Local News
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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…
Developer details massive overhaul planned for Kalispell Center Mall, seeks tax increment dollars
The developer behind the Kalispell Center Mall’s impending transformation has shared its concept designs, outlining an overhaul of the mall’s west side to make…
Headlines: Old oil well to be plugged, $1.1 million levy before voters, experts discuss backcountry flying risks, Libby’s health advisory lifted
Old oil well to be plugged in Glacier, Kalispell Public Schools sets $1.1 million levy before voters, aviation experts discuss risks of backcountry flying and …
CFAC Damage Assessment Plan finalized; could test for 'forever chemicals'
The final natural resource damage assessment plan for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. Superfund site has been released, a plan that will take another and perha…
Pinewood Derby cars fly to the finish in Ronan
Fourteen Polson and Ronan Cub Scouts brought their creativity and innovation to a block of wood and wheels, creating a speedy and colorful car to race down the…
Blankenship Fire Department welcomes ‘new’ fire truck
An old engine for Columbia Falls is a welcome new rig for the Blankenship Fire Department. Blankenship in December bought Columbia Falls 1994 HME Central State…
Bigfork enrollment decline will impact school budget, superintendent warns
Bigfork School District Superintendent Tom Stack warned educators to prepare for budget reductions beginning in the 2027-28 school year due to falling enrollme…
Change of plea hearing postponed for Kalispell teen accused of shooting sister
A Kalispell teenager accused of shooting his sister in the head on Halloween 2024 saw his change of plea hearing postponed earlier this month.
Rural Flathead County school districts put levy elections before voters
School elections are May 5. Here is a roundup of what’s on the ballot in area districts, including Helena Flat, Fair-Mont-Egan, Deer Park and Cayuse Prairie.
Kalispell woman who allegedly passed out while driving lands deferred sentence
Prosecutors brought 31-year-old Shawna Jade Black of Kalispell up on a felony count of criminal child endangerment following the Oct. 3, 2024, wreck on Two Mile Drive.
Kalispell man charged for stealing from construction site gets suspended jail sentence
Originally charged with felony burglary, 40-year-old Gregory Holm of Kalispell pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft at his Jan. 22 arraignment before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court.
Child pornography case dismissed after defendant dies
Businessman Steven Dale Rasmussen, 58, had pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of children at his Dec. 11 arraignment before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court.
Flathead County commissioners approve septic regulation changes allowing gravity systems
In 2004, health officials worked to change septic regulations after determining that the county’s large amount of surface water required a higher level of trea…
Thompson Falls Council rewinds decision on video recordings
The March Thompson Falls City Council meeting last week was standing room only, with many residents attending in support of reinstating video recordings of cou…
Former Polson man files complaint against library alleging ADA violation
Former Polson resident Michael Ross has lodged a civil complaint in U.S. District Court in Missoula, accusing the North Lake County Library and its director, A…
Lincoln County benefits from federal dollars
Resuming SRS funding also reduces pressure on the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.