, clearly feels both a sense of responsibility and affection for the kids he interacts with daily at Polson schools.

Chukars complete sweep; Range Riders still have outside shot at PL playoffs

The Glacier Range Riders drew a record crowd to their final regular-season home game Wednesday, and showed the faithful some defense and power.

Legals for September, 7 2023

Race along Parkline Trail set for Sept. 16

The Kalispell Downtown Association is holding the Kalispell Parkline Run and Brewfest on Saturday, Sept. 16.

There’s such a thing as trail etiquette

The uppermost switchback on the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park is eight feet wide. Yet the last time I hiked out, I was stymied by a group of young hikers walking down shoulder to shoulder, tapping on their phones.

A decade of helping homeless teens

Ten years ago this summer, I found myself sitting in a meeting at United Way discussing the issue of homelessness among our teen population here in Flathead County.

Climate science and the Montana climate lawsuit

In his Aug. 23 guest opinion article about Montana Republicans losing the Held v Montana climate lawsuit, Ed Berry suggests that if Montana’s attorney general had presented Berry’s story of climate science to the court, the presiding judge would have ruled in favor of the state instead of the plaintiffs.

Letters to the editor Sept. 7

Letters to the editor Sept. 7

Law Roundup: A tale of the fake dead body

A supposed dead body wrapped in a mattress pad found along the Stillwater River by a bike rider turned out not to be real when the Kalispell Police Department arrived.

Comments opened for timber harvest planned near Hungry Horse Reservoir

An environmental assessment for a timber project on the Flathead Forest east of the Hungry Horse Reservoir is now under a 30-day comment period.

Concert in memory of longtime music teacher set for Sept. 10

The Kalispell Area Music Teachers Association will present a Concert in Memory of Janis Hoffman on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Arts and Entertainment Events

Arts and Entertainment Events

Best of Flathead block party Sept. 20

The party includes a live DJ, food and beverages.

Animal skulls medium for hand-carved work by Eureka artist

Eureka-based artist Joe Hickey will be featured at Cawdrey Gallery on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 5-8 p.m. for Whitefish Gallery Nights.

Reception to feature local author and illustrator

The Paint, Metal & Mud gallery in downtown Kalispell will hold a reception and book signing featuring the work of author and illustrator Vernon Anderson from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8.

Pablo coffee shop and art studio combines owner’s passions

Frank Finley is the owner of 32 Cuppa Java, a small coffee shop and diner that is connected to his art studio of a similar name, 32 Pair of Scissors.

Ethics office accuses state attorney general of violating professional conduct rules

The complaint, filed by Missoula attorney Timothy Strauch on behalf of the Montana Supreme Court-appointed Office of Disciplinary Counsel, says Austin Knudsen and attorneys who work for him at the state Department of Justice undermined public confidence in the judicial system with their communications to and about the Montana Supreme Court during a lengthy separation-of-powers conflict with Republican legislators.

Hike to Sperry Chalet really a one-star review?

A hike to Sperry Chalet

A one-star AllTrails review of the Sperry Trail to its namesake chalet by Chris Pike describes the adventure as, “Six miles of horse manure, sun-baked gravel, unspectacular views and no wildlife except the bugs feeding on the dung.” So, off I went with minimal expectations.

Co-op's Ribeye Raffle facilitates food bank donations

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s 2023 Ribeye Raffle raised $18,194 in cash and resulted in approximately 1,000 pounds of meat for donation to the food banks.

Richard "Dick" Bassett, 82

Richard "Dick" Bassett, 82

Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Fun Run Saturday

This family-friendly event features 5K and 1-mile races, lunch from Piggyback BBQ, a nonprofit fair, incentive grants, prizes and more.

Whitefish's new Fire Chief brings two decades of experience to the job

The Whitefish Fire Department’s new chief comes from a long line of firefighters and brings two decades of experience to the top job.

Legals for September, 6 2023

Mary Louise Tisdale, 86

Mary Louise Tisdale, 86

Big Sky Notebook: Griz punt fake was timely

The Montana Grizzlies offense was scuffling a little bit in the first quarter on what became a 35-20 win over Butler Saturday, in that with a 10-0 lead it had produced a tip-drill interception and a punt.

North Valley Food Bank seeks volunteers for fruit harvest

North Valley Food Bank is gathering members of the community for its fall fruit harvest event throughout Whitefish on Sept. 10.

Results from the 2023 Northwest Montana Fair

The following individuals won top honors for their entries in the 2023 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo, held at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in August.

Flag football is back for a second, even stronger season

The second year of high school flag football in the Treasure state kicked off Saturday with the defending state champion Glacier Wolfpack and runner-up Flathead Bravettes Butte-bound to start the season.

Law roundup: Woman blasts horn to disperse group

An employee purportedly told Kalispell Police Department that she was chasing off homeless people with her car, then clarified she just honked the horn, but a man wearing blue jean shorts and one shoe still remained and was pouring beer on the ground when another man walked up.

Wildcats cruise in Bigfork

It took a little while, but the Columbia Falls Wildcats found their groove in the middle of the first half and cruised to a 6-0 win over the Bigfork Vikings on Tuesday in Northwest A boys soccer.

FEC accepting applications for trustee position

The Flathead Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees is now accepting applications for District #3 representative to fill a vacancy.

Montana schools may struggle to remove lead from drinking water even after funding

But even with those two new pools of money intended to last two years, the state’s schools may struggle to remove all but the most dangerous sources of lead, considering that about half the schools that tested their water between July 2020 and February 2022 found high lead levels. Medical experts say no amount of lead is safe to ingest.

Montana abortion clinics challenge law regulating facilities

The lawsuit claims the bill goes into effect Oct. 1 with no guidelines from the state health department on how to obtain a license, making compliance by that date “impossible,” and it argues abortion care in the state is already regulated.

Glacier Park moves into fall operations schedule

As the autumn season approaches, operations in Glacier National Park will start winding down.

Conservative book ban push fuels library exodus from national association

After parents in a rural and staunchly conservative Wyoming county joined nationwide pressure on librarians to pull books they considered harmful to youngsters, the local library board obliged with new policies making such books a higher priority for removal — and keeping out of collections.

Congress returns to try to prevent a government shutdown while the GOP weighs an impeachment inquiry

Congress is returning to Capitol Hill to try to avert a government shutdown, while House Republicans consider whether to pursue an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

Long-distance group hike coming to Kalispell

Highlander, an international long-distance hiking initiative, is coming to Kalispell at the end of September for its first ever event in Montana.

Law roundup: Drug house on wheels gets ticketed

A caller told dispatch that he knew for a fact that an RV parked on a street in Kalispell was a drug operation. He wanted the vehicle moved. The camper was tagged for a parking violation.

Kalispell City Council poised to adopt downtown banner policy

Kalispell City Council on Tuesday is expected to vote on a resolution adopting a banner policy affecting the downtown core and its multi-use Parkline Trail.

New poll has Rosendale up over Sheehy

New polling has Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale leading former Navy SEAL and businessman Tim Sheehy in a hypothetical 2024 U.S. Senate Republican primary matchup.

Letters to the editor Sept. 5

Letters to the editor Sept. 5

Medicare Advantage supports health care for rural Americans

Health care policy is a perennially hot topic, and with good reason—it’s about the welfare of the people and how the nation takes care of its most vulnerable.

Legals for September, 5 2023

Cats' Humphrey is Freshman of Week

Montana State freshman running back Scottre Humphrey took home FedEx Ground FCS national freshman player of the week honors from Stats Perform.

Whitefish examines change in food truck regulations

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

Legals for September, 4 2023

Logan Health and Billings Clinic make integration official

The integration of Logan Health and Billings Clinic was made official on Friday with Dr. Craig Lambrecht leading the new health care system as chief executive officer.

Law roundup: Awkward conversation ends in alleged threat

A man reportedly walked up to a gallery employee’s desk in a “fast and aggressive” manner, asking her what she was doing. She claimed the conversation continued to “get weird” and asked him to leave three times, but he kept talking to other customers until they left.

Kalispell interim superintendent looks to move district forward

Kalispell Public Schools Interim Superintendent Randy Cline may only be at the helm for 2023-24 school year, but he’s planning to make it one that has a lasting impact and sets the stage for the next administrator.

Legals for September, 3 2023

Flathead County joins challenge of state’s property tax laws

Flathead County has attached itself to other counties in the state seeking a determination of whether the state is accurately taxing property owners.

Kevin Arthur Duff, 55

Kevin Arthur Duff

Letters to the editor Sept. 3

Letters to the editor Sept. 3

Kalispell must plan for public safety needs

A recent independent report offered high praise for the Kalispell Fire Department, along with a stark warning about immediate and future public safety needs as the city continues to grow.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Superior business offers unique precision cutting

Since opening in June, Twin Creek Creations has made a big splash from Superior going west, but now they are going to be moving in all directions after testing the water.

Patricia Erickson, 101

Patricia Erickson

Teachers deserve respect, courtesy and financial support

It’s that time of year again when our public school children are getting ready to head back to school and our public school teachers are busy preparing their classrooms to welcome students.

How the Legislature is improving Montana’s education system

As Montana students head back into the classroom for another year of school, our education system is facing multiple challenges.

Funding set aside to address lead found in school water may come up short

Montana’s legislature designated $3.7 million this spring to remove lead from school drinking-water supplies, then the state received $565,000 more on Aug. 1 from the $50 billion federal infrastructure package aiming to improve water systems nationally.

Lydia Stewart, 76

In memory of Lydia M. Stewart, age 76 of Helena, Nov. 14, 1946 – Aug. 31, 2023.

Whitefish girls top Loyola, Stevi

Olivia Genovese and Isabelle Cooke each scored a hat trick in Whitefish’s 9-0 win over Missoula Loyola on Saturday in Northwest A girls soccer.

Mary 'Liz' Steele, 93

Mary "Liz" Steele

Law roundup: Boy hits woman in neck with Gel Blaster

Kalispell Police Department responded to a report from a woman who was hit in the neck by someone shooting a BB gun from the driver’s side of a passing vehicle. Initially, she thought

Walgreens CEO exits less than 3 years after taking over drug store chain

Walgreens Boots Alliance confirmed Rosalind Brewer's exit Friday. According to the Illinois company, the board of directors and Brewer "mutually agreed" to her resignation effective Thursday.

US employers added a solid 187,000 jobs in August in sign of a still-resilient labor market

Last month's job growth marked an increase from July's revised gain of 157,000 but still pointed to a moderating pace of hiring compared with the sizzling gains of last year and earlier this year.

After outrage over Taylor Swift tickets, reform has been slow across the US

Many of the major reforms to ticket sellers in the U.S. have failed to pass this year. The proposals were inspired in part by complaints from fans who were unable to buy tickets last fall to Taylor Swift's summer stadium tour.

Climate action has brought record investments and jobs

One year after a major climate bill was passed, many states are flourishing thanks to an influx of clean energy investment and jobs.

Wildcats rally to tie Corvallis

Trailing Corvallis with moments left in the game, Columbia Falls’ Kai Golan put away a shot to tie the game 2-2, the Wildcats’ first draw of the season on Saturday in Northwest A boys soccer.

US will regulate nursing home staffing for first time, but proposal lower than many advocates hoped

With criticism expected, a promise made with fanfare in President Joe Biden's 2022 State of the Union speech had its details revealed as many Americans turned away from the news for a holiday weekend.

Betty Mae Stoick, 91

Betty Mae Stoick

Fighting Saints hold on to beat Orediggers for Copper Game bragging rights

The biggest game on the Frontier football slate this week was played Thursday night with conference powers Carroll and Montana Tech squaring off in a non-conference matchup for the Copper game in Butte at the Alumni Coliseum.The Fighting Saints played spoiler on the road by taking home a 21-19 win over the Orediggers.

Glacier Park visitor spending boon to economy of gateway communities

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis conducted by economists at the National Park Service said that spending supported nearly 6,000 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $548 million.

Hay piles and pellets: searching for pikas in Glacier National Park

Researchers are joining forces with citizen science volunteers to see how the pika population is faring in Glacier National Park.

Griz use 2nd QB to do in Butler

One quarterback started quick, the other finished strong, and 14th-ranked Montana got past a stubborn Butler football squad 35-20 Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Prep football: Bigfork blanks Ronan; Eureka, C-Falls win

BIGFORK — Asher Knopik ran for two touchdowns and caught a scoring pass to help Bigfork improve to 2-0 with a 35-0 win over Ronan in Western A football Friday.

Confusion continues over planned Whitefish River bridge

A planned bridge over the Whitefish River and trails that connect to the path along the river as part of a major mixed-use development have hit several snags.

Kalispell Veterans Affairs clinic uses new tech to treat depression

A large, reclined chair surrounded by medical machinery never fails to grab the attention of Dr. Gilbert Esser’s patients when they enter his office at the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Kalispell.

Company gets $2.6 million to relinquish oil lease on Montana land that’s sacred to Native Americans

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Louisiana company will receive $2.6 million to relinquish the last remaining oil and gas lease on U.S. forest land near Montana's Glacier National Park that's sacred to Native Americans, government officials and attorneys involved in the deal said Friday.

NAG’s Last Hurrah: Arts group plans to fold after Shakespeare performances

As evening settles around Good Old Days Park in St. Ignatius this weekend, the few remaining members of Ninepipe Arts Group (fondly known as NAG) will settle in too, ready to savor Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ performances of “The Three Musketeers” on Saturday and “Measure for Measure” on Sunday.

Federal grant dollars secured for Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down

Funding to provide veterans with access to transitional housing and case management services is coming to Kalispell, according to officials with Sen. Jon Tester’s office.

Presley throws 4 TD passes, Pack rolls 49-7

BILLINGS — Jackson Presley threw four touchdowns passes Friday, two to Cohen Kastelitz, and the Glacier Wolfpack downed Billings Senior 49-7 at Daylis Stadium.

AA Football: Braves hold off Belgrade 17-14

For a win in their home football opener, the Flathead Braves combined just enough scoring with just enough defense, and added in a killer dose of screens.

PHOTOS: Flathead outlasts Belgrade, 17-14

Photos from Flathead Braves 17-14 win over the Belgrade Panthers at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 1.

Bravettes fourth at sunny Flathead Invite

Hundreds of runners from across the state traversed the cross country course at Rebecca Farm on Friday, home of the Flathead Invite.

Missing mountaineer found dead in Glacier National Park

The body of a missing climber was recovered in Glacier National Park on Friday morning, officials said.

Whitefish City Council approves budget including tax decrease

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to approve the city’s 2024 fiscal year final budget, totaling $51 million.

Shooting of a brown bear leaves 2 cubs motherless and sparks outrage in Italy

ROME (AP) — The slaying of an endangered brown bear near an Italian national park left her two young cubs motherless and sparked outrage in Italy on Friday.

Area cross country teams ready for Flathead Invite

The Flathead Invitational cross country meet is set for noon Friday at Rebecca Farm, which also happens to be the site of this year’s State Cross Country Championships.

Is populism dead?

Pop·u·list – noun - a person, especially a politician, who strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.

Letters to the editor Sept. 1

Letters to the editor Sept. 1

David Evans, 64

David Evans

Legals for September, 1 2023

Pack boys shut down Hellgate

Liam Ells and Hunter Lisowski scored for the Glacier Wolfpack to top Missoula Hellgate 2-0 in Western AA boys soccer on Thursday.

Western AA football: Flathead brings in Belgrade; Glacier on road to face Billings Senior

The Flathead Braves’ 2023 football opener didn’t go as planned and doesn’t look great on paper, but second-year coach Caleb Aland came away encouraged.

Flathead County budget reflects decrease for taxpayers

Flathead County commissioners on Thursday approved a final budget that includes a $2.8 million increase in tax collections while reducing overall spending when compared to the previous year.

Joseph "Sonny" White, 82

Joseph "Sonny" White

Proud Boy convicted of helping spearhead Capitol attack ties Jan. 6 sentence record with 18 years

WASHINGTON (AP) — A one-time leader in the Proud Boys far-right extremist group was sentenced Friday to 18 years in prison for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, tying the record for the longest sentence in the attack.

Forestry can reduce carbon emissions

Recent litigation over the Black Ram project on the Kootenai National Forest shouldn’t discourage the Forest Service from implementing projects that reduce the risks of severe wildfires and help protect our communities.

Suspected auto thief caught with wanted man given suspended sentence

Judge Amy Eddy handed down the two-year stint with the state Department of Corrections to Amber Michelle Webb, 23, on Aug. 15 for a single count of felony theft.

Bigfork coach Benn facing former team, player

It's just the second week of the season, and there is already a big-time game in the Northwestern A Conference.

Law roundup: Cyclists believes they can fly

While putting his arms out like he was flying, a “deranged” looking man rode his bike in front of a car, prompting a call to the Kalispell Police Department. The caller assumed the man, wearing tan pants and no shirt while sporting a scruffy beard, was trying to get hit.