Bill aims to give Montana Legislature standing in court fights over laws

Two bills heard Tuesday in the House Judiciary Committee aim to give the Montana Legislature, and individual legislators, options to defend their laws in court, while another sought to implement a public comment period if the state attorney general wants to get involved in litigation.

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester to run for 4th term in Montana

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said Wednesday he will seek reelection to a fourth term in 2024, a boost to Democrats' hopes of maintaining a seat in the Republican-leaning state as they try to hang on to their narrow Senate majority.

Whitefish Community Foundation awards grant to aid in skatepark expansion

The Major Community Project Grant program is dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations complete capital projects that will have a significant and positive effect on communities in the Flathead Valley.

Commissioners' letter on homelessness referenced in Helena debate

Rep. Jodee Etchart, R-Billings, referenced a letter released by the Flathead County Commission earlier this year that referenced homelessness as a “lifestyle choice for some” in explaining her opposition to providing grant funding towards supporting the unhoused.

Flathead, Glacier hoops postponed to Saturday

Tuesday’s winter storm postponed Western AA conference basketball games for the Kalispell schools, and have been rescheduled for Saturday afternoon.

County officials close stretch of Hodgson Road

Whiteout conditions led to the closure of Hodgson Road from Trumble Creek Road west to the Whitefish River, county officials said Tuesday morning.

Legals for February, 21 2023

Biden declares 'Kyiv stands' in surprise visit to Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Joe Biden swept unannounced into Ukraine on Monday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a defiant display of Western solidarity with a country still fighting what he called "a brutal and unjust war" days before the first anniversary of Russia's invasion.

World shares mostly higher as inflation worries dog Wall St

Recent data have revived worries that inflation is not cooling as quickly as hoped. That has shaken hopes the Federal Reserve might take it easier on interest rate hikes and avoid tipping the economy into recession.

Whitefish looks at temporary halt for new marijuana shops

The meeting is on Tuesday due to the Presidents’ Day holiday. City Council meets at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall, 418 E Second St.

Letters to the editor Feb. 20

Letters to the editor Feb. 20

Cautious but steady consumers buoying hopes for US economy

Defying high inflation and sharp interest rate hikes, Americans keep spending — a trend that, if sustained, could keep the economy humming just enough to help avoid a much-predicted recession.

Community briefs

Whitefish library brings back coding class; Registration opens for home buyer education classes; P.E.O. taking scholarship applications; Free the Seeds event March 4

Sadie Marie Burnside, 30

Sadie Marie Burnside

Legals for February, 19 2023

Implications of consolidated health systems

Logan Health and Billings Clinic revealed last week that the two independent hospital systems plan to engage in negotiations this year aimed at combining into a single, new organization.

Joan Carol Fraser, 87

Joan Carol Fraser

Katherine Taylor, 88

Katherine Ann “Kay” (Flinn) Taylor passed away of natural causes Feb. 2, 2023, with the love of family and the caring staff at Logan Health Whitefish.

Peek into the past: the lives of Chinese and Japanese immigrants in the early Flathead

In what was once the city’s Chinatown, firecrackers hung from the tops of doorways in Chinese businesses and residences, which included restaurants and laundry services that were described by locals at the time as some of the best in town.

Unbeaten Valkyries cruise to 7-B title

Braeden Gunlock scored 13 points to lead a balanced Bigfork offense, and the unbeaten Valkyries coasted past Thompson Falls 51-12 for the District 7-B girls basketball title Saturday.