Judge approves $9M settlement for Blackfeet telecomms customers who alleged discrimination

A federal judge has approved a $9 million class action settlement involving a nonprofit telecommunications co-op that will pay back millions in capital credits to several hundred tribal members of the former Browning Exchange who alleged discrimination when the company withheld the credits after a 2020 sale.

State Supreme Court races draw early candidates

The first signs of competition in the two races for Montana’s Supreme Court slated for next year are beginning to show.

Legals for July, 26 2023

More Montanans lose Medicaid coverage as reevaluations continue

Montana health officials ended Medicaid health insurance coverage for 19,244 people in May, bringing the total number of people removed from the public health program up to 34,204 since the state began reevaluating enrollee eligibility in April — an administrative power it did not have during the federally designated pandemic emergency.

Kalispell business groups look to hire security guards to patrol downtown

A trio of Kalispell business organizations are raising funds to pay for private security guards to patrol the downtown area in an effort to deter what representatives describe as vagrancy, and customer and employee safety.

Zinke works to delist Yellowstone’s grizzly population

The House Appropriations Committee approved July 19 U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke’s amendment to delist the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Grizzly from the Endangered Species Act.

West Nile Virus detected in mosquitoes sampled from Blaine County

Mosquitoes sampled from Blaine County have tested positive for West Nile Virus, prompting state health officials to urge Montanans to take extra care in avoiding bites this season.

Flathead Lake's low water level prompts disaster declaration request

Flathead County commissioners asked Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday to issue a disaster declaration for Flathead and Lake counties owing to the repercussions of Flathead Lake’s diminished water level.

Glacier librarian hits the road to learn about the auto industry

Kerrie More is not an automobile industry scholar — yet. She recently spent a week in Indianapolis learning about a part of history that shaped the everyday lives of Americans.

Legals for July, 23 2023

Former classmates dedicate memorial tree, plan for 50th reunion

The Flathead High School Class of 1973 is gearing up to celebrate its 50th reunion with a week of events sure to be filled with hugs, laughs, stories, photos and many shared memories.

Bryce Olson, 53

Bryce Olson

Somers outfitter gets lakegoers enjoying the water

Paddle Board Outfitters in Somers had a modest start by renting out paddle boards to recreationists on Flathead Lake.

Uncontrolled spending burdens Montana taxpayers

Taxpayers had sticker shock last month as reappraisal notices hit mailboxes, detailing significant increases in property valuations and leaving many fearful of property tax hikes.

Woman arrested during Majestic Valley Arena brawl changes plea

The Washington state woman arrested for allegedly wielding a bat during a large brawl involving outlaw motorcycle clubs at Majestic Valley Arena in February pleaded guilty Thursday to felony criminal endangerment.

Fishing restrictions possible on Flathead River due to low flows

State wildlife officials may implement fishing restrictions in Northwest Montana as rivers and streams run at or near historic lows for late July.

Knudsen advocates for access to abortion records across state lines

Montana’s attorney general and Republican officials from 18 other states are opposing a federal effort to strengthen medical privacy regulations, arguing that states with abortion bans should be able to obtain reproductive health care records for criminal investigations, including when a patient travels to another state.

Sun Road crews go back to intermittent daytime construction

Construction crews assigned to the Going-to-the-Sun Road rehabilitation project are back to working during the day intermittently, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Port Polson Players continue season with laughfest

Hopeless nerd Rick Steadman (Kai McDonald) takes a ride on the wild side as the Port Polson Players continue their 48th season with Larry Shue’s masterpiece, “The Nerd,” July 21-Aug. 6.

Superintendent Arntzen pleads guilty to traffic violation

Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen pleaded guilty to a traffic violation this week for “following too closely” in an error she described in Helena Municipal Court as a “bump with the bumper.”