Committee supports ballot initiative that could change Montana elections

A ballot initiative to change how elections are won in Montana to a majority vote system is a step closer to appearing on the ballot.

Something will have to give when Jacks, Griz battle again

For Montana coach Bobby Hauck, it’s a string of three losses in these games. Meanwhile the defending champion Jackrabbits are looking for their first-ever win over Montana.

PHOTOS: FCS Media Day as Griz and Jackrabbits get ready for the championship

Scenes from FCS Media Day as the Montana Grizzlies and South Dakota State Jackrabbits prepare to play in the FCS Championship at Toyota Stadium in Friso, Texas, on Friday, Jan. 5.

FHS business teacher named High School Educator of the Year

In addition to her teaching role, Caitlin Heuscher leads Flathead’s Brave Mentoring Program and represents Flathead as a DECA Board of Directors Officer.

Robert E. Stephens, 82

Born Jan. 16, 1941, Robert “Bob” Eugene Stephens, 82, passed on Jan. 2, 2024, in Kalispell, surrounded by his loving family.

Kalispell hit-and-run victim seeks answers

An uninsured victim of a Dec. 7 hit-and-run in Kalispell is still coping with injuries as police continue to investigate the incident nearly a month later.

Legals for January, 5 2024

Montana population growth slows

After years of new arrivals swelling Montana’s population and straining its housing supply, new data released Dec. 19 by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the volume of net migration into the state has declined.

Holidays bring spike in respiratory illnesses to Flathead County

Local health officials are reporting an increase in cases of flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, over the holidays.

Donors have limited window to support schools and get dollar-for-dollar tax credits

The race begins for Montana public and private schools to secure a slice of $5 million in donations — and for donors to get dollar-for-dollar tax credits in return for supporting innovative education or scholarships.

Legals for January, 4 2024

In that Still Moment: DG House art exhibit opens at Hockaday — preview reception planned Jan. 11

An exhibit titled, In that Still Moment, featuring new work from Montana indigenous artist DG House, will be on display at the Hockaday Museum of Art.

Fence contractor facing theft charges in multiple cases

Prosecutors have brought two felony cases against a contractor accused of bilking county residents out of thousands of dollars for unfinished home improvement projects.

Survey shows support for WHS building expansion when not tied to athletic complex

Results from a recent poll suggest that 57% of voters would vote in favor of a bond measure that would expand the Whitefish High School building but not include a new athletic complex.

Legals for January, 3 2024

Judge issues injunction against two housing bills passed by Montana Legislature

A Gallatin County District Court judge has temporarily stopped several bills passed by the 2023 Montana Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte that aimed to address the affordable housing crisis in the Treasure State by allowing additional buildings in neighborhoods zoned for single-family.

Funding for mental health system revamp offers hope, but officials say solutions will take time

Barbara Hadley has shared her story at multiple community meetings on behavioral health in Northwest Montana, detailing her struggle to help a relative undergoing a severe mental health crisis — one that led to his eventual arrest and placement in county jail.

Legals for January, 2 2024

Kalispell City Council poised to green-light Village Loop multi-family building

Kalispell City Council is expected Tuesday to vote on a conditional use permit for new multi-family residential units on Village Loop.

Most money for endangered species goes to a small number of creatures, leaving others in limbo

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Since passage of the Endangered Species Act 50 years ago, more than 1,700 plants, mammals, fish, insects and other species in the U.S. have been listed as threatened or endangered with extinction. Yet federal government data reveals striking disparities in how much money is allocated to save various biological kingdoms.