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…
County administrator to retire after guiding growth for 16 years
When Flathead County Administrator Mike Pence reflects on all the teachable moments in his 45 years of government service, one project in particular springs to…
After beating cancer, C-Falls girl aims to walk again
At the tender age of 10, Columbia Falls fifth-grader Kymber Johnson has already had to brave her way through a gauntlet of staggering hardships.
Rails-to-Trails starts 'Tunnel Vision' mural project
The Great Northern Historical Trail offers some pretty spectacular vistas along the paved path system that connects Kalispell, Somers and Kila.
Flathead reports 243 new virus cases
Flathead County reported 243 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, the highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic.
Local schools tap into smart thermometer program
With flu season starting in the midst of a pandemic, it may be more important than ever to keep on top of symptoms of contagious illnesses.
Whitefish incident leads to assault charge
A late night dispute in Whitefish ultimately resulted in criminal charges against a Flathead Valley man.
Daines campaign claims 'Dems are stealing the election'
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines' campaign made the baseless allegation that Democrats are "stealing" the presidential election in a text sent to many Montana residents …
Flathead County commissioners deny overtime pay for swamped health department staff
The Flathead County commissioners voted last week to deny overtime pay for seven health department employees that have been working exorbitant hours since the …
Big Arm man sent to prison for child sexual exploitation
MISSOULA — A Big Arm man who admitted making child pornography videos and sending an image to an undercover agent was sentenced Friday to 20 years in prison an…
Whitefish teen with spina bifida gets special vehicle
After almost two years of fundraising and factory delays, Josh Burt is now driving a specially equipped 2019 Chevy Traverse.
Hearings consolidated for local businesses accused of violating mask order
Four Flathead County District Court judges collectively approved a renewed motion to consolidate preliminary injunction hearings for five separate lawsuits tha…
Survey: Majority of workplace injuries take place in private industry
Employers in Montana reported a total of 13,700 recordable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) injuries and illnesses in 2019, with 11,500 of …
Skees shelves bill to repeal pot legalization
Before Montanans voted decisively to legalize recreational marijuana use, a state lawmaker from Kalispell preemptively introduced a bill that would repeal the …
Health department will no longer alert all close contacts to COVID exposure
Public health officials announced Thursday the Flathead City-County Health Department is no longer able to alert all close contacts to their possible exposure …
Valley snow expected this weekend
Western Montana will plunge into another winter storm event this weekend after hitting record-high temperatures on Thursday.