WEBVTT
00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:26.000
Hello and welcome to News Now.
00:01:26.079 --> 00:01:27.280
I'm your host, Taylor Inman.
00:01:27.439 --> 00:01:30.719
We're going over the week's biggest headlines for Northwest Montana.
00:01:32.879 --> 00:01:39.840
A trigo man shot and killed a grizzly bear on Monday after what state wildlife officials described as a close encounter with the Bruin.
00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:48.640
The resident went outside to investigate noises coming from his property when he encountered the male grizzly at close range, according to a press release from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.
00:01:48.799 --> 00:01:53.119
Officials said the man was not injured, but did not elaborate on details of the encounter.
00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:54.399
Officials with the U.S.
00:01:54.479 --> 00:01:58.560
Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks responded to the scene.
00:01:58.799 --> 00:02:03.519
Grizzly bears in Montana are protected as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
00:02:03.759 --> 00:02:08.240
The federal regulations allow grizzly bears to be killed in self-defense or in defense of others.
00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:15.039
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark said, quote, We are thankful to know the landowner was unharmed in this incident.
00:02:15.280 --> 00:02:18.079
We understand that an encounter like this can be unsettling.
00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:24.800
Falls an especially active time for bears as they move more in search of food, which can increase the potential for bear-related conflicts.
00:02:24.959 --> 00:02:29.199
Our staff remains committed to supporting communities and landowners to help people stay safe.
00:02:29.360 --> 00:02:30.079
End quote.
00:03:07.839 --> 00:03:08.639
Governor Greg G.
00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:16.639
Inforte on September 1st began soliciting applications from lawyers in good standing that were interested in succeeding the eventual winner of the state Supreme Court race.
00:03:16.879 --> 00:03:23.439
State law charges the governor with appointing or a placement to any vacant Montana Supreme Court justice or district court judge positions.
00:03:23.759 --> 00:03:33.439
Honor, who was seeking a third term as county attorney, submitted his application on September 4th, writing that his pursuit of the position stemmed in part from his lifelong passion for public service.
00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:43.199
He said, quote, I'm seeking office as district court judge both out of a sense of duty and the desire to preserve my community and the Montana values that make the Flathead such a wonderful place to live.
00:03:43.359 --> 00:03:44.159
End quote.
00:03:44.400 --> 00:03:49.759
On Wednesday, the governor's office indicated that Gianforte was seeking public comment on Honor's candidacy.
00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:57.599
Comments, including letters of support, can be submitted to nominate judges at mt.gov or by mail to Caitlin Wagner at the Governor's Office at P.O.
00:03:57.759 --> 00:04:00.719
Box 200 801 in Helena.
00:04:00.879 --> 00:04:03.199
All comments must be submitted by 5 p.m.
00:04:03.359 --> 00:04:04.639
on October 30th.
00:04:04.879 --> 00:04:12.400
Honor became the Flathead Valley's top prosecutor in 2018 after working as a deputy county attorney in the office and a special assistant U.S.
00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:13.039
attorney.
00:04:13.199 --> 00:04:16.240
A Republican, Honor has been twice re-elected to the post.
00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:25.680
He also served as an adjunct professor at Carroll College, his alma mater, in 2008, and worked as a law clerk for the Montana Supreme Court between 2007 and 2008.
00:04:25.919 --> 00:04:32.960
Honor graduated from Carroll College in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in sociology and English following a one-year stint at the U.S.
00:04:33.039 --> 00:04:35.120
Military Academy in West Point, New York.
00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:39.759
He received his law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2007.
00:04:40.319 --> 00:04:47.279
As for prior experience on the bench, Honor served as a substitute judge in Calspell Municipal Court between 2013 and 2018.
00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:54.240
He estimated he sat on the bench 60 to 70 times during that period, hearing roughly three to five cases during each appearance.
00:04:54.480 --> 00:04:58.480
Honor's full application is available to view on the governor's website.
00:05:08.960 --> 00:05:16.560
Lucas and Leslie Sterling claimed their home was contaminated by dioxins and other chemicals because it was built on a state superfund site without their knowledge.
00:05:16.799 --> 00:05:21.039
They were asking the EPA for emergency funding so they could relocate from their home.
00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:25.039
The contaminants come from the old Beaver Wood Products facility that used to be there.
00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:27.919
The company made treated fence posts and other materials.
00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:37.600
But Missoula District Court Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto and her ruling said the EPA was not required under Superfund law to disclose the property had been or still was contaminated.
00:05:37.840 --> 00:05:43.120
The Sterlings bought the house in 2008 but claimed that they weren't informed about the contamination until eight years later.
00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:49.680
The EPA has since fully admitted that there are dioxins in the soil near their home and previously offered to remove the dirt around it.
00:05:49.839 --> 00:05:54.079
But the site is not a federal superfund site, it is a Montana Superfund site.
00:05:54.319 --> 00:05:58.800
The EPA, however, administered the cleanup of the area from 2000 to 2007.
00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:05.279
At one point, an EPA official cautioned that the cleanup might not treat the soils for dioxins, a known carcinogen.
00:06:05.839 --> 00:06:10.639
Still, DeSoto found that the Superfund law did not require the agency to notify the Sterlings.
00:06:10.879 --> 00:06:16.879
DeSoto also found the court lacked jurisdiction to order the EPA to relocate the Sterlings while the case proceeded.
00:06:17.120 --> 00:06:23.759
The Stirlings represented themselves in the case, and DeSoto did leave the door open for them to refile claims if they could refine their arguments.
00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:31.600
The Sterlings initially sued the EPA for$36.7 million in March of 2025, but that case was dismissed as well.
00:06:31.839 --> 00:06:34.560
The couple could not be reached for comment by press time.
00:07:05.920 --> 00:07:11.680
The entire project encompasses a proposed 359 homes, private golf courses, and a marina.
00:07:11.920 --> 00:07:27.360
DEQ officials said in their environmental assessment that the phase one facilities represent a small increment to existing resource demands in the lakeside area, and cumulative impacts across the resource areas analyzed are expected to be minor when considered alongside past and present actions in the corridor.
00:07:27.600 --> 00:07:36.879
Future phases of development will require additional independent approval, and approval of the first phase does not commit the department to approval of future phases, according to the review.
00:07:37.120 --> 00:07:45.360
The Department of Environmental Quality Certificate of Subdivision approval only addresses the adequacy of water supply, sewer disposal, and stormwater drainage systems.
00:07:45.600 --> 00:07:53.120
Subdivision design, land use, home construction, internal roads, grading, and other associated improvements were not considered by the department.
00:07:53.279 --> 00:08:01.120
Rather, the Flathead County Board of Commissioners considered these aspects of the project and granted approval through the preliminary plat process in August of 2025.
00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:07.680
Discovery Land Company plans to utilize two existing wells and construct a new one to serve the 79 lots in phase one.
00:08:08.079 --> 00:08:15.680
Once completed, the third well will be transferred to the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District, which would then be responsible for ongoing operation and maintenance.
00:08:15.920 --> 00:08:18.399
This transfer is a condition for approval.
00:08:18.560 --> 00:08:25.600
The developer also plans to connect the wastewater collection system to the current Lakeside County Water and Sewer District wastewater treatment facility.
00:08:25.759 --> 00:08:34.559
A previous analysis by the Department of the District's system capacity included that the district has sufficient excess capacity to serve the 79 lots in the first phase of development.
00:08:34.799 --> 00:08:48.879
Meanwhile, at its September 15th meeting, the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District Board of Directors voted 3 to 1 to annex Territory 1889 into the district for the second time since May, following pushback from local advocacy groups regarding voting procedures.
00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:54.000
Ordinance 26-1 was first passed unanimously by the board at its May 19th meeting.
00:08:54.159 --> 00:09:02.639
The ordinance incorporates Territory 1889 into the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District, allowing the development to hook up to the district's water and sewer services.
00:09:02.960 --> 00:09:10.480
Discovery Land Company relied on this annexation and its applications for the development approval, making it a crucial step in the development's progress.
00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:16.000
Without annexation, the development would have to construct its own water system and wastewater treatment facility.
00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:19.360
Read this full story at dailyinterlake.com.
00:09:23.920 --> 00:09:32.079
Whitefish-born musician Ethan Thompson performing his Alt Bloom earned a spot on Queen Latifah's team on the NBC singing competition The Voice last week.
00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:36.079
Thompson sang The Bones by Marin Morris, accompanied by a piano.
00:09:36.240 --> 00:09:40.799
The judges on the show were marked about Thompson's range and his ability to span multiple genres.
00:09:41.039 --> 00:09:46.399
Both country music star Riley Green and Queen Latifah expressed an interest in having Alt on their teams.
00:09:46.639 --> 00:09:50.399
While he felt good energy from both judges, he chose to partner with Latifa.
00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:57.759
Thompson said while he likes that Green is very much in the music industry as a touring artist, Latifa is a legend who has done a little bit of everything.
00:09:58.080 --> 00:10:05.200
Thompson said that he liked the way Latifa expresses herself on the show and that she is honest, sweet, and pure when talking to the young performers.
00:10:05.439 --> 00:10:11.279
She also sang directly to Thompson when trying to sway him to join her team, and in that she was successful.
00:10:11.519 --> 00:10:16.159
Thompson was in a band called Ocean Park Standoff and has written several songs for other artists.
00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:20.879
He formed the new name, Alt Bloom, for his next chapter after days of careful consideration.
00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:27.200
Thompson attended the University of Montana for a year, followed by a few years on the East Coast at Berkeley College of Music.
00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:29.919
Connections there led him to move to Los Angeles.
00:10:30.159 --> 00:10:36.240
He moved back to Whitefish about a year ago to find that the North Valley Music School had just opened their new location near Smith Fields.
00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:41.439
With a desire to give back to the community, Thompson reached out to the school and is now on their faculty.
00:10:41.679 --> 00:10:49.120
He taught a songwriting class and a production class at the school, and during the recent Whitefish Songwriter Festival, he taught a full-day songwriting seminar.
00:10:49.279 --> 00:10:59.439
The rising musician expressed his gratitude for the support he's received from the local community and asked them to keep an eye out for the voting rounds on the voice in mid-October when fans will be able to vote.
00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:13.679
We're proud to be the largest independent newsman Montana and the longest continuously published newspaper in the region.
00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:24.480
Today's stories are written by Daily Interlake News Editor Derek Perkins, Hungry Horse News Editor Chris Peterson, Big Fork Eagle Reporter Elsa Erickson, and Whitefish Pilot Reporter Julie Engler.
00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:28.320
You can read the full versions of these stories at dailyinterlake.com.
00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:32.559
And if you haven't already, subscribe to our YouTube channel to never miss an episode of the pod.
00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:35.039
Everybody stay safe and have a great week.
00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:26.000
Hello and welcome to News Now.
00:01:26.079 --> 00:01:27.280
I'm your host, Taylor Inman.
00:01:27.439 --> 00:01:30.719
We're going over the week's biggest headlines for Northwest Montana.
00:01:32.879 --> 00:01:39.840
A trigo man shot and killed a grizzly bear on Monday after what state wildlife officials described as a close encounter with the Bruin.
00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:48.640
The resident went outside to investigate noises coming from his property when he encountered the male grizzly at close range, according to a press release from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.
00:01:48.799 --> 00:01:53.119
Officials said the man was not injured, but did not elaborate on details of the encounter.
00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:54.399
Officials with the U.S.
00:01:54.479 --> 00:01:58.560
Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks responded to the scene.
00:01:58.799 --> 00:02:03.519
Grizzly bears in Montana are protected as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
00:02:03.759 --> 00:02:08.240
The federal regulations allow grizzly bears to be killed in self-defense or in defense of others.
00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:15.039
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark said, quote, We are thankful to know the landowner was unharmed in this incident.
00:02:15.280 --> 00:02:18.079
We understand that an encounter like this can be unsettling.
00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:24.800
Falls an especially active time for bears as they move more in search of food, which can increase the potential for bear-related conflicts.
00:02:24.959 --> 00:02:29.199
Our staff remains committed to supporting communities and landowners to help people stay safe.
00:02:29.360 --> 00:02:30.079
End quote.
00:03:07.839 --> 00:03:08.639
Governor Greg G.
00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:16.639
Inforte on September 1st began soliciting applications from lawyers in good standing that were interested in succeeding the eventual winner of the state Supreme Court race.
00:03:16.879 --> 00:03:23.439
State law charges the governor with appointing or a placement to any vacant Montana Supreme Court justice or district court judge positions.
00:03:23.759 --> 00:03:33.439
Honor, who was seeking a third term as county attorney, submitted his application on September 4th, writing that his pursuit of the position stemmed in part from his lifelong passion for public service.
00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:43.199
He said, quote, I'm seeking office as district court judge both out of a sense of duty and the desire to preserve my community and the Montana values that make the Flathead such a wonderful place to live.
00:03:43.359 --> 00:03:44.159
End quote.
00:03:44.400 --> 00:03:49.759
On Wednesday, the governor's office indicated that Gianforte was seeking public comment on Honor's candidacy.
00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:57.599
Comments, including letters of support, can be submitted to nominate judges at mt.gov or by mail to Caitlin Wagner at the Governor's Office at P.O.
00:03:57.759 --> 00:04:00.719
Box 200 801 in Helena.
00:04:00.879 --> 00:04:03.199
All comments must be submitted by 5 p.m.
00:04:03.359 --> 00:04:04.639
on October 30th.
00:04:04.879 --> 00:04:12.400
Honor became the Flathead Valley's top prosecutor in 2018 after working as a deputy county attorney in the office and a special assistant U.S.
00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:13.039
attorney.
00:04:13.199 --> 00:04:16.240
A Republican, Honor has been twice re-elected to the post.
00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:25.680
He also served as an adjunct professor at Carroll College, his alma mater, in 2008, and worked as a law clerk for the Montana Supreme Court between 2007 and 2008.
00:04:25.919 --> 00:04:32.960
Honor graduated from Carroll College in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in sociology and English following a one-year stint at the U.S.
00:04:33.039 --> 00:04:35.120
Military Academy in West Point, New York.
00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:39.759
He received his law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2007.
00:04:40.319 --> 00:04:47.279
As for prior experience on the bench, Honor served as a substitute judge in Calspell Municipal Court between 2013 and 2018.
00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:54.240
He estimated he sat on the bench 60 to 70 times during that period, hearing roughly three to five cases during each appearance.
00:04:54.480 --> 00:04:58.480
Honor's full application is available to view on the governor's website.
00:05:08.960 --> 00:05:16.560
Lucas and Leslie Sterling claimed their home was contaminated by dioxins and other chemicals because it was built on a state superfund site without their knowledge.
00:05:16.799 --> 00:05:21.039
They were asking the EPA for emergency funding so they could relocate from their home.
00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:25.039
The contaminants come from the old Beaver Wood Products facility that used to be there.
00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:27.919
The company made treated fence posts and other materials.
00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:37.600
But Missoula District Court Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto and her ruling said the EPA was not required under Superfund law to disclose the property had been or still was contaminated.
00:05:37.840 --> 00:05:43.120
The Sterlings bought the house in 2008 but claimed that they weren't informed about the contamination until eight years later.
00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:49.680
The EPA has since fully admitted that there are dioxins in the soil near their home and previously offered to remove the dirt around it.
00:05:49.839 --> 00:05:54.079
But the site is not a federal superfund site, it is a Montana Superfund site.
00:05:54.319 --> 00:05:58.800
The EPA, however, administered the cleanup of the area from 2000 to 2007.
00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:05.279
At one point, an EPA official cautioned that the cleanup might not treat the soils for dioxins, a known carcinogen.
00:06:05.839 --> 00:06:10.639
Still, DeSoto found that the Superfund law did not require the agency to notify the Sterlings.
00:06:10.879 --> 00:06:16.879
DeSoto also found the court lacked jurisdiction to order the EPA to relocate the Sterlings while the case proceeded.
00:06:17.120 --> 00:06:23.759
The Stirlings represented themselves in the case, and DeSoto did leave the door open for them to refile claims if they could refine their arguments.
00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:31.600
The Sterlings initially sued the EPA for$36.7 million in March of 2025, but that case was dismissed as well.
00:06:31.839 --> 00:06:34.560
The couple could not be reached for comment by press time.
00:07:05.920 --> 00:07:11.680
The entire project encompasses a proposed 359 homes, private golf courses, and a marina.
00:07:11.920 --> 00:07:27.360
DEQ officials said in their environmental assessment that the phase one facilities represent a small increment to existing resource demands in the lakeside area, and cumulative impacts across the resource areas analyzed are expected to be minor when considered alongside past and present actions in the corridor.
00:07:27.600 --> 00:07:36.879
Future phases of development will require additional independent approval, and approval of the first phase does not commit the department to approval of future phases, according to the review.
00:07:37.120 --> 00:07:45.360
The Department of Environmental Quality Certificate of Subdivision approval only addresses the adequacy of water supply, sewer disposal, and stormwater drainage systems.
00:07:45.600 --> 00:07:53.120
Subdivision design, land use, home construction, internal roads, grading, and other associated improvements were not considered by the department.
00:07:53.279 --> 00:08:01.120
Rather, the Flathead County Board of Commissioners considered these aspects of the project and granted approval through the preliminary plat process in August of 2025.
00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:07.680
Discovery Land Company plans to utilize two existing wells and construct a new one to serve the 79 lots in phase one.
00:08:08.079 --> 00:08:15.680
Once completed, the third well will be transferred to the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District, which would then be responsible for ongoing operation and maintenance.
00:08:15.920 --> 00:08:18.399
This transfer is a condition for approval.
00:08:18.560 --> 00:08:25.600
The developer also plans to connect the wastewater collection system to the current Lakeside County Water and Sewer District wastewater treatment facility.
00:08:25.759 --> 00:08:34.559
A previous analysis by the Department of the District's system capacity included that the district has sufficient excess capacity to serve the 79 lots in the first phase of development.
00:08:34.799 --> 00:08:48.879
Meanwhile, at its September 15th meeting, the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District Board of Directors voted 3 to 1 to annex Territory 1889 into the district for the second time since May, following pushback from local advocacy groups regarding voting procedures.
00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:54.000
Ordinance 26-1 was first passed unanimously by the board at its May 19th meeting.
00:08:54.159 --> 00:09:02.639
The ordinance incorporates Territory 1889 into the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District, allowing the development to hook up to the district's water and sewer services.
00:09:02.960 --> 00:09:10.480
Discovery Land Company relied on this annexation and its applications for the development approval, making it a crucial step in the development's progress.
00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:16.000
Without annexation, the development would have to construct its own water system and wastewater treatment facility.
00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:19.360
Read this full story at dailyinterlake.com.
00:09:23.920 --> 00:09:32.079
Whitefish-born musician Ethan Thompson performing his Alt Bloom earned a spot on Queen Latifah's team on the NBC singing competition The Voice last week.
00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:36.079
Thompson sang The Bones by Marin Morris, accompanied by a piano.
00:09:36.240 --> 00:09:40.799
The judges on the show were marked about Thompson's range and his ability to span multiple genres.
00:09:41.039 --> 00:09:46.399
Both country music star Riley Green and Queen Latifah expressed an interest in having Alt on their teams.
00:09:46.639 --> 00:09:50.399
While he felt good energy from both judges, he chose to partner with Latifa.
00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:57.759
Thompson said while he likes that Green is very much in the music industry as a touring artist, Latifa is a legend who has done a little bit of everything.
00:09:58.080 --> 00:10:05.200
Thompson said that he liked the way Latifa expresses herself on the show and that she is honest, sweet, and pure when talking to the young performers.
00:10:05.439 --> 00:10:11.279
She also sang directly to Thompson when trying to sway him to join her team, and in that she was successful.
00:10:11.519 --> 00:10:16.159
Thompson was in a band called Ocean Park Standoff and has written several songs for other artists.
00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:20.879
He formed the new name, Alt Bloom, for his next chapter after days of careful consideration.
00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:27.200
Thompson attended the University of Montana for a year, followed by a few years on the East Coast at Berkeley College of Music.
00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:29.919
Connections there led him to move to Los Angeles.
00:10:30.159 --> 00:10:36.240
He moved back to Whitefish about a year ago to find that the North Valley Music School had just opened their new location near Smith Fields.
00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:41.439
With a desire to give back to the community, Thompson reached out to the school and is now on their faculty.
00:10:41.679 --> 00:10:49.120
He taught a songwriting class and a production class at the school, and during the recent Whitefish Songwriter Festival, he taught a full-day songwriting seminar.
00:10:49.279 --> 00:10:59.439
The rising musician expressed his gratitude for the support he's received from the local community and asked them to keep an eye out for the voting rounds on the voice in mid-October when fans will be able to vote.
00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:13.679
We're proud to be the largest independent newsman Montana and the longest continuously published newspaper in the region.
00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:24.480
Today's stories are written by Daily Interlake News Editor Derek Perkins, Hungry Horse News Editor Chris Peterson, Big Fork Eagle Reporter Elsa Erickson, and Whitefish Pilot Reporter Julie Engler.
00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:28.320
You can read the full versions of these stories at dailyinterlake.com.
00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:32.559
And if you haven't already, subscribe to our YouTube channel to never miss an episode of the pod.
00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:35.039
Everybody stay safe and have a great week.
