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: Band of hooligans throw rocks, and maybe water balloons
A second caller also alerted officers, telling them a thrown rock had broken their windshield. A third caller suggested water balloons also might have been in the mix.
Developer says KM Ranch project would fill housing need; neighbors lament growth
After hearing about two hours of public comment and receiving around 100 written comments, the planning board on Wednesday voted to push a decision on the request until its Oct. 12 meeting.
Judge restores oil lease on land sacred to US, Canada tribes
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A federal judge on Friday ordered the Biden administration to reinstate a drilling lease that has been in dispute for decades on land near the Blackfeet Indian Reservation that is considered …
Kalispell business owner pleads guilty to charge stemming from alleged money mule operation
A Kalispell woman accused of wiring dirty money overseas during a roughly five year span pleaded guilty in federal court Sept. 7 to a charge of unlicensed money transmitting business.
Lemonade Fire expands slightly during red flag weather
A wildfire burning near Marion expanded its footprint by just 17 acres overnight Wednesday, even with critical fire weather threatening much of the region.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's monarch for 70 years, dies
LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, has died. She was 96.
Man arrested in May standoff receives sentence
The Kalispell man arrested in May after a police standoff in an apartment complex near Liberty Street will spend the next three years in the care of the state …
Law roundup: Woman airs grievances about rental situation
A woman renting a room from someone renting the townhouse from a property management company allegedly read online to call 911 before an illegal eviction. Her laundry list of grievances included
Northwest Montana Fair sets attendance record
Attendance at last year’s fair was 77,828, which was up considerably from the year before when the fair drew just over 32,000 visitors.
Bigfork man arrested following fatal collision with motorcycle
A motorist accused of striking and killing a motorcyclist near Somers while drunk last week allegedly admitted drinking before getting behind the wheel, but bl…
Extended-stay hotel proposed for Columbia Falls
Flathead Valley developer Mick Ruis is proposing a new four-story hotel at the Glacier Inn Motel site in Columbia Falls.
Kalispell sets hearing for workforce housing financing plan
Kalispell City Council on Tuesday decided to hold a public hearing on a plan that would specifically allow for certain city funds to be used for workforce hous…
Man involved in Evergreen slaying receives sentence
A man accused of attempting to help cover up a January homicide in Evergreen was sentenced Sept. 1 to five years with the state Department of Corrections, all suspended.
Climate damage from oil leases on federal land gets second look
The Biden administration reached a legal settlement Tuesday that requires the government to reexamine potential climate damages from oil and gas leases put up …
Summer readers help Whitefish library earn donation
Because summer readers at Whitefish Community Library were up to a challenge set by the Whitefish Credit Union, the Whitefish Lake Institute has $1,503 more to further its mission.