Ellington

Senate votes down Gianforte property tax relief bill, again

Gov. Greg Gianforte’s signature property tax relief measure reached a possible end Thursday evening to its stop-and-go journey through the state Legislature as it narrowly failed a vote in the Montana Senate. The 25-25 vote cast further uncertainty into a turbulent debate over what’s seen as a must-fix problem by lawmakers across Montana’s ideological spectrum.

AA Lakers take 2 from Calgary

Solid pitching and defense guided the Kalispell AA Lakers to 9-1 victory in game one, and earned the sweep over the Calgary Cardinals at Griffin Field in an American Legion doubleheader on Friday.

Republicans need to unite for Gianforte’s agenda

We’re confident the Montana Republican Party is deeply familiar with the Ten Commandments, but it seems that they’ve forgotten another commandment foundational to Republicans: President Ronald Reagan’s “Eleventh Commandment.”

Strong start pushes Whitefish over Big Sky

MISSOULA — Reed Boyer drove in a pair of runs and Whitefish jumped out to a 9-0 lead as the Bulldogs bested Missoula Big Sky 9-4 at the Paddleheads Showcase at Ogren Park Allegiance Field Friday.

Frenchtown ends Wildkats comeback with walk-off

FRENCHTOWN — Aspen Courtney called game on a walk-off sacrifice fly to give Frenchtown a 9-8 victory over comeback-minded Columbia Falls in high school softball Friday.

Glacier ties for 1st at tight Dahlberg meet

BUTTE — Six points separated the top five teams at the Harry “Swede” Dahlberg Invitational track and field meet Friday, and two of them were from Kalispell.

Bravettes, Pack go 4-5 at Optimists meet

GREAT FALLS — While the Gallatin Raptors soared the Glacier Wolfpack and Flathead Bravettes didn’t lag very far back on Friday.

Glacier National Park plows make it to Big Bend

Glacier National Park plow crews are about three miles from Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Glacier boys tennis bests Whitefish, girls split matches

Carl Bitney and Sam Engellant led the Glacier boys doubles pairings to a 4-0 sweep of Whitefish Thursday as the Wolfpack bested the Bulldogs 6-2 overall.

Keeping Score: Crosstown tennis clashes and Bravette breakthroughs

Last week, the Kalispell AA Lakers kicked off the start of their season, the Flathead Bravettes picked up their first win this year, another chapter of crosstown took place in tennis and a lot more events to get you up to speed on, so without further ado let’s get into last week’s highlights.

Poster Player of the Week: Alivia Reinhart of Flathead High

This week’s poster player of the week goes to Alivia Reinhart, a track and field star for the Flathead Bravettes.

10,000 pages of records about Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 assassination are released, on Trump's order

About 10,000 pages of records related to the 1968 assassination of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy were released Friday, continuing the disclosure of national secrets ordered by President Donald Trump.

Trump administration seeks explosive expansion of nation's immigration detention system

JENA, La. (AP) — Amid rural Louisiana's crawfish farms, towering pine trees and cafes serving po'boys, nearly 7,000 people are waiting at immigration detention centers to learn whether they will be expelled from the United States.

Democrats and GOP ‘Nine’ propel state budget bill through Senate debate

The $16.6 billion budget bill funding the operation of Montana’s state agencies for the next two years passed a key milestone Thursday in its journey through the state Legislature, clearing a preliminary floor vote in the state Senate with bipartisan support from Democrats and a group of Republican lawmakers who have repeatedly bucked the chamber’s GOP leadership this year.

Wildcats run, throw to Iceberg title

COLUMBIA FALLS — Jack Phelps liked running on his home track Thursday.

Softball: Wildkats hold off Loggers

COLUMBIA FALLS — Kylie Gjesdal-Davis homered and Addy Bowler tripled during Columbia Falls’ four-run fourth inning, and the Wildkats held off Libby for a 5-4 win in Northwest A softball Thursday.

Legals for April, 18 2025

C-Falls boys tennis beats Bigfork, girls split

BIGFORK — Jax Ramage earned a straight sets win and led a Wildcats sweep of the Bigfork boys Thursday.

Whitefish tennis sweeps Flathead

Liesl Brust earned a straight sets win for Whitefish as the Bulldogs girls swept Flathead Thursday.

Olivia Squared

Gibbons, Warriner lead Pack to 15-1 Crosstown win

Down 1-0 out of the gate, the Glacier Wolfpack answered with their two Olivias — and those two did some serious damage on their home field.

Bigfork blasts Troy to open new home field

BIGFORK — What better way to break in your new home than a walk-off hit.

Judge dismisses criminal cases against Venezuelan men arrested in Montana

Border Patrol agents arrested three foreign men in northern Montana in March, alleging their affiliations to the infamous Tren de Aragua gang. Prosecutors charged the men with being in the country illegally.

Employers at job fair looking to fill open spots

Levels of urgency varied when it comes to hiring across industries with some employers expressing extreme hiring concerns and others finding themselves in a better place than in previous years.

Dog Tag Buddies brings healing to Pablo veteran

A gabled house with a killer view of the Mission Mountains is where Bill and Janet Austin and their dogs, Gretchen and Zippy, call home.

Carole Driscoll, 79

Carole Driscoll, 79, of Lakeside, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Whitefish City Council approves rental support

Whitefish City Council last week agreed to commit funds to the Workforce Rental Assistance Program.

Law roundup: Between two dumpsters

A trespasser was spotted between two dumpsters in a store parking lot and reportedly refused to leave, making herself comfortable by taking a seat in a chair to wait for Kalispell Police Department officers to arrive.

Connie Dillon Grayson, 90

Connie Dillon Grayson, 90, passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2025, under the care of BeeHive Homes of Kalispell.

Whitefish girls, C-Falls boys win at Cat-Dog tennis dual

WHITEFISH — Liesl Brust picked up a straight sets win to lead the Whitefish girls, while Sol Masters powered to a three-set victory for the Columbia Falls boys as the teams split Tuesday’s dual matchups.

Measles reported in Gallatin County; state's first cases in 35 years

State health officials on Thursday reported Montana’s first cases of measles since 1990.

Thousands rally in Missoula for Bernie Sanders, AOC

Nearly 7,500 people filled the University of Montana’s Adams Center Wednesday to attend Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” rally.

Property tax relief bill logjam breaks loose

Weeks of apparent legislative gridlock on measures aiming to offer Montana homeowners relief for rising residential property taxes broke loose Wednesday as lawmakers on the Senate Taxation Committees voted forward heavily amended versions of two major tax bills, one of them the second-home tax backed by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Hunting regs are getting more complex

Many hunters like fall as their favorite time of the year because of the hunting season.

Bobby’s Law receives widespread support from state lawmakers and local advocates

Legislation mandating harsher penalties for drunk drivers is poised to reach the governor’s desk after receiving near-unanimous support from the state Senate.

‘Enchanted April’ to be screened at Movie Night at the Museum

Movie Night at the Museum will feature the 1991 film, “Enchanted April,” April 22.

Bird of the month: Rock Wren

Rock Wren is an apropos name for a bird that lives in sparsely vegetated, arid and rocky canyons.

Ukraine-based classical guitarist Marko Topchii to perform in Whitefish

North Valley Music School presents internationally acclaimed Ukrainian classical guitarist, Marko Topchii, winner of the prestigious 2023 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition.

Earth Day Expo focuses on a day of learning

This year’s theme, "Healthy Planet, Healthy Community," highlights how sustainability and clean energy benefit both people and the planet.

Jane M. Radel

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Jane M. Radel at her sister’s home in Montana, surrounded by family.

Dogged Pursuit: Libby's Ryan Beagle chases another title

Ryan Beagle started his tennis career early, in that Libby coach Kyle Hannah dragged the 6-year-old out to the courts for a few summer volleys.

Former Polson Police officer admits to child sexual abuse

Judge John Larson of Missoula set a sentencing date of July 10 in Lake County for former Polson Police officer Matthew Timm, who admitted to knowingly photographing and filming a girl under the age of 18 between January 2017 and March 2023.

Law roundup: Man reports premonition to police

A clairvoyant man called the Kalispell Police Department to report drivers in their late teens were allegedly speeding, weaving in traffic and drifting at a light in a Mustang, Corvette and Hellcat.

Legals for April, 17 2025

Traditional folk musician brings the stories of lumber camps to museum performance

Recording artist Jeff Warner tells history through traditional music played on banjo, concertina, and “pocket instruments” such as cow bones.

FVCC presents ‘The Pirates of Penzance’

Flathead Valley Community College's theater and music departments bring the hilarious musical classic, “The Pirates of Penzance,” to the stage.

Glacier hosts Crosstown softball Thursday

The first of two Crosstown softball games is Thursday, weather permitting, with a 5 p.m. start on Glacier High School’s diamond.

Bear, turkey spring season are now open

Hunting seasons for black bear and wild turkey have opened in Northwest Montana.

Bigfork group gets Round Up grant for bike helmets

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety program last week awarded $15,395 in grants supporting community safety projects proposed by six nonprofit organizations, including two asking for help providing helmets to local children.

I am here not to bury Donovan

On Nov. 25, 1985 a youngish reporter, in his Monday duties writing about Griz football for the Montana Kaimin student newspaper, traipsed into Larry Donovan’s office.

Carol Pierce, 85

Loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Carol Pierce, 85, of Bigfork, has gone to meet her creator.

FWP to review trapping seasons at annual meeting in Kalispell

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff will present harvest information from the recent trapping seasons in Northwest Montana at a joint meeting of the Montana Trappers Association and Montana Fur Harvesters on Sunday, April 27 in Kalispell.

Health secretary RFK Jr. says autism cases are climbing at an 'alarming rate'

Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned that children in the U.S. are being diagnosed with autism at an "alarming rate," promising on Wednesday to conduct exhaustive studies to identify any environmental factors that may cause the developmental disorder.

Judge finds probable cause to hold Trump administration in contempt for violating deportation order

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday said he has found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt of court for violating his orders to turn around planes carrying deportees to El Salvador.

Federal court halts Homeland Security’s attempt to remove two Montana graduate students

A federal judge has granted an emergency restraining order which will prevent U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from deporting two Montana State University graduate students who were notified that their status as foreign students was being revoked.

Pat Mickelson Johnson, 68

"She meant the world to each of us; She always gave her best. Her journey is completed, and she's now at peace and rest."

Montana lawmakers approve community solar legislation

The Montana Legislature last week approved a bill to boost private community solar projects across the state.

Presentation explores historic Montana free speech case

Missoula author Doug Ammons will tell the story of attorney Matt Canning, who defended a farmer who was accused of insulting President Woodrow Wilson during World War I.

Reed's Slough Wildlife Viewing Area opens in Flathead Valley

Onlookers cheered as Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark cut through a scarlet ribbon Saturday morning, officially opening Reed’s Slough Wildlife Viewing Area to the public.

A.L.E.R.T. Banquet fundraiser April 26 for medical flight program

The A.L.E.R.T. program began in 1975 as the second hospital-based advanced life support helicopter system in the United States and the first of its kind in rural America.

Legals for April, 16 2025

Stories from the backcountry April 17

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation will host Stories from the Backcountry: Preserving the Resource edition at Sacred Waters Brewing Co. from 6-8 p.m.

Bourbon-plumped currants enhance the flavor of hot cross buns for Easter

Hot cross buns are an Easter specialty with a light, enriched crumb that's studded with currants and flavored with a gentle mix of warm spices and a hint of citrus.

Sweet spiced lamb chops with new potatoes and green beans

New potatoes (also called creamers) along with green beans complement the lamb and take only a few minutes to make in the microwave oven.

Polson girls tennis sweeps Bigfork, Stevensville

BIGFORK — Summer Newman earned a pair of singles wins as the Polson girls defeated Bigfork and Stevensville in duals Tuesday.

Bliven books, Barnes soars, Glacier sweeps Crosstown meet

Not all of the usual suspects ran races during the 17th Crosstown track and field dual, held Tuesday at Legends Stadium.

C-Falls softball downs rival Whitefish

WHITEFISH — Addy Bowler drove in four runs on a pair of hits as Columbia Falls defeated Whitefish in Northwest A softball Tuesday.

Young’s arm powers C-Falls baseball past Bigfork

BIGFORK — Nico Young threw six-plus innings and allowed two runs, as Columbia Falls defeated Bigfork 8-2 in high school baseball Tuesday.

City growth prompts need for expanded equipment storage in Kalispell

Space is running out in Kalispell’s equipment storage garage, but budget constraints have kicked expansion plans down the road.

New game warden excited to explore Mineral County

Growing up in Helena, Cody Stipcich thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad, but becoming a game warden was not a childhood dream.

Law roundup: Property manager sick of dealing with garbage people

A property manager was exasperated with the number of unauthorized people dumping trash in garbage containers, ignoring multiple signs stating the bins were not for public use.

Jane M. Radel

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Jane M. Radel at her sister’s home in Montana, surrounded by family.

Trump exempts nearly 70 coal plants from Biden-era rule on mercury

The Trump administration has granted nearly 70 coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic and benzene.

Solar storm to bring aurora display across Montana

A strong solar storm headed to Earth could produce colorful aurora displays across more U.S. states than usual Tuesday night.

US moves ahead on tariffs with investigations into computer chips and pharmaceuticals

BANGKOK (AP) — The Trump administration has taken its next steps toward imposing more tariffs on key imports, launching investigations into imports of computer chips, chip making equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Study finds more people are obtaining abortions but fewer are traveling to other states for it

Fewer people crossed state lines to obtain abortions in 2024 than a year earlier, a new survey has found.

ACLU files lawsuit on behalf of two international students at Montana State University

The ACLU of Montana filed a lawsuit Monday against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on behalf of two Montana State University students whose international visas were revoked last week, asking a federal judge to immediately suspend the department’s actions.

Montana property tax relief can’t wait

Montanans have been sounding the alarm on soaring property taxes — and Senate Democrats are answering that call.

Ag Center is a vital community resource

The upcoming Kalispell Public Schools levy vote is a critical moment for Flathead Valley, with far-reaching implications for our community.

Gate to restrict access to Blankenship Bridge gravel area

The gate will only be closed during high water in the spring, Hungry Horse/Glacier View District Ranger Rob Davies said in a letter requesting the permit.

Letters to the editor April 15

Letters to the editor April 15

Law roundup: Neighbor has bone to pick with animal owners

Kalispell Police Department received a report about a woman allegedly banging on a man’s door to complain about his dog being on her property, to which he yelled at her to get off his property and flipped her off.

Avelo Airlines service to Glacier Airport will not be affected by recent ICE deal.

Avelo Airlines said that its recent deal with the federal government to operate deportation flights will not affect service out of Glacier Park International Airport.

Kalispell man found guilty on seven counts related to poaching

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens report that Cody H. Carr, 30, of Kalispell, was found guilty at trial in Flathead County Justice Court for seven criminal counts related to poaching crimes committed in November 2023.

Ronan boys sweep doubleheader

BROWNING — The Ronan Chiefs plated 12 runs in the first inning and starting pitcher Liam Wills didn’t allow a hit in three innings for a 16-0 victory in high school baseball in game one of Monday’s doubleheader against the Browning Indians.

Lawmakers pass bill barring discipline against students who refuse to use peers’ preferred names, pronouns

The Montana Senate on Friday cast the final vote approving a bill restricting public schools from taking action against students or staff who decline to use the preferred names or pronouns of other individuals — a move supporters have framed as a protection against compelled speech but opponents have criticized as damaging to transgender students.

Visas revoked for four international students at flagship Montana universities

Three international students attending Montana State University had their F-1 visa status revoked “under the authority of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” MSU said in a notice Friday to the campus community.

Shed hunter kills charging grizzly near Dupuyer

A man shot and killed a grizzly bear Friday after it charged while he was shed hunting near Dupuyer in north-central Montana.

Headlines: Bigfork homicide verdict, Blackfeet tribal members sue feds, and snowpack boost

Jackson acquitted of killing mom, guilty of murdering her boyfriend in Bigfork homicide, Blackfeet tribal members sue feds over tariffs, and a wet March boosts snowpack for Northwest Montana

El Salvador President Bukele says he won't be releasing Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the US

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump 's top advisers and Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, said Monday that they had no basis for the small Central American nation to return a Maryland man who was wrongly deported there last month.

Missoula bests AA Lakers in home openers

Kalispell had a chance to tie it, but Carter Taylor struck out Cale Brink and Missoula downed Kalispell 8-7 for a comeback win in game two after an 8-5 victory in game one to seal a doubleheader sweep Sunday.

Letters to the editor April 14

Letters to the editor April 14

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in historic antitrust trial

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced questions about his intentions in acquiring Instagram on the first day of a historic antitrust trial. During testimony in federal court in Washington, Zuckerberg appeared frustrated at times when asked by a Federal Trade Commission attorney about his plans for the startup.

Trump considers pausing his auto tariffs as the world economy endures whiplash

President Donald Trump says he might temporarily exempt the auto industry from tariffs he previously imposed on the sector, to give carmakers time to adjust their supply chains. Trump told reporters gathered in the Oval Office on Monday automakers "need a little bit of time" to relocate production to the U.S.

Council to review equipment garage upgrades

The garage houses over 325 pieces of city equipment from fire engines and dump trucks to police cruisers and traffic signs, according to a brief city memo from Public Works Director Susie Turner.

China's Xi Jinping says there are no winners in a tariff war as he visits Southeast Asia

China's leader Xi Jinping says no one wins in a trade war as he kicked off a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia with a trip to Vietnam. Xi reiterating China's commitment to global trade in contrast with U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariffs moves.

Legals for April, 14 2025

Law roundup: Officers don’t have to look for banned man

Someone reported a theft and asked Kalispell Police Department officers to advise the man reportedly involved that he was banned from all locations for a year.

Volunteer medical work important to Whitefish dentist

One of the greatest aspects of being a dentist is being able to help others, Whitefish dentist Mandy Stebbins said.

Whitefish's Amazing Crêpes celebrates two decades serving customers

With an artful swirl of a specialized tool, skilled crêpe makers at Amazing Crepes create not only delicious food, but a bit of a show, as well.

Humanities funding enriches Flathead County

Last week, Humanities Montana became the latest casualty of DOGE when we received an email informing us that our federal grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, which accounts for 90% of our operating budget, had been terminated immediately.

Federal Medicaid cuts threaten child health

Congress is moving forward with a budget package likely to include severe cuts to Medicaid and CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which funds Healthy Montana Kids).

Vikings, Trotters rule Libby Invitational track

LIBBY — Bigfork’s Tamret Savik was a double-winner, so was Plains’ Alexis Deming, and the Vikings and Trotters won the Libby Invitational track and field meet Saturday.

Law roundup: Inebriated man knocks himself out

A man alleged that he was jumped, beaten and fell. He told Kalispell Police ...

From Prom to Pond: A wild ride at the annual Whitefish Mountain Resort competition

It feels like I had just been chosen to compete in “The Hunger Games,” as depicted in best-selling author Suzanne Collins’ dystopian series. The number scrawled in permanent marker had just thrown me that much closer to my fate, which in this case luckily wasn’t one resulting in brutal death, but rather a potential icy plunge.

Norm C. Simpson, 80

Norm C. Simpson, 80, of Bigfork, peacefully passed away in the early hours of Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Letters to the editor April 13

Letters to the editor April 13

Legals for April, 13 2025

DOGE puts Montana nonprofits on the ropes

The consequences of indiscriminate federal cuts are hitting home in all the wrong places.

AA Lakers split opening twinbill

MISSOULA — Oscar Kallis’ two-out single plated two runs in the seventh inning, and the Kalispell AA Lakers beat Missoula 4-3 Saturday to salvage a split in their American Legion baseball doubleheader.

Eureka softball picks up win Saturday

DEER LODGE — Walks and passed balls put Eureka ahead, and Lily McAfee’s two run double and Tessa Sieler’s RBI single capped a six-run fourth inning as the Lions beat Deer Lodge 12-8 in softball Saturday.

Revising downtown: Kalispell seeks federal funding to upgrade Main Street

Out of 10 roads that were observed in the downtown area, Council prioritized Main Street, First Avenue East and West for safety improvements.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Happenings related to business in the Flathead Valley

Betty Ann (Ross) Nolan, 92

Betty Ann was born to Ted and Esther Ross on Feb. 10, 1933, in Kalispell.

Specialty running store sprints into Kalispell retail scene

Casey Jermyn is the owner of Bozeman Running Company as well, which he opened in 2010 in Bozeman

Scott McLeod, 54

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Scott Allen McLeod, a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend, who left us far too soon

Whitefish woman charged with felony for allegedly attacking boyfriend with knife

A woman suffering an apparent mental health crisis in Whitefish earlier this month is facing a felony assault with a weapon charge in Flathead County District Court.

Theodore 'Ted' Richardson, 84

Theodore "Ted" Richardson passed away on March 22, 2025.

Park Service admits ‘substantial concerns’ in ending Gunsight Lake bull trout project

The National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service filed documents on April 9 saying that both government organizations would voluntarily rescind approval for the project after two conservation nonprofits sued the agencies in September 2024.

Glacier Tennis sweeps Great Falls, boys fall to CMR

Leilani Lennarz and Creed Norick combined to drop just one game as the Glacier tennis teams swept Great Falls High in duals Saturday.

Flathead tennis downs Great Falls, loses to CMR

Sienna Blanchard earned a pair of victories Saturday, one in singles and another in doubles as Flathead tennis split their duals with the Great Falls schools.

Ronan baseball powers past Plains-Hot Springs

PLAINS — Ronan scored eight runs in the fourth inning, including an RBI double from Baylan Hess as the Chiefs defeated Plains-Hot Springs 15-8 in high school baseball Saturday

Driver accused of pulling a gun earns suspended sentences

Jacob Michael Krone, 28, faced a felony assault with a weapon charge and a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence, first offense, following the Jan. 6, 2024, confrontation on Montana 35.

Charlotte Jean Hall, 86

Charlotte Jean Hall, 86, passed away peacefully on Nov. 23, 2024, with family present in Kalispell.

Logan Nathaniel Foy, 38

Logan Nathaniel Foy, 38, was born June 28, 1986, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Setting the record straight on Twins baseball and Memorial Field

The Glacier Twins Board members are community members, former players and parents of past, present and future players. Some are parents of players who are or were part of the Twins, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Blades, Badrock and local youth baseball programs. Some are new to the board and some serving for over 20 years.

Mathew Leonard Howell, 66

It saddens our hearts to inform you of the passing of Mathew Leonard Howell, known to most as "Huckleberry" or "Huck."

Wolfpack track sweeps dual with Butte

Ethan Anderson swept the hurdles, Breanna Barnes won twice the Glacier dominated its track and field dual with Butte on its home track Friday.

Braves a close second at MCPS Invite

MISSOULA — The Flathead Braves made a push for the MCPS Invitational boys team title Friday and came up 1.5 points short.

Flathead County takes on school elections

The Flathead County Election Department will conduct school elections May 6 in conjunction with special elections for other entities such as fire districts.

Kalispell man accused of attacking, raping girlfriend

A Kalispell man is being held in the county jail with bail set at $200,000 after allegedly assaulting and raping his girlfriend in March.

12-run first powers Whitefish past Plains-Hot Springs

PLAINS — Ryan Conklin tripled and Whitefish capitalized on nine first inning walks to defeat Plains-Hot Springs 23-0 in high school baseball Friday.

King of vert: Retired teacher logs 10 million feet in resort's vertical challenge

The beauty of having a season pass is skiing as much as you want.

Hamilton softball downs C-Falls

MISSOULA — Thea Jackson drove in three runs as Hamilton scored in five of the six innings and cruised to a 12-2 victory over Columbia Falls in high school softball Friday at the University of Montana softball field.

Offenses highlight Maroon-Silver scrimmage

MISSOULA — The Montana Grizzlies’ annual spring game featured perfect weather, a respectable crowd and more than its usual amount of fireworks Friday.

Montana House passes bill to give towing vehicles right-of-way in roundabouts

The Montana House unanimously passed a bill addressing how vehicles approach roundabouts on Friday, specifically adding stipulations into the law giving preference for vehicles towing a load.

Logan VanWey becomes first Range Rider to pitch in an MLB game

Former Glacier Range Rider pitcher Logan VanWey has made his MLB debut Friday, appearing for the Houston Astros in their game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

Big Sky Now: Spring football updates, transfer portal buzz, and Sac State's FBS ambitions

The spring football season is here, and Big Sky Now is diving deep into what it all means for your favorite programs!

Eureka steals a win from Bigfork in extras

BIGFORK — Eureka and Bigfork went back-and-forth for seven innings and needed extras to decide a winner, with the Lions scoring the winning run in the eighth inning for a 4-3 victory in high school baseball Thursday night.

Poster Player of the Week: Reggie Sapa of Columbia Falls

This week’s poster player of the week goes to Reggie Sapa of the Columbia Falls Wildcats.

Griz ready to wrap up spring drills

The final workout of Montana’s spring football drills is Friday evening, and takes the form of a scrimmage set inside Washington-Grizzly Stadium at 6 p.m.

Glacier's rally falls short at Sentinel

MISSOULA — Down 6-1 after four innings, Glacier had its comeback fall just short in an 8-7 softball loss at Missoula Sentinel Thursday.

AA Lakers start season Saturday

The Class AA Kalispell Lakers start their American Legion baseball season Saturday, and the games won’t be against some pushover.

Law roundup: Trouble bruin in Somers home

Hearing a slamming noise and voices coming from the downstairs about 2 a.m., a woman staying at a relative's home in Somers armed herself with a knife and phoned the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

Lawsuit alleges Lincoln County officials violated open meeting, public participation laws

A Libby businessman is alleging the Lincoln County Port Authority has violated the right of public participation and open meeting laws.

Public invited to meetings on proposed Columbia Falls High School remodel

The Columbia Falls School District 6 board is inviting the public to a series of meetings this month and next to look at the particulars of a remodeling of the high school.

Theodore 'Ted' Richardson, 84

Theodore "Ted" Richardson passed away on March 22, 2025.

Legals for April, 11 2025

Late runs lift Ronan softball over C-Falls

COLUMBIA FALLS — A seventh inning bases-loaded walk to Kailyn Marengo lifted Ronan to a 6-4 victory over Columbia Falls Thursday in Northwest A softball.

Whitefish tennis sweeps Libby

WHITEFISH — Liesl Brust led the Whitefish singles, while Maggie Mercer and Camry Kelch highlighted the Bulldog doubles in a 7-0 sweep of Libby Thursday in high school tennis.

Man arrested during 2023 standoff sees charge dismissed

The man arrested for allegedly sparking a standoff near West Idaho Street in Kalispell in spring 2023 saw the felony charge filed against him dismissed late last year.

Samaritan House expansion in limbo as federal housing agency goes 'radio silent'

A $4.3 million grant that Samaritan House officials hoped would fund the facility’s expansion project seems to have disappeared.

Bravettes pick up first softball win

MISSOULA — Mackenzie Brandt hit two home runs, Olivia Nyman socked another and the Flathead Bravettes held off Missoula Hellgate for their first softball win of the season Thursday, 10-6.

Amber Steed named FWP Region 1 supervisor

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has a new Region 1 supervisor in Amber Steed, a longtime biologist with the agency.

Montana Legislature hits pause on Public Law 280

The future of Public Law 280, the law enforcement agreement between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and state and county governments, seems to be on pause – at least at the legislative level.

Crosstown tennis: Pack hit 90, then 100

Chalk up dual win No. 100 for the Glacier boys tennis team.

Keeping Score: Clutch hits, record runs, and rivalry wins

We dive into a packed week of Montana high school spring sports.

Trump nominee for public lands post withdraws after her criticism of Jan. 6 attack surfaces

President Donald Trump's nominee to oversee an agency that manages a quarter-billion acres of public land has withdrawn her nomination following revelations that she criticized the Republican president in 2021 for inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

House approves Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Montana will soon have a new holiday on the books, after the House approved of Senate Bill 224 to add Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the list of legal state holidays.

Wall Street drops 4% despite encouraging inflation data as Trump's trade war still weighs

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks on Thursday are giving back much of their historic gains from the day before as Wall Street weighs a global trade war that has cooled in temperature but is still confusing and threatening the economy.

House GOP approves framework for Trump's big bill after intense wrangling wins over GOP holdouts

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans narrowly approved their budget framework on Thursday, a political turnaround after Speaker Mike Johnson worked into the night to satisfy GOP holdouts who had refused to advance trillions of dollars in tax breaks without deeper spending cuts.

House passes GOP bill requiring proof of US citizenship for voting, a Trump priority

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans passed one of their signature issues for the year on Thursday, approving legislation to require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote for federal elections, one of President Donald Trump's top election-related priorities.

Bigfork filmmaker Christopher Tempel premieres new apocalyptic thriller

For local filmmaker Christopher Tempel, finishing what he started has been a long time coming.

Is there an O-lineman in the house

Dillon Botner felt he had a good reason to step away from football after a senior season in which he made three starts on the offensive line: Med school.

Planning Commission concerned with public engagement on new land use plan

Kalispell Planning Commission members are worried about a lack of public involvement in drafting the city’s new land use plan.

Briefs: Gus Thompson games are Saturday

The Gus Thompson Memorial Baseball games will be held this Saturday at Thompson Memorial Park, starting with a Pee Wee Major League game between Rocky Mountain Builders and Sunriser Lions at 11 a.m.

Law roundup: Here comes the man in black

A lanky man wearing all black and accompanied by two women allegedly loaded a cart with merchandise and rolled out of the store without paying.

Hurdler, he is

Glacier's Ethan Anderson has grown to love his signature events

The question for Ethan Anderson coming out of middle school was: Is he a hurdler, or isn’t he?

Judge Dan Wilson launches new bid for Montana Supreme Court seat

Flathead County District Court Judge Dan Wilson is again running for the Montana Supreme Court.

Workshop features printmaking

Letterpress printing is a traditional printmaking technique that involves inking raised surfaces — such as metal type or plates.

Glacier Symphony performs Beethoven’s complex ‘Missa Solemnis’

Glacier Symphony and Chorale is set to perform what Beethoven considered his greatest composition, "Missa Solemnis (Solemn Mass),” April 12 and 13.

Whitefish Theatre Company presents screwball comedy ‘Lend Me a Tenor’

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents Ken Ludwig’s classic comedy, “Lend Me A Tenor,” as their fourth Main Stage show of the season.

Pirates hold Sentinel to 4 hits

MISSOULA — Cole Wadsworth and Landon Pablo combined on a four-hitter, and Wadsworth had two hits and scored three times in Polson’s 12-1 baseball win over Missoula Sentinel Wednesday.

Cuts to federal humanities funds hit the Flathead Valley

Recent reductions to the National Endowment for the Humanities will cut a little deeper at Columbia Falls High School, where librarian Alia Hanson said a program funded through the state humanities council provided a safe space for many students.

Tom E. Mitchell, 69

Thomas Edward Mitchell, known to family and friends as Tom, passed away at his Kalispell home after a courageous seven‐month battle with cancer.

A night of high school chaos, comedy, and mayhem — GHS presents two hilarious one-act plays

Prepare for a blend of humor, mayhem, and unpredictable moments as Glacier High School’s Acting and Stage Production class shares two comedy-filled one-act plays.

‘The Odyssey’ sails to the stage at Flathead High School

Embark on a mythic journey in Flathead High School’s production of “The Odyssey.”

Celebrate family and friends at spring choir concert

The Columbia Falls Community Choir will celebrate family and friends for its spring concert on April 12.

Elk Foundation efforts misrepresented

A recent editorial, appropriately printed on April Fool’s Day, inaccurately referred to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as an organization that works against hunters.

Right to know bills in the Montana Legislature

Montanans’ constitutional right to know is a cornerstone of government transparency, commanding that we can all access public documents, “except in cases in which the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure.”

Letters to the editor April 10

Letters to the editor April 10

Legals for April, 10 2025

Potential buyers seek permit to operate historic Holland Lake Lodge

The Flathead National Forest is seeking public input on an operating permit for the Holland Lake Lodge, which is under contract with a potential new owner.

Interior Department staff, including those at national parks, offered buyouts and early retirement

Employees across the Department of the Interior have until the end of Wednesday to respond to the latest offer to take buyouts or early retirement, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press, as the Trump administration continues its efforts to reduce the federal workforce.

Trump pauses tariffs on most nations for 90 days, raises taxes on Chinese imports

Facing a global market meltdown, President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly backed down on his tariffs on most nations for 90 days, but raised the tax rate on Chinese imports to 125%

Montana Tech names new chancellor

The Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian and University of Montana President Seth Bodnar announce today that Dr. Karen Marrongelle has been selected as the 13th chancellor of the Montana Technological University, starting Aug. 4.

Local Events: Earth Day happenings, theatre opportunities, and April adventures

April in Northwest Montana is anything but predictable—mud, snow, sunshine, and a packed calendar of community events.

Felony bill for parents, doctors of trans minors voted down by bipartisan House coalition

House Republicans and Democrats in the Montana Legislature voted Tuesday to reject a bill that would have criminalized parents and other adults who help minors under the age of 16 obtain medical treatments related to gender transition.

Yaak residents ramp up Community Hall rehab efforts

The hall, which will see its 100th birthday this summer on July 4, is in dire need of rehabilitation to keep it going another 100 years.

Grilled lemon chicken perfect for spring grilling

With spring sneaking into the Flathead Valley, we all have a deep desire to go out and fire up those cobweb-covered grills. This is a perfect recipe using asparagus, now in season, bright peppers, and purple onions.

Flathead County Planning Board looks at subdivisions

Three small subdivisions go before the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday.

Marian Josephine Ax, 93

Marian J. Ax, 93, born May 25, 1931, in Oakland, California, passed away peacefully March 21, 2025, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Eureka uses big first inning to cruise past Ronan

EUREKA — By the time the game reached the second inning, the Ronan Chiefs found themselves looking at a 14-run deficit as the Eureka Lions plated eight runs in the first and six in the second to propel them to a 16-1 victory in high school baseball Tuesday night.

C-Falls boys tennis down Flathead, split with Glacier

Jax Ramage picked up a pair of straight sets win as the Columbia Falls boys defeated Flathead and split their matches against Glacier Tuesday in high school tennis at FVCC.

Whitefish Community Foundation awards grant to Bigfork baseball

Bigfork Youth Baseball Association serves more than 200 youth annually through various leagues, from T-Ball to Babe Ruth.

Blackfeet tribal members sue feds over Canada tariffs

Two citizens of the Blackfeet Nation on April 4 filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging tariffs the Trump administration is imposing on Canada violate the U.S. Constitution and tribal treaty rights.

Chewy coconut macaroons a sweet treat

Originally crafted with almonds by Italian nuns in the 18th century, the macaroon's name is derived from the Italian word for "paste."

Jore powers Lady Pirates over Wildkats

COLUMBIA FALLS — Polson’s Olivia Jore hit two homers and drove in four runs Tuesday to lead the Lady Pirates over Columbia Falls 13-3 in an early Northwest A softball showdown.

Sentinel overpowers Flathead, 15-1

MISSOULA — Nina Sammoury had three hits and drove in four runs, and Alyssa Hanninen threw a five-inning two-hitter as Missoula Sentinel downed Flathead 15-1 in Western AA softball Tuesday.

Speed to burn

Flathead thinclads light up track; Glacier big in field events

A breezy, cool afternoon at Legends Stadium was apparently close to optimal conditions for some Kalispell Time Trials athletes Tuesday, including five boys and one girl from Flathead High.

Legals for April, 9 2025

Law roundup: Person clawed by kitten scam

A person was allegedly scammed out of $435 trying to purchase a kitten online.

Kalispell City Council seeks grant funding for U.S. 93 shared-use path

Kalispell City Council voted unanimously Monday to apply for a state grant to fund construction of a shared-use path along U.S. 93 between Logan Health Medical Center and downtown Kalispell.

FVCC culinary students serve menu featuring Montana flavors

The menu highlights Montana’s rich flavors. With a focus on fresh, regional produce, hungry patrons can expect innovative sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and beverages — all thoughtfully designed to celebrate Montana products and producers.

Wet March delivers needed boost to Northwest Montana snowpack

Montana's snowpack is holding strong heading into spring after March delivered a solid punch of snowfall to the northern Rocky Mountains.

Trump expected to sign executive orders to boost coal

President Donald Trump is expected to sign executive orders Tuesday aimed at boosting coal, a reliable but polluting energy source that's long been in decline.

Letters to the editor April 8

Letters to the editor April 8

Legislation would undo effort to protect property

When administrative efficiency is prioritized over private property owners’ commitment to conserving land, resources and quality of life, Montana is placed in a tenuous position to forever lose the beauty, open land and lifestyles many of us moved here or stayed here to enjoy.

Emergency call actually morning meal chatter

An abandoned 911 call that drew suspicion due to screaming turned out to be a normal Sunday breakfast, according to the Kalispell Police Department.

Lawmakers advance bill to enhance state support for school infrastructure

For years, Eureka Public Schools has been trying to stay on top of one critical maintenance issue after another.

Legals for April, 8 2025

Young shoves, Columbia Falls shuts out Ronan

RONAN — Nico Young threw a five-inning, four-hit shutout and Jory Hill had two hits and drove in two runs Monday as Columbia Falls beat Ronan 12-0 in high school baseball.

State looks to build new transportation facility in North Kalispell

The state agency is requesting annexation of the 9-acre plot of land into the city, initial zoning of P-1 (public) and a conditional use permit to allow for the facility located at 2905 U.S. 93 North, which is currently being used as a maintenance yard.

Jackson acquitted of killing mom, guilty of murdering her boyfriend

A jury on Monday acquitted Derrick James Jackson of the October 2022 murder of his mother, but found him guilty of killing her boyfriend and unsuccessfully discarding the gun used in the Bigfork slayings.

Trump threatens more tariffs on China as global markets shudder

Undeterred by a panicked stock market, President Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs on China on Monday, raising fresh concerns that his drive to rebalance the global economy could intensify a financially destructive trade war.

Vehicle theft suspects found hiding under tree near Whitefish

Two suspects in a string of vehicle thefts were nabbed Monday in a forested area outside of Whitefish following a multi-agency manhunt, law enforcement officials said.

Brock Tessman named new MSU president

The Montana Board of Regents announced Monday that Brock Tessman, former deputy commissioner in Montana and current president of Northern Michigan University, will serve as the next president of Montana State University in Bozeman.

Headlines: Man sentenced for killing of homeless man, federal funding cuts affect local food banks, and immigration legislation advances in House

Flathead County man sentenced for killing of homeless man, federal funding cuts leave local food banks looking to fill shelves and immigration legislation advances in House

Legals for April, 7 2025

Whitefish aims to rezone land for apartment project

Whitefish plans to rezone a property on U.S. 93 approved in 2019 for an apartment development that never came to fruition.

Law roundup: Unruly guests draw crowd on social media

A woman reportedly watched more than 30 partygoers, who looked to be teens, allegedly flooding the streets and fighting on the instant messaging app Snapchat and the situation appeared to be escalating.

Kalispell Council to vote on grant for shared-use path along U.S. 93

Upgrading the walkway is part of a larger project to build out the shared-use path further north to Bountiful Drive. The entire project, though, would cost around $2.68 million, and the Montana Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives grant could only cover building the southern portion, which is an estimated $648,000.

Columbia Falls quilter has spent lifetime sewing

When Therese Stempin recalls how she first began sewing, she pauses and then from another room produces a small hard-sided case with a handle.

Letters to the editor April 7

Letters to the editor April 7

Births

Births for April

In a world without libraries, where would we turn?

Imagine a world without libraries. No happy toddlers singing along in storytime, no seniors learning how to use video chat to connect with grandchildren, no quiet corners for teens to prepare for their big test.

Memorial Field being treated like a private playground

This question needs to be asked because the people of Whitefish deserve an answer. What municipality, city, park board and city attorney in their right mind would have a contract with a single entity, Glacier Twins Baseball Inc., that gives them sole control of one of our city parks, Memorial Field, paid for by the taxpayers of Whitefish?

Researchers seek answers in the case of Northwest Montana’s disappearing elk

Researchers searched the dense underbrush for any sign of the newborn elk calf. It was important they find the young animal in the next 72 hours, before it gained full use of its gangly legs and the window for safe capture closed.

Glacier tennis downs Sentinel, falls to Hellgate

Autumn Bashara earned a pair of victories Friday as the Glacier girls split their duals against Missoula Sentinel and Hellgate.

Annual job fair connects job seekers and businesses

Hosted by Job Service Kalispell (Montana Department of Labor and Industry), Flathead Valley Community College, the Daily Inter Lake, Discover Kalispell Chamber, and WorkForce Flathead, this event promises to be the largest in-person job fair event in northwest Montana.

Legals for April, 6 2025

Bigfork boys win on invitational track meet

BIGFORK — The Bigfork Vikings welcomed a dozen Class A and B teams to their complex Saturday, and ran away with the boys team title at its own Bigfork Invitational.

Letters to the editor April 6

Letters to the editor April 6

Deborah Don (Tudahl) Durham, 70

Deborah Don (Tudahl) Durham, 70, passed away on March 15, 2025, at her home in Boulder, Montana.

Flathead Valley tutor service assists students in learning process

The tutoring center seeks to assist students and others in the accomplishment of intellectual tasks, whether that be homework help, concept tutoring, test preparation and more, all while encouraging confidence.

Montana State hosts national research symposium on artificial intelligence

The visiting historians, archivists and social science researchers who presented on the first day of the conference described the various ways that they use artificial intelligence tools in their work.

Youth win in Keep Montana Green art contest

This year’s regional contest received entries from six schools in northwestern Montana, showcasing students’ creativity in promoting wildfire prevention, according to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Northwestern Land Office.

Lessons learned from prerelease settlement

The Flathead County Board of Adjustment last October shot down a proposal by the state to open a prerelease center in Evergreen, overriding county commissioners’ approval to move forward with the 90-bed facility.

Law roundup: Woman calls 911 for help calling husband

A woman trying to call her husband reportedly dialed 911 asking for help but hung up.

Child care provider watches over health care employees’ children

Kid Kare is a nonprofit, state-certified center that cares for children up to 6 years old of Logan Health employees. It has an infant facility with a capacity for 32 babies and a main facility that can accommodate about 170 children.

Child care instability impacts Montana businesses

Since the 1980s, the UM College of Business has offered online education at the graduate level. We specialize in delivering high-quality online education and are thrilled to announce our new, fully online undergraduate degree in business management.

Flathead tennis goes 0-3-1 Friday

A schools play duals Friday, Saturday

Sarah Loran and Allie Goff each picked up singles wins Friday as the Flathad Bravettes lost one tennis dual with Missoula Hellgate and drew with Missoula Sentinel in another.

Big Mountain saw big turnout for ski season

Whitefish Mountain Resort saw a snowy end to its ski season, with the delivery of another winter storm just days before the closing weekend shenanigans.

Desiree Dawn 'Des' Kunda, 47

On Monday, March 24, 2025, beloved daughter, sister and mother, Desiree Dawn Kunda went to walk alongside her father in Heaven.

Bigfork, Eureka boys cruise to shutout wins

TROY — The Bigfork Vikings plated 15 runs in the second inning, drawing 14 team walks in an 18-0 baseball victory over the Troy Trojans in just three innings Saturday afternoon.

Relief in a desert: Finding child care in Northwest Montana

Most of Northwest Montana is considered a child care desert, a topic looked at in a January 2024 report from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Montana Department for Health and Human Services and Most of Northwest Montana is considered a child care desert, a topic looked at in a January 2024 report from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Montana Department for Health and Human Services and Kids Count Montana.

Business Newsmakers

Happenings in business

Building permits

Building permits

Nonprofits bank on doing good

In 2023, the state's nonprofits paid out more than $3.6 billion in wages, accounting for 12.6% of all wages paid statewide.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Happenings related to business

Rick C. McIlhargey, 71

It is with great sadness that we announce that Rick C. McIlhargey, 71, passed away peacefully at Logan Health hospital on Dec. 15, 2024, at 8:15 p.m., after a long battle with aphasia, dementia and Alzheimer's.

Douglas Jerome Wold, 85

Douglas Jerome Wold, 85, of Polson, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 8, 2025, at his home on Flathead Lake.

Pitch Perfect: UM professional sales course equips students with real-world skills

Peter Anzollitto, an assistant professor of management in the College of Business, teaches the course “Professional Sales, Relationship Management and Business Development” to give students training and real-life examples of high-end sales and negotiations.

Montana State accounting students helping people avoid fraud, digital scams

These days, anyone with a phone or email address is likely familiar with the multifold techniques bad actors use to scam people out of their money. But with new technologies and scammers getting ever savvier, even the most vigilant person is susceptible to fraud.

Mary Alice Hanchett Mahugh, 95

Mary Alice Hanchett Mahugh peacefully passed on March 31, 2025.

Montana Beer Awards honors best brews

Large, Medium and Small Brewery of the Year awards were handed out to the winningest breweries in each of those categories, based on their annual production amounts. Small brewery went to Bar 3 of Belgrade, medium went to Cranky Sam Brewing of Missoula and large went to MAP Brewing Company of Bozeman.

Mellott shines at MSU Pro Day

BOZEMAN – Just how fast IS Tommy Mellott?

PHOTOS: Whitefish Pond Skim 2025

Skiers and snowboarders end the ski season with a trip across the pool at Whitefish Mountain Resort's annual pond skim competition on Saturday, April 5.

Hundreds of Flathead residents join nationwide protests

Hundreds of Flathead Valley residents marched through downtown Kalispell on Saturday to protest the Trump administration.

Former Bravettes star Hildal dies in police shooting

The Flathead High School family received tragic news out of Ohio on Thursday that former basketball player Kesley Hildal died in a police shooting April 1.

Sapa closes door on Cats' win over Dogs

COLUMBIA FALLS — On a frigid Friday night at Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Field it was Reggie Sapa’s cool demeanor that allowed the Columbia Falls Wildcats to escape with a 9-8 win in a back-and-forth game against a gritty Whitefish Bulldogs team.

Suspected murderer testifies in double homicide trial

A distraught Derrick James Jackson told jurors Friday that he killed Stanley Grotberg after the 65-year-old shot dead Jackson’s mother in the trio’s Bigfork home in October 2022.

Softball: Pack walks off Capital, falls to Helena

Ava Grady hit a sixth inning walk-off home run to give Glacier a 10-0 run-rule victory in a State AA softball championship rematch from a year ago, while the Wolfpack sustained their first loss of the season in game two of the doubleheader 4-3 against Helena Friday.

Wolfpack dominate dual with CMR

GREAT FALLS — Glacier’s boys won 14 of 17 events and the girls won 12 of 17 at a track and field dual with Great Falls CMR held Friday at Memorial Stadium.

County teams up with Logan Health to distribute gun locks

The Flathead City-County Health Department and Logan Health are rolling out a program to distribute gun locks to community members in an effort to prevent firearm related deaths.

Flathead boys outduel Bison; Bravette girls falter

Ben Bliven won the 100 and 200, Lane Chivers swept the hurdles and Williams Hollensteiner won three events Friday as the Flathead boys downed Great Falls 81-64 in a track and field dual at Legends Stadium.

C-Falls boys win Hamilton Invite track

HAMILTON — One year removed from a second-place finish at the State A meet, the Columbia Falls Wildcats have literally fielded a team.

Bravettes drop pair to Helena schools

Early inning offense from Helena and Capital was enough for both teams to down Flathead Friday afternoon as the Bravettes broke in their field at Kidsport for 2025.

Poster Player of the Week: Addy Cunningham of Glacier High School

This week’s poster player of the week goes to Addy Cunningham, a softball player for the Glacier Wolfpack

Markets plunge with Dow down 2,200 after China retaliates against Trump tariffs

Wall Street's worst crisis since COVID slammed into a higher gear Friday.

Creston gravel pit application pulled

A construction company has pulled its application for a gravel pit near Creston that had drawn scrutiny from a nearby neighborhood.

Interior secretary orders national parks to be open and accessible

Under criticism for staff cuts across the country, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is directing national parks to "remain open and accessible" and says officials will ensure proper staffing to do so.

Glacier Park plows at Crystal Point on Sun Road

Glacier National Park plow crews have made it to Crystal Point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but the road this weekend will be closed at Avalanche Creek to hikers and bikers due to avalanche danger.

Whitefish responds to river trail permit denial

At a special meeting of the Whitefish City Council Monday night, councilors voted unanimously to notify Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks it disagrees with its decision to deny a SPA 124 permit for a section of the Whitefish trail.

Contemporary abstract artist featured at Phillips Gallery

Pamela Beer's process begins with instinctual marks and layers of oil and cold wax, embracing the tension between wild expression and deliberate refinement.

Volunteers needed for lake monitoring program

The Northwest Montana Lakes Network is looking for lake property owners and water recreationists interested in becoming volunteer citizen scientists.

Double homicide investigation focused on Jackson early on, detective says

Investigators nearly from the start considered Derrick James Jackson the main suspect in the October 2022 murders of his 62-year-old mother and her 65-year-old partner, a detective who worked the case testified Thursday.

Legals for April, 4 2025

Seminar discusses buying locally raised meat

Producers and consumers alike will learn from the event that features butchers from Glacier Processing Cooperative in Columbia Falls.

Critics say legislation is an attempt to delay, deny asbestos claims

State lawmakers continue to review a bill Thursday that would modify the legal process for victims of asbestos exposure to receive compensation.

Law roundup: The beast is to blame for break-in

A young man’s wallet and backpack were stolen out of his truck. Missing items included the man’s license, debit card, school notebooks and a copy of “Lord of the Flies.”

Whitefish, Columbia Falls still powers in Northwest A track

Whitefish’s girls and boys track and field programs were second and third at the State A meet last year, and Columbia Falls’ boys were a narrow second to Corvallis.

Big fifth inning powers Wolfpack softball over Big Sky

MISSOULA — Olivia Gibbons went 2-for-3 and drove in three runs, including a 2-run single during the fifth inning as Glacier handed Missoula Big Sky their first loss of the season 8-5 Thursday.

Track and field: Building (to) Legends

Flathead, Glacier rebuild rosters

The Flathead and Glacier track teams have been salty of late, with Flathead’s boys taking second and Glacier’s fourth at last year’s State AA meet, and the Bravettes getting fourth on the girls side.

Whitefish baseball blasts past Troy

TROY — Avery Caton doubled and tripled for Whitefish, driving in three runs as the Bulldogs earned a 16-0 victory over Troy in the high school baseball season opener for both squads Thursday.

Bergen, White shine at UM's Pro Day

MISSOULA — Junior Bergen’s last performance in Missoula on the football field was one for the ages.

Dow drops 1,600 as Trump's tariffs shock Wall Street

Wall Street shuddered, and a level of shock unseen since COVID's outbreak tore through financial markets worldwide Thursday on worries about the damage President Donald Trump's newest set of tariffs could do to economies across continents, including his own.

Fresh faces all around for Flathead, Glacier tennis

Rain, rain go away, the tennis teams want to play.

Columan: 'Only Game in Town' turns 20

This coming Sunday at Bozeman’s Historic Ellen Theatre, at 1:30 p.m. in its upstairs ballroom, Wally Kurth and Montana PBS will present a viewing of Class C: The Only Game in Town.

Zoning, taxes and the fight for Montana’s future

In the last census, Kalispell was named the fastest growing micro-metropolitan area in the country.

Florida artist wins migratory stamp contest

A trio of tundra swans winging their way through a gray sky in the shadows of Rocky Mountain peaks is captured brilliantly in the 2025 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp.

Lack of sleep blamed on early morning gathering

Someone called the Kalispell Police Department to report a rude awakening. The caller alleged that several cars would gather near their house every morning at 6:30 a.m. to play loud music.

Republicans working to protect tax dollars

I write to you today as the elected legislator for House District 10, the west portion of Kalispell and surrounding areas, with a first half of the 69th legislative session update.

Comedic farces ‘Lend Me A Tenor’ on stage in Whitefish

Winner of three Tony Awards and four Drama Desk Awards, Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me A Tenor” takes place inside a two-room hotel suite in Cleveland, Ohio in September 1934.

Bibler art collection on display at FVCC

The extensive collection was compiled by the late Sam and Jean Bibler, and will be lent to the gallery through the generosity of the Bibler Family Trust.

Legals for April, 3 2025

Lil Smokies' new album touts Whitefish love

The Lil Smokies, a popular Missoula-based band with a Whitefish connection will release its fourth album, “Break of the Tide,” in April.

Find treasures at the Creston Auction this weekend

This year’s event is April 4-6. Thousands of people will be donating, consigning, browsing and buying everything from antiques to boats and SUVs — all in support of this small, all-volunteer fire department in Creston.

Bill to increase business equipment exemption earns bipartisan support in Senate

The bill will expand the tax exemption to cover business equipment with a market value of as much as $3 million instead of the current $1 million limit.

Historical fiction shares a journey of survival

Families are ravaged by famine, forced from their homeland, and cast adrift on the perilous Atlantic.

Early season rock climbing abounds at Stonehill

Songbirds chirp overhead as the melting April snow around town pivots minds from skiing and ice climbing to sunny spring days spent rock climbing.

Defense attorneys in double homicide trial question investigation

Defense attorneys began working in earnest on Wednesday to cast doubt on the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation into a 2022 double homicide in Bigfork.

Prep tennis: Whitefish ready to battle tough Northwest A

Whitefish has proud tennis programs, with seven state titles for the boys and three for the girls, and the Bulldogs plan to cover all corners this spring.

Letters to the editor April 3

Letters to the editor April 3

Unnecessary boat tax

My old friend George Ostrom, one of Montana’s best-known newsmen, liked to say, “No man’s life or liberty is safe when the Montan Legislature is in session.” A proposed new tax on Montana boat owners seems to meet that old alert.

Judge puts hold on Montana's transgender bathroom ban

A judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a Montana law that restricts transgender people's use of bathrooms in public buildings.

Keeping Score: Spring sports kickoff, record-breaking runs

Spring sports are in full swing — well, almost!

Trump imposes sweeping new tariffs to promote manufacturing

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced far-reaching new tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners — a 34% tax on imports from China and 20% on the European Union, among others — that threaten to dismantle much of the architecture of the global economy and trigger broader trade wars.

Settlement paves way for prerelease center in Evergreen

A 90-bed prerelease center is on track to open in Evergreen following the settlement of a lawsuit regarding the denial of the center last year.

Homemade classics and twists at center of Columbia Falls cafe menu

The bakery, cafe and coffee roaster in Columbia Falls offers artisan hearth breads, savory and sweet baked goods, breakfast, lunch and a full espresso and tea bar, with everything made in the open-concept kitchen.

Student-run microgreen business sprouts at Whitefish High School

For years, agriculture classes at Whitefish High School have been lauded by students who are on the verge of dropping out as well as students who are college-bound.

Flathead Electric holds annual meeting

Food will be available, and prizes and scholarship drawings will take place, too.

Cathy A. Andersen, 64

Cathy A. Andersen, 64, Sept. 24,1960 — March 18, 2025.

Law roundup: Chinese spy drones hack Columbia Falls

Have Chinese spy drones infiltrated Columbia Falls? Maybe so, according to a concerned individual who called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office after multiple alleged sightings of drones circling her house.

Immigration legislation advances despite strong opposition from nonprofits

Representatives from religious and nonprofit organizations across the state opposed the bill at an April 1 House Judiciary Committee, arguing that the legislation’s broad reach would hamper the provision of key social services to all Montana residents, regardless of immigration status.

Royal Glenn Hansen, 85

Royal Glenn Hansen, 85, born to William Alexander Hansen and Helen Lucille (Hopkins) Hansen on Oct. 28, 1939, in Glasgow.

Legals for April, 2 2025

Weather postpones C-Falls, Whitefish baseball

Inclement weather in the area forced the postponement of multiple events on Tuesday, including the Whitefish-Bigfork baseball game.

Mollie Vasquez, 75

Mollie Marie Vasquez, 75, passed away on March 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband, Willie, and their three children, William, Richard, and Angela.

Allen’s 3-run blast lifts Libby over Flathead

LIBBY — Trailing 5-2 going into their last at-bats Tuesday, the Libby Loggers scored five runs with Dakota Allen’s three-run homer capping a 7-5 walk-off softball win.

French puffs with extra boost of flavor

These savory bites are perfect as an elegant hors d’oeuvre for dinner but are just as welcome at brunch or lunch.

Flathead thinclads impress at Legends

Tuesday didn’t feel like a good day for quick times at Legends Stadium, but Ben Bliven, Lane Chivers, Kasen Kastner, Grace Gall and Alivia Rinehart didn’t wait for better weather.

Federal funding cuts leave Flathead Valley food banks looking to fill shelves

The county is home to several food banks that provide both fresh and non-perishable goods to thousands of families, seniors and working people. While food banks stock their shelves in various ways, including private donations, grocery surpluses, and buying food, they also lean on the federal government for assistance in buying fresh, home-grown items.

Desiree Dawn 'Des' Kunda, 47

On Monday, March 24, 2025, beloved daughter, sister and mother, Desiree Dawn Kunda went to walk alongside her father in Heaven.

Robert 'Bob' Henry Herman, 84

Robert Henry Herman, 84, of Columbia Falls, passed away Friday, March 28, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Communities.

Betty Jean (Nygard) Hendrickson, 89

Betty Jean (Nygard) Hendrickson, 89, went peacefully home to her Lord and Savior on March 29, 2025.

Jurors view body cam footage in Jackson double homicide trial

Jurors in the Derrick James Jackson double homicide trial watched video footage Tuesday of deputies discovering the bodies of Stanley Grotberg and Tricia DeMotts inside their Bigfork home in October 2022.

Unsolved violent crimes in Native American communities to get more attention with FBI surge

The FBI is sending extra agents, analysts and other personnel to field offices in 10 states over the next six months to help investigate unsolved violent crimes in Indian Country, marking a continuation of efforts by the federal government to address high rates of violence affecting Native American communities.

Senate passes property tax rebate as ‘Plan C’

Sixty-two days into the 2025 Montana Legislature, no bills aimed at offering property tax relief for Montanans have made it to the governor’s desk, despite his stated goal of signing one before the end of February.

Glacier’s Presley flips commitment to Montana State

Jackson Presley, the decorated Glacier High quarterback who will be a senior this fall, has flipped his college commitment from Boise State to Montana State.

Trial underway in Bigfork double homicide

Prosecutors on Monday told jurors that they could link accused killer Derrick James Jackson to the gun used in the shooting death of his mother and her partner in Bigfork in 2022.

Elk foundation working against hunters

Right before the last legislative session, an op-ed called out the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for not showing up “to oppose the guaranteed tags for outfitters, the bulls for billionaires program, efforts to award transferable tags, attacks on conservation easements, or the theft of conservation dollars” in the prior session.

Letters to the editor April 1

Letters to the editor April 1

Relationship gets scrambled over breakfast dispute

Officers from the Kalispell Police Department advised the man to finish his walk and then talk through his feelings with his partner.

Legals for April, 1 2025

Construction to begin on Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site

Construction on a new fishing access site near Sportsman’s Bridge in Bigfork is expected to begin this spring.