Montana wardens describe fear, intimidation, while audit finds missing paperwork, scattered data

An audit of Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Enforcement Division paints a picture of employee dissatisfaction, retaliation and fear, while leaders within the department could not provide any human resources paperwork.

DEQ says wastewater system near Holland Lake could be leaking

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has asked the U.S. Forest Service to test if its wastewater system near Holland Lake is leaking and contaminating the lake or groundwater. The investigation comes after Save Holland Lake — a group organized last year against a proposed expansion of the nearby Holland Lake Lodge — filed a complaint alleging the federal agency has been ignoring for months its concerns about the wastewater system near Condon.

Legals for September, 27 2023

Montana's marijuana testing process questioned

One of Montana’s few in-state laboratories that had participated in the roll-out of the recreational and medical marijuana programs said that it has closed its doors, largely based on concerns the owners have with scientific accuracy of testing the formerly banned substance.

Legals for September, 26 2023

Kalispell City Council to review plans for public safety levy educational campaign

Kalispell City Council on Monday is expected to consider undertaking an informational campaign aimed at educating voters on the municipality’s public safety needs ahead of a levy request.

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Legals for September, 24 2023

Hunting season forecast for Northwest Montana similar to last year's

As the start of the general hunting season nears, experts predict hunters will see conditions and opportunities similar to 2022 in Northwest Montana.

Montana to apply for federal money for children’s meals for summer 2024

Montana’s health department director said last week the state is applying in January for the next round of federal money that helps pay for meals for children in the summer.

Travolta Christmas Show adds extra treat for final season

Share your own Christmas Eve stories for the stage, deadline Oct. 6

Calling all "Travolta Christmas Show" fans: It's time to mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the holiday season like never before. “As the show's last season, we are determined to make it an unforgettable experience for all of our cherished fans,” said stage, screen and film actress Ellen Travolta, of Coeur d'Alene.

Legals for September, 22 2023

Permit required for fall burning season

In anticipation of open burning resuming Oct. 1, people who plan on burning are reminded they need to obtain a permit before burning.

Briefs: Lakers tryouts this weekend

Registration is open for the Kalispell Lakers’ 2024 season tryouts, which begin Saturday at Griffin Field.

State ban on medical treatments for transgender minors has first day in court

In a full Missoula courtroom on Monday, attorneys for plaintiffs and the state of Montana traded arguments about whether a ban on certain medical treatments for transgender minors should be allowed to take effect Oct. 1 while a challenge to the law’s constitutionality proceeds.

Legals for September, 20 2023

Legals for September, 17 2023

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Park visitors can expect traffic following end of ticketed entry, officials say

Visitors hoping to take advantage of the end of Glacier National Park’s ticketed entry system for the year might need to adjust their expectations, officials warned last week.

Invasive plant completely eradicated from Beaver Lake

After nearly a decade of inhabiting Beaver Lake near Whitefish, the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil is seemingly gone — a phenomenon that many scientists call rare.