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.
Challenge against Lakeside marina construction paused over lawsuit
Chair Calvin Dyck said the board was legally advised to table the appeal as a lawsuit involving the commercial marina permit makes its way through the courts.
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.
Meet the candidates for Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
With only two candidates in the race for Flathead County Clerk and Recorder, the June 2 Republican primary election will likely decide who will replace outgoing Clerk and Recorder Debbie Pierson.
Dozens of firefighters respond to house fire in Evergreen
More than 30 firefighters responded to a house fire at 180 River Road in Evergreen on Tuesday afternoon.
Residents appeal construction of Lakeside commercial marina
Discovery Land Company, an Arizona-based developer, is behind plans for the marina and a forthcoming lakeside resort.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino gears up for primary election in bid for third term
Seeking a third term, Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, 47, faces Republican challenger, Evie Cahalen, 65, in the June 2 primary election.
Summit Surface Partners in Evergreen paves the way to a cleaner environment
When it comes to business, the Van Horns are committed to two things: a good first impression and protecting the environment.
Sheriff candidate Evie Cahalen shares priorities ahead of June primary
Marion resident and retired law enforcement officer Evie Cahalen, 65, is running against incumbent Brian Heino, 47, in the Republican race for Flathead County Sheriff.
Plans to repair Two Mile Bridge in Kalispell pick up steam after insurance money comes through
Flathead County has received its first insurance payment to begin repair work on Two Mile Bridge in Kalispell after it was damaged in November.
Flathead County commissioners approve renewal for nearly finished Tamarack Meadows in Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls City Council in 2022 first approved the preliminary plat for the subdivision, located at the north end of Meadow Lake Resort, when it fell within the city’s “doughnut” planning jurisdiction, a 1- to 2-mile zone outside of city limits.
Flathead County seeks temporary 911 dispatchers ahead of summer tourist season
Flathead County’s sole dispatching service has struggled to hire and retain 911 dispatchers since the pandemic, and summer has proved to be a strenuous time on its limited staff.
Marion School officials seek solutions after Flathead Library trustees discontinue book deliveries
Determined to retain access to the Flathead County Library, Marion School Board members are considering standing up a volunteer delivery service to keep the books flowing.
Boost in Flathead County's credit rating results in savings on jail project
A bump in Flathead County's credit rating resulted in lower-than-expected property tax increases to cover the $95 million in bonds needed for the new county jail.
Flathead County extends Lakeside marina permit amid opposition
The case in Flathead County District Court challenges the county commissioners’ approval of the commercial marina permit on April 24, 2025, and a minor variance request to extend a dock beyond the 100-foot cap.
Lawsuit filed over lack of Flathead Conservation District representative on county planning board
A lawsuit filed in Flathead County District Court alleges county commissioners and the county Planning and Zoning Department violated state law by failing to appoint a conservation district supervisor to the planning board.
Everybody finds a book: Traveling library service connects rural communities in Sanders County
Since the 1960s, the Sanders County Bookmobile has provided library access to the most rural parts of the county.
Flathead County looks at change for cannabis businesses
County zoning regulations prohibit cannabis business owners from growing product in business zones, which can force cultivation to occur in a separate facility.
Flathead County Treasurer needs space for estate items, commissioners say it's out of their hands
Five black boxes filled with cremains sit on the floor of the Flathead County Treasurer’s office.
Flathead County Planning Board considers subdivision near Marion
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Mineral County commissioners make deputy county attorney responsible for $5K survey bill
Mineral County commissioners last week made a deputy county attorney responsible for resolving a $5,000 bill for surveying work they say he ordered without authorization.
'It was surreal': How two Flathead Valley engineers launched into NASA history with the Artemis II Mission
It was T-minus three minutes to launch, and Jeremiah Hall had just enough time to dash outside the Kennedy Space Center to see the rocket launch.
Rally held in support of two-term Flathead County sheriff after local GOP endorses his primary opponent
More than 100 people packed a Kalispell coffee shop Thursday to support Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino after the local Republican committee embraced his primary challenger.
Loss of library service came as a surprise to Marion School District officials
Marion School District officials are criticizing Flathead County Library trustees for failing to involve the public in their decision to end book delivery services to the community.
Flathead County finalizes owner's rep agreement for new jail construction project
The owner’s representative will advocate for the county’s interest during the project, ensuring all decisions are aligned with the county’s goals, budget and schedule.
Mineral County commissioners grapple with unexpected $5K bill
Mineral County commissioners are upset with a $5,000 bill for surveying work they say was ordered without their knowledge or permission.
Flathead Library director to retire after her contract expires in 2028
Flathead Library Director Teri Dugan will retire at the end of her contract, which was extended through 2028 by trustees on Thursday.
Flathead County Library continues negotiations for new Kalispell branch
Flathead County Library trustees are re-negotiating the purchase of property at the Kalispell Center Mall for a future Kalispell branch.
Local fishing guide casts for change through lifelong passion
Nothing compares to the quiet serenity of flyfishing. As the boat lazily drifts along the river, line sunk beneath the surface, conversation tends to ebb and flow. For Ryan Johnston, it’s the perfect moment to have a heart-to-heart with kids who’ve had a rough start in life.
'We know we can do the job:' Smith Valley Fire Department deploys all-woman volunteer shift
Smith Valley Fire Chief Amy Beick walked into the station one December day and saw something she’d never encountered in her two decades at the department.
Months after the floods, a Libby family struggles to resume everyday life
A muddy 4x4 trail behind the Cernicks’ home outside Libby is the only way the family can leave their property after December’s flooding wiped out a chunk of a private haul road.
Judge halts construction of 159-foot Lakeside dock amid ongoing litigation
A Flathead County District Court judge last week halted construction of a 159-foot dock in Lakeside after finding the minor variance request was granted in violation of the Lakeshore Protection Act.
Hot Springs superintendent to depart school district
Hot Springs Superintendent Gerald Chouinard is resigning from his position, effective June 30, after overseeing the Hot Springs School District for nearly six years.
Flathead County Planning Board considers land use permit for West Glacier RV park
The planning board will review two additional applications during its Wednesday meeting, which will be followed by a workshop for a marijuana zone text amendment.
Zinke celebrates securing federal infrastructure funding for counties in Northwest Montana
Congressman Ryan Zinke symbolically delivered checks for infrastructure projects in Flathead, Sanders and Lincoln counties on Monday, his first public appearance in Montana since announcing his upcoming retirement.
Flathead County flushes out new biosolid restriction for landfill, Kalispell and Columbia Falls say rule could be tough to meet
Biosolids, commonly known as treated sewage sludge, are the solid organic materials derived from the treatment of wastewater. Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish dispose of biosolids at the landfill.
Newly certified Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department fills gap in rural emergency services
Ferndale Fire Chief Shawn Devlin remembers the call coming in over the radio: Bigfork first responders dispatched to St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church for a possible cardiac arrest.
Students display scientific discoveries at annual Flathead County Science Fair
Every year, the fair draws in third- through 12th-grade students from across the valley, challenging them to explore an array of topics using the scientific method or engineering design process.
Zoning amendment near Whitefish denied by Flathead County commissioners
A request to amend zoning on property outside of Whitefish was struck down by Flathead County commissioners late last month.
Flathead County supports Kalispell's third attempt at federal grant to finish south half of U.S. 93 Bypass
Commissioner Pamela Holmquist, who moved to approve the resolution, noted the project has been underway during the entirety of her career as county commissioner.
Group sues Flathead County commissioners over Lakeside marina permit, dock extension
Citizens for a Better Flathead filed suit against Flathead County commissioners on Monday, arguing they violated the Lakeshore Protection Act and Public Participation in Government Act in approving shoreline improvements for a forthcoming Lakeside resort.
Heino faces Republican challenger in bid for third term as Flathead County sheriff
Marion resident Evie Cahalen, 65, has launched a bid to unseat incumbent Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, 47, who is seeking a third term in office.