16 years after buying a slice of paradise, Columbia Heights family learns home is on a toxic site

When the Sterling family bought their home in Columbia Heights in 2008 they figured they had a little bit of paradise.

Heated day in Donald Trump's hush money trial ends with defense asking judge to dismiss the case

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump's lawyers on Monday pressed the judge overseeing his hush money trial to stop the case from going to the jury and throw out the charges after prosecutors concluded their presentation of evidence.

Letters to the editor May 20

Letters to the editor May 20

Legals for May, 20 2024

Lessons learned — Kindergarten teacher wraps up 40-year career at Lakeside Elementary

For 40 years, Lakeside Elementary kindergarten teacher Coleene Torgerson has been “at the beginning” of students’ education, sending hundreds of children off on a path of learning and discovery.

The Montana Free Press 2024 election guide for statewide and federal offices

Answers here were solicited from candidates via a written questionnaire conducted by Montana Free Press in April 2024. Responses were limited to 1,000 characters and edited lightly for punctuation and spelling. Candidates were asked to focus on the positives their service would bring the state instead of making rhetorical attacks on their opponents. Responses have not been exhaustively fact-checked. The 2024 primary election, where voters will pick each political party's nominee to advance to the General Election, will be held Tuesday, June 4. The 2024 general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Writers dig into ways of China

He spoke flawless Mandarin. I felt a mix of jealousy and awe over his perfect tones, those quirks of pronunciation that give each Chinese word five different meanings.

Suzanne M. (Morgan) Henry

Suzanne M. (Morgan) Henry, of Kalispell, passed away on Jan. 10, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona, following a stroke.

Rensel, Moultray power C-Falls to Western A title

Kendall, Ronan Maidens place fifth

POLSON — Demye Rensel homered and drove in five runs, Maddie Moultray powered through another complete game and Columbia Falls beat Polson 9-5 Saturday for the Western A Divisional softball championship.

C-Falls takes third at State baseball

MISSOULA — With one out and a runner on second Saturday, Butte seemed on the verge of a big inning when Matt Donaldson stroked a line drive toward right.

Legals for May, 19 2024

Flathead Business Watercooler

Business events, trainings and seminars

65 years of show tunes and hard work at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse

The Playhouse performs four musicals and a variety show about once a week during its annual run in the summertime. A college-aged cast is hired — roughly 3,000 apply every season for the 20 spots available. The program has churned out performers and crew members who go on to have successful careers in the arts like that of Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons.

Western A softball: Polson, C-Falls reach semifinals

POLSON — Libby won a wild one, and Columbia Falls and Polson cruised into the semifinals at the Western A Divisional softball tournament Friday.

McDonald's plans $5 US meal deal next month to counter customer frustration over high prices

McDonald's is planning to introduce a $5 meal deal in the U.S. next month to counter slowing sales and customers' frustration with high prices.

Column: Bulldogs' Big, Bad Bullet Bob

The memorial for Bob McLeod is Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Whitefish High School gym, fittingly, because he was the basketball coach during that magical 1969-70 basketball season.

Letters to the editor May 17

Letters to the editor May 17

Whitefish qualifies 11 for State A tennis

Mason Kelch and Dane Hunt defeated Whitefish teammates Buren Brust and Jesse Burrough in the Northwest A divisional boys doubles championship match, as both duos earned a spot at the state tournament Wednesday.

Handguns and bear spray

Wow, it’s springtime in the Flathead. Last weekend was a great spring weekend with daytime highs in the 70s and 80s, plus bright sunny skies.

Law roundup: Parental advisory required for campground singer

Columbia Falls Police Department called back a phone number tied to a 911 hangup and dispatch heard a child screaming, “I don’t want to go to jail.” The ...