The Kalispell Police and Flathead County Sheriff’s reports for Wednesday and Thursday morning included the following: 7:49 a.m. Four to seven mailboxes were brutally knocked off their posts in Creston. 8:15 a.m. A woman who didn’t want to be bothered or answer the door to a man knocking, called the Sheriff’s Department after he pounded […]

Good morning. Happy International Credit Union Day. It’s also Get Smart About Credit Day. Seriously. I can’t decide which one to celebrate. Dapper Dan Testa is on assignment this morning, so, once again, I’m filling in on the buffet line. We visit with the father of two children who were kidnapped by their mother in […]

We are so thankful for the prayers and support of the community following the death of our son, Jeffrey Bowman. Our loss is devastating, but our faith, and your kindness, have kept us on our feet. About ten days ago, we learned that the Bigfork School District had completed their investigation and was planning to […]

MISSOULA (AP) – The Bigfork school board is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss releasing a report on the collapse of a football player who died a week later. Attorney Charles E. McNeil of Missoula, who is representing the school district, said the board also would consider a request from Jeffrey Bowman’s parents to see […]

By the time the rain let up at Legends Field, Kalispell was two hours into a new era – the era of the cross-town football rivalry. Flathead High and Glacier High are now one game into what is clearly – for anyone who attended the Braves’ 49-13 win over the Wolfpack on Oct. 12 – […]

As presidential candidates tout their cures for healthcare woes and the financial fate of a Congressional program to expand children’s health insurance hangs between veto and override, the costs and rewards of national health insurance programs are difficult to weigh beyond political posturing. But at the local healthcare level, Kalispell Regional Medical Center can put […]

WASHINGTON (AP) – Montana’s congressional delegation expressed disappointment Thursday that Congress was unable to override President Bush’s veto of an effort to expand a popular children’s health insurance program. U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., was a lead sponsor of the bill. In a statement, he vowed to continue fighting for the State Children’s Health Insurance […]

“There are things in these woods,” agonizes Travis, “and they are as real as you and me. And they are taking people!” Travis speaks of Bigfoot – the legendary monster of the mountains. It’s a legend retold with suspenseful twists in the local-made film “Paper Dolls,” one of 500 movies submitted to the annual international […]

HELENA (AP) – Montana officials are encouraging families to keep applying for a children’s health insurance program despite its uncertain fate in Congress. Democrats in Congress are currently working to override President Bush’s veto of legislation expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, known in Montana as CHIP. A vote in the U.S. House is […]

Late last spring, a new business came to town. The business has a competitor in every town in the valley. When they opened, the obvious question had to be “Why do we need another one?” Doesn’t matter. The question is irrelevant. Even if the existing competitors are the best in the world, is there no […]

The Kalispell Police and Flathead County Sheriff’s reports for Tuesday included the following: 8:29 a.m. A dispute between a homeowner and a contractor resulted in one of them poking the other one in the chest. 10:57 a.m. A Kila man claimed that someone stole his truck title out of his mailbox. 10:58 a.m. Someone staying […]

Good morning and happy Mulligan Day. If you’ve screwed something up, today is your chance to take a mulligan and try it again. It’s a rainy morning in the Flathead and the new Beacons are on the stands. Our issue this week examines the issues and candidates in next month’s city council elections. My story […]

Several city council seats are up for grabs in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls in November. Sure, city council elections aren’t nearly as sexy as campaigns for president, Congress, or even the state Legislature. There’s little in the way of debate, expensive suits, flashy posters or vaguely inspirational campaign theme songs. But Election Day is […]

The Whitefish city council and mayoral candidates were asked the following three questions: 1. What separates you from other candidates? 2. What is your view of the Critical Areas Ordinance? 3. What is another key issue facing Whitefish and why is it important? WHITEFISH MAYORAL CANDIDATES Name: Cris Coughlin (current mayor) Age: 48 Occupation: Owner/Manager […]

Struggling through stagnant days of anticipation has become the norm for Shawn Hargrove since his children, Indigo, 11, and Donovan, 5, were kidnapped by their mother Valerie Dunkle in March. Hope comes in bursts: a ringing cell phone, a tip from Seattle, a supposed Carolina Beach sighting. Those are the best moments. But the worst […]