Car exchange program keeps families on the road

Car exchange program keeps families on the road

Transportation is a critical need for low-income individuals and families in Kootenai County, but many people lack the resources to buy a reliable vehicle.

Robert Gauthier, 75

Robert Leroy Gauthier, 75 of Ronan, passed away surrounded by his family on Feb. 8, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. At Bob’s request, a memorial service will be held later in the spring and has been scheduled for May 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Salish Kootenai College, Joe McDonald Center.

The Dude abides (in the Flathead Valley)

Sitting against the back wall, dark sunglasses on despite the dim lighting, Joel Welle is eyeing a plate of nachos on the table in front of him.

Legals for February, 17 2025

SCHOOL CHOICE: Representative, please vote no

I am urging the Idaho House to vote NO to HB93. Idaho’s public schools are not fully funded; can we please fund our existing public schools first before considering vouchers or a tax credit?

Legals for February, 15 2025

Lawmakers debate Republican income tax relief proposals

Two proposals by GOP leaders in legislature would expand the lower tax bracket to encompass middle class, while governor continues touting ‘historic’ top-down approach.

Troy man sentenced in West Kootenai road rage incident

Reid’s case began at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, according to...

SCHOOL CHOICE: No logical explanation

Once again the legislature is in session and pushing to provide public money for private schools. They can call it anything they want, but that is what it does. House Bill 93 easily passed this week with the support of nine of the 10 area House members. I will not be surprised when the local Senators vote to support it as well.

Grocery tax credit increase moves forward to Idaho House

A bill that would increase the grocery tax credit to $155 a person is headed to the House floor after a unanimous vote Thursday.

Legals for February, 14 2025

Dorothy Eleanor Byrd, 89

Dorothy Eleanor Byrd, 89, of Columbia Falls, passed away Feb. 10, 2025.

Dianna Lynn Giddeon, 77

Dianna Lynn Giddeon, 77, of Whitefish, passed away peacefully on the evening of Feb. 5, 2025.

Lawmakers debate Republican income tax relief proposals

The middle class is often a forgotten segment of the population, says Sen. Mike Yakawich, a Billings Republican.

Vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is confirmed as Trump's health chief after a close Senate vote

Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who had polio as a child, was the only “no” vote among Republicans, mirroring his stands against Trump's picks for the Pentagon chief and director of national intelligence.

Soap Lake council members earn certifications

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council Member Susan Carson recently earned a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities, a program designed to enhance the skills and effectiveness of elected officials across the state, according to an announcement from Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp. Carson and other city leaders have completed extensive training in key areas essential to effective municipal leadership.

Whose choice is it really?

A few weeks back, I mentioned that funding of private schools with public money would be a significant policy question this legislative session. With five proposals so far, and potentially more to come, the “school choice” debate is now in full swing. I will share some details here to hopefully provide some flavor for the politics of the situation.

Legals for February, 13 2025

Mika Matters: Hearing paints vivid portrait of Mika Westwolf

Pain, sorrow, fury, love and, in some cases, forgiveness, coursed through the courtroom at the Lake County Courthouse during last Friday’s sentencing hearing for Sunny White. As did a recurring plea for justice – not only for Mika Westwolf, but for other Native people who have been treated unfairly by the justice system.

A-N-O-M-A-L-Y: Winners flummoxed by spelling bee outcome

The lone participant in last Thursday’s Lake County Spelling Bee who was not eligible for the state contest was also the only speller with a perfect record: Heidi Huber of Bigfork.