Flathead Beacon

Flathead Beacon The Flathead Beacon is an award-winning newspaper devoted to delivering thought-provoking news and c
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Founded in 2007 and based in historic downtown Kalispell, the Flathead Beacon is an award-winning newspaper devoted to delivering thought-provoking journalism and commentary to Northwest Montana. Updated daily at flatheadbeacon.com, the Beacon encourages its readers to participate in discussions about their valley. The Montana Newspaper Association has regularly named the Flathead Beacon’s website

the best in the state and it is also frequently recognized for advertising and design excellence. The Columbia Journalism Review highlighted the media company and its tradition of excellence in a 2016 feature titled, “Why a Weekly Tabloid Owned by Maury Povich Might Have ‘The Best Newsroom in Montana.'” In 2014, Outside Magazine named the Flathead Beacon one of the “Best Places to Work” in the U.S. As an active member of the community, the Flathead Beacon sponsors local events, supports numerous nonprofits through its foundation and helps organize local races. Flathead Beacon Productions also publishes Flathead Living, an award-winning quarterly lifestyle magazine and website. In 2016, the local media company debuted Glacier Journal, an annual magazine and guidebook devoted to the Crown Jewel of the Continent. All stories and images are protected under copyright by Flathead Beacon Productions or affiliated persons and organizations.

⚠️ Lincoln County's state of emergency continues as flooding damages infrastructure across the region.At least five brid...
12/12/2025

⚠️ Lincoln County's state of emergency continues as flooding damages infrastructure across the region.

At least five bridges have been damaged or destroyed by the atmospheric river that's drenched northwest Montana. The Yaak River peaked at 8.3 feet (above flood stage), while the Middle Fork Flathead River hit 20,700 cfs – nearly double this year's spring runoff peak.

Arctic air is pushing through the Glacier Park area with heavy snow expected along Highway 2, while another round of moisture arrives Monday-Tuesday with potential for more flooding.

Read the full story: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2025/12/12/lincoln-county-remains-in-state-of-emergency-as-flooding-closes-roads-schools/

🏥 The Senate failed to pass healthcare legislation Thursday, putting 67,000 Montanans at risk of losing enhanced ACA sub...
12/11/2025

🏥 The Senate failed to pass healthcare legislation Thursday, putting 67,000 Montanans at risk of losing enhanced ACA subsidies.

Both Republican and Democratic proposals fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Without congressional action, enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits will expire at the end of the year, causing steep premium increases for millions of Americans.

Those earning over 400% of the poverty line will lose subsidies completely, while others will see premiums rise by hundreds to over $1,500 per person on average.

The House may still vote on a healthcare proposal in the coming days, but time is running out.

Read the full story: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2025/12/11/senate-rejects-dueling-healthcare-bills-as-affordable-care-act-subsidy-sunset-looms/

⚠️ Lincoln County has declared a state of emergency due to significant flooding.The Yaak River near Troy has surpassed t...
12/11/2025

⚠️ Lincoln County has declared a state of emergency due to significant flooding.

The Yaak River near Troy has surpassed the minor flood stage benchmark, bridges have washed out, and Libby is under a precautionary boil water order. The Red Cross is mobilized at Libby Assembly of God, and 183 power outages are reported across the county.

Also in today's Roundup: ACA healthcare updates, brewery trends, and gingerbread cookies.

Read the full newsletter: https://flatheadbeacon.com/newsletters/the-daily-roundup-flooding-in-lincoln-county-prompts-state-of-emergency-boil-water-order/

🍺 Local breweries are adapting to changing tastes and generational trends.As nationwide craft beer production drops, Fla...
12/11/2025

🍺 Local breweries are adapting to changing tastes and generational trends.

As nationwide craft beer production drops, Flathead Valley breweries are diversifying their menus with non-alcoholic options, seltzers, ready-to-drink cocktails, and expanded food offerings.

The shift reflects wellness trends and changing habits, especially among younger generations who consume less alcohol than previous generations.

Read the full story: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2025/12/11/flathead-breweries-tap-into-generational-trends-with-fresh-flavors-diversified-menus/

🍪 This classic recipe from Julie Laing's Twice as Tasty column uses traditional techniques from a 1930 cookbook to creat...
12/11/2025

🍪 This classic recipe from Julie Laing's Twice as Tasty column uses traditional techniques from a 1930 cookbook to create the perfect cookie for decorating – crispy edges with softer centers.

The recipe makes about 40 cookies and they'll keep for up to three weeks.

Get the full recipe: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2025/12/11/old-fashioned-gingerbread-cookies/

🏔️ Glacier National Park may suspend its vehicle reservation system for summer 2026.Superintendent Dave Roemer reportedl...
12/10/2025

🏔️ Glacier National Park may suspend its vehicle reservation system for summer 2026.

Superintendent Dave Roemer reportedly told the Columbia Falls Chamber that the park is shelving the divisive pilot program that's been in place since 2021. While the system reduced midday congestion, it created unintended consequences like early-morning traffic surges that endangered wildlife.

Park officials haven't officially confirmed the change yet, but say they're reviewing visitor data and feedback to determine the best strategies for managing congestion and access. A decision will be announced soon.

Read the full story: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2025/12/10/glacier-park-considers-shelving-reservation-pilot-program-in-summer-2026/

🏛️ Kalispell's Ward 3 has an open City Council seat and residents have until Jan. 4 to apply.When Mayor-elect Ryan Hunte...
12/10/2025

🏛️ Kalispell's Ward 3 has an open City Council seat and residents have until Jan. 4 to apply.

When Mayor-elect Ryan Hunter takes office in January, his Ward 3 council seat will become vacant. The council will appoint someone to serve the remainder of the two-year term until the next municipal election.

To apply, submit a letter of interest including your contact info, relevant experience, and why you're interested in the position. You must be a Ward 3 resident for at least 60 days and available for Monday night meetings.

Also in today's Daily Roundup: Somers-Lakeside School District faces a budgeting shortfall, WLP acquires the former Bike Retreat property, and meet Pablo – this week's adoptable pet!

Read the full newsletter: https://flatheadbeacon.com/newsletters/the-daily-roundup-kalispell-begins-accepting-letters-of-interest-for-vacant-council-seat/

🌲 Whitefish Legacy Partners just acquired the former Bike Retreat property at Beaver Lakes and it's becoming the new Whi...
12/10/2025

🌲 Whitefish Legacy Partners just acquired the former Bike Retreat property at Beaver Lakes and it's becoming the new Whitefish Legacy Center, opening summer 2026.

This strategic purchase protects 35 acres from high-density development. The property sits right on the trail system and will be renovated for community use.

The new center will be the heart of our 47-mile trail network, offering outdoor education programs, community gatherings, and trail stewardship – bringing WLP closer to "closing the loop" around Whitefish Lake.

Read the full story: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2025/12/10/whitefish-trail-nonprofit-acquires-former-bike-retreat-property/

⚖️ The Daily Roundup: Sen. Steve Daines backs Supreme Court case challenging limits on political party campaign spending...
12/09/2025

⚖️ The Daily Roundup: Sen. Steve Daines backs Supreme Court case challenging limits on political party campaign spending.

The NRSC case (oral arguments today) aims to overturn 2001 precedent limiting how much parties can spend coordinating with candidates. Daines, former NRSC chairman: It's a free speech issue. Critics: It would eliminate guardrails on contributions.

Meanwhile, the state ballot issue known as “The Montana Plan” aims to overturn Citizens United and curb corporate political power. It is currently wrapped up in a lawsuit with Montana’s attorney general

Read the full roundup: https://flatheadbeacon.com/newsletters/the-daily-roundup-daines-voices-support-for-nrsc-in-supreme-court-challenge/

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