US employment remains strong, 145,000 jobs added in December

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added 145,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate held steady at 3.5%, signaling that the job market remains strong at the start of 2020 even if hiring and wage gains have slowed somewhat more than a decade into an economic expansion.

Cody Hunter Sorenson, 24

Cody Hunter Sorenson, 24, a native of Columbia Falls, was born on a beautiful Monday, the 29th of March, 1999.

Biden vows to unify and save country; Trump hits Midwest

WARM SPRINGS, Ga. (AP) — Joe Biden traveled Tuesday to the hot springs town where Franklin Delano Roosevelt coped with polio to declare the U.S. is not too politically diseased to overcome its health and economic crises, pledging to be the unifying force who can "restore our soul and save this country.”

Miles of memories on Gunsight Pass trail

It was a treasure of mountain peaks, meadows, streams, rivers, waterfalls and wildflowers. It seemed every time we rounded a turn, broke out into the open, we were greeted with yet another stunning scene, new terrain, new grounds to navigate.

Donations assist Housing Whitefish program

The contribution will be further amplified by a $15,000 match from various Foley Family businesses in Whitefish.

Montenegro PM, Serbian church bishop meet on religious law

PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro's prime minister on Friday met with the top Serbian Orthodox Church bishop in the country in a bid to defuse tensions over a contentious law on religious rights.

Mental health incidents challenge jail staff

Deputies prioritize de-escalation when situations arise

Resources are strained at the Kootenai County jail as staff deal with inmates experiencing mental health episodes that are often related to drug use.

COVID concerns complicate volleyball postseason scenerios

Mission Valley area volleyball teams will embark upon postseason play this week with four conference tournaments utilizing three different formats.

Girls basketball: Whitefish spills Stevensville

MISSOULA — Haley Nicholson broke loose for 14 points and Dani Douglas helped out with 12 as Whitefish dumped Stevensville 40-34 at the girls Northwest and Southwest Class A Tip-Off Classic basketball tournament Friday afternoon at the University of Montana.

Tax law experts see 'strong' case against Trump Org. CFO

Companies give perks to their employees all the time. Many top executives at Fortune 500 companies have access to a corporate jet for personal use, a company apartment, or an expense account for fancy meals. Even lower-level employees regularly get access to perks like tuition reimbursement or cash to join a gym.

FAST FIVE Jeff Harris' path to sweet success

Meet Jeff Harris, founder of Bombshell Sweets in Hayden. Success often follows an unexpected path, and for Jeff, the road to founding Bombshell Sweets — now a leading name in gourmet cotton candy — was anything but conventional.

Biden vows to unify and save country; Trump hits Midwest

WARM SPRINGS, Ga. (AP) — Joe Biden traveled Tuesday to the hot springs town where Franklin Delano Roosevelt coped with polio to declare the U.S. is not too politically diseased to overcome its health and economic crises, pledging to be the unifying force who can "restore our soul and save this country.”

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River meeting

Columbia Falls property rezone goes before county planning board for vote

The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday is set to vote on a request for a zone change for 12 acres in Columbia Heights.

City looks to partner with skateboarders on grant

The Columbia Falls city council Monday night approved an application for a federal grant that would help finance a skatepark in the city.

Rockford Building converted to studios

A 67-year-old downtown building that housed several businesses over the years has been completely remodeled and is now home to 10 working studios known as the Rockford Building.

Jeanne Renee Young, 81

In the early morning of December 8, 2023, Jeanne Renee Young passed peacefully in her sleep in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

La.-Lafeyette, Ga. Southern meet in conference play

Louisiana-Lafayette (7-10, 2-4) vs. Georgia Southern (10-7, 4-2)

Roundtable focuses on houseless issue, business protection

Interim Polson Police Chief George Simpson gathered with Main Street business owners at City Hall last Friday morning to discuss strategies for handling a growing houseless population in the community, and its impact on their establishments.

Judge: Show evidence to Iowa reporter arrested at protest

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A judge has ruled that prosecutors must turn over body-camera footage and other material to a Des Moines Register reporter who was arrested while covering a protest in May.