News
Stay current with top stories from Northwest Montana, including local government updates, education news, community issues, public safety, environmental reports, and regional developments.
Construction of new Flathead County jail celebrated with groundbreaking ceremony
Nearly 20 people involved with the project posed for the photo-op, including the three county commissioners, Sheri…
US opens boosters to all adults, urges them for 50+
The U.S. on Friday opened COVID-19 booster shots to all adults and took the extra step of urging people 50 and older to seek one, aiming to ward off a winter s…
Dems' sweeping social, climate bill passes divided House
Democrats brushed aside months-long divisions and pushed their expansive social and environment bill through a sharply divided House on Friday, as President Jo…
OPI’s School Law Conference explores hot-button education issues
Montana school officials and teachers got an earful Tuesday from a panel of legal experts on everything from critical race theory to parental and transgender rights.
Women of Rollins buy historic schoolhouse
The Women of Rollins Club has completed the purchase of the historic Rollins Schoolhouse, a small, white structure near Flathead Lake above the east shore of C…
Whitefish eyes city property for affordable housing
The city of Whitefish is taking the beginning steps to prepare a chunk of its own property on Monegan Road as a site for a future affordable workforce housing development.
Law roundup: Man overly compliant with mask wearing
A man who was forbidden from a location apparently tried to return multiple times wearing masks as a disguise, according to a report to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
Some health-care officials say they’ll follow CMS rules, not state law, to keep operating
Many health-care organizations throughout Montana say they’re continuing to require employees be vaccinated by Dec. 5, as directed by the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, despite a state law pass…
Covid shots among Flathead kids off to slow start
Just 1% of children ages 5 to 11 in Flathead County received a Covid-19 vaccination in the first week the shot was available to that age group, new state data …
Blacktail Ski Area sold to Washington resort company
Washington-based Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort on Thursday announced it has purchased the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area in Lakeside.
Arizona man pleads guilty to negligent homicide
An Arizona man accused of killing a Kalispell resident while allegedly driving drunk last year pleaded guilty Thursday in Flathead County District Court.
Idaho farmers begin applying for permits to grow hemp
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture launched its online application system for would-be hemp growers early last week, and applications are beginning to trickle in.
Chronic wasting disease found in two deer in Idaho
Idaho wildlife managers say two deer killed in north-central Idaho have tested positive for chronic wasting disease. It's the first time the contagious and fat…
Kalispell woman charged in alleged weed whacker attack
A Kalispell woman has been charged with attacking another woman with a weed wacker during a late night incident last week.
Lonepine's Benson claims another Mack Days title
Benson was the top angler with a total of 1,068 lake trout. Benson had an 18-day average of 52.89. He fished 26 days of the 27 total weekend fishing days.
Law roundup: Woman lets 100 cats out of the bag
A woman told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office she believed her relatives were keeping more than 100 cats at their house.