Gov. Greg Gianforte has called a press conference for 2:30 p.m. today to sign his first new law as Montana's 25th governor, a bill that shields businesses and other entities from frivolous lawsuits related to COVID-19.

     Senate Bill 65 -- which was supported by the Whitefish Chamber -- shields businesses from legal liability in the event that someone is injured or dies after being exposued to COVID-19 on their premises.  The shield provisions don't apply in instances of "gross negligence" or "willful and wanton misconduct."

     Gianforte has said that approval of a COVID liability bill is the first step toward dropping the statewide mask mandate that was put into place by previous Gov. Steve Bullock last summer.

       With Valentine's Day just days away, the Whitefish Chamber wants to show a little love for our business community ... and encourage folks to Shop Local for this most romantic of holidays!

     We know you've got some Valentine's Day gift ideas -- and specials -- up your sleeve for the holidays, so send them to us TODAY, along with your logo and contact info.  We'll include them in our Valentine's Day Gift Guide, which we'll blast-out to our 5,000+ email subscribers and Facebook followers tomorrow afternoon!

     Don't delay, email those V-Day specials and gift ideas to [email protected] by 5 p.m. today to make sure you're included!

     Times are tough out there, and our friends at the North Valley Food Bank are doing their best to do something about it!  

     The Food Bank's Valentine's Day FEEDLOVE food drive is aimed at collecting "comfort food" to help our neighbors get through the rest of the winter season ... and it promises to be a long one!

     You can help by donating soups, stews, pastas, baking ingrediants and other hearty fare that will help people thrive.  You can also make a cash donation, or consider sponsoring a needy family's groceries for a full week.

     Donations can be dropped-off at the Food Bank -- located at 251 Flathead Ave. -- or more than 20 Whitefish restaurants, bars and businesses.  Visit www.northvalleyfoodbank.org. for more information, and for a complete list of drop-off locations.