KOFI's Flathead Valley News Weekly

don

KOFI's Flathead News Weekly is a week-end podcast that delivers the top stories from across Northwest Montana. Hosted by the KOFI News team, this weekly roundup keeps listeners informed about the most important local news and events happening throughout the Flathead Valley and surrounding region. Each episode provides a comprehensive overview of the week's headlines, giving busy residents and followers of NW Montana an efficient way to stay connected with the community's current affairs.

Episodes

  1. Jun 5

    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.

    5 min

  2. May 29

    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.

    7 min

  3. May 22

    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.

    8 min

  4. May 15

    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.

    7 min

  5. May 15

    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.

    7 min

  6. May 1

    Flathead Valley News Week 4/25-5/1

    KOFI News Team reports the top stories for this week from across Northwest Montana.

    6 min

  7. Apr 24

    Flathead Valley News Week 4/20-4/24

    Northwest Montana's top news stories as presented by the KOFI News Team.

    10 min

  8. Apr 20

    Flathead Valley News Week 4/11-4/17

    This week's top news stories from the KOFI news team

    9 min

  9. Apr 10

    Flathead Valley News Week 4/6-4/10

    This week's top news as presented by KOFI's News Team.

    9 min

  10. Apr 3

    Flathead Valley News Week 3/30-4/3

    Top News stories from Northwest Montana for the week of March 30th presented by the KOFI News Team

    6 min

  11. Mar 27

    Flathead Valley News Week 3/23-3/27

    This week's top stories from across Northwest Montana.

    8 min

  12. Mar 20

    News Week 3/16-3/20

    Award winning news from the KOFI News Team. This week features news stories from across Northwest Montana.

    8 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

KOFI's Flathead News Weekly is a week-end podcast that delivers the top stories from across Northwest Montana. Hosted by the KOFI News team, this weekly roundup keeps listeners informed about the most important local news and events happening throughout the Flathead Valley and surrounding region. Each episode provides a comprehensive overview of the week's headlines, giving busy residents and followers of NW Montana an efficient way to stay connected with the community's current affairs.

Information

  • Creator
    don
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 KOFI's Flathead Valley News Weekly