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.
Flathead County Library continues negotiations on property for new Kalispell branch
The northwest corner of the Kalispell Center Mall property, adjacent to Fifth Avenue West and Parkline Trail, is e…
Man arrested after shootout, SWAT response in Evergreen, officials say
A man is in custody after allegedly exchanging gunfire with law enforcement during a standoff that drew a SWAT and K-9 response in Evergreen on Friday night.
Habitat for Humanity trims proposed subdivision in Columbia Falls
Habitat for Humanity will look to build six homes on what is now a baseball field on Railroad Street in Columbia Falls.
White supremacist flyers turning up in Whitefish shops
At the Whitefish City Council meeting last week, Bookworks manager Marti Brandt said flyers touting white supremacy had been dropped off at the popular store, put into books and placed in the window.
Bigfork Fire Department bond pushed to a later vote
The Bigfork Fire District facilities committee precluded a board decision to put a bond for a new fire hall on the May ballot last week while maintaining the set timeline to break ground in spring of 2026.
St. Regis family loses home in structure fire
The St. Regis and West End volunteer fire departments teamed up on the second structural fire within a week on Feb. 9, this time at 1130 Montana 135.
Presentation looks at wealthy, but enigmatic family
Charley Bair made his first fortune in the gold fields of the Klondike, his second in the sheep business in Montana, and his third in real estate in Los Angele…
Lawmakers debate Republican income tax relief proposals
The middle class is often a forgotten segment of the population, says Sen. Mike Yakawich, a Billings Republican.
Valentines: The key to love from those who know it
Loreley and Fred McLaughlin met over 60 years ago while at a mutual friend’s house. The apartment was unfurnished, so they sat on pillows, drinking margaritas …
Officials will consider banning motorized boats on Bull River amidst citizen complaints
Wildlife officials will consider new rules regulating the use of motorized boats on the Bull River south of Libby, following a petition from a local landowner.
Bill to ban mRNA vaccines passes out of House committee
A bill that would ban the use of mRNA vaccines, including for Covid-19, is on its way to the House floor after passing out of committee in a party-line vote We…
Private house in Glacier Park can remain, federal judge rules
A private home on the banks of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park can remain, a federal judge ruled earlier this month.
Man accused of shooting at ex brought up on felony charge
A man accused of shooting at his ex-girlfriend while she retrieved her belongings from his truck in Kalispell last month is facing a felony charge in Flathead …
Housing affordability remains a top economic concern for Flathead Valley
Montana has become a top five state in job creation over the past year yet is ranked low when it comes to wage growth, according to Jeff Michael, director of t…
Biologists look to find out what ails South Fork elk herd
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks hopes to collar 16 elk in the Bob Marshall Wilderness this month as part of a study to better determine why the population has…
Filing deadline approaches to appear on ballots as a school board trustee candidate
School elections are coming in May and people interested in serving on a school board have until March 27 to file paperwork to appear on the ballot.