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…
Avalanche forecasters warn of ‘considerable’ slide risks after late-winter storm
After minimal snowfall across Montana most of the winter, the arrival of a heavy storm this week has led avalanche forecasters to warn recreators about “consid…
Essex ‘blindsided’ by looming closure of historic Izaak Walton Inn
ESSEX — Over the winter, those in the tiny mountain hamlet of Essex, on the southern edge of Glacier National Park, said something felt amiss around LOGE Glaci…
Law roundup: Woman gets struck by a sign from above
A concerned sibling called the Kalispell Police Department after a “no parking at any time” street sign fell on her sister’s head, causing bleeding and leaving a bump.
Judge sentences protesters arrested at Whitefish Border Patrol station last year
A trio of protesters arrested for blocking a Border Patrol vehicle last year pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors in Whitefish Municipal Court on Wednesday.
Kalispell to take third shot at federal grant to finish south half of U.S. 93 Bypass
Kalispell City Council on Tuesday night voted to reapply for a federal grant to fund the completion of the south half of the U.S. 93 Bypass.
Suspected drug dealer gets suspended sentence after plea deal
A man who allegedly arranged a drug deal for undercover agents in a Whitefish bar in 2023 later received a suspended sentence in Flathead County District Court.
Glacier National Park plans express shuttles, parking limit at Logan Pass as reservation system ends
In an effort to make Logan Pass more easily accessible, Glacier National Park is rolling out a new ticketed shuttle system this summer that includes early morn…
Skiers with roots in Lake Tahoe's alpine community among the 8 killed in California avalanche
Crews found the bodies of eight backcountry skiers and are searching for one more who remains missing after an avalanche in the mountains near Lake Tahoe, auth…
Libby officials call for patience as flood work continues
Libby officials are asking for the community’s patience as the effects of December's flooding persist.
Mineral County seeks part-time grant writer as it rolls out construction on courthouse, jail
Mineral County commissioners unanimously voted Thursday to advertise in-house for a part-time grant writer, seeing an urgent need to get ahead on funding appli…
Flathead Valley speech and debate students advance to 2026 national tournament
Fifteen top speech and debate students talked their way to a spot on the national stage at the West District qualifying tournament Feb. 13-14 in Missoula.
Community rallies to find, rehabilitate missing dog near Cyr
In early November, a single photo of an emaciated and scared dog along the railroad tracks near Alberton blew up on social media between Frenchtown and Superio…
Jury awards former BNSF engineer $2.3 million in personal injury lawsuit
A Cascade County District Court jury this month awarded a Columbia Falls man more than $2.3 million in a personal injury lawsuit against railroad conglomerate …
Flathead County Commissioner Brad Abell centers reelection campaign on support for law enforcement
Flathead County Commissioner Brad Abell is making his support for law enforcement and the Trump administration’s immigration policies central to his reelection…
Law roundup: Reckless green pickup goes for a spin — multiple times
Kalispell Police were on the lookout for a green Dodge pickup whose driver reportedly needed to be ticketed for reckless driving when he was sighted numerous times speeding and spinning doughnuts at an intersection.