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…
School enrollment falls for third year in a row in Flathead County
Enrollment in Flathead County public, private and home schools declined for the third consecutive year while still reflecting growth over the decade.
U.S. citizen gets probation for trying to smuggle British husband across the border
A United States citizen who aided her husband in trying to cross into the U.S. illegally near Eureka last year was sentenced to six months of probation on Wedn…
Sandpoint man arrested on murder charges
A Sandpoint man is being named in the death of his grandfather after court documents suggest the man confessed to the crime shortly after it occurred.
Holiday crowds set new skier visit mark at Whitefish Mountain Resort
A cold front delivered just in time for the holiday week rush at Whitefish Mountain Resort, laying down enough powder to notch an all-time single-day visitor r…
Man faces attempted deliberate homicide charge in alleged rural Columbia Falls road rage incident
A man involved in an apparent road rage incident on Columbia Falls Stage Road Christmas Eve has been charged with attempted deliberate homicide and felony crim…
Suspect in 2024 Kalispell police chase receives multiple sentences
A man brought up on felony charges after leading Kalispell Police on a chase through the city in November 2024 later earned multiple sentences with the state Department of Corrections.
Whitefish Community Foundation holds meetings about grants
Whitefish Community Foundation will host informational meetings this month for nonprofits interested in learning about 2026 grant program eligibility requirements and the application process.
FVCC’s Culinary Institute of Montana holds Chef’s Table dining experiences
Each exclusive evening features a curated menu that celebrates the diverse flavors and traditions of our country’s culinary landscape.
Columbia Falls School District paid more than $50,000 for elevator parts. The work was never done
The Columbia Falls School District 6 Board in November voted to file a claim against Bluestone Elevator Inc. of Polson for $53,746.
Abell to lead Flathead County commissioners
The three commissioners historically rotate positions at the beginning of each year, selecting a new chair and vice chair during the first meeting in January
Outgoing Kalispell mayor, councilors bid farewell as new leadership takes office
Outgoing Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson on Monday thanked his fellow councilors and the past leaders he shared the dais with during his 12 years in office.
All eyes on western Montana as 2026 midterms approach
Midterm elections are still months away, but the race for Montana’s western congressional district is already heating up.
State adopts controversial immigration database to purge voter rolls
State election officials may soon use a controversial U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services database to trim voter registration lists.
FHS student expands horizons through leadership, seeks to build school culture of unity and community
Flathead High School senior Elijah Williams is a dedicated, compassionate and faith-driven student who leads with purpose.
New Kalispell city councilors to be sworn in Monday night
With the new year comes new faces at Kalispell City Hall and a crop of new city councilors will be sworn into office Monday night.