Monday, September 30

Tester, Sheehy exchange jabs in fiery debate
Montana Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy acknowledged Monday that derogatory remarks he made last year about Native Americans were "insensitive." But Sheehy rejected his opponent's call to apologize, during a contentious debate in a race that's emerged as pivotal for control of the Senate.

Pete Rose, baseball's banned hits leader, has died at age 83
Pete Rose, baseball's career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, has died. He was 83.

Montana man gets 6 months in prison for cloning giant sheep and breeding it
GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — An 81-year-old Montana man was sentenced Monday to six months in federal prison for illegally using tissue and testicles from large sheep hunted in Central Asia and the U.S. to create hybrid sheep for captive trophy hunting in Texas and Minnesota.

Montana man to be sentenced for cloning giant sheep to breed large sheep for captive trophy hunts
An 81-year-old Montana man faces sentencing in federal court Monday in Great Falls for illegally using tissue and testicles from large sheep hunted in Central Asia and the U.S. to illegally create hybrid sheep for captive trophy hunting in Texas and Minnesota.

Harris trolls Trump at Vegas rally and LA fundraiser, says her crowds are 'pretty big'
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris poked at Donald Trump over crowd sizes, his refusal to debate again and his privileged background on Sunday as she hauled in campaign cash in California and held a raucous rally at the same Nevada venue where the Republican nominee had appeared just two weeks ago.

Man charged with attempting to assassinate Trump will appear in court
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course will appear in court on Monday after being indicted on additional charges.

Supplies rushed to communities isolated by Helene as death toll rises to at least 107
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A crisis unfolded in western North Carolina as officials rushed to get more water, food and other supplies to flood-stricken areas without power and cellular service Monday, three days after Hurricane Helene ripped across the U.S. Southeast. The death toll from the storm reached the triple digits.
Legals for September, 30 2024
Letters to the editor Sept. 30
Letters to the editor Sept. 30
Births
.

Flathead Lake Biological Station analyst leverages technology in scientific study
The natural environment was familiar to Diane Whited, who grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa
Law roundup: People get strange visits at witching hour
Someone allegedly went into a resident’s apartment while they were asleep and stole their home and work keys.
Sunday, September 29
Wildcats surge past Bigfork in boys soccer
BIGFORK — Columbia Falls scored two goals in a four-minute span and defeated Bigfork 3-1 in boys soccer Saturday.
Flathead Business Watercooler
Happenings for business in the Flathead Valley

Molding experience: Art Escape Pottery Studio students play in the clay
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, I joined a pottery-throwing lesson with a mother and daughter from Maryland who were on vacation in Whitefish for a few weeks. I had gotten there mid-class, but the energy was already high with The Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet playing in the background.
Wolfpack’s Bissen, Thiel win at Mountain West
MISSOULA — There were 52 teams from three states, and it was Glacier runners Owen Thiel and Lauren Bissen that picked up individual wins at the Mountain West Classic at the University of Montana Golf Course Saturday.
Evergreen wrong place for prerelease center
Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, as an advocate for Evergreen businesses and the community, is writing this letter in opposition to the proposed prerelease center at the Greenwood Village Inn and Suites property located on East Oregon Street in Kalispell.

Troy Curtis Schnell, 56
Troy Curtis Schnell, 56, returned to his heavenly home on Sept. 14, 2024.
Legals for September, 29 2024
Wolfpack girls three-peat at state
BOZEMAN — After a grueling two-day schedule, the Glacier Wolfpack girls flag football team found a way to get the game-winning stop on fourth down to win their third consecutive state championship over the Huntley Project Red Devils Friday, 18-13.

Claudia R. Potts, 86
Claudia R. Potts, 86, passed away peacefully in Kalispell.
Men’s addiction treatment facility in Columbia Falls gets license reinstated
The company operates two addiction treatment facilities: a men’s only facility in Columbia Falls called The Ranch and a women’s only facility called The Lodge in Hungry Horse.
Safe drinking water should take priority
Let's be blunt about the public health effects of lead-contaminated drinking water.

Ashley Joanne Ferguson-Jones, 29
Ashley Joanne Ferguson-Jones, 29, passed away Sept. 19, 2024.
Wilson offers legal acumen without ideological bias
It is a common refrain that voters know little to nothing about judicial candidates.
Early goals push Bravettes past Butte
BUTTE — Kyrie Gislason scored and added an assist as Flathead defeated Butte 3-1 in girls soccer Saturday.

Nathan Eugene Jordt, 59
Nathan Eugene Jordt, 59, left this world on Sept. 20, 2024.
Medicaid Expansion has made a great difference in Montana
As a nurse practitioner in Missoula, prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I was initially surprised that so many patients came from rural areas — especially Lake County.

Simple but precise menu key for Northwest Island Noodles
With just two options — vegan soba noodles and teriyaki chicken soba noodles — the menu is straightforward, allowing the chefs to master the art of the wok stove
Time to stand up for Montana ratepayers
My name is Elena Evans, and I’m running as an Independent for the Public Service Commission because we can’t afford another 28 percent increase on our power bills. I’m not a Democrat. I’m not a Republican. I’m a working mother with two kids, and I’m tired of politicians who refuse to stand up for Montana ratepayers.

Kauffmans mark 50th anniversary
The children of Kenneth and Frieda Kauffman announce the 50th wedding anniversary of their parents on Oct. 5.
Letters to the editor Sept. 29
Letters to the editor Sept. 29

Homeless individuals grapple with Warming Center shut down
The Warming Center expects Monday to be the last day it will provide services including showers, laundry and lunch, but Executive Director Tonya Horn said in a recent interview with the Inter Lake that the revocation process has not been communicated by the city.
Frontier: Yotes hand Tech first loss
CALDWELL, Idaho — Andy Peters threw for 419 yards with two touchdowns and the College of Idaho won in overtime 45-37 to hand Montana Tech their first loss of the season on Saturday.
C-Falls boys, Bigfork girls grab soccer wins
BIGFORK — Columbia Falls scored two goals in a four-minute span and defeated Bigfork 3-1 in boys soccer Saturday.
Griz hold off Eastern, 52-49
CHENEY, Wash. — Montana’s Logan Fife threw for 364 yards and five touchdowns, including a critical fourth-and-goal strike to Jake Olson, and the Grizzlies edged Eastern Washington 52-49 in a wild Big Sky Conference football opener Friday.

Repairs to water-damaged wing at Columbia Falls High School on track
Construction to repair a water-damaged wing of Columbia Falls High School is on track to be completed with displaced staff and students moving in Oct. 25.
Bobcats pull away from ISU, 37-17
POCATELLO, Idaho — And just like that, it was a runaway.
Law roundup: Woman frightened by ‘lady in red’
A woman inside a locked-up business on First Avenue East was scared by a group of about 10 people with cameras who reportedly gathered in front of the building and started crying when an older “lady in red” with curly hair and dressed in “southwest wear” tried to open the door.
Saturday, September 28

At least 56 dead and millions without power after Helene's deadly march across the Southeast
Massive rains from powerful Hurricane Helene left people stranded, without shelter and awaiting rescue Saturday, as the cleanup began from a tempest that killed at least 56 people, caused widespread destruction across the U.S. Southeast and left millions without power.

Adventure aplenty for Libby youth in outdoor program
More than 40 youth in Libby Middle School teacher Bill Moe’s program...
Glacier sweeps Western AA golf
MISSOULA — Glacier’s Torren Murray defeated teammate Jonah Wynne in a playoff to win the individual title after the pair tied at six-under par, and the Wolfpack swept the boys and girls Western AA golf championships Friday at Canyon River Golf Club.
Montana Tech suffers first loss of season
CALDWELL, Id. — Andy Peters threw for 419 yards with two touchdowns and the College of Idaho won in overtime 45-37 to hand Montana Tech their first loss of the season on Saturday.
A Football: Frenchtown rolls past Bigfork
BIGFORK — Frenchtown’s quarterback Brody Hardy accounted for five touchdowns as the Broncs used a big second half to win on the road against the Bigfork Vikings 48-13 Friday night.
C-Falls shuts out Polson; Dillon edges Whitefish
Ronan wins
POLSON — Columbia Falls quarterback Banyan Johnston threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns Friday, leading the Wildcats to a 42-0 win over Polson in Western A football.
Whitefish girls win Western A golf
ANACONDA — Whitefish, with four players in the top 15, won the girls team title at the Western A Divisional golf tournament held Friday at Old Works Golf Course.

Mann Mortgage to merge with national lender
After 35 years of operating as a family-owned business, Kalispell-based Mann Mortgage is on the cusp of finalizing a deal to merge with a national lending company.
Frenchtown continues rolling at Big Fork
BIGFORK — Frenchtown’s quarterback Brody Hardy accounted for five touchdowns as the Broncs used a big second half to win on the road against the Bigfork Vikings 48-13 Friday night.

Forecast shows healthy numbers for big game hunting season
Big game survival and recruitment in Northwest Montana showed positive trends this spring, according to a hunting forecast by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, released as hunting season falls upon the Flathead Valley.

Pack honors 2014 team with dominant win
A performance to honor the 2014 Wolfpack.
AA Football: Shea, Bulldogs top Flathead
BUTTE — Butte quarterback Colton Shea threw four touchdown passes — including an 80-yarder on the game’s first snap — and ran for a score to lead the Bulldogs over Flathead 41-10 in Western AA football Friday.
Friday, September 27

PHOTOS: Glacier cruises in 63-8 win over Hellgate
Photos from the Glacier Wolfpack's 63-8 win over Missoula Hellgate at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 27.
Everett, Wolford seize records; C-Falls sweeps
COLUMBIA FALLS — Maxwell Everett scored five goals, setting a school record along the way, and Columbia Falls beat Thompson Falls/Plains 9-1 in North A boys soccer Friday.
Whitefish spikes Browning Thursday
BROWNING — Isabella Hartwig and Camry Kelch combined for 16 kills and each had four aces Friday, helping Whitefish to a straight sets win over Browning in Western A volleyball.
McPherson, Smith lead Whitefish soccer sweep
LIBBY — Preston McPherson scored one goal, assisted on another and helped Whitefish edge Libby 3-2 in North A boys soccer Thursday.

Rescuers race to free people trapped by Hurricane Helene after storm kills at least 40
Hurricane Helene left an enormous path of destruction across Florida and the entire southeastern U.S. on Friday, killing at least 40 people in four states, snapping towering oaks like twigs, tearing apart homes and sending rescue crews on desperate missions to save people from floodwaters.

Tester and Sheehy will debate Monday on Montana PBS
Montana PBS will host a debate with Montana U.S. Senate candidates Jon Tester and Tim Sheehy at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30.

Libby hosting Veterans Stand Down Oct. 5-6
This event provides veterans an opportunity to obtain free services and to engage with other veterans, the Spokane VA, Montana VA and other community resources in the Northwest.

Glacier soccer sweeps past Flathead at crosstown
It was all Wolfpack Thursday night at Legends Stadium.
Law Roundup: Animals wandering all over the county
It was a day for roaming animals. A black lab without tags was found in Kalispell. A blue heeler and boxer mix were running around unleashed in a Martin City neighborhood.

Major decision takes Troupe to rugby pitch
Sawyer Troupe reached the pinnacle of high school wrestling on Feb. 10, pinning Bozeman High’s Hudson Wiens in 2 minutes, 37 seconds in the State AA heavyweight finals.

Lesar family donation funds new DREAM headquarters
DREAM Adaptive Recreation hosted an event last month at Whitefish Mountain Resort to kick off the initial phase of a capital campaign for a new building to house the nonprofit that will be located midway up Chair 9, on land donated by Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Kalispell teachers vent frustrations with ongoing contract negotiations
Undervalued and underappreciated were two words repeated by dozens of teachers in Kalispell Public Schools who addressed the school board and district administrators during an emotional public commenting period Tuesday.

Evergreen residents offer mixed opinions on prerelease facility plans
Neighbors of a proposed prerelease facility in Evergreen are showing strong opposition to the center, while some business owners said such a facility could provide an opportunity to hire employees who are in short supply.
Legals for September, 27 2024

Mary Ellen Monforton, 80
Mary Ellen Monforton, 80, peacefully went to be with our Heavenly Father on Aug. 21, 2024, in Whitefish, surrounded by her beloved husband and sons after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Gianforte, Busse confident as debate approaches
Both Gov. Greg Gianforte and his gubernatorial opponent Ryan Busse remain confident heading into their first and likely only debate next month.

Library employee raises awareness of Banned Books Week after trustees bar celebration
After Flathead County Library Board of Trustees directed staff to no longer celebrate Banned Books Week, one longtime staff member took matters into her own hands, making a sign and displaying banned books outside the library during her days off this week.
Prep Football: Glacier to honor 2014 team before Hellgate game, Flathead travels to Butte
This may be the biggest homecoming night in Glacier High’s short history.
Thursday, September 26

Week 5 Big Sky Conference clash: Idaho vs. UC Davis showdown
In this episode of Big Sky Now, host Josh Amick and the Hagadone Sports Network panel preview the upcoming Big Sky Conference games.

Helene strengthens to a Category 4 hurricane as it nears Florida's Gulf Coast
Hurricane Helene strengthened into a Category 4 storm hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida's northwest coast Thursday night as forecasters warned that the enormous system could create a "nightmare" storm surge and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.
Chief Mountain port of entry to close for season
The Chief Mountain port of entry in Canada will close for the season on Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Montana man arrested for intentionally running a motorcycle off the road and killing the driver
A Montana man has been arrested after witnesses said he intentionally and repeatedly swerved his car at three motorcycles in south-central Montana, running one off the road and killing its driver, officials in Carbon County said.
Elmo man sentenced for stealing dead mother’s benefits
A federal judge this week sentenced an Elmo man to three years in prison and ordered $95,722 restitution for stealing his deceased mother’s Social Security benefits and underreporting his income and assets to receive Social Security Administration benefits, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Juvenile suspect arrested after Superior school threat, sheriff says
A juvenile suspect is facing felony charges after allegedly threatening a school shooting at Superior schools, according to Mineral County law enforcement officers.
Kalispell teams head to new-look flag football state tourney
BOZEMAN — For the first time in its three-year history, the annual girls flag football state championship held at Bobcat Stadium is going to look drastically different when it kicks off Thursday.
Polson volleyball edges past Whitefish
McKenna Corley had 22 kills and three blocks as Polson defeated Whitefish in five sets Tuesday.
Chilean songwriter blends music styles with traditional songs
Nano Stern is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and songwriter with strong roots in the traditional songbook of South America.

Wolfpack Theatre Company digs into ‘Holes' with mysterious adventure
There is no lake at Camp Green Lake, but there are an awful lot of holes. Wolfpack Theatre Company brings the mysterious family-friendly adventure, “Holes,” to the stage at Glacier High School Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 and 2.

Great Northwest Oktoberfest band likes to get crowd on their feet
The S-Bahn Band is named after the commuter train that connects cities to suburbs Germany, which founder Richard Tyce said this is a nod to how their music brings people together to celebrate.

In search of Glacier's Upper Snyder Lake
Turns out, Snyder Lake isn't the main attraction of Glacier National Park's Snyder Lake Trail.

Bigfork songwriter Miller Campbell’s heartland rock sound shines in first album
Miller Campbell's sound is akin to Tom Petty or John Cougar Mellencamp, what she describes as “heartland rock.”
Law roundup: Man calls a spade a spade
Someone purportedly told the Kalispell Police Department they thought a silver Nissan Maxima and a silver Chevy Aveo parked in a vacant lot were stolen because "they looked stolen.”

Larry J. Lippon, 73
Larry J. Lippon, 73, born April 21, 1951, in Le Mars, Iowa, died on Sept. 12, 2024, in Kalispell.
Legals for September, 26 2024
Letters to the editor Sept. 26
Letters to the editor Sept. 26

Former outfitter pleads not guilty to Alaska grizzly killing
A former Hungry Horse guide and outfitter pleaded not guilty on all three counts of an indictment that charged him with illegally killing and transporting a brown bear in Alaska.
Kids, cats and humility
I am looking at a copy of a Sunday cartoon that appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Jan. 14, 1900. It is called “Woman’s Craze for Animal Pets Versus Babies — what we might expect in the 20th Century.”
Matching inflows with outflows works
With summer 2024 in our rearview mirror and fall upon us, we want to take this opportunity to commend Energy Keepers, operators of the renamed Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam (SKQ Dam), for doing a successful job Flathead Lake at the full water levels of 2,893 feet for the entire recreation season, thereby benefitting the environment, recreation, tourism, the local economy and irrigation.
Glacier volleyball sweeps Hellgate
Mali Carroll had seven kills and Glacier used a balanced effort to defeat Missoula Hellgate in straight sets Tuesday.

Northern Pike: Love or hate?
Before we get full time into outdoor columns about hunting, let me do a final end-of-summer column about fishing.

Leaders of the Pack
Ells, Holly and Remley leading rejuvenated Glacier soccer team
Oh captain(s), my captain(s).
Wednesday, September 25

Glacier High School plans increased police presence following threat
Glacier High School Principal Brad Holloway sent out a notification to families after 4 p.m. Wednesday, regarding a school shooting threat reportedly found written on a bathroom stall.

Fall kills climber and strands partner on Wyoming's Devils Tower
A climber fell to his death while rappelling down Devils Tower, leaving his partner stranded without a rope on the face of the Wyoming geological formation.

Polson murder suspect upset after estate left to victim, court docs say
A Polson man accused of shooting and killing a Ronan man appeared in District Court in Polson last week for an arraignment hearing.
New Covid, flu shots available for fall
Fall means it's time for just about everybody to get up to date on their flu and COVID-19 vaccines – and a lot of older adults also need protection against another risky winter virus, RSV.

Court upholds finding that Montana clinic submitted false asbestos claims
A federal appeals court has upheld a lower court determination that a Montana health clinic submitted hundreds of false asbestos claims on behalf of patients.
UM enrollment up nearly 6%; largest leap in 15 years
Enrollment at the University of Montana’s flagship, four-year campus is up nearly 6% this fall. When including Missoula College, total enrollment at UM is up nearly 5%, marking the largest year-over-year jump in 15 years

Laura Gessner, 95
Laura Belle Gessner, 95 of Silverdale, Washington, was born on April 23, 1929, and passed away on Sept. 18, 2024.
Legals for September, 25 2024
Patients suffer when Indian Health Service doesn’t pay for outside care
When the Indian Health Service can’t provide medical care to Native Americans, the federal agency can refer them elsewhere. But each year, it rejects tens of thousands of requests to fund those appointments, forcing patients to go without treatment or pay daunting medical bills out of their own pockets.
Power outages planned west of Kalispell and in Lakeside
Power outages are expected both west of Kalispell and in the Lakeside area.

UM launches Montana’s first public occupational therapy program
The new OTD program was approved to become a candidate for accreditation in April. It started accepting applications this summer, and the first occupational therapy students will start at UM in fall semester 2025.

Man accused of punching deputies earns deferred sentence
Colton Low initially faced a felony assault on a peace officer charge in Flathead County District Court following his March 2 arrest.

FVCC gallery features surrealist painter
The show features the work of Marvin Messing including a selection of his oil paintings, sculptures and intaglio prints.
Law roundup: Man polices parking with alleged vandalism
A man allegedly approached someone in a restaurant parking lot and mentioned his parking job, telling him to check his tailgate as he drove away in a white Tahoe High Country. The individual found ...

Big Sky: Griz try to break through at struggling EWU
You could definitely say that Eastern Washington’s football program had “it” going on this century, with a national title in 2010 and perennial playoff teams behind strong quarterback play.
Nonprofit hosts autumn stroll event in downtown Kalispell
My Glacier Village, a local nonprofit serving area seniors, is hosting the Sip and Sample Autumn Stroll through downtown Kalispell on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1-4:30 p.m.

Flathead sweeps Whitefish meet
Robbie Nuila came from behind to take the individual win and the Braves and Bravettes swept the team competitions at the Whitefish Cross Country Invitational Tuesday at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Kalispell Council questions use of city funds for lead line replacement
Councilors discussed funding options during a work session on Monday ahead of an anticipated Environmental Protection Agency mandate to replace all lead service lines in the city by 2037.
Volleyball: Bravettes fall in 3
Elise Hauck and Lane Rosenbach combined for 17 kills, leading Missoula Sentinel over Flathead in three sets in Western AA volleyball Tuesday at the Flathead gym.
Blankenship Bridge closes for repairs
The closure is expected to run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, September 24

Kamala Harris back on Montana’s overseas ballot
The electronic system used by Montana’s overseas and military voters to cast their ballots in home elections reportedly omitted Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ name Friday from those digital ballots — a situation Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says has since been resolved.

Tropical Storm Helene forms in Caribbean. It's expected to become a hurricane and move toward US
Tropical Storm Helene formed Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea and could strengthen into a major hurricane while moving north toward the U.S., forecasters said.

American consumers are feeling less confident as concerns about jobs take center stage
WASHINGTON (AP) — American consumers are feeling less confident this month as concerns about jobs rose significantly.

2 dead after John hits Mexico's Pacific coast as major hurricane, degrades to a tropical storm
PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (AP) — Two people are dead after former hurricane John barreled into Mexico's southern Pacific coast, blowing tin roofs off houses, triggering mudslides and toppling scores of trees, officials said Tuesday.

Trump lays out plan to lure foreign companies to US
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Donald Trump is expected on Tuesday to pledge not only to stop U.S. businesses from offshoring jobs, but also to take other countries' jobs and factories.
Legals for September, 24 2024
Montana women are not going back
When we hear the comments by JD Vance, vice presidential candidate, about childless women not having as much invested in our country as those with children, it makes us angry.

Sheehy says comments about Native Americans were old, selectively edited
Since recordings of U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy surfaced characterizing Crow Native Americans as “drunk Indians,” he has been publicly silent about those recordings, despite numerous calls to apologize or explain his remarks.

More rain, slower snowmelt kept Flathead Lake at full pool, officials say
Flathead Lake sat at full pool this summer following a dry 2023 season that saw its water level plunge to record lows.
Law roundup: Security prefers Pokémon thief doesn’t ‘catch them all’
An alleged habitual shoplifter was spotted in a store whose security called Kalispell Police Department to kick him out, assuming he would try to steal Pokémon cards as the tall skinny male headed to the toy department. Security called back when the man left the store without incident.

Troy Curtis Schnell, 56
Troy Curtis Schnell, 56, returned to his heavenly home on Sept. 14, 2024.
Letters to the editor Sept. 24
Letters to the editor Sept. 24
Monday, September 23

US to seek attempted assassination charge against man accused of staking out Trump at golf course
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The man accused in the assassination attempt of Donald Trump at a golf course in Florida left behind a note detailing his plans to kill the former president and kept in his car a handwritten list of dates and venues where Trump was to appear, the Justice Department said Monday.

Glacier hikers use bear spray to fend off grizzly attack
A group of visitors in Glacier National Park used bear spray to ward off a grizzly after it bit a Washington man last week as they hiked through foggy conditions along the popular Highline Trail.

Lebanon sees deadliest day of conflict since 2006 as Israeli strikes kill more than 270
MARJAYOUN, Lebanon (AP) — Israeli strikes on Monday killed more than 270 Lebanese in the deadliest barrage since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war as the Israeli military warned residents in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate their homes ahead of a widening air campaign against Hezbollah.
Letters to the editor Sept. 23
Letters to the editor Sept. 23
Law roundup: Truck has bumper to match reckless driving
A black truck with a crumpled bumper was reportedly looking for a few more dents when it was swerving all over the road and getting uncomfortably close to another vehicle.

Kalispell City Council to take second look at service line replacement funding
Kalispell City Council will be focused on heavy metal during its Monday work session.
Births
Births

Martin City man appreciates life’s journey even while navigating rough waters
A Martin City resident of 10 years, Ben Bruso's story begins a couple thousand miles away in upstate New York. It was in 1944 when Katharine Hadding dropped off her 2-month-old son at St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Ogdensburg, New York.

Barbara 'Barbie' Mckay, 60
Barbara Ellen McKay, affectionately known as "Barbie," passed away Sept. 13, 2024, in Whitefish, at the age of 60.
Legals for September, 23 2024
Sunday, September 22

Weyerhaeuser plant in Columbia Falls marks 50 years of operation
In 1974, Plum Creek, a subsidiary of the Burlington Northern Railroad, built the area’s first fiberboard plant. The idea was to make sawdust and other wood waste into a usable product using adhesives and high-pressure hot presses.
Whitefish soccer sweeps T-Falls
THOMPSON FALLS — Delaney Smith scored five goals, four in the second half as Whitefish pulled away from a halftime tie to beat Thompson Falls 9-3 in North A girls soccer Saturday.
Butte hands Bravettes first league loss
Behind Sophia Gransbery’s 12 kills, the Butte Lady Bulldogs handed Flathead its first league volleyball loss Sunday in four sets at the Flathead gym.
Legals for September, 22 2024

Final resting place: Family of late political scientist brings his ashes back home to Kalispell
Peter Odegard's story began in Flathead County where he grew up in a large family of Norwegian immigrants

Shirley M. Barrett, 92
Shirley Mae (Mikalson) Barrett, 92, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2024, in Kalispell.

Forecasts show warm, dry Montana summer could transition to cold and snowier winter
Montana’s summer was among the top 30 warmest and driest the state has seen during the past 130 years, causing drought to reach extreme levels in southwestern and the easternmost stretches of the state and leading to federal drought disaster designations for more than 20 counties.
Flathead Business Watercooler
Business happenings in the Flathead Valley

Theresa M. 'Terri' Darsow, 76
Theresa “Terri” M. (Mullis) Darsow, beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly on Sept 9, 2024, due to complications from surgery.
Scott Michael Jackson, 54
Scott Michael Jackson, 54, our beloved son, brother, father and grandfather passed away on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at his home in Missoula from complications of open-heart surgery.
Break free from controlling influence of political parties
The danger of powerful political parties being obsessed with dominating and destroying democracy was also echoed by our greatest founder George Washington when in his farewell address he cautioned that “In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union,” he particularly identified the “spirit of party,” which he warned would ultimately lead to “permanent despotism” and thus destruction of government of, by, and for the people.

Faye Lovette Manley Hegland, 97
Faye Lovette Manley Hegland, 97, passed away Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at Logan Health Medical Center.

Jayson Daniel Watkins, 55
Jayson Daniel Watkins, 55, passed away at home in Kalispell on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Attack ads about Sheehy are disingenuous
In recent weeks, Sen. Jon Tester’s campaign has devolved into ad hominem attacks on Tim Sheehy, most of which have no relevance to the issues that are important to Montanans.
Montanans are doing all right
Chin up, Montana, it’s a great time to live and work in Big Sky Country.
Law roundup: Why did the chicken not cross the road?
Someone calling from Crescent Drive called Columbia Falls Police Department reportedly concerned about the welfare of 10 chickens on the loose in the road and in people’s yards. Officers ...
Let’s leverage common ground
When I moved to Kalispell a few years ago I visited a new friend’s house and saw that neighbors at the end of her street had hung a massive banner across their garage.
Briefs: Holes-in-one, Rendina runs, O'Connell active
Ron Vandevanter fired a hole-in-one on Sept. 13, using a pitching wedge on No. 16 at Northern Pines.

Robidous mark 70th anniverssary
Jerome and Meta Robidou celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Sept. 25.

Modern babywear brand opens Kalispell storefront
As of June, Forever French, a baby and lifestyle brand owned by Chantelle French of Arizona, now has roots in Kalispell, offering the local community a boutique children's and lifestyle store.
Bobcats too much for Mercyhurst
BOZEMAN — Montana State scored on seven of its nine offensive possessions and held Mercyhurst without a first down in the first quarter, closing the non-conference portion of its regular season with a 52-13 win over the Lakers in Bozeman on Saturday.
Letters to the editor Sept. 22
Letters to the editor Sept. 22

Jacob O'Farrell, 44
Jacob O’Farrell returned to his heavenly Father after a long and difficult battle with chronic illness.
Why an independent supports Sen. Tester
I spent over 37 years as a federal civil servant, which spanned seven different administrations and 18 different legislative sessions.
Flathead soccer teams garner first wins
Naomi Miller scored two goals and assisted on another, Jonas Herzog had a goal and assist and together helped Flathead sweep Butte in boys and girls Western AA soccer Saturday at KidSport.

Griz rally past Western Carolina
Ah Yat’s record day propels UM
MISSOULA — The Catamounts made it a battle. Keali’i Ah Yat set a school record with four rushing touchdowns and No. 9 Montana rallied back from 17 points down to defeat No. 24 Western Carolina 46-35 Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
Saturday, September 21

PHOTOS: Grizzlies outlast Western Carolina, 46-35
Photos from the Montana Grizzlies 46-35 win over the Western Carolina Catamounts at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Range Riders drop Game 3 of PLCS
DAVIS, Calif. — Braylon Skinner’s solo home run broke a 2-2 and sparked a three-run fifth inning by the Yolo High Wheelers, who went on to beat the Glacier Range Riders 6-3 in Game 3 of the Pioneer League Championship Series.
Wolfpack volleyball tops Butte in 3
Friday brought another straight-sets win for the Glacier volleyball team, which rode 13 combined kills and seven combined blocks from Mali Carroll and Allie Krueger to victory at the Glacier High gym.
Football: C-Falls tops Whitefish 3-0
Bigfork, Polson and Eureka win big
COLUMBIA FALLS — Cooper Ross hit a 41-yard field, then intercepted a final Whitefish pass with 25 seconds left to clinch Columbia Falls’ 3-0 win over Whitefish in the annual Cat-Dog game Friday.

Volunteers needed for project on Wild Horse Island
Volunteers are needed for a forest project on Wild Horse Island next weekend.

Iconic Columbia Falls bar closes its doors
An iconic Columbia Falls watering hole is no more. Columbia Bar owner and developer Mick Ruis said he closed the saloon after business hours on Sept. 17.

Study will look at Columbia Falls' housing needs
Columbia Falls will undergo a comprehensive housing study that will not only look at the housing market, but survey employers, study the impacts of vacation rentals and second homes, and a host of other factors affecting the city’s housing needs.

Bigfork man recovering from injuries sustained in workplace chemical fire
Bigfork native Ken Williams left for work Sept. 6 with his dog in his truck, headed down to Polson. Williams had been employed by an asbestos removal company for about two months, a job he enjoyed. He left work that day in an ambulance, burnt by chemical fire.

Tester talks housing tax credit legislation in Kalispell
Sen. Jon Tester continued to distance himself from the Harris-Walz presidential ticket during a press conference in Kalispell on Friday on legislation aimed at making home ownership more attainable.
Wolfpack soccer sweeps Butte
Liam Ells scored two goals and assisted on another, and the Glacier Wolfpack swamped Butte 8-0 in Western AA boys soccer Friday at Glacier High. Both Wolfpack teams pitched shutouts, with the girls winning 3-0.

Flathead drops tight Homecoming game
Colin Lerback scored a pair of touchdowns, including the go-ahead 1-yard carry as Missoula Sentinel spoiled Flathead’s homecoming 25-23 at Legends Stadium Friday.
Bridger Smith, Presley lead Pack to win
HELENA — Jackson Presley threw for 286 yards and four touchdowns — three to Bridger Smith — and Glacier made a big halftime lead hold up for a 40-27 Western AA football win at Helena High Friday.
Friday, September 20

PHOTOS: Braves fall to Spartans, 25-23
Photos from the Flathead Braves 25-23 loss to the Missoula Sentinel Spartans at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 20.

Ballot error shuts down Montana online absentee voting system
When Max Himsl opened his electronic ballot on Friday, he was dismayed to see a candidate missing from the list of options.
Griz, Cats football capsules
When the Grizzlies have the ball: Junior Bergen’s No. 5 jersey showed up last week, and that will help an offense that stalled the second half at North Dakota, but was unstoppable Saturday against Morehead State.

Logan Health adopting Billings Clinic's electronic health records system
Billings Clinic-Logan Health are getting on the same page when it comes to storing and accessing electronic health records, according to Co-CEO Kevin Abel.
State lawmakers zero in on education funding, OPI spending
Montana lawmakers this month have trained a critical eye on funding for public schools, proposing new enhancements to the state’s education funding formula and raising concerns about the handling of federal school funds by Montana’s statewide education agency.
CI-128 is a Trojan horse
The Tester-Sheehy face-off isn’t the only Montana contest in the national spotlight attracting millions of out-of-state dollars.
Protect reproductive choice in Montana
My name is Susan Cahill. I am a retired family practice physician assistant who provided first trimester abortions in Kalispell as part of family practice starting in 1976 until my office was destroyed in 2014.

Tupperware lifts the lid on its financial problems with bankruptcy filing
Tupperware Brands has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company that revolutionized food storage decades ago and became inextricably linked to the parties where women seeking a measure of financial independence and fun in midcentury America sold the colorful products says it will seek court approval for a sale.

Kathryn Fulcher, 79
Kathryn Marie Fulcher, July 8, 1945 — July 24, 2024.

Biden administration seeks to remove gray wolf protections in Lower 48
The Biden administration on Friday asked a federal appeals court to reinstate a rule passed under the Trump administration to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the Lower 48 states which, if successful, would put the animals under state management like is currently the case in Montana and surrounding states.
Road work on Montana 35 near Creston begins Monday
Extensive road work on Montana 35 southeast of Creston begins Monday.

Bear euthanized near Libby had family history of conflicts, officials say
The grizzly bear euthanized south of Libby last week had a history of conflicts in the Ferndale area, authorities say.
Law roundup: Robin Hood, but no men in tights
A man playing Robin Hood in a public park raised alarm bells for a neighbor.
Glacier soccer splits at Big Sky
MISSOULA — Alex Hoerner scored two goals, Liam Ells and Creed Norick also tallied and Glacier’s boys topped Missoula Big Sky 4-2 in Western AA boys soccer Thursday.

Glacier sweeps Kalispell Invite; Flathead's Morris is medalist
The boys individual race at the Kalispell Invitational came down to the final hole Thursday — or rather, two final holes at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.
Letters to the editor Sept. 20
Letters to the editor Sept. 20
Legals for September, 20 2024
Flathead spikes Big Sky in 4
Addi Smith had 11 kills and Emy O’Dell had five aces as host Flathead downed Missoula Big Sky in four sets Thursday to win a Western AA volleyball match.
C-Falls soccer sweeps Libby as Lawrence, Everett get hat tricks
COLUMBIA FALLS — Behind four assists and a goal from River Wolford, the Columbia Falls Wildcats overtook Libby and scored a 9-2 boys soccer win, setting up a sweep of their North A rivals.
Prep football: Flathead returns home against Sentinel, Glacier heads to Helena
There’s no place like home.
Thursday, September 19

Big Sky Now: Powerhouses shine in Week 3
In this episode of the Big Sky Now podcast, host Josh Amick and the panel break down last weekend's action across the Big Sky Conference

Authorities were warned that gunman was planning to attack Yellowstone facility
Hours before a gunman opened fire at an entrance to a Yellowstone National Park employee dining hall, injuring one ranger, authorities had been warned he planned to carry out a mass shooting at the facility, officials said Thursday.

Glacier hiker injured in bear attack on Highline Trail
A hiker was air-lifted from Glacier National Park on Thursday following a bear attack on one of the park's most popular trails.

US home sales fell in August despite easing mortgage rates, more homes on the market
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in August to the slowest annual pace in nearly a year even as mortgage rates eased and the supply of properties on the market kept rising.

Glacier Park dispatch: Tragic accident, wildlife rescues, hoverboard trouble
From wild pine martens hitching rides to hoverboarders on the lake, Glacier National Park’s rangers have been busy

Mountain bike group gears up on two major trail projects
Ron Brandt, executive director of Flathead Area Mountain Bikers, prefers action to words, but he is excited to talk about two multi-year trail projects that are in the works.

Whitefish Theatre Company presents ‘Daniel’s Husband’
The Whitefish Theatre Company presents their first Black Curtain theatre production of the 2024-2025 season, “Daniel’s Husband” by Michael McKeever.

Whitefish-based nonprofit hosts the Winterland Impact Festival
Project Winterland describes the festival as a collision of film, music, innovation, science and immersive experiences inspiring and uniting people in the spirit of the greater good.

REzMaDe photo exhibit opens at Bigfork library
REzMaDe photographs by Salish Kootenai College and Two Eagle River School photographers from the Flathead Nation will be exhibited at the new Bigfork library through Nov. 8.
Changemaker Speaker series returns to the Wachholz
The Wachholz College Center presents the third season of Changemaker Speaker Series, a platform designed to enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain audiences.

Bigfork maker’s work featured at annual quilt show
Merrie Ford’s quilting journey started in eighth grade sewing class in Kalispell. Now, after moving around the country and picking up different skills and styles along the way, she has returned to the Flathead to start her own studio, theArtBarnMT, in Bigfork.
Golf: Wolpack lead team races at Kalispell Invite
Village Greens didn’t allow for much separation Wednesday at the Kalispell Invitational golf tournament, but that doesn’t mean people didn’t score.
Law roundup: Man not used to being told ‘no’
A man wearing a black jumpsuit reportedly threatened to punch and “rip people’s faces off” in Kalispell when someone told him “No,” after he asked them for money. Kalispell Police Department confirmed the man had a warrant out and responded to the scene.
Letters to the editor Sept. 19
Letters to the editor Sept. 19
Jayson Watkins, 55
Jayson Watkins, 55, longtime Funeral Director and General Manager of Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory passed away Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at his home in Kalispell.

Kalispell Public Schools approves final budget under looming shortfall
Kalispell Public Schools elementary district has $41.2 million and the high school district, $42.6 million, to operate on for the 2024-25 school year.
Health care for working Montanans
We’ve all heard the age-old maxim, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That applies to our state’s health care programs that ensure working Montanans stay healthy, hospitals thrive and windfall returns on investment for taxpayers and patients.
Lakeside chili cook-off, wiener dog races Saturday
The 29th annual Shriner’s Hospital Chili Cook-Off, Beerfest and Wiener Dog Races are slated to be in full swing at the Spinnaker Bar and Casino parking lot in Lakeside on Sept. 21.

Bored Teachers brings The Struggle is Real! comedy tour to Kalispell
Put the textbooks and lesson plans down and let off some steam with laughter when Bored Teachers brings their comedy tour, The Struggle is Real!, to Kalispell March 6.
Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre premieres ‘The Little Mermaid, Jr.’
The show will be performed at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, 21, 27 and 28, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29. Tickets are available online or at the box office one hour before the show.

New book features Montana’s Stagecoach Mary Fields
She was instantly fascinating to me, as I think she is to a lot of people because we don’t know the stories of Black people in the American west. They just are not talked about a lot. And yet Black people were here,” author Leslie Budewitz said.
Big Sky Notes: Catamounts may be tough to tame
The Western Carolina Catamounts, who visit Washington-Grizzly Stadium Saturday at 1 p.m. for a non-conference football game, are tough to figure.
Legals for September, 19 2024
Wednesday, September 18

Riders settle for split
Bats go silent after first inning of 2-1 loss to High Wheelers
In yet another pitcher’s duel, the Range Riders’ offense fell silent in the final eight innings and the Yolo High Wheelers took Game 2 of the Pioneer League Championship Series 2-1 at Glacier Bank Park on Wednesday night.

Woman suffers leg burns after hiking off trail near Yellowstone Park's Old Faithful
A New Hampshire woman suffered burns on her leg after hiking off trail in Yellowstone National Park and falling into scalding water in a thermal area near the Old Faithful geyser, park officials said.
Israel cites 'new phase' in regional war after Lebanon blasts
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ushered in what he called a "new phase" in the war with regional Islamist groups and said troops would be diverted to the Lebanese border, an indication that long-held fears of a wider conflict may soon be realized.

Federal Reserve cuts key rate by sizable half-point, signaling end to its inflation fight
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by an unusually large half-point, a dramatic shift after more than two years of high rates that helped tame inflation but also made borrowing painfully expensive for American consumers.

Grizzly bear euthanized south of Libby
State wildlife officials euthanized last week a male grizzly bear that had developed a penchant for breaking into chicken coops south of Libby.
Montana Supreme Court denies Democratic Party’s request for control of Green Party case
A five-justice Montana Supreme Court panel on Tuesday denied the Montana Democratic Party’s request that the court take over its case challenging the appointment of the Green Party’s U.S. Senate candidate, saying the party had not convinced the justices that a lower court erroneously allowed the Green Party candidate onto the ballot.

Whitefish voters approve bonds for school expansion, new football stadium
Whitefish voters on Tuesday approved two bonds that will fund an expansion and remodel of Whitefish High School and construction of a new on-campus football stadium.

House speaker takes another crack at spending bill linked to proof of citizenship for new voters
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is scheduled to vote Wednesday evening on Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal that links the funding of the federal government for the new budget year with a mandate that states require proof of citizenship when people register to vote.

A second wave of device explosions hits Lebanon a day after pager attack, killing at least 9
BEIRUT (AP) — Explosions went off in Beirut and multiple parts of Lebanon in an apparent second wave of detonations of electronic devices, Hezbollah officials and state media said Wednesday, reporting walkie-talkies and even solar equipment being targeted a day after hundreds of pagers blew up. At least nine people were killed and 300 were wounded, the Health Ministry said.

James F. Hagan, 95
James F. Hagan, 95, passed away in Bigfork on Sept. 12, 2024, of natural causes.
Columbia Falls' budget calls for tax increases
The Columbia Falls City Council approved a 2024-25 budget last week that calls for a tax increase on homes and properties in the municipality owing to the addition of a police officer and a bump -- in some cases significant -- in overall expenses.

Gianforte honors Vietnam vet in Alberton
Gov. Greg Gianforte last week presented the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation to Army veteran Mahlon ‘Paul’ Manson at the Military Veterans Memorial on Railroad Avenue in Alberton.
FEC Roundup for Safety awards grants
Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety program has awarded $28,660 in grants supporting community safety projects proposed by six local nonprofit organizations.

Montana releases final environmental assessment for grizzly management plan
Montana plans to manage for a sustained grizzly bear population regardless of whether the animal’s Endangered Species Act protections are taken away in two Montana ecosystems where there are currently close to 1,000 grizzlies, but plans to continue addressing conflicts between the bears, humans and livestock, according to the final environmental impact statement for grizzly management released by the state last week.
Legals for September, 18 2024
Soccer: Wildcats tip Whitefish boys, 4-2
Lady Bulldogs rally to tie C-Falls
WHITEFISH — Maxwell Everett scored a hat trick, including the go-ahead goal in the 63 rd minute, and Columbia Falls knocked off defending state champion Whitefish 4-2 in boys soccer Tuesday.
Volleyball: Glacier sweeps Big Sky
Whitefish sweeps Bigfork
MISSOULA — Behind seven kills from Mali Carroll, Glacier took care of Missoula Big Sky in straight sets to win their Western AA volleyball match Friday.

Range Riders keep rolling
Gabe Howell’s home run provided all the offense the Range Riders needed to win game one of the Pioneer League Championship Series 2-0 over the Yolo High Wheelers Tuesday night at Glacier Bank Park.
Law roundup: Drunk drivers on tap around county
A drunk woman was reportedly driving, and swerving, around Kalispell with a bottle in her lap and a bunch of people, including two kids, in her car, which had its lights turned off at night.

Stephen Theodore Petrini, 86
Stephen "Steve" Theodore Petrini, 86, passed away in Kalispell Sept. 12, 2024.
Statehouse candidates discuss how to invest in local economy
Legislative hopefuls on Tuesday made their pitches for the best ways the state can reinvest in communities, including decreasing taxes, supporting tourism and addressing workforce needs.

Flathead Valley groups sue state over analysis of new wells
Claiming that the state agency continues to use an internal memo to avoid state law when permitting new wells, two Flathead Valley nonprofits are suing the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Record number of donors give in Great Fish Community Challenge
The 10th Great Fish Community Challenge ended Sept. 13 with more than 4,000 donors giving over $5 million to 80 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations.

Trio of Northwest Montana snowmobile clubs poised to receive state funding
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is accepting public comment on its 2024 snowmobile grant proposals, a process that could see thousands of dollars headed to local organizations.
Tuesday, September 17

Harris condemns Trump rhetoric, says voters should make sure he 'can't have that microphone again'
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday decried Republican Donald Trump for inflammatory rhetoric about migrants in Springfield, Ohio and on other topics, saying voters should make sure he "can't have that microphone again."

Kalispell City Council revokes overnight homeless shelter's permit
Kalispell City Council revoked the Flathead Warming Center’s conditional use permit on Monday night.

Senate to vote again on IVF fertility protections in election-year push
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate will vote for the second time this year on whether to consider legislation that would establish a nationwide right to in vitro fertilization — Democrats' latest election-year attempt to force Republicans into a defensive stance on women's health issues.

Hezbollah members among hundreds wounded after pagers explode in Lebanon and Syria, officials say
BEIRUT (AP) — Hundreds of handheld pagers exploded near simultaneously across Lebanon and in parts of Syria on Tuesday, wounding members of the militant group Hezbollah, the Iranian ambassador and dozens of other people. Officials pointed the finger at Israel in what appeared to be a sophisticated, remote attack at a time of rising tensions across the Lebanon border.
Law roundup: Parking lot party creates a ruckus
Kalispell Police Department responded to a report of about 15 to 30 teens allegedly causing a ruckus in a parking lot. A caller, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the crowd was hollering and screaming and had a “whole cart” of beer brought over.
Legals for September, 17 2024

Billings Clinic–Logan Health to integrate air ambulance services
Billings Clinic-Logan Health is considering outsourcing aviation operations for A.L.E.R.T. as it consolidates the two medical systems’ air ambulance services.
A home-grown endeavor to save Holland Lake Lodge
Two years ago, a Utah ski corporation and the U.S. Forest Service announced a plan to highly develop the rustic Holland Lake Lodge on public land in Condon in the rural Swan Valley.

A secretive group recruited far-right candidates in key US House races. It could help Democrats
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Joe Wiederien was an unlikely candidate to challenge a Republican congressman in one of the nation's most competitive districts.

Conservation groups file federal lawsuit against National Park Service over Gunsight Lake project
The lawsuit revolves around the park’s plans to reintroduce bull trout and west slope cutthroat trout in Gunsight Lake in hopes that the fish will repopulate the St. Mary drainage.
Letters to the editor Sept. 17
Letters to the editor Sept. 17

Commission on Practice says charges against Knudsen can continue
The oversight body charged with disciplinary complaints of Montana’s lawyers have completely rejected Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s claims that he shouldn’t be subject to discipline because of his political position, or that they violate the separation of powers between branches of government.
Monday, September 16

Trump blames Biden and Harris' rhetoric for apparent assassination attempt against him
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump claimed without evidence Monday that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' comments that he is a threat to democracy had inspired the latest apparent attempt on his life, despite his own long history of inflammatory campaign rhetoric and advocacy for jailing or prosecuting his political enemies.

A pipeline has exploded and is on fire in a Houston suburb, forcing evacuations
LA PORTE, Texas (AP) — A massive pipeline fire in suburban Houston was shooting a giant plume of fire into the air for more than two hours on Monday as first-responders evacuated a surrounding neighborhood where some homes have caught fire.

Local events: Guided hike, bird watching and live music
Get ready for cozy fall vibes in this week's local events episode.

Phone records show suspect in apparent attempted assassination was near golf course for 12 hours
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Cellphone records show that the suspect in the apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump was near the golf course for about 12 hours before being confronted by a Secret Service agent, according to court documents unsealed Monday.

Flathead Warming Center permit back before Kalispell City Council
Kalispell City Council is poised to decide the fate of the Flathead Warming Center on Monday.

Xanterra’s new general manager brings decades of experience to the table
Xanterra Travel Collection is Glacier’s concessioner and runs the lodges inside park boundaries, like the Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge, among many others. The company also oversees the park’s famous Red Bus Tours. The company operates as a concessioner in many other national parks, including Yellowstone, Zion and the Grand Canyon.

Whitefish looks at agreement for trail section
Whitefish City Council on Monday is poised to sign off on the next step in the quest to complete a long-planned section of the Whitefish River Trail.
Legals for September, 16 2024
Sunday, September 15

Trump was the subject of an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf club, the FBI says
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump was the target of what the FBI said "appears to be an attempted assassination" at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, just nine weeks after the Republican presidential nominee survived another attempt on his life. The former president said he was safe and well, and authorities held a man in custody.

Generative AI in the classroom
Artificial intelligence is here to stay and is in the early stages of reshaping education as the internet did in the late ’90s.
Flathead Business Watercooler
Business related happenings in the Flathead Valley
Montana Western makes statement against College of Idaho
DILLON — Michael Palandr threw for 398 yards and four touchdowns as No. 9 Montana Western picked up a 42-25 victory over No. 3 College of Idaho Saturday at Bulldog Stadium.
Charlotte Pederson, 79
Charlotte Pederson, 79, passed away on Aug. 13, 2024.

Ardyth Welch, 86
Ardyth "Punky" Lee (Neville) Welch, 86, died peacefully Sept. 8, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.
Letters to the editor Sept. 15
Letters to the editor Sept. 15

Noller Automotive Supercenter parks in South Kalispell
While the large facility located off Basecamp Drive in South Kalispell can be daunting on approach, upon heading through the glass doors the brightly lit open-floor plan and light-hearted banter among employees gives away that it's family-owned and operated roots.
The truth about public charter and community choice schools
As a passionate advocate for high-quality education, I appreciate that Montana law now supports two different types of charter school options in public education: Community choice schools and public charter schools.
Legals for September, 15 2024
James F. Hagan, 95
James F. Hagan, 95, passed away in Bigfork on Sept. 12, 2024, of natural causes.

A visit to Hornet Lookout
I sat on a fold out wooden chair that had to be older than my grandfather and admired all the artifacts people had left behind — a ripped deer stuffed toy, a philosophy book, mismatched pans blackened by years over the flame, a can of Coke someone left as a treat for the next visitor. Then there were the old old things, a crate marked “flour and sugar, etc.,” that in my mind was carried up by mules back in the day, a handmade table and ladder. The room smelled like Pine-Sol. I slept on a cot that had held countless strangers.
Flathead volleyball finishes weekend sweep
Emma Eve had 12 kills and Kendall Kratofil served four aces as the Flathead Bravettes volleyball team defeated Helena Capital 25-17, 22-25, 25-14, 27-15.
Law roundup: ‘Blood trail’ doesn’t lead police anywhere
Someone purportedly found a “blood trail” that went along the sidewalk behind a bank toward the hospital.
A tool to safeguard public funding for housing projects
“Use the right tool, for the right job, in the right way.” It’s a motto good craftsmen, mechanics and chefs swear by.

Norma Long, 95
Norma Long, 95, passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2024, at Logan Health Medical Center.
Soccer roundup: Solid week for C-Falls
THOMPSON FALLS — It was a successful week for the Columbia Falls soccer teams, who completed a two-match sweep with wins Saturday.
Montana business leaders respond to attacks on Bridger Aerospace
Small businesses are at the heart of all American communities — nowhere more than here in Montana. From agriculture to technology, our business leaders understand far better than professional investors and opinion writers that starting and managing businesses are risky efforts, with the goals of getting to profitability and staffing the needs of the business constantly buffeted by headwinds such as market uncertainty, lack of capital and even uncertain weather.
Community briefs: Materials sourcing talk, Alzheimer's walk, free mammograms
Events happening in the Flathead Valley

Possible forest work slated for Lone Pine State Park
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is considering a forest thinning and tree planting project at Lone Pine State Park aimed at improving forest health and stand diversity.
Glacier boys top Helena Capital, girls tie
HELENA — Bryce Remley and Alex Hoerner scored goals as Glacier boys soccer picked up a road win against Helena High Saturday 2-1.

Griz grind down Eagles
MISSOULA — Keali'i Ah Yat accounted for three touchdowns, Montana held Morehead State to 45 yards of offense and rolled to a 59-2 victory on Saturday.

Janice Nadine McCallum (Johnson) Howlett, 80
Former Montana State Senator Janice Nadine McCallum (Johnson) Howlett, 80, left the earthly world on Aug. 19, 2024.

Hazel Hedstrom, 97
Hazel B. Hedstrom, 97, passed away from natural causes at the Grandview Rehabilitation Center in Great Falls on Aug. 29, 2024.
Montana’s Green Party is for true progressives
Democrats talk bipartisanship while surrendering to right-wing oligarchic warmongers. Does anyone really think Dick Cheney is becoming a Democrat?
Saturday, September 14

PHOTOS: Grizzlies overpower Morehead State, 59-2
Photos from the Montana Grizzlies 59-2 win over Morehead State at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Dirt Rich: Local compost facility collects nearly 1 million pounds of food waste
Do you have broccoli that’s been in the fridge too long? Have your bananas turned black? Couldn’t finish that beef burrito?
Gulick, Bulldogs rally past Corvallis
Polson, Eureka pick up wins
WHITEFISH — Carson Gulick threw for one touchdown and ran for two — including a 66-yard burst in the fourth quarter that pushed Whitefish past Corvallis 21-20 in Western A football Friday.
AA soccer: Winkler hat trick lifts Glacier girls
HELENA — With Kalispell’s AA soccer squads in the state capital this weekend, Glacier’s girls owned Friday as the lone local team to win.

Ronan community mourns victim of alleged murder
The community of Ronan is reeling from the loss of Ed Loder, 67, who was allegedly murdered Saturday, Aug. 31, as he walked along the bike trail near his home and shop on Timberlane Road, southeast of Ronan.
Polson's Milton, Bigfork's Wade are Libby medalists
LIBBY — Not everybody stayed for 36 holes, but among those that did Polson’s Max Milton and Bigfork’s Keni Wade took home hardware from the Libby Invitational golf meet Friday.

Wolfpack shut down Butte, now 3-0
No comeback this time.
Range Riders rout Missoula 17-3, advance to PBL finals
MISSOULA — The Range Riders are moving on.
Friday, September 13

PHOTOS: Wolfpack sprints to 3-0 with 49-14 win over Butte
Photos from the Glacier Wolfpack's 49-14 win over the Butte Bulldogs at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 13.

Watchdog challenges pro-Tester committee’s financial reporting
In the second half of 2023, a secretive political action committee began running television ads against Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy. There were no details about who was funding Last Best Place PAC, how much money it had to spend, or who was working for the committee.

Big Sky Now: Who's ready for a major upset?
John, Fritz and Mark join Josh Amick as they break down the upcoming Big Sky Conference matchups. Idaho State takes on North Dakota in a challenging face-off, and the panel debates whether Idaho State can rise to the occasion.

Wolfpack girls win Crosstown on Senior night
Junior Karley Allen shined on offense and defense, accounting for all three scores, to help lead the Wolfpack girls to a 19-0 win against the Flathead Bravettes at Legends Stadium on a rainy Thursday night.

Lincoln County relies on federal funds, big cuts to balance budget
Lincoln County commissioners last week passed a $14.9 million budget for fiscal year 2025 with property taxes increasing.
Legals for September, 13 2024
Prep Football: Glacier welcomes Butte after disappointing 2023 loss
The Wolfpack have a score to settle.
FVCC holds session looking at careers in the trades
Prospective students explore hands-on career sessions led by FVCC instructors, parents attend information sessions outlining pathways for success in the trades, and local industry leaders share current job opportunities available in the Flathead Valley.
Polson’s Milton shoots 3-under at Libby Invitational
EUREKA — Polson’s Max Milton shot a three-under-par 68 Thursday to take a four-shot lead after one round at the Libby Invitational at Indian Springs Golf Course in Eureka.
Flathead football falls on the road to Missoula Big Sky
MISSOULA — Avery Omlid threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns as the Missoula Big Sky Eagles defeated the Flathead Braves 29-0 Thursday at MCPS Stadium.
Engellant claims another title at Butte Invitational
FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS — Sam Engellant finished as strong as he started at the Butte Invitational, shooting a second 71 in as many days to win at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Golf Course by three strokes.
Law Roundup: Boys playing hooky busted
Columbia Falls Police busted a trio of school skippers who were trying to lay low inside their vehicle at a city park. The boys' parents were notified.
Writing Coaches of Montana seeks volunteers for 2024-25 school year
Writing Coaches of Montana seeks community members in Flathead County to participate in its coaching program with the mission of helping students in Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Kalispell and Whitefish school districts improve their writing skills.
Nine students named 2025 National Merit semifinalists
Seven Kalispell high school students and two Whitefish students have been named National Merit semifinalists for the 2025 school year.
Summit on Parkinson’s disease in Kalispell
A nonprofit organization focusing on Parkinson's disease is holding its autumn conference in Kalispell on Sept. 27-28.
Betty Amundson, 94
Betty (Gingery) Amundson, 94, passed away on the night of Sept. 1, 2024, peacefully at home.
Rain forces Range Riders-Paddleheads postponement
Consistent rain in the Missoula area forced the postponement of Game two in the Pioneer League Playoffs first round series between the Missoula Paddleheads and the Glacier Range Riders.
Pack, Bravettes sweep league matches Friday
Both the Flathead Bravettes and Glacier Wolfpack won their home volleyball matches in straight sets Friday, staring off their Western AA slates 1-0.
Thursday, September 12

Montana miner to lay off hundreds due to declining palladium prices
The owner of the only platinum and palladium mines in the U.S. announced Thursday it plans to lay off hundreds of employees in Montana due to declining prices for palladium, which is used in catalytic converters.

$20k in equipment stolen from Whitefish sports fields
The nonprofit that maintains Whitefish's baseball and soccer fields is asking residents to keep an eye out for its missing utility golf cart and a plethora of other tools stolen from the complex over the weekend.
Woman injured in deputy-involved shooting in Libby
A Libby woman was shot and wounded by a law enforcement officer last weekend at a residence just south of Libby, authorities say.

Auditors say Office of Public Instruction may have misspent $67M of federal funding
State auditors told Montana lawmakers that they’ve uncovered more than $67 million in questionable spending of federal pass-through money in the state’s education department, including one district that bought massage chairs for the teachers lounge.
Big Sky Now: Shocking upsets and bold predictions
In this episode of Big Sky Now, host Josh Amick and the panel discuss Eastern Washington's upset loss to Drake, analyzing what went wrong for the Eagles.

Flathead Audubon’s annual Birds of Prey Festival is Saturday
Flathead Audubon will hold the 15th Annual Birds of Prey Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell.
Letters to the editor Sept. 12
Letters to the editor Sept. 12
Engellant, Pack boys lead Butte Invite golf
FAIRMOUNT HOT SPRINGS — Glacier’s Sam Engellant continued his strong play to start the season, shooting a 71 to lead the two-day Butte Invitational at Fairmont Hot Springs Golf Course on Wednesday.
Flathead Story Concerts features local storytellers
The event runs from 6-7:30 p.m. at Sacred Waters Brewing. Seating opens at 5:30 p.m. No tickets are required but space is limited.
Neighbors oppose proposed subdivisions on Tronstad Road
The developers Jon Sonju and Frank Garner, two former Republican lawmakers, are looking to develop twin subdivisions, Tronstad Meadows and Whitetail Crossing, on around 110 acres between the highway and Whitefish Stage Road.
Auditors clear former Commerce Department director of wrongdoing
An annual report into fraud, waste and abuse in Montana shows that the number of reports may have increased in 2024, but the Legislative Audit Division that oversees the complaint investigation said the number of cases that have resulted in disciplinary action has remained fairly constant.
CI-126 is the change Montana needs
I’ve lived my life by what I and many others consider true Montana values. Sometimes, I call those values the “Cowboy Code of Conduct.”

Movie Night at the Museum brings Monty Python to the screen
The quest for the holy grail continues at Movie Night at the Museum.

Workshops look at how river regulation could impact the future of recreation
Colin Maas, manager of the Smith River south of Great Falls, presented on the water body, one of the most highly regulated by FWP. “How we got from no restrictions to a fully restricted river didn’t happen overnight,” he said.
Law roundup: Cleanup of drunk man in row seven
Someone called the Kalispell Police Department asking them to check on the welfare of a semi-conscious and highly intoxicated barefoot man possibly in his early 20s who was reportedly discovered in row seven of a parking lot. The dispatcher heard ...

Great Fish Community Challenge ends Sept. 13
The deadline to support 80 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations raising funds in the 10th annual Great Fish Community Challenge is Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.
Braves look to shake off loss in Missoula
Woelfle fires ace
Coming off a baseball score loss, the Flathead Football Braves intend to regroup, refortify and rebound.
Legals for September, 12 2024

Mystery and comedy film, 'Out to Pasture,' makes its Montana premiere in Whitefish
Local filmmaker and cinematographer Kier Atherton’s sophomore feature film, “Out to Pasture,” makes its Montana premiere at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center Sept. 15.

Senate Dems will prioritize Montana and Ohio seats, campaign chief says
WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said Tuesday his top priority this November is defending incumbents in tough races — placing Montana’s Jon Tester and Ohio’s Sherrod Brown at the top of the list for resources.

Community events
Events happening in the Flathead Valley
Down-ballot candidates that deserve attention
With the tidal wave of political advertising swamping the media, the down-ballot candidates are completely drowned out by the PAC candidates at the top of the ticket. There are important details of down-ballot candidates, however, that deserve our attention. Take, for example, the candidates Erin Farris-Olsen and John Repke.

Marquee Matchup: Crosstown flag football
Legends Stadium is the place to be Thursday night at 7. Or even 6 p.m., or 5.
Wednesday, September 11

Glacier Park to temporarily close Sun Road due to mudslide hazard
Glacier National Park officials planned to proactively close the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road on Wednesday night as a potent rainstorm was expected to swamp the Northern Rockies.

Gianforte honors veterans, remembers 9/11 in Kalispell
Gov. Greg Gianforte honored three local veterans for their service at a Patriot Day ceremony Wednesday in downtown Kalispell that marked the 23rd anniversary of 9/11.

9/11 anniversary brings Biden, Harris and Trump together at ground zero
With presidential candidates looking on, some 9/11 victims' relatives appealed to them Wednesday for accountability as the U.S. marked an anniversary laced with election-season politics.
Kalispell couple admit to defrauding Social Security of nearly $200k
A Kalispell couple on Tuesday admitted to stealing nearly $200,000 from the Social Security Administration by falsely reporting their living and financial situation so they could receive more benefits on behalf of their children than they were entitled, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said in a press release.

US inflation reaches a 3-year low as Federal Reserve prepares to cut interest rates
WASHINGTON (AP) — The post-pandemic spike in U.S. inflation eased further last month as year-over-year price increases reached a three-year low, clearing the way for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates and likely shaping the economic debate in the final weeks of the presidential race.

Rendezvous bar opens in the Coop in Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls has a new bar and one that takes pains to support local businesses. The Rendezvous bar in The Coop on Highway 2 in Columbia Falls features more than 11 local businesses, including several distilleries, breweries and others. It even has locally made coffee from Uptown Hearth, noted manager Jackie Evans.

Mountain range mural sweeps color through Whitefish tunnel
Whitefish artist Grace Isabell has been painting a new mural of Whitefish’s surrounding mountain ranges in the pedestrian tunnel beneath the Baker Avenue viaduct.
Big Sky notebook: Griz look to bounce back
Woelfle fires ace
The weekly Montana Grizzly football press conferences aren’t generally a lengthy affair, and Monday’s edition unsurprisingly — given UM’s second-half performance in a 27-24 loss at North Dakota — was tight.
Sports Briefs: Advance Restaurant Supply wins Buffalo Hill men’s league
Woelfle fires ace
Advanced Restaurant Supply defeated Morrison-Maierle for Buffalo Hills’ Thursday Night Men’s League championship on Sept. 5.

Shane Richard 'Ricky' Decker, 53
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shane Richard "Ricky" Decker, a beloved father, son, brother, and friend, who left us on Sept. 3, 2024, at the young age of 53.
Law roundup: Man did not, in fact, like these apples
A man was allegedly attacked twice by “two drunk punks.”

Prescribed fires slated around the Flathead Valley
Both Forest Service lands and state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation lands will see burns.
RV park proposed north of Somers along Montana 82
The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday will look at a proposal for a recreational vehicle park near Somers.

Presentation uncovers unusual aspects of historic tales
She also explores forgotten tales. Her presentation is at the monthly meeting of the Westerners of Northwest Montana in Kalispell.

Two Bear Air pilot recounts ordeal in sky above standoff
The pilot of the Two Bear Air helicopter involved in last week's armed standoff said that while the aircraft and its crew survived unscathed, they were repeatedly targeted by a laser sight as they flew in support of area law enforcement.

Remembering 9/11, foundation hosts 10th Patriot Day ceremony in Bigfork
Today, on Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. in Bigfork, Thomas’ 9-11 Honor and Serve Foundation hosts its 10th Patriot Day Ceremony, marking a decade since dedicating its nationally recognized Benghazi Memorial Monument at the first ceremony on Sept. 11, 2014.
Bulldogs race against top AA teams at Flathead Invite
The Whitefish cross country team went up against several Class AA schools at the Flathead Invite on Friday, Sept. 6 at Rebecca Farm.
North Valley Food Bank holds Harvest Fest Sept. 14
Join North Valley Food Bank on Saturday, Sept. 14, for a day filled with apples, abundance and community.

Glacier High School student injured in lightning strike released from ICU
A Glacier High School student injured in a lightning strike last month was released from intensive care, according to an online fundraiser for the teenager.

Family of minor allegedly sickened by E. coli outbreak sues in federal court
A lawsuit has been filed in federal court on behalf of a minor allegedly sickened after eating Wagyu beef from Hops Downtown Grill in July, the latest connected to this summer’s deadly E. coli outbreak.

Tester urges Biden administration to support Noxon Bridge replacement
U.S. Senator Jon Tester last week sent a letter the Biden administration asking for assistance in replacing the Noxon Bridge and fully restoring access to Noxon’s downtown area.
Berry cobbler makes use of summer fruit
Berry season is upon us in our neck of the woods which can be dominated by Montana’s famously foraged huckleberry.
Legals for September, 11 2024
Kalispell City Council revisits using tax dollars for workforce housing
Kalispell City Council debated Monday whether to make workforce housing developments eligible for public funding through tax increment financing.

Billie Bartlett, 76
Billie Sue (Welsh) Bartlett, 76, departed this world on Sept. 7, 2024.
Montana Department of Transportation holds meetings on U.S. 93 corridor
The Montana Department of Transportation is hosting open houses in Polson Sept. 18 and Somers Sept. 19 to discuss a study of the U.S. 93 corridor between Polson and Somers.

Riders win Game 1
Wicklander deals as Glacier wins playoff debut
Patrick Wicklander dominated the top-ranked Missoula PaddleHeads offense with seven strong innings and 11 strikeouts, as the Range Riders won their first playoff game in their three-year history, 4-2 at Glacier Bank Park Tuesday.
Tuesday, September 10

Trump, Harris clash in first debate over abortion, race and economy
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump showcased starkly different visions for the country Tuesday on abortion, immigration and American democracy as they met for the first time for perhaps their only debate before November's presidential election.

Americans' inflation-adjusted incomes rebounded to pre-pandemic levels last year
WASHINGTON (AP) — The inflation-adjusted median income of U.S. households rebounded last year to roughly its 2019 level, overcoming the biggest price spike in four decades to restore most Americans' purchasing power.

Wolf pack blamed in Colorado livestock attacks is captured and will be relocated
Colorado wildlife officials said Monday that they captured and plan to relocate five members of the first pack of wolves to form under the state's ambitious wolf reintroduction program.
Montana Chamber of Commerce endorses Wilson, Swanson for supreme court
The Montana Chamber of Commerce endorsed candidates in the two Montana Supreme Court races on Thursday on the same day that the American Civil Liberties Union announced it was putting $1.3 million into an educational campaign that highlights differences between the candidates in each race.

Bonnie Coston, 95
Bonnie June Coston, 95, passed away at Kalispell Rehab and Nursing on Sept. 4, 2024.

Man accused of shooting at helicopter facing multiple felonies
The man accused of shooting at a Two Bear Air helicopter during a standoff last week faces multiple felony charges in Flathead County District Court.
Law roundup: Man’s nice tan doesn’t earn pass to loiter
An employee asked Kalispell Police Department officers to move along a shirtless man with a “nice tan” who allegedly loitered on the property for two days refusing to leave “unless the cops were involved.” He left to work on his tan ...

Lawmakers considering short-term help for Montana school districts
MISSOULA — The financial challenges facing Montana’s 397 school districts — including how the state determines funding for each — are numerous and often complex.
Legals for September, 10 2024

Kalispell Planning Commission to revisit residential developments on Tronstad Road
The Kalispell Planning Commission on Tuesday is expected to revisit twin residential developments on open land north of the city proposed by two former lawmakers.
Monday, September 9

James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
NEW YORK (AP) — James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, "The Lion King" and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.

Local events: Golden retrievers, movie premiere and a roller derby
This week on the Local Events podcast, we’ve got something for everyone.
Marion man's body recovered from Hubbart Dam Reservoir
Flathead County search and rescue crews on Sept. 2 recovered the body of a Marion man who was believed to have drowned in Hubbart Dam Reservoir, authorities say.

Keeping Score: Range Riders' final push
On this week’s episode of Keeping Score, host Josh Amick recaps the final week of the Range Riders' regular season as they head into the playoffs.
Law roundup: Police respond to reported ‘tweaker activity’
Kalispell Police Department responded to a report of alleged “tweaker activity” where two men and a woman were seen tearing apart the inside of a white Nissan sedan and then trying to jump it.
Letters to the editor Sept. 9
Letters to the editor Sept. 9

Kalispell City Council eyes tax increment funding for workforce housing projects
Kalispell City Council on Monday will consider making workforce housing projects eligible for tax increment financing.

Checkmates — Kalispell youths take on national chess competition
Three state chess champions hailing from Kalispell represented Montana at the national level competing in U.S. Chess Federation-sponsored tournaments in Norfolk, Virginia in July.

John H. 'Johnny' Johnson, 90
John H. "Johnny" Johnson died June 15, 2024, at the age of 90.
Legals for September, 9 2024
Sunday, September 8

Donna Andrews, 63
Donna "Donut" Lynn Andrews, Jan. 1, 1961—Aug. 30, 2024.
Repke is the right choice for state auditor
As someone who had the privilege of working for Republican State Auditor E.V. “Sonny” Omholt, I know firsthand the critical importance of the Montana State Auditor’s office.

Stockman Bank opens new Kalispell branch
The bank offers new accounts, and loan products for commercial, development, construction, real estate, agricultural and consumer lending, along with a drive-up and ATM.

Stock market today: Wall Street falls sharply to close its worst week in nearly 18 months
The S&P 500 dropped 1.7% to close out its worst week since March 2023. Broadcom, Nvidia and other tech companies led the market lower as worries continue that their prices soared too high in the boom around artificial intelligence, and they dragged the Nasdaq composite down by a market-leading 2.6%.

Marge Rothfuss, 84
Marjorie Ruth Rothfuss, 84, passed away July 15, 2024, in Kalispell.
Frontier: Western, Tech score wins
DILLON — Quarterback Michael Palandr totaled six touchdowns, and the Montana Western Bulldogs pummeled the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers 59-21 in Frontier Conference football Saturday.
Privatization of health care would be a nightmare
Health care in the United States certainly isn’t perfect. But, as a retired Montana physician, I know that Tim Sheehy’s plan for the “pure privatization” of our healthcare system will only make things worse.

City begins treating Grandview Well for forever chemicals
A forever chemical treatment system installed last week at Kalispell's Grandview Wells site is expected to be operational in the coming days.

Autoworkers learn sign language hoping connection with deaf colleagues improves work and lives
One doesn't need to know sign language to understand what Michael Connolly feels about his colleagues' efforts to break down the barriers posed by his deafness. When asked what he thought of his teammates' decision to learn British Sign Language, the 45-year-old autoworker at the Nissan plant in Sunderland, England, grinned and flashed a universal symbol: Two thumbs up.

Flathead Valley Parade of Homes returns after years long hiatus
The Parade of Homes features cutting-edge trends in cabinetry, finishes, flooring and technology.

PHOTOS: Two Medicine Pass Trail in Glacier National Park
The trail hustles you up and over a glacial moraine toward the base of Mount Rockwell before turning and ascending the windswept ridgeline. Surrounded by summits, the trail rises and falls before zig-zagging up to the sweeping summit of Chief Lodgepole Peak.
Flathead Business Watercooler
Business related happenings

Cleora 'Cleo' Sarah (Hawkins) Paro, 81
Cleora "Cleo" Sarah (Hawkins) Paro, 81, resident of Bay Ridge Retirement Center, Traverse City, Michigan, died Sept. 1, 2024, in her home.

Lester Lee Jordt, 91
Lester Jordt, 91, passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2024.

Marvel 'Margie' Dornfeld, 94
Lovingly, we remember our mother, Marvel "Margie" Dornfeld, who passed away on Aug. 27, 2024, at the age of 94.

Dean Hagen, 91
Dean Leroy Hagen, 91 of Columbia Falls, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Aug. 30, 2024.

State wildlife officials propose changes to fishing regulations
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is recommending 48 fishing regulation changes this year ahead of a fall Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting. While most of the changes are aimed at simplifying regulations, there are a few significant changes that anglers could see for the 2024-25 season.
Some duffers don’t need to bluff
We were a few holes into what would be one of the highlights of our summer: A grand tour of prime Flathead Valley terrain during the golden hours of a summer evening.

Sluggish US jobs report clears the way for Federal Reserve to cut interest rates
Hiring by America's employers picked up a bit in August from July's tepid pace, and the unemployment rate dipped for the first time since March in a sign that the job market may be cooling but remains sturdy.

Google is blasted by UK watchdog for what it calls anti-competitive behavior through digital ads
Google is being slammed by U.K. regulators who say it's taking advantage of its dominance in digital advertising to thwart competition in Britain.
Letters to the editor Sept. 8
Letters to the editor Sept. 8
Reconvene talks between shelter, neighbors
Mediation between the Flathead Warming Center and surrounding residents and businesses is on ice.
Let’s stand for what’s right, Kalispell
Earlier this month, a visitor and her fiancé chose Northwest Montana for their highly anticipated summer vacation. Like many travelers, this trip was a dream for them — one they saved for, planned for and finally had the opportunity to make come true.

Inflation or profiteering?
Have you noticed how gas prices are fast to go up with any bump in the economy but very slow to come down when the “crisis” is over?

Patricia Ann Reynolds, 86
Patricia Ann Reynolds was born an only child to Willard J. and Dolly Murphy on Nov. 2, 1937, in Des Moines Iowa.
Law roundup: Man goes for beer walk in underwear
A man wearing underwear was reportedly spotted holding a beer and walking in traffic in Evergreen.
Columbia Falls soccer teams roll past Corvallis
Onnika Lawrence scored a hat trick and Riley Byrd added two goals and two assists as Columbia Falls cruised past Corvallis 10-0 at home Saturday.
Flathead volleyball drops matches at Crossover
HELENA — Flathead volleyball dropped four matches on Saturday at the Crossover event.
N. Dakota stuns No. 4 Griz, 27-24
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — C.J. Elrichs kicked two field goals in the fourth quarter and North Dakota's defense dominated the second half to rally the Fighting Hawks to a 27-24 upset of Montana on Saturday night.
Legals for September, 8 2024

Kalispell shop combines fashion and home decor
Three months after their grand opening, the owners of Hydrangea Home and Elly Jaymes, look forward to a future of continuing to foster that community.

Job fair looks to connect businesses and employees
Hosted by the Job Service Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College, the Daily Inter Lake, Discover Kalispell Chamber, and WorkForce Flathead, this event promises to be the largest in-person fall job fair event in all of Northwest Montana.
Saturday, September 7

Flathead County commissioners sign off on final budget
Flathead County commissioners have approved a $129.7 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Stillwater Christian School plans expansion with $5 million donation
Private school also receives Hemp-Corely Foundation donation to provide families with tuition assistance
On a sunny Tuesday evening, Stillwater Christian School celebrated a back-to-school open house with the announcement of a $5 million donation, from community philanthropist Paul Wachholz, to expand the school.
Riders shake off no-no with Friday win
Host first-ever playoff game Tuesday
OGDEN, Utah — Noah Owen held the Ogden Raptors scoreless over the final three frames and the Range Riders held on for a 9-8 Pioneer League victory at Lindquist Field Friday night.
Football: Belgrade tops turnover-prone Braves, 3-2
BELGRADE — The Flathead Braves spent almost the entire fourth quarter in Belgrade territory Friday, but finishing drives remained a problem in a 3-2 non-conference football loss to the Panthers.
Glacier's Thiel, Bissen break tape at Flathead Invite
Glacier High found individual glory at the Flathead Invitational cross country meet held Friday at Rebecca Farm. Bozeman High had the groupings.
Eureka's Lytle scores 6 TDs in win
Polson, Bigfork win Northwest A games
EUREKA — Eureka quarterback Rogan Lytle rushed for 144 yards and six touchdowns Friday, leading the Class B Lions to a 39-32 nonconference football win over Class A Whitefish.
Humphrey, Bobcats run over Black Bears
BOZEMAN — Montana State running back Scottre Humphrey ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns on just four carries Saturday, helping the Bobcats overwhelm Maine 41-24 in their “Gold Rush” game.

Dorcheus, Wolfpack run past Billings Senior
Kobe Dorcheus and the Glacier Wolfpack ran wild Friday in their 49-6 victory over Biliings Senior at Legends Stadium.

Suspected downtown Kalispell shooter pleads not guilty
Lewis Anthony Crooks, 25, of Kalispell was arraigned before Judge Dan Wilson on counts of criminal endangerment and criminal mischief on Sept. 5.
Friday, September 6

PHOTOS: Wolfpack runs wild in win over Billings Senior, 49-6
Photos from the Glacier Wolfpack's 49-6 win over the Billings Senior Broncs at Legends Stadium on Friday, Sept. 6.

Teenager with airsoft gun sparks school lockdowns in Kalispell
A teenager armed with an airsoft handgun sent two Kalispell public schools into lockdown Friday morning, authorities said.

Trump assails women who accused him of misconduct, days before his debate with Harris
WASHINGTON (AP) — Shortly after appearing in court for an appeal of a decision that found him liable for sexual abuse, Donald Trump stepped in front of television cameras Friday and brought up a string of past allegations of other acts of sexual misconduct, potentially reminding voters of incidents that were little-known or forgotten.

Sheehy maintains poll lead over Tester
U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy held a commanding lead with likely Montana voters in a new election poll commissioned by AARP.
Former housing authority director accused of embezzling $106k
The former executive director of the Whitefish Housing Authority is accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from the nonprofit during his brief tenure with the organization.
Prep Football: Glacier has home opener; Flathead heads to Belgrade
After a promising road win, the Glacier Wolfpack football team heads into its home opener Friday night looking simply to improve.
Law roundup: HIPAA doesn't cover crime
Kalispell Police officers poked around a medical facility after a nurse reported overhearing a conversation between a patient and a visitor that seemed to be about a stolen Cadillac. Officers were unable to find any Cadillacs in the area.

Conservation easement placed on 51 acres near Swan Lake
Just before the Covid pandemic, Paul Johnson and his wife Candace Greene made the move to buy a plot of land near their cabin on Swan Lake.
Lake County struggles with wage increases for county workers
Lake County employees won’t see much of a pay increase in the coming year if commissioners stick with a plan passed by the Board of Compensation on Tuesday.
Glacier girls tie Hellgate; boys fall
Sentinel beats Bravettes
MISSOULA — Missoula Hellgate is a soccer power and the Rattlesnake Fields are a tough place for opponents, so Glacier’s girls feel pretty good about Thursday.
Kalispell City Council OKs two residential and commercial developments
Kalispell City Council gave the development of two residential and commercial areas the green light during Tuesday night’s meeting.
Legals for September, 6 2024
Poll finds few voters in western Montana supportive of Project 2025
If Republican candidates don’t want to talk about the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, they can probably be forgiven because even fewer of their constituents want to hear about it.
Milton medalist, Whitefish girls win at Bigfork
BIGFORK — Max Milton of Polson went low at Eagle Bend Golf Club Thursday, firing a 6-under 66 for boys medalist honors at the Steve Hullett Invitational golf tournament.

Crosstown Cup is all Pack
Glacier’s golfers had it going in this year’s Crosstown Cup, played Thursday at Village Greens.

Glacier National Park vehicle reservations end Sept. 9
Sunday is the last day vehicle reservations are required to enter Glacier National Park. This includes reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road at the west entrance, as well as the North Fork and Many Glacier entrances.
Thursday, September 5

Hunter Biden enters guilty plea to avoid tax trial
Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to federal tax charges Thursday in a surprise move that spares President Joe Biden and his family another likely embarrassing and painful criminal trial of the president's son.

Suspect in Georgia high school shooting denied making online threats last year
The teen charged with opening fire at a Georgia high school denied threatening to carry out a school shooting when authorities interviewed him last year about a menacing post on the social media site Discord, according to a sheriff's report obtained Thursday.
Legals for September, 5 2024
Flathead soccer teams shoot for success in 2024
With a match under their belt, the Flathead Braves and Bravettes can look ahead to better results this soccer season.
Letters to the editor Sept. 5
Letters to the editor Sept. 5
Bob Hunt, 63
Bob Hunt, 63, went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2024, with loved ones by his side.

Whitefish Review releases music issue with live performances
Whitefish Review launches “The Music Issue” with live music by Rob Quist, Dave Griffith and the magic Black Ram guitar Sept. 13 at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in the Tent Pavilion.

Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate will remain on November ballot
Green Party candidate Robert Barb will remain in Montana’s U.S. Senate race following a court’s rejection of Democratic Party efforts to keep Barb off the ballot.

Prerelease facility proposed for former hotel site in Kalispell
The Montana Department of Corrections is eyeing a property in Kalispell as the future location of a 90-bed prerelease facility.

James Al Garbacz, 67
James Al Garbacz, November 9, 1956 – August 28, 2024.

Phillips Gallery features work of Polson artist Bobbie Hafer
Classical oil paintings by Polson artist Bobbie Hafer will be featured in an exhibit at Phillips Gallery in Kalispell through Sept. 28.

Locals Day is coming to Kalispell museums
The Conrad Mansion Museum, Hockaday Museum of Art and Northwest Montana History Museum will offer discounted admission.

Graphite works inspired by Glacier Park visit featured at Good Luck Gallery
Lost Forever, Still Known is a series of charcoal and blue graphite works inspired Amory Abbott’s time in Glacier Park.

New public park planned in Kalispell along Ashley Creek
Kalispell’s west side will see a new park along Ashley Creek in the coming years.
What really happened with property taxes?
In a recent op-ed piece, former Gov. Brian Schweitzer chastised the current administration and the Legislature for not doing more to alleviate the increase in property taxes paid by homeowners that resulted from the huge increase in residential property values.
How do I make a public information request?
We’ve written here about the history of the right to know, why it matters, and what policies affect your access to information. In this column, we’re going back to the basics so that Montanans, including you, are better equipped to exercise the right to know.
Column: Samson hits send, lands big fish
It was March of this year that Kyle Samson, seeking a home football game for his Montana Tech Orediggers, did something drastic.

Big Sky City Lights performance moves to Sept. 13
Big Sky City Lights is an indie folk duo featuring Nick Spear and Susan O’Dea. They describe their harmony-infused Americana sound as both vintage and of the moment.

Patricia Ann (Gilbert) Cooley, 85
Patricia Ann (Gilbert) Cooley, 85 of Many Lakes, died Sept. 1, 2024, in Kalispell.
Law roundup: Person talks turkey with police
Whitefish Police Department received a call from someone all aflutter claiming an officer in a silver “K9 police car” tried to hit a turkey. And there’s no telling what they’ll try come Thanksgiving.
Crown of the Continent Choir holds rehearsal
The rehearsal is for returning singers and interested new members. The choir meets weekly from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Music Room at Flathead High School.

Ready at the Net
Glacier, Flathead volleyball teams gear up
Volleyball season has officially begun for the Glacier Wolfpack and Flathead Bravettes, and both teams are having to rebuild a bit, each with just 2-3 seniors.
Wednesday, September 4

Sheehy faces scrutiny for derogatory comments about Native Americans
Tribal leaders in Montana urged Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy to apologize over remarks he made to supporters about Native Americans being "drunk at 8 a.m." and throwing beer cans at him on the Crow Reservation

Shooter kills 4 and injures at least 9 at a high school outside Atlanta, officials say
A shooter at a Georgia high school killed four people and injured at least nine on Wednesday, authorities said, sending students scrambling for shelter in their classrooms — and eventually to the football stadium — as officers swarmed the campus and parents raced to find out if their children were safe.

Suspect shot at Two Bear Air during standoff, sheriff says
A Flathead County K9 unit was used to apprehend a suspect involved in a standoff early Wednesday morning after he allegedly shot at multiple people and the Two Bear Air helicopter.

Family of missing paddleboarder offers $25,000 for tips leading to her return
The family of a woman who vanished while paddleboarding in the Hungry Horse Reservoir in July is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.

A Maui wildfire report shows communities how to avoid similar disasters
A new report on the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century details steps communities can take to reduce the likelihood that grassland wildfires will turn into urban conflagrations.

US job openings fall as demand for workers weakens
WASHINGTON (AP) — America's employers posted fewer job openings in July than they had the previous month, a sign that hiring could further cool in the coming months.

Montana Supreme Court lifts hold on two pro-construction housing laws
The Montana Supreme Court has overturned a lower court order temporarily suspending two pro-construction housing laws passed by the 2023 Montana Legislature, ruling Tuesday that the laws can take effect as a challenge brought by a Bozeman-based homeowners coalition is litigated.

James Al Garbacz, 67
James Al Garbacz, November 9, 1956 – August 28, 2024.
Engellant closes strong to win Whitefish Triangular
Glacier senior Sam Engellant birdied his final three holes to finish 3-under and win the Whitefish Triangular by three shots Tuesday at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
Soccer: Whitefish sweeps Stevi
WHITEFISH — The girls won in a rout 8-0, the boys won a 5-4 squeaker and Whitefish swept Stevensville in Class A soccer action Tuesday at Smith Fields.
Engellant closes strong to win Whitefish Triangular
Glacier senior Sam Engellant birdied his final three holes to finish 3-under and win the Whitefish Triangular by three shots Tuesday at Whitefish Lake Golf Club
Flathead Bravettes fall in soccer opener
It was tough girls soccer season opener for the Flathead Bravettes, who lost 10-1 to powerful Missoula Hellgate Tuesday at KidSport.
Keith L. McNeil, 93
Keith LaVern McNeil, 93, was born to Harold and Beatrice (Sackett) McNeil in Noonan, North Dakota, March 30, 1931.

Idaho archery hunters kill grizzly after attack
Two archery hunters in East Idaho shot and killed an adult male grizzly bear Sunday after the animal knocked one of the men down and bit him.
Law Roundup: A campaign sign switcheroo
A man called the Columbia Falls Police Department after his wife allegedly told him a suspicious man “ripped” a political campaign sign off a chainlink fence in front of a nonprofit on Fourth Avenue and threw it in a dumpster. A neighbor retrieved
Libby Veterans of Foreign Wars post seeks to honor fallen soldier
The Libby VFW Harper Erdman Post 1548 has launched an effort to have the Montana 37 bridge that crosses the Kootenai River in Libby named after U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Arthur John Rambo.

Whitefish City Council approves budget with tax bump
Whitefish City Council approved the final budget for fiscal year 2025 last month and prepared to send thank you notes for several donations made to the city.

EPA grant funds program to monitor pesticides in water
Pesticides and herbicides are readily available and widely used by everyone from homeowners to the ag industry to municipalities. They keep golf courses green and help knock back invasions of knapweed – Montana’s “other” state flower.

Secretary Jacobsen seeks U.S. Supreme Court action on 2021 Montana election laws
Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen this week asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a case involving two state election administration laws that were declared unconstitutional by the Montana Supreme Court in March.
AG issues cease-and-desist letter to nonprofit news outlet
HELENA — The Montana attorney general’s office issued a cease-and-desist letter to a state news outlet after it published a 381-page internal survey earlier this month about workplace culture and leadership at the Montana Highway Patrol, a division of the state Department of Justice overseen by Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
Notebook: Two hot Big Sky Conference teams
It was a hot one for the Montana schools of the Big Sky Conference Saturday, or rather a hot two.
Legals for September, 4 2024
Tuesday, September 3

Montana Democrat Busse releases tax returns as he seeks a debate with Gov. Gianforte
BILLINGS (AP) — Montana Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse provided 10 years of income tax records on Tuesday as he sought to goad Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte into debating him ahead of the November election.

Fire destroys Wolf Lodge Steakhouse near Coeur d'Alene
Iconic restaurant lost in Labor Day blaze
The Wolf Lodge Steakhouse in Idaho, an iconic restaurant that dates back decades, was destroyed in a fire Monday.

Report: Visitors spent $716M in Montana communities near national parks
Montana is a top 15 benefactor of national parks in terms of visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added to the state and economic output, and visitors spent roughly $716 million in Montana communities near the national parks and historic sites in Montana in 2023, according to a report released Wednesday by the National Park Service.
Shocked by display of racism
My fiancé and I had been planning a seven-day trip to explore Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish and Flathead Lake. After years of dreaming about visiting Glacier National Park, the stars finally aligned, and we had the opportunity to go.

Feds asked to investigate $160M bond issued to Tim Sheehy’s business
A financial expert with a reputation for sniffing out bad investments is asking the U.S. Small Business Administration to investigate the $160 million bond arrangement between Gallatin County and Bridger Aerospace, the company founded by U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in one of the nation’s highest-profile Senate races.
Letters to the editor Sept. 3
Letters to the editor Sept. 3
Legals for September, 3 2024
Monday, September 2
Taking aim: Flathead Valley native makes name for herself in professional archery
When Emily McCarthy steps up to the target she only has a minute to assess her shot before pulling back on her bow and firing.
Legals for September, 2 2024
Flathead volleyball splits with Great Falls schools
Zellah Boles hit five aces and Addison Smith had eight kills as the Flathead Bravettes defeated Great Falls in a five-set thriller Saturday.
Letters to the editor Sept. 2
Letters to the editor Sept. 2
Law roundup: Jail release plus partying ‘smells like bad news’
A busybody purportedly called the Whitefish Police Department to let officers know she heard a particular individual got out of jail and was partying with people, a combination that she said “smells like bad news.”

Montana river recreation focus of upcoming workshops
State wildlife officials are slated to host three public workshops this week to discuss the future of river recreation.
Sunday, September 1
Range Riders split final two games in series
BILLINGS — The Range Riders hit three home runs, but it wasn’t enough as the Billings Mustangs took the rubber match of the series 6-5 at Dehler Park on Sunday.

Strikes start at top hotel chains as housekeepers seek higher wages
With up to 17 rooms to clean each shift, Fatima Amahmoud's job at the Moxy hotel in downtown Boston sometimes feels impossible.
Fife, Griz hold off Missouri State
MISSOULA — Keali’i Ah Yat was fine. Logan Fife was finer.
Mellott, Bobcats cruise past Utah Tech
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Tommy Mellott rushed for two touchdowns and threw for one more as the Montana State Bobcats defeated Utah Tech 31-7 Saturday.

Libertarian Sid Daoud might be an election spoiler. He doesn't care.
Sid Daoud had a normal start to his day on Friday, Aug. 9. He went to work, not expecting a night of political coaxing.

Charles 'Bill' Doyle, 87
Charles "Bill" Doyle, 87, was born June 7, 1937, in Conrad, to Rose Adeline and Charles "Chuck" Henry Doyle.
Yvette Clevish, 78
Yvette I. Clevish, 78, born Jan. 13, 1946, in Seattle, Washington, passed away on Aug. 24, 2024, in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Ellen Brinkerhoff, 100
Ellen Charlotte Brinkerhoff (Miller) passed away Aug. 23, 2024, peacefully in her sleep.
Mellott accounts for 3 TDs, FCS No. 4 Montana State beats Utah Tech 31-7
Mellott accounts for 3 TDs, FCS No. 4 Montana State beats Utah Tech 31-7
Legals for September, 1 2024

Glacier flag football looks to win third straight title
Dominance. That’s one word to describe Glacier and Flathead’s early years in flag football.
Columbia Falls teams top Lockwood, Billings Central downs Whitefish
LOCKWOOD — Onnikka Lawrence scored a pair of goals and Riley Byrd added a goal and an assist as Columbia Falls defeated Lockwood 3-0 in girls soccer Saturday.

Agnes Wangerin, 90
Agnes L. Wangerin, 90, passed away at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, on Aug. 28, 2024.

Talks stall between Warming Center, neighbors
Conversation has stalled between the Flathead Warming Center and a group of residents in the surrounding area tasked with addressing community concerns about the homeless shelter’s presence in Kalispell.
Let’s bring education back to basics this year
As Montana students, parents, and teachers begin a new school year, I share in their excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead of us.
Physicians support reproductive rights ballot initiative
As of this month, the Montana Secretary of State has officially certified CI-128, the Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights ballot initiative, placing this crucial amendment on the November ballot and into the hands of voters.

Sheehy’s Social Security ad is irresponsible
The following ad promoting demonstrably false and dangerous misinformation airing on Montana television paid for by the Tim Sheehy Campaign for U.S. Senate featuring Nora Fouhy of Billings has come to our attention.
Letters to the editor Sept. 1
Letters to the editor Sept. 1
Voters lose with no governor debate
If you're to believe the latest polling on Montana's gubernatorial election, it's the incumbent's race to lose.

Tribute held for Whitefish man who died climbing in Glacier
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Friends gathered Tuesday at the Whitefish Farmer’s Market to celebrate the life of organic farmer and outdoor enthusiast Grant Marcuccio.

Whitefish’s Rocky Mountain Transportation under new ownership
After 78 years of dedicated service driving school bus routes, managing the oldest Hertz rental location in the country, supporting Glacier National Park red bus tours, and operating Whitefish’s SNOW Bus, Whitefish-based Rocky Mountain Transportation Company has new ownership.
Flathead Business watercooler
Flathead Business watercooler

Florence Ross, 92
Florence Fern (Nelson) Ross, affectionately known as "Flossie" was called to her eternal home on Aug. 23, 2024, at the age of 92, surrounded by her loving family.

Kalispell bakery mixes fashion flair with elegant confections
During Kalispell’s holiday stroll, children gather outside of a shop, enchanted by a fairy posing gracefully in the window. Snow falls, and the lady dressed in pink abandons her post to pass out a few macarons to her admirers.
Law Roundup: Vehicle windows smothered in Vaseline
They didn't use butter, cheese, or jelly, but a surveillance camera allegedly did capture suspects in Kalispell spreading Vaseline all over a vehicle's windows, rendering it unfit to drive. The victim planned to pursue charges after the suspect allegedly admitted to the shenanigans.

A life of hang-gliding published in 'The Wings of Men'
Newly published “The Wings of Men” dives into 50 years of flying hang gliders and light sport trikes around the world.