Judge’s ruling favors state in Public Law 280 dispute

Flathead County District Court Judge Amy Eddy ruled against Lake County on Nov. 9 in an ongoing legal battle with the state of Montana over who should fund Public Law 280.

Grizzly conservation area in Yaak expands to over 500 acres

The Vital Ground Foundation expanded its Fowler Creek grizzly bear habitat conservation project this month with the acquisition of 64 acres in the Yaak Valley of far Northwest Montana.

The 95 mills question

The top issue in Montana is property taxes. Attempts to reform were stymied by “government first” legislators and lobbyists. The 95 mills question never came up.

Legals for November, 16 2023

Opera featuring the story of Malcolm X airs in Whitefish

This powerful, swing and jazz-inflected opera will be shown at 10:55 a.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Holiday tradition ‘Nutcracker’ ballet returns to stage

The Northwest Ballet Company will be making that happen for the 35th production of this holiday tradition on Thanksgiving weekend at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts under the direction of Marisa Roth.

Flathead Forest reviews winter permit applications

The Flathead National Forest is considering nine special-use permits that would allow businesses to operate guiding services this winter on federal public land.

Biden, Xi hold first talks in a year. Global conflicts, fentanyl and stable ties top their agenda

WOODSIDE, Calif. (AP) — President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping opened their first face-to-face meeting in more than a year Wednesday with a solid handshake ahead of talks with far-reaching implications for a world grappling with economic cross currents, wars in the Middle East and Europe, tensions in Taiwan and more.

Judge temporarily blocks cumulative fee hike for Montana marijuana dispensaries

A district court judge last week granted a 60-day preliminary injunction blocking the State of Montana from assessing and collecting increased fees from businesses that operate multiple marijuana dispensaries across the state – changes passed by the legislature this year in the final days of the session.

Bigfork man pleads guilty to vehicular homicide

A Bigfork man arrested after allegedly killing a motorcyclist in an alcohol-fueled collision near Somers last year is facing 15 years in state prison.

Marion shooting case headed to trial

The criminal case against a Marion man accused of shooting a teenager in the face over the summer is headed once again for trial.

Legals for November, 15 2023

Montana must keep teacher licensing fees low

Should Montana increase teacher licensing fees? The answer is simple, no. Why would we consider shifting the burden of covering the cost of licensing to our teachers who are struggling to make ends meet?

Chambers and Hall earn Big Sky POTW accolades

Montana State quarterback Sean Chambers and UC Davis running back Lan Larison shared the weekly offensive player of the week honors.

Legals for November, 14 2023

Secret Service agents protecting Biden's granddaughter open fire when 3 people try to break into SUV

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service agents protecting President Joe Biden's granddaughter opened fire after three people tried to break into an unmarked Secret Service vehicle in the nation's capital, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

Bulldogs land first round bye in NAIA postseason

HELENA, Mont. – The NAIA announced on Sunday that Montana Western, College of Idaho, and Montana Tech have each been selected for the 2023 NAIA Football Championship Series. It's the first time in conference history that three schools from the Frontier Conference have qualified for the tournament in the same season.

Bobcats Fall in Road Thriller at Seattle U

SEATTLE – A potential game-winning shot from Robert Ford III glanced off the rim with two seconds to go in regulation, and Seattle U hit a pair of free throws moments later to deal Montana State a tight 71-68 loss Saturday afternoon at the Redhawk Center in Seattle, Washington.

Pauline Woodward, 90

Pauline "Pauli" G. Woodward, 90, passed away after a short illness on Oct. 7, 2023 in Whitefish, Montana, with the love and close bedside support of her three children, Sandi, Brian, Mark and faithful daughter-in-law, Kathleen.

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