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.
Construction of new Flathead County jail celebrated with groundbreaking ceremony
Nearly 20 people involved with the project posed for the photo-op, including the three county commissioners, Sheri…
Two classes of fourth graders go remote in Bigfork due to COVID-19
Two classes of fourth graders go remote in Bigfork due to COVID-19.
Inadequate child care costs Montana $232M annually
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated child-care challenges for families in Montana, but the take-away from a new state study shows the care issues are not a s…
Local option tax among Kalispell's legislative priorities
The Kalispell City Council is readying its priorities for the upcoming session of the Montana Legislature, and a local option tax is one of the city’s priorities.
Wine and dine at FVCC’s Festival of Flavors
Fall flavors go well beyond the much-beloved pumpkin spice and this weekend, locals will have the opportunity to expand their palettes at the 13th annual Fall Festival of Flavors hosted by Flathead Valley Community…
Salvation Army starts red-kettle campaign early amid pandemic
For the first time in 130 years, the Salvation Army is starting its annual holiday fundraising campaign early across the country.
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.