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.
New owner begins renovating former Outlaw Inn, details plan for extended-stay rentals
Columbia Falls developer Mick Ruis has begun renovating the former Outlaw Inn after its previous owner left the bu…
Local sales surge for firearms, ammo
An election year with massive political unrest and a surging pandemic created the perfect storm for firearms and ammunition producers and retailers in 2020 as …
Work camps considered for West Glacier
The Middle Canyon Land Use Advisory Committee has devised new language that would allow “work camps” in the West Glacier region to house summer employees.
North Valley Hospital: Board to consider name change
The North Valley Board of Directors is expected to convene at the end of January to vote on a possible name change for North Valley Hospital after Kalispell Re…
Gianforte plan wouldn't use pot revenue for public lands, vets
Montana voters moved to legalize recreational marijuana in November after being told that tax revenue from pot sales would be used for public lands, veterans' …
Lost Trail easement near Marion finalized
Another large swath of timberland in Northwest Montana will remain open to the public in perpetuity after groups finalized the purchase of the Lost Trail Conservation Easement.
Is it time to hunt grizzly bears?
It’s been 30 years since Montana held a hunting season for grizzly bears, but as their numbers increase in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, the day w…
Four more COVID deaths reported in Flathead County
The Flathead City-County Health Department on Friday morning confirmed another four COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the county’s death toll to 58 individuals.
Blackfeet tribal doctor gets prison time for kickback scheme
GREAT FALLS — A former Indian Health Services doctor who worked on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and admitted using his job to prescribe a diabetes drug from a pharmacy in exchange for kickbacks was sentenced Th…
What's in governor's budget for Flathead County?
Flathead County would get a new District Court judge to keep up with growing caseloads, and three specialists would be hired to help implement a new tribal water-rights compact under a budget proposal unveiled Thur…
Flathead County commissioners set board responsibilities
The three Flathead County commissioners don't just meet with each other to set policy and manage the county's budget.
Parents of critically ill boy petition drug company for help
The parents of Maverick Bench and hundreds of social media followers have asked a drug company for help as the Benchs' 8-year-old son continues his battle agai…
Attorney alleges murder suspect's father killed wife
A defense attorney for a Kalispell man accused of murdering his wife in front of their children alleges there is a more likely suspect in the woman’s death — t…
Gianforte details tax cuts, lower spending in new budget
HELENA (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte released his budget proposal Thursday, following through on his campaign promises to try to reduce taxes and hold the…
Whitefish TV reality star died of drug overdose
The cause of death of a Whitefish man who appeared on a TV reality show was acute cocaine intoxication.
Ex-convicts charged after local police chase
Four Montana men with lengthy criminal pasts recently were arrested in the Flathead Valley after leaving a local chemical dependency treatment center and allegedly stealing a sport-utility vehicle.