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.
Retiring Sister Judy Lund recognized with Spirit of Montana award for 'lifetime of service'
Students and teachers at St. Matthew’s Catholic School rose for a standing ovation as Gov. Greg Gianforte bestowed…
Bigfork receives grant to purchase electric school bus
Bigfork School District received $395,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program to purchase an electric bus.
Teen awaiting sentencing arrested in Ohio
Colton Theodore Wieczorek, 19, is in the county jail with bail set at $150,000 as he awaits his Nov. 23 sentencing.
Judge: State may charge for legal review prior to records release
State agencies can charge the public fees to review documents for privacy and other interests before releasing them as “public information,” according to an order from Yellowstone County District Court this week.
Accused Martin City killer released after securing bond
The man accused of shooting two people in Martin City over the summer — leaving one dead — was released from county jail Oct. 31 after posting a $750,000 bond.
Man accused of targeting relatives changes plea
Prosecutors will recommend that 37-year-old Joseph Thomas Oliver serve a deferred, three-year sentence with the state Department of Corrections.
Environmentalists challenge Montana wolf regulations in state court
Environmental groups WildEarth Guardians and Project Coyote are asking a Lewis and Clark County District Court judge to toss out Montana’s current wolf-hunting…
County shelter still nearly full even after abandoned huskies find new homes
All of the dogs that were abandoned up the Hungry Horse Reservoir have gone to new homes, but an influx of new animals has the county shelter at near capacity.
Samaritan House expansion project given $80k, but more funding needed
The Samaritan House’s planned expansion project got an $80,000 boost recently, though the effort to overhaul the old Army Reserve Armory in Kalispell requires …
Deaths of Bigfork residents investigated as homicides
Authorities are investigating the deaths of a 65-year-old man and 62-year-old woman in Bigfork as homicides.
History museum director turns the page on a new chapter
With the help of a small staff and a cadre of dedicated volunteers, Margaret Davis is eager to build partnerships and for the museum to continue serving the co…
Westward ho: Young pioneers traverse the Oregon Trail
Under the bright afternoon sun, teams of excited Hedges Elementary School third-grade pioneers pulling covered wagons rounded the last bend before Dry Bridge P…
Montana wants to be the next wine country
Even with the science making progress, Montana still needs its lawmakers’ to give the nascent industry more support.
Whitefish City Council approves mixed-use subdivision off U.S. 93
The Whitefish City Council on Oct. 17 unanimously approved a 29-lot subdivision on a lot to the east of Big Mountain Thrift on U.S. 93.
Community briefs
Cornhole for Code Girls Tournament; Epworth holds annual Holiday Bazaar; Epworth holds annual Holiday Bazaar; Free meals in November; Funding available for cancer patients; Salvation Army looking for red bell ringe…
Resurfacing project proposed for Big Mountain Road
The Montana Department of Transportation has proposed a resurfacing project on a three-mile stretch of Big Mountain Road north of Whitefish running up to White…