Consumers bear the cost when government regulates more

The Credit Card Competition Act has emerged as a controversial bill that Congress is expected to take up early this year. Under the guise of increasing competition in the credit card market, this legislation presents some serious threats to small businesses and credit card users.

Legals for February, 27 2024

Forever chemicals detected in Kalispell water, leading to surprise and action

In recent tests, the Environmental Protection Agency detected cancer-linked PFAS contaminants in Kalispell’s drinking water. It’s among the first detections of the chemicals in Montana’s public water supplies, with one well in the city recording contaminants at 330 times current EPA health advisory levels.

EPA wants to delete a portion of Libby Superfund site from Superfund list

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality are seeking public to comment on a proposal to delete Operable Unit 5 (OU5) of the Libby Asbestos Superfund site from the National Priorities List.

Montana Supreme Court rules in favor of major copper mine

Stalled work on a major copper mine proposed in central Montana can proceed after the state's Supreme Court ruled Monday that officials had adequately reviewed the project's environmental effects.

Determination and compassion — A student leader’s perseverance through pain

As an aspiring neurosurgeon, the 4.0 student is prepared to be immersed in academia for at least the next decade with the end goal of obtaining a medical degree and doctorate.

Kalispell City Council to discuss next steps after court order annulling elections

Kalispell City Council is expected to receive legal advice Monday on how best to move forward following a district court decision earlier this month annulling the elections of two of its members.

Law roundup: Man found trespassing unloads burden

An older man with a walker was reportedly found trespassing on a property. When the person told him to leave, he proceeded to defecate in the alley and then moved along.

Legals for February, 26 2024

Whitefish considers resort tax rebate changes for seasonal residents

Since Whitefish’s resort tax was initiated in 1995, at least 25% of it has been allocated to property tax relief. At a work session last week, the City Council had a preliminary discussion about potential changes to the allocation of those funds.

RoboScout Squad codes a state win, ready for world championship

The Kalispell-based RoboScout Squad motors forward to the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston after a stellar performance at the state level.

Border security a top issue for candidates, Republicans and Democrats alike

Politicians and candidates from across the political spectrum in Montana are seizing upon the crisis on the southern border in the lead up to the November election.

Legals for February, 25 2024

Lady Griz, Bobcats win Saturday

PORTLAND, Ore. — Dani Bartsch scored 19 points, Carmen Gfeller had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Montana rode a huge first quarter to a 76-65 road win over Portland State in Big Sky Conference women’s basketball Saturday.

Western B girls: Florence knocks out Eureka

Anaconda wins title

PABLO — Kenzy Pickering scored a game-high 17 points to lead Florence past Eureka into Saturday’s consolation final at the Western B girls divisional.

Valkyries vanquish Broncs

Bigfork avenges lone loss, claims Western A

BUTTE — Bigfork might have had a little more trouble than usual with Frenchtown Saturday, in the Western A girls basketball title game. The Valkyries still reign.

Arlee downs Eureka boys for State B berth

PABLO — Arlee used a 13-3 run over the final four minutes to defeat Eureka 65-57 Saturday in the Western B Divisional consolation game, securing a spot in the State B tournament in Billings.

Wildcats qualify for State A

BUTTE — Columbia Falls lost two games by a total of six points at the Western A basketball basketball divisional. The good news is that was good enough to get the Wildcats to State.

Western B girls: Anaconda, Missoula Loyola secure state berths

PABLO — Meela Mitchell scored a game-high 25 points, Makena Patrick added 18 and Anaconda defeated Mission 60-49 in a Western B divisional semifinal Friday.

Western A Girls: Vals cruise into title game

BUTTE — Paeten Gunlock couldn’t miss and Dillon couldn’t score, and the combination added up to another lopsided Bigfork Valkyries victory Friday, 61-36 in the semifinals of the Western A Divisional girls basketball tournament.