February 2, 2016

New Sportsman’s Bridge fishing access site now open

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) opened the new Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site (FAS) on the west side of the Flathead River near Bigfork Aug. 2.

Michigan expects 257,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses initially

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan expects to receive about 257,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines initially if the federal government authorizes them for emergency use this month, enough to immunize roughly 128,000 residents, a top doctor said Thursday.

Michigan expects 257,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses initially

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan expects to receive about 257,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines initially if the federal government authorizes them for emergency use this month, enough to immunize roughly 128,000 residents, a top doctor said Thursday.

Pennsylvania lawmakers wrestle anew with major gambling bill

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Top Republicans in Pennsylvania's state Senate are pressing sweeping gambling legislation that would allow slot machine-like terminals in thousands of bars, restaurants, nonprofit social clubs and other businesses that hold liquor licenses.

Try stuffing these gift ideas in Santa's sleigh

Economic development, supermodels top intangible wish list

Get through hard chores with these simple tips

As most of you know I’m constantly experimenting with different things to make my life easier:  Below are a few tips that I think you will find beneficial:

Bigfork student places first in writing contest

Students from Bigfork, Bozeman, and Kalispell took top honors in this year's Montana Letters About Literature writing contest. Judges selected the winning entries in three different age categories out of more than 650 submissions.

Mae Vanette Casey

Mae Vanette Casey passed away on Jan. 15, 2016 at Riverview Care Center in Spokane WA at the age of 90. Mae was born on Dec. 25, 1925 to Charles and Cora Secrist in Bonners Ferry, ID. She joined a brother, Wesley. Her mother passed away in 1930 and her father remarried Margaret Fortier. She gained a step-brother, Harry, and later two half-brothers, Chuck and Joe, and a half-sister, Karen. Mae was raised in Bonners Ferry, spending some of her youth in Troy and near Yaak, MT with her maternal grandparents, aunts and uncles. She graduated from BFHS. In 1944 she met her husband Harold “Dean” Casey. They had two children, Marjorie Mae and Gary Dean. Mae began working for the J.C. Penney Co. while still in high school and eventually became the store bookkeeper. She retired in 1984 as catalog manager after 33 years of employment. One of her favorite stories was of meeting “Mr. J.C. Penney himself” who she described as a very nice gentleman. After retiring, Mae became active in volunteer work at the Community Hospital and with the local senior assist tax program. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Penney’s Bowling League. She enjoyed her friends, family trips to Priest Lake and outings to the family property on the Moyie River. She was always up for an adventure especially if it involved her children or grandchildren. Love and support of her family was always her top priority. Mae was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three of her siblings. She is survived by a daughter, Marjorie, Libby, MT; a son, Gary (Beverly), Spokane, WA; and her grandchildren, Deanna Purdy (Craig), Shannon Hughes (Jeff), Matthew Mercer, Robert Casey (Dianna), Debra Olson, (Tim), & Kevin Casey; a step-grandson, Brian Kratofil (Misty); her great-grandchildren, Justin Purdy, Megan Purdy, Elijah Olson, Sofie Olson, and Nathan Mercer; step-great-grandchildren, Dylan and Kendall Kratofil; her half-sister, Karen Hanly; and her sister-in-law, Carole Skeen. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 1:45 pm at Grandview Cemetery in Bonners Ferry, ID. Memorial donations can be made to Riverview Care Center. Contact 509-483-6483 if interested.

Price gouging? Better believe it

Reports of price gouging have increased 279% since January, according to the latest statistics from the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

Olga Luella Syneva (Lou) Priddy Krantz Williams

Olga Luella Syneva (Lou) Priddy Krantz Williams, 79, of Ronan, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, at Heritage Place, of natural causes in the arms of her daughter. She was born October 9, 1933, in Dixon, to RW “Buster” Priddy and Mae Olson Priddy.  Lou grew up on the family ranch in Dixon, and was educated and graduated from Dixon School. On February 2, 1952, Lou married John F. Krantz and the couple lived in the Mission Valley, until ultimately settling in the Round Butte area.  After a divorce, she settled in Columbia Falls and Kalispell area for a time.  On October 18, 1981, Lou married Leslie Williams and they lived in the Pablo area until his death in 1988 when Lou moved to Ronan.  Lou worked at various bookkeeping jobs throughout her life and her last job was at the WalMart store in Polson. Lou was always on the move.  She loved to bowl, swim, garden, read and travel.  For years she enjoyed traveling to spend the winter in Florida with her daughter, Barbara and grandson, Gordon.   On one of her last trips to Florida, Lou drove cross country from Montana to Florida and stayed for 6 months and then drove back to Montana.  Lou was always ready for a traveling adventure. Survivors include: her children and siblings: one daughter, Barbara Markham of Florida; John (Mindy) Krantz; Mark Krantz of Ronan and Jay (LouAnne) Krantz of Polson.  She also leaves behind two grandsons: Gordon and Logan; six granddaughters:  Marki,  Addie,  Skyla,  Lanie,  Erin and Julie; also, six  great-grandchildren.  Siblings include: Edeline (Ted) Davis, Carrie Priddy, Ed (Charlotte) Priddy, Mike (Bunky) Priddy, Patti (Pat) Marmon. Funeral services were held on Monday, May 27 at the United Methodist Church at the top of Post Creek Hill with a reception following.  A graveside service was held at the City of Missoula Cemetery on Tuesday, May 28. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local charity. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Bigfork student places first in writing contest

Students from Bigfork, Bozeman, and Kalispell took top honors in this year's Montana Letters About Literature writing contest. Judges selected the winning entries in three different age categories out of more than 650 submissions.

Bigfork student places first in writing contest

Students from Bigfork, Bozeman, and Kalispell took top honors in this year's Montana Letters About Literature writing contest. Judges selected the winning entries in three different age categories out of more than 650 submissions.

Asian stock markets retreat after surge on China tariff cut

Asian stock markets retreated Friday following a surge after China announced a tariff cut on U.S. imports.

Letting go of being No. 1, Katy Perry finds her 'Smile'

NEW YORK (AP) — A decade ago, Katy Perry could sing the alphabet and top the music charts.

Letting go of being No. 1, Katy Perry finds her 'Smile'

NEW YORK (AP) — A decade ago, Katy Perry could sing the alphabet and top the music charts.

Letting go of being No. 1, Katy Perry finds her 'Smile'

NEW YORK (AP) — A decade ago, Katy Perry could sing the alphabet and top the music charts.

Letting go of being No. 1, Katy Perry finds her 'Smile'

NEW YORK (AP) — A decade ago, Katy Perry could sing the alphabet and top the music charts.

Letting go of being No. 1, Katy Perry finds her 'Smile'

NEW YORK (AP) — A decade ago, Katy Perry could sing the alphabet and top the music charts.

Biden's Cabinet half-empty after slow start in confirmations

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s Cabinet is taking shape at the slowest pace of any in modern history, with just over a dozen nominees for top posts confirmed more than a month into his tenure.