Dreamers & Doers: The Stories Putting Northwest Montana on the Map

Dreamers & Doers: The Stories Putting Northwest Montana on the Map

This week on News Now, host Taylor Inman dives into some of the best feature stories coming out of Northwest Montana - and this episode has everything from reality TV to community pride to a kid businessman who's already shipping products nationwide. Kalispell pitmaster Stephen Kina of 406 BBQ is competing on the Food Network's brand-new series Chopped Castaways - an eight-episode island survival cooking competition with a $100,000 grand prize. Kina shares how his military background, Hawaiian roots, and love of fire cooking carried him into one of the most challenging experiences of his life, and why he's proud to represent both Montana and Hawaii on the national stage. Then, we take a look inside Two Eagle River School's 24th Annual Art Slam, a vibrant celebration of Indigenous student creativity featuring original paintings, beadwork, poetry, song, and unforgettable performances from the heart of Lake County. Meet retired Kalispell firefighter Alan "Gus" Gustafson - the self-appointed keeper of the Kalispell Fire Department's history. Now 80 years old and more than two decades into retirement, Gus is still on the hunt for lost artifacts, driving a 1925 American LaFrance fire engine, and training the next generation of historians to carry on the legacy. And finally, Duke Rauscher, a Kalispell Middle School student, just won a statewide entrepreneurship award for Rapid Fire Montana - his eco-friendly fire starter business he launched at age 9 and is already shipping across the country. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 lorensauto.com [https://lorensauto.com/]. 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].

June in the Flathead: Festivals, Live Music & Can't-Miss Events

Summer is knocking at the door here in the Flathead Valley, and June is stacked with live music, art openings, cultural events, and free family fun. In this month's local events roundup, we're breaking down everything happening in Whitefish and Kalispell so you don't miss a single beat. This episode covers: Stumptown Get Down (June 6) — Balkan Bump headlines Whitefish's Depot Park with global electronic sounds, DJ Trayze, and local opener Dan Dubuque Tab Benoit's Soul of the Swamp Tour (June 5) — Multi-Grammy nominee brings the bayou to the Wachholz College Center Broadway star Capathia Jenkins live at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center (June 13) Whitefish Gallery Nights — First Thursdays all summer long Wildfire Preparedness Forum at FVCC (June 9) Surfbat new album release show at the Palace Bar (June 12) Triple feature on June 18: Glacier Art Museum, NW Montana History Museum + Wachholz open house in Kalispell, AND country legend Pam Tillis at O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish Levi Bloom live at Snowline Acres (June 24) 14th Annual Whitefish Woody Weekend — FREE family event (June 26) Music of Dolly Parton, Whitefish Summer Concert Series (June 26) Use promo code MISO for a discount on Stumptown Get Down tickets at https://www.flatheadtickets.com/ [https://www.flatheadtickets.com/] Whether you're a lifelong Flathead Valley local or new to Northwest Montana, this is your ultimate guide to the best things to do in June. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 lorensauto.com [https://lorensauto.com/]. 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 Fishing Shakeups, Kalispell Cruising Controversy, Lake County Jail Debate & Libby Drug Case

Major changes could be coming to Northwest Montana — from fishing regulations and downtown Kalispell cruising to jail oversight battles and a troubling Libby drug court case. In this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, reporter Taylor Inman breaks down four of the week’s biggest headlines impacting the Flathead Valley and beyond. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing sweeping fishing regulation changes aimed at protecting endangered bull trout and native trout populations. The proposals could eliminate possession limits for certain non-native species in western Montana waters, including Flathead Lake, while expanding restrictions on bait and tackle use across several rivers and streams. Then, the growing debate over Friday night cruising in downtown Kalispell continues as city leaders, business owners and car enthusiasts search for ways to preserve the classic Americana tradition while cracking down on reckless driving, burnouts and speeding along Main Street. Also in this episode, Lake County commissioners are moving toward shifting jail administration away from the Sheriff’s Office, citing lawsuits, liability concerns and accountability issues. The controversial proposal has sparked questions about detention officer retirement benefits and the future of county jail operations. And finally, a Libby man previously convicted on fentanyl and methamphetamine possession is facing renewed legal trouble after authorities say he failed treatment court, violated probation conditions and continued struggling with addiction. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 lorensauto.com [https://lorensauto.com/]. 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].

Grizzly Bear Attack Investigation, School Levy Fallout & West Glacier Work Camp

On this episode of News Now from the Daily Inter Lake, host Taylor Inman breaks down the biggest headlines impacting Northwest Montana.  A deadly suspected grizzly bear attack in Glacier National Park is raising new questions after search crews discovered bear spray near the scene where a Florida hiker was found dead on the Mount Brown Trail. Meanwhile, schools across the Flathead Valley are preparing for staffing cuts, program reductions and larger class sizes after voters rejected multiple school levies in Tuesday’s election. Plus, a controversial 137-worker housing camp near West Glacier survives a legal appeal despite concerns from residents about traffic, wildlife and the future of their historic community. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 lorensauto.com [https://lorensauto.com/]. 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].

PFAS testing results, Glacier wrestling lawsuit & campaign to remove Kalispell mayor

This week on News Now, Daily Inter Lake reporter Taylor Inman covers the biggest headlines shaping northwest Montana — from new environmental findings in Flathead waters to major legal battles and political controversy in Kalispell. New statewide testing found no evidence of PFAS “forever chemicals” in Flathead Lake or the Flathead River, making them the only Montana waterbodies tested that showed no signs of contamination. The findings come amid growing concern over PFAS exposure and fish consumption advisories across the state. A federal judge has ruled that a Title IX lawsuit involving alleged sexual assault and hazing within the Glacier High School wrestling program can move forward to trial. The lawsuit accuses Kalispell Public Schools of retaliating against a parent and student who reported concerns to authorities. Plus, an effort is underway to recall Kalispell Mayor Ryan Hunter following controversy surrounding his tie-breaking vote on the city’s land use plan. Supporters of the recall claim Hunter violated public trust, while the mayor says the accusations are politically motivated. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair [https://lorensauto.com/]! 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 lorensauto.com [https://lorensauto.com/]. 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].