State suspends OPI’s authority to award contracts

Montana’s Office Public Instruction temporarily lost its authority to enter into high-price contracts for goods and services Tuesday after the Department of Administration discovered deficiencies in the agency’s practices.

David Stephenson, 80

David Stephenson, 80

New district courtroom opens marking end of two-year project

The courtroom’s completion marks the end of a multi-phase project aimed at creating more space for county services and creating the necessary room to accommodate adding a fifth District Court judge.

Law roundup: Online tax preparer imposes levy of its own

A man contacted police concerned that his girlfriend put something in the gas tank of his car.

Legals for April, 21 2023

Glacier bats stay hot

The spring air was cool in Kalispell Thursday but the bats were hot for the Glacier Wolfpack, who beat Flathead 12-4 in crosstown softball at KidSport.

Transportation commission approves plans to accommodate Lakeside coaster

The Montana Transportation Commission approved another step necessary for a controversial alpine coaster to open near Lakeside after a meeting that saw more than 100 people sign up to speak in opposition.

Prosecutors say woman attempted to cash fake savings bonds

A woman claiming to be from California allegedly tried to cash counterfeit savings bonds at a Kalispell bank earlier this month.

Law roundup: Retired meat processor protective of trade secrets

A Libby man took a trip to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office where he claimed he was the “most experienced meat processor in the northwest,” since retired, and reported that a few years ago a high school friend asked him for information on his smoked meat process. Recently,

James "Chip" E. Vineyard Jr, 58

James "Chip" E. Vineyard Jr, 58

Group features intricate vocal harmonies

The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. and is presented by the Whitefish Theatre Company.

Bigfork Community Players make a toast with 'Drinking Habits'

The Bigfork Community Players’ are sure to uncork the laughs with their performance of “Drinking Habits.”

Pulitzer-prize winning ‘Doonesbury’ creator comes to FVCC

Award-winning social observer and “Doonesbury” creator Garry Trudeau will be in Kalispell April 25 as part of the Wachholz College Center’s Speaker Series.

Kalispell Public Schools superintendent search changes course, will seek interim

Kalispell Public Schools will seek an interim superintendent for the 2023-24 school year after opting against interviewing any of the five applicants who responded to the initial job posting.

Lawmakers sign off on governor’s amendments to bill banning gender-affirming care

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday recommended amendments be made to Senate Bill 99, the legislature’s proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors, calling the term “Orwellian Newspeak” and asking lawmakers to “strengthen” the bill by tweaking certain language around the definitions of “male” and “female.”

Legals for April, 19 2023

Kalispell couple competes to support nonprofit capital campaigns

It’s clear how much fun Margit Baake and Todd Rogers have when they talk about the hours they spend volunteering and working for the boards of the Flathead Food Bank and Samaritan House.

Lakers split Sunday twinbill with Mavs

Last Saturday was balmy, but Sunday was good enough and the Kalispell AA Lakers took advantage of the weather to split the first two games of their American Legion baseball season.

T. rex skeleton expected to fetch millions at Zurich auction

BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Interested investors may have to dig deep into their pockets to claim a giant Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that was dug up from three sites in the United States and is going up for auction Tuesday in Switzerland.

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area extends season

Thanks to another shot of winter weather, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area will continue its 25th anniversary season through April 22.