Glacier Park Flooding, Airport Runway Shutdown & a Cat Crisis

Glacier Park Flooding, Airport Runway Shutdown & a Cat Crisis

This week, host Taylor Inman covers the biggest headlines shaping Northwest Montana — from flood-driven closures in Glacier National Park to a $21 million runway overhaul grounding flights at Glacier Park International Airport, a potential reopening for a shuttered Kalispell mental health crisis center, and a local animal rescue calling the surge in abandoned cats an "epidemic." Heavy rains this week triggered flooding and closures across Glacier National Park, temporarily shutting down part of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and forcing evacuations in the Many Glacier Valley. The road has since fully reopened, and as of Wednesday, the Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and several trails were back open to visitors — though park officials are urging extra caution near swift, cold glacial streams. Starting next week, Glacier Park International Airport will significantly scale back operations for four weeks during peak tourism season to overhaul its aging runway. The Flathead Valley's transit hub will close Monday evenings through Friday mornings from July 6 to July 31, with airport officials expecting a 40% drop in July flights and warning travelers to arrive two hours early on operating days. A shuttered mental health crisis stabilization center in North Kalispell, Glacier House, may reopen after a $100,000 infusion of state funding. AWARE Inc., the nonprofit now acquiring the facility's assets, says staffing and long-term funding remain unresolved, so no reopening date has been set. And local shelters are sounding the alarm on cat abandonment: KittyMOM's Rescue took in 17 more cats and kittens this week alone, and both the Flathead County Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of Northwest Montana say they're operating at capacity. Read the full stories and more local coverage at https://DailyInterLake.com [https://DailyInterLake.com]. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://dailyinterlake.com/] to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].

Your Complete July Guide to Flathead Valley Events: Art Festivals, Concerts & More!

July is packed in Northwest Montana, and host Melissa Wells has your complete guide to the best festivals, concerts, and community events happening across the Flathead Valley this month. The Whitefish Arts Festival kicks off July 4th weekend at Depot Park (July 3-5), bringing handmade work from local and national artists — think stunning metalwork, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and photography you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're getting a jump on holiday shopping or just want to add a piece of Montana-made art to your collection, this family-friendly festival presented by Whitefish Christian Academy is the perfect way to start your 4th of July weekend. Learn more at https://www.whitefishartsfestival.org/ [https://www.whitefishartsfestival.org/] Catch a patriotic America 250 concert with the Glacier Symphony at Rebecca Farm, free Wednesday concerts in Kalispell's Depot Park, and a special Songwriters Behind the Headliners night benefiting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Big touring acts are also rolling through Northwest Montana this month — Old 97's, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, and Sara Evans all take the stage at the Wachholz College Center, while Snowline Acres hosts the Tobacco River Ramblers and Tanner Laws on their summer concert lawn. Whether you're looking for live music, art shopping, or just a great reason to get outside this summer, this is your one-stop guide to everything happening in the Flathead Valley in July. Find all your event plans at https://www.dailyinterlake.com/events [https://www.dailyinterlake.com/events]. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://dailyinterlake.com/] to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].

Montana Teacher Investigation, Glacier Wrestling Verdict & Bigfork Dam Future

This week, host Taylor Inman covers six major stories shaping Northwest Montana - from a major investigation involving a Hot Springs teacher to the uncertain future of Bigfork's historic hydroelectric dam, a landmark federal jury verdict involving Glacier High School, and a legal battle over one of the Flathead Valley's largest proposed developments. Authorities are investigating allegations that a teacher in the Hot Springs School District inappropriately touched multiple female students. Investigators say additional students have since come forward, and the Flathead County Sheriff's Office has been brought in to conduct what officials describe as a major case. A federal jury has ruled that Kalispell Public Schools retaliated against Kirk and Clifford Nance after they reported alleged sexual assault, sexual harassment and hazing involving the Glacier High School wrestling program. Although the jury awarded only nominal damages, attorneys for the plaintiffs say the verdict reinforces protections for families who report misconduct. PacifiCorp has begun exploring the sale of the historic Bigfork Hydroelectric Project after determining new federal safety requirements make continued operation too costly. If no buyer is found, the company says dam decommissioning could become an option, raising concerns about the future of Bigfork Bay, the Swan River, public recreation areas and the community's long-running Whitewater Festival. A district court judge has temporarily halted proceedings over a controversial water permit tied to the proposed 1,700-acre Flathead Lake Club development near Lakeside. The ruling gives opponents another opportunity to challenge how the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation handled public objections to the project. Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana has opened a new RV park in Kalispell to provide additional affordable housing options for seasonal workers, travelers and longer-term residents. The nonprofit says every housing solution helps address the region's growing housing shortage. And the Glacier Institute is expanding its Columbia Heights campus with a new welcome center that will serve visitors, students and outdoor education programs for years to come. The project marks another major investment in conservation education while creating a central gathering place for the nonprofit's growing programs. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://dailyinterlake.com/] to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].

Going-to-the-Sun Road Opens, Wildfire Season Warning & Glacier Signs Ordered Restored

This week, host Taylor Inman covers five major stories shaping Northwest Montana - from a long-awaited road opening in Glacier National Park to a federal court order reversing the Trump Administration's removal of interpretive signs across national parks nationwide. Going-to-the-Sun Road is opening to vehicles on June 22 — and this year, no vehicle reservations are required. Taylor breaks down everything you need to know, from Logan Pass parking limits to new bicycle restrictions and shuttle schedules running July through September. Meteorologists and climate scientists are warning that an El Niño weather pattern is setting Northwest Montana up for an elevated wildfire risk this August and September. Low snowpack at lower elevations, early melt, and incoming heat waves have fire prevention specialists urging residents to prepare now. Free meals are available this summer to all youth 18 and under across Flathead County — no registration, income verification, or ID required. Taylor has the full rundown of sites across Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Evergreen and more. After more than 25 years serving patients affected by Libby Amphibole asbestos exposure, the CARD Clinic in Libby will close at the end of August after federal grant funding was not renewed. Sixteen employees will be affected, and the clinic intends to continue services through August 31. And in a significant ruling, a federal judge in Massachusetts has ordered Glacier National Park — and national parks across the country — to restore interpretive signs, podcasts, films, and other materials removed under a Trump Administration executive order last year. The order covers climate change signage, Indigenous history, wolf hunting information, and more, and gives the Park Service 21 days to comply. A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://lorensauto.com/ [https://lorensauto.com/] Today's episode is also brought to you by Vista Ridge Cottages in Kalispell. Featuring modern home designs, scenic mountain views, and amenities curated for Montana living, Vista Ridge is where comfort and community come together. Call 406-261-2150 or visit https://vistaridgecottages.com/ [https://vistaridgecottages.com/] to schedule your tour today. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://dailyinterlake.com/] to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].

Rafting Accident, Whitefish Landmark Changes Hands & Major Montana Investigations

A miraculous rescue on the Middle Fork River, the future of one of Whitefish’s most iconic bars, leadership turmoil inside a Montana school district, allegations of a six-figure church theft, and a Kalispell man facing serious criminal charges headline this week’s News Now. In this episode, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest stories shaping Northwest Montana. Hear the latest on a 17-year-old Ohio girl who survived after being submerged in the Middle Fork River for nearly 10 minutes, the local investors who stepped in to preserve the historic Great Northern Bar & Grill, and the ongoing shakeups inside the Hot Springs School District. We also examine a major fraud case involving more than $150,000 allegedly taken from a Eureka church and the latest developments surrounding a Kalispell man accused of assaulting his mother while already facing charges connected to the vandalism of a wildfire-fighting helicopter. A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://lorensauto.com/ [https://lorensauto.com/] Today's episode is also brought to you by Vista Ridge Cottages in Kalispell. Featuring modern home designs, scenic mountain views, and amenities curated for Montana living, Vista Ridge is where comfort and community come together. Call 406-261-2150 or visit https://vistaridgecottages.com/ [https://vistaridgecottages.com/] to schedule your tour today. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] Visit DailyInterLake.com [https://dailyinterlake.com/] to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and please consider subscribing [https://dailyinterlake.com/subscribe/] to us. Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3p9ZZLnvhtY2ikWRV_ybGBX]. And follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Dailyinterlake], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailyinterlake/] and X [https://twitter.com/Dailyinterlake]. Got a news tip, want to place an ad, or sponsor this podcast? Contact us [https://dailyinterlake.com/contact-us/]! Subscribe to all our other DIL pods! Keep up with northwest Montana sports on Keeping Score [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365971], dig into stories with Deep Dive [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366038], and jam out to local musicians with Press Play [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366043].