Thousands flee as LA wildfires burn out of control

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Multiple massive wildfires tore across the Los Angeles area with devastating force early Wednesday as residents made a desperate escape from burning homes through flames, ferocious winds and towering clouds of smoke.

Democrats win in several states on abortion rights and other highlights from Tuesday's elections

None of the races were an up-or-down decision on the incumbent president, Biden. And none featured Trump on the ballot or his ability to turbocharge turnout of infrequent voters.

Democrats win in several states on abortion rights and other highlights from Tuesday's elections

None of the races were an up-or-down decision on the incumbent president, Biden. And none featured Trump on the ballot or his ability to turbocharge turnout of infrequent voters.

Bike rodeos offer 'wheel' fun, safety tips

Two annual bike rodeos are scheduled in the cities of Sandpoint and Ponderay next week.

Supports Gateway bill

As a County Commissioner, I work with residents and businesses navigating the relationship Gateway Communities have with our national parks and our federal lands.

Higbie leads top-ranked Vikings to victory

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Top Dogs fare well at Lakeland tourney

Polson Seniors: Computer scam presentation

Dustin Blush will give a presentation on Computer Scam Awareness April 18. Call for more information. Open to all – younger people as well.

Black Friday shoppers find deals

Prices were dropping faster than the temperature in Kalispell as shoppers filled the parking lots and waited for stores to open on Black Friday.

Gene required for root hair growth, nitrate foraging found in grasses

PULLMAN — Scientists have found a plant gene that drives the growth of root hairs, the tiny structures that help plants find water and nutrients in the soil. Identified by a team led by Washington State University researcher Karen Sanguinet, the gene, dubbed “BUZZ,” causes faster-growing, denser webs of roots and may also determine how plants find and use nitrates, a prime source of nitrogen essential to plant growth. Nitrates are also used in fertilizers that can pollute the environment as runoff, and this genetic discovery could ultimately help plant scientists find ways to grow crops more sustainably. “Nitrate runoff and nitrogen use efficiency are some of the preeminent issues facing agriculture,” said Sanguinet, associate professor in WSU’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. “If you can understand the genetic mechanisms that control nitrate uptake and signaling, as well as how plants can better use nitrate, it’s advantageous for agriculture, soil, water, fertilizer application and the entire nitrogen cycle.”

Wildcats lose overtime thriller to Ronan

It was another tough week for the Wildcats on the basketball court as Columbia Falls dropped a non-conference matchup in Bigfork Thursday before dropping its conference opener in overtime to Ronan at home Friday.

Wrong-way driver causes deadly, fiery crash in Pacific

PACIFIC, Wash. (AP) — Two people were killed in a wrong-way crash that ended up involving seven vehicles along State Route 167 early Wednesday morning in Pacific, Washington, east of Tacoma.

Fur-st time's a charm

Inaugural International Cat Show continues today at the fairgrounds

As a young girl, Teresa Trecker showed horses at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. In many ways, that skill of showmanship stayed with her throughout her life — though it wasn’t horses that she was showing in the Jacklin Building on Saturday.

The Latest: Officials expect worst to come amid storm

Here are the latest developments on tropical weather (all times local):

Minnesota records 24 more COVID-19 deaths, 523 new cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota has recorded 25 more COVID-19 deaths and 523 new confirmed coronavirus cases, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Thursday.

California ski resort changing name, citing offensive word

TAHOE CITY, Calif. (AP) — California’s popular Squaw Valley Ski Resort will change its name because the word “squaw” is a derogatory term for Native American women, officials announced Tuesday. The site was the scene of the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Huskies win second straight CWAC title

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies clinched their second straight Central Washington Athletic Conference title with last week’s win over Ephrata, defeating the Tigers 70-6 in the final dual meet of the season.

Seed prices rise with research costs

MOSES LAKE — Farmers are seeing an increased cost when it comes to seed and seed development is becoming more complex over time. As agriculture integrates technology and sees trends in breeding change, costs are going up to keep things rolling forward. “One of the things that producers used to do to save money was we could, once upon a time, save our own seed,” said Andy Juris, former president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. “We could go buy seed from a seed dealer, and then turn around and save a field of it if it was clean enough, and use it ourselves, which was pretty significant.”

A binge-watching opening weekend in college football

(TNS) — College football has mastered the opening kickoff.

The first weekend presents an abundance of neutral-site marquee matchups — some look like bowl contests — and home-field games that spread across the Labor Day weekend.

"Warm Hearts' aids local homeless

Annual drive seeks donations, new winter clothing

Seeking to push back the cold by spreading warmth and compassion is the annual Warm Hearts Winter Drive. Each year, the community and Umpqua Bank employees team up to help people struggling with access to housing and other basic resources. As part of the drive, more than 5,000 associates and nearly 300 local branches — including the bank's Sandpoint and Ponderay branches — will help mobilize communities to raise money and collect winter clothing for shelters and aid organizations serving those facing homelessness.