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.
Sharp cold front to drop snow on Glacier Park
A winter weather advisory was issued for Glacier National Park beginning Wednesday night as a potent front out of …
Dogs abandoned near Doris Creek up for adoption
Several of the dogs left abandoned up the Hungry Horse Reservoir a few weeks ago are now up for adoption.
Threats phoned into Libby schools deemed unfounded
Police are investigating threatening phone calls made to the Libby Elementary School and the Libby Middle High School late Wednesday morning.
Accused of assault, Kalispell man pleads guilty to drunk driving
Donald Douglas Houtonen, 35, entered the guilty plea to driving under the influence, fourth or subsequent offense, on Sept. 26 after reaching a deal with prosecutors.
Man accused of threatening inn staff, deputies sentenced
Judge Robert Allison critiqued the agreement between prosecutors and Kyle Ross Burglund, 41, as he handed down his sentences late last month, describing them a…
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS State library staff gave more than $240K in bonuses that didn’t meet state guidelines, auditors say
The Montana State Library System awarded more than $244,000 in bonuses to staff that was contrary to state law because auditors said the basis for the awards was not clearly outlined.
County planning board holds vote on KM Ranch Road project
The county planning board meets at 6 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the South Campus Building at 40 11th St. W. in Kalispell. Recommendations from the planning board are forwarded to the Flathead Count…
Amendment on ballot would require warrant to access electronic data
As Montana voters head to the polls this fall, they’ll have the chance to amend the state Constitution to add language explicitly requiring law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before accessing a person’s pri…
Community leaders look to address increase in homelessness
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Kalispell is now the second highest in the state sitting slightly behind Missoula, according to the Montana Homeless Point-In-Time count provided annually by the Mo…
U.S. sued for pollution from retardant drops on wildfires
An environmental group filed a lawsuit Tuesday against U.S. Forest Service officials that alleges they polluted waterways during their campaigns against wildfi…
Meadows Edge subdivision requests adding four lots
The planning board meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 201 First Ave. E in Kalispell.
Gianforte’s response to Biden request for marijuana pardons
President Joe Biden last week made a series of sweeping announcements regarding his plans to reform marijuana policy nationwide. While those reforms initially focus solely on Americans facing federal drug charges, …
C-Falls hotel project gets a green light
The Columbia Falls City Council on Oct. 3 approved a new 65-unit hotel off of U.S. 2.
Prosecutors: Man stole van, drove drunk until collision in Whitefish
Benjamin Edward Brant, 43, faces felony counts of criminal endangerment, theft, criminal mischief and driving under the influence, fourth or subsequent offense…
Anti-abortion group hosts speaker Oct. 15
Matt Britton, board secretary and general counsel of the 40 Days for Life project, will speak in Columbia Falls on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Richards Catholic Church, located at 1210 9th St. West, Columbia Falls.
DEQ seeks applications for projects to mitigate lead levels in public water supplies
Up to $28 million in federal funding may be available to Montana communities seeking to update lead service lines in public water supplies.