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.
Girl in intensive care after Middle Fork rafting accident
A girl from Columbus, Ohio nearly drowned in a rafting accident on the Middle Fork last week. A GoFundMe campaign …
HD 7: Health care, tax issues dominate three-way race
Three candidates are vying for the House District 7 seat that represents Kalispell, with each individual bringing to the table a unique set of experiences and …
Russell Elementary earns National Blue Ribbon School honor
Russell Elementary School is among 367 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020, and was one of two Montana schools to make the list.
Flathead’s COVID death toll rises to 19
The Flathead City-County Health Department announced Wednesday that three more individuals have died from COVID-19, bringing Flathead County’s total death toll to 19.
Open burning starts Thursday; caution advised
Open burning season in Flathead County and northern Lake County begins Thursday, Oct. 1.
Report: Whitefish Care failed to protect residents from COVID
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services recently conducted a multi-day survey in which staff discovered the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitatio…
HD 3: Candidates differ on Medicaid expansion, agree on public lands
Democratic incumbent Debo Powers faces a challenge from Republican Braxton Mitchell for the House District 3 seat that includes Columbia Falls, North Fork and …
VA Secretary touts need for suicide prevention advocacy for veterans
While COVID-19 cases are on an upswing in the Flathead, the decades-long specter of suicide is still the chief health concern for veterans of the armed forces in Montana and the nation.
Families recount loved ones’ declines at Whitefish facility
In a recorded video chat dated Aug. 18, Deb Johnson can be heard coaching her 92-year-old father, Elton “Ott” Johnson, through a breathing exercise.
Veterans Home working to contain COVID outbreak
The Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls is working to contain a COVID-19 outbreak that has infected a total 17 staff members and residents, with nine of those cases being considered “active,” as of Tuesday morn…
Autopsy shows man found on shore of Whitefish Lake died of hypothermia
The body of a Columbia Falls man was recovered last week from the shore of Whitefish Lake, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office reported Tuesday.
Driver's ed fees going up for Flathead, Glacier students
A $40 driver’s ed fee increase will go into effect in September 2021 for Flathead and Glacier high school students, bringing the total cost to $310.
Man cleared in Trumble Creek fatal shooting
A Flathead Valley initially charged with deliberate homicide after a shooting at a Trumble Creek residence earlier this month has been released.
HD 6: Candidates share health-care background, but differ on political policies
The Griz-Cat rivalry isn’t the only thing that divides Montana House of Representatives District 6 candidates Jerramy Dear-Ruel and Amy Regier.
Foundation acquires historic Mountain Brook School campus
From the time Mountain Brook School on Foothill Road in Kalispell was built on donated land using volunteer labor, the property has been a centerpiece and poin…
Whitefish couple receive prestigious UM Service Award
The University of Montana Foundation has awarded Summerfield and Julie Baldridge of Whitefish the Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award.