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…
Lincoln County to launch storm resource center; water still available for residents
In response to the natural disasters that have affected south Lincoln County, the county Health Department will open a Winter Storm Resource Center next week i…
Christmas magic: Lakeside resident spreads cheer with elf character
Silver Belle is always excited to meet new people and help them get up to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus during the Journey to the North Pole cruises, whic…
Renovation renews Whitefish's St. Charles Borromeo church
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish has been undergoing an extensive repair, renovation and beautification project that might be completed in tim…
Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund gives back to communities
This year, a total of 31 grants were awarded to nonprofits, community organizations and school districts in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish and other rural areas of Montana.
Habitat for Humanity taking applications for affordable homes in Columbia Falls
Habitat Flathead is building one four-bedroom home, three three-bedroom homes, and two two-bedroom homes on the corner of Railroad Street and Fourth Avenue East North in Columbia Falls.
Montana Youth Challenge Academy graduates 103 cadets in 53rd commencement
Cadets completed the program’s 22-week residential phase, earning diplomas, certificates and scholarship opportunities to support continued education and caree…
Big Sky Now: Griz fall to Cats as Redbirds advance to the FCS Championship
The Big Sky Now panel breaks down a pivotal weekend of Big Sky Conference playoff football, including Montana’s road loss to Montana State in Bozeman and Illin…
Contractors sought to repair flood-damaged bridges in Lincoln County
The process for repairing and replacing bridges washed out by flooding in Lincoln County was expected to get underway this week, as federal, state and local ag…
Judge says Montana wolf hunting and trapping season quota can continue
The decision on Friday by Judge Christopher Abbott came down against the conservation organizations that had sought an injunction against the state, arguing th…
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area sets opening for Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve will mark the start of seven-day-a-week operations, which will continue through Jan. 4, according to a release from the ski area.
Driver reportedly flees fatal crash near Somers
The driver in a fatal crash near Somers on Saturday allegedly fled the scene hours before authorities were notified.
Paying it forward: Sandy Sonju helps veterans navigate the system her father couldn’t
Her dad served in the Korean War, and his brothers were World War II veterans. Two of her nine siblings served, along with aunts, uncles and cousins. Even her …
Columbia Falls School District makes pitch for charter school
Columbia Falls School District Superintendent Cory Dziowgo and staff recently made a pitch to the Montana Board of Public Education for a new Columbia Falls Tr…
Giving kids a Head Start: Program that supports learning and development faces challenges in its 60th year
Head Start is celebrating its 60th year, but the program has faced funding disruptions, a federal government shutdown and administrative upheaval that have cha…
A performance to remember: Local dancers share the stage with San Diego Ballet
This is the fourth year the San Diego Ballet has visited Northwest Montana to perform the timeless Christmas classic, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracke…