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
Repairs planned this spring for flood-damaged Thompson Pass road in Sanders County
The road running through Thompson Pass in Sanders County is tentatively scheduled to undergo repair work this spring, weather permitting, according to state transportation officials.
Affordable housing advocate running for Flathead County commissioner seat
Focused on addressing Flathead County’s growing pains, Whitefish resident Nathan Dugan launched his bid to unseat incumbent Commissioner Brad Abell over the weekend.
Mineral County seeks part-time grant writer as it rolls out construction on courthouse, jail
Mineral County commissioners unanimously voted Thursday to advertise in-house for a part-time grant writer, seeing an urgent need to get ahead on funding applications for county construction projects.
Flathead County Commissioner Brad Abell centers reelection campaign on support for law enforcement
Flathead County Commissioner Brad Abell is making his support for law enforcement and the Trump administration’s immigration policies central to his reelection campaign.
Choir members rush to director’s rescue after home destroyed in fire
There wasn’t time to save anything as panicked family members fled outside to safety in the freezing night air. Had she waited even five minutes, Allyson Kuechmann speculated she and her husband would have been trapped in their third-story bedroom.
Mineral County commissioners calculate how to approach updates to courthouse, jail
Mineral County commissioners calculate approach to reconstruct courthouse, jail
Planning Board to review residential clustering proposal
Flathead County planning staff are holding a workshop Wednesday to discuss additional incentives for residential clustering in agriculture, sub agriculture and residential zones.
Banking on kindness: Mineral County food bank serves as community pantry as demand increases
Volunteers hefted heavy bags of food up steep steps to clients waiting outside. Annual food drives were held in October, and members of the Boy Scouts went around town, collecting food from donors.
Flathead County commissioners hire owner’s representative for jail project
In2itive Architecture scored the highest out of six contenders for the position.
Trump signs off on bill with $10M funding for Noxon Bridge replacement project
President Donald Trump signed a spending bill Tuesday that includes $10 million to replace the failing Noxon Bridge in Sanders County.
Flathead County OKs resort's 159-foot marina dock in Lakeside
Despite overwhelming opposition from a standing room only crowd, Flathead County commissioners Tuesday approved extending a marina dock in Lakeside nearly 59 feet beyond the permitted length.
Most interesting man: Flathead Valley volunteer and author has led a captivating life
He sipped his black coffee as he sat across the plastic table, with his 8-year-old Newfoundland-mix rescue dog, Hercules, curled up at his feet. Even at 68 years old, Palmiotti is not one to sit still.
Project to rebuild Farm to Market Bridge in Lincoln County is open for public comment
The Montana Department of Transportation is taking public comment on a proposal to replace the Farm to Market Bridge in Lincoln County that washed out during December's disastrous floods.
$10M in funding for Noxon Bridge heads to Senate for final vote
A federal funding bill that includes $10 million to replace the failing Noxon Bridge has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is headed to the Senate for a vote.
Flathead County commissioners urged to cut ties with federal immigration authorities
Advocates urged Flathead County commissioners on Monday to break ties with immigration enforcement agencies after federal agents shot dead a second Minneapolis resident over the weekend.
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office providing security at Glacier Park International Airport
Months in the making, the agreement was spurred by discussions between airport officials and the Sheriff’s Office over airport security concerns.
Volunteer library in Lakeside opens new chapter with 30th anniversary
The Westshore Community Library in Lakeside is a success story for the women who founded it three decades ago.
Ferndale residents report hearing explosion before structure fire
Witnesses reported hearing an explosion Thursday morning near Ferndale Airport and said it appeared to have come from a garage off Eastman Drive.
Lincoln County begins process of reconstructing flood-damaged bridges
Lincoln County officials have started the permit process to reconstruct Lower Granite Creek Bridge and Lake Creek Bridge, two of nine bridges that washed out during December’s catastrophic flooding.
Complaints filed with Postal Service over flurry of mail found along highway
Officials are investigating a post office in Marion after receiving multiple complaints regarding lost or damaged mail and reports of letters and packages scattered along U.S. 2.
Sanders County jail to get new body scanner with state grant money
Sanders County commissioners accepted a $141,500 grant from the Montana Opioid Abatement program last week for a new body scanner in the county jail.
Zoning amendment near Whitefish fails to get support of Flathead County Planning Board
The city of Whitefish has requested denial of the application, stating it violated the adopted 2007 Whitefish Growth Policy’s suburban land use designation.
Flathead County Planning Board considers zone change near Whitefish, storage facility near Kalispell
Following the meeting, a workshop will be held to discuss updating lake and lakeshore protection regulations, which apply to permits issued for work in lakes and the land within 20 feet of the mean annual high water elevation of lakes.
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office gets new underwater drone
The Sheriff’s Office's current remote underwater vehicle is near the end of its 10-year lifespan, said Deputy Darrin Wise, who also serves as the Flathead County Search and Rescue coordinator.
Lumbermill worker who died after catastrophic fire remembered fondly
Mary Gerner felt sheer terror arriving at Logan Health Medical Center on New Year’s Eve.
Officials monitor potential mine waste exposure following Libby-area floods
State officials warn that harmful mine material may have been released during the catastrophic floods that washed through parts of Lincoln County in early December.
Abell to lead Flathead County commissioners
The three commissioners historically rotate positions at the beginning of each year, selecting a new chair and vice chair during the first meeting in January
Flathead County launches adult drug court
With the county attorney now on board, the Flathead County District Court softly launched its adult drug court program in December under Judge Danni Coffman, four years after the state mandated it.
Online fundraiser benefits worker critically injured in lumbermill fire
An online fundraiser for a worker critically injured during a Dec. 30 fire at a lumbermill northeast of Kalispell has garnered about $9,000 in donations in a matter of days.
Flathead County creates independent Elections Department
The Northwest Montana county joins multiple counties across the state in a growing movement to convert election departments to an independent agency.
One critically injured after fire engulfs mill on Helena Flats Road
One man is in critical condition after suffering severe burn injuries in a fire that ripped through a 30,000-square-foot lumbermill northeast of Kalispell on Tuesday night.
Construction of new Flathead County jail slated to begin in the new year
The construction project is in the design phase, said County Administrator Pete Melnick. Martel Construction and Elevatus Architect were hired by the county to build and design the new facility.
Contractors sought to repair flood-damaged bridges in Lincoln County
The process for repairing and replacing bridges washed out by flooding in Lincoln County was expected to get underway this week, as federal, state and local agencies wrap up damage assessments.
A performance to remember: Local dancers share the stage with San Diego Ballet
This is the fourth year the San Diego Ballet has visited Northwest Montana to perform the timeless Christmas classic, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” with live music from the Glacier Symphony Orchestra.
New Star Meadows Fire District gets greenlight
Looking for a solution, the community, along with surrounding neighbors who joined the effort, petitioned Flathead County to create the Star Meadows Fire District, which was approved by county commissioners Dec. 18.
Weather-beaten Libby awaits results of public water supply tests
A boil advisory remains in effect for Libby residents a week after catastrophic flooding first compromised the city’s sole supply of public drinking water.
From the Sheriff's Posse to the county fairgrounds, Sam Nunnally has always pitched in
A glass-blown fish, a Reba McEntire album and a fat porcelain pig are just a few of the eclectic tchotchkes adorning Sam Nunnally’s office at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.
Residents worry about increased traffic from Trumble Creek Road subdivision
McDonald Estates is proposed for 27 single-family lots on 37.26 acres at 4625 Trumble Creek Road near Columbia Falls. The property, owned by Lee McDonald, currently has one single-family dwelling.
Change to allow indoor marijuana cultivation in county business zones gets mixed review
The cultivation, manufacturing and dispensing of marijuana is permitted in zones that allow for agriculture and produce stands.
Flathead County Planning Board considers proposals for residential development
Four applications will be heard by the board, which meets at 6 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the South Campus Building at 40 11th St. W., Kalispell.
Investigation into former Hot Springs School District clerk ongoing, Sanders County officials say
Sanders County officials said last week that law enforcement is investigating a former Hot Springs School District employee.
Massive land conservation project brings property right tensions to the surface
For many who attended the Montana Land Board’s October 2025 meeting, the final vote to approve the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement was a triumphant moment.
Improved budget figures enables 2% wage increase for Flathead County employees
The wage increase was months in the making as some county officials advocated for higher salaries for staff.
Hot Springs School Board fires new clerk over unpaid bills, missed deadlines
After less than four months on the job, Barkley Flynn was terminated as Hot Springs School District’s interim clerk and business manager by the school board on Nov. 3.
Flathead County moves to create new Elections Department
Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday made the first step in transitioning the county to an independent Elections Department by approving a new elections administrator position.
Living large in small spaces, this entrepreneur tackles Flathead's housing crisis one tiny home at a time
The day Rochelle Miller lost her husband, her world felt empty.
Wyshtech Airsoft: How a childhood war game fired up an airsoft dream
A group of teenage boys darted through a field on the outskirts of Kalispell, shooting at each other with airsoft guns, when the cops showed up.
Judge denies request to force Lakeside utility board to reconsider major votes on development, wastewater plant
Judge Paul Sullivan has rejected a watchdog group’s request to force Lakeside County Water and Sewer District to release requested public documents and void two major decisions made by its board earlier this year.
Noxon Bridge replacement project nets $950K from state coffers
The state is contributing $950,000 to the estimated $35 million effort to replace the failing Noxon Bridge in Sanders County.
Somers condominium project gets favorable recommendation
The condominiums include 28 commercial units and an additional 18 live-work residential units, serviced by shared wells and septic systems. A live-work unit consists of a ground floor working space connected to a single small apartment, according to the staff report.