DIL Editorial
Thoughtful perspectives from the Daily Inter Lake editorial board—local viewpoints on issues shaping Northwest Montana.
Reckless cruisers jeopardize Main Street pastime
Kalispell’s downtown cruisers are dealing with a few rotten apples that threaten to spoil the bunch.
Kalispell gets bold with transformational learning initiative
Kalispell Public Schools is encouraging the community to think big and paint outside the lines as it embarks on a multi-year journey to reassess “how school is done.”
Ensure equal voting access for Native Americans
A White House report released last week calls upon local, state and federal officials to do more to ensure that Native Americans have equal access to voting ballots.
Seeking balance amid Montana's visitation boom
Montanans’ attitude toward the state’s thriving tourism sector is starting to sour — a troubling trend that industry leaders and elected officials need to take…
Nothing unusual about governor’s mountain lion hunt
Gov. Greg Gianforte garnered national attention last week following reports of his recent mountain lion hunt north of Yellowstone National Park. Turns out, it’s much ado about nothing.
Conference keeps discussions on mental health going
Attendees at last week’s Character Conference at Glacier High School witnessed a powerful display of courage from the night’s two guest speakers.
More multi-family units will ease Montana housing crisis
It’s no secret that the Flathead Valley has faced a lack of affordable and workforce housing for years. But it’s a problem that has become more acute in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic as more and more people hav…
Public Law 280 funding obligation falls to state
Lake County has handled law enforcement responsibilities on the Flathead Reservation since the early 1960s, not long after Congress passed Public Law 280.
Zinke’s disregard for ethics obligations disappointing
Former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke was put on the defensive last week following the release of an inspector general report that concluded Zinke misused his Cabinet position to leverage his stake in a Whitefish co…
Consequences of federal wage order
A lawsuit filed by rafting outfitters in Colorado has shined a light on the implications of a new federal rule that significantly raises the minimum wage for federal contractors, and puts some local businesses in a…
Board training should be a prerequisite
Serving on a publicly appointed or elected board comes with much responsibility.
Septic facility among county’s most pressing needs
When it comes to planning ahead for the Flathead Valley’s current and future growth, time is of the essence.
Displaced residents highlight need to be bold on housing
The harsh reality of the Flathead Valley’s housing crisis is set to avalanche onto the streets after about 100 long-term guests at the FairBridge Inn received notice that they will need to be out of the motel by Fe…
Instead of criticizing, lend a hand
The chorus of groans was audible as the omicron wave crashed into the Flathead Valley last week, dragging in its wake wide-reaching impacts on our local schools, businesses and health-care system. It’s like the mo…
Innovative tax credit program could use innovation
A few local school districts managed to get a sliver of the $1 million in funding made available in a state program offering tax credits to people who donate to public schools — but not without some frantic mouse c…
Resilience, fortitude carry the Flathead into 2022
We’ve stepped into the new year in a very different place than we were a year ago.