Wildland firefighters fundraiser set for April 15

The public is invited to the third annual Flathead Wildland Firefighters Banquet to help support the many federal, state, local, contract, and volunteer firefighters that train and work to protect public and private lands.

Blacktail Mountain focus of ski documentary

A short documentary film showcasing the story of Blacktail Mountain Ski Area and its legacy will be shown in Bigfork on March 27.

Montana considers new wave of legislation to loosen vaccination rules

In 2021, Montana passed House Bill 702 — the first of its kind in the nation — which prohibited discrimination based on vaccine status in settings like employment, education, and health care. In effect, it banned private businesses and local governments from requiring employees to be vaccinated, not just against covid-19 but any disease.

Board of Public Ed formally adopts new school quality rules

The Montana Board of Public Education Friday unanimously approved a raft of changes to state regulations governing the quality of K-12 public schools, officially bringing to a close a multi-tiered process that began nearly three years ago.

Law roundup: Not a clean getaway for toothbrush thief

A man possibly seeking a healthy smile was detained for trying to steal a toothbrush.

Legals for March, 14 2023

LaRance free throws lift Montana Tech in NAIA Round of 16

Camdyn LaRance hit two free throws with 24 seconds left in overtime, and Montana Tech edged William Penn of Iowa 79-78 at the NAIA men’s basketball tournament Monday.

Gianforte signs $1B Republican tax rebate, tax-cut package into law

Flanked by dozens of Republican lawmakers on the steps of the state Capitol, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a tax cut, rebate and spending package totalling more than $1 billion Monday.

Biden OKs Alaska oil project, draws ire of environmentalists

The Biden administration said Monday it is approving a huge oil-drilling project on Alaska's petroleum-rich North Slope, a major environmental decision by President Joe Biden that drew quick condemnation as flying in the face of his pledges to slow climate change.

State AA girls: Flathead falls short

Billings West overtakes Bravettes in fourth quarter for AA girls title

A three-point play by Sydney Pierce and a 3-pointer from Kourtney Grossman fueled a late run for the Billings West Golden Bears, who rallied past the Bravettes 48-43 and their first outright title since 2011.

State AA boys: Wolfpack beats Bozeman in third place game

Glacier is young as Montana high schools go, and while its boys basketball history includes the 2017 State AA championship, that’s the only trophy the Wolfpack had. Until Saturday.

Service provides childcare for Flathead Valley visitors and residents

Seeking a way to keep herself in the beauty of Northwest Montana, Rachel Jessup used her many years of childcare experience to land babysitting and nannying jobs.

Students show out science acuity at county fair

Science lovers of all ages packed into the Expo Center at the Flathead County Fairgrounds to take a look at projects from students in third grade and up.

Another US hiring surge: 311,000 jobs despite Fed rate hikes

The unemployment rate rose to 3.6%, from a 53-year low of 3.4%, as more Americans began searching for work but not all of them found jobs.

Silicon Valley Bank swiftly collapses after tech startups flee

Regulators stepped in and seized it Friday in a stunning downfall for a lender that had quadrupled in size over the past five years and was valued at more than $40 billion as recently as last year.

Judge allows Google antitrust case to move ahead in Virginia

The ruling Friday from U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, is a victory for the Justice Department and several states, including Virginia, that sued Google earlier this year and wanted to keep the case in the commonwealth.

State B boys: Vikings clamp down on defense for third place finish

The Bigfork Vikings capped off their final year competing in Class B with a third place finish at state after beating Red Lodge 45-36 on Saturday.

Legals for March, 12 2023

Whitefish applies for grant to improve pedestrian safety downtown

City Council recently authorized a grant application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for work on the Whitefish Promenade concept designed to move non-motorized traffic through town.

State A boys: Unbeaten Lewistown tops Dillon for boys crown

The Lewistown Golden Eagles capped off an unbeaten season with a State A championship after defeating the Dillon Beavers 54-47 on Saturday at MSU’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.