HANNAH SHIELDS
RURAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER, REPORT FOR AMERICA
Hannah Shields covers rural government and accountability reporting for the Daily Inter Lake and Northwest Montana weekly papers as part of the national Report for America program. Her reporting focuses on transparency, public spending and the impact of local government decisions on small communities. Shields has covered issues ranging from school district finances to development disputes and rural infrastructure projects. She regularly uses public records and investigative reporting to examine institutions that affect local residents. Her work helps bring greater oversight and visibility to rural government across Northwest Montana.
IMPACT: Hannah’s work strengthens transparency and accountability in rural communities that often lack consistent watchdog coverage.
Recent Stories
Maniacal musical: Whitefish Theatre Co. cultivates horror, comedy and camp in latest production
For the first time in nearly 30 years, a large talking plant with an odd craving for blood is sprouting to life in Whitefish Theatre Company’s production of the cult classic “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Tribal project farmers in Hot Springs protest fee increase amid diminishing water supply
Farmers in the Hot Springs area of Sanders County are protesting their third fee increase from the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project in less than five years as they struggle to pull enough water for their crops.
Retiring Sister Judy Lund recognized with Spirit of Montana award for 'lifetime of service'
Students and teachers at St. Matthew’s Catholic School rose for a standing ovation as Gov. Greg Gianforte bestowed Sister Judy Lund with the Spirit of Montana award on Wednesday morning.
Flathead County sees increase in rejected ballots for missing birth year
More than 200 ballots were rejected in Flathead County’s special district elections for lack of a birth year on the affirmation envelope, a “disheartening” statistic for Elections Administrator Paula Buff.
Flathead County Elections Administrator thrives on attention to detail
There’s never a dull moment in her world. From voter registration and candidate filings to mailing absentee ballots and testing tabulators, running an election is a long and complicated process.
Signed, sealed, delivered: How a ballot becomes a vote
All elections in Flathead County, except those involving federal races, are conducted by mail. Ballots are automatically sent to registered voters from the Elections Department.
Court rules that misconduct allegations against Mineral County sheriff are not Brady material
The Mineral County sheriff pinched the bridge of his nose as he silently wept in the county’s courtroom on Wednesday.
Flathead County Planning Board reviews 13-lot subdivision, workshop for new Lakeside zoning district
Following the meeting is a workshop to discuss a proposal for a new 82-acre zoning district in Lakeside, initiated by a group of landowners within the area.
Meet the Democratic candidates for Flathead County commissioner
Two Democrats are vying for a chance to unseat incumbent Republican Flathead County Commissioner Brad Abel in the June 2 primary.
Appeal of West Glacier work camp denied by Flathead County Board of Adjustment
Seven Glacier Avenue property owners filed the appeal with the county on March 25, challenging Planning Director Erik Mack’s label of a proposed work camp as a minor land use.