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: Skittish couple spotted around town
An employee voiced concerns about a woman with a skittish-looking man wearing a gray beanie to Kalispell Police Department. The woman reportedly asked the man for a hot dog
Felon faces revocation of suspended sentences
Anthony Star Hopper, 39, denied the allegations at a Dec. 15 hearing in Flathead County District Court.
Higher ed commissioner issues TikTok ban
Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian directed all campuses in the Montana University System last week to block access to the social media app TikTok on university-run networks and to suspend a…
Kalispell City Council holds off on creating C-PACE district
Kalispell City Council postponed creation of a C-PACE district at its Tuesday meeting after City Manager Doug Russell recommended a temporary delay.
City closes Depot Park gazebo to the public
The gazebo in Kalispell’s Depot Park was closed to the public Wednesday as city officials deal with resident complaints about the presence of the homeless indi…
Suspect allegedly admits to theft, denies pulling knife
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Martin Phillip Rose III, 48, the same day as the alleged Jan. 10 robbery.
Whitefish rape suspect pleads guilty
Shane Wilson, 35, pleaded guilty to a single count of sexual intercourse without consent in Flathead County District Court last month after striking a deal wit…
Law roundup: Women not keen to take up man’s $20 offer
A man dressed in blue, hanging out near an “ʼ80s van” parked by a casino, allegedly went up to women asking if they wanted to make $20.
Montana House Judiciary hears bill for certificates in ‘nonviable births’
A bill that would end up requiring a death certificate for miscarriages drew criticism that it was part of “an anti-choice” agenda, but sponsor Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, said he was willing to amend …
Bill seeks financial compensation for divorcees
If your spouse cheats on you and you get a divorce, your pocketbook will suffer. With House Bill 204, Rep. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay, wants you to be able to recover financially.
Big Brothers Big Sisters seeking mentors
Volunteers are needed to serve as a “Big” for youth “Littles” between the ages of 6 and 17.
Libby launches second investigation into police chief as it rebuilds oversight commission
In separate press releases, Libby Mayor Peggy Williams announced a second investigation into allegations against Police Chief Scott Kessel and acknowledged tha…
UM alumnus, Native artist designs Griz logo for Nike event
MISSOULA — Graphic designer Benji Headswift felt it was an opportunity of a lifetime when he was selected last year to create a Native American logo for the U…
New Columbia Falls elementary school building opens
Crews hope to have the playground in soon and there’s still some work to be done inside the building, most notably finishing the library bathroom.
Republicans table proposal for a red-flag law
Republicans tabled a bill late last week that would have allowed law enforcement to temporarily seize firearms from an individual deemed by a court as posing an extreme danger to themselves or others.