Edward Abbey’s Day Job
The famed environmental novelist and essayist spent years living in fire lookouts doing seasonal work for the National Park Service, including one summer at Glacier’s Numa Ridge Lookout
By Micah Drew
The Latest
1:33PM
Chronic Wasting Disease Test Developed by Scientists
Test holds promise for one day detecting the illness in the wild
1:30PM
Judge Sides With Conservationists in Sheep Grazing Dispute
Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald Bush ordered officials not to graze sheep in the disputed area of the Centennial Mountains
1:28PM
Suspects in Billings Homicide Die Near West Yellowstone
Two people being sought for questioning died of gunshot wounds while being pursued by law enforcement
April 16
Member of Montana Freemen from 1996 Standoff Dies in Prison
Russell Dean Landers died April 10; Freemen were accused of organizing assault on nation’s banking system
April 16
Montana Lawmakers Oppose More Death Penalty Drug Options
Death penalty has been on hold in Montana since 2015, when judge said state's plan to use pentobarbital to render an inmate unconscious did not meet state law
Flathead Living
The Wild Mile Returns
Kayakers are back and preparing once again to take on an epic stretch of whitewater on the Swan River
By Justin Franz
Adventurer
Spring awakens our intrepid spirit; the sunshine ignites our wild side. This change of season is where adventure begins.
By Chelsea Martini
Inspired by Fire
An efficient 1,200-square-foot cabin pays tribute to fire tower lookouts and German hunting lodges
By Colton MartiniNEWS & FEATURES
Local Entrepreneurs Launch Food Truck Franchise
Portions of every Rescue Dog sale will go toward local animal shelters
Montana Man Severely Injured by Bear Near West Yellowstone
Police Trying to Identify Gunman, Motive in FedEx Shooting
Montana Lawmakers Delay In-person Meetings After Virus Case
Governor Signs Bills Defending Campus Free Speech in Montana
Idaho Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash Outside Kalispell
SPORTS
Glacier Splits Track Meet Against Big Sky
Wolfpack boys beat Eagles, girls lose close meet
Dusting off the Diamonds
2021 Track and Field State Qualifier List, Apr. 15
NCAA Will Pull Games from States Banning Trans Women as Debate Continues in Montana
Oregon State Assistant Brian Holsinger Named Lady Griz Head Coach
Alex Cummings Named Next Flathead Football Coach
Editor's Picks
The 2021 Music Issue
Live performances and festivals return with a bang
Community of Inclusion
As Flathead Valley lawmakers promote measures in the Montana Legislature targeting the rights of LGBTQ individuals, local advocates and faith-based communities are sending messages of support
The 2021 Jobs Issue
A rapid economic recovery is illuminating old dilemmas: a tight job market, lack of childcare and expensive housing
Newsletter
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OUTDOORS
Spotted Bear Cabins Proposal Waylaid by Opposition
A plan to build rental cabins in Bunker Park, near the Bob Marshall Wilderness, was placed on temporary hold following concern over grizzly bear habitat, increased use
A Short Happy Life
Officials: Yellowstone-area Grizzly Bear Deaths Up from 2019
Bidding for Bad Rock
Fishing the Swamp
Scientists: Grizzlies Expand Turf but Still Need Protection
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Sounds of Summer
Many large-scale concerts and tours in the U.S. won’t resume until 2022, but in Montana and elsewhere in the region, live music is making a gradual return at local venues
Bob Marshall Music Festival Returns to Seeley Lake
Nashville Heads West Songwriter Showcase Returns to Casey’s
‘Metal from the Mountains’
Premier Music Venue at FVCC on Pace for Spring 2022 Completion
Making ‘Really Sweet Lemonade’ Out of a Sour Year
OPINION
Legislature Advancing Key Infrastructure and Conservation Projects
The future of agriculture, as well as rural business, education, and healthcare, is dependent on reliable broadband access
Nurses Need a Voice
Giving nurses a voice would place the care of our own community ahead of the mad rush to acquire outside clinics and hospitals
Thank You Kalispell School Board
We do not want a divisive board detracting from supporting the children, teachers, and administrators in our schools
Share a letter or guest column with the Flathead Beacon.
Most Popular
1Man Pleads Guilty to Killing ‘Friend’ Behind Whitefish Bar
Xavier Chenault was emotional during change of plea hearing Thursday; agreement with prosecutors calls for five-year prison term
2Under The Big Sky Returns
Following a widely celebrated 2019 inaugural event, the festival is returning to Whitefish after a one-year hiatus with a lineup of national stars and local acts
3Sober-Living Facilities to Open in Kalispell
Jack Ryan Recovery Centers launches in the Flathead Valley, offering sober houses for women starting April 15; separate detox program in Costa Rica is now accepting scholarship applications for Flathead residents
4Glacier Superintendent Tapped for Summer Detail in Alaska
Jeff Mow acknowledges timing of temporary detail ‘difficult’ as Glacier unveils its new ticketed entry system and braces for busiest summer on record
5Inspired by Fire
An efficient 1,200-square-foot cabin pays tribute to fire tower lookouts and German hunting lodges
Police Blotter
Reader Poll
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Softball
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Ronan 10
Columbia Falls 9
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Libby 0
Mission 17
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Glacier 11
Sentinel 7
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Glacier 13
Big Sky 3
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Big Sky 30
Flathead 10
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Sentinel 17
Flathead 1
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Capital 23
Hellgate 0
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Capital 24
Hellgate 0
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Columbia Falls 13
Eureka 2
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Libby 9
Ronan 8
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Glacier 10
Great Falls 7
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Glacier 9
CMR 7
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Great Falls 18
Flathead 1
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CMR 10
Flathead 0
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
The Music Issue
North Valley Music School Executive Director Deidre Corson on how the nonprofit expanded its reach during the pandemic and its plan to 'take over the world with music'
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