While rare, otter attack not out of character, experts say

The three women who were recently attacked by an otter while floating on the Jefferson River near Three Forks stood about a near-equal chance of being charged by an angry unicorn.

Outdated transmission system holds back Montana's clean energy production

Dr. Pat Barkey, director of the University of Montana’s Bureau for Business Economic Research, points out that Montana's "increasing population has driven higher electricity demand, but little new generation and transmission capacity has been built over the last decade." And, that "Montana risks becoming a net importer of electricity."

From eggs to electronics to used cars, consumer inflation eased its grip on US households in July

The inflation data the government reported Thursday showed that overall consumer prices rose 3.2% from a year earlier.

British economy unexpectedly grows by 0.2% in second quarter largely because of June weather boost

The Office for National Statistics said the economy expanded by 0.2% in the April to June period, compared with the previous three-month period. That was higher than the 0.1% recorded in the first quarter and ahead of economists' expectations for no change.

Glacier processing co-op offers incentive to join

A cooperative focused on expanding meat processing capacity in the Flathead Valley is currently offering an incentive to producers who join by Sept. 30, with an informational membership meeting and barbecue planned for September 14 in Kalispell.

Legals for August, 13 2023

Glacier National Park proposes campground fee rate changes

Officials at Glacier National Park are proposing fee rate changes to most front country campgrounds in 2024 and Apgar group sites in 2025.

Diminished Flathead Lake leaves some residents crying mismanagement

RONAN — The amount of water flowing into Flathead Lake peaked both lower and earlier than normal this year, frustrating those accustomed to the lake’s reliably clean, clear water for recreation, irrigation and power generation through the summer.

At least 55 people died on Maui. Residents had little warning before wildfires overtook a town

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens sounded before people ran for their lives from wildfires on Maui that killed at least 55 people and wiped out a historic town. Instead, officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations — but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach.

Judge warns of restraints to what evidence Trump can talk about, agrees to limited protective order

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal judge overseeing the election conspiracy case against Donald Trump warned on Friday that there are limits on what the former president can publicly say about the investigation as he campaigns for a second term in the White House.

Glacier receives $300,000 for habitat restoration and addressing climate change impacts

A roughly $300,000 infusion of federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support Glacier National Park’s efforts in restoring natural habitats and addressing the effects of climate change, officials said this week.

Fairgrounds offers sanctuary to fire evacuees

When mandatory evacuations for Walking Horse Lane and Early Dawn Road and adjacent areas near Big Arm were announced last Thursday afternoon by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Vicki Holmberg, Polson Fairgrounds caretaker, was immediately on the phone with people seeking shelter for their animals and places to park their campers and RVs. When she wasn’t on the phone, she was showing people where to put their animals.

Legals for August, 11 2023

'Significant' rainfall dampens wildfire activity

Wetting rains Wednesday night put a damper on wildfires burning across Northwest Montana, however fire forecasters said activity could pick up this weekend as conditions dry out.

Range Riders take 2 of 3 from Hawks

Newcomer Jake McKenzie had two hits and scored twice, and the Glacier Range Riders’ bullpen was its usual lock-down self in a 9-3 Pioneer League win over the Boise Hawks Wednesday.

Maui surveys the burned wreckage caused by the deadliest US wildfire in years

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — The search of the wildfire wreckage on the Hawaiian island of Maui on Thursday revealed a wasteland of burned out homes and obliterated communities as firefighters battled the stubborn blaze that has already claimed 36 lives, making it the deadliest in the U.S. in recent years.

Flathead Valley man receives deferred sentence for alleged drunken gunplay

Judge Dan Wilson handed down the deferred sentence to George Paul Herne, 20, on July 27.

Polson officials annex property for casino project

A near unanimous decision on Aug. 7 by the Polson City Commission confirmed the annexation of a 79-acre piece of land owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Night moves: Citizen scientists help document Glacier's pollinators

A waxing gibbous peeked above the treeline as nightfall darkened Glacier National Park on Saturday, July 29. Along Quarter Circle Bridge Road, mercury vapor lights stood like green torches as visitors from across the country, and nocturnal insects attracted to the glow, gathered around.

A title long coming; a little boost at end

You wonder how history might differ if Cary Finberg had been a teacher, which of course was the original plan.