Flathead boys basketball coach Johnsrud steps down

Flathead High is looking for a new boys basketball coach, after word came Friday that Dirk Johnsrud will no longer lead the program after three seasons at the helm.

Gonzaga beats UCLA 79-76 in Sweet 16 on Strawther's shot

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Gonzaga and UCLA played one NCAA Tournament game that left the Zags' star player bawling, and another game that stunned the Bruins.

Flu season tapering off in Flathead County, but other outbreaks still an issue

Hospitalizations in Flathead County are declining after a rough start to flu season, but there are many other outbreaks health department officials are keeping an eye on.

Barbara Hinsz, 82

Barbara Hinsz, 82

Warm Springs administrators put on leave

The interim administrator at the Montana State Hospital has been put on administrative leave, a new development in the yearslong struggle to stabilize the beleaguered adult psychiatric facility.

Budget bill clears House debate with GOP support

The Montana House’s Republican supermajority voted in near-lockstep Wednesday to rebuff Democratic efforts to amend Montana’s primary two-year budget bill, clearing the way for the bill to advance to the state Senate after a final vote in the coming days.

Prosecutors: Third boy alleges rape by youth hockey coach jailed in Butte

Prosecutors say a third young boy has come forward with allegations that a youth hockey coach from Flathead County raped him by inserting an unknown object in his rectum, an incident they believe occurred at a Butte hotel in January 2021.

Arts and Entertainment News

Arts and entertainment happenings

Flathead Songwriter Festival releases lineup for fall event

The festival recently announced its lineup for the event set for Sept. 14-16.

Discussions on education delve into spicy topics

I am so proud of Montana’s voices in the community education discussions that took place during December and March.

Legals for March, 23 2023

WTC holds auditions

The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding auditions for “Suite Surrender”, their final show of the 2022-2023 season.

Gallatin County attorney reviewing more than 100 unprosecuted cases

The Gallatin County attorney is creating a task force to look at more than 100 cases — the majority alleging sexual violence — that her predecessor's office apparently did not review to see if charges could still be brought.

Browning man sentenced for child sex abuse

A Browning man was sentenced Monday to 18 years and nine months behind bars for sexually abusing two girls on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation about 20 years ago.

Marion man receives deferred sentence for misdemeanor charge

A Marion man brought up on a felony charge for allegedly pointing a handgun at his then girlfriend’s father in June 2022 received a deferred sentence after striking a plea deal late last year.

Case dismissed against man accused of threatening another with skid steer

A Flathead County District judge in January dismissed a criminal negligence charge against a man previously accused of menacing another individual with a skid steer.

‘Intoxicated,’ ‘uncooperative’ woman allegedly admits to attack

Confronted by Kalispell Police officers, a woman allegedly admitted to attacking a man with a baseball bat at a motel in the city during the early morning hours of March 12.

Man sentenced for box cutter attack

Brockton Lorn Ferguson, 36, received 14 years behind bars with the remainder suspended at his March 20 sentencing on a felony aggravated assault charge in Flathead County District Court.

Legislature moves to name highway after Blackfeet chief

Though it took some work, the Legislature passed a bill to rename a section of Montana Highway 89 on the Blackfeet Reservation after the late Blackfeet chief. The bill is currently on Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk awaiting his signature, which would make the name change legally official.

Gender-affirming care ban for transgender minors has second hearing

A bill to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors received nearly three hours of testimony Monday in its designated House committee, the first major action on the legislation since it passed out of the Senate in early February.