Bigfork Fire Department seeks funding for new headquarters, staffing

The Bigfork Fire District Board of Trustees recently approved a bond initiative and mill levy to present to voters in a Sept. 9 special election that will address infrastructure and staffing deficiencies.

Strong bats power Mission Valley over AA Lakers

Cole Wadsworth and Landon Shoemake tripled and Cody Haggard threw six strong innings as Mission Valley downed the Kalispell AA Lakers 9-6 Thursday.

Slow-cooked barbecue pork a must have for summer

This recipe is tailor-made for hardworking folks who want to enjoy the holiday without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

AG Knudsen blasts Gallatin County attorney for advising against ICE contract

A Gallatin County Commissioner described a scalding letter from the attorney general about a local legal opinion as “political theater” and said Friday the county has had the longest-standing agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of any county in Montana.

Legals for May, 25 2025

Hotel guest accused of ransacking room ordered to pay restitution

Donald Robert Hamilton, 61, was initially brought up on felony counts of criminal mischief and criminal possession of dangerous drugs following his March 15, 2024 run-in with Columbia Falls Police officers.

Trump plans to merge wildland firefighting efforts into one agency

President Donald Trump's administration is trying to merge the government's wildland firefighting efforts into a single agency, a move some former federal officials warn could increase the risk of catastrophic blazes and ultimately cost billions of dollars.

Packed public hearing highlights rift among Kalispell residents over a proposed Main Street makeover

City Hall's plan to revamp Kalispell’s downtown roadways ignited heated debate among residents and storeowners on Monday.

Feds charge Democratic congresswoman over confrontation outside New Jersey detention center

Federal prosecutors alleged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey pushed and grabbed officers while attempting to block the arrest of the Newark mayor outside an immigration detention facility, according to charges in court papers unsealed on Tuesday.

Gianforte signs second-home tax

The office of Gov. Greg Gianforte said Friday that the Montana governor has signed two bills implementing his signature property tax relief package, finalizing the passage of legislation poised to reduce property taxes for many homeowners and long-term rentals, in part by passing hefty increases onto second homes and Airbnb-style short-term rentals.

Judge Amy Eddy pledges to steer clear of partisan politics in Montana Supreme Court run

Flathead County District Court Judge Amy Eddy, the latest to join the race for an open seat on the Montana Supreme Court, has promised her campaign will eschew partisan politics.

Brian Hamond, 66

Brian D. Hamond, loving husband, father and grandfather, retired Spokane Police detective and proud Navy veteran, passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 66.

Kalispell planners warn of impending parking crunch

Kalispell officials are warning that on-street parking is in jeopardy thanks to a bill awaiting the governor’s signature that limits off-street parking requirements on new construction.

Upholding the name: Reggie Sapa

COLUMBIA FALLS — For more than four decades, the name Sapa has echoed throughout the Columbia Falls community. Whether it is at a ballpark, the gridiron, the hardwood or the local Blue Moon Nite Club, where three-sport athlete Reggie Sapa works to maintain the establishment his family built.

Kalispell to close stadium parking lots early over late-night disturbances

Hoping to curb the horde of rowdy motorists that descend upon Legends Stadium’s parking lots at night, Kalispell City Council on Monday curtailed the lots’ hours of operation.

Kalispell Planning Commission to weigh new housing rules

The Kalispell Planning Commission on Tuesday is expected to weigh regulations intended to streamline residential development as part of the city’s preliminary draft land use plan.

Kalispell City Council to address alleged bad behavior in stadium overflow parking lot

Kalispell City Council on Monday is expected to consider ways to crack down on disruptive and unsavory activity in the overflow lot by Legends Stadium.

Transformation of Kalispell Center Mall aims to make it a downtown destination

Showing a mockup featuring the redesign of the 7 acres of the west side of the site at the May 8 Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Growth Summit, giving a glimpse into the future of what the property along the Parkline Trail might look like.

Legals for May, 11 2025

Bigfork uses big 3rd to beat Whitefish

BIGFORK — Mason Lewis drove in a pair of runs on a third inning double as Bigfork defeated Whitefish 9-2 in high school baseball Saturday.