News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
Hot Springs superintendent quits without warning amid wave of turnover at school district
The month of May brought tumultuous turnover within the Hot Springs School District, including the abrupt departur…
Local child care gap worsened by low wages
Low wages deterring people from pursuing early childhood education careers represent an obstacle to bridging the local child care gap that is keeping parents o…
Great Fish Community Challenge opens with launch party Aug. 10
This year’s Great Fish Community Challenge runs from Aug. 10 to Sept. 15 and will benefit 78 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations.
Economist warns state must boost energy production
Montana risks becoming a net importer of electricity because growth in electricity generation and transmission infrastructure is failing to keep pace with incr…
Whitefish Lake water level nears historic low
People with large boats are advised to consider taking their vessels out of Whitefish Lake early this summer as the water level nears an all-time low.
Otter attacks three women on Jefferson River
Three women were injured by an otter on Wednesday while floating on the Jefferson River near Three Forks, including one who was airlifted to the hospital for more serious injuries, a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park…
Logan Health and Billings Clinic integration will be official on Sept. 1
Logan Health and Billings Clinic will come together as a new health care system Sept. 1 with Logan Health President and CEO Dr. Craig Lambrecht expected to ser…
Fire behavior could moderate with cool, wet week ahead
Northwest Montana’s wildfire activity is expected to moderate over the next seven days with wetting rain and below normal temperatures increasingly likely begi…
Tester wary of defunding Glacier's entry system
Montana Sen. Jon Tester said last week that he didn’t think defunding Glacier National Park’s reservation system was a good idea.
Polson implements water restrictions
In response to prolonged drought, the City of Polson implemented odd/even water restrictions across the city Aug. 1.
Hockaday Museum secures grant for capital project
The Hockaday Museum of Art is moving forward with renovations to aging heating and cooling systems after receiving funding through the Montana Historic Preserv…
Kalispell man earns partially suspended sentence for assaulting girlfriend
Eugene Clark, 42, at one point faced a felony count of aggravated assault in Flathead County District Court.
Alleged drunk driver involved in fatal collision with pedestrian pleads not guilty
The motorist accused of striking and killing a 21-year-old from Columbia Falls while drunk in March faces a trio of misdemeanor charges related to the fatal collision.
Maryland hospitality company buys Chico Hot Springs for $33 million
DiamondRock Hospitality Company announced Wednesday that it has purchased Chico Hot Springs Resort in the Paradise Valley for $33 million.
Law roundup: Doobie’s escape plan goes up in smoke
A dog named Doobie’s escapades went up in smoke after someone found him running the streets again and took him to the Whitefish Police Department. Officers were blunt about the nature of the repeat offense and issu…
Stoltze to close public access as fire danger rises
Columbia Falls-based F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. plans to close its land to public access on Monday, Aug. 7 due to elevated fire danger.