Ellington

Mercer ends up third at Women’s State Am

Golf

New fire forces evacuations along Montana 35

Residents were ordered to evacuate Saturday morning as a new wildfire cropped up in the Mission Mountains east of Polson.

Polson man convicted of drug trafficking

A federal jury in Great Falls has convicted a Polson man of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Get vaccinated and wear a mask

The Montana Nurses Association recognizes that it will take all of us to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Forest projects planned in Lone Pine State Park, Troy

Crews will harvest Douglas fir logs, plant western larches and ponderosa pines, and use prescribed burns to revitalize native bunchgrass prairie in Lone Pine State Park.

Unequal economic recovery challenges Montana, analyst says

At midyear, the numbers show quite a few forks in the road to recovery for various sectors of the Montana economy.

It’s time for responsible forest management

Regardless of why it is so hot or dry, one thing is painfully clear.

Legals for July, 31 2021

Letters to the editor July 31

Letters to the editor July 31

Legals for July, 31 2021

Law roundup: Alleged drug users not welcome in parking lot

A descriptive caller told the Kalispell Police Department there were “creepy druggies...yelling at each other” in a parking lot.

Court administrator fired for 'insubordination'

The administrator of Flathead County Justice Court was recently fired after judges accused her of "insubordination" as well as mistreating and "micromanaging" the court clerks under her supervision.

Worker pay rises strongly as businesses fight to fill jobs

Wages and salaries rose at a healthy pace in the three months ended in June as employers competed to find enough workers to fill millions of available jobs.

Private timberlands closed due to fire danger

Private timberlands across Northwest Montana are closing to public access and recreation due to extreme fire danger.

Whitefish teacher resigns amid probe into messages with students

A Whitefish Middle School teacher has resigned amid an investigation into inappropriate communications he had with several students, the school district said Friday.

Explainer: How Montana will use funds to limit evictions

A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year is scheduled to expire Saturday, after the Biden administration extended the original date by a month. The moratorium, put in place by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and had fallen months behind on their rent.

Gianforte tells Biden 'it's a tinderbox situation' in Montana

President Joe Biden met virtually with governors from Western and Midwestern states on Friday to discuss how federal intervention can best aid states battling wildfires, amid complaints from states about federal forest management.

Kalispell man killed in ATV crash

A Kalispell man died in an ATV crash Thursday evening in a remote area east of Helena.

Traffic delays expected during work at Hungry Horse Dam

Traffic will be slow-moving across the Hungry Horse Dam for about 11 days next month, as crews conduct an inspection of a fixed-wheel gate that's part of a plan to modernize the dam.

Bigfork bridge owner sues county for 'taking'

In the latest legal chapter of the embattled "bridge to nowhere" that connects the north shore of Flathead Lake to Dockstader Island, the property owner who built the bridge is now suing Flathead County for inverse condemnation.

Kalispell launches GIS hub for city maps, documents

The city of Kalispell on Wednesday launched its new Geographical Information System Hub, a website that houses all of the city's maps and applications in one place.

Murder trial will remain in Flathead County

The trial of a Kalispell man accused of murdering his wife in December 2020 will remain in Flathead County.

Law roundup: Young women counseled for ‘obnoxious’ behavior

A caller said some young women on a four-wheeler were being “loud and obnoxious.”

Legals for July, 30 2021

Helena says Tenmile Creek more contaminated than EPA found

Water samples taken by Helena city staff in Tenmile Creek following a mine waste spill earlier this month show severely higher levels of metals and arsenic than those reported by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Helena Independent Record reported.

Logan Health reopens COVID unit amid rising cases

In preparation for what experts believe will be a large and lingering wave of COVID-19-related hospitalizations, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell has reopened an area of the hospital reserved for patients who test positive for the virus.

Big music festival strained Whitefish city services

Whitefish felt the impacts of the Under the Big Sky music festival that recently drew thousands of people to the Flathead Valley.

Doctors caution against pilgrimages to radon-filled Montana mines

Twice a year, Brian Tichenor makes the 1,200-mile drive each way from his home in Kansas to a defunct uranium mine in Montana, where he takes an elevator 85 feet below the surface to sit amid radioactive radon gas to ease the pain from his chronic eye condition.

Weather aids firefighting effort in Northwest Montana

Intermittent light rain this week has helped firefighters gain ground on a few wildfires burning in Northwest Montana.

Union representing Canada border employees votes to strike

The union that represents about 9,000 Canadian Border Service Agency employees has voted in favor of striking, which could affect travel between Canada and the United States.

Crow Tribe sues federal officer after K-9 latches onto man

A prosecutor for the Crow Tribe accused a federal law enforcement officer of assault, criminal endangerment and negligent endangerment after the officer's police dog allegedly caused extensive injuries to a suspect during a traffic stop.

Illinois woman faces charges in Yellowstone bear encounter

An Illinois woman faces criminal charges after she was captured on video being bluff charged by a grizzly bear while she was taking photos in Yellowstone National Park.

Motorcycle accidents prompt plea for awareness

Area motorcyclists are preaching a message of increased awareness and more attentive driving after recent fatal and serious crashes in Northwest Montana.

Law roundup: Lounging deer pulls vanishing act

A woman on Ruddy Duck Drive called the Kalispell Police Department because she reportedly thought a big buck lying in a neighbor’s yard was stuck.

ATP presents ‘Love Heals’ Broadway Concert Series

Alpine Theatre Project presents the Broadway Concert Series, a poignant and inspiring celebration of individual differences, collective humanity, and voices shared to improve the world.

Montana Renaissance Faire returns this weekend

The Montana Renaissance Faire returns for its second and final weekend July 31 and Aug. 1 at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell.

0729 TWIF Briefs

Family-friendly fun at Snowline Acres’ summer concerts

Marjorie “Marge” May Giermann, 101

Marjorie “Marge” May Giermann was born on March 11, 1920, in Little Sioux, Iowa, and died July 26, 2021 in Kalispell.

Family-friendly fun at Snowline Acres’ summer concerts

Snowline Acres in Kalispell is hosting a free concert series Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. in August.

ATP presents ‘Love Heals’ Broadway Concert series

Alpine Theatre Project presents the Broadway Concert Series, a poignant and inspiring celebration of individual differences, collective humanity, and voices shared to improve the world. Enjoy a celebration of the power of the arts through song and dance.

Chris Janson puts the ‘Good Vibes’ in the Big Sky during fair week

Breakout country star Chris Janson is a platinum-selling recording artist, high-octane entertainer, multi-instrumentalist, and award-winning singer/songwriter.

Legals for July, 29 2021

Hockaday offers a Linda Tippetts retrospective

The Hockaday Museum of Art is hosting a preview reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, for a new exhibit by artist Linda Tippets titled “Roads Well Traveled — Some Were Gravel.”

The cruelty of nature

My vegetable garden kills wildlife.

Nashville-based musician Jarod Grubb hails from Kalispell

Kalispell native Jarod Grubb released his new EP and music video “Tiki Bar on the Beach” earlier this month.

Steve Stanley to replace Dave Stipe on Lake County Commission

Lake County Commissioners Bill Barron and Gale Decker on Wednesday appointed Steve Stanley of St. Ignatius to replace former Commissioner Dave Stipe, who resigned this month for health reasons.

Glacier Twins draw host Havre in late game at State A tourney

The Glacier Twins didn’t get an easy draw for the State A Legion tournament in Havre.

Lakers drop State AA opener to Scarlets

Michael Feraldio hit a 2-run double and the Billings Scarlets pitched in and out of trouble in a 3-1 victory over the Kalispell Lakers Wednesday, at the State AA Legion baseball tournament.

COLUMN: A coaching legacy returns to his roots

As youth basketball camps go, last weekend’s inaugural Carroll College satellite camp was just what Kurt Paulson ordered: Not too big, close to home and the final one of summer.

National park overcrowding subject of Senate hearing

Whitefish Chamber exec testifies about Glacier reservation impacts

Lawmakers and key experts searching for ways to alleviate overcrowding at national parks suggested upgrading smartphone applications for visitors, increasing park staffing and expanding transit services during a hearing Wednesday before the U.S. Senate National Parks Subcommittee.

Weather, lack of resources exacerbate NW Montana fires

Wildfire activity has worsened significantly in recent days across Sanders and Lincoln counties, where a lack of resources and dangerous fire weather have contributed to the rapid spread of several large fires.

Health officials issue toxic algae advisory for Hebgen Lake

Health officials have issued a safety advisory for a lake just outside Yellowstone National Park after harmful algal blooms toxic to humans and animals were detected.

Sheriff: Boy says he killed father; body found in Wyoming

Investigators found a man dead in Wyoming after a boy allegedly told authorities in Montana he killed his father.

Law roundup: Man in boxer shorts poses a threat

A man decided to keep his family inside their residence with the doors locked and called Kalispell Police Department reportedly because a man, who could usually be seen “working on wood,” was standing outside in his boxers and told the patriarch he had “another thing coming” and that his family needed to “watch out.”

Bradly Anthony Nieves Sr., 41

Bradly Anthony Nieves Sr., 41, was born June 30, 1980, in Martinez, California, and was a resident of Columbia Falls since he was a teen.

Roger E. Gallo, 67

Roger E. Gallo, 67, passed away on July 19, 2021.

Free air filters available to those with health conditions

Low-income Flathead Valley residents at risk of serious health problems from wildfire smoke may be eligible to receive portable HEPA air cleaners at no cost.

Child sex offender back in jail for alleged parole violation

A man convicted of seeking sex with a 12-year-old girl is locked up in the Flathead County Detention Center after authorities say he violated his probation by viewing online pornography.

North Valley Food Bank gets $25,000 grant for expansion project

A $25,000 grant from the Whitefish Community Foundation will help the North Valley Food Bank expand its facility amid skyrocketing demand for nutrition assistance.

Deanna Jean Spletstoser, 83

Deanna Jean Spletstoser, 83, was born on Nov. 28, 1937, in Great Falls, and passed away Dec. 25, 2020.

Hotel project mulled at Kalispell council session

A proposed hotel in downtown Kalispell got its first round of public perusal during a Kalispell City Council work session Monday night, with proponents and opponents weighing in on the sizable development project.

Restoration aims to preserve legacy of Werner Peak Lookout

Fire lookouts have a story shaped by the memories of people and events of the past. The Werner Peak Lookout is among the fire lookouts in Northwest Montana still standing, and a nonprofit's restoration effort aims to preserve the structure for many more years to come.

Legals for July, 28 2021

Montana hemp growers awarded $65 million for 'deceptive' deal

Hemp, a crop that largely flew under the radar in Montana when it was planted under a pilot program three years ago, is now central to one of the largest civil awards in the state's history.

Montana Water Court makes first-of-its-kind decision on tribal water rights

More than 800 water rights claimed by members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians have been pulled out of legal limbo following the Montana Water Court's issuance of a first-of-its-kind order this month.

1 of 5 hurt firefighters still hospitalized in smoky Montana

Four injured firefighters were released from the hospital and a fifth was being treated Monday at a burn center after a Montana wildfire overran them last week, authorities said.

Kernan, Lakers seek to build momentum at State AA

The mid-May return of first baseman Danny Kernan gave the Kalispell Lakers a little different kind of Super Senior, in that Kernan spent his year of college at no baseball-playing Montana State.

New mobile app to help drug addiction recovery in Montana

A mobile application will be used to help treat addiction in Montana under a new partnership between an addiction treatment provider in Billings and a private company, state officials announced Tuesday.

Gianforte won't endorse masks despite COVID-19 case rise

Montana health officials reported on Tuesday more than 250 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in a single day for the first time in over five months.

Lawmakers push for drought assistance for Montana ag producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday added Flathead, Lake, Glacier and Pondera counties to the list of Montana counties eligible for federal drought relief funding, leaving only two counties in the state — Granite and Toole — ineligible for assistance.

CDC reverses course on indoor masks in some parts of US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed course Tuesday on some masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the United States where the coronavirus is surging.

Warming rivers in US West killing fish, imperiling industry

Baby salmon are dying by the thousands in one California river, and an entire run of endangered salmon could be wiped out in another. Fishermen who make their living off adult salmon, once they enter the Pacific Ocean, are sounding the alarm as blistering heat waves and extended drought in the U.S. West raise water temperatures and imperil fish from Idaho to California.

Montana inmate who escaped, took gun is recaptured

A Montana inmate who overpowered a jail guard and took the guard's gun and minivan was taken back into custody on Tuesday, ending an intensive search that spanned three days.

Smoke fouls air as fires, heat hammer U.S. northern Rockies

Record-breaking heat was forecast to return Tuesday to the Northern Rockies, where thick smoke from dozens of large wildfires drove pollution readings to unhealthy levels.

Marian Thea Dickman, 96

Marian Thea Dickman was born June 5, 1925, to Metilda and Hilmer Knudson and settled in Peerless, Montana.

Law roundup: Stranger shares too much information

A man on a bicycle and a hole in his pants purportedly started telling someone, who probably didn’t ask, about his personal life and touching women’s clothing.

June airport numbers demonstrate robust recovery

In the wake of a turbulent year for air travel, traffic at Glacier Park International Airport is headed in just one direction — up.

Whitefish Farmers’ Stand connects farmers and customers

When The Farmers' Stand owners opened the door to their market in Whitefish this summer, they wanted to provide fresh, quality food to customers, but they were also thinking more broadly about how they could help transform the food supply chain.

Convicted killer's gun found in Clark Fork River

For a case that dragged on for nearly three years, there’s maybe little surprise the saga of convicted murderer Danielle Wood continues with the recent discovery of the murder weapon.

Deputies investigating Columbia Heights altercation

Deputies with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the Columbia Heights area east of Columbia Falls late Friday night for a reported assault with a weapon.

Discounted tickets available for NW Montana fair, carnival

A limited number of discounted tickets for the carnival at the 2021 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo are on sale at all Whitefish Credit Union branches, the fairgrounds office and the CHS store in Kalispell.

Legals for July, 27 2021

Glacier hires Blackburn as girls’ soccer coach

High School soccer

Airports in the US West dealing with shortage of jet fuel

A shortage of jet fuel, coupled with supply chain issues and an urgent demand from firefighting aircraft, continues to cause problems at airports around the West.

Two fires in Evergreen thought to be arson

Two fires reported early Monday morning in the Evergreen area both appear to have been intentionally set, according to a press release from the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

VA requires COVID-19 vaccination for health care workers

The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first major federal agency to require health care workers to get COVID-19 vaccines, as the aggressive delta variant spreads and some communities report troubling increases in hospitalizations among unvaccinated people.

Glacier issues evacuation warning for North Fork area

North Fork residents and visitors remained on high alert Monday as activity on the Hay Creek Fire was expected to pick up throughout the day.

Judge rules state agencies' review of bottling plant insufficient

A Flathead County District Court judge has ruled the Montana Department of Environmental Quality failed to consider the cumulative impacts of the Montana Artesian Water Co. water bottling plant near Creston at full build-out when it conducted an environmental review of the plant.

4 firefighters out of hospital after 5 injured in Montana

Four firefighters have been released from the hospital and a fifth was being treated at a burn center Monday after a Montana wildfire overran them last week, authorities said.

2nd person found dead after Colorado flooding, mudslides

A second body out of three people who went missing during flooding and mudslides in an area of northern Colorado burned by a massive wildfire has been found in a river, authorities said.

Warming rivers in West killing fish, imperiling industry

Baby salmon are dying by the thousands in one California river, and an entire run of endangered salmon could be wiped out in another.

Montana inmate overpowers guard, gets gun and escapes

Authorities in southcentral Montana were searching Monday for an inmate who overpowered a county jail guard, took the guard's gun and car keys and escaped in a jail minivan.

NVH births

NVH May 2021 births

My Glacier Village co-founder aims to change aging paradigm

After going home in 2016 to care for her mother in her final days, Jenn Prunty returned to Kalispell with a new understanding of and fascination for the dying process and end-of-life experience.

Letters to the editor July 26

Letters to the editor July 26

Proposed hotel, transportation plan up for discussion

A pair of items on the Kalispell City Council agenda for its Monday work session have the potential to transform the city over the next several years.

Legals for July, 26 2021

Law roundup: Man gets help for bear spray incident

A man in a restroom on First Avenue East was allegedly having a medical emergency when he was heard yelling and saying he couldn’t pee and that it burned but wouldn’t let anyone help.

Twins down Mariners to claim West A District title

American Legion baseball

Evacuation warning area expanded for Hay Creek Fire

Officials expanded the evacuation warning area for a wildfire that continues to spread on the Flathead Forest just west of Polebridge.

Sparked by pandemic fallout, homeschooling surges

Although the pandemic disrupted family life across the U.S. since taking hold in spring 2020, some parents are grateful for one consequence: They're now opting to homeschool their children, even as schools plan to resume in-person classes.

Troy man dies in motorcycle crash

The vehicle left the right side of the road and overturned after hitting a ditch.

Bridge center open again after 15-month hiatus

Closed for more than 15 months during COVID, the Flathead Valley Bridge Center is once again hosting games.

William Dale Crawford

William Dale Crawford, father, husband, grandfather, comrade and friend of the Earth, passed on peacefully to his next adventure, Saturday morning, July 10, 2021.

The verdict is in: APR grazing plan benefits public lands

On July 1, the Bureau of Land Management advanced American Prairie’s request to graze bison on six federal grazing allotments in Phillips County, saying the proposed action will not have a significant impact on the land.

Shirley Henkel Watters, 84

Shirley Henkel Watters, formerly of Kalispell, passed away July 8, 2021, at Brendan House due to complications of a stroke.

Maxine May, 94

Mary Maxine May, 94, lost her 10-day battle with Covid on Nov. 30, 2020.

Discovery of old doctor's bag turns up interesting 'cures'

Discovery of old doctor's bag from C-Falls pharmacy turns up interesting 'cures' of yesteryear

County sees emerging crisis with addictive painkiller

Flathead County experts say illegally manufactured fentanyl is now prevalent throughout the greater valley, and that issues associated with the highly addictive painkiller may prove to be the most challenging leg yet in Montana’s battle against the ongoing opioid epidemic.

Shawn Randall Jordan, 61

Shawn Randall Jordan was born Nov. 28, 1958, in Britton, South Dakota, to parents Henry “Hank” and Twila A. Jordan.

Extending border closure defies logic

When Canada announced that it would reopen its border to fully vaccinated Americans by Aug. 9, it was widely assumed the U.S. would follow suit.

Bradly Anthony Nieves Sr., 41

Bradly Anthony Nieves Sr., 41, passed away in a motorcycle accident on July 16, 2021.

Big Sky, big bands — and a big, hot sun

When headliner Jason Isbell sang his single “Be Afraid” from his 2020 “Reunions” album at the 2021 Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish, I thought this could be the soundtrack of my weekend.

Legals for July, 25 2021

Law roundup: Man swears at dispatchers on b-day

A “very irate” man reportedly swore at dispatchers while complaining about being harassed on Flathead Lake.

Outfitter opens downtown Whitefish store

Kurt Schram's vision for Whitefish Outfitters is as vast as the territory his business serves.

New Town Pump set for mid-September opening

The new Town Pump convenience store and gas station on the south end of Whitefish is on pace to open in mid-September.

John Timothy 'Tim' Reid, 62

John Timothy “Tim” Reid, 62, passed away at his home in Kalispell on July 15, 2021.

John R. Grinde

John was born in 1950 in Whitefish to Robert and Leora Grinde (Akey).

Is climate change to blame for weather disasters?

Summer isn’t even half over, and we’ve seen heat waves in the Pacific Northwest and Canada with temperatures that would make news in Death Valley

Parkline Trail construction ahead of schedule

Construction on the Kalispell Parkline Trail is ahead of schedule.

John Wesley DeYoung, 76

John Wesley DeYoung passed away Sept. 27, 2020, in Mesa, Arizona.

Summer wildfires: Montana’s worst season

Montanans used to joke that we had two distinct seasons: winter and road construction.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Thallis Birk

Thallis Birk was born in North Dakota, late winter, 1934. She passed away in Kalispell on July 22, 2021.

Jerome K. Bechtle

Jerome K. Bechtle passed away peacefully on July 15, 2021, at home in Whitefish, surrounded by his family.

Donald 'Don' Baker, 77

Donald “Don” Baker passed away peacefully at his home on June 2, 2021, after a brief illness.

Libby mayor named Lincoln County commissioner

Brent Teske will succeed Mark Peck as the Libby representative to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

Fed to discuss a pullback in economic aid with inflation up

Fed to discuss a pullback in economic aid with inflation up

Mavs end A Lakers’ season

MISSOULA — Missoula’s Rory Hunt backed his own pitching with a 3-run double in the first inning, and the Mavericks went on to beat the Kalispell Lakers 8-2 at the West A District Legion tournament late Friday.

Letters to the editor July 25

Letters to the editor July 25

Decision on bison grazing will set historic precedent

On July 1, the Bureau of Land Management released for public comment its proposed decision on the American Prairie Reserve’s September 2019 application for 10-year grazing permits for cattle and bison on seven grazing allotments located in Phillips County.

Mustangs making their mark in the eventing world

Mustangs are the type of horses typically associated with the Old West and western riding disciplines.

Lakers struggle with first-place Royals

There was one blowout and three losses by a total of seven runs. The bad news is the Billings Royals showed why they’re in first place, completing a four-game sweep of the Kalispell Lakers in Montana AA American Legion action Saturday.

Twins trip Mariners, make West A District championship

George Robbins’ RBI double answered a Mission Valley rally, sparking the Glacier Twins to a 7-3 win over the Mariners Saturday, and into the West A District Legion championship.

Wildfires blasting through West draw states to lend support

BLY, Ore. (AP) — Out-of-state crews headed to Montana Saturday to battle a blaze that injured five firefighters as the West struggled with a series of fires that have ravaged rural lands and destroyed homes.

Fire update: Crews attack new blaze north of Whitefish

Fire managers ordered a heavy attack on a new fire that cropped up north of Whitefish on Friday evening.

PHOTOS: Scenes from The Event at Rebecca Farm

Scenes from the 20th anniversary of The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell on Thursday, July 22 and Friday, July 23.

Law roundup: Marion visitors wear out their welcome

Residents in Marion called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to report people living in vehicles on Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation land.

Letters to the editor July 24

Letters to the editor July 24

Legals for July, 24 2021

GM issues 2nd Bolt recall; faulty batteries can cause fires

General Motors is recalling some older Chevrolet Bolts for a second time to fix persistent battery problems that can set the electric cars ablaze.

New pickleball center draws big crowd for opening tourney

The newly opened Jewel Basin Center in Bigfork welcomed hundreds of pickleball players for the 2021 Crown of the Continent Tournament last weekend.

Messy camp draws bear; Idaho woman fined $5.8K

A judge has ordered an Idaho woman to pay over $5,800 for leaving trash out that attracted a grizzly bear to her campsite in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park.

Officer admits threatening Blackfeet employees with assault rifle

An off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer accused of pointing an assault rifle at three Blackfeet tribal employees who were testing water on his property admitted simple assault charges Thursday.

Warm water prompts Yellowstone 2 p.m.-sunrise fishing ban

Warm water and low flows have prompted Yellowstone National Park to close all fishing in rivers and streams during the afternoon and evening for the first time in over a decade.

Public meeting Saturday for Hay Creek Fire near Polebridge

Firefighters continued their battle with two wildland fires that began this week in Flathead County.

5 firefighters injured while fighting eastern Montana fire

Five firefighters were injured when a thunderstorm and swirling winds blew a lightning-caused fire back on them in central Montana, the Bureau of Land Management said Friday.

Federal grant to fund C-Falls Farm to School program

Farm Hands - Nourish the Flathead, a nonprofit based in Whitefish that serves the Flathead Valley, has received a $61,742 Farm to School grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Flathead COVID cases, hospitalizations surge amid low vaccine rate

Flathead County has become Montana’s COVID-19 hot spot in recent weeks, with the area now reporting roughly 30% of the state’s active caseload.

Browning man sentenced for murder, kidnapping on Blackfeet Reservation

A Blackfeet Tribal member who admitted to murdering a man and then holding a woman hostage at knifepoint on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced Wednesday to 26 years and eight months in prison.

Legals for July, 23 2021

Law roundup: It's not a dog's life in the Flathead

The dogs days of summer don’t necessarily mean it’s a dog’s life for Flathead canines.

In the North Fork, it's a tale of two roads

Untreated lower road is battered and dusty

As traffic surges, the untreated lower portion of the North Fork Road is battered.

Critics bid to overturn approval of ski resort expansion

Environmental lawyers are urging a California appellate court to overturn a pair of district court rulings that handed significant victories to the Squaw Valley ski resor

DREAM Adaptive summer program makes splash with participants

DREAM Adaptive summer program geared to give people with disabilities new experiences on the water.

A change of pace

Olympic dreams sidelined, Liz Halliday-Sharp regroups at Rebecca Farm

As the saying goes, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. For Liz Halliday-Sharp, the lemon came when her horse, Deniro Z, suffered an injury a few weeks before the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Evacuation warning issued near Polebridge; new fire at Ashley Lake

The Flathead National Forest saw its first significant wildfire of the season Wednesday evening in the North Fork.

Sex offender gets 50 years for assault on Lakeside woman

A Butte man convicted of 15 felony offenses is headed to the Montana State Prison after he was sentenced Thursday in connection with an attempted rape and aggravated assault at a Lakeside resort.

Montana National Guard mobilized to support firefighting

Gov. Greg Gianforte on Thursday mobilized the Montana National Guard to assist in wildfire response as the entire state faces abnormally dry conditions contributing to fire risk.

Woman drowns in Stillwater River, investigation underway

Officials in south-central Montana are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found in the Stillwater River earlier this week.

Montana tribes sue over Indian Education for All compliance

Montana tribes and the parents of 18 students filed a lawsuit Thursday alleging state education leaders are violating a constitutional requirement to teach about the unique culture and heritage of Native Americans.

Flathead, Glacier move into Stage II fire restrictions

More hot, dry and windy conditions, along with the Flathead National Forest's first large wildfire of the season, have prompted fire managers to impose Stage II fire restrictions starting next Monday in Northwest Montana.

Sanford Health makes COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory

A dominant health system in the Dakotas that bills itself as one of the largest health organizations in the country said Thursday it is making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all its employees, citing the spread of more contagious variants.

Search continues for teen missing near Kootenai River falls

Rescuers are searching for a 17-year-old boy who may have drowned after falling into the Kootenai River east of Troy on Tuesday.

Democrats stand behind Biden public lands pick amid pushback

A U.S. Senate panel deadlocked Thursday on President Joe Biden's pick to oversee vast government-owned lands in the West, as Democrats stood united behind a nominee whose credibility was assailed by Republicans over her links to a 1989 environmental sabotage case.

Wildfire smoke drives people indoors in low-vaccinated areas

Missoula's new downtown library was teeming with people who might typically spend a Saturday afternoon hiking, biking or otherwise making the most of Montana's abundant outdoor recreation. One look at the soupy haze blanketing the city and it was clear why.

Hot weather prompts more fishing restrictions on Montana rivers

Angling restrictions took effect Wednesday on rivers in southwest, north-central and south-central Montana due to warming temperatures and low flows, according to the state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Law roundup: Man concerned about wife's animal collection

A man on U.S. 2 in Columbia Falls had questions about “getting rid of animals.”

0722 TWIF Briefs

Festival of the Arts is this weekend in Polson

Late summer patterns take effect on waterways

If you are venturing out anywhere on a river, stream or small lake, you will need to watch for restrictions and closures.

Movie Night at the Museum features 1977 thriller ‘The Deep’

The Northwest Montana History Museum’s next Movie Night at the Museum will be Monday, July 26, featuring the 1977 treasure hunting epic “The Deep.”

Christopher Johnston, 43

Christopher M. Johnston 43, of Kalispell, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Logan Health Medical Center.

Dan L. Hendrick, 95

Dan L. Hendrick, 95, passed away on July 18, 2021, at The HealthCenter.

5-story hotel proposed on Main Street in Kalispell

Plans for $47M project include parking structure

Plans for a $47 million five-story hotel and separate parking garage in downtown Kalispell have the potential to change not only the city’s skyline but also the economic stability of Main Street.

Bigfork teen violinist sets off to study in Paris this summer

Violinist Lauren Welch, a 14-year-old Bigfork native, was recently accepted to attend a two-week summer course at the world-renowned Paris Conservatory of Music in France.

Flathead meth trafficker sentenced to 20 years

A Missoula man who avoided murder charges in the Flathead Valley was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison for his conviction in a large methamphetamine trafficking ring in which multi-pound shipments of meth were stored at his shop in East Missoula and distributed in Northwest Montana.

Festival Amadeus returns live to the Flathead Valley

Glacier Symphony presents the 14th annual Festival Amadeus, Aug. 3 through Aug. 8, the region’s only week-long classical music festival, offering six spectacular chamber and orchestra concerts.

Legals for July, 22 2021

Letters to the editor July 22

Letters to the editor July 22

As wildfire smoke spreads, who's at risk?

Smoke from wildfires in the western United States and Canada is blanketing much of the continent, including thousands of miles away on the East Coast. And experts say the phenomenon is becoming more common as human-caused global warming stokes bigger and more intense blazes.

COLUMN: Slow start and a big finish, pitch by pitch

For Colten Boyle, 32 hours lasted forever and four years went by in a blink. The 2017 Flathead High graduate is a newly minted Scholastic All-American by National Collegiate Rugby, after his senior season at Wheeling (West Virginia) University.

Rebecca Farm XC course tricky, but upgraded with safety features

The course at Rebecca Farm opened to competitors Wednesday, and riders of various levels took the first of several walks to scope out the obstacles.

Housing costs emerge as key to Montana's labor shortage

Montana's economy has largely healed from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic but is facing a labor shortage fueled partly by a lack of affordable housing, economists said Wednesday.

Black bears that entered Missoula-area houses euthanized

Montana wildlife officials euthanized two black bears this month after they broke into separate houses in the Missoula area, wildlife specialist Jamie Jonkel said Wednesday.

Montana offers funding to help farmers, ranchers with stress

Financial pressures, unpredictable weather, drought, long work days and social isolation can cause stress and take a toll on the mental health of Montana's farmers and ranchers, officials say.

Colleges offer construction worker certificate program

Two-year colleges in Montana are teaming up to provide a job site readiness certificate program for people interested in joining the construction trades as demand for workers in that field increases.

Despite Canadian easing, US extends land border restrictions

The U.S. government on Wednesday extended the closure of the land borders with Canada and Mexico to nonessential travelers until at least Aug. 21.

Lake County rejects zone change for proposed recreation park

The Lake County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously rejected a change to zoning regulations for an area along the west shore of Flathead Lake that would have paved the way for a proposed outdoor recreation facility that drew immense opposition from neighbors.

Coal production in Montana declines 23% in 2020, demand down

Coal production in Montana fell by 23% in 2020, compared to the previous year, as demand for coal and the electricity it is used to generate declined during the pandemic.

Lawmaker continues to press Missoula County election allegations

Four months have passed since allegations of voting irregularities in Missoula County's 2020 election made their way to the floor of the Montana House. But according to documents produced in response to a public records request by the Montana Free Press, Rep. Brad Tschida, R-Missoula, is continuing to press Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen to conduct a full investigation of what he claims was a "debacle" of an election last fall.

Monster wildfire tests years of forest management efforts

Ecologists in a vast region of wetlands and forest in remote Oregon have spent the past decade thinning young trees and using planned fires to try to restore the thick stands of ponderosa to a less fire-prone state.

Massive wildfires in West bring haze to East Coast

Wildfires in the American West, including one burning in Oregon that's currently the largest in the United States, are creating hazy skies as far away as New York as the massive infernos spew smoke and ash into the air in columns up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) high.

Used-car prices slip from dizzy heights

For months, anyone who wandered onto a dealer lot to look for a used car could be forgiven for doing a double take — and then wandering right off the lot.

West Valley School builds new classrooms

Two new classrooms are under construction at the West Valley School as the district strives to keep pace with enrollment growth.

Kalispell council expands use of accessory dwellings

After 10 months of back-and-forth discussions, the Kalispell City Council on Monday voted to authorize an expansion of accessory dwelling units in specific city zones.

Local man accused of assault, attempted rape

A recent altercation at a Kalispell business led authorities to arrest a man for allegedly attempting to rape a woman days earlier.

Legals for July, 21 2021

Ronald Joseph Landwehr, 77

Ronald Joseph Landwehr was born Nov. 6, 1943, in Los Angeles (war baby) to Russel Joseph Landwehr and Lorine (Hehmke) Landwehr.

Carolyn Ruth Reich, 68

Carolyn was born to Charles Reich and Edna (Kallner) (Reich) Doyle in 1953 in Whitefish and died July 11, 2021, at the age of 68, in Kalispell.

Robert 'Bob' Roswell May, 88

Robert “Bob” Roswell May, 88, passed away on July 15, 2021, at the Billings Clinic of old age complications.

Library director stepping down to take job in Washington

ImagineIF Libraries Director Connie Behe is resigning after 12 years with the county library system to take a job as deputy director of customer experience at the Pierce County Library in Tacoma, Washington. Her last day with ImagineIF will be July 31.

Dan L. Hendrick, 95

Dan L. Hendrick, 95, passed away on July 18, 2021, at The HealthCenter.

Kalispell youth soccer player recovering from cardiac event

Fourteen-year-old Tucker Paul's heart stopped for several minutes after collapsing during a soccer game June 6.

Highway patrol finds video but still faces damages in crash

The Montana Highway Patrol found video it said was missing but will still face penalties in a lawsuit from a Wyoming man who accused a trooper of making an illegal U-turn in front of his pickup truck, forcing him into a ditch to avoid a collision and injuring him.

Back to business at Rebecca Farm

It’s almost fitting that things are back to normal in time for The Event at Rebecca Farm’s 20th anniversary.

PL president ‘very optimistic’ on Kalispell expansion club

What looked to be a fairly quick process for Kalispell getting the OK for a Pioneer League expansion team has dragged on some, but first-year league president Mike Shapiro remains confident.

Montana businesses encouraged to report unemployment fraud

Montana employers are encouraged to notify the state Department of Labor and Industry if an unemployment insurance claimant fails to appear for a scheduled interview under a new policy announced Tuesday by Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Glacier National Park records one of busiest Junes

Glacier National Park had one of its busiest Junes on record last month, with more than a half-million visits despite a new reservation system aimed at easing congestion on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

State senator charged with reckless driving, obstructing officer

Montana Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, has been charged with three misdemeanors, including obstruction of a peace officer, after he was pulled over for speeding in a construction zone in May.

Man who guided illegally in Yellowstone gets week in jail

A judge has sentenced an Oklahoma man to a week in jail and ordered him to pay $1,100 for guiding visitors illegally in Yellowstone National Park.

Man given possibility of parole for killings when he was 17

A Montana man who was serving a life sentence for killing three people when he was 17 now has the opportunity to seek parole.

Officials identify suspect, victim in homicide, abduction

Cascade County officials have identified a shooting victim and the suspect in a homicide and abduction that happened at a residence in Great Falls last week and ended with the suspect being shot to death along the highway just south of Glacier National Park.

Bigfork man accused of assaulting police officer

A Bigfork man is charged with assaulting a police officer early Saturday in Whitefish.

Suspect jailed after 79-year-old fatally stabbed in Winnett

Law enforcement officers in central Montana are investigating a fight between two men in a small town that left a 79-year-old man dead and a 29-year-old with a gunshot wound to his arm.

Legals for July, 20 2021

Free 'Medicare 101' classes resume July 27

The Flathead County Agency on Aging will resume in-person "Medicare 101" classes on July 27. The free two-hour sessions help people understand the federal health insurance program, including questions about enrollment and eligibility.

Threatened whitebark pines planted on Big Mountain

Tiny whitebark pine trees just a few inches tall peaked out from behind old stumps and logs along a mountainside just outside of Whitefish Mountain Resort's boundary near the Hellroaring Basin.

David R. Young, 80

David R. Young, 80, of Eureka, passed away July 11, 2021.

Robert 'Bob' Bernard Owen, 74

Bob went to the Lord on July 14, 2021, while vacationing at Garnet ghost town with his son Roger and family.

Heritage Days celebrates Columbia Falls' history

Columbia Falls’ annual Heritage Days is a celebration of the town’s history and heritage.

John Alan Ulrich, 91

John Alan Ulrich passed away July 18, 2021, in Kalispell, at the age of 91.

Law roundup: Officers decline offer of money for treats

Someone went to the Columbia Falls Police Department to “offer the officers money for ice cream because it is just so hot out.”

UM students tackle climate change with popular minor

Amid a record-setting drought across the Pacific Northwest and fires raging in the West, students enrolled in the University of Montana's climate change studies program have a front-row seat to address the effects of a changing climate.

DREAM Adaptive water sports program gets $7,500 Weyerhaeuser grant

DREAM Adaptive Recreation has received a $7,500 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund to support the nonprofit's summer water sports program.

Lakers split Monday’s twinbill with Senators

American Legion baseball

Twins roll past Bitterroot in second half of twinbill

American Legion baseball

Flathead National Forest tightens food storage rules

Officials announced Monday they have tightened food storage restrictions in all parts of the Flathead National Forest, except the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, to reduce the risk of attracting bears.

Motorcyclist killed in Evergreen crash is ID'd

Authorities have identified a motorcyclist who died Friday after a car clipped the front of his bike in Evergreen.

$29 million in COVID funds disbursed to Montana schools

On Friday, the Montana Office of Public Instruction delivered an update to the state Board of Public Education about the status of federal COVID-19 relief funds for K-12 schools.

Organizations challenge state over water pollution permit

Environmental groups are challenging the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for permitting wastewater disposal into groundwater for a new development in Big Sky that they say could degrade water quality in the Gallatin River downstream from Yellowstone National Park.

Mine opponents press Montana judge to order new review

Environmental groups pressed a state judge to order a new review of a Montana copper mine over worries that mining waste will pollute a river that's popular among boaters.

Authorities ID woman who died in Evergreen traffic crash

Authorities have released the name of a Kalispell woman who died last Friday in a traffic accident in Evergreen.

Canada to let vaccinated US citizens enter country on Aug. 9

Canada announced Monday it will begin letting fully vaccinated U.S. citizens into Canada on Aug. 9, and those from the rest of the world on Sept. 7.

Monsoonal surge raises fire danger in western Montana

Gusty and erratic winds combined with the potential for frequent lightning created dangerous fire conditions Monday across much of western Montana, where numerous wildfires continue to burn amid a prolonged drought.

Longtime Whitefish Lake conservationist passes baton

The "Flathead Watershed Sourcebook: A Guide to an Extraordinary Place" is about 250 pages of photos, graphics and essays from dozens of contributors exploring the cultural and ecological history of the region. Part textbook, part nature guide, it's filled with useful information for anyone interested in conserving or recreating responsibly on the lands and waterways of Northwest Montana.

Law roundup: Man’s proportions change while shopping

A “heavy-built man,” who wore a shirt with the sleeves cut off, was looking unnaturally proportioned when store security reportedly saw items stuffed down his pants.

Legals for July, 19 2021

Whitefish to name day after Olympic rugby player

Whitefish's mayor is poised to declare Friday, July 23, 2021, "Nicole Heavirland Day" in honor of the local woman gearing up to play rugby in the Tokyo Olympics.

Kalispell again considers expanded use of accessory dwellings

A lengthy saga revolving around accessory dwelling units in Kalispell could reach a conclusion during the Kalispell City Council's meeting Monday evening.

Letters to the editor July 19

Letters to the editor July 19

Lakers AA fall to Helena Senators

American Legion baseball

A Lakers win pitchers duel, drop slugfest with Mariners

American Legion baseball

Late homer lifts Bitterroot over Twins

American Legion baseball

Pediatric gaming specialist helps kids cope at children's hospital

When Tristan Cline saw an online help-wanted advertisement looking to fill the position of pediatric game technology specialist at Logan Health Children’s in Kalispell, he knew he had found his dream job.

0718 Federal tax liens

federal tax liens

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Sticks in a parking lot: life goes on for AK gulls

The saga of seagulls unabashedly laying eggs and raising their chicks in a TV station parking lot in Anchorage, Alaska, recently caught my interest when my daughter Heather started retweeting posts from her former colleague Nick Swann.

Montana teacher shortage 'crisis' escalates

Montana faces a worsening teacher shortage "crisis" even as education officials worry that a key support for students — mental health care through the Comprehensive School and Community Treatment Program — remains in limbo.

Logging without laws lives again

In 1995, Congress passed the now infamous “Salvage Rider,” which effectively suspended environmental safeguards for three years allowing the Forest Service to ramp up industrial logging and road building across the American West, including in previously protected ancient, old-growth forests.

0718 Mechanic's liens

Mechanic's liens

Stephen Messer Bahr, 88

On the last day of June, 2021, Commander Stephen Messer Bahr left us unexpectedly.

Internet censorship: The real monopoly threat

"If [Donald] Trump and [Bernie] Sanders take the same position on Big Tech censorship," David Catron writes at The American Spectator, "the issue deserves serious attention."

The Dogs of ‘91

A look back at Whitefish’s surprising run to a State A basketball championship

In late February of 1991, the Missoulian sent a young(ish) reporter to cover the Western A Divisional boys basketball tournament at Flathead High School.

Stockman Bank to build bank in Whitefish

Stockman Bank plans to open a new branch in Whitefish, with construction expected to start next year.

Microsoft Exchange hack caused by China, US and allies say

Microsoft Exchange hack caused by China, US and allies say

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

Ada Louise (Lust) Johnson, 90

Ada Louise (Lust) Johnson passed away at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell on July 10, 2021.

Column: American success history

In a lifetime of following and reporting on sports, there have been a few regrets.

Close the digital divide in rural areas first

Montana sits in the center of a digital divide. One that hamstrings rural communities across the state and the nation.

Edna Beckler, 94

Edna Beckler, 94, of Kalispell, (formerly of Wayland, Iowa) passed away Monday, June 14, 2021, at Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell.

Law roundup: Sheriff is not personal security escort

A woman calling from Springer Road in Columbia Falls allegedly wanted to schedule a civil standby with deputies.

Students grow crops, raise livestock at working farm

There’s always work to be done on a farm and that holds true for H.E. Robinson Agricultural Education Center in Kalispell, even when school is out for summer and holiday breaks.

USDA loan program helps Belgrade firm acquire 'Super Scoopers'

Montana's wildfire season came early this year as a result of drier-than-normal and windy conditions. But Bridger Aerospace, a veteran-owned company based in Belgrade, was ready to answer the call with its two new CL-415EAF "Super Scooper" fire suppression aircraft.

Land trust addresses housing issues with new leadership

Northwest Montana Community Land Trust, in partnership with NeighborWorks MT, has hired Kim Morisaki as the organization’s executive director, and added a new board member in preparation for expansion of the nonprofit’s affordable housing inventory.

California utility says its equipment may be linked to fire

California utility says its equipment may be linked to fire

Carole Turner Koch, 85

Carole Turner Koch, 85, passed away on June 26, 2021, at her home in Columbia Falls.

Food trucks proliferate across Flathead Valley

New food trucks have rolled into nearly every corner of the Flathead Valley this summer, vending everything from tacos to hot dogs and specialty soda.

Legals for July, 18 2021

Montana can't afford to stand still on climate change

Two facts are clear about this summer of 2021. First, it’s hot, darned hot, record-smashing hot.

Senator: Bipartisan infrastructure bill loses IRS provision

Senator: Bipartisan infrastructure bill loses IRS provision

Sensible zoning needed to regulate pot sales

The countdown is on for the official start of legalized recreational marijuana sales in Montana.

Fewer osprey nesting along Upper Clark Fork River

On July 8, three osprey chicks were abducted from their Warm Springs Pond nest by the Montana Osprey Project.

PHOTOS: Opening night at Under the Big Sky Festival

Scenes from opening night at Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish on Friday, July 16.

Letters to the editor July 17

Letters to the editor July 17

Law roundup: Former rescue vehicle needs a rescue

Someone called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office in search of an agency that would tow a decommissioned ambulance with two flat tires stuck near Polebridge.

Idea to fairly and evenly divide Montana

It is fantastic that our home state will again be able to send a second congressman to Washington, D.C.

Legals for July, 17 2021

Second crash Friday claims life of Columbia Falls man

A second fatal traffic crash occurred in the Flathead Valley on Friday, claiming the life of a 41-year-old Columbia Falls man.

Lakers’ Diede steady as state tourney nears

Ethan Diede has been a three-sport athlete most of his life, playing a little bit of varsity basketball and a lot of tight end and defensive end on Glacier’s football squad. But the diamond is where it’s at.

Kalispell woman dies in crash on U.S. 2

An 81-year-old Kalispell woman died in a traffic accident Friday morning.

Montana fire managers warn of dire conditions

Fire managers and weather forecasters continued their dire predictions for air quality and wildfires with continued hot and dry conditions throughout western Montana this weekend.

Transgender people sue over law on birth certificate changes

Two transgender people sued Friday over a new Montana law that makes it difficult for transgender people to change the sex on their birth certificates.

Heavy smoke expected to linger above western Montana

Smoke from wildfires across the U.S. West was reported in large swaths of western Montana Friday leading to unhealthy air quality in Missoula and Frenchtown.

Montana GOP names new executive director

Danielle Tribble, a former staffer for U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, has been named executive director of the Montana Republican Party.

Montana drops 'bad actor' case against Hecla Mining CEO

Montana's Department of Environmental Quality is dropping its lawsuit against a North Idaho-based company seeking to develop two large silver and copper mines in Northwest Montana.

Flathead Electric calls for calendar photo entries

The Flathead Electric Cooperative is seeking photo submissions for its 2022 calendar.

Logan Health accuses union of 'smear campaign'

Several Logan Health executives have challenged a recent newspaper advertisement that criticized the hospital's CEO by comparing his involvement in the Kalispell nurses' union bargaining process to another CEO's actions at a Helena-based hospital where nurses also voted to unionize.

Retired investigator: Biden nominee stonewalled 1989 probe

President Joe Biden's pick to oversee U.S. lands in the Western states stonewalled a 1989 investigation into the sabotage of an Idaho timber sale, a former federal law enforcement officer alleged in a letter released Thursday.

Car dealership gets go-ahead for US 93 spot in Whitefish

A new car dealership has gotten approval to operate in the former Depratu dealership site on U.S. 93.

Columbia Falls council OKs big subdivision

With little fanfare, the Columbia Falls City Council has approved one of the largest subdivisions in years.

Montanans call for action on home health worker wages

Beneath an orange haze of wildfire smoke Tuesday afternoon, Alyson Gregory painted a grim picture of the state of at-home care for Montana's elderly.

Legals for July, 16 2021

Legals for July, 16 2021

Law Roundup: Caller doesn’t think cow will come home

A cow got loose on Helena Flats Road. The cow wound up in a yard, but someone thought it looked like it wouldn’t stay in the yard for long. An officer from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office drove up and down the road but they couldn’t find the cow.

Lakers AA pummel Great Falls Chargers for doubleheader sweep

Danny Kernan drove in five runs and every Kalispell batter got a hit as the Lakers beat the Great Falls Chargers 20-9 to complete a AA Legion doubleheader sweep late Wednesday.

Zhang, Loggers forge split with Cannons

Tripp Zhang homered and drove in five runs and the Libby Loggers earned a split of their Legion doubleheader by beating the Spokane Cannons 14-10 Thursday.

Kalispell in top 10 for $3M tech makeover

Kalispell is a top-10 finalist in T-Mobile's Hometown Techover Contest, a nationwide competition that will award $3 million in technology improvements to one small, rural town later this summer.

Montana faces scarce firefighting resources amid drought

Montana faces a shortage in firefighting resources amid a historic drought that could lead to a record-breaking wildfire season, officials said Thursday.

1st female grizzly in 40 years collared in Washington state

Wildlife biologists have captured a female grizzly bear in Washington state for the first time in 40 years, fitting it with a radio collar so they can track its movements, officials said Thursday.

Fire restrictions tightened for Northwest Montana

Dangerous fire weather persisted in western Montana on Thursday as multiple wildfires continued to expand their footprints across the region. In response to the worsening conditions, officials in Northwest Montana moved to tighten restrictions.

Biologists to capture Montana grizzly bears for research

Biologists are set to begin capturing grizzly bears in the Custer Gallatin National Forest south of Gallatin Gateway as part of ongoing population monitoring required under the Endangered Species Act.

Child tax credit starts hitting families' bank accounts

The child tax credit had always been an empty gesture to millions of parents like Tamika Daniel.

Boat inspectors block record 41 boats with invasive mussels

Montana's watercraft inspectors have intercepted a record number of boats carrying aquatic invasive mussels this year with nearly half of the boating season remaining, the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said.

Homicide suspect killed after chase along US 2

A homicide and kidnapping suspect led police on a car chase from Great Falls into eastern Flathead County before he was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer early Thursday, authorities said.

Man found dead at scene of Billings mobile home fire

A man was found dead in an enclosed porch of a mobile home that was on fire on the west end of Billings, fire officials said.

Influx of medical students could stretch Montana resources

Opening two new medical schools in Montana would stretch and possibly overwhelm the state's physicians who provide the clinical training that students need to become doctors, according to leaders of a University of Washington medical school program that relies on those teaching physicians.

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would protect everyone

It was enlightening to read David Myerowitz’ informative letter of June 12 relating to the death of Tony Timpa

Titillate your senses at Montana’s Renaissance Faire

The Montana Renaissance Faire will be held over two weekends: July 24 and 25, and July 31 and Aug. 1 at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell.

Stillwater tour highlights work of Flathead Land Trust

Ryan Hunter is a husband and a parent, both of which give him great joy. But when his work as a land protection specialist with the Flathead Land Trust results in a new piece of protected land, it also gives him a feeling of exhilaration that isn't easily matched.

Northwest Montana is a boater's paradise

Northwest Montana has more than its fair share of lakes and streams ideally suited for recreation use.

Legals for July, 15 2021

Combating the megadrought

The soil that covers 93 million acres of sprawling Texas rangeland holds a remarkable story.

Law roundup: Pillow fight, or romantic night?

Kalispell Police Department issued citations and released two men trying to steal pillows, candles and other items valued at $207.

Bigfork author pens Flathead mystery

Bigfork author Mark Leichliter has released a new mystery set in the Flathead Valley.

KALICO Art Center’s public art initiatives continue

The KALICO Art Center is seeking 12 artists to submit original works of art that will be converted into a vinyl wrap, courtesy of Wrap Hive, to help beautify 12 traffic signal boxes (TSB) in downtown Kalispell.

Celebrate Arts in the Park this weekend

The Hockaday Museum of Art presents the 51st annual Arts in the Park, one of the longest-running arts and music festivals in the West, July 16 to 18.

Nurses reach union contract at Logan Health clinic in Cut Bank

A union representing nurses at the Northern Rockies Medical Center, an acute-care hospital in Cut Bank recently acquired by Kalispell-based Logan Health, ratified a one-year contract Wednesday after successful collective bargaining negotiations.

C-Falls developer eyes old junior high for senior housing

School board declares facility surplus property

The Columbia Falls School Board on Monday unanimously declared the old junior high school and its adjacent gymnasiums as surplus property, paving the way for the eventual sale of the buildings.

Democrats host Blue Jam on the Bluff concert

The Flathead Democrats will host a Blue Jam on the Bluff event featuring food and live music Aug. 22 on a bluff overlooking the Flathead River near Columbia Falls.

Marion Yvonne Ramsey Daue, 96

Marion Yvonne Ramsey Daue departed her life on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, five days before her 97th birthday.

Letters to the editor July 15

Letters to the editor July 15

Lakers A rally to split twinbill with Loggers

Aaron Crutsinger’s bases-loaded triple knotted the score and Haiden Bunyea’s bases-loaded walk gave the Kalispell A Lakers the lead for good in an 11-8 win over Libby in Legion baseball late Tuesday.

Twins sweep Missoula A Mavs

Stevyn Andrachick’s RBI double created a little breathing room, and he ended up with three hits as the Glacier Twins’ beat the Missoula A Mavs 9-3 to complete a doubleheader sweep Wednesday.

Lakers AA down Chargers in Great Falls opener

The bottom of the order helped the Kalispell AA Lakers come out on top Wednesday, in a 7-5 win over Great Falls in Legion baseball at Centene Field.

DNA confirms slain grizzly killed camper in Ovando

DNA tests have confirmed a grizzly bear killed by wildlife officials is the same bear that attacked and killed a camper last week in the tiny western Montana town of Ovando, officials said Wednesday.

Gianforte declares fire emergency as dry conditions persist

Gov. Greg Gianforte declared Wednesday a statewide fire emergency in Montana as the state faces abnormally dry conditions.

Montana justices say lawmakers overstepped in seeking emails

The Montana Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that legislative leaders overstepped their authority in issuing a subpoena for months of emails belonging to the court's administrator, saying the request was not related to a valid legislative interest.

Numbers explain how and why West bakes, burns and dries out

The American West is baking, burning and drying in intertwined extreme weather. Four sets of numbers explain how bad it is now, while several others explain why it got this bad.

Frustration builds in Montana border towns as 'temporary' closure drags on

No one thought it would last this long.

Search continues for Montana hiker, believed dead

Search crews continue to look for a Montana State University graduate student who is believed to have died in a climbing accident in the Beartooth Mountains in southern Montana.

Lorraine Margaret Hodges, 88

Lorraine Margaret Hodges, 88, of Bigfork, passed away on July 5, 2021, at Lakeview Care Center.

Law roundup: Woman’s wobble raises concerns

A very tan blonde woman with a homemade bandage around her head was allegedly walking too wobbly for a passerby’s comfort and they called the Kalispell Police Department out of concern that she had been drinking and was going to drive with a child in the vehicle.

Legals for July, 14 2021

Brenda Leigh Guild, 59

Brenda Leigh Guild was born in Missoula on July 19, 1961. At 59, she passed away at her home after a courageous battle with cancer on April 2, 2021.

Local conservation nonprofits get REI Co-op grants

Three local conservation nonprofits will receive a total of $16,500 in funding and over $1,000 in gear donations from the REI Co-op to support public lands stewardship work.

Kalispell IDs three potential areas for marijuana sales

The Kalispell City Council on Monday identified three potential areas of the city for marijuana dispensaries as the council mulls rules for pot sales.

Steven Dwyane Howe, 61

Steven Dwyane Howe, 61 years old, has returned home to his Father in heaven on July 9, 2021.

Kalispell man charged with federal sex crimes

A Kalispell man is behind bars facing federal child sex crime charges.

Ronald Lee Freese, 75

Ron passed away July 11, 2021, at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell.

Loggers swamp Lakers A to open doubleheader

The Libby Loggers took advantage of the Kalispell A Lakers’ wildness and defense to score an 11-1 Class A Legion victory in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday at Griffin Field.

Kalispell councilman running for state Senate

After nearly four years on the Kalispell City Council, Kyle Waterman is mounting a second bid for a seat in the Montana Senate.

Car dealership expansion, housing proposal on agenda

A proposal to expand the Don K Chrysler dealership along U.S. 93, as well as a major change to the city's affordable-housing program that was weakened by a new state law, are among the items on a busy Whitefish Planning Board agenda for Thursday.

Sanders County moves to Stage II fire restrictions

Extreme weather conditions in Northwest Montana have prompted Sanders County officials to order Stage II fire restrictions on private lands beginning Saturday.

Wildfires torch homes, land across 10 states in US West

Wildfires that torched homes and forced thousands to evacuate burned across 10 parched Western states on Tuesday, and the largest, in Oregon, threatened a portion of California's power supply.

US to take longer look at contentious Montana bison proposal

Federal officials will give the public more time to comment on a contentious proposal to expand bison grazing on public lands in north-central Montana, officials said.

Cora Neumann joins race for Montana's new US House seat

Cora Neumann announced Tuesday a run for Montana's new U.S. House seat, becoming the third Democrat to join the race.

Fugitive sought in connection to theft spree

Flathead County authorities are seeking the public's help in locating a wanted man implicated in several thefts over the weekend.

Hurdles remain to bring wood products factory to Libby

The next step in bringing a medium-density fiberboard factory to Libby involves securing a line of credit for the Washington businessman local officials courted for the project. Those officials are standing behind the businessman despite past legal troubles.

Law roundup: Man leads officers in high-speed chase

A man driving a black Jeep Grand Cherokee led Kalispell Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol on a high-speed chase around the valley at 12:35 a.m. Sunday.

Kalispell bookstore raises money for LGBTQ inclusivity after vandalism

A Kalispell bookstore is raising money for LGBTQ inclusivity after someone smashed a store window and ripped down a pride flag that hung inside.

Legals for July, 13 2021

'Sunshine is free': Whitefish hardware store taps into solar power

Montana's sunny weather could not have come at a better time for Nelson's Ace Hardware. The store on U.S. 93 South in Whitefish recently installed 78 solar panels across its south-facing roof to provide the shop with sustainable energy.

Montana's historic airway beacons focus of history presentation

The Northwest Montana Posse of Westerners history organization will host a presentation titled "Guiding Lights: Montana's Historic Airway Beacon System" by Kate Hampton next Monday in Kalispell.

Loggers bounce back at Rasmussen tourney

American Legion baseball

Twins win Sapa-Johnsrud tournament

American Legion baseball

Local softball players honored

Veterans Memorial Classic

A Lakers split final 2 at Harp Memorial tourney

American Legion baseball

AA Lakers split doubleheader with Great Falls

American Legion baseball

Meeting set for Tuesday for fire near Troy

Kootenai National Forest officials will host a public meeting Tuesday evening in Troy about the Burnt Peak Fire growing nearby.

Air quality worsens as wildfires ramp up

Air quality in the Flathead Valley spiked to unhealthy levels over the weekend, and with wildfire activity across the West ramping up, more hazy days are ahead.

Kayaker dies after falling into Flathead River

A Kalispell man died Sunday afternoon after he fell out of the kayak he was paddling on the Flathead River.

Kalispell PR specialist files for Garner's House seat

Courtenay Sprunger, a public relations specialist from Kalispell, announced Monday she will run as a Republican for the Montana House position currently held by Rep. Frank Garner.

Flathead COVID cases on the rise again

Flathead County has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks, with 117 active cases as of Monday, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.

US drilling approvals increase despite Biden climate pledge

Approvals for companies to drill for oil and gas on U.S. public lands are on pace this year to reach their highest level since George W. Bush was president, underscoring President Joe Biden's reluctance to more forcefully curb petroleum production in the face of industry and Republican resistance.

Missoula man gets life in prison for fatal shooting

A Missoula man has been sentenced to life in prison for shooting and killing an acquaintance in May 2020.

Missing Montana hiker believed to have died in accident

Searchers looking for a Montana State University graduate student who disappeared while hiking in the Beartooth Mountains in southern Montana say they do not believe she is still alive.

Whitefish cowboy putting in miles for love of rodeo

Bart Slaney logged more than 50,000 miles traveling to rodeos across the west in 2019.

Legals for July, 12 2021

Law roundup: Woman takes movie night to the extreme

A woman may have gone too far to make movie night happen when she was reportedly suspected by a former roommate of breaking into their apartment and taking several movies and other items.

Logan Health Medical Center births

Alexander Simpson, son of Miranda and Sam Simpson of Whitefish, was born June 9, 2021, at Logan Health Medical Center.

Kalispell council still mulling marijuana rules

Local marijuana legislation returns to the spotlight Monday evening during the Kalispell City Council work session.

Letters to the editor July 12

Letters to the editor July 12

Search underway for missing boater in northern Idaho

Searchers are looking for a man who went missing in the Coeur d'Alene River while trying to retrieve a set of boat keys that had fallen into the water.

Laura Becke Seelye, 64

Laura Lue Klein was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on Nov. 9, 1956, to Shirley Klein.

They're back: Bison could appear soon in Glacier Park

A herd of at least 75 or 85 bison may be released within a year or so to land in the Chief Mountain area of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, with freedom to wander onto their native land, now Glacier National Park, according to the Buffalo Program of the Blackfeet Nation.

Whitefish US 93 corridor plan a laudable effort

The city of Whitefish will debut its long-awaited Highway 93 South Corridor Plan at an open house July 15, unveiling goals and proposed actions for traffic improvement and land use over the next decade.

Elon Musk, on witness stand, defends SolarCity acquisition

Elon Musk, on witness stand, defends SolarCity acquisition

Montana’s game-changing broadband legislation

The 2021 Montana Legislature adjourned this spring after passing several bills designed to move Montana out of the bottom of the rankings among other states when it comes to access to quality broadband infrastructure.

Buffett’s company abandons $1.3B natural gas pipeline deal

Buffett’s company abandons $1.3B natural gas pipeline deal

Timothy Francis Dilworth, 60

Timothy Francis Dilworth, 60, returned to his heavenly home on Dec. 20, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after fighting a brave battle against COVID-19.

Logan Health Medical Center births

Amelia Streich, daughter of Paul and Samantha Streich of Kalispell, was born June 20, 2021, at Logan Health Medical Center.

West Glacier eatery reopens with BBQ fare

After a 12-year hiatus, the Heaven's Peak Montana Kitchen has reopened in West Glacier.

Legals for July, 11 2021

Becky Jacobson, 60

On July 4, 2021, Becky Jacobson passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, after a four-year battle with mesothelioma.

Swan Lake woman played pro baseball during WWII

Under the shade of an umbrella, Donna Roberts, peaked out from beneath a sun hat to catch the action at the Bigfork Fourth of July Parade.

Lakeside bike park caters to downhill mountain bikers

Legacy Bike Park is almost ready to roll in Lakeside. The new downhill mountain biking park will open to its first riders on Thursday.

Law roundup: Woman tired of ongoing harassment

A Mountain Park Drive apartment dweller was allegedly being harassed on an ongoing basis and she wanted the Whitefish Police Department to discuss what options she had because building management had not offered a solution.

Renting out our armed forces is wrong and dangerous

Of all the troubling issues that have surfaced in the past year, the idea of private funding of government military operations is close to the top of my list.

Lorri Schraeder Miller, 81

Esther Lorraine “Lorri” Schraeder Miller passed away on June 30, 2021, in the care of family and Frontier Hospice with complications from Alzheimer's and a pancreatic tumor.

China vows retaliation after US blacklists companies

China vows retaliation after US blacklists companies

Diana Jean Bingman, 64

Diana Jean Bingman, 64, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home July 6, 2021, with her family nearby.

EU puts digital levy plans on hold in face of US criticism

EU puts digital levy plans on hold in face of US criticism

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

Mary Lou Elise Borden, 87

Mary Lou Elise Borden, 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Kalispell on June 28, 2021, due to complications from Parkinsonism.

The old basement

When I was a kid in Ohio, the stairs to our basement led to a recreational oasis.

Committed to overhauling culture of the Public Service Commission

The Legislative Audit Division report released in late May on the Department of Public Service Regulation was fraught with violations.

New Bigfork bar features Prohibition era vibe

Beneath the bustling restaurant Showthyme Act II is Bigfork's newest watering hole: 1908 Speakeasy.

0711 Building permits

Whitefish, C. Falls building permits

Montana is different, and we like it that way

This letter has been simmering for a while, and now appears I am lending my voice to a chorus of brokenhearted Montanans speaking out.

Whitefish coffee shop relocates, adds gelato bar

Walking into Le Marche is like stepping off Central Avenue and into the heart of Paris. The combination café and boutique brings a touch of European culture to downtown Whitefish.

Donald Raymond Barnes, 87

Donald Raymond Barnes, 87, of Bigfork, died the evening of Thursday, July 1, 2021, at home.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Glacier Park headquarters now solar-powered

Glacier National Park's headquarters building has gone solar.

California wildfire advances as heat wave blankets US West

Firefighters struggled to contain an exploding Northern California wildfire under blazing temperatures as another heat wave blanketed the West, prompting an excessive heat warning for inland and desert areas.

Great Falls man sentenced to 60 years for motel murder

A Cascade County judge has sentenced a Great Falls man to 60 years in prison for a 2017 murder of a woman at the Airway Motel.

Twins blow out Cannons, 13-2

Stevyn Andrachick hit a 2-run homer during Glacier’s 9-run third inning, and the Twins coasted to a 13-2 win over the Spokane Cannons at the Sapa-Johnsrud tournament late Friday.

Havre beats Libby at Rasmussen tourney

Havre put up a pair of crooked numbers and held the Libby Loggers to five hits in a 13-2 win at the Rasmussen Memorial Legion tournament Saturday.

Lakers A 1-1 at Harp tourney

Joey Thatcher’s 2-run single capped the Kalispell A Lakers’ 3-run first inning, sparking a 10-1 win over the Clark Fork Riverdogs B team Saturday at the Harp Memorial tournament at Archie Roe Field.

Whitefish’s Heavirland gets called to the Tokyo Olympics

The last time the U.S. Olympic women’s rugby 7s team had its jersey ceremony, in 2016, Nicole Heavirland didn’t hear her name called.

Yellowstone invasive mussel find both reassuring, alarming

For Sue Mills, it was simultaneously concerning and reassuring for her staff to find a quagga mussel attached to a boat that was about to hit the water in Yellowstone National Park.

Large Montana ranch sold to subsidiary of Montana resort

A subsidiary of the company that owns the Yellowstone Club bought an 18,000-acre ranch at the foot of the Crazy Mountains east of Clyde Park, and said they have no plans to develop or change the property.

Montana redistricting commission adopts congressional criteria

Montana's five-member redistricting commission voted Friday to formally adopt criteria to guide its work in establishing lines for the state's new congressional district. A vote on criteria governing how the commission will redraw state legislative boundaries was pushed to July 20.

Reappraisal reality: Flathead property values, taxes going up

A Montana housing market often described as a "feeding frenzy" for out-of-state home buyers is driving up prices and appraisals. The surge in demand means homeowners across the state can expect their property tax bills to go up this fall.

Tears, politics and money: School boards become battle zones

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Local school boards around the country are increasingly becoming cauldrons of anger and political division, boiling with disputes over such issues as COVID-19 mask rules, the treatment of transgender students and how to teach the history of racism and slavery in America.

Legals for July, 10 2021

Hungry Horse man accused of throwing firework at crowd

A Hungry Horse man with a lengthy criminal history was arrested and jailed after allegedly throwing mortar-type fireworks at a crowd of people and a Flathead County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle.

Public asked to collaborate on Krause Basin recreation plan

Flathead National Forest officials are seeking public participants for a collaborative project that will focus on developing a recreation management strategy for the Krause Basin area in the Swan Lake Ranger District.

Law roundup: Man conveniently misbehaves outside jail

A disorderly individual seemed to be in the right place at the right time when he was reported to the Kalispell Police Department for causing some disruptions outside the Flathead County Jail.

Tester calls infrastructure bill 'urgently needed'

Capping a swing through western Montana, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester stopped in Kalispell on Friday to promote an agreement for a major infrastructure package recently hatched between the Biden administration and a bipartisan group of senators.

Trail-running man injured in grizzly attack in eastern Idaho

Idaho state wildlife officials say a man was injured after he was attacked by a grizzly bear in eastern Idaho on Friday morning.

Judge dismisses media lawsuit over closed Republican meeting

A Montana judge dismissed a lawsuit by The Associated Press and other media organizations that argued the chairman of a legislative committee illegally held a secret meeting of Republican lawmakers before the committee voted on bills involving abortion and transgender health care.

Gianforte ends Montana's climate change coalition membership

Gov. Greg Gianforte has discontinued Montana's membership in a coalition of two dozen states dedicated to fighting climate change.

Bill aims to spend billions to fix nation's aging dams

Lawmakers in Congress on Friday introduced a bill that would pump tens of billions of dollars into fixing and upgrading the country's dams.

Colorado's 1st gray wolf pack since 1940s now has 6 pups

Colorado's first litter of gray wolf pups since the 1940s has grown to include six pups.

Grizzly shot, killed after fatal attack of California woman

Wildlife officials said they shot and killed a Montana grizzly bear Friday that had pulled a California woman from her tent and killed her earlier this week in the middle of a small Montana town.

Input sought on forest-thinning project near Olney

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment on a proposed tree-thinning project on Flathead National Forest land about a mile west of Olney to reduce the risk of extreme wildfire behavior in the area.

Flathead Class of 1951 gathers for 70th reunion

In the days leading up to commencement in 1951, many of Flathead County High School's 219 graduating seniors likely were cruising to the local drive-ins to gather one last time as classmates.

James 'Jim' Grinde, 85

James “Jim” Grinde, 85, passed away from natural causes in Whitefish.

Health officials see upswing in rabies encounters

Flathead City-County Health Department officials said this week they are beginning to see an increase in the number of reported contacts and interactions between domestic animals, humans and rabies-prone animals.

Flathead students elected as governors for Boys and Girls State

Flathead High School students Marley Miller and Leah Spangler were elected by their peers to serve as governors of the 2021 American Legion Boys State and the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, respectively.

Law roundup: Fashion faux pas is least of man’s offenses

A man wearing a dress on top of pajama bottoms was reported to the Kalispell Police Department after he allegedly took his pants down and touched himself inappropriately at the front counter of a store.

Kalispell rescinds Stillwater Road roundabout agreement

The Kalispell City Council agreed to scrap plans for a North Kalispell roundabout during a brief meeting on Tuesday.

Legals for July, 9 2021

Glacier Institute program offers education and park access

The Glacier Institute is taking enrollments for its new Going-to-the-Sun Road day program. As a nonprofit partner of Glacier National Park, the Glacier Institute aims to provide visitors in-depth, field-based educational experiences.

COLUMN: Kalispell’s Hanson becomes golfing marathon man

Marlin Hanson is capable of going low on a golf course — he shot 74 at Buffalo Hill Wednesday — but he has once again proven he can also go far.

Libby Loggers 1-2 at Florence tournament

Dylan Buckner drove in three runs with two hits, and Libby made an 8-0 lead hold up for a 13-8 win over the Bitterroot B Bucs Thursday at the Rasmussen Memorial Tournament.

Montana town of grizzly attack a popular stop for cyclists

A tiny western Montana town where a grizzly bear pulled a woman from her tent and killed her this week welcomes visitors year-round to the mountain valley community along the banks of a river made famous by the movie "A River Runs Through It."

Big Idaho health care providers mandate staff COVID vaccines

Three of Idaho's largest medical care providers announced Thursday that they would require COVID-19 vaccines for eligible employees.

Western drought: Californians asked to cut water use

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday asked people and businesses in the nation's most populous state to voluntarily cut how much water they use by 15% as the Western United States weathers a drought that is rapidly emptying reservoirs relied on for agriculture, drinking water and fish habitat.

Biden sets Aug. 31 for U.S. exit from Afghanistan

President Joe Biden said Thursday the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan will end on Aug. 31, delivering an impassioned argument for exiting the nearly 20-year war without sacrificing more American lives even as he bluntly acknowledged there will be no "mission accomplished" moment to celebrate.

Wyoming governor weighs border assistance in Arizona, Texas

Wyoming is looking at how it might send National Guard troops or other help to bolster security at the Mexico border, Gov. Mark Gordon said.

Crews battle several wildfires on Lolo National Forest

The western portion of the Lolo National Forest, which includes the Superior and Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger districts, experienced the most lightning activity.

Man arrested after armed standoff in Polson

Police arrested a man Wednesday night following an armed standoff and hostage situation at the Bellevue Trailer Court along U.S. 93 in Polson.

Road on Big Mountain closed for forest work

National Forest System Road No. 9790, also known as Taylor Creek Road and Whitefish Mountain Radio Road, will be closed through Dec. 1 during timber harvesting associated with the Taylor Hellroaring Project. ​

Residents of small Idaho town evacuate as wildfire grows

Residents of the small, remote community of Dixie are being evacuated as a wildfire threatens the area, the Idaho County Sheriff's Office said.

Jumpstart your weekend at Thursday!Fest

The Kalispell Downtown Association’s signature summer event, Thursday!Fest, returns July 15

What do we owe wildland firefighters?

“It’s like having gasoline out there,” said Brian Steinhardt, forest fire zone manager for Prescott and Coconino national forests in Arizona, in a recent AP story about the increasingly fire-prone West.

ATP ready to rock with ‘Killer Queen’

The music of Queen takes center stage tonight through Saturday in Whitefish as the Alpine Theatre Project presents “Killer Queen,” featuring Dustin Brayley, vocalist with the multi-platinum selling band, Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Summer fishing in full swing

There are a lot of lakes in our area that really offer the best of both worlds for someone looking to fish all day.

Montana Wild program welcomes youth to archery

Archery continues to increase in popularity by leaps and bounds, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has a program designed to help youth and educators learn a sport which has been practiced for thousands of years.

Legals for July, 8 2021

Basecamp Drive roundabout subject of study

The Montana Department of Transportation is moving forward with a study of the intersection of the U.S. 93 bypass and Basecamp Drive in South Kalispell.

Flathead benefited from Meerkatz's business acumen

There’s been a changing of the guard at Montana West Economic Development, where retiring President and CEO Jerry Meerkatz has passed the baton to Christy Cummings Dawson.

Bigfork woman involved in police shootout back in jail

When Flathead Valley resident Awndray Lynn Francisco stole a truck from a Helena-based business owner and got into a gun fight with local law officers last year, it was not enough for her to go to the Montana State Women’s Prison.

North Valley Music School hosts Montana Music Event fundraiser

North Valley Music School will host the Montana Music Event Sunday, Aug, 1, a fundraiser for the nonprofit music school.

Letters to the editor July 8

Letters to the editor July 8

Law roundup: Neighbors’ bizarre behavior concerns woman

A woman’s neighbors were exhibiting odd behavior and she decided to list off the reasons why to Kalispell Police Department when she saw about 10 people outside the residence, most of whom, she said, were awake all through the night.

Report: Medicaid expansion bolsters state’s behavioral health system

A new report from the Montana Healthcare Foundation underscores the important role Medicaid expansion plays in helping improve the state’s behavioral health system, including increasing its capacity to prevent and treat certain mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

Whitefish to hold open house on US 93 corridor plan

Whitefish leaders will host an open house next Thursday to educate the public and gather feedback on the city’s Highway 93 South Corridor Plan.

Symphony Night combines picnics and music

Glacier Symphony’s Symphony Night at Rebecca Farm pops concerts in July combine summer picnics and music into one event.

On a talented Glacier squad, super senior Zach Veneman stands out

Kevin Slaybaugh has been around baseball a long time, and he’s surrounded by like-minded players and coaches with the Glacier Twins.

Montana 200 coming to Mission Valley Super Oval

The closest thing to a NASCAR event you’ll find in Montana this summer will be in Pablo next weekend.

Governor fills judicial vacancy amid stalled legal challenge

A District Court judge on Wednesday denied a request to temporarily suspend a law that eliminated the Judicial Nomination Commission and allowed Montana's governor to directly fill judicial vacancies between elections.

Grizzly pulled woman out of her tent in Ovando attack

A grizzly bear pulled a woman from her tent in a small Montana town in the middle of the night and killed her before fellow campers could use bear spray to force the bruin out of the area, wildlife officials said.

Woman pleads guilty to accountability in son's beating death

A Montana woman has pleaded guilty to accountability to deliberate homicide in the November 2019 beating death of her 5-year-old son in Great Falls.

Trump files suit against Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Former President Donald Trump has filed suit against three of the country's biggest tech companies, claiming he and other conservatives have been wrongfully censored. But legal experts say the suits are likely doomed to fail, given existing precedent and legal protections.

Search of collapsed condo shifts from rescue to recovery

Emergency workers who have spent 14 days pulling apart the rubble of a collapsed condo building near Miami said Wednesday they were switching from rescue to recovery mode, signaling the effort to find survivors was all but over.

Montana man charged with negligent arson, 7 homes burned

A Montana man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges alleging he caused a wildland fire north of Yellowstone National Park that burned seven homes and 46 square miles (119 square kilometers) of land.

Rescuers searching for hiker missing in Beartooth Mountains

Search-and-rescue teams on the ground and in the air are looking for a Montana State University graduate student who has not been in contact with her family since last week, when she started a hike in the Beartooth Mountains north of Yellowstone National Park.

Second Democrat joins race for Montana's new U.S. House seat

Monica Tranel became the second Democrat to announce her candidacy for Montana's second U.S. House seat, touting her rural roots, success as an Olympian and experience as a lawyer.

Bear pulls woman out of her tent, kills her in Montana

A grizzly bear pulled a woman from her tent in a small Montana town in the middle of the night and killed her before fellow campers could use bear spray to force the bruin out of the area, wildlife officials said Wednesday.

Shirley Devitt Baldwin

Shirley Devitt Baldwin passed away on June 17, 2021, from Alzheimer's, at her granddaughter's home in Vancouver, Washington.

Kalispell transportation plan goes to city Planning Board

A request from the city of Kalispell to amend its growth policy to include a new long-term plan focused on improving transportation in the area tops the Kalispell Planning Board's agenda for its July 13 meeting.

Grants propel Tunnel Vision art project

Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana has received grants from AARP Montana and Discover Kalispell to expand its Tunnel Vision 2021 project, an effort to paint murals on the tunnels along Kalispell's multi-use paved trail system.

Herb Lee Roberts, 47

Herb Lee Roberts, “Home Run Herbie,” age 47, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully in his sleep June 27, 2021.

Anna Marie (Havens) Brown, 69

Anna Marie (Havens) Brown passed away Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Kalispell after a long and arduous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

James ‘Jim' W. Corbett, 80

James “Jim” W. Corbett, formerly of Polson and Kalispell, passed away on June 17, 2021, at Cedar Wood Villa in Red Lodge.

Law roundup: Woman fights for family’s taco night

A woman reportedly became belligerent with other drivers who asked her to move when she parked her vehicle in the roadway, waiting to turn into a fast food restaurant because she had to get tacos for her family.

Tom Fredenberg

Tom Fredenberg passed away suddenly on June 27 after being attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets.

Economic development groups get new leader

Christy Cummings Dawson will assume the role of president and CEO at Montana West Economic Development and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority.

Legals for July, 7 2021

Whitefish hospital supports suicide prevention foundation

Logan Health Whitefish, formerly North Valley Hospital, has made a $65,000 donation to the Nate Chute Foundation to fund programs that battle suicide in the community.

State wraps up downtown Kalispell road work

The Montana Department of Transportation has completed a six-month concrete rehabilitation project in downtown Kalispell.

Lakers roll past Bozeman Bucks

American Legion baseball

Senators down Twins 12-1 to claim title at Keith Sell tourney

American Legion baseball

AA Lakers sweep Bucks again

Ethan Diede hit a walk-off single in the first game, then drove in the go-ahead run with a sixth-inning triple in the nightcap as Kalispell swept Bozeman in a Class AA Legion doubleheader Tuesday at Griffin Field.

Williams, Zhang lead Loggers over A Lakers

Caden Williams threw a one-hitter and Tripp Zhang slugged a 3-run homer as Libby downed the Kalispell A Lakers 7-0 in the first game of a Legion doubleheader Tuesday at Lee Gehring Field.

In hunt for infrastructure deal, every Dem has leverage

In a crucial moment for Democrats, party leaders are hunting for a sweet spot that would satisfy their rival moderate and progressive wings on legislation to finance President Joe Biden's multitrillion-dollar agenda of bolstering the economy and helping families.

USDA declares drought emergency in 15 Montana counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared Tuesday a drought disaster in 15 additional Montana counties, bringing the number of counties in a declared disaster to 31 of the state's 56 counties.

18-year-old arrested in Billings shooting death

An 18-year-old man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a fatal shooting in Billings in late June, police Lt. Brandon Wooley said.

4.1 magnitude earthquake reported northeast of Billings

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake shook northern Yellowstone County, northeast of Billings, on Tuesday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

Police in Bozeman searching for suspect in double shooting

Police in Bozeman are looking for the person who shot and injured two people.

Air Force plans training exercise over northern plains

The U.S. Air Force is planning a massive training exercise over the northern plains states.

Kalispell records 4th hottest June

Last month was the fourth hottest June on record in Kalispell, thanks in large part to the extreme heat wave that roasted the region the final week of the month.

Officials back bison grazing plan for Montana reserve

Federal officials have given preliminary approval to a conservation group's contentious proposal to expand bison grazing on public lands in north-central Montana.

Grizzly bear attacks, kills camper in western Montana

A grizzly bear attacked and killed a person camping in western Montana early Tuesday, triggering an intensive search for the bruin by wildlife officials and law enforcement officers who planned to kill the animal, officials said.

Rural ambulance services are in jeopardy as volunteers age and expenses mount

Vern Greyn was standing in the raised bucket of a tractor, trimming dead branches off a tree, when he lost his balance. He fell 12 feet and struck his head on the concrete patio outside his house in this small farming town on the central Montana plains.

Kalispell considers scrapping Stillwater Road roundabout plan

Several roundabouts have been proposed for Kalispell roadways over the past few years, but on Tuesday, the Kalispell City Council will consider a proposal to do away with plans for a traffic circle northwest of the city.

Legals for July, 6 2021

Whitefish council to send resort tax proposal to voters

The Whitefish City Council on Tuesday will advance a proposal to renew the city's resort tax and adjust how that money is spent on streets, parks, bike and pedestrian paths, and other infrastructure.

Chargers jump to early lead, down Twins

American Legion Baseball

Fallout continues from biggest global ransomware attack

The single biggest ransomware attack yet continued to bite Monday as more details emerged on how a Russia-linked gang breached the exploited software company. The criminals essentially used a tool that helps protect against malware to spread it globally.

Washington state couple dies in western Montana plane crash

A couple from Washington state have died in the crash of a single-engine airplane in western Montana, officials said.

Legals for July, 5 2021

New US rules to protect animal farmers expected soon

The Biden administration plans to issue a new rule to protect the rights of farmers who raise cows, chickens and hogs against the country's largest meat processors as part of a plan to encourage more competition in the agriculture sector.

US service sector grows, albeit slightly slower in June

US service sector grows, albeit slightly slower in June

Law roundup: Gate closed on loose cows

Cows were allegedly all over the road on Edgewood Drive in Whitefish.

As employers struggle to fill jobs, teens come to the rescue

The owners of restaurants, amusement parks and retail shops, many of them desperate for workers, are sounding an unusual note of gratitude this summer: Thank goodness for teenagers.

NVH births

Eli James Schnetter, son of Anthony and Chelsie Schnetter of Columbia Falls, was born April 16, 2021, at North Valley Hospital.

Norman Wayne Shaw, 65

Norman Wayne Shaw, 65, passed away from natural causes Tuesday June 22, 2021.

Letters to the editor July 5

Letters to the editor July 5

Hotel pitch puts former Whitefish woman's career on an upward trajectory

Emma Claire Spring, 22, didn’t just dream of owning a hotel; she’s spent much of her life preparing for it.

Kalispell's 'Flag Man' battles heat to peddle Old Glory

Rain or shine, numbing cold or stifling heat, Kalispell's "Flag Man" can be found peddling his wares in the same place he has for the past seven years.

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Flathead Business Newsmakers

Credit union provides financial literacy resources

Credit union provides financial literacy resources

Selling home, sweet home

My brothers and I gathered on our computer screens via Zoom a couple of weeks ago to begin the arduous task of deciding what to do with our 350-acre farm in Minnesota.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Flathead Business Watercooler

Melanie Lawshe’-Riedinger, 53

On Sunday, June 27, 2021, Melanie Lawshe’-Riedinger won her five-year battle with cancer.

Lumber prices begin to drop after record high

After climbing to record highs, lumber prices are finally starting to fall. The long-awaited break in the wood products market already is creating ripple effects in the Flathead Valley's economy.

Tips for renting a car in the middle of a shortage

Tips for navigating the rental car market

Legals for July, 4 2021

Calvin Lewis Potts, 33

We are so very heartbroken to announce the passing of Calvin Lewis Potts on June 20, 2021, in Caldwell, Idaho

Dance instructor opens studio for all abilities in Kalispell

Chelsea Speer dances to her own beat at Turning Pointe Dance. Her new studio opened last month on U.S. 93, where Speer offers dance classes unlike most others in the Flathead Valley.

Montana’s millionaire bears as neighbors

Frequently in the Daily Inter Lake and other newspapers around Montana and on local TV news and radio air waves we read or hear about bears; the wild ones, not the ones that hang out in zoos and animal parks.

Foundation offers $50,000 matching grant for Bigfork library

The Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork has offered to match up to $50,000 in donations to the campaign for a new Bigfork Library between July 1 and Sept. 30.

Federal firefighters deserve better pay

Montana’s summer wildfire season came early this year — an entire season early.

Help wanted, housing needed

“Short staffed. It’s the new pandemic,” reads a sign at an Ennis restaurant.

Nancy Lee Fenner, 88

Nancy Lee Fenner, 88, died June 25, 2021, at her grandson’s home in Missoula.

How to love the bear’s world

Last spring, at the height of some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of the pandemic, my father read a poem to me over the phone. He’s 89 this year, and while he’s vibrant and healthy I don’t take for granted any opportunity to hear his voice — especially when he’s reciting a poem.

Flathead wedding vendors inundated with bookings, forcing some couples to wait

Flathead Valley couples eager to say "I do" are having to practice patience these days, as many local wedding vendors already are booked into 2023.

Kelly W. Kvigne, 67

We are sad to announce the death of Lt. Col. (Ret.) USMC Kelly Kvigne at his home in Kalispell on June 16, 2021, from complications of an auto accident in 2019.

Dennis ‘Denny’ Dean Lockhart

Dennis “Denny” Dean Lockhart was born in 1945 to Dean and Geneva Lockhart.

0704 Building permits

Building permits

Benjamin Richard Alder, 95

Benjamin Richard Alder died June 27 in his favorite place in the world: Libby.

Montanans deserve fair and competitive districts

As former members of the Districting and Apportionment Commission, we know what’s at stake drawing legislative districts and now a new congressional district. We commend Commission Chair Maylinn Smith for her commitment to an open, public, and transparent process.

Sisters take lead with 4-H project to help those with memory loss

While other kids use their time off school to play and relax, Flathead Valley sisters Jubilee and Jayne McLean have been hard at work on projects that aim to improve the lives of those struggling with memory loss and people who use wheelchairs.

Cities, counties plan infrastructure projects with federal aid

Tens of millions of dollars in federal assistance have poured into the Flathead Valley, an infusion of cash that could help local governments recover from the pandemic, repair aging infrastructure and compensate essential public employees who have been on the frontlines of mitigating COVID-19.

Our endangered constitutional system

On July 4 some 245 years ago, the signing of the Declaration of Independence articulated the political ethos of the United States: a country founded on consent of the governed and rooted in the idea that governments exist to protect the natural rights of the citizens. Eleven years later, delegates met in the same place to draft a Constitution that would, they hoped, institutionalize those founding principles.

Alice Nelson, 91

Alice Nelson was born on March 4, 1930, to Andrew and Caroline Nielsen in Wakonda, South Dakota.

Law roundup: Man doesn’t want to play by the HOA rules

Someone calling from Vista Lane in Bigfork told Flathead County Sheriff’s Office they were with the homeowners association (HOA) and confronted a tenant about the rules of when construction can take place and he yelled profanities at them.

Moore, Acharya win for second time at Earl Hunt tourney

Both 2018 men’s and women’s champions won their second titles Saturday at the 85th annual Earl Hunt 4th of July Golf Tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Man jailed for running on Yellowstone's Old Faithful geyser

A 37-year-old Maine man has been sentenced to 15 days in jail for running onto Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful geyser multiple times while wearing a raccoon-skin hat and waving an American flag.

Ransomware attack before holiday leaves companies scrambling

Businesses around the world rushed Saturday to contain a ransomware attack that has paralyzed their computer networks, a situation complicated in the U.S. by offices lightly staffed at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Higher copper, molybdenum prices boost Butte metals mine

Montana Resources is midway through an epic year. Copper hit an all-time high of $4.86 per pound on May 10 and was at $4.21 Wednesday.

Eureka man dies in crash in Yaak

It was the 106th fatality on Montana roads in 2021.

Flathead growers expect early, fruitful cherry harvest

Flathead cherry lovers could get their hands on the fruit just a little bit early this year as a warm growing season has area orchards looking to begin harvesting by the end of the month.

Whitefish council pushes growth boundary south of Montana 40

Saying it wants greater control for future potential development, the Whitefish City Council last week approved pushing the growth boundary for the city south from Montana 40 to Blanchard Lake Road.

Law roundup: Food truck owner shafted by partner

A food truck owner told the Columbia Falls Police Department her business partner allegedly stole $6,000 from their till and the key to the woman’s house.

Former native coalition employees sentenced for stealing grant money

Two former officials with the Montana Native Women's Coalition were sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution after each admitted to stealing federal grant funds for unapproved spending, including travel to Las Vegas.

Another building evacuated; search goes on at collapse site

Residents of a Miami-area high-rise loaded clothes and valuables into suitcases, laundry baskets and wagons and wheeled them to waiting cars after they were forced to evacuate the building when it was found to be unsafe in a review prompted by the deadly collapse of a building just a few miles away.

Moore, Acharya lead 4th of July golf

Thursday’s men’s leader Joey Moore became Friday’s leader too, and Jasi Acharya maintained her lead of the women’s field on the second day of the 85th annual Earl Hunt 4th of July Golf Tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

State seeks to conserve 27,000 acres near Libby

Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking to purchase a conservation easement for more than 27,000 acres of forest and grassland in Lincoln County to preclude development, protect threatened wildlife habitat, improve public access and recreational opportunities, and allow the longtime owner of the land, the Stimson Lumber Co., to continue harvesting timber.

Fires reported following Flathead lightning storm

The dangerous heat advisory for Northwest Montana ended with bang Thursday evening as a series of potent thunderstorms rocked the valley and sparked a few small wildfires.

Sun Road opening day vehicle count up 41% over 2019

Preliminary numbers for the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park show a 41% increase in the number of vehicles on the iconic road over opening day in 2019.

Tax law experts see 'strong' case against Trump Org. CFO

Companies give perks to their employees all the time. Many top executives at Fortune 500 companies have access to a corporate jet for personal use, a company apartment, or an expense account for fancy meals. Even lower-level employees regularly get access to perks like tuition reimbursement or cash to join a gym.

Drunk, disorderly Yellowstone tourist gets 60 days in jail

A Yellowstone National Park tourist has been sentenced to 60 days in jail and banned from the park for five years after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct and other charges involving a disturbance that erupted when a guide refused to take the tourist's party on a kayak trip because the group was too drunk to go.

Canada hunts for survivors of fire that destroyed small town

Officials on Friday hunted for any missing residents of a British Columbia town destroyed by wildfire as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered federal assistance.

Campfires banned across Kootenai Forest, Lincoln County

Stage I fire restrictions go into effect Saturday

Stage I fire restrictions that ban campfires and smoking will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday across the Kootenai National Forest, the Libby unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and Lincoln County lands, interagency fire managers announced Friday.

Ruling goes against US sheep experimental station in Idaho

U.S. officials and a sheep industry group have filed notices to appeal a federal court ruling involving an eastern Idaho sheep research facility long targeted by environmental groups concerned about the potential harm to grizzly bears and other wildlife.

Legals for July, 2 2021

Revelers advised to remember vets' PTSD on July 4

Montana's Veterans Administration is asking Fourth of July revelers to think about veterans and the impacts fireworks may have on people with post-traumatic stress disorder before they light a firework.

Michael L. Bird, 73

Michael L. Bird of Pahoa, Hawaii, passed away on July 2, 2020, at home following a long illness.

Independence Day activities run the gamut throughout valley

Kick up some old-fashioned fun this Fourth of July with all the festivities planned around the Flathead Valley. Here's a look at what's happening in and around town.

Tribes say voting access hurt by US Supreme Court ruling

The largest Native American reservation in the U.S. includes parts of three Arizona counties, all of which had different approaches to precinct voting in the 2020 general election.

Acharya, Johnson tied after first 18 of 4th of July golf

Jasi Acharya and Isabella Johnson ended the first day of the 85th Annual Earl Hunt 4th of July Tournament tied for first place, both carding a 72 on the North Course of Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Moving on up: Airport expansion to include Flathead's only escalator

Glacier Park International Airport’s $100 million upgrade, dubbed “the biggest project in the history of the airport” by Airport Director Rob Ratkowski, will include an escalator to move passengers between floors.

Hundreds believed dead in heat wave despite efforts to help

Many of the dead were found alone, in homes without air conditioning or fans. Some were elderly — one as old as 97. The body of an immigrant farm laborer was found in an Oregon nursery.

County accepts COVID aid, OKs preliminary budget

The Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a preliminary operating budget that would reduce county spending by about 2.1%, and voted 2-1 to accept nearly $20.2 million in federal pandemic relief and economic stimulus funds.

Kalispell's Olszewski will challenge Zinke in House primary

Two candidates announced Thursday they are entering the race for the second U.S. House seat that was awarded to Montana earlier this year.

Human remains found near I-90

Huckleberry pickers found human remains near an Interstate 90 rest area in western Montana near the Idaho border that may be those of a couple missing since late 2017, Mineral County officials said Thursday.

Whitefish native reunites with puppy after bear attack in Alaska

A Montana man was reunited with his 14-week-old border collie two days after the dog disappeared following a bear attack on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula.

Montana enters drought emergency as conditions worsen

Gov. Greg Gianforte declared a statewide drought emergency Thursday and asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare all 56 of the state's counties as primary natural disaster areas. The designation would give them more access to federal assistance after the heat wave that stifled the Pacific Northwest moved into Montana.

Northwest lawmakers seek progress on Columbia River Treaty

A bipartisan group of 21 Northwest lawmakers called on President Joe Biden to prioritize a long-running effort to renegotiate a 60-year-old treaty that governs how the United States and Canada share the waters of the Columbia River Basin.

Machinery at Helena car wash severs worker's lower leg

An employee at a car wash in Helena got caught in a piece of machinery that severed his lower leg, Helena fire officials said.

States step up push to regulate pharmacy drug brokers

Under pressure to rein in skyrocketing prescription drug costs, states are targeting companies that serve as conduits for drug manufacturers, health insurers and pharmacies.

Flathead Valley man accused of rape again

A Flathead Valley man accused of rape two years ago is back in jail after law enforcement officials allege he was involved in a similar incident in Missoula County in June.

Children enjoy nature painting program on Whitefish Trail

The temperature and the humidity were on the rise, but that didn’t stop a handful of nature lovers from engaging in one of Whitefish Legacy Partners’ youth events Tuesday morning.

Janet Lorene Pendergrass, 71

The world lost a shining light on June 19, 2021, as Janet Lorene Pendergrass passed away at her home in Powell, Wyoming, surrounded by family

Kalispell moves forward with revised plan for accessory dwellings

The Kalispell City Council is giving accessory dwelling units a second chance.

Matthew Nathan Ross, 39

Matthew Nathan Ross completed his earthly journey June 6, 2021, at the age of 39.

‘Art in the Time of Covid’ showcases two diverse artists

While challenging at times, this past year has been a time of renewal and creation for two artists who also happen to be good friends.

Winterland hosts drive-in movie night in Whitefish

Winterland is kicking off the Fourth of July weekend with a pop-up drive-in at Smith Fields in Whitefish.

God bless the USA

How fortunate we are to live in the USA, Montana and the Flathead Valley.

Law roundup: Crew takes their chaos on the road

A vehicle hit a tree in a yard and rolled over. The driver allegedly said he was OK, but he couldn’t get out of the vehicle. A detention center refused to take the man until he was cleared by medical personnel, so he was taken to the hospital.

Kalispell artist featured at Phillips Studio in July

Kalispell resident Marsha Davis’ new exhibit, "A Slice of Montana," will be featured now through July 31 at Phillips Studio & Gallery in the Kalispell Center Mall.

Legals for July, 1 2021

Volunteers needed for Travis Tritt concert

The following volunteers are needed for the Travis Tritt Concert Saturday, Aug. 1, at Majestic Valley Arena:

Plein air lessons offered at Flathead Lake Biological Station

Join plein air artist Sandra Marker for a fun day of painting or drawing out in the open air on the beautiful 84-acre reserve at the Flathead Lake Biological Station on Yellow Bay.

Barbara 'Kay' Lewis, 64

Barbara “Kay” Lewis (née Bush) of Bigfork, was born Jan. 12, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan.

Mountain Time Arts announces 'Yellowstone Reconsidered'

Mountain Time Arts is hosting the first of many inter-tribal gatherings in response to the 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park next year.

Back Country Horsemen back in the saddle clearing trails

Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead recently completed a work project on the Ousel West No. 338 trail.

COVID clinic volunteers offered free passes to Symphony Night

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale is providing free car passes to Symphony Night at Rebecca Farm to the volunteers and staff of the Flathead City-County Health Department for their service to local communities during the pandemic.

‘Lucky Stiff’ opens July 7

Something funny is going on at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. “Lucky Stiff” the musical is playing live opening Wednesday, July 7.