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

Glacier Park International Airport expansion off to a flying start

A year and a half into construction, Glacier Park International Airport is making significant progress on its $150 million terminal expansion project with the first phase of the expansion nearly at the halfway mark.

Legals for February, 19 2023

Report shows Flathead needs more housing

Housing and development are hot topics. A rising population without an adequate increase in housing to serve the existing community have brought significant challenges to the Flathead Valley.

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.

Kalispell Public Schools moves forward with plans to relocate its central office

The Kalispell Public Schools Board of Trustees unanimously approved signing a letter of intent to lease a building at 1935 Third Ave. E. with the option to purchase to relocate its central offices.

Flathead Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Whitefish boys earn spot in Western A

Whitefish senior Jack Sears scored 18 points, and the Bulldogs pulled away from the second quarter on to beat Libby 67-34 Saturday, earning a berth at next week’s Western A Divisional.

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.

GOP bills would require re-votes on some local property taxes

A slate of bills advanced by a prominent Republican lawmaker would try to lower Montana property taxes by requiring revotes on some local tax levies while also raising the approval margins required to pass levies and bond measures in low-turnout local elections.

Eureka, Bigfork to meet for 7-B boys title

EUREKA — Tristan Butts scored 18 of his 20 points after halftime Friday, helping Eureka hold off Mission 58-56 in a District 7-B boys basketball semifinal.

Vals, Bluehawks surge into 7-B girls finale

EUREKA — Behind 15 first-half points from Braeden Gunlock the Bigfork Valkyries opened up a 41-8 lead, then coasted to a 68-8 win in the semifinals of the District 7-B girls basketball tournament Friday.

UM spring enrollment shows signs of more growth

The University of Montana today reports another rise in student enrollment for the spring semester.

Legals for February, 17 2023

Flathead, Glacier to offer slate of new classes

Flathead and Glacier high school students will have a slate of new courses to choose from for the 2023-24 school year including several that will get students in the outdoors to learn subject matter in P.E., science and art.

Flathead County settles suit over West Glacier subdivision

The applicants, who are family members, wanted to subdivide the 8-acre property into 1-acre parcels to build homes there.

Citizen work group recommends no-wake zone for Half Moon Slough

A resident group is recommending that the state Fish and Wildlife Commission emplace a no-wake zone on Half Moon Slough at its April meeting.

Glacier boys, Flathead girls earn tough wins

Crosstown II played to a packed Flathead High School gym Thursday night, and given the physical play on display, it’s fitting that each game was decided by a touchdown.

House Judiciary amends Montana bill targeting drag performances, sends it to House floor

The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday passed on party lines a bill targeting drag performances in Montana after amending it so it will apply to any place that receives any sort of state funding.