Pension funds likely not a big issue for legislators

Shoring up pension funds for state and local government employees and teachers won’t be a high-priority task for legislators this session as it was two years ago.

May unemployment rate unchanged at 3.7 percent

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 3.7 percent in May, unchanged from April.

A great start for local students

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Plum Creek manufacturing, access, unaffected by merger; but some cedar palace jobs could move

As Plum Creek merges with Weyerhaueser in the coming weeks, staff at the company’s Columbia Falls “cedar palace” offices could face an uncertain future, but workers at the manufacturing facilities will retain their positions and the plants will continue to operate, the company announced.

A Columbia Falls success story

It’s no secret the economic fabric of Columbia Falls has changed over the past number of years. For decades the city reigned as the industrial hub of the Flathead Valley with good-paying jobs in both the aluminum and wood-products industries.

Open house looks at future of south Kalispell

Residents scribbled on survey sheets and mingled with architects at an open house Tuesday to give their take on the development of south Kalispell along the U.S. 93 corridor. 

Chamber poll finds brighter business outlook

A survey by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce found what appears to be a decent business climate this summer.

Piercing school number puzzle

It’s a numbers game in Kalispell Public Schools — a numbers game that is hard to keep up with.

House passes North Fork Protection Act

The North Fork Watershed Protection Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Steve Daines, R-Mont., passed the House Tuesday evening and Montana’s Democratic senators are urging their colleagues to do the same.

Flathead jobless rate improves

Timber company turns it around

Plum Creek Timber Co. offered a recession-weary Flathead Valley some encouraging news last week when company officials noted its manufacturing facilities here are beginning to stabilize after a rough couple of years.

Panel kills hospital tax measure

Montana tourism grant goes to global conservation group

Montana’s office of tourism does a lot of good things.

Renewable energy and agriculture reduce carbon footprint in Central Washington

Last week, the House voted on legislation that would force the President to participate in the Paris Climate Agreement to reduce carbon emissions in the United States and the world. On the surface, this bill paints a pretty picture: reducing our carbon footprint. However, this federally-mandated top-down approach will not help advance that goal.

120 new jobs at BMW/SGL production building

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake will soon be home to the world's largest carbon fiber manufacturing plant.

New Spotted Bear District Ranger has a full plate

When Adam LaDell started as the new Spotted Bear District Ranger last fall, he said he spent most of his time doing paperwork and getting things organized. He didn’t get out on the trails and rivers the district is renowned for.

Large cruises banned in Canada at least until Oct. 31

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Large cruise ships will continue to be prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until at least Oct. 31 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the country's transport minister announced Friday.

Opportunity Lost in Post Falls

Back in February, the Press reported on something called the “Opportunity Zone” in Post Falls, a stretch of development-ready properties along the south side of I-90 from Spokane Street east to Highway 41. It was described as encompassing “residential, commercial, and park lands.” Three months later, it looks more like a case of Opportunity Lost. One of several such cases in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and the surrounding county.

Large cruises banned in Canada at least until Oct. 31

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Large cruise ships will continue to be prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until at least Oct. 31 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the country's transport minister announced Friday.

Large cruises banned in Canada at least until Oct. 31

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Large cruise ships will continue to be prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until at least Oct. 31 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the country's transport minister announced Friday.