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…
Innovative musical illustrates how arts are surviving pandemic
Take four outrageously talented, creative types – e.g. musicians, actors, filmmakers — stick them in a theatrical town like Whitefish, Montana, in the middle …
UM to play pivotal role in vaccine rollout
MISSOULA – Capitalizing on its robust bioscience infrastructure, research facilities and statewide network of student and alumni pharmacists, the University of Montana will provide and distribute the COVID-19 vacci…
Restrictions set for school winter sports, events
The Flathead City-County Health Department on Monday released extensive COVID-19 guidelines and procedures for high school and middle school sporting events and other winter activities.
State GOP lawmakers blast Daines over water compact
A historic water-rights agreement between the federal government and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes became law on Sunday, as President Donald Trump reluctantly signed a $2.3 trillion spending bill that…
Man identified in weekend fatal traffic crash
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim of a traffic accident Saturday as Jesse Butler, 30, of Kalispell. man who died in a traffic crash Saturday.
2020 Reflections: Black Lives Matter protester reflects on local racial justice movement
Samantha Francine stares up at a man blaring in her face while she holds a sign that reads: “Say their names.”
State Park visitation way up in 2020
Visitation at Montana State Parks increased in 2020 significantly.
One dead and two injured in Columbia Falls crash
A 30-year-old Columbia Falls man died and two women were injured in a crash on U.S. 2 at mile marker 133 by Sunrise Creek Drive on Saturday.
'Bully' breed rescue works with aggressive canines
Perseverance is paying off for Coleen Flight, the founder of an Evergreen dog rescue for “bully” breeds in Northwest Montana.
2020 Reflections: Montana's GOP sweep signals changes ahead
Montana turned deep red in 2020, as Republican candidates swept every statewide office on the November ballot and won the governor's office for the first time …
Additional litigation involving bottling plant still possible
While a recent District Court ruling closed a major chapter of litigation involving a controversial water bottling plant in Creston, representatives from both sides of the legal battle say there is potential for fu…
Labor department program partners with FVCC
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry is expanding its Become an Alum program to partner with Flathead Valley Community College.
Maskless riders challenging S.N.O.W. bus drivers
Whitefish's COVID-19 task force and the operator of the S.N.O.W. bus that shuttles skiers and snowboarders between the city and Big Mountain are urging riders to wear masks when boarding – and keep them on for the …
2020 reflections: Sheriff discusses police reform, other challenges facing officers
The killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers in May set off an eruption of protests and riots across the nation as many called for changes to how…
Kalispell man accused of killing his wife
A Kalispell man charged with killing his wife was jailed late Thursday afternoon in the Flathead County Detention Center.