Following the emergency closure of Bigfork’s Bridge Street Bridge, an analysis last month determined that safety and utility complications make constructing a temporary pedestrian crossing unfeasible

Recognizing the top high school athletes from throughout Flathead County during the 2023-2024 winter sports season

The March 26 event in Browning included the transferal of a stand-up headdress to Lily Gladstone, the history-making actress recently nominated for an Academy Award

Bringing economic diversity to Libby; the northwest Montana labor market begins to loosen; plus 'Ask the Expert' with Job Service Kalispell manager Laura Gardner

Justin Barry believes he can play a role in protecting the environment by repurposing the gear, clothing and equipment that is so regularly cast aside and sent to the trash in this corner of Montana

As school districts confront the convergence of inflation, sunsetting federal funding and a pattern of failed school levies, program cuts and layoffs are on the horizon

Food industry’s tight workforce slowly loosens; in Bigfork, The Sando Co. is rising to the occasion; plus 'Ask the Expert' with Jalisco Cantina owner Dave Pike

A record-low snowpack has sent ripples through the local winter-recreation economy, but current conditions and forecasts leave business community optimistic

One longtime district ranger says he tried for years to suspend an outfitter’s special-use permit in the Bob after repeat offenses. Instead, his efforts were undermined and he was reassigned to an administrative office.

Senior healthcare demand rises in the Flathead; thousands of local children and adults have dropped off the Medicaid rolls since the state began reviewing enrollment; plus 'Ask the Expert' with Kalispell pediatrician Dr. John Cole

The Ascent program transformed the lives of at-risk Glacier High School students before shutting down due to budget cuts last fall. Now, its supporters are hoping to bring it back for the next generation of Kalispell teenagers.

Thirty years after an avalanche killed five people in the northern Swan Range on New Year’s Eve, local rescuers, skiers and snowmobilers reflect on the tragic event and the evolution of search and rescue protocol and avalanche education that followed

A selection of the Beacon's best imagery from the past year

From incredible rescues to record-breaking feats to a Constitution at a crossroads, here are a few of our best stories