The Year in Review, Part 1

Join The Western News in looking back at the first quarter of 2022.

LETTER: Another Hero Passes

My respect for Ed Pommerening began back when he became a school board member, and attended all meetings fresh from his job, work clothes and all.

HAYDEN: Proud of 2022; hopeful for 2023

City Council looks back on major accomplishments and ahead at to-do list

Hayden Mayor Scott Forssell and Hayden City Council members believe their biggest success for 2022 was getting a law enforcement levy on the November ballot, where it eventually passed.

Avoid falling prey to employment scams

Idaho Department of Finance issues consumer alert

The Idaho Department of Finance is warning jobseekers to be aware of employment scam red flags in light of a recent consumer complaint the department received and the continued prevalence of these scams nationwide.

Ready, set … jump into 2023

Hundreds show up for chilly tradition

More than 180 people took Boy Scout Troop 111 up on its invitation to come jump into Lake Pend Oreille for its annual Polar Bear Plunge. People even turned out before the 11 a.m. start, with the Sandpoint troop kicking off the plunge earlier to accommodate them, Troop 111 scoutmaster Phil Voelz said.

Legals for January, 3 2023

Budget, abortion and housing emerge as key issues in state Legislature

As Montana’s 68th Legislature gets underway, members appear poised to address regulations surrounding abortion, the state’s housing crisis and a massive budget surplus.

Through civility, legislators can find meaningful solutions

As I sat with friends and family around the table for Christmas Eve dinner, a question was posed to me, “What is the greatest challenge facing our country today?” For me, the answer was simple – civility.

World markets mixed after S&P 500 ends worst year since 2008

Shares began the year mixed, with European benchmarks opening higher on Monday after a lackluster session for the few Asian markets not closed for New Year holidays. U.S. markets are also closed.

Whitefish Council looks at mortgage for golf course remodel

Council meets on Tuesday because of the New Year holiday. City Council meets at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall, 418 E. Second St.

Trump's tax returns released after long fight with Congress

Trump paid $641,931 in federal income taxes in 2015

Suspected thief admits to stealing SUV, sodas

Barah Zebariah Wood, 23, pleaded guilty to amended misdemeanor charges in the latter case and felony theft in the former at a Dec. 15 hearing before Judge Heidi Ulbricht.

Applications for US unemployment aid rose slightly last week

So far, the level of jobless claims remains quite low, evidence that Americans are enjoying a high degree of job security

Celebrating adoption in Idaho

Adoption provides opportunities to turn heartbreak into love and growth for Idaho children in need of a loving home and the families who are blessed with their additions. According to the Children’s Bureau, an office within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 353 children were adopted from foster care in Idaho in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. Idaho children awaiting adoption, including those who have been abandoned and abused, have often overcome difficult experiences. Their resilience is admirable, along with the compassion and giving spirits of Idaho’s adoptive families.

Avoid falling prey to employment scams

Idaho Department of Finance issues consumer alert

The Idaho Department of Finance is warning jobseekers to be aware of employment scam red flags in light of a recent consumer complaint the department received and the continued prevalence of these scams nationwide.

Stick to the actual facts on climate change

In Jack DeBaun’s letter (Daily Bee, Dec. 4), he stated: “In everyday parlance, ‘theory’ commonly means an untested hunch or guess without supporting evidence. But in science, a theory has the opposite meaning. An established scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world based on an abundance of factual evidence. A scientific theory differs from a scientific fact in that a theory explains ‘why’ or ‘how’; a fact is a simple, basic observation. The theory of gravity explains the fact apples fall from trees.”

Legals for December, 29 2022

Legislative Outlook: Senators weigh in

Senators Greg Hertz of Polson and Dan Salomon of Ronan return to Helena next Monday when the 68th session of the Montana Legislature convenes.

After a strong year, local tourism industry prepares for challenges ahead

Tourism remained strong in the Flathead Valley this year following a bounce back from Covid but industry leaders remain nervous that a possible economic recession could trigger a slowdown in 2023.

Rotary thanks

For 12 years, Brunch with Santa was one of the most anticipated Christmas events and the biggest fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Columbia Falls. Then came Covid and the event was canceled for two years.