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Libby Fire Displaces Elderly Man, Smith Lake Dam Threatened, and Fatal Crashes Near Bigfork

Daily Inter Lake reporter and podcast host Taylor Inman goes over some of the week’s biggest headlines for northwest Montana.  A devastating house fire leaves a Libby man homeless, beaver activity threatens the Smith Lake dam in Whitefish, and two separate fatal crashes near Bigfork raise concerns about road safety.
 
Read more from this week’s show:
Libby man hospitalized following Thanksgiving weekend house fire
Beaver activity threatens Whitefish's Smith Lake dam
Kalispell woman killed in head-on collision near Bigfork
Intoxication, speed suspected in fatal crash near Bigfork

Read more local and state coverage:
State hosts open house in Bigfork ahead of the planned Bridge Street Bridge replacement project
Mineral Community Hospital acquires St. Regis clinic
After nearly dying, Chad Stock rededicates himself for a second lease on life
Kalispell City Council to vote on using tax increment funds for downtown facade improvements

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com


December 7, 2024

MORE EPISODES

No Drama, Just Llamas: Hiking the Montana Backcountry with Some Unlikely Guides

Daily Inter Lake reporter Hailey Smalley follows Jamie Rolfing and his family as they reopen their 500-acre Great Northern Ranch to the public, inviting visitors to experience the quiet companionship of llamas along forest trails. Recapture the magic of slowing down, listening to the trees, and letting these quirky animals lead the way.

Read the full article - A family llama-cy: Couple takes the lead on family trekking business

July 28, 2025

Wolves in the Crosshairs, Veto Overridden, and Bigfork Bridge Rebuild Begins

Reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the major headlines shaping Northwest Montana this week. Montana’s wolf population is back in the spotlight as officials propose looser hunting and trapping rules — sparking debate across the state. Lawmakers successfully override Gov. Gianforte’s veto of a bill to reimburse counties for housing inmates awaiting mental health care. Plus, construction is set to begin on a long-awaited replacement for the Sportsman’s Bridge in Bigfork.

Read more from this week’s show:
Proposed regulation changes aim to increase Montana wolf harvest
State will reimburse jails holding inmates awaiting mental health evaluations
Work on Sportsman's Bridge to begin next month

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.

July 26, 2025

Montana Festival Fever: Huckleberries, Faeries, Reggae & More Summer Highlights!

From Whitefish to Columbia Falls, this episode takes you inside the vibrant heartbeat of Northwest Montana's summer festival scene. We’re talking Huckleberry Days, the Flathead Faerie Festival, Heritage Days in Columbia Falls, reggae at the Montana Tap House, Fire in the Mountains metal fest, Fleetwood Mac tributes, Motown tributes, and Midland’s big show—plus so much more. Get the scoop on food trucks, art vendors, live music, and the community spirit bringing these events to life.

Don't miss our featured event - Whitefish’s Huckleberry Days Arts Festival, August 8th–10th at Depot Park! Enjoy local art, food, and family-friendly fun all weekend long — and admission is free, thanks to the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at https://www.whitefishartsfestival.org

Whether you’re chasing huckleberry ice cream or headbanging in the mountains, we’ve got the full rundown of can't-miss moments. Check out https://www.dailyinterlake.com/events for the full rundown.

A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://www.lorensauto.com.

July 24, 2025

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