News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
New owner begins renovating former Outlaw Inn, details plan for extended-stay rentals
Columbia Falls developer Mick Ruis has begun renovating the former Outlaw Inn after its previous owner left the bu…
Community briefs: Materials sourcing talk, Alzheimer's walk, free mammograms
Events happening in the Flathead Valley
Noller Automotive Supercenter parks in South Kalispell
While the large facility located off Basecamp Drive in South Kalispell can be daunting on approach, upon heading through the glass doors the brightly lit open-…
Possible forest work slated for Lone Pine State Park
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is considering a forest thinning and tree planting project at Lone Pine State Park aimed at improving forest health and stand …
Law roundup: ‘Blood trail’ doesn’t lead police anywhere
Someone purportedly found a “blood trail” that went along the sidewalk behind a bank toward the hospital.
Dirt Rich: Local compost facility collects nearly 1 million pounds of food waste
Do you have broccoli that’s been in the fridge too long? Have your bananas turned black? Couldn’t finish that beef burrito?
Ronan community mourns victim of alleged murder
The community of Ronan is reeling from the loss of Ed Loder, 67, who was allegedly murdered Saturday, Aug. 31, as he walked along the bike trail near his home …
Watchdog challenges pro-Tester committee’s financial reporting
In the second half of 2023, a secretive political action committee began running television ads against Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy. There were…
FVCC holds session looking at careers in the trades
Prospective students explore hands-on career sessions led by FVCC instructors, parents attend information sessions outlining pathways for success in the trades, and local industry leaders share current job opportun…
Writing Coaches of Montana seeks volunteers for 2024-25 school year
Writing Coaches of Montana seeks community members in Flathead County to participate in its coaching program with the mission of helping students in Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Kalispell and Whitefish school distric…
Nine students named 2025 National Merit semifinalists
Seven Kalispell high school students and two Whitefish students have been named National Merit semifinalists for the 2025 school year.
Lincoln County relies on federal funds, big cuts to balance budget
Lincoln County commissioners last week passed a $14.9 million budget for fiscal year 2025 with property taxes increasing.
Summit on Parkinson’s disease in Kalispell
A nonprofit organization focusing on Parkinson's disease is holding its autumn conference in Kalispell on Sept. 27-28.
Law Roundup: Boys playing hooky busted
Columbia Falls Police busted a trio of school skippers who were trying to lay low inside their vehicle at a city park. The boys' parents were notified.
Montana miner to lay off hundreds due to declining palladium prices
The owner of the only platinum and palladium mines in the U.S. announced Thursday it plans to lay off hundreds of employees in Montana due to declining prices …
$20k in equipment stolen from Whitefish sports fields
The nonprofit that maintains Whitefish's baseball and soccer fields is asking residents to keep an eye out for its missing utility golf cart and a plethora of …