KOFI's Flathead Valley News Weekly

Flathead Valley News Week 5/30-6/5

* Two recent water-related deaths: a 72-year-old woman in Flathead Lake near Bigfork and a 48-year-old man in the Flathead River near Polson. * New Falls Creek conservation deal near Troy: 160 acres added to Kootenai National Forest, protecting grizzly habitat and securing public access around Savage Lake and into the Cabinet Mountains wilderness. * Judge Dan Wilson denies acquittal and new trial for Kenneth Floyd, upholding his negligent homicide and related convictions in the death of his ex-wife, Kimberly Gilliam. * Cougar Ridge Development’s proposed 97-slip marina on Big Fork Bay faces strong pushback from the Big Fork Community Alliance over access, environmental impacts, and the bay’s future.

Flathead Valley News Week 5/25-5/29

Flathead Lake Water Levels: Recent rain and snowmelt have brought the lake within a foot of its full pool capacity, with the CSKT regulating levels at the dam. Campground Improvements: The Flathead National Forest finalized upgrade plans for the Lindbergh Lake Campground, with construction starting as early as this fall. Piper Creek Project: The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment on a targeted 2,307-acre forest management and thinning project near Condon. FWP Proposals: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is requesting public feedback on multiple environmental assessments, fishing regulations, and a major 20,704-acre conservation easement. Homicide Sentencing: Jonathan Drennan Beck was sentenced to 20 years in prison for tampering with evidence related to the 2024 death of Ed Loader. Whitefish Mountain Resort: Skier visits dropped 8% this season due to warm, rainy weather, though an increase in season pass sales and longer lodging stays helped offset financial losses.

Flathead Valley News Week 5/18-5/22

KOFI Flathead News Weekly: May 22, 2026 This week’s roundup covers the biggest headlines shaping Northwest Montana, from major infrastructure projects to shifting local demographics. In this episode: * Columbia Falls School Bond: A look ahead to September's upcoming $75.9 million bond election aimed at remodeling Columbia Falls High School. * Slowing Growth Trends: New U.S. Census Bureau data reveals a slight slowdown in the Flathead Valley's post-pandemic population boom, though Kalispell still ranks as a top city for growth in Montana. * Kalispell Center Mall Redevelopment: Details from the Urban Renewal Agency work session regarding a $16.9 million tax increment financing (TIF) request to fund pedestrian connectivity and infrastructure upgrades near the Parkline Trail. * Streamlining Housing Construction: The Kalispell Planning Commission updates its public participation plan to comply with new Montana land-use laws, shifting subdivision approvals to administrative staff. * Rejected Ballots: Why more than 200 ballots were rejected in Flathead County’s recent special district elections, highlighting the impact of Montana's new voter affirmation laws. *** Stay connected with the KOFI News team for your weekly look at the stories that matter most to Northwest Montana.

Flathead Valley News Week 5/11-5/15

This week's Flathead News Weekly report from the KOFI News Team covers the following major stories: Top Stories * Coach Suspended: Glacier High football coach Grady Bennett was given a two-game suspension and the school was fined $100 for recruiting violations involving Bigfork High. * Water Rights Settlement: The Montana Water Court approved the CSKT Water Compact, settling long-standing water rights across thousands of miles of Western Montana streams and lakes. * Fatal Bear Attack: Investigation continues into the death of Anthony Pollo on Mount Brown Trail; search crews recently found a can of bear spray near the site of the encounter. * Low Snowpack: Despite a rainy April, regional snowpack remains at roughly 80% of normal due to the area's fourth-warmest winter on record. * Work Camp Upheld: County officials denied a resident appeal against a new 137-person employee housing complex in West Glacier, citing existing zoning policies.

Flathead Valley News Week 5/4-5/8

This week’s Flathead News Weekly report from the KOFI News Team features the following headlines: Top Stories * Property Tax Rebates: Governor Greg Gianforte announced that Montana homeowners can now apply for property tax rebates of up to $675 through the Department of Revenue website. * Dam Rehabilitation: The Bureau of Reclamation has begun a multi-year project to rehabilitate the Gibson Dam near Augusta to improve safety and spillway capacity. * Local Election Results: Recent school board and municipal elections in Flathead County saw high voter turnout, with several new members elected to the Kalispell and Whitefish school boards. * Wildlife Management: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed plan to manage grizzly bear populations as the state pushes for federal delisting. * Arbor Day Celebrations: Communities across the Flathead Valley held tree-planting events and educational workshops to celebrate Arbor Day and promote local conservation efforts.