Hamilton
Hamilton, MT · Business
kitchentablenews.org
New Housing Development Emerges on Columbia Falls Superfund Site
COLUMBIA FALLS — The former Columbia Falls Aluminum Company plant site, within a federal Superfund area, is seeing new development for the first time since its closure in 2009. Developer Mick Ruis is spearheading a 78-acre project that promises over 400 housing units and future commercial spaces. At a press event, Gov. Greg Gianforte and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin praised the initiative, calling it a pivotal step in revitalizing the blighted region.
Char-Koosta News
CSKT to allow off-season stock water deliveries to continue after September 15, 2026
PABLO — 2026 has been a challenging water year for FIIP, irrigators, and stock water users. The stock water mitigation grant program is in place, but very few of the stock water wells have been drilled. In recognition of the difficulty many have had in getting wells drilled, the Tribal Council has once again decided to waive enforcement of the Tribal Water Right for off-season stock water deliveries.
NBCMontana
Conrad Mansion is window into Kalispell’s past
KALISPELL, Mont. — For 131 years, the Conrad Mansion has stood as a window into Kalispell’s past. Built in 1895, the home was a showcase of wealth and modern technology for its time, and much of what’s inside today is still original to the Conrad family. Charles...
Bigfork Eagle
PacifiCorp courts buyers interested in Bigfork dam
The Bigfork Hydroelectric Project is for sale, and PacifiCorp, the electric company that owns the dam, reports it has received multiple proposals from parties interested in taking over the project. Offers were accepted through Sept. 4. "We expect to take some time to consider the proposals, then enter into discussions with one or multiple parties,” PacifiCorp Communications Specialist Drew Marine wrote in an email to the Bigfork Eagle. “The final outcome may not be known until early 2027." PacifiCorp declined to share the number of proposals received or name the interested parties at this stage of the sale process, which remains a private business decision and is not subject to public comment, Marine said in a previous explanation of the process. The proposals being considered would include taking over the current hydroelectric project license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and continuing to operate the dam. These proposals are not related to the decommissioning process. "Our hope remains to find a new owner that will take over the existing FERC license and continue to operate the project as it does today, including maintaining existing public recreation access and opportunities for the community," Marine added. PacifiCorp announced in June that it
Flathead Beacon
Kalispell Councilors Discuss Purchasing Land for Affordable Housing
Mayor Ryan Hunter began Monday’s Kalispell City Council work session with an admission that he had brought the two items on the agenda – affordable housing and short-term rentals – before the council for a “lengthy discussion.”. “Obviously this stems from my interest in addressing the...
Flathead Beacon
Flathead Electric Cuts Ribbon on Newest Community Solar Array, First Paired With Battery Storage
Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) marked the completion of its third community solar project on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting and open house at the 448-panel array on Monegan Road in Whitefish, near the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The project is notable not just for its size, co-op trustees said, but for the utility-scale battery bolted on alongside it.
NBCMontana
Ronan’s Trail of Bales returns for fall season
MISSOULA, Mont. — Fall is on display in Ronan as businesses and organizations compete for bragging rights in the community’s annual Trail of Bales. The Ronan Chamber of Commerce announced the 2026 Trail of Bales is underway, with more than two dozen decorated hay bales located throughout Ronan and Pablo.
Flathead Beacon
Floor Space: What You Can Buy for About $520,000
Set on nearly half an acre in the Crystal Lakes community, this single-level home offers a private, wooded setting with mountain views from the front porch. Large east-facing windows and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace anchor the living area, while a wraparound deck and sliding glass doors create easy indoor-outdoor flow. Recent updates include granite countertops, new windows and doors, and a generator hookup. Revel Real Estate, Inc.
businessdailynetwork.com
Kalispell Farmers Market on October 3, 2026
The Kalispell Farmers Market offers the freshest produce grown in the Flathead Valley and an array of locally made goods. Every Saturday during the summer and fall from 9 am to 12:30 pm, local farmers sell everything from meat and eggs, fruits and vegetables, to baked goods, native plants and trees. Shop for handmade jewelry, pottery, soaps, paintings, and many more creations by the region’s talented artisans.
KPAX
WinCo submits plans to Kalispell for new store location
Char-Koosta News
CSKT Opposes Proposed Opencut Gravel Pit in Pablo
PABLO — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes oppose a proposed opencut mining permit for a 32-acre gravel pit in Pablo, citing concerns about potential impacts to groundwater and surface water, nearby homes, public water and sewer infrastructure, and educational facilities. The Tribes recently received formal notification from WGM...
Whitefish Pilot
Bank stabilization required for new townhome along Whitefish River
A new development adjacent to Whitefish's Veterans Memorial Bridge is slated to be a three-unit townhome after undergoing an atypical permitting process. The developing building is on the west bank of the Whitefish River across from Kay Beller Park at 1 W. Second St. The project is part of a larger planned unit development that was originally approved in 2004 with the subdivision approval granted in August 2006. The property owner of the 1.3-acre river-adjacent lot is Fifth Avenue Partners, LLC of Tallahassee, Florida. Whitefish city code designates a 20-foot setback along the Whitefish River. There is also a buffer zone of 75 feet or the top of the bank, whichever is greater. However, according to city of Whitefish planners, the project was exempt from the city's water quality protection requirements because the lot was created during a specific approval window, dated April 3, 2006 to March 3, 2008. While exempt from the city's water quality protection, the developers were required to obtain a 310 permit from the Flathead Conservation District. The Montana Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act of 1975 mandates 310 permits with the intention of protecting streams and rivers and the lands adjacent. The law requires any
NBCMontana
Flathead Electric Coop crews to conduct vegetation maintenance in Libby area
KALISPELL, Mont. — Flathead Electric Cooperative will have tree crews working along local power lines in Libby this fall. FEC says contractors will spend about six to eight weeks inspecting vegetation and trimming or removing trees and brush as needed. The work is designed to maintain safe clearance, reduce...
Flathead Beacon
Floor Space: What You Can Buy for About $750,000
This three-bedroom home sits on 1.06 acres with stunning views of Foys Lake and vaulted ceilings that fill the living room with natural light. A large Trex deck extends the living space outdoors, and the beautiful property offers privacy, space, and the perfect blend of comfort and Montana charm. Beckman’s Real Estate.
Char-Koosta News
Mission Valley Fruit Gleaning Program Seeks Community Participation
The Mission Valley Fruit Gleaning Program is asking residents to help reduce bear conflicts by harvesting fruit from local trees and donating any excess produce to area food banks. Community members planning to harvest fruit may pick up collection boxes and drop off unneeded fruit at designated locations throughout the...
Whitefish Pilot
Opinion: Keeping Whitefish on solid footing under Montana’s new property taxes
Montana’s recent changes to property taxation are reshaping what homeowners see on their tax bills: FY26 moved from a flat 1.35% residential rate to a graduated structure, and FY27 introduces a Homestead Exemption with primary residences and long‑term rentals remaining on a graduated structure, while second homes and short‑term rentals are taxed at a flat 1.9%. For Whitefish, prudence matters. The City has relied on carry‑forward mills, a financial shock absorber, to avoid sudden tax spikes. Recognizing real risk that the Legislature may eliminate this cushion, the Council chose on a 4-3 vote, to use more mills now. We moved from 27.82 carry‑forward mills at the end of FY26 to 11.59 at the end of FY27. This decision is about stability, not spending for spending’s sake. This decision also helps us avoid leaning on reserves for day‑to‑day operations and fund planned capital improvements not instead of using reserves or deferring projects to future years. What does this mean for a typical primary residence? Based on the mill levy and assessments needed to balance the budget, a $1,000,000 home will see less than a 6.6% increase in the City portion of the tax bill, which totals about $53 a year, or
Flathead Beacon
Floor Space: What You Can Buy for About $890,000
Set on 1.85 acres with sweeping views of Flathead Lake and the Swan Mountains, this three-bedroom home offers main-floor living plus a finished basement for recreation or guests. A deep attached garage adds workshop space, and the mid-century character is ready for a personal touch. It’s a 3-minute drive to the Lakeside public beach. Dean & Leininger, Inc.