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…
Colleagues and friends have fond remembrance of fallen Glacier climbers
On July 22, Flathead Valley residents Brian Kennedy and Jack Beard, both 67, fell to their deaths while climbing the east face of Dusty Star Mountain in Glacie…
Lake Mary Ronan area evacuated as Elmo Fire moves closer
Eight structures have been destroyed and as many as 150 are threatened by a raging wildfire that continues to expand its reach west of Flathead Lake.
Individual linked to shooting in southwest Kalispell in custody
Authorities say they have identified the individual behind a shooting in southwest Kalispell on July 23 as a minor out of Missoula.
Governor urges supreme court to reconsider Armstrong decision
In the light of the recent Dobbs decision, Gov. Greg Gianforte asked the Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday to accept new briefings from the public as the high court weighs the legality of abortion in the state.
MSU’s computer science program gives Kalispell undergraduate room to run in unexpected directions
For the recent Montana State University student, computer science has matched her adventurous spirit and work ethic, giving her room to run in sometimes unexpe…
Great Fish Community Challenge opens with launch party
This year’s Great Fish Community Challenge runs Aug. 4 to Sept. 16 and will benefit 70 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations.
Convicted animal abuser headed to trial on assault charge
Prosecutors accuse Domingo J. Palafox, 31, of shooting at a pair of anglers on the Hungry Horse Reservoir in June 2020.
Teen in custody after allegedly shooting at father
Jeremiah Russell Rardon is being held in the Flathead County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond following the July 29 confrontation. He turned himself in to a…
County voters to decide marijuana tax
The county could see an estimated $460,000 in revenue yearly from the tax.
Kalispell moves forward on parking garage and multi-family housing project
Kalispell City Council on Monday authorized allowing city staff to negotiate a developer’s agreement and lease agreement with the Montana Hotel Dev Partners ba…
Family intervention ends in arrest, felony charges
Donald Douglas Houtonen, 35, faces felony charges of driving under the influence, fourth or subsequent offense, and strangulation of a partner or family member following his July 29 arrest.
Series of fires extinguished in the Bigfork area under investigation
Authorities are investigating a series of fires started in the south valley and Bigfork areas in recent days and calling on the public for help.
Authorities ID woman killed after fall through skylight
Officials have identified Erika Brisendine as the 20-year-old woman who fell through a skylight at the gymnasium of the Columbia Falls High School on July 31.
Elmo Fire threatening 50 structures
More evacuation orders were issued overnight Monday and Tuesday as winds pushed the Elmo 2 Fire precariously close to U.S. 93 near Chief Cliff, prompting a tem…
Montana Democratic platform reaffirms support for abortion access, state Constitution and public lands
Montana Democrats met in their historical stronghold of Butte this weekend for the party’s 2022 platform convention, reaffirming support for positions core to the party’s identity following a year of Republican con…