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County officially takes over Columbia Falls' doughnut
The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday unanimously voted in favor of interim zoning for the former doughnut of properties around the city of Columbia Falls.The zoning largely mirrors what was already in place when the city had jurisdiction of the area.The county over the next several months will then look to make the zoning regulations permanent and adhere to county codes.The city lost its doughnut, a 1-to 2-mile area around the city where it had planning jurisdiction, following changes to state law.County planner Erik Mack said the county will hold a few public workshops in September and October to discuss...
Police chase in Flathead Co. ends in arrest on drug charges, DUI, criminal endangerment, etc.
KALISPELL, Mont. - On June 29th, around 11:30 pm, Flathead County Sheriff Deputies attempted a traffic stop on Highway 2 near River Road in Evergreen. The vehicle, observed without taillights or headlights, fled when deputies approached, driving onto sidewalks and nearly striking parked cars. The suspect vehicle, driving in the...
Kalispell Man Arrested Following Vehicle Pursuit
A 34-year-old Kalispell man on June 29 was arrested after leading law enforcement on a pursuit that began on U.S. Highway 2 near River Road in Evergreen and ended on Kelley Road in Kalispell, according to a Flathead County Sheriff’s Office press release. Derek Bruce Bigman was booked in...
Body of missing boater recovered
After nearly five days, divers from Missoula and Flathead County recovered the body of 36-year-old Chad Hansen of Missoula from Flathead Lake. According to a press release from the Lake County Sheriff, his body was located just north of the Narrows, an area north of Polson Bay in about 75 feet of water. Search efforts consisted of multiple rescue teams, as well as technologies from around the region, including underwater drones. Hansen had been missing since Friday, June 28, at about 9:41 p.m. when witnesses first reported that he had become separated from his motorboat in the same area where...
Bigfork library temporarily closes for move to new building
The Bigfork branch of Flathead County Library will be closed for a month while staff move into their new Bridge Street building. A release from Flathead County Library on Monday said the Bigfork branch, currently located inside the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center, will be closed starting July 6. At a recent Flathead County Library Board meeting, trustees approved a closure for the branch that will run until Aug. 6. Library Director Teri Dugan said the next four weeks will be busy for staff as they move materials and equipment into the new library building. The last day to pick up holds or return library books at the current Bigfork library location is July 5. After that date, patrons can pick up holds at other Flathead County library locations until the new Bigfork library opens. The Bigfork branch will reopen in August at the newly remodeled building located at 186 Bridge St. Officials encouraged library patrons to keep tabs on the Flathead County Library website at imagineiflibraries.org and the library’s social media accounts for updates on a grand opening celebration.
Law roundup: Camaro is too fast, too furious
A Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputy reportedly witnessed a Camaro do a burnout, lose control and hit a post at an oil change business in Kalispell. The driver was ticketed and released. A man called from Bigfork to express his anger about reckless drivers and rant about people revving their engines, alleging that no one was doing anything about it. He was irate because no one seemed to care. He said he planned to hire a private detective. A Kalispell parent allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at his son, who threatened to kill him. The parent said he...
Legals for July, 4 2024
NO. 30491 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE To be sold for cash at a Trustee’s Sale on October 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the East door of the Flathead County Justice Center, 920 South Main Street, Kalispell, MT, the following described real property situated in Flathead County, State of Montana: Lot 7 and 8 of Block 142 of Kalispell, Montana, according to the map or plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Flathead County, Montana. More commonly known as 1128 1st Avenue East, Kalispell, MT 59901. Ivanna R. Fritz and Kirk M. Fritz, as...
Kalispell, Flathead Co. law enforcement to increase patrols over 4th of July weekend
KALISPELL, Mont. — Law enforcement agencies in Kalispell and Flathead County will increase patrols during the Fourth of July weekend. The Fourth of July falls into the 100 Deadliest Days, which is the period with the most traffic fatalities and crashes nationwide. Officials encourage Montanans to plan for a...
County officially takes over Columbia Falls doughnut
By CHRIS PETERSONHungry Horse NewsThe Flathead County Commissioners Thursday unanimously voted in favor of interim zoning for the former “doughnut” of lands around the city of Columbia Falls.The zoning largely mirrors what was already in place when the city had jurisdiction of the area.The county over the next several months will then look to make the zoning regulations permanent and adhere to county codes.The city lost its “doughnut,” a 1-to 2-mile area around the city where it had planning jurisdiction as a result in changes to state law.County planner Erik Mack said the county will hold a few public workshops...
Bigfork library temporarily closes for move to new building
The Bigfork branch of Flathead County Library will be closed for a month while staff move into their new Bridge Street building. A release from Flathead County Library on Monday said the Bigfork branch, currently located inside the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center, will be closed starting July 6. At a recent Flathead County Library Board meeting, trustees approved a closure for the branch that will run until Aug. 6. Library Director Teri Dugan said the next four weeks will be busy for staff as they move materials and equipment into the new library building. The last day to pick up holds or return library books at the current Bigfork library location is July 5. After that date, patrons can pick up holds at other Flathead County library locations until the new Bigfork library opens. The Bigfork branch will reopen in August at the newly remodeled building located at 186 Bridge St. Officials encouraged library patrons to keep tabs on the Flathead County Library website at imagineiflibraries.org and the library’s social media accounts for updates on a grand opening celebration.
Blotter: Fuel spill in Bigfork Bay
Reports from Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, based in Bigfork. June 19 A man reported he was chased on his bike by a neighbor’s dog. June 20-23 No reports. June 24 A dog was reported left in a car with the windows rolled up. Later in the day another caller confronted a man about his dog left in the car, which turned into a verbal dispute. June 25-27 No reports. June 28 A black bear was reported in the caller’s yard. June 29 A motor vehicle extrication was requested for a crash off Highway 35. June 30 An ongoing issue of off-leash dogs on a Bigfork trail was reported. A boat was reported leaking gas near the Swan River access off Bigfork Bay; two quarts of drive oil were found spilled and cleared from the water by Fish and Game. A bar on Electric Avenue was reported for a noise disturbance due to loud music; the caller was informed there is no noise ordinance in the county. July 1 A verbal dispute between a man and a woman was reported. A caller reported reckless drivers revving their engines. A suspicious vehicle was reported seen on the caller’s security camera.
Kalispell man facing felony charges after pursuit
A motorist fleeing law enforcement on Saturday night crashed into a parked pickup truck on Kelly Road near Kalispell after Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies employed a maneuver designed to make suspects lose control of their vehicles. The suspect, later identified as Derek Bruce Bigman, 34, of Kalispell, later attempted to flee on foot, Sheriff Brian Heino said in a press release. Deputies arrested him after deploying a Taser, he said. Bigman is being held in the county jail on pending felony charges of criminal endangerment and criminal possession of dangerous drugs as well as a probation violation. He also faces...
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