Ellington

Poster Player of the Week: Aiden Downing of Flathead High

This week’s poster player of the week goes to Aiden Downing, a wrestler for the Flathead Braves.

Avalanche partially buries skier in popular backcountry area near Whitefish Mountain Resort

A skier narrowly escaped injury after triggering an avalanche in a popular backcountry area near Whitefish Mountain Resort over the weekend.

Flathead County eschews state housing program

Saying it’s not a fair use of taxpayer funds or to future homebuyers, Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday quashed implementing a state housing program here.

Law roundup: Would-be thief wants to stay, leaves in haze of bear spray

An aggressive 35-year-old allegedly tried to shoplift and fought employees in the parking lot who were trying to get him to leave.

Legals for December, 31 2024

Enrollment in Flathead County schools declines year-to-year, but remains up over the last decade

Enrollment in Flathead County schools is down 1% from last year, with 17,250 students attending public and private schools.

Letters to the editor Dec. 31

Letters to the editor Dec. 31

Governor calls for applications for judge in Twentieth Judicial District

With recently elected district court judge Kenneth Cotter facing felony charges and opting against taking the oath of office in 2025, Gov. Greg Gianforte is calling for applicants and nominations for the vacancy in the Twentieth Judicial District.

Led by faith, couple serves others around the globe

On Jan. 15, the couple is set to embark on their latest adventure: serving on a medical vessel with Mercy Ships in Papa New Guinea, the eastern half of the island New Guinea, just northwest of Australia.

Law roundup: Caller tries to delay scammer’s vacation

Someone calling the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office from Kentucky reportedly wanted to press charges against a person who got ahold of their credit card account information, changed the password and purchased a plane ticket that was set to depart from Kalispell in two hours.

Legals for December, 30 2024

Missing Kalispell man found dead near Stillwater River

The body of a missing 58-year-old Kalispell man was found by authorities Saturday morning near Granrud Lane along the Stillwater River.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old.

Home sales remain even but new inventory could shift Flathead Valley market

In terms of new construction, both Kalispell and Whitefish continue to see multi-family projects dominating the landscape. Several units that have been planned or under construction in the last few years are expected to become available in 2025.

Montana population growth continues slowing

As of July 2024, the federal agency estimates that Montana has a population of 1,137,223, an increase 5,931 from July of 2023.

Lisa A. Nelson, 58

Lisa A. Nelson, 58, is survived by her mother, Patricia Nelson; son, Riley Nelson; as well as her siblings, Susan Alexander, Deborah Bryan and Steve Nelson.

Libby's Miner celebrates 100th birthday with family, friends

He attributes his longevity to his Christian faith and God.

Housing program goes before commissioners for vote

NeighborWorks Montana has applied to carry out the program, which provides homebuyers with a loan to assist in lowering the purchase price of a home. Those loans then roll back into the program to help future homebuyers.

Dave Barry's 2024 Year in Review

How stupid was 2024? Let's start with the art world, which over the centuries has given humanity so many beautiful, timeless masterpieces. This year, the biggest story involving art, by far, was that a cryptocurrency businessman paid $6.2 million at a Sotheby's auction for... A banana.

Robert 'Phil' Rognlien 87

Robert “Phil” Rognlien passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Nov. 23, 2024.

Curtis Pedersen, 87

U.S. Army veteran and man of many talents. An avid outdoorsman, Curtis could often be found fishing Montana's finest spots — he knew them all.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Happenings related to business in the Flathead Valley

Law roundup: Teens charged with taking out the trash

Two young teens were allegedly spotted doing a woman’s dirty work when they got out of the white vehicle she was sitting in and filled a dumpster with trash.

Kalispell massage therapist focuses on mind-body connection

Aly Aiyn George, born and raised in Eureka, opened her shop just across the street from Elrod Elementary in April. A year of renovations and work later, the building — originally built in 1893 — has a new, welcoming, fantasy sort of look with curving wood features.

Patrick Michael 'Mike' Reynolds Jr., 66

Patrick Michael Reynolds Jr., 66, affectionately known as "Mike" or "Burt" to those who knew him best, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 23, 2024, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Legals for December, 29 2024

Headlines: EXPLORE Act, corrections lawsuit and GNP's student builders

State sues Flathead County, US Senate passes outdoor recreation package, Columbia Falls students construct park housing in Glacier

Ronan business uses high-tech oven to 'cook' wood

About a month ago, a new oven arrived in Ronan that weighs 84,000 pounds. It took two or three cranes to unload the beast and maneuver it into its new home at Tech Woods USA on Terrace Lake Road.

Grand gift to North Valley Music School

North Valley Music School received a remarkable holiday surprise recently.

Local Events: Celebrate the New Year

From Whitefish Mountain Resort’s torchlight parade and fireworks to the Lil Smokies rocking the Great Northern Bar, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.

Road work ahead: Major infrastructure projects gain steam in 2025

Several transportation projects are in motion across the Flathead, with more progress planned in 2025

Electric co-op offers scholarships for apprentice program

Interested in becoming a lineworker and learning how to construct, maintain and repair electrical power line systems?

Legals for December, 27 2024

Law Roundup: Stick shift blamed for traffic violation

A young driver who blew through a red light blamed it on his being new to using a manual transmission.

Leslie Tinseth, 89

Long time Kalispell resident, Les Tinseth, 89, passed away peacefully on Dec. 3, 2024, at the Mountain View Health and Rehabilitation in Whitefish.

CASA of Lincoln County gets new wheels

CASA of Lincoln County, an organization dedicated to advocating for children in the foster care system, has recently received a significant boost in its efforts to support local youth.

Bigfork’s Lake View Care Center reopens under new management

“There is a huge aging population in the Valley. Bigfork, Kalispell and even in our surrounding areas like Libby and whatnot; just generally in the entire world, the aging population is getting older and needs some place to go if they can’t live at home anymore,” administrator Amber Gray said.

MSU marching band raising funds to attend national championship game

Montana State University has launched a fundraising campaign to offset costs for the Spirit of the West Marching Band to accompany the Bobcats as they play for the FCS national football championship in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 6, 2025.

Lake County's judge-elect resigns after drug charges filed

Lake County's newly elected District Court judge has resigned after being accused of attempting to purchase and distribute drugs following a months-long investigation by state detectives.

Pablo man killed in Christmas Day shooting in Polson

A suspect is in custody after a 31-year-old Pablo resident was shot and killed in Polson on Christmas morning, authorities said.

Becoming a resident of South Dakota is easy. Some say too easy

All you have to do to become a South Dakota resident is spend one night.

Culture and history focus of annual John White Series

The Northwest Montana History Museum presents Montana's troubadour, an ethnohistorian, Salish artists and toolmakers and a naturalist with little-known tales of Glacier National Park as part of its John White Series.

First Day Hikes planned at Northwest Montana state parks

Kick off the new year with a “First Day Hike” at a state park near you. On Jan. 1, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will host hikes at several state parks.

Celebrations planned around the valley to ring in the new year

Ring in 2025 in style at these New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations in the Flathead Valley.

God bless the USA

As the old Charlie Daniels song goes, God Bless the USA. Let me revise that song a little bit and say, God Bless the state of Montana.

Daines retains leadership role on energy committee

Montana’s soon-to-be senior U.S. Sen. Steve Daines will keep a key leadership position in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the upcoming Congress, as well as take a new position on the Foreign Relations Committee.

Many Glacier set to be focus of Glacier Park projects in 2025

Getting into Many Glacier will be a little harder in 2025 compared to previous years, as a large number of parking spaces will be unavailable due to construction.

Letters to the editor Dec. 26

Letters to the editor Dec. 26

Law roundup: Employee checks out of possibly boring meeting

Someone called the Columbia Falls Police Department allegedly concerned about an employee’s “erratic behavior” during an online meeting and asked officers to check on his welfare.

Legals for December, 26 2024

Tax relief for working, retired Montanans

Putting Montanans first and prioritizing the well-being of working families and retirees should be the goal of Montana’s government.

Jackpot for Mega Millions surges past $1B after no numbers match on Christmas Eve drawing

The Mega Millions jackpot has surpassed $1 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn on Christmas Eve. That means the estimated jackpot for Friday's drawing is $1.15 billion, potentially the fifth-largest jackpot in the game's history.

Pope calls for nations to overcome divisions in Christmas address

Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged "all people of all nations" to find courage during this Holy Year "to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions" plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia.

Chair 2 down for holiday ski rush

The busiest week of the ski season is upon Whitefish Mountain Resort and a major lift – Chair 2, the Swift Creek Express – is to remain closed until after the holidays.

Shrine Game rosters released

5 Glacier, 2 Whitefish players selected for West

Bridger Smith, Kobe Dorcheus, Mark Ahner, Carson Baker and Ben Winters from State AA runner up Glacier were all named to the West Roster for the 78 th East-West Shrine Game.

FCS Notes: Cats 'better equipped' for this title run

Montana State coach Brent Vigen wasn’t completely on board Saturday with comparisons between his current 15-0 football team and the one that surged into the 2021 FCS title game in his first season. But he gets it.

Law roundup: Irate man needs a cold shower

A man on a bicycle reportedly threw a tantrum on Ninth Street West, yelling about being ripped off for a shower.

Students continue program constructing new Glacier National Park housing

A partnership between Glacier National Park and Columbia Falls High School students continues to pay dividends for both the Park Service and the students as it heads into its sixth year.

South Kalispell fire department receives $12,000 Roundup for Safety grant

The projects include a rare $12,000 award for the South Kalispell Volunteer Fire Department. The group will replace its damaged extraction equipment, more commonly called the jaws of life.

State sues Flathead County over prerelease center decision

The Montana Department of Corrections is suing Flathead County for refusing to allow a prerelease center to operate in Evergreen.

Expanding rural access: UM debuts online school counseling program

The move to online instruction allows master’s students like Francine Stiffarm to access the program without uprooting her personal and professional life in Dodson, where she works as a financial literacy and entrepreneurship educator at Dodson Public Schools.

Dazzling Christmas light show awes viewers while giving to nonprofit

The lights, synchronized to music and displayed on the house and across the front lawn, have raised nearly $10,000 over the years.

Big Sky Now: Breaking down the semifinals, rivalries heat up

In this special Christmas Eve edition, we dive into Montana State’s dominant 31-17 win over South Dakota, punching their ticket to the FCS Championship.

Keeping Score: Lyric Ersland's buzzer beater, Flathead wrestlers shine and Glacier girls dominate the pool

This week, the action in Flathead Valley sports didn’t disappoint!

Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas during the war in Gaza

Bethlehem marked another somber Christmas Eve on Tuesday in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza.

More tourists or lower property taxes?

Here’s a rhetorical question for Montanans: Would you rather state government spend public money on things like billboards in Chicago to attract more tourists, or use that money to lower your property taxes?

Legals for December, 24 2024

Betty Lou (Magera) Andrews, 100

Betty Lou (Magera) Andrews, 100, passed away Nov. 19, 2024, in Kalispell.

In a calendar rarity, Hanukkah starts this year on Christmas Day

Hanukkah, Judaism's eight-day Festival of Lights, begins this year on Christmas Day, which has only happened four times since 1900.

Letters to the editor Dec. 24

Letters to the editor Dec. 24

Law Roundup: Uncertainty surrounds hidden camera in kitchen

A woman reportedly dialed 911 and hung up. On a callback, a woman, who was difficult to understand, allegedly said she found a hidden camera in her kitchen that looked into the living room and wasn’t sure if it had anything to do with her husband, whom she had a temporary restraining order against, or her daughter, who recently moved in. She also wasn’t certain if it was her camera or her daughter’s.

Flathead Valley churches honor Christmas season

The build-up to Christmas is a time of joy and thankfulness for churches across the valley, many of which have special services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Aland out as Flathead football coach

Flathead High School, coming off a winless season this past fall, is again looking for a new football coach after Caleb Aland was dismissed last week.

Poster Player of the Week: Lyric Ersland of Flathead High

This week’s poster player of the week goes to Lyric Ersland of the Flathead Braves boys basketball team.

Headlines:Top court says global warming can’t be ignored, and a judge reacts to the potential pardon of Jan. 6 rioters

NW Montana receives a 33,000-acre conversation easement, Montana’s top court says global warming can’t be ignored, and a judge reacts to the potential pardon of Jan. 6 rioters.

US Senate passes sweeping national outdoor recreation package

The bipartisan EXPLORE Act includes more than a dozen policy initiatives to enhance and support recreation on public lands

Biden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates

President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row.

Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal

The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he's picking fights even before taking office on Jan. 20.

Retiring Flathead County Clerk of Court piloted office into the digital age

The Flathead County Clerk of Court office is responsible for logging and maintaining a variety of records, including court documents, marriage licenses, and passport applications as well as managing jury selections and staffing courtrooms.

Law roundup: No HOA stamp of approval for tattoo trailer

A woman complained about an ongoing issue of an unattached “tattoo trailer” parking on the street in her neighborhood

Legals for December, 23 2024

Letters to the editor Dec. 23

Letters to the editor Dec. 23

Missing Kila man died in car crash, authorities say

A Kila man reported missing earlier this month died in a single-vehicle crash near Lakeside on Dec. 10, authorities report.

Bojangles Diner closes the door on decades of nostalgia

“The main point has always been community,” said owner Tena Bowen. “Bojangles is just a building and without the community, you have just an empty building. [These people have] been my world for all these years.”

Legals for December, 22 2024

Brawlers, Bravettes take second at CMR tourney

GREAT FALLS — Flathead wrestling brought home a pair of second place finishes at the CMR Holiday Classic Saturday.

Glacier girls take Missoula City Meet swim title

MISSOULA — Olivia Gibbons and Madeleine McGaughy picked up a pair of individual wins to lead the Glacier girls to a team victory at the Missoula City Meet Saturday.

Bobcat notes: Touchdown Tommy's craziest TD yet

BOZEMAN — The comment to fourth-year Montana State Brent Vigen was that he’s seen a lot of Tommy Mellott highlights, so maybe that 41-yard touchdown scamper in the third quarter Saturday wasn’t the craziest.

Law Roundup: Unwanted package not considered evidence

Despite notifying her bank of a fraud charge on a credit card and freezing her accounts, a package from Victoria’s Secret was still delivered to a caller.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Happenings related to business

Pursuit set to be a standalone corporation

By the end of December, Pursuit, the company that owns several lodges both inside and outside Glacier National Park will be its own company.

Letters to the editor Dec. 22

Letters to the editor Dec. 22

Richard Maroney, 82

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Richard "Dick" Maroney, 82, who left us on Oct. 31, 2024.

Flathead wrestler Downing named MHSA athlete of the week

Flathead wrestler Aiden Downing earned MHSA athlete of the week honors Thursday the association announced via X/Twitter.

Collaboration needed to solve biggest issues

The proverb "actions speak louder than words" comes to mind when considering the unfortunate failure of Flathead County's three municipalities to come together to discuss homelessness and its impact on the valley.

Keith Hanson, 74

Keith Marshall Hanson departed this life on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at age 74 — long before his family and friends were willing to let him go.

Mary Louise Eayrs 96

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at the age of 96, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mary Louise Eayrs, left her earthly body to be with God and reunite with her loving husband, Jesse Eayrs.

Glacier High students host event to foster community for English language learner students

Marlo Carpenter and Quinn Berkram organized the event held in the Edgerton Elementary library after noticing students enrolled in the language program can feel disconnected from their schoolmates.

Jon Robert Luke, 76

Jon Robert Luke, 76, passed away peacefully Dec. 9, 2024.

Columbia Falls boys hold off Miles City

LEWISTOWN — Cooper Ross scored 15 points and Jory Hill added 11 as Columbia Falls defeated Miles City 56-51 Saturday in boys basketball.

Seasonal sounds: Brass instruments star of unique Christmas concert

Musicians played tubas, euphoniums and baritone in a unique roughly one-hour concert performing at the Red Lion Hotel.

Nicholas 'Nick' Poncelet, 84

Nicholas "Nick" Poncelet was born Sept. 11, 1940, to Nicholas and Evelyn (Johnson) Poncelet in Great Falls, a second generation American with ties back to Luxembourg, Sweden, and Germany.

Residents implore county commissioners to approve housing program

Funds available to Flathead County through a state program are desperately needed to address a shortage of workforce housing, advocates say, but with the clock ticking county commissioners appear unlikely to approve it.

Lyn R. Opalka, 85

Evelyn "Lyn" R. Opalka, 85, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2024.

Trust funds: Investing in Montana’s future

Montana’s significant budget surplus presents us with a choice: pursue fleeting satisfaction through one-time rebates or invest in trust funds that will benefit not just today’s residents but generations to come.

Putting public Lands at risk is a threat to hunters and heritage

While Montana hunters filled their tags this hunting season, Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke were working in Washington, D.C., to privatize some of Montana’s coveted public lands.

Gallatin girls stifle Bravettes offense

Jada Davis scored a game –high 23 points and Makayla Coleman added 10 more as Gallatin cruised past Flathead 61-15 in girls basketball Saturday.

Gallatin boys use strong 4th quarter to pull away from Flathead

BOZEMAN — Grant Vigen scored 21 points, including 13 in the second half to help Gallatin defeat Flathead 64-51 Saturday.

Protect the right to know how government works

State government, our government, works best if its activities are transparent and open to everyone. Montana’s constitution is a national leader in protecting taxpayers’ right to know what their government is doing — whether it’s a local zoning board or the Governor’s Office.

Roadside frosties meant to bring smiles

Together the Laumans aimed to create something special, fun and secular, and settled on snowmen, or “frosties.” They started in 1999 with about 25.

Hope Thrift spreads a sense of hope in the community

Hope Thrift, located at 105 6th Ave. W., is located behind Bob and Peggy’s Houses. From decorations to winter jackets to games, the store boasts an assortment of fairly priced thrifted goods for both shelter residents and the public to check out.

John Frank Gallardi, 79

John Frank Gallardi, 79, passed away on Dec. 6, 2024, at his home in Bigfork.

PHOTOS: Bobcats bound for Frisco with 31-17 win over South Dakota

Photos from the Montana State Bobcats 31-17 win over the South Dakota Coyotes during an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Strong first half leads Wolfpack girls to win

From the tipoff at the Wolf Den, the Glacier Wolfpack girls looked energized and never looked back after taking an early lead to defeat the Bozeman Hawks 56-39 Saturday afternoon.

FCS Playoffs: Bobcats top Coyotes 31-17

Play NDSU for FCS title Jan. 6

BOZEMAN — Back to Frisco go the Bobcats.

Eureka coach Utter takes college job

The Eureka Lions won a lot of football games under a native son, and now there’s been a change at the top with Trevor Utter’s departure for the college ranks.

Gallatin downs Glacier at home 60-54

GALLATIN — After being down 29-16 heading into halftime, the Glacier Wolfpack stormed back in the second half but lost a close game to the Gallatin Raptors 60-54 Friday night.

Raptors girls run away from Wolfpack late

Jada Davis scored 22 points and Ave Odegard added 18 as Gallatin used a strong second half to pull away from Glacier 73-40 Friday at the Wolf Den.

Columbia Falls boys run away from Hardin

LEWISTOWN — Grady Hutton scored 27 points, including four 3-pointers as Columbia Falls defeated Hardin 84-43 Friday in boys basketball.

Bill to clean up abandoned mines signed into law

In 1999, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus of Montana took to the floor of the Senate to introduce a bill intended to help clean up abandoned and inactive hardrock mines across the western U.S.

Ersland’s buzzer beater lifts Braves over Bozeman

BOZEMAN — Lyric Ersland capped off a career high 30-point evening with a buzzer beating 3-pointer to give Flathead a 57-56 victory over Bozeman Friday.

Slow scoring second half dooms Bravettes

A scoreless third quarter from the Flathead Bravettes was all the difference in the game, as the Bozeman Hawks won a non-conference girls basketball game easily 43-20 Friday night.

House approves funding bill and sends to Senate hours before government shutdown deadline

Hours before the start of a federal government shutdown, President-elect Donald Trump doubled-down Friday on his insistence that a debt ceiling increase be included in any deal — and if not, let the closures "start now."

Kalispell woman admits to identity theft charges in scheme that used hospital patient records

A Kalispell woman accused in a scheme to activate and use stolen credit or debit cards with personal information obtained from patient records at Kalispell Regional Medical Center admitted to fraud charges Dec. 20, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Alberta's premier says Americans will pay a lot more for gas if tariffs applied on Canada

The premier of Canada's oil-rich province of Alberta said on Thursday that Americans will pay a lot more for gas if President-elect Donald Trump imposes a 25% tariff on all Canadian products.

Big Sky Now: Bobcat's path to the championship

In this special edition, Daily Inter Lake's Fritz Neighbor and host Josh Amick dive deep into Montana State’s high-stakes semifinal matchup against South Dakota.

Libby Public Schools educator charged with assaulting minor

In the charging document, Libby Police Chief Cody Ercanbrack attended a regular, weekly meeting Dec. 10 of the Student at Risk Counsel at Libby High School.

School transportation improvements discussed in Whitefish after bus fire

Whitefish School District held a K-12 connect session last week to brainstorm solutions to improve student transportation after a Rocky Mountain Transportation activities bus caught fire Nov. 23 while at a speech and debate tournament in Ronan.

Bobcats, Coyotes to bring beef to semifinal

Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)

The Montana State Bobcats are a win away from the FCS title game and erasing the pain that was the end of the 2023 season.

Law roundup: Woman takes overpass for scenic overlook

Looking to expand her horizons, a woman decided to take in the view from an overpass. Her presence, though, concerned a passerby who alerted the Kalispell Police Department.

Convicted felon sentenced to prison for Montana Historical Society thefts

Author and former Montana resident Brian D’Ambrosio was sentenced Monday to six months in federal prison and ordered to pay $22,508 in restitution for stealing materials from the Montana Historical Society, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced in a news release.

Column: A ranking and a giant from the past

Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC)

When you see the Iowa State Cyclones are 9-1 and ranked No. 3 in the men’s college basketball poll, you might think this is the best they’ve been since “The Mayor” — Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg — was putting up shots. You’d be wrong.

Search continues for Kila man who went missing in Kalispell

Friends and family are continuing to search for a Kila man who went missing in Kalispell last week.

Legals for December, 20 2024

Teacher pay primed to dominate public school funding conversation in the Legislature

After roughly nine months of negotiations, teachers and school administrators in Kalispell last month ratified a new two-year union contract that will raise salaries for first-year educators by more than $9,000. District and union leaders billed the agreement as critical to addressing financial challenges for staff in the Kalispell Public Schools, where the starting salary heading into fall 2024 was $38,385 and the median housing price is the second highest in the state.

Homelessness summit pitched by Kalispell City Council appears stalled

More than a year has passed since Kalispell City Council floated the idea of organizing a summit for Flathead County’s three municipalities to address homelessness. But it has quietly fizzled in the intervening months.

Keeping Score: Record-breaking wins and dramatic buzzer-beaters

The Flathead Braves extend their jaw-dropping duals winning streak to 77—now the second-best in Montana high school history.

Landfill deer to be killed to help control CWD

White-tailed deer that come onto the Flathead County Landfill property will be killed by state wildlife officials to help control the spread of chronic wasting disease in the Flathead Valley.

Let’s scrap the stigma of mental illness

Even though one in five Americans is estimated to suffer from mental health illness, talk about mental health in the rural West remains muted. I’d like to talk about it this Thanksgiving because I’m grateful I got the help I needed after a long-fought problem: I’m bipolar and I’m being treated for it.

Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents ‘White Christmas’ this week

Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre closes out its production this weekend of the holiday classic “White Christmas."

UM professor’s new movie to air on Oprah Network

When his childhood projects outgrew his family’s cumbersome video camera, he turned to Missoula Community Access Television to borrow their equipment and editing facilities. Now the University of Montana media arts adjunct professor regularly turns in screenplays for Christmas movies brought to life by the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Briefs: Whitefish's Gulick commits to Western

Carson Gulick, an All-State quarterback for the Whitefish Bulldogs this season, announced Saturday that he has committed to play football for Montana Western.

Legals for December, 19 2024

FCS Notes: Mellott's presence noted

Count South Dakota coach Bob Nielson among those impressed by All-America Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott.

Wilderness artist program taking applications

Artists from various disciplines, media, and styles are invited to apply.

Montana roundtable discusses ‘unleashing American energy’

Rising energy costs in Montana have led to increased electricity bills for residents, and dire consequences for some businesses, like a Butte company that shuttered a production facility this spring due to high electricity costs.

Holiday music featured for Christmas Kaleidoscope concert

The concert is a collection of some of the best-loved Christmas songs and carols from a variety of genres, spanning traditional Christmas music to film scores.

Burglary case dismissed after suspect deemed unfit

A Flathead County District Court judge earlier this year dismissed a felony case against a man accused of breaking into his son's Kalispell-area business in 2023.

Letters to the editor Dec. 18

Letters to the editor Dec. 18

Skaters dazzle in Winter Wonderland on Ice

The enchanting show features Glacier Skate Academy’s figure skaters along with a special tribute to Whitefish High School seniors Emma Marlowe and Vaughan Irwin. About 30 young skaters will perform.

Law roundup: Man bent out of shape over smudge

A man got bent out of shape when a woman in an SUV reportedly opened her door and hit the mirror on his truck, telling the Kalispell Police Department she denied doing it.

Mellott, Wehr, Bergen earn top Stats Perfom honors

Montana State’s unbeaten season has had no shortage of standouts, and eight Bobcats landed honors on the Stats Perform FCS All-America teams released Wednesday.

Follow Europe’s lead on health care

On Dec. 4, UnitedHealthcare’s co-CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated amid the huge and intrusive open enrollment campaign, which comes to entertain us at the beginning of each holiday season.

Poster Player of the Week: Julia Kay of Flathead High School

This week’s poster player of the week goes to Flathead Bravettes Julia Kay who wrestles in the 130-pound weight class.

Big Sky Now: Montana State dismantle Idaho, Vandals coach leaves and 20 Vandals join the portal

Montana State dismantles Idaho 52-19, but the bigger story is Coach Jason Eck leaving for New Mexico and 20 Vandals hitting the transfer portal.

Judge: Pardoning Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes would be 'frightening'

The federal judge who presided over the seditious conspiracy case against Oath Keepers members says it would be "frightening" if the anti-government group's founder, Stewart Rhodes, is pardoned for orchestrating a violent plot to keep Donald Trump in the White House after he lost the 2020 presidential election.

Global warming can't be ignored, Montana's top court says

Montana's Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a landmark climate ruling that said the state was violating residents' constitutional right to a clean environment by permitting oil, gas and coal projects without regard for global warming.

Land Board approves 33,000-acre conservation easement in northwest Montana

A proposal to put nearly 33,000 acres of working forestland in northwest Montana into a conservation easement has cleared its last major hurdle.

Flathead Valley man allegedly drew weapon following argument with ex

Peter C. Grigg, 58, faces one count of assault with a weapon in Flathead County District Court following the Dec. 5 confrontation at a home near U.S. 2 West in Batavia.

Orange cranberry whiskey sour great libation for the holidays

A sharp and sweet cocktail perfect for the holidays: the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour hits all the notes for a great libation.

Art students canvas Plains to spread holiday cheer

Early on a recent December morning, around 30 art students from Kristen Coles’ class descended on 14 Plains businesses. Their canvases for the day were the windows along Railroad Avenue.

Authorities rescue stranded driver near Verde Creek

Fire and law enforcement crews rescued a stranded delivery truck driver suffering from exposure and exhaustion near Superior on Friday.

Car dealership donates van to veterans organization

The United Veterans of the Flathead Valley is a crucial all-volunteer organization of military veterans and veteran family members dedicated to providing military funeral honors to all area vets.

Kalispell mayor calls on county commissioners to consider affordable housing program

Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson on Monday urged Flathead County commissioners to decide whether to adopt House Bill 819 before millions in funding for affordable housing is swept away.

Edwina Rosaland Aker, 86

Edwina Aker, 86, of Polson, passed away peacefully in her sleep from natural causes on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.

Savage Lake residents hope to see speed limit on Montana 56 lowered

Some residents of the Savage Lake community in south Lincoln County want to see a decrease in the speed limit on Montana 56.

Holiday panettone bread makes great gift

Unlike the dense, chemically-leavened fruitcakes often enjoyed in America during the holidays, panettone is a lighter, yeasted bread.

Law roundup: How the Grinch tried to steal Christmas in Kalispell

While he had no identifying information to pass along to the Kalispell Police Department, he told investigators that the small-hearted miscreant ripped the decorations out of his yard, tore and slashed them, and then dragged them up the street.

Thomas 'Tom' H. Krustangel, 81

Thomas H. Krustangel, 81, passed away peacefully on Dec. 11, 2024, at his home with his loving wife by his side.

FVCC Logger Sports athlete honored

Flathead Valley Community College’s Logger Sports athlete Abraham Chentnik received the Montana Athletes in Service Award from Montana Campus Compact at the recent 2024 Brawl of the Wild Cat-Griz football game in Bozeman.

Headlines: Columbia Falls pursuit, Flathead County's tuberculosis case and Kalispell's biosolids debate

Active TB case in Flathead County under control, suspect in armed vehicle chase given suspended sentence, and Kalispell moves away from compositing biosolids.

Damaging winds, snow, freezing rain expected Wednesday

Batten down the hatches, and the Christmas decorations, Kalispell.

Letters to the editor Dec. 17

Letters to the editor Dec. 17

Tamp down on government data collection overreach

The Office of Public Instruction currently collects nearly 200 points of information for school accreditation, funding and assessing the quality of programming and student well-being. This data, which includes student data, is protected by federal and state privacy laws and our state constitution.

Law roundup: Police asked to police the police

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Marilyn Waggoner, 88

Marilyn Wheeler Waggoner, 88, joined her Heavenly Father on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.

Montana, Wyoming sue feds to repeal Powder River Basin Coal Leasing Ban

Montana and Wyoming filed suit against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Thursday seeking to overturn the agency’s rule to end federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin — the nation’s most prolific coal-producing region. Coal mines on the Wyoming side of the basin, which also extends into Montana, directly employ about 5,000 workers, according to the state.

Legals for December, 17 2024

Engineers give Montana a ‘C-‘ in new infrastructure analysis

A report released last week by the Montana Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Montana’s infrastructure a “C-,” lower than the “C” grade it got on the same report in 2018, based primarily on a host of aging infrastructure across the large state and being underfunded to perform the upgrades needed on a quick timeline.

Utah man killed in rollover crash near Bigfork

A Utah man died Sunday evening in a single-vehicle crash on Montana 35 near Bigfork.

Law roundup: Movers accused of making off with guns

Having recently arrived in Kalispell, an out-of-towner from Louisiana was dismayed to learn that the moving company he hired had seemingly made off with two of his guns.

Legals for December, 16 2024

Jury: Public Service Commission district lines don't favor political party

A Helena jury has concluded that Montana lawmakers’ primary purpose in redrawing the state’s current utility commission districts wasn’t to favor one political party over another.

Fire destroys business, knocks out internet and phone lines in Kalispell

A woodworking business near downtown Kalispell was destroyed in a fire early Tuesday morning that knocked out power and communication lines in the area.

Director leads meal service for thousands of students

Serving thousands of hungry kindergarten through 12th-grade students is no easy feat, yet it’s done on a daily basis in Kalispell Public Schools, overseen by new Food Service Director, Christine Thelen.

Kalispell to enter into agreement with Bibler Family Trust on new park

The season of giving is in full swing, and Kalispell is poised to receive a hefty gift in the form of a new public park on its west side.

Boys Tip-Off: Northwest A teams win 5

FRENCHTOWN — The Northwest A boys basketball teams made some hay Saturday at the Frenchtown Tip-Off tournament, piling up five wins after just two on Friday.

Legals for December, 15 2024

Law roundup: Man props himself up as star of the show

A man wanting to be the star of the show allegedly got on a prop and wouldn’t leave when asked by a prop manager.

Sara E. Hunnicutt, 46

Sara Elizabeth Hunnicutt, 46, born on April 5, 1978, in Elk Grove Village, Chicago, Illinois, passed away on Nov. 27, 2024, in Kalispell.

Richard Weber, 89 and James Weber, 81

The Weber brothers, Richard, 89 and James, 81, passed away in July of 2024.

Robert Obie Morris, 85

Robert Obie Morris, 85, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at his home in Whitefish.

'Babe' W. Berge, 90

"Babe" W. Berge, 90, born in Bejou, Minnesota, to Art Winter and Beatrice Halvorson Winter on Sept. 20, 1934, was the fourth of six sisters.

Kenneth 'Ken' Siderius, 91

A longtime beloved Flathead Valley native passed away on Dec. 1, 2024. Ken Siderius, "Mr. S." was 91.

CMR defense shuts down Flathead

Ben Cunningham hit four 3-pointers and scored 19 points as CMR forced 23 Flathead turnovers to win 64-42 in boys basketball Saturday at Boyle Gym.

Follow the money for insurance corporation profits

Montana hospitals depend on payments from Medicare and Medicaid to stay afloat.

Harlan Peter Bruns, 94

Harlan Peter Bruns, 94, of Kalispell passed away at Logan Health Medical Center on Oct. 12, 2024.

Mineral challenge can’t be met solely by China imports

If there was a question of how risky heavy dependence on China for critical minerals is, it was dispelled with China’s plan to restrict the export of graphite, a key battery metal needed for everything from weapons production to electric cars and the transmission of solar and wind power.

State Rep. Denley Loge of St. Regis nets a few seconds on hit show 'Yellowstone'

Being an extra on the production set of hit television series can be both interesting and exciting, but one thing the extras agree on is that it also can be really boring.

Cocktail syrups capture flavor of Montana

Doug Satterly currently offers four flavors of syrups but is in the process of creating and launching two more. Each bottle of nonalcoholic syrup has a suggested mocktail on its label, which can be turned into a cocktail by adding any spirit.

Malmin knocks down winner, Bravettes beat CMR

GREAT FALLS — Down 45-43 with 9 seconds left, senior Ava Malmin drained the game-winning 3-pointer to give the Flathead Bravettes their first win of the season 46-45 over the CMR Rustlers Saturday afternoon.

Letters to the editor Dec. 15

Letters to the editor Dec. 15

Wolfpack girls pick up first win of season

GREAT FALLS — Karley Allen led all scorers with 13 points and the Glacier Wolfpack girls beat the Great Falls Bison 36-32 Saturday afternoon to pick up their first win of the season.

Mary Louise Bardon, 96

Mary Louise Bardon, 96, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Kalispell.

Kalispell’s Bob Lopp to lead Western Montana Mental Health Center

Lopp brings decades of leadership and team building experience to the job.

Wolfpack defense leads the way over Great Falls

From the tipoff at the Wolf Den the Glacier Wolfpack’s defense hounded the Great Falls Bison in their first boys basketball win of the season, 38-22 Saturday afternoon.

Brianne Fuzesy, 41

These words reflect on a person of infinite beauty inside and out, taken by pancreatic cancer in the prime of her life, who lived and loved to the fullest every day.

Elizabeth 'Betty' Jellison, 83

Betty Jellison, 83, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on Dec. 1, 2024, in Kalispell.

Housing program deserves full support

Montana has become one of the most unaffordable states for homebuyers, and Flathead County is one of the least affordable counties in the state.

Girls Tip-Off: Bigfork, C-Falls and Whitefish win Saturday

FRENCHTOWN — Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Whitefish all picked wins on the second day of the Frenchtown Tip-Off girls basketball tournament Saturday.

Montana homeowners pick up the tab for corporate welfare

Here we go again. Guess they thought that 2023 didn’t hurt the middle class enough.

Bravettes wrestling 2nd at home tournament, Billings Senior wins title

Billings Senior bested Flathead and the 28 other teams who made the trip to Kalispell for the Flathead Girls Invitational Saturday.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Happenings related to business in the Flathead Valley

Montana's largest classroom: Montana PBS for 40 years has served as electronic town square

For 40 years, Montana PBS has served as an electronic town square that encourages the sharing of ideas, opinions and information

Flathead High School alumni help current students through donations

When Carol Lechner saw a Facebook post from the Heart Locker last year asking for donations for teens for Christmas, she wanted to help. A year later, it has officially grown into a tradition for Lechner and the Flathead Alumni and Friends.

Brave Brawlers win 4th straight Mining City Duals

BUTTE — The Flathead Brave Brawlers are no strangers to success, but four and 80 and pretty big numbers.

Christmas Tea Party and Tour at the Conrad Mansion

Guests donned formal tea party attire for an elegant Christmas Tea Party and Tour at the historic Conrad Mansion Museum in Kalispell on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Whitefish, Polson, Browning boys win at Tip-Off

FRENCHTOWN — Whitefish dialed it up from the 3-point arc Friday, winning its season opener 71-33 over Corvallis at the Western A Tip-off tournament.

Mellott, Jones lead Cats into FCS semis

BOZEMAN — Facing a quality opponent for the second time, and one that he knew would “throw the kitchen sink at us,” Montana State coach Brent Vigen went back to basics.

Maidens, Lady Pirates win Tip-off games

FRENCHTOWN — The Western A Tip-off pitted the Northwest A girls basketball teams against the Southwest Friday, and Polson and Ronan were the lone winners from above I-90.

Bravettes fall to Bison, 48-36

GREAT FALLS — A low-scoring first half made it hard for the Flathead Bravettes to stage a comeback against the Great Falls Bison in their season-opener losing 48-36 Friday night.

Lady Rustlers hold off Wolfpack, 56-52

GREAT FALLS — Avery Youngblood and Kaylei Schultz scored nine points each and CMR held off Glacier for a 56-52 victory in girls basketball Friday.

Flathead runs dual streak to 77 in Butte

BUTTE — The Flathead Brave Brawlers won three more duals Friday — running their streak to 77, the second-best in Montana high school history — to put themselves in prime position at the Mining City Duals.

Thieves rob Troy hunter of buck, equipment

The joy a Troy man experienced after bagging a 5-by-5 white-tailed buck Nov. 20 in the Lower Yaak was quickly dashed after it was stolen, along with some of his hunting gear.

Physical CMR boys defeat Glacier

The Rustlers lived up to their nickname Friday.

Braves start hoops season with convincing win

After a winless 2023-24 season, the Flathead Braves wasted no time picking up their first win on their season opener, 73-49 over the visiting Great Falls Bison Friday night.

Hockaday Museum changes name to highlight connection with Glacier Park

The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell will change its name to Glacier Art Museum next year in an effort to amplify its regional recognition and more closely align with Glacier National Park.

Wildland firefighter pay raises could vanish without action by Congress within days

The $20,000 salary increase for wildland firefighters in the 2021 infrastructure law could be coming to an end next week if Congress doesn’t act.

New era begins at Glacier

Evan Epperly is second-ever head coach for Wolfpack boys

The Glacier Wolfpack boys basketball team enters a new chapter in 2024-25.

Schnackenberg stepping down as Lincoln County coroner

The Lincoln County Coroner’s Office will be seeking a new coroner.

Bigfork Fire Department to seek bond for new station on May ballot

Bigfork Fire Department will attempt to get a new fire hall on the May ballot in hopes of beating an ongoing struggle with funding.

Electric Co-op gets funding to protect infrastructure in canyon area

Flathead Electric Cooperative received $2.6 million in federal funding to help protect its electrical infrastructure in the Essex area south of Glacier National Park.

Whitefish students play it forward with guitar raffle

Two Whitefish High School seniors, Lauren Rossi and Bailey Kallal, have teamed up for a DECA project to raise funds for North Valley Music School.

Legals for December, 13 2024

Residents urged to get involved in future of Columbia Falls' doughnut

A group of like-minded residents are urging residents of the former Columbia Falls “doughnut” to get involved in meetings that could decide future zoning designations for the areas.

Businessowner Tamara Williams honored by Evergreen Chamber

Longtime Insty-Prints owner Tamara Williams was honored with Evergreen Chamber of Commerce's Brent Hall Award at the chamber's annual banquet dinner Wednesday in Kalispell.

Convicted murderer accused of raping underage relative

A 42-year-old convicted murderer staying with his mother outside Columbia Falls is accused of raping an underage relative over the summer.

Letters to the editor Dec. 12

Letters to the editor Dec. 12

Column: Where QBs go - but not to stay

It was a spring evening a couple years ago when a longtime friend — we’d played fastpitch together, and like me he is maybe a little too fond of Red’s Bar — made an off-hand yet salient point.

Holiday Sherlock Holmes mystery closes this weekend

It’s Christmas Eve in 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role as Sherlock Holmes, is at his Connecticut castle. Much to his mother Martha’s chagrin, Gillette invites his quirky, fellow cast members to the castle, promising a weekend filled with merriment and joy.

TUBACHRISTMAS concert set Dec. 16

The annual event will feature tuba, euphonium and baritone players playing Christmas Carols for the public.

Woman accused of attacking deputies pleads guilty to misdemeanors

A woman accused of attacking deputies after blocking traffic in 2023 pleaded down her felony assault on a peace officer charge to a pair of misdemeanors earlier this year.

Valley Voices hold Christmas concerts

The Valley Voices Community Choir will present its Christmas concert, Once Upon a Christmas, two times this weekend in Whitefish.

An open letter to Senator-elect Sheehy

Congratulations on your successful campaign for the U.S. Senate. With nearly 77 % of eligible Montanans casting ballots, your achievement capturing 53% of the votes over incumbent Jon Tester’s 45% was remarkable.

Don’t miss open enrollment deadlines

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us juggle the excitement of festive celebrations with the reality of financial strain. The costs of gifts, travel and meals can quickly add up, creating stress that lingers long after the New Year.

Time to change horses

The general rifle seasons for deer and elk hunting has mostly ended. Unless you were lucky enough to draw a late-season elk tag and have access to private ranch land in central Montana, your big game hunting season is pretty much over.

Man accused of pulling handgun on workers faces felony charge

Prosecutors filed charges this week against a 27-year-old man accused of leveling a handgun at an employee of a Kalispell veterans organization after an argument.

Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents ‘White Christmas’ this week

Performances will be held Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.

Code Girls holds technology fashion show

They will show off hats and coordinating outfits with programmed lights and components. Girls will walk the runway and share their stories and inspiration for their designs.

Legals for December, 12 2024

Law roundup: Full-grown man refuses to act like an adult

Did Billy Madison pay Kalispell a visit? A passerby described a suspicious man heckling children at a bus stop near tennis courts to officers with the Kalispell Police Department.

Changemaker series features adventure writer, mountaineer

The Changemaker Series is a remarkable platform designed to enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain audiences by presenting changemakers who have pushed the boundaries of their respective fields.

Time for Round 2

Idaho looks to close gap after lopsided loss on Oct. 12

Idaho coach Jason Eck makes no bones about it. His Vandals got whipped by the top-ranked Montana State Bobcats on Oct. 12.

Auditions for Shrek musical next week

Auditions for this musical romp based on the beloved animated movie will be held on December 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish with possible callbacks on Dec. 18.

New approach to grizzlies sought ahead of the second Trump presidency

Environmental groups are asking the U.S. government to do more to protect Rocky Mountain grizzly bears before the next Trump administration decides the big bruins' future.

Montana Supreme Court upholds lower court ruling that allows gender-affirming care for minors

A Montana law banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors will remain temporarily blocked, the state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday, after justices agreed with a lower court judge who found the law likely violates the state's constitutional right to privacy.

Tester criticizes campaign finance laws in farewell address

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a farewell speech to the Senate on Monday warned against campaigns becoming so bitter that lawmakers can no longer work together, blasting campaign spending laws a month after losing the most expensive race in Montana history.

Former Montana health staffer rebukes oversight rules as a hospital ‘wish list’

A former Montana health department staffer who described himself as the lead author of legislation to scrutinize nonprofit hospitals’ charitable acts said new rules implementing the bill amounted to a hospital “wish list” and that the state needs to go back to the drawing board.

Buttermillk pie a family favorite

This buttermilk pie is something that my mom has been making for Thanksgiving and Christmas for as long as I can remember.

Libby OKs safety measures on Mineral Avenue

Cruising the “gut” in Libby is about to become a thing of the past.

Nancy L. Jackola, 89

Our treasured mother, Nancy L. (Tonjum) Jackola, 89 of Kalispell, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.

Bulldogs’ Ridgeway commits to Grizzlies

Fynn Ridgeway, the decorated Whitefish High School quarterback who spent the past two seasons at Division II Moorhead (Minn.) State, has committed to the Montana Grizzlies.

Law roundup: Woman uses laundromat to catch her shows

On the eighth day in a row that a woman showed up at a laundromat not to clean her clothes but to soak up some television, an employee phoned the Kalispell Police Department.

Columbia Falls High School wins Hamilton speech and debate tournament

Columbia Falls High School speech and debate secured a tournament win in Hamilton over the weekend, followed by Whitefish in second place.

Stillwater boys best Helena Christian, drop a pair

Elijah Linn scored 19 points, Micah Strobel added 11 and Stillwater Christian opened its season with a 71-31 win over Helena Christian Friday.

Glacier High School triumphs at Helena speech and debate tourney

The Glacier High School speech and debate team solidified its undefeated season with a commanding tournament victory in Helena over the weekend.

Bonners Ferry downs Stillwater girls basketball

BONNERS FERRY, Id. — Jolisa Pond scored 15 points and Katherine Paolini added eight more as Stillwater Christian dropped a game against Bonners Ferry 64-33 Saturday.

Susan Marie Saurey, 71

Susan "Sue" Marie Saurey, 71, passed away on Dec. 8, 2024, at her home in Columbia Falls after a brief but difficult battle with cancer.

Dallas Crutcher Long III, 84

Dallas Long, 84, passed away on Nov. 10, 2024.

Flathead County Planning Board looks at changes to Canyon plan

The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday will look at updates to the plan that regulates development in the Canyon area.

Glenn D. Ott, 86

Glenn D. Ott, 86, was born on May 21, 1938, in Bemidji, Minnesota to Emil and Elsie Ott.

Kalispell moving away from composting biosolids

Kalispell is moving away from composting its biosolids owing to public concerns surrounding forever chemicals and the potential closure of its vendor's composting facility.

Headlines: Fire displaces Libby man, Smith Lake Dam threatened

Daily Inter Lake reporter and podcast host Taylor Inman goes over some of the week’s biggest headlines for northwest Montana.

Health officials say active tuberculosis case in Flathead County is under control

Health officials say that an active tuberculosis case in Flathead County is under control.

Law roundup: Man gives thousand-yard stare on stranger’s lawn

A man wearing a colorful beanie that looked like a ladybug allegedly stood on someone’s front lawn with a shopping cart, messing with his sweatpants while staring bug-eyed at nothing for 10 minutes before the resident called the Kalispell Police Department.

Evicted tenant allegedly takes aim at landlord

Authorities are holding Joshua Duwayne Stice, 39, in the county jail with bail set at $60,0000 following his arrest during the Dec. 3 confrontation north of Kalispell.

Fundraisers launched for victims of fatal vehicle wreck near Bigfork

Two fundraisers have been launched to support victims of a fatal Dec. 1 crash near Bigfork while prosecutors have filed felony charges against the suspected drunk driver accused of causing the wreck.

Woman accused of fighting with Flathead County deputies sentenced

Ashley Lynn Dryden, 33, faced charges of felony assault on a peace officer and misdemeanor driving under the influence and assault with bodily fluids following her run-in with the Flathead County Sheriff's Office on April 17, 2023.

Legals for December, 10 2024

Suspect in armed vehicle chase given suspended sentences

Prosecutors accused Charles Delaney Warren of pursuing a gray SUV while it headed down Railroad Street on Sept. 16, 2023.

December Delights: Holiday Events You Can't Miss in Northwest Montana

No bah humbugs here. Northwest Montana is bursting with holiday cheer this December, and we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you sleigh the season.

Blacktail ski area to open for season on Friday

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area above Lakeside will open for its winter season on Friday, Dec. 13.

Police question man with gun thought to be similar to one used in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO

NEW YORK (AP) — A man with a gun thought to be similar to the one used in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was taken into police custody Monday for questioning in Pennsylvania, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

Legals for December, 9 2024

Letters to the editor Dec. 9

Letters to the editor Dec. 9

Growing population prompts Kalispell City Council to explore wastewater, biosolids options

Kalispell City Council will review Monday options for upgrading the city’s wastewater treatment facility and new biosolids disposal methods to keep up with a growing population.

Kalispell resident learns to put health first following stroke

When Marit Bridger suffered a stroke, she wondered if she’d be confined to a nursing home for the rest of her life.

Law Roundup: Threatening note writer told to stop

A resident of an apartment complex did not appreciate continuing to receive threatening notes from a neighbor about backing into a parking spot. Kalispell Police Department told the note writer to take the issue up with the complex’s management.

Births Dec. 9

Births Dec. 9

Kalispell kicks off season with Christmas stroll

Kalispell hosted its Downtown Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Montana media organizations petition to join right-to-know lawsuit

At stake is public access to “junque files” containing back-channel communications between legislators, lobbyists and stakeholders during the drafting of bills.

Flathead County's participation in state housing program uncertain

Flathead County is eligible for $4.5 million in funding through a state program aimed at addressing workforce housing.

Calling for a uniform fee assessment policy governing all state executive agencies

As the 69th Montana Legislature gears up to meet this winter, lawmakers are spending time thinking about policies they believe will make the state better. The Montana Transparency Project believes one straightforward option is a law standardizing fees for right-to-know requests.

A band of frustrated neighbors, homeless people tidy up Kalispell's defunct Outlaw Inn

A few frustrated neighbors and homeless residents have grabbed drills and garbage bags to clean up the decaying Kalispell building previously known as the Outlaw Inn.

Ski patrol union frustrated with negotiation timeline

Contract negotiations between the recently formed Whitefish Mountain Resort ski patrol union and resort executives remained unfinished as the ski season opened Thursday, with the union president saying that a mid-season picket or strike could be on table if talks don’t move forward.

Thomas 'Tom' Everett Oppel Jr., 85

Thomas "Tom" Everett Oppel Jr. died on his 85th birthday, on Nov. 22, 2024, in Bigfork, less than four months after losing his beloved wife of 58 years, Maureen.

Ardis Maren Anderson, 84

Ardis Maren (Rasmussen) Anderson, 84, passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at 5 p.m. of mesothelioma cancer at the Whitefish Hospital surrounded by loved ones and her beloved dog Pita.

Time to redraw gerrymandered PSC boundaries

Back in April, a groundswell of volunteers put a first-time candidate and lifelong Independent on the ballot.

Conrad closets spill history

Last weekend I brought out all my sweaters and donned a pair of the wool socks I will wear for the next five months. Among the three basic needs, clothing seems like the lightweight, but a layer between self and environment can be lifesaving.

Hand-carved, hand-painted and hand-printed: Whitefish artist captures life scenes

Four years and hundreds more sheets of linoleum later, Tarke Penser’s creative outlet has become his livelihood, a way to hand-create the iconic scenes of Northwest Montana.

Tony Anderson, 70

Tony Anderson passed peacefully with his son and dear friends by his side on Nov. 22, in the year of our Lord, 2024.

Mother-daughter duo open new barbershop in Kalispell

Owners Amanda Scarlett and Katrina Harris — mother and daughter — both licensed barbers, want that atmosphere to feel evident. The pair opened the shop on First Avenue East in November after more than 30 years in the barber business.

UM business class pairs data analytics with beer

he local business is owned by UM alumni Zachary and Sarah Millar, who gave full access to hundreds of megabytes of data in their point of sales system. The raw data includes sales by day, hour and type of beverages sold.

Celebrate responsibly: Keep our roadways safe

A pair of heartbreaking vehicle crashes last week near Bigfork devastated two local families and sent ripples throughout the community.

Letters to the editor Dec. 8

Letters to the editor Dec. 8

Flathead Business Watercooler

Happenings related to business in the Flathead Valley

Law roundup: Police asked to use their parenting skills

Deciding that it was time for her son to come home from his girlfriend's home, a mother asked an officer with the Kalispell Police Department to give him a ride

James Justin Aker, 92

James Justin Aker, 92 of Kalispell, born Nov. 7, 1932, to James Foster and Lydia Violet (Hanson) Aker in Kalispell.

There is no simple solution to property taxes

In recent opinion pieces, Evan Barrett, a longtime Democratic consultant, and Mike Jopek, a former Democratic legislator, have repeatedly provided their “simple solution” to our high property taxes in Montana: just lower the residential property tax rate to 0.76%. If it truly was that simple, both Democrat and Republican legislators would have already done it.

Flathead wrestlers start with pair of dual sweeps

The Flathead Brave Brawlers are still streaking.

Legals for December, 8 2024

Continuing support for Ukraine is right thing to do

One year ago I was bleeding out in a trench line on the Ukrainian front.

Jackrabbits dominate Griz 35-18

BROOKINGS, S.D. — The rematch went about the same way.

Touchdown Tommy times 4; Bobcats dominate Tennessee-Martin

BOZEMAN — Behind a career day from Tommy Mellott, unbeaten Montana State rolled past Tennessee-Martin 49-17 in a second-round FCS playoff game at Bobcat Stadium Saturday.

Glacier, Flathead volleyball players honored

Glacier’s Kenedee Moore earned first-team all-conference honors as the Wolfpack volleyball team saw four players selected in the Western AA, while Flathead had two selections.

Auditors say state property tax rolls have missed $1.2 billion of new construction

The Montana Department of Revenue, responsible for maintaining the property listings used to calculate property tax bills, is losing track of hundreds of millions of dollars a year in new construction as it struggles to keep its data updated, according to a study published Thursday by legislative auditors.

9 Glacier gridders first-team All-State

The Glacier Wolfpack, coming off their second straight trip to the state championship, had nine players named first-team All-State for Class AA football.

Gianforte appoints Christy Clark to lead Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Gov. Greg Gianforte has appointed Montana Department of Agriculture director Christy Clark as the new director of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the governor’s office said in a news release on Friday.

Big Sky Now: FCS Playoffs Round 2 Predictions and Key Matchups

Join host Josh Amick and his panel as they dive into the second round of the FCS playoffs.

Legals for December, 6 2024

MSU's Vigen wins Eddie Robinson Award

BOZEMAN — In the midst of his football team’s historic regular season, Montana State coach Brent Vigen made more history Thursday when he became the program’s first Eddie Robinson Award winner.

AA wrestling teams hit mats Saturday

Things are changing in the prep wrestling world — we have new weight classes in Montana — but there are also some constants.

Skiers excited for a good winter on opening day at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Fog lifted from the Whitefish Mountain Resort village just as the sun crested the east horizon Thursday morning, revealing a double rainbow to kick off the ski area’s 77th season.

Low turnout at public hearing intended for low-income residents

A handful of representatives from local nonprofits attended a public hearing on Wednesday intended to gather input from low-income city and county residents.

Ray B. Keller, 90

Ray B. Keller, 90, a cherished third-generation resident of Bigfork passed away on Nov. 28, 2024.

Law roundup: Motorists dares cops to write him a ticket

Arousing the ire of employees of a business after allegedly fishtailing around the parking lot and performing brodies, the driver of a black Ford truck told officers with the Kalispell Police Department that they would just have to deal with it.

Judges needed for Kalispell speech and debate tournament

Volunteers are needed to judge the Western Regional Speech and Debate Tournament scheduled Dec. 13 and 14 at Flathead and Glacier high schools in Kalispell.

Students address global issues with diplomacy at Model UN

Success in Model United Nations hinges on negotiating with adversaries and allies alike through effective debates, speeches, caucuses and drafted resolutions.

Bail stays at $250K for hockey coach accused of rape in Butte, Flathead County

BUTTE -- A former youth hockey coach accused of sexually assaulting young boys in Butte and Flathead County said he couldn’t afford to post $250,000 bail and his lawyer asked a judge to reduce it to $100,000.

Sterling defenses await Cats, Griz

A couple statistically strong defenses await the Montana State Bobcats and Montana Grizzlies Saturday, and the old cliche — something has to give — applies times two.

Kalispell FFA does well at nationals

Kalispell FFA attended the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis this year with 36 students making up five teams, the most in the chapter’s history, adviser Brian Bay said.

Keeping Score: Class A Football Honors and Dorcheus Commits to Montana Tech

This week on Keeping Score, we celebrate the athletes who earned Class A All-State and All-Western honors, including standout players from Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Bigfork.

Fake threats spur temporary lockdowns at Kalispell schools

Three Kalispell schools saw a beefed-up law enforcement presence Thursday morning after anonymous overseas threats were called in through a crisis line.

Blue Light Christmas Tree Lighting

Attendees gather during the Blue Light Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony outside the Flathead County Justice Center in Kalispell on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The event is held in support of the families of fallen officers and to honor the officers, firefighters, first responders and all those who serve and protect.

Opening reception set for Reflections exhibit featuring artist Lael Gray

Phillips Gallery brings painter Lael Gray's Reflections exhibit to Kalispell with an opening reception planned Dec. 6.

Is hyperpartisanship the new normal?

On Election Day, 287,587 Montanans voted for more freedom, better choices and greater accountability in our elections. In a year of historic campaign spending, division and partisanship, nearly 300,000 voters chose person over party.

Film presents the history of skiing here

A homegrown multimedia, feature-length presentation that tells the story of skiing on Big Mountain and throughout the region will be shown in Whitefish on Dec. 12.

Floridis lines up benefit concerts

Missoula-based guitarist and singer-songwriter John Floridis along with cellist Jennifer Slayden and percussionist Ed Stalling will perform a series of concerts to benefit the Flathead Youth Home, Samaritan House and FAST Blackfeet nonprofits.

Christmas tea planned at the Conrad

The Conrad Mansion Museum will host its annual Christmas Tea & Tour Dec. 14 and 15.

State Supreme Court upholds ruling on Flathead Reservation criminal jurisdiction

The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a district court ruling against Lake County, which had argued the State of Montana should reimburse the local government for federal criminal oversight on the Flathead Reservation.

Accused rapist back behind bars in Flathead County

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Artists blend voices for American roots duo Denim Gold

The two joined forces in 2019 after they met at Flathead’s Got Talent competition. They started writing together the next year. It would be a couple more years before they began writing intentionally as a duo and pondering a good band name landing on Denim Gold, and now they're looking to that first album this winter.

Legals for December, 5 2024

Groups say rafting, outfitting permits deserve more analysis

The Forest Service received more than 30 comments on its plan to renew special use permits for commercial rafting and fishing outfitting on the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River.

Vigen: 'Not going to let it happen'

It was a year ago, in this very round of the FCS playoffs, that Montana State’s season came to a stunning close with a 35-34 home playoff loss to North Dakota State.

Letters to the editor Dec. 5

Letters to the editor Dec. 5

Don’t say Democrats weren’t warned

It is 2011, and the Association of State Democratic Chairs is having one of its quarterly meetings. Chuck Herz, chair of the Wyoming Democratic Party, raises his hand to be recognized and rises to speak:

Law roundup: Person follows alleged speeder home, records driver

A driver was reportedly so outraged when a vehicle passed them in Columbia Falls that they followed it home, stopped in front of the car and started recording the driver, yelling at her for going over the speed limit. They probably wanted to speak to the manager too.

Bands partner to present Christmas Spectacular concert

The Flathead Valley Community Band joins the Flathead Valley New Horizons Band for a Christmas Spectacular concert Dec. 11 at the Red Lion Ballroom in Kalispell.

Griz get 16 early signees; Cats take in 24

Montana Grizzly head coach Bobby Hauck and his staff added 16 players to the incoming class of 2025 on Wednesday — the first day of the early signing period.

Fresno St. picks Entz as football coach

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Fresno State has hired former FCS championship coach Matt Entz to take over its football program.

Festivities get the holiday season rolling in the Flathead Valley

Parades, strolls downtown and a chance to visit with Santa are part of the holiday festivities that kick off in the Flathead Valley this weekend.

Rifle season ends with uptick in overall harvest

The general big game rifle season wrapped up Sunday with an uptick across Northwest Montana in participation and the overall harvest rate.

Mexican troops seize a record fentanyl haul days after Trump threatened tariffs

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican soldiers and marines have seized over a ton of fentanyl pills in two raids in the north, with officials calling it the biggest catch of the synthetic opioid in the country's history.

Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's Pentagon pick, was fighting to hold on to his Cabinet nomination amid growing questions Wednesday about his personal conduct as the president-elect's team considers alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Majority of Supreme Court seems reluctant to block state bans on medical treatments for minors

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, a majority of the Supreme Court seemed reluctant Wednesday to block Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

Montana legislators vote down Capitol bathroom rule change aimed at transgender lawmakers

The Montana Legislature’s Joint Rules Committee on Tuesday voted down a proposed rule change targeted at a Democratic transgender representative from Missoula that sought to designate the use of private restrooms shared by the two chambers based on a lawmakers’ sex chromosomes at birth.

South Korea's opposition parties move to impeach president over sudden declaration of martial law

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's opposition parties moved Wednesday to impeach the president over the shocking and short-lived declaration of martial law that drew heavily armed troops to encircle parliament before lawmakers climbed walls to reenter the building and unanimously voted to lift his order.

Troy city councilor voted in as new mayor

The city of Troy has a new mayor.

Kalispell City Council approves fund aiding downtown facade improvements

Kalispell City Council approved Monday using tax increment financing funds to help downtown property owners make facade improvements.

Law roundup: Man hyped up to get out of town

A man reportedly strolled along Main Street yelling profanities at passing vehicles, acting like he was going to walk into traffic.

State hosts open house in Bigfork ahead of the planned Bridge Street Bridge replacement project

Montana Department of Transportation hosted an open house on Bigfork’s Bridge Street Bridge replacement last month, with the project now slated to begin in early December.

Legals for December, 4 2024

Libby man hospitalized following Thanksgiving weekend house fire

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department battled a roaring house fire Sunday evening that left a 79-year-old Libby man homeless.

Deborah 'Debbie' Krier, 75

On Wednesday Nov. 27, 2024, Heaven gained an angel.

Mineral Community Hospital acquires St. Regis clinic

The Jack Lincoln Memorial Clinic in St. Regis is now operated by Mineral Community Hospital after its medical director, Dr. Randy Lovell, opted to focus on his practice in Thompson Falls.

State racks up nearly $1 million bill for tribal law enforcement in Lake County

Officials in Lake County have billed the state of Montana nearly $1 million this year to help cover the cost of law enforcement on the Flathead Indian Reservation, something local officials say is the state’s responsibility under a decades-old arrangement.

Bruce Fladmark, 80

Bruce Fladmark, 80, was called home Nov. 8, 2024.

Audrey Treweek Savage, 89

Audrey Treweek Savage of Kalispell, passed away peacefully on Nov. 18, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faith.

U.S. Education Department urges states, schools to set policies on cellphone use

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Education Department called on every state, school and district on Tuesday to adopt policies on cellphone use in schools.

Ryggs Johnston goes from a tiny Montana town to Australian Open champion

A pair of Americans delivered command performances halfway around the world during Thanksgiving week. One was Peter Uihlein, the former U.S. Amateur champion and two-time Walker Cup player, winning by five shots in Qatar on the Asian Tour.

Idaho's 'abortion trafficking' law mostly can be enforced as lawsuit proceeds, court rules

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal appeals court on Monday ruled that most of Idaho's first-in-the-nation law that makes it illegal to help minors get an abortion without the consent of their parents can take effect while a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality continues.

Poster Player of the Week: Bridger Smith of Glacier High

This week's poster player of the week presented by Corwin Motors, goes to Bridger Smith of the Glacier Wolfpack.

South Korean parliament votes to defy president by lifting his declaration of martial law

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate "anti-state" forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country's parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.

Local Events: Pray for Snow, Holiday theatre and shopping

It’s opening week on Big Mountain, and winter fun is in full send!

Law roundup: Person threatened with ‘curb stomping’

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report of someone reportedly threatening to show up at a Columbia Falls property to “curb stomp and slit” someone’s throat.

Let’s embrace intentional growth

I co-founded the organization Shelter WF — a housing organization focused on changing policy at a local and state level —after the anger and grief I felt during the pandemic boom. The rapid growth our communities have experienced has changed the landscape — and not just physically.

Forest Service ignoring new info on grizzly bears in Gold Butterfly Project, complaint says

New details about “recurring, verified” grizzly bears in the Sapphire Mountains are significant, and they require the U.S. Forest Service to conduct more environmental review for the Gold Butterfly Project, alleges an updated lawsuit against the federal agency.

Proposed tax cuts would benefit top earners more than lower- and middle-income residents

If you earn less than $26,700, you’ll see another $39 or so from the income tax cut proposed by Gov. Greg Gianforte, according to a budget analysis from a state policy nonprofit.

David W. Hafer, 82

David Winfield Hafer, 82 of Polson, born Dec. 30, 1941, exhaled in this world for the final time and inhaled in the presence of Jesus surrounded by dear friends and family on Thanksgiving Day Nov. 28, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

Karla Joy Nielsen West, 76

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Karla Joy (Nielsen) West on Nov. 30, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Whitefish.

Legals for December, 3 2024

County board looks at vet clinic in Evergreen

The Flathead County Board of Adjustment on Tuesday will consider allowing a veterinary clinic to operate in an existing commercial building in Evergreen.

Letters to the editor Dec. 3

Letters to the editor Dec. 2

Janet Spanninger, 81

Janet E. (Detweiler) Spanninger of Copley, Ohio, passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. She was 81

Intoxication, speed suspected in fatal crash near Bigfork

Alcohol, drugs and speed are all suspected factors in a head-on crash that killed a Kalispell man Sunday afternoon near Bigfork.

Keeping Score: State Football Championship recap, All-Conference honors, and local stars' next steps

Join Josh Amick as he wraps up fall sports coverage and shares all-conference mentions and college signings.

Headlines: Bigfork Fire leader dismissed, Coram standoff and Evergreen's new sidewalks

Bigfork Fire lieutenant dismissed following misconduct allegations, suspect in Coram standoff allegedly assaulted teen, and new sidewalks create safer route through Evergreen.

After nearly dying, Chad Stock rededicates himself for a second lease on life

Fighting off shock, blood pumping from a gaping wound stretching down his forearm, Chad Stock had two conversations with God as the light faded on Easter Sunday 2024.

Law roundup: Breaker, breaker. Drug deal going down.

Something fishy was going on in Kalispell when a barefoot man with a walkie talkie met another shady character on a bike.

Kalispell City Council to vote on using tax increment funds for downtown facade improvements

Some downtown Kalispell properties may be in line for a needed makeover.

Legals for December, 2 2024

Birth announcements Dec. 2

Birth announcements Dec. 2

Marie Ann Clark, 82

With broken hearts we announce the unexpected passing of our family’s beloved matriarch, Marie Ann Evelynn Clark on Nov. 27, 2024.

Whitefish considers pond dredging contract

The last dredging effort took place more than 20 years ago.

Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to

President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family members.

Libby's Ryggs Johnston wins DP Australian Open

Johnston shot a 68 on Sunday to finish at 18-under 269 and three clear of Australian Curtis Luck (68), who had briefly taken the lead on the final stretch at Kingston Heath.

Griz notebook: Montana was too special for TSU

MISSOULA — Tennessee State football coach Eddie George has played and seen a lot of football, and he had the Montana Grizzlies pretty well scouted coming into their first-round FCS playoff game Saturday.

Bergen times two

Montana tops Tennessee State thanks to a pair of punt return TDs

The Tennessee State Tigers did a lot of things right Saturday night at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, worrying the host Montana Grizzlies with big plays and ball-hawking defense. The major issues? Two jail-break snaps that lost big yardage; a bevy of false starts; and two punts that got to the hands of Junior Bergen.

PHOTOS: Bergen returns two punts for TDs, Griz top Tigers 41-27

Photos from the Montana Grizzlies 41-27 win over the Tennessee State Tigers in the opening round of the FCS Playoffs at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Returning to the forge — New Agrarian School in Bigfork revives the ancient trade of the blacksmith

The New Agrarian School in Bigfork, a nonprofit, teaches the ancient craft of blacksmithing to a new generation of hobbyists, professionals, and instructors.

Stoke is high heading into ski resort’s 77th season

Thanks to an onslaught of Pacific storms, the upper reaches of Big Mountain are already buried in nearly 4 feet of snow.

Griz get 16 early signees; Cats take in 24

Montana Grizzly head coach Bobby Hauck and his staff added 16 players to the incoming class of 2025 on Wednesday — the first day of the early signing period.

Support local control: Let the people be free

Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson had some choice words for legislators in advance of the 2025 session. To anyone looking to seize more control from local municipalities: Back off.

Grateful for community support of new Bigfork library

On behalf of the ImagineIF Library Foundation Board and the Bigfork Library Capital Campaign Committee, we would like to thank the community of Bigfork and library friends far and wide for the patience, belief, and financial support that made the dream of a new library possible.

Low growth projection will hurt Whitefish in the long term

The Whitefish Community Development Board last month reviewed the draft demographics section for Whitefish’s ongoing Growth Policy update - Vision Whitefish 2045.

David Lee Brunty, 90

David Lee Brunty, 90, born June 5, 1934, passed away on Nov. 24, 2024, at his home of 30 years with his family by his side.

Terry L. Williams, 76

Terry L. Williams, May 13, 1948 – Nove. 22, 2024.

Terrell 'Terry' Abell, 79

Terrell "Terry" Abell, 79, passed on from this life on Nov. 21, 2024, at The Springs in Whitefish with his brother by his side.

USDA funds renewable energy projects in Northwest Montana

In Montana, 15 recipients are receiving a combined $600,101 in cost-sharing to install solar arrays, energy-efficient heating systems, and other improvements that will help reduce energy consumption and lower costs.

Law roundup: Ninety-nine bottles of beer left behind

Two guys in hoodies attempted to steal four racks of beer, according to Kalispell Police logs.

Fix Montana’s homeowner property tax disaster

The first step to fixing a problem is to recognize it exists. That’s a life lesson most of us have learned that also applies to the political world.

Jeffrey Detwiler, 71

Jeffrey R. Detwiler, Oct. 20, 1953 — Nov. 17, 2024.

Kalispell shop prints up customizable options

Richies Custom Creations seeks to offer a local one-stop-shop for all things customizable.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Happenings related to business in the Flathead Valley

Legals for December, 1 2024