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…
Montana’s tourists are getting older, richer and rarer
While Montana saw fewer tourists in 2025, they came with more gray hair — and more dollars for Montana businesses.
Pursuit followed state law, city policy, report notes
A police pursuit of an allegedly stolen vehicle that resulted in a serious accident and injury did not violate city policy or state laws, according to a review…
Love for historic schoolhouse shines through in state review for National Register
The Montana State Historic Preservation Review Board approved the schoolhouse’s nomination at its Jan. 23 meeting.
Youth take home prizes at Flathead County 4-H Foods Fair
The theme of this year’s event was “Foods Around the World.”
Flathead Electric's Roundup for Safety Board benefits Libby Scattergun Club
Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety Board of Directors on Jan. 8 awarded $21,068 to support five community life safety projects.
Kalispell man busted in Missoula on drug dealing charges
A Kalispell man was one of two people arrested by the FBI on drug dealing charges in Missoula over the weekend.
Kalispell City Council weighs zoning reforms, wildlife protections in new land use plan
Kalispell City Council on Monday night took its first look at a new land use plan aimed at steering development over the next 20 years in one of Montana’s fast…
Montana-Canada border traffic falls sharply in 2025
Container crossings fell 21% and inbound visitation dropped 29% over the first 11 months of the year.
$10M in funding for Noxon Bridge heads to Senate for final vote
A federal funding bill that includes $10 million to replace the failing Noxon Bridge has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is headed to the Senate f…
Aquatic invasive species continue to pop up across Montana
Aquatic invasive species continued to spread in 2025 despite the best efforts of state wildlife officials.
Flathead County commissioners urged to cut ties with federal immigration authorities
Advocates urged Flathead County commissioners on Monday to break ties with immigration enforcement agencies after federal agents shot dead a second Minneapolis…
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office providing security at Glacier Park International Airport
Months in the making, the agreement was spurred by discussions between airport officials and the Sheriff’s Office over airport security concerns.
Rare bird sighting a feather in the cap for Libby couple
One hundred years after Libby first began participating, the 2025 rendition of the Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count became notable for more than just an annivers…
Kalispell Council begins review of new land use plan that will guide growth for next 20 years
Kalispell City Council on Monday will review its new land use plan, a document that will guide the city's growth for the next 20 years.
Statewide sampling shows chronic wasting disease detections up from previous years
The 100% fatal neurological disorder affects ungulates, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose, and spreads through both direct and indirect con…