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…
Soda fountain staff serves up support for injured Columbia Falls coworker
For the past six years, Reghan Donahue and Hazel Alexander have been virtually inseparable.
Felony assault case dismissed amid deportation proceedings
Prosecutors charged Franco Mijael Vera Quispe, 29, with felony assault with a weapon and misdemeanor driving under the influence following his Dec. 8, 2024 arrest in Kalispell.
Law roundup: Woman wants kids to get off her flowerbeds
A homeowner complained to the Kalispell Police Department about children riding bicycles in her driveway and over her flowerbeds.
Split on property taxes deepens in state GOP
In a visual representation of a deep split among conservatives in Montana, four chairs were laid out on the stage at the Montana GOP kickoff event in Great Fal…
Lake County commissioners approve spending for architectural report for jail expansion
The Lake County commissioners approved an estimated $70,000 for an engineering and design report for the expansion of the Lake County Jail on Feb. 2. The deten…
Lincoln County seeks levy for recreation, Libby swim pond
Lincoln County’s second attempt at operating a swimming facility will require even more financial support from the community.
Man convicted of killing his two children in Lincoln County in 1993 seeks parole
Richard Garry Sweet, 68, has been incarcerated in the Montana State Prison since 1994 following two guilty pleas to mitigated deliberate homicide in Lincoln Co…
Thinning project planned for Big Mountain ski slopes
Summer recreationists may encounter trail closures on Big Mountain this year as U.S. Forest Service officials clear vegetation around several chair lifts.
Schools take advantage of state tax credit programs
Public schools across Montana claimed $6.96 million in dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donors in just 7 minutes and 17 seconds through the state’s Innovative…
Law roundup: Motorcycle gang revs up Lakeside property owner
It wasn't the Hells Angels, Bandidos or Pagan's, but the "Lakeside Motorcycle Gang" out on a Lakeside property owner's land overnight. The property owner alerted the Flathead County Sheriff's Office and offered to …
Polson man sentenced to 75 years for murdering his mother
A Polson man accused of murdering his mother was sentenced in District Court in Polson Feb. 13 to a total of 75 years in the Montana State Prison.
Mission airport receives nearly $500,000 improvement grant
The St. Ignatius Airport received a $495,000 grant, and Polson Airport received $30,960, with a $5,040 loan, from the Montana Aeronautics Board to fund infrast…
Motorist pleads guilty to vehicular homicide while under the influence
A Kalispell woman accused of killing another motorist in an alcohol-fueled New Year’s Day crash near Bigfork in 2025 pleaded guilty Thursday after striking a d…
UM’s spring enrollment is up for 5th consecutive year
Spring 2026 enrollment numbers are in, and for the fifth consecutive year, the University of Montana reported more students than the previous year.
Flathead High School principal among finalists for Whitefish superintendent job
The Flathead High School principal and the former superintendent for Fair-Mont-Egan School are among the three finalists to be the next superintendent for Whit…