A Lakers open season Wednesday

The Kalispell A Lakers have to retool a little up the middle, but pitching depth and a half-dozen familiar faces have coach Walker Malmin feeling positive this American Legion season.

Hegseth pulled airstrike info from secure military channel for Signal posts, NBC News reports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pulled the airstrike information he posted into Signal chats with his wife, brother and dozens of others from a secure communications channel used by U.S. Central Command, raising new questions as to whether the embattled Pentagon head leaked classified information over an open, unsecured network.

Earth Day enthusiasts gather at annual event

Flathead Valley residents got an early start celebrating Earth Day, which is officially April 22, with the all-day exposition featuring clean energy showcases, panels and kids activities. About 400 people attended the event, and more than three dozen local businesses and organizations signed on to host booths.

Letters to the editor April 22

Letters to the editor April 22

Residents burned out on cruise nights thankful for patrols

Late last fall, many Kalispell residents and local business owners spoke at a City Council meeting about noise and safety issues created by Friday cruise nights — speeding on adjacent streets, burnouts, rolling coal and disabled mufflers — that make living in downtown neighborhoods like living on a speedway.

Prosecutors: Motorist involved in U.S. 93 wreck was ‘high on medication’

Prosecutors filed a criminal endangerment charge against Richard Frederick Rowe, 40, on April 7. Booked into the county jail on April 9, Rowe is being held with bail set at $40,000.

Flathead restorative youth justice program gains national spotlight

The program is designed to keep students who commit first-time misdemeanors out of youth court by putting them through an accountability-focused program that includes facilitating a conversation between the victim and the offender.

Big Sky Now: NFL Draft buzz, spring game standouts, and portal moves

The Big Sky Conference is buzzing — and this week’s episode has it all

Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88

Pope Francis, history's first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. He was 88.

Kalispell to mull over stricter nuisance codes

But whether the changes will make much difference remains in question, as city officials in the past warned Council that the city lacks the resources to effectively enforce its own code.

Bills targeting Montana’s child care challenges maintaining steam

A slate of proposals enhancing state assistance for families and child care workers are continuing to garner bipartisan support in the 2025 Legislature.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Happenings related to business in the Flathead Valley

Levi James Handford, 36

Levi James Handford, 36, was born on March 8, 1989, to Marla Handford and Chuck Sanders in Kalispell.

Nancy Harmon Franklin, 88

Nancy Harmon Franklin, 88, Christian, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, friend and coach's wife, went peacefully to our Lord April 10, 2025, in McMinnville, Oregon.

Montana values, transcribed

People want all the freedom they can get.

Law roundup: Toddler has different take on potty training

A 2-year-old reportedly got a toilet seat stuck on his head. While someone was on the phone with the Kalispell Police Department for assistance, the child became unstuck from the seat.

Legals for April, 20 2025

Wood turner handcrafts unique pieces

The process to create each mug is tedious. After carving the shape and creating the handle, the mugs go through rounds of sanding and glossing, each finished with a food-safe alcohol epoxy that can withstand both cold and hot beverages.

Injured by flying debris, Flathead Valley man calls for tougher enforcement of unsecured loads

On a late March morning, Gary Gilham drove a truck loaded with tables, couches and chairs back to Kalispell, a routine trip for the 15-year furniture store employee.

Japanese War Brides: Kalispell featured in traveling Smithsonian exhibit

The arrival of the Japanese war brides marked the largest women-only immigration event in U.S. history and by 1960 increased the population of Asian Americans in the U.S. by 10%, according to the Smithsonian.