Whitefish to vote on lobbyist contract
Whitefish City Council on Monday will look at hiring a lobbyist ahead of the Montana Legislature session next year.
Brodehl retains seat as county commissioner
A retired fire chief, Brodehl was elected to the Montana Legislature serving until 2018 before first running for county commissioner.
Voters in Flathead County head to polls for Election Day
Election Day is Nov. 5.
Whitefish City Council talks housing
Whitefish City Council on Monday will hold a discussion regarding community housing as it provides feedback to the municipality’s housing committee.
County commissioners pick design firm for new jail
Flathead County commissioners on Thursday selected a firm to design a potential new jail facility for the county.
Whitefish Council talks growth policy update
Whitefish City Council on Monday will hold a work session regarding the city’s growth policy update.
Whitefish author creates characters to bring readers through the story
When John Zaiss submitted his first novel, a financial thriller, to publishers the rejections came back with a lesson he took to heart.
Democrat Jim Lockwood wants to improve health care services in the county
Democrat Jim Lockwood places health care at the top of his priority list in his run for Flathead County commissioner.
Republican Randy Brodehl wants to keep serving community by making the tough calls
Republican Randy Brodehl says he’s at a position in life where he wants to keep serving the public, even when that means making difficult decisions.
Whitefish collects less in impact fees as construction slows
Impact fee collections in Whitefish have decreased by 21%, which the city says is the result of less construction activity.
Flathead County board rejects prerelease center
The Flathead County Board of Adjustment on Tuesday shot down a proposal by the state to open a prerelease center in Evergreen.
Evergreen residents offer mixed opinions on prerelease facility plans
Neighbors of a proposed prerelease facility in Evergreen are showing strong opposition to the center, while some business owners said such a facility could provide an opportunity to hire employees who are in short supply.
Ballot error shuts down Montana online absentee voting system
When Max Himsl opened his electronic ballot on Friday, he was dismayed to see a candidate missing from the list of options.
Flathead Valley groups sue state over analysis of new wells
Claiming that the state agency continues to use an internal memo to avoid state law when permitting new wells, two Flathead Valley nonprofits are suing the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Whitefish looks at agreement for trail section
Whitefish City Council on Monday is poised to sign off on the next step in the quest to complete a long-planned section of the Whitefish River Trail.
RV park proposed north of Somers along Montana 82
The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday will look at a proposal for a recreational vehicle park near Somers.
Flathead County commissioners sign off on final budget
Flathead County commissioners have approved a $129.7 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Prerelease facility proposed for former hotel site in Kalispell
The Montana Department of Corrections is eyeing a property in Kalispell as the future location of a 90-bed prerelease facility.
Taking aim: Flathead Valley native makes name for herself in professional archery
When Emily McCarthy steps up to the target she only has a minute to assess her shot before pulling back on her bow and firing.
Flathead County budget shows slight increase for taxpayers
Flathead County taxpayers are expected to see a modest increase in their county tax bill.
Flathead County landfill fees increasing
Fee increases are going into effect for the Flathead County Solid Waste District this fall.
Whitefish’s final budget includes tax increase
City Council on Monday is expected to approve the final budget for fiscal year 2025 totaling $53.5 million.
Flathead County landfill rates set for increase this fall
Flathead County landfill rates could be increasing by 15% beginning this fall.
Next phases of luxury development near Whitefish up for consideration
A luxury estate in rural Whitefish is seeking approval from Flathead County for 24 homesites in its next phases of development.
Meals on Wheels program seeks support through livestock purchase
The Flathead County agency that distributes meals for seniors is hoping the upcoming market livestock sale at the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo could be an avenue for stocking its freezer.
Fair Parade makes return to downtown Kalispell
Horses walking the route, chickens on floats and shiny cars driving along to the delight of youngsters and adults gathered in downtown Kalispell. The Northwest Montana Fair Parade returns Friday, Aug. 9.
Whitefish looks to settle federal class action suit
Whitefish is signaling its intention to settle a class action lawsuit filed against the city involving impact fees.
County commissioners call for environmental testing for proposed Somers subdivision
Flathead County commissioners want environmental testing on a site proposed for a large-scale housing subdivision in Somers before considering whether to approve the project near a Superfund site.
Bridgerton-themed soirée provides night of elegance and melody
The Glacier Symphony Quartet and Conrad Mansion are hosting the soirée. The symphony's quartet will perform music from the historical fiction-romance television series “Bridgerton” at the mansion.
Whitefish Council talks potential change to resort tax rebate
Whether to change the percentage of funds returned to property owners from resort tax collections will be the topic of discussion during a Whitefish City Council work session Monday.
Fee increase approved for Whitefish rural fire area
Flathead County commissioners on a split vote Thursday approved a fee increase for the rural Whitefish fire area.
Proposed Somers subdivision back before county planning board
The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday will examine updates to a proposed subdivision located near Somers Middle School. The proposal calls for 252 residential units.
Rural Whitefish fire area seeks fee increase
The rural Whitefish fire area is seeking to increase its service fees to better keep up with increasing costs.
Kalispell author hopes to inspire perseverance through her stories
Author Lorrie Grosfield and Hallie, the turtle, the main character in her new children’s book, have something in common — both are devoted mothers.
Whitefish Council looks at hangar for airport
Public comments on the proposal were split during the community development board meeting. Some thought the hangar would be an attribute for the airport while others were against adding a structure that would obstruct scenic views, particularly from the adjacent WAG dog park.
Wrangle up some seats – County fairgrounds grandstands expected to open after repairs
Fairgoers should be able to grab a seat at the rodeo or concerts during the Northwest Montana Fair in August after an analysis showed the grandstands needing immediate repairs are safe.
County preliminary budget keeps property taxes flat
Flathead County commissioners on Thursday approved a preliminary budget for fiscal year 2025 that keeps county taxes even.
Whitefish updates tourism management plan
Whitefish City Council on Monday is poised to vote on an update to its Sustainable Tourism Management Plan that includes six action items.
County approves contract for fairgrounds grandstand inspection
Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday approved a contract with a company to provide an inspection for the grandstands at the county fairgrounds.
Two requests before county Planning Board Wednesday
The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday will hold two public hearings.
County commissioners approve lower wage increase for employees
Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday approved an increase in wages for elected officials, which in turn increases county employee wages at a matching rate of 3.2%.
Whitefish's proposed budget calls for increase in property taxes
Owing to a decrease in resort tax collections and a need to increase employee wages, Whitefish’s proposed budget calls for an increase in property taxes.
Contingency plan forms as fairgrounds waits for grandstand inspection
Constructed in the 1930s, the grandstands at the Flathead County Fairgrounds have played host to thousands of spectators throughout the decades.
County board of adjustment considers recreation facilities, retreat
The Flathead County Board of Adjustment on Tuesday will look at two requests for recreational facilities and a retreat center.
Whitefish Council looks at senior housing expansion, subdivion requests
Plans for the expansion of a senior housing development and a separate 73-lot housing subdivision both are before the Whitefish City Council on Monday.
Whitefish senior uses personal experience in pursuing medicine
When Brooke Osburn was a freshman, a long-lasting nosebleed sent her to the emergency room. To be safe, doctors ran tests and immediately flew her to Spokane.
Flathead County closes fairgrounds grandstand due to safety concerns
Safety concerns have forced the closure of the main seating structures in the arena at the Flathead County Fairgrounds and pushed events to alternate venues for the time being.
Flathead County administrator's contract renewed
Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday approved extending the contract for the county administrator for another three years.
Settlement over Bigfork subdivision would allow developer to resubmit plan
A lawsuit filed by the developer behind a proposed Bigfork subdivision against Flathead County following denial of the project appears to be headed for a settlement.
Steamboat Landing subdivision back before county board
The board in March tabled the Steamboat Landing project asking the developer to investigate traffic mitigation options for the development planned for 63.79 acres adjacent to Somers Middle School.