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.
Firefighter safety remains paramount
This week marks the 75th anniversary of the Mann Gulch Fire that tragically killed 13 of 16 smokejumpers who were sent into the Gates of the Mountains near Helena on Aug. 5, 1949. It remains among the deadliest day…
Ballot initiatives put power to the people
A trio of citizen-led initiates appear to be headed for the November ballot, despite state Republicans’ best efforts to obstruct the process and ultimately muzzle voters.
Keeping Warming Center open should be the goal
Cooler heads prevailed at last week's heated Kalispell City Council meeting to review the Flathead Warming Center's conditional use permit.
Beat the heat safely this summer
Summer is in full swing across Northwest Montana, and the region's many lakes, rivers and parks are filling up with people eager to beat the heat and get in a little sightseeing. But a spate of tragedies in recent …
Grandstand rebuild a necessary investment
The Northwest Montana Fair’s main events are officially on. Get ready for some oldies but goodies with Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Beach Boys, chart-topping…
Canal siphon failures not a matter of if, but when
Along with the torrent of gushing water that flooded Babb due to catastrophic siphon eruptions on the St. Mary Canal last week will be serious economic consequ…
Open primaries give voters more control
A pair of constitutional initiatives to restructure Montana’s voting system with an open primary are likely headed for the November ballot.
Candidates needed for government review commissions
Columbia Falls and Whitefish voters last week opted to enact a unique opportunity afforded by the Montana Constitution to scrutinize how their local governments function.
A bright future for the Class of 2024
We are once again amazed by the seniors graduating from the area’s high schools and heading out into the world. The Inter Lake over the last week has showcased some remarkable young people who shared their stories …
Project to provide veterans’ housing deserves support
No veteran who has sacrificed for our freedoms should be faced with the consequences of living on the street — yet that is increasingly the case in Montana.
Special session on immigration would be costly
State House leadership last week called on legislators to immediately convene for a special session to discuss an issue that’s “crucial” to Montana residents.
Rhetoric trumps solutions on immigration
A group of immigrants’ arrival to the Flathead Valley on Wednesday has raised more questions than answers.
Evergreen levy request is warranted
Evergreen Fire and Rescue has always taken pride in maximizing its resources to best serve the community. The department is taking that same fiscally-prudent approach with an upcoming levy request to shore up staff…
Focus on solutions when discussing homelessness
Kalispell City Council is expected to take a look at some of the challenges surrounding homelessness in the city at an upcoming work session.
Let Evergreen serve as an inspiration
Passersby have by now likely caught sight of workers preparing the way for forthcoming sidewalks along U.S. 2 in Evergreen.