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…
One critically injured after fire engulfs mill on Helena Flats Road
One man is in critical condition after suffering severe burn injuries in a fire that ripped through a 30,000-square-foot lumbermill northeast of Kalispell on T…
Entertaining: Shows and concerts make for a busy year ahead in Northwest Montana
Between world-famous comedians and Grammy-winning artists — the options just keep coming in 2026.
Construction of new Flathead County jail slated to begin in the new year
The construction project is in the design phase, said County Administrator Pete Melnick. Martel Construction and Elevatus Architect were hired by the county to…
Heated words over firewood sparks fight in Lincoln County
Two Lincoln County men are facing felony assault charges after a fight last month sparked by firewood.
Rescue group reunites Arkansas man with cat lost at campground
The West Glacier KOA was closing for the season, a major snowfall was forecasted, and the manager had just caught sight of Newton, a cat who had gone missing s…
Exposing children to domestic violence now a crime in Columbia Falls
The Columbia Falls City Council last week passed a law that makes it a crime to expose minors to domestic violence.
Kalispell teen accused of shooting sister to be tried as adult
A teenager accused of shooting his sister in Kalispell on Halloween in 2024 is being tried as an adult in Flathead County District Court.
Thompson Chain of Lakes slated for thinning project
A largescale thinning project in Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park seeks to combat a rash of disease and pest outbreaks while reducing hazardous wildland fuel…
Motive remains unknown in Wallace shooting
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Brett Nelson said Monday that law enforcement officials don’t know what motivated the suspect in the Wallace shoo…
Strong tourism year in the Flathead Valley but economic uncertainty and airport closure loom
The Flathead Valley saw a strong year for tourism in 2025, but challenges loom as travelers grow weary amid an uncertain economy, international travel is expec…
Children’s book about world’s largest steam tractor aims to inspire
Smoke billows from the stack of the steam-powered tractor as it chugs along, sounding like a train locomotive. At a top speed of just under 6 mph, the 150 Case…
Supreme Court declines to take ‘Held’ youth challenges to 2025 laws
A unanimous five-judge panel of the Montana Supreme Court has rejected a request by youth plaintiffs who successfully argued that the state has a constitutiona…
Annual Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby hooks new generations of fishers
A little wind on the water never keeps a fisher on the shore. That’s something the Annual Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby, held at Murphy Lake, has inst…
Blacktail Mountain thinning project approved over endangered species concerns
Officials are moving forward with plans to thin a section of forest surrounding powerlines near Blacktail Mountain despite findings that the project would adve…
Flathead Valley gears up for major airport, road and path projects in 2026
Whitefish will see its largest road reconstruction project yet next year. Columbia Falls will eventually have a shared-use path connecting the city. Kalispell'…