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.
Curiosity for cuisine: Whitefish Chef Earl Reynolds lets twists on classics drive the menu
There are many hallmarks of success in Earl Reynolds' career, but earning a second James Beard Award nomination fo…
Kalispell council proposes $82.5M budget for 2021
The Kalispell City Council is considering an $82.5 million budget for fiscal year 2021, a potential increase of about $2.5 million from the previous year.
Rural fire board mulls creation of its own department
Board members for the Whitefish Fire Service Area are considering the option of setting up their own volunteer rural fire department, as opposed to renegotiating a new contract with the Whitefish Fire Department.
Drop in state bed-tax revenue impacts visitor bureaus, parks
The novel coronavirus outbreak has brought into focus just how intertwined Montana’s economy is. When one segment struggles, it’s likely the effects of that wi…
Bigfork commercial subdivision gets favorable nod
The Flathead City-County Planning Board on Wednesday voted to recommend approval for a commercial subdivision on 5.31 acre along Montana 82 near Pick’s Bowling Center in Bigfork that would create five lots ranging …
Group’s president recognized for uplifting members during pandemic
You can hear the emotion swell in Gerri Backes’ voice when she talks about the members of the Kalispell Senior Center. It’s clear she thinks of them as family.…
Golden retriever group honors frontline workers
Goldenstock Whitefish recently gathered together for a parade to thank workers on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hospital eases visitor restrictions; Summit to open May 26
Kalispell Regional Healthcare has started to ease some of its visitor restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Col. Falls embarks on 20-year traffic plan
What are the most traveled streets in Columbia Falls? How can the city improve transportation? Where should the next bike path go? Those and many other questions will get answered in the coming months as the city o…
Missoula man dies in Lake County crash
A 47-year-old Missoula man is dead after crashing the pickup truck he was driving early Friday near Pablo.
Columbia Falls teen sentenced for armed robbery
A Columbia Falls teenager with a criminal history recently was sentenced to serve time in a Montana Department of Corrections facility for an armed robbery he …
Retail stores strive to enforce safety measures
Signs about social distancing have recently become as ubiquitous as bottles of hand sanitizer and tape markings throughout retail stores. But some in the commu…
Cinemark movie theater plans midsummer reopening
While Montana’s movie theaters got the go-ahead to start reopening Friday, Flathead Valley residents will have to wait a while longer to get their big-screen f…
Local businesses push for Glacier Park reopening
Nearly 50 businesses and individuals in the Flathead Valley that rely heavily on Glacier National Park visitation have signed a letter asking the governor and …
Summer and fall registration open at FVCC
Registration is now open for in-person and online summer and fall courses at Flathead Valley Community College. To protect the health and well-being of students and staff, FVCC is following stringent social distanc…
Whitefish reopens sports courts, City Beach boat launch
Whitefish has reopened its tennis courts at Riverside Park and Grouse Mountain Park, as well as the pickleball courts at Memorial Park.