Daines seeks to block students arrested during campus protests from federal debt relief
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is looking to bar students convicted of criminal offenses in connection with the ongoing wave of campus protests from receiving future student loan relief.
Tester moving to block changes to Missoula mail processing facility
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester is crafting legislation to preserve the Postal Service’s outgoing mail processing operations in Missoula after federal officials revealed in April they planned to shift some of the work to Spokane.
North Star RV Roof gives people roofs they can trust
From countertop installation to basic construction, Nikk McWhorter has always loved completing a project. A little over a year ago, McWhorter began his newest project: North Star RV Roof LLC, a project that continues to grow today.
Multi-generational business protects Flathead Valley’s asphalt
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Smokey Bear stolen from Tally Lake Ranger District
Striking the Tally Lake Ranger District office in Kalispell on Sunday, thieves made off with an American icon.
Tester calls for action on water levels in Flathead Lake ahead of summer
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester on Monday called on a federal inter-agency group charged with managing dams and reservoirs to immediately begin taking steps to avoid low water levels in Flathead Lake this summer.
Brockman, Schubert spar at candidate forum
Incumbent state Rep. Tony Brockman, R-Evergreen, sparred with his GOP challenger Lukas Schubert over who was more fit to serve House District 8 during a candidate forum Wednesday.
Alone in the Bob — Artists draw on isolation in nature for creating
Every year, artists, either alone or in pairs, trek through miles of the Bob as participants of the Artist Wilderness Connection residency program. With pack horses, the artists hike into the wilderness with all the supplies they need to live and create for around 10 days.
State seeking public comment on future of Bigfork fishing access site
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is taking comments on a plan to relocate the state fishing access site at Sportsman's Bridge ahead of construction of a new span across the Flathead River.
Gianforte endorses Sprunger, Brockman
Gov. Greg Gianforte threw his support Thursday behind Republican state Reps. Courtenay Sprunger and Tony Brockman, who are both facing primary challengers endorsed by the Flathead County Republican Central Committee.
Daines, Tester back foreign aid, TikTok ban package
U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines both voted for a $95 billion foreign aid package Tuesday night that includes funds for war-torn allies Israel and Ukraine.
Candidates for statehouse talk Medicaid, property tax reform and child care at chamber forum
Lawmakers and political hopefuls made their pitches to Kalispell’s business leaders last week, arguing largely in favor of lowering property taxes, expanding child care opportunities and reauthorizing the state’s Medicaid plan.
Interior Department pushes Glacier Range Riders to drop logo
The U.S. Department of the Interior is calling foul on the Glacier Range Riders’ logo, arguing it violates trademark rights held by the National Park Service.
Ranchland conserved near National Bison Range
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that limits development on the land to protect its conservation values. John Weaver put the first half of his ranch, 159 acres, under an easement in 2015.
Montana's congressional delegation leery of reauthorizing surveillance bill
Opponents of Congress’ reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act last week include Montana Reps. Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale.
Evergreen community breaks ground on sidewalk project along U.S. 2
Evergreen community leaders, joined by Gov. Greg Gianforte, broke ground Thursday on the first phase of a long-awaited project bringing sidewalks to a stretch of busy U.S. 2.
Easement would protect 33,000 acres between Kalispell and Libby
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is moving ahead with plans to place 33,000 acres of private timberland between Kalispell and Libby under a conservation easement.
Two Republicans and a Democrat vie for newly-drawn House District 11
Three candidates are looking to represent the newly-drawn House District 11, an area encompassing southeast Kalispell, Creston, Lake Blaine and north Bigfork, come November.
U.S. House passes gateway community legislation
U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke’s bipartisan Gateway Communities and Recreation Enhancement Act passed the House of Representatives last week as part of a larger outdoor recreation policy package.
Families that adopt eligible to receive a credit this tax season
Families who adopted on or after July 1, 2022 are eligible for a refundable tax credit alongside their 2023 tax return.
Montana lawmakers call for tighter security on the northern border
Concerned about a surge in immigration along the northern border, Montana lawmakers are pushing the Biden administration to tighten security.
Zinke lauds decision to hold more water in Flathead Lake this spring
Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke applauded Monday a plan to hold more water in Flathead Lake this spring.
Evergreen Fire District turns to voters for funding woes
Evergreen Fire District is seeking approval of a levy that would allow the department to bring on new equipment, bolster staffing levels, and give employees more competitive pay, according to Chief Craig Williams.
Gianforte sending Montana National Guard soldiers to Texas
A Montana National Guard unit is headed to Texas after Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed an executive disaster declaration earlier this week for the U.S.-Mexico border.
Dam operators keeping more water in Flathead Lake this spring
The operators of the Séliš Ksanka QÍispé Dam got the go-ahead in March to keep more water in Flathead Lake this spring in an effort to avoid a repeat of last summer’s low water levels.
Flathead leaders lobby for election reform ballot initiatives
Montanans could see two constitutional amendments on the November ballot, twin initiatives that supporters argue will improve election integrity and empower voters.
Fishing his way from Montana to Mongolia
Throughout his early life, Thane Melton went fishing with his family quite often across the state. It was a hobby that they all shared, from Michigan to Montana.
Rose Nelson hops into 90th birthday in Easter Bunny costume
This year, Easter falls on Rose Nelson’s 90th birthday and she, once again, is celebrating in a new outfit.
Flathead residents raise concerns about housing, mental health at listening session hosted by state lawmakers
Flathead Valley residents expressed frustration over property taxes, the lack of affordable housing and a broken mental health system during a listening session organized by Democratic state lawmakers Tuesday.
Energy Keepers hires communications director
Following a year of intense public scrutiny owing to last summer’s abnormally low water levels, the operators of the Séliš Ksanka QÍispé Dam on Flathead Lake have brought on a communications specialist.
FWP recommends grant funding for trail work in Northwest Montana
The projects include development and rehabilitation work on trails, construction of new trails and facilities and snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance. Comments are due April 3.
How to Cook Like Mom — Chef creates cookbook for sons and those interested in getting into the kitchen
By extension, the book is a letter to all those who are interested in getting into the kitchen helping them expand their abilities by teaching them to be adaptable and learn to enjoy cooking.
A who's who of Flathead Valley candidates for the statehouse
Kalispell Republican Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, like many other Flathead Valley legislators, will face an opponent in this year’s primary election: political hopeful Shaun Pandina.
Sidewalk construction in Evergreen slated to begin this week
After years of effort, sidewalk construction along U.S. 2 in Evergreen is finally getting underway.
County Republican committee endorses primary challengers to Brockman, Sprunger
The Flathead County Republican Central Committee has endorsed the primary opponents of two GOP lawmakers seeking reelection to the state Legislature after both opted against participating in the group’s endorsement process.
GOP primary for western U.S. House district will feature a Todd, Zinke rematch
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke will face a familiar opponent in the Republican primary for Montana’s western congressional district: retired pastor Mary Todd.
Kalispell meeting to discuss water issues
Flathead residents are invited tonight to a discussion regarding water issues and rights with the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Flathead Republicans not completely sold on perceived frontrunner Sheehy
Montana's Republican heavyweights have thrown their support behind Bozeman businessman Tim Sheehy as the GOP’s best shot at unseating incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, but not everyone is sold.
Columbia Falls resident to attend State of the Union address
Flathead Valley native and Air Force veteran Fred Hamilton will attend the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. tonight at the invitation of U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, who is working with the Columbia Falls resident on forthcoming legislation.
Braxton Mitchell faces independent challenger for House District 5
Two-term Republican state Rep. Braxton Mitchell faces a youthful, independent challenger in House District 5 this year — 18-year-old Colton Little.
Owen Sowerwine Natural Area permanently protected
The Owen Sowerwine Natural Area is now permanently protected after years of work to conserve it.
Ahead of ospreys' return, Flathead Audubon raises alarm over bailing twine
Twine used to bind hay bales is incredibly dangerous to ospreys, according to the Flathead Audubon, which is boosting efforts this year to persuade residents to better dispose of the material.
Money awarded for wildfire risk reduction efforts in Kootenai National Forest
The Department of Agriculture is putting $9.8 million toward wildfire crisis mitigation in the Kootenai National Forest through the U.S. Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
Mobile watershed education trailer stolen from Flathead Conservation District
Thieves stole a mobile trailer often used for educational purposes from the Flathead Conservation District over Presidents’ Day weekend.
Border security a top issue for candidates, Republicans and Democrats alike
Politicians and candidates from across the political spectrum in Montana are seizing upon the crisis on the southern border in the lead up to the November election.
Civil War reenactor takes students back through history
When the kids arrived in the classroom after recess, Inman separated the group into two — the Confederacy and the Union. He referred to groups when talking about how the battles went throughout the Civil War — who won, who lost and who was leading the charges.
FWP taking comments on state outdoor recreation plan
The Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan is up for renewal this year and officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are encouraging residents to share their ideas and suggestions.
Kalispell mother named Montana Mom of the Year
Tiffany Geer has been recognized as the 2024 Montana Mother of the Year through American Mothers, Inc., a national nonprofit with the goal of valuing mothers through service and education, a testament to her work within her family and her community.
Glacier Park International Airport lands $2.8M federal grant
Glacier Park International Airport has secured $2.8 million in new grant funds to put toward an ongoing campaign to renovate and expand the transit hub.
Gianforte directs Montana National Guard to begin working with Texas on border security
Gov. Greg Gianforte directed the Montana National Guard to begin coordinating with Texas this week, signaling his intent to aid Gov. Greg Abbott in his efforts along the southern border with Mexico.