News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
Construction of new Flathead County jail celebrated with groundbreaking ceremony
Nearly 20 people involved with the project posed for the photo-op, including the three county commissioners, Sheri…
Bomb threat sent to Montana schools not credible, according to law enforcement
Kalispell Public Schools was one of many districts around Montana to receive a threatening email about a bomb. Law enforcement in counties around the state determined it wasn’t a credible threat, according to Flath…
Law roundup: Worker doesn’t buy creepy man’s scheme
An employee reportedly saw a white-haired man driving a dark vehicle leave a husky at the location and told the Kalispell Police Department he was being “very creepy” and trying to get her into his vehicle. He also…
Kalispell considers entering fray over planning lawsuit
The act, created by Senate Bill 382, directs cities to streamline planning and zoning processes while focusing public participation during the creation of land…
Shooting victim’s ex-girlfriend takes stand in homicide trial
Prosecutors allege that Steven Justin Hedrick, 33, committed felony assault with a weapon when he intervened — armed with a handgun — in a disturbance involvin…
Columbia Falls city manager set to retire
After a 40-year career in government, including more than 25 years in Columbia Falls, City Manager Susan Nicosia tendered her resignation to the City Council.
Blizzard warning issued for Flathead Valley
The National Weather Service warned that Flathead Valley roads could become impassable by Thursday morning due to deep and drifting snow.
Gov. Gianforte announces run for second term
Greg Gianforte, a Republican, was elected by a wide margin in 2020, breaking a 16-year streak of Democrats in the Montana governor’s office.
Former millworker now penning a host of books
The Monster Masher started as a family story, told on car rides, around campfires and at bedtime.
Montana Supreme Court upholds landmark climate ruling that said emissions can't be ignored
Montana's Supreme Court has rejected an attempt by the state's Republican governor to block a landmark climate ruling that said regulators must consider the ef…
Trial begins for Whitefish shooting suspect
County Attorney Travis Ahner opened his case against accused killer Steven Hedrick on Tuesday by asking jurors to hold the 33-year-old responsible for turning …
Whitefish Community Foundation accepting community grant applications
Eligible nonprofits may apply for up to $10,000 for programs or projects benefiting residents of Flathead County or for health and human service programs benefiting residents of Lincoln and Glacier counties.
WINGS annual radiothon raises funds for cancer treatments
Wings Cancer Regional Support gave around $300,000 to cancer patients in Flathead, Lincoln and Lake counties last year.
Drunk driver accused of accosting another motorist with a gun sentenced
Judge Heidi Ulbricht handed down a suspended six-month jail sentence to Del Thomas Russon, 55, for misdemeanor assault and a one-year jail sentence with all bu…
Experts monitoring multiple variables ahead of wildfire season
After a historically hot and dry summer in Northwest Montana last year, experts and scientists are spending the colder months monitoring moisture levels, weath…
Law roundup: Man fired up about smoke
A man called the Columbia Falls Police Department to report seeing smoke coming from the middle of a school roof and became frustrated when he allegedly thought firefighters weren’t looking in the “right spot.”