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…
Whitefish foundation opens spring grant, Kids Fund applications
Whitefish Community Foundation is accepting applications to the 2021 Spring Community Grant Program from Jan. 25 to Feb. 25.
Potter's Field: State finds ministry owes former interns $120k in back pay
The Montana Department of Labor and Industries has reaffirmed the founders of the Whitefish-based Potter’s Field Ministries and MudMan Burgers owe approximatel…
Ronan man dies in traffic crash on U.S. 93
A Ronan man died Thursday evening in a head-on traffic crash...
Cellphone records allegedly link Wood to homicide
THOMPSON FALLS — State investigators probing the 2018 shooting death of Matt LaFriniere allege cellphone records link ex-girlfriend Danielle Wood to the crime.
Vaccine recipients see shot as path back to normal
Eliza Thomas couldn’t help but tear up when it was her mother’s turn to take a seat in the plastic chair, roll up a sleeve of her choice and receive her first …
Montana virus liability bill opens door to nix mask mandate
HELENA (AP) — A bill that would protect businesses and health care providers from coronavirus-related lawsuits is advancing quickly through the Montana Legislature, after the state's Republican governor said the me…
Whitefish murder suspect pleads not guilty
A California man accused in the beating death of a Whitefish man last summer pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead County District Court.
‘Dignity bags’ aimed at helping potential trafficking victims
In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, the Flathead Valley Human Trafficking Task Force is specifically looking to raise awar…
Kalispell OKs expanded areas for accessory dwellings
On Tuesday, the Kalispell City Council voted to expand opportunities to build accessory dwelling units in the city.
Bigfork Special Olympics team gets creative with Penguin Plunge
The Bigfork-based Special Olympics team is holding its annual Penguin Plunge fundraiser in a new format this year since the traditional event, usually held at …
Louisiana lady runs out of meds
A 33-year-old woman told the Columbia Falls Police Department she rode a bus from Louisiana to Columbia Falls all by herself.
Whitefish council gets positive feedback on resort-tax proposal
The Whitefish City Council heard positive feedback Tuesday on a proposal to extend the city's resort tax and adjust how the city uses that money.
Prosecutors present evidence in Wood murder case
THOMPSON FALLS — A writing in the margin of a religious study book found inside a murder suspect’s vehicle was probably the standout detail of Thursday’s testimony in the Danielle Wood trial.
Biden halts oil and gas leases, permits on U.S. land and water
BILLINGS (AP) — The Biden administration announced Thursday the suspension of new oil and gas leasing and drilling permits for U.S. lands and waters for 60 day…
Bill advances concerning transgender youth in school sports
HELENA (AP) — The Montana House Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to advance a bill that would prohibit transgender students from participating on school sports teams of the gender with which they identify.