A Columbia Falls home across from Meadow Lake Golf Course; a Whitefish residence near the river; and a Kalispell property with its own shop

Absentee ballots went out Oct. 9, and Election Day is Nov. 3. Flathead Valley voters will weigh an open U.S. Senate seat, an open western congressional seat, a state Supreme Court contest, three ballot measures and a full slate of legislative and county races. Here’s what to know.

Republican Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, the incumbent, and Democrat Madison Evans discuss property taxes, housing and working across the aisle

The Retreat is one of eight Montana nursing homes to receive a gold trophy next to its name on Medicare.gov under the new CMS Risk-Based Survey

The 2,307-acre Piper Creek Project is the first of several expected in the valley; a second, Quill Pig, is open for comment through Nov. 3

Vance’s arrival will mark the third visit to Montana in two weeks by the federal government’s most powerful Republicans

Advocates say a presumption of access on federal land could bolster a corner-crossing lawsuit, but state agencies still control most wildlife policy

The Lake County district has been Republican-held for more than a decade and appears to favor conservative upstart Finley Warden, but Democrat Dalton Bradford hopes a favorable national environment and stronger local organizing can flip it.

Every dollar raised at the event, which will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Wachholz College Center, will go directly toward helping feed neighbors in the Flathead Valley

With room for just 39 more units, the district is turning away new annexations until its expansion project comes online in 2028

Kaleb Anthony Hilliard, 21, is accused of killing a Eureka teen and wounding two others outside a party; trial is set for Feb. 22

Precooked potatoes, ready-to-use add-ins and a shaken dressing create potato salad with minimal effort

Ross, who teaches at Evergreen Junior High, says “every student deserves to be seen.” He’ll represent Montana in the 2027 national program.

Republican Jim Riley and Democrat Darren Fix both want property tax relief, but they differ on school funding, natural resources and campaign finance