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…
It’s all in the genes: Biologists search for clues in the DNA of one of Montana’s most elusive creatures
The fishers had been live captured from Minnesota forests back in November and transported via pickup truck to a research facility in Northwest Montana. There,…
Choir members rush to director’s rescue after home destroyed in fire
There wasn’t time to save anything as panicked family members fled outside to safety in the freezing night air. Had she waited even five minutes, Allyson Kuech…
Columbia Falls awards bid for large street project
The Columbia Falls City Council earlier this week approved a contract with a local firm for the Gateway to Glacier Safety and Mobility Improvement Project. Nel…
Economists forecast slow but steady growth in Flathead County
Population growth in Montana dropped to the lowest in 12 years, with about .6% annual growth in 2024 and 2025 after experiencing record highs during the pandem…
Construction will cause partial closures in Two Medicine, St. Mary in Glacier National Park
Officials plan to close access to Two Medicine at the park boundary during the spring and fall of this year to accommodate a trio of construction projects repa…
Glacier superintendent says vehicle reservation system didn't work as expected
While no official word has yet to be released on Glacier National Park’s summer operations, Superintendent Dave Roemer told the crowd at the North Fork Interlo…
Headlines: Olympic triumph, river rule changes, student protests and Majestic Valley Arena under new ownership
Catch up on northwest Montana’s biggest stories — from Libby Olympian Konnor Ralph’s standout debut to major changes coming to the Flathead River, a local assa…
Montana State marks record spring enrollment of 16,373 students
When Cedar Stellon O'Donnell was in high school in Fairbanks, Alaska, she visited Montana State University as part of a tour of colleges she was considering. S…
Montana schools are struggling to pass funding levies
It's getting harder for Montana schools to win voter approval for discretionary funding levies, according to an analysis by the Montana School Boards Association.
Montana Supreme Court upholds Kalispell man's police obstruction conviction
The state’s highest court on Tuesday sided with a jury’s decision that a Kalispell man was guilty of obstructing a peace officer while he recorded a traffic st…
Suspected drunk driver arrested after crashing into fence in Whitefish
Prosecutors brought Stephanie Deeann Cardenas, 43, up on felony counts of fleeing from a peace officer and criminal endangerment as well as misdemeanor driving under the influence, first offense, following her Feb.…
Kalispell man receives suspended sentence for allegedly propositioning underage niece
Johnathon Daniel Fritz, 37, pleaded not guilty to felony sexual abuse of children at his Jan. 9, 2025 arraignment in Flathead County District Court.
History talk explores the beginnings of Kalispell
Bruce Guthrie, who leads the Northwest Montana History Museum's popular downtown walking tour, will describe the birth of the town.
Trump nominates a hospitality executive to lead the National Park Service
President Donald Trump has nominated for director of the National Park Service an executive from a hospitality company that holds extensive contracts with the …
Float permits, parking ban proposed for Flathead River under new management plan
A recently released rewrite of the Flathead River Comprehensive Management Plan promises to introduce new regulations, including a float permit system, to the …