News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
Counting machines add vote of confidence to elections security
The conference room of the Flathead County Elections Department whirred with noise. Volunteers rattled off strings…
HEART Program seeks to reach homeless young adults with drop-in center
The HEART Program is looking to expand services to help young adults experiencing homelessness through a new grant.
Officials talk about consolidating invasive species commissions
Invasive species of many kinds are, and will continue to be, a threat to Montana ecosystems and economies, according to officials.
Unions vote down contracts, renewing threat of rail shutdown
In the last three weeks, members of two different railroad unions have rejected the contract their leaders negotiated, reviving the possibility of a nationwide…
Law roundup: Youths cause a ruckus in store
A group of more than 20 obnoxious youths were allegedly causing problems in a store parking lot and going into a store where they knocked things off the shelves. Officers moved them along.
County eyes land purchase for septage facility
County commissioners approved Oct. 21 a buy-sell agreement with the intent of purchasing 36.9 acres on Wiley Dike Road for the facility.
Watch your words — Speech and debate season kicks off in the valley
Speech competitors may speak the same language, but which team knows exactly the right thing to say to win is up for debate.
Winter storm causes power outages in Flathead Valley
Northwest Montana’s first significant winter storm of the season delivered slick roads, widespread power outages and school closures Wednesday morning.
Bigfork receives grant to purchase electric school bus
Bigfork School District received $395,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program to purchase an electric bus.
Teen awaiting sentencing arrested in Ohio
Colton Theodore Wieczorek, 19, is in the county jail with bail set at $150,000 as he awaits his Nov. 23 sentencing.
Law roundup: Reports of Halloween hijinks and vandalism
After a woman’s requests for cigarettes, money and a room were denied, she allegedly pulled the fire alarm and went outside where she began dancing by the highway.
Judge: State may charge for legal review prior to records release
State agencies can charge the public fees to review documents for privacy and other interests before releasing them as “public information,” according to an order from Yellowstone County District Court this week.
Accused Martin City killer released after securing bond
The man accused of shooting two people in Martin City over the summer — leaving one dead — was released from county jail Oct. 31 after posting a $750,000 bond.
Man accused of targeting relatives changes plea
Prosecutors will recommend that 37-year-old Joseph Thomas Oliver serve a deferred, three-year sentence with the state Department of Corrections.
Environmentalists challenge Montana wolf regulations in state court
Environmental groups WildEarth Guardians and Project Coyote are asking a Lewis and Clark County District Court judge to toss out Montana’s current wolf-hunting…
County shelter still nearly full even after abandoned huskies find new homes
All of the dogs that were abandoned up the Hungry Horse Reservoir have gone to new homes, but an influx of new animals has the county shelter at near capacity.