News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
Making the grade — Kalispell Public Schools leader named regional superintendent of the year
Wrapping up his second school year leading Kalispell Public Schools, Matt Jensen has been named regional Superinte…
Law roundup: Tire change arouses suspicion
A man changing the tire of a pink bicycle while allegedly talking to himself drew the suspicion of a passerby, who called the Kalispell Police Department.
Zinke calls for end to Glacier’s reservation system
Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has concerns about Glacier National Park’s reservation system, claiming it locks out locals.
Suspect in summertime attack given deferred sentence
errad Raymond Merrill, 30, pleaded guilty to felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor partner or family member assault in December.
Whitefish puts pause on new marijuana dispensaries
The ordinance prohibits the approval of new applications for administrative conditional use permits for marijuana dispensaries.
Opinions differ, but folks cordial at Columbia Falls growth workshop
So far this year there have been just a handful of building permits, as subdivisions have been completed over the years and the number of lots in the city has …
Sunburst mental health clinic closes amid Medicaid fraud investigation
Sunburst Mental Health’s Kalispell clinic closed its doors last month amid a Montana Department of Justice investigation into allegations of Medicaid billing f…
Flathead Lake north shore closed for seasonal waterfowl production
A seasonal closure started March 1 along a large portion of the north shore of Flathead Lake between Bigfork and Somers to support migrating and nesting birds,…
Montana Legislature passes $1B in tax relief, rebates
Montana's Legislature has passed bills totaling over $1 billion in tax relief and rebates for state residents.
Committee votes on four wolf bills as legislative deadline nears
The House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee voted on four wolf-related measures Feb. 28 ahead of a key legislative deadline. The committee narrowly approved t…
Pennsylvania unseals more search warrant in Idaho killings
STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Law enforcement officials have revealed more details regarding items seized from the Pennsylvania home where they arrested a graduate student charged with stabbing four University of Idaho s…
House to consider harsher penalty for fentanyl trafficking
A bill that would level harsher penalties on convicted fentanyl traffickers passed the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
Crisis stabilization facility in Polson closes
Western Montana Mental Health Center has announced the closure of Lake House, a facility in Polson that provides stabilization for patients undergoing mental health crises.
Law roundup: Man just out enjoying the sunshine
A man lying on his back in the snow was reportedly thought to be unconscious by someone who reached out to the Columbia Falls Police Department.
Underground coal mine collapse injures 3 in Montana
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Three workers were injured when part of an underground coal mine with a history of safety violations collapsed in southern Montana, authorities said Wednesday.
Kalispell superintendent to interview for top job in Missoula County Public Schools
Kalispell Public Schools' top administrator is expected to interview March 7 for the Missoula County Public Schools superintendent position.