Jobless rate declines

POST FALLS - Kootenai County's unemployment rate dropped to 4.3 percent in September - the lowest the number has been since December 2007, according to a report released Friday by the Idaho Department of Labor.

U.S. service firms grow at fastest pace since August

Service-sector index rises to 55.2 from 53.1 in March

Jobless rate pinches employers

POST FALLS — Kootenai County's employment picture is like a reflector toy from a Cracker Jack box.

Montanans deserve tax relief

With Montana having the 13th highest marginal income tax rate of all 50 states, it is clear that Montanans deserve tax relief. But when Gov. Gianforte said he wants to reduce the tax burden, opponents began making false claims about the 2012 Kansas tax plan to derail tax relief.

Suggestions for rethinking how to brand Kalispell

This week I had the opportunity to speak to the retiring and new members of Kalispell’s Business Improve-ment District at their monthly board meeting. My comments were to provide my perspective and thoughts going forward regarding the board’s actions.

Kalispell Chamber luncheon highlights tourism industry

Tourism is a booming industry in Montana and the Flathead Valley has grabbed a bigger slice of the pie in recent years.

Ness outlines ITD overhaul

Fewer managers, less red tape and more boots on ground

SANDPOINT — Idaho Transportation Department Director Brian Ness outlined a realignment of the agency Monday that aims to improve customer service, efficiency and accountability.

Deceit leads to distrust

There's no more poisonous word than "distrust" when it comes to the relationships between voters and the people they elect to represent them.

A tale of two housing markets

In U.S., huge homes selling; others languish

In America, it's starting to feel as if there are two housing markets. One for the rich and one for everyone else.

Small business is king

In Idaho, “small” packs a mighty big punch.

Kalispell Chamber puts focus on jobs

National ‘Dream Big’ campaign lauds free enterprise

Members of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce pledged Wednesday to make job stimulation and retention its main priorities in 2010.

Tester says stimulus put people back to work

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., believes misperceptions persist about the federal stimulus spending and the health care reform, and he discussed soon-to-expire tax cuts along with some of his recent votes during a stop Friday in Kalispell.

In my View

We Must Move Forward Together

City wins $250K High 5 grant

The city of Bonners Ferry, announced Tuesday that they were the recipitants of the $250,000 High 5 Community Transformation Grant and will now look into where the funds will be utilized best.

Krueger steps into role as commissioner

With a call for changes to zoning regulations and an eye out for prudent spending, Gary Krueger plans to take on the task of being Flathead County’s new District 3 commissioner.

State legislative session off to a good start

Both President Obama and his Congressional adversaries have shown themselves to be better at making tough talk to each other than making the tough choices necessary for the country. Their response to the so-called “fiscal cliff” did not involve a single tough decision and actually increased the national debt.

Things are looking up in the 2013 legislative session

Both President Obama and his Congressional adversaries have shown themselves to be better at making tough talk to each other than making the tough choices necessary for the country. Their response to the so-called “fiscal cliff” did not involve a single tough decision and actually increased the national debt.

Comparing the Legislature to Congress

Both President Obama and his Congressional adversaries have shown themselves to be better at making tough talk to each other than making the tough choices necessary for the country. Their response to the so-called “fiscal cliff” did not involve a single tough decision and actually increased the national debt.

Things are looking up for legislative session

Both President Obama and his Congressional adversaries have shown themselves to be better at making tough talk to each other than making the tough choices necessary for the country. Their response to the so-called “fiscal cliff” did not involve a single tough decision and actually increased the national debt.

Access to world markets will keep Montana energy producers growing

Last year, America produced 84 percent of the energy we consumed, the highest level since 1987. Our net energy imports (measured in terms of energy content) are at a 26-year low.