Flathead County School Enrollment Dips for Third Consecutive Year
While a handful of districts saw growth, most public and private schools in the valley saw slight declines in enrollment between 2024 and 2025
By Mariah Thomas
Weather
‘Potentially Historic’ Atmospheric River to Drench Northern Rockies
Fluctuating snow levels are expected to bring multiple waves of “rain-on-snow” events to northwest Montana, with inches of rain in the valleys and feet of wet snow to high elevations as river basins become stressed
By Maggie DresserThe Latest
Keep It Local. Keep It Flathead.
Flathead Living
With Centennial Approaching, Whitefish Museum Looks to ‘Save Our Station’
Even nearly a century after it was built, the Whitefish Depot still plays an important role for the railroad
By Justin Franz
Montana Book Gift Guide
From award-winning collections of poetry to historical fiction horror, wild game cookbooks and wildlife activity books for kids, these Montana-centric titles offer something for everyone
By Maggie Doherty
Meet the Chef: Blackstar’s Katie Haynes
Looking to spice things up during a slow part of the year, Whitefish’s Blackstar Brewery introduces a new burger every week
By Justin FranzNEWS & FEATURES
Long-time Samaritan House Director Removed by Board
The board of directors chose to remove Chris Krager after 25 years of leadership, citing the “long-term stability” of the nonprofit homeless shelter
Logan Health Primary Care Providers Look to Unionize
Whitefish Education Foundation Launches First Capital Campaign to Replace Music Equipment
In Their Chef’s Journey Class, Kalispell Middle School Students Learn About Career, Life
Workforce Housing Set to Break Ground in Kalispell
Montana Heritage Center Opens After Two Decades of Planning
OUTDOORS
As Conservation Groups Rally Support for Roadless Rule, Sen. Daines Pushes for Repeal
A Senate Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee this week considered a slate of 26 public lands and wildfire bills, including a bill to permanently enshrine the decades old Roadless Rule
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Awards Columbia Falls $70,000 for Upgrades to River’s Edge Park Pond
Big Game Hunting Totals On Par with Last Year’s Season
Living in the Past
Group to Sue Fish and Wildlife Service for Reversing Course on Gray Wolf Recovery Plan
First Wave of Winter
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NEWSLETTERS
SPORTS
Glacier Wolfpack Football Claims State Title with Win Over Billings West
After two years of heartbreak, the Class AA champions capped their undefeated season with a 16-3 victory in Kalispell
Polson Boys, Columbia Falls Girls Win Class A Soccer Championships
Montana Spartan Race Returning to the Flathead Valley in 2026
Montana Class A Soccer Semifinals to Feature Multitude of Flathead Valley Teams
Rebuilt Columbia Falls Boys Soccer Team Looks to Stay the Course In Quarterfinals Match Against Lone Peak
Undefeated Columbia Falls Girls Soccer Team Preparing for State Quarterfinals Match with Billings Central
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Smoky Oatmeal-Cranberry Cookies
Browned butter, smoked salt and complex sweetness shift everyday oatmeal cookies into holiday-worthy treats
Film Exploring Blackfeet Nation Language, Indian Relays Wins at Banff Film Festival
Tangy, Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
Snowboarder Jason Robinson’s Debut Film Aims to Take Viewers on a ‘Thought-Provoking Adventure’
Quick Tomato Juice Soup
Fresh Yogurt Smoothie
OPINION
Data Centers: Will Energy Bills Go Up or Down?
Montana communities need to decide if they can afford these new neighbors
Montana May Lose Right to Manage its Own Wildlife
The feds are weighing in on wolf policy. If Montana doesn’t act, it could lose its right to call the shots.
Let’s Make This Season About Community Again
Remember to pause and look at what truly makes this season special
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Editor's Picks
In Their Chef’s Journey Class, Kalispell Middle School Students Learn About Career, Life
The middle schoolers have the chance to cater events through the course as they understand what it takes to have a culinary career. But the lessons they take away go far beyond cooking.
Ratepayers See Insurance Premiums Spike with Affordable Care Act Subsidies Set to Expire
Some Montana residents will face premium increases upwards of 200% as enhanced ACA tax credits near year-end expiration
Since 1989, Town Pump Petroleum Seep a Perpetual Problem on Whitefish River
Last month, the Montana DEQ approved another work plan to test new remediation technology; water quality advocates say decades of delays akin to "kicking the can down the road"
Police Blotter
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Recent Podcasts
Project 7
A six-part series on notorious Flathead Valley militia leader David Burgert, who vanished into the wilderness after a shootout with sheriff's deputies in 2011
