News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
Girl in intensive care after Middle Fork rafting accident
A girl from Columbus, Ohio nearly drowned in a rafting accident on the Middle Fork last week. A GoFundMe campaign …
Man accused of robbing cannabis outlet sentenced after pleading no contest
Joel William Vessie, 29, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of assault and theft in a change of plea hearing immediately prior to his sentencing.
Montana’s Supreme Court rules officer unlawfully searched cell phone in child pornography case
The Montana Supreme Court handed down a ruling last week that puts stricter confines on what information law enforcement can access when carrying out searches on digital devices, marking a big win for digital priva…
Law roundup: Pistol pulled on man trying to help out
A man was helping another man close a business and when they were finishing up he allegedly pulled a gun out, placing it in his neck and chest area “for no reason.” The man was detained by the Kalispell Police Depa…
Kalispell Council approves parking garage project for downtown
Council approved a list of agreements with Montana Hotel Development Partners for the parking garage that also includes commercial space and multi-family housi…
Browning man pleads guilty to charges linked to museum thefts
Preston Jay Spotted Eagle, 31, pleaded guilty to theft of government property before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris in Great Falls on Oct. 3.
Loretta Lynn, coal miner's daughter and country queen, dies
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Loretta Lynn, the Kentucky coal miner's daughter whose frank songs about life and love as a woman in Appalachia pulled her out of pover…
Whitefish father pleads guilty to criminal child endangerment
Dustin Anthony Donsbach, 30, admitted getting behind the wheel while intoxicated during a Sept. 29 change of plea hearing in Flathead County District Court.
Brothers arraigned on assault with a weapon charges
Eugene George Hallas, 73, and Raymond Irwin Hallas, 65, both made short appearances before Judge Robert Allison on Sept. 29 for their arraignments.
Yearly fraud and waste audit turns up unapproved wedding, misuse of state vehicle
A yearly report by the Montana Legislative Audit Division on waste, fraud and abuse within the state government saw an increased number of calls to the hotline and 15 instances of theft or suspect theft within Fisc…
Montana Department of Justice donates decoy cop car to Lakeside
The Montana Department of Justice has offered a replacement for the beloved decoy cop car that is being retired in Somers and Lakeside.
Law roundup: Resident: Political sign is dangerous
Someone claimed a political sign posted on a corner was dangerous because it obstructed the view, particularly in the morning for when children were being dropped off at school.
Former Glacier National Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright remembered as possessing 'a very big heart'
Glacier National Park said goodbye to a giant of conservation and research with the passing of Chas Cartwright last month. The 21st superintendent of the park,…
County commissioners appoint librarian to ImagineIF board
Jane Wheeler was one of two applicants recommended to commissioners by the ImagineIF board to fill a vacancy left after Marsha Sultz resigned this summer.
Montana judge knocks down Republicans' tighter voting laws
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Montana judge struck down as unconstitutional three laws that restricted voting in the state, saying there was no evidence of the widespread voter fraud the 2021 Republican-sponsored laws w…
1 killed in plane crash into Flathead River
The pilot of a small airplane was killed after the aircraft clipped some power lines and crashed into the Flathead River on Sunday morning, the Federal Aviatio…