Murder trial vacated, man sentenced on amended burglary charge

Legals for January, 15 2026

Mission man sentenced for sexual assault

A St. Ignatius man who admitted to sexually assaulting a person was sentenced in District Court in Polson on Jan. 14 to the Montana State Prison for five years with two years suspended. Paul Vincent Tatto, 74, pleaded guilty Sept. 10 to sexual assault, third offense, felony.

Noland says 'Nasty Nine' thwarted Republican tax agenda

During the 2025 legislative session, the Montana state GOP called out nine “Republican” senators deemed the Nasty Nine and rightfully stated they are not recognized by the Republican Party based on their voting records that supported the liberal agenda.

Drug dealer sentenced to 15 years with DOC

A Pablo woman who admitted to dealing drugs was sentenced in District Court in Polson Jan. 8 to 15 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, 10 years suspended.

Kats rack up key conference wins

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team came away with two key conference wins last week, dropping Ronan at home last Tuesday 63-55 and then Bigfork on the road two nights later, 53-36.

Mavs junior varsity off to undefeated start

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks junior varsity squad (12-0) is off to an undefeated start this season. Head Coach Ryan Carlstrom said team chemistry has played a role in their success this year. “We have two additional juniors on the JV team who were part of the program last year, but for the most part, it's almost the exact same freshman team as last year,” Carlstrom said. “They've had to blend in with this group of players who (have) been playing together for a long time, but they've done nothing but add to this group of players who are a pretty skilled group of kids and hard workers, and they've made my job very easy for the last couple of years.”

Choate to speak at football coaches clinic in Worley

A total of 18 other speakers with NFL and college football coaching experience, including Washington State, Boise State and the University of Idaho, are also expected.

Youth Sports Jan. 14, 2026

Scores, news, photos, from local youth sports teams, leagues.

Olympians redefine success beyond gold medals

Olympians can teach us to redefine what it means to be successful.

School News - Jan. 14, 2026

Looking Back: Whitefish High School nearly loses accreditation

The Whitefish School Board learned that Whitefish High School was “warned” by the Northwest Accreditation Association in that body's annual report for inadequate facilities in science, industrial arts, music, special education, vocational and technical training and faculty workrooms and lounges.

Letter on clean energy

I would like to thank Senators Daines and Sheehy and Representative Zinke for their consideration in addressing energy reforms and protecting our clean energy tax credits.

Legals for January, 14 2026

WA Legislature kicks off session

Budget deficit, ‘millionaires tax’ and affordability crisis at center stage.

OLYMPIA — Washington legislators convened in Olympia last week for the 2026 Legislation Preview, highlighting priorities ahead of the short 60-day session that began Monday.

Inflation cooled slightly in December though it remains above Fed's target

Signs that inflation is cooling could make it more likely that the Federal Reserve will reduce its key interest rate later this year, which could translate into lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. Even so, the large price increases in recent years for necessities such as groceries, rent, and utilities have left many American households feeling squeezed, turning “affordability” issues into high-profile political concerns. Food prices have jumped about 25% since the pandemic.

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Sam Darnold bandwagon is filling up quickly

Cowherd: “The other team had Russell Wilson, who wasn’t really a unifier. He and Pete Carroll never really saw eye-to-eye, and that is the difference. “Everybody in that building loves Sam Darnold. Everybody in San Francisco, USC, Minnesota loves Sam Darnold.

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Ballard wins 200 fly in 167-133 dual win over Hawaii

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Ballard wins 200 fly in 167-133 dual win over Hawaii

‘Nasty Nine’ work with liberal Democrats

During the legislative session, the Montana state GOP called out nine Republican senators deemed the “Nasty Nine” and rightfully stated they are not recognized by the Republican Party based on their voting records that supported the liberal agenda.

Washington average fuel cost under $4 for 4 weeks

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices decreased nationally, in Washington state and Grant County. However, Adams County saw a slight increase of one cent this week.