Scuba-diving enthusiasts help others take the plunge

With scuba shops in Kalispell and Helena, Glen and Karen McKinnon are spreading their love of the underwater world throughout Montana.

Charges dropped in Florida shopper confrontation over mask

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Felony charges have been dropped against a Florida man who pointed a gun at another Walmart shopper in a dispute over not wearing a mask, authorities said.

Sheriff's Blotter

Notable calls

Tree permits available from Forest Service

Christmas tree permits from the Flathead National Forest are available for $5 at Forest Service offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse, and Bigfork or from a variety of vendors across the valley.

Foodie friends

KEITH BOE has a passion for the art of the plate.

Canyon's store needs

To the editor,

Canyon's store needs

To the editor,

New Whitefish thrift store opens doors

Holly Behm and Crystal Donovan have always enjoyed hunting through thrift stores looking for a great buy. For years they talked about opening a store of their own, but it was the death of a friend that made them realize it was time.

BUSINESS: Dump this act

Competition is not a dirty word. Competition works.

Swiss apologize for encounter Oprah calls racist

Boutique clerk refused to show $38K handbag

GENEVA - It's a glamorous playground of the rich and famous, filled with glitterati from princes to movie stars. It's also a land with a sometimes uneasy relationship with foreigners - especially when they aren't white.

AP PHOTOS: Virus haunts the destitute living on the margins

In a housing complex in the Moroccan city of Sale, over 900 people live in crowded rooms without running water or an income to support them. While the North African country entered total lockdown in mid-March, self-isolation and social distancing are a luxury that families in this complex cannot afford.

Pollywogs gives away maternity clothes

Echo Lake’s consignment store, Pollywogs, is giving away their maternity clothes for free in an effort to downsize their inventory and to help expectant mothers in the community.

Hackers expose millions on cheating site Ashley Madison

LONDON - Hackers say they have exposed unfaithful partners across the world, posting what they said were the personal details of millions of people registered with cheating website Ashley Madison.

Another busy year for EPA cleanup projects

Feds spending $35M on Silver Valley work this summer

COEUR d'ALENE - Federal officials plan to spend $35 million this spring and summer in the Silver Valley doing cleanup of historic mining waste and pollution.

Chain of Lakes residents speak against Happy's RV subdivision

The meeting room in the Lincoln County Courthouse is typically lucky to see more than a few residents, but at the Wednesday, Aug. 10 hearing, there weren’t enough chairs for those who shared their thoughts on the plan.

Top Tech Gift Ideas for the Holidays

(Family Features) If you find your search for the perfect tech gift in today’s ever-changing landscape daunting, take heart: the experts at

Another Boutique on the Boardwalk

Business Bits

Offering a personal touch for women's attire and accessories, Boardwalk Boutique has opened a second store in Coeur d'Alene at the Plaza Shops downtown. The first here opened in Riverstone in 2008, and owners Rachel Stippich and Anne Bonar have had a store in Bonners Ferry since 1982.

DEQ cleanup a year away for Troy area

By ROGER MORRIS Western News Publisher

Whitefish says ice-cream mural violates sign law

By LYNNETTE HINTZE/Daily Inter Lake

Local campgrounds fill up as summer arrives

Having a camper, trailer, RV or motorhome has always given people freedom to go when they want and stay where they want to, up until the summer of 2023.