Local News
Your source for reliable, in-depth reporting on Northwest Montana’s communities, government, and daily life—delivering the stories that matter most to you.
Montana snowpack rapidly melted in May
Throughout May, warm temperatures across Montana led to a rapid melt off of the state’s snowpack, which sits “larg…
Big spending in municipal elections
Thousands of dollars in donations from outside the state flowed into last week’s municipal elections in the Flathead Valley, according to campaign reports file…
Montana Legislature continues work on budget fix
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana lawmakers continued to work Wednesday evening on a package of bills to account for a projected $227 million state budget deficit, …
Bigfork artists dedicated to gallery's success
Works in every medium by artists across the Flathead Valley and beyond have found a platform in the Persimmon Gallery in Bigfork for the last decade thanks to …
New school named after Jeannette Rankin
Kalispell's newest elementary school currently under construction on Airport Road will be named after Jeannette Rankin — Montana's first woman to serve in the …
Flathead Forest Christmas tree permits available
Christmas tree permits are now available for $5 (cash) at each of the Flathead National Forest offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Bigfork. Additionally, permits can be purchased from a variety of retail vendors…
Man stabbed at Kalispell motel
A stabbing at a Kalispell motel Monday night resulted in life-threatening injuries to a 41-year-old man.
Negligent homicide charge recommended in Pablo shooting
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is recommending new charges in connection with a fatal shooting in Pablo in September after an initial charge of deliberate homicide was dismissed without prejudice due to a lack of…
Bullock enacts budget cuts; GOP looks to make them permanent
HELENA — Montana’s governor enacted just over $76 million in budget cuts Tuesday, and Republican lawmakers quickly sought to make them permanent and prevent him from vetoing other changes.
Rural theaters feel pinch of new 'Star Wars' regs
Disney is imposing a draconian set of conditions for theaters playing the new “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” movie this holiday season. Many in the film industry h…
Bigfork bus route draws criticism
Bigfork School District administrators and school board trustees received some pushback after changing how buses approach the school during afternoons.
Mineral sheriff resigns over jail funding
SUPERIOR (AP) — The sheriff of a northwestern Montana county has resigned in a dispute with county commissioners over funding for the county jail.
County trails plan update underway
A plan is in the works to create an interactive countywide map of trails in the Flathead Valley and update the county’s 2010 trails plan.
Documents: Puerto Rico utility ignored advice on repair deal
WASHINGTON (AP) — Puerto Rico's bankrupt electric utility ignored advice from its own lawyers before signing an expanded contract worth $300 million with a tin…
Police chase reckless driver across Kalispell
Police are searching for the driver of a Toyota pickup who refused to pull over for a speeding violation in Kalispell on Monday evening.
Hunters report rut is underway
Hunting success rates in Northwest Montana remained below average for the fourth weekend of the general rifle season.