Fish and Wildlife Commission votes to support purchase of Lower Yellowstone River property

Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously voted Oct. 19 to approve the acquisition of a new wildlife management area proposed for the Lower Yellowstone River.

Wildlife officials hopeful about decline of chronic wasting disease in Libby

The prevalence of chronic wasting disease in Libby continues to slowly decrease since the outbreak was detected in 2019, according to state wildlife officials.

Stella Sharp, 96

Stella Alice Bjornrud Sharp, 96, passed away on Oct. 13, 2023, in Libby, Montana.

Wastewater leaks ‘far in excess’ at Holland Lake: DEQ

State regulators flagged a wastewater system that serves Holland Lake Lodge and the public campground as leaking “far in excess” of the amount allowed as the private resort goes back on the market.

Protecting water quality rises to top at lakes conference

Hosted by the Whitefish Lake Institute every four years, the conference brings together professionals from different sectors, including students and community members.

Brad Johnson announces Republican bid for Montana US Senate seat

Brad Johnson, the former Public Service Commission chair and Montana secretary of state, announced Tuesday he is entering the Republican primary for Montana’s U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Jon Tester.

Columbia Falls Chamber holds Harvestfest

The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Harvestfest celebration on Saturday, Oct. 21 in Hungry Horse at Canyon Elementary School.

‘Cats’ will overrun stage this weekend for ATP Kids production

More than 100 Flathead Valley students will prowl about Whitefish Performing Arts Center this weekend in an ATP Kids production of Broadway juggernaut — “Cats.”

Dysfunctional Forest Service needs an attitude adjustment

I recently read the article “Stimson Lumber owner expresses criticism of U. S. Forest Service” (CEO Andrew Miller) with great interest. After being in the logging, sawmill and forestry business for about 50 years, I appreciated his comments. It’s about time! Thank You.

Legals for October, 19 2023

Gianforte, state health department sued over refusal to release public documents

The Helena-based nonprofit law firm Upper Seven filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Gov. Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, alleging the state has concealed information related to its compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws.

Former state auditor and previous federal magistrate running in Chief Justice race

Both former state auditor John Morrison and former federal magistrate Jeremiah Lynch filed to run for Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice seat, according to the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices website.

Holland Lake Lodge up for sale

Holland Lake Lodge is back on the market — for $3.5 million.

State licenses PragerU for classrooms, watchdog weary of ‘extremist’ content

Montana Office of Public Instruction licensed PragerU, known for videos misrepresenting history and pushing false right-wing narratives, to provide educational content to schools in the state, should school boards adopt them.

Montana Lakes Conference dives into threats to waterbodies

The Montana Lakes Conference will examine these topics and others during sessions at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Montana FWP chief of operations on administrative leave

Mike Volesky, the chief of operations for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, was put on administrative leave last week after he was cited for hunting without permission in Lewis and Clark County, according to a department spokesperson.

Kalispell City Council to host public hearing on federal housing grant

If the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing grant is awarded, city officials are planning on spending $200,000 toward a housing study, $363,66 to a growth policy, zoning and subdivision update, and $400,000 each to water and wastewater facility plans.

Legals for October, 16 2023

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

Lakes conference a good chance to learn

From the hundreds of pristine alpine lakes in Glacier National Park, to the vast expanses of Flathead and Whitefish lakes, and Hungry Horse and Koocanusa reservoirs, no geographical feature better defines Northwest Montana than the area’s numerous waterbodies.