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.
Blankenship crowds a growing concern
Overnight camping along the Flathead River at the Blankenship access has reached a tipping point that Forest Service officials need to address with both short- and long-term solutions.
Fair concert and rodeo not worth the risk
Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo officials last week decided to cancel this year’s carnival portion of the fair “for the health of our community” and fair workers. While probably an unpopular decision with some in …
Take part in Inter Lake’s ‘thank you’ campaign
Fraught with virus-induced angst, economic challenges and civil unrest, 2020 has exceeded expectations for all the wrong reasons. It’s been a trying year from the jump, and it’s only August.
Kalispell makes good use of Brownfields Program
United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler got a tour last week of two major Kalispell redevelopment sites that have benefited from $2 million in federal funding through the EPA Brow…
911 funding proposal comes with nuances
Once again, Flathead County voters are being asked to support a ballot measure that will tax property owners to pay for ongoing equipment upgrades at the Flathead Emergency Communications Center known as the 911 ce…
With masks, a little civility goes a long way
The governor’s July 15 directive that mandates the use of face masks in various public settings has one clear goal — curbing the community spread of COVID-19.
Glacier reservation idea should be put on hold
Glacier National Park officials last week floated the idea of a ticketed entry system to help manage crowds along Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer.
Use a careful eye with political polls
In the throes of a tight and turbulent election season, insight into how a particular candidate is faring is a hot commodity among campaigns and political wonks alike. Enter political polling — equally ballyhooed a…
Making a difference in the community
If you’re needing some good news as an elixir to the heavy headlines of the day, the Inter Lake routinely publishes stories about local individuals and organizations that are making a difference in people’s lives. …
Unity needed on school reopening plans
An email detailing Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen’s plan for reopening schools hit the Daily Inter Lake inbox around noon on Thursday. Less than an hour later, the Governor’s Office released its…
Celebrate Independence Day responsibly
Typically around the Fourth of July we use this space to remind readers about using vigilance with fireworks and to celebrate responsibly by securing a safe ride home if you choose to drink alcohol.
County expansion plan makes sense
The Flathead County commissioners face a big decision in the next couple of weeks on a multimillion-dollar proposal to provide more space for the county’s growing workforce.
Amtrak reduction will hurt Montana
Montanans living along the Hi-Line were delivered a blow this week when Amtrak announced it plans to cut its Empire Builder service to three days a week beginning this fall.
Open dialogue key to understanding racial issues
The Daily Inter Lake concluded a three-part series Saturday that highlighted the lives and experiences of people of color in the Flathead Valley. As communities around the world continue to join the Black Lives Mat…
Heli-fishing fine hardly a deterrent
When a Bozeman couple was caught red-handed after landing their helicopter in the Bob Marshall Wilderness to do some backcountry fly-fishing, most of Montana had the same reaction: Total disappointment with a side …