Flathead Beacon Podcasts
144 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 19 ratingsListen here for all the latest news and information from around the Flathead Valley. Each week the Flathead Beacon Podcast takes a deep dive into the biggest stories in Northwest Montana. To read all of our coverage, free of charge, visit flatheadbeacon.com. Support our work by joining the Beacon Editor's Club at beaconeditorsclub.com.
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Episodes
'It's Like Fighting a Ghost'
September 02, 2020 11:40 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBThe Flathead Hotshots are one of the country's oldest wildland firefighting crews but even they have never experienced anything like 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic. Assistant Managing Editor Tristan Scott joins the show this week to talk about his cover story and share what life is like for the Hotshots this year and how they dealt with a positive COVID-19 test in their ranks. Later, host Andy Viano runs down the biggest stories of the last week, including the latest on an outbreak at a W...
Back to School
August 26, 2020 11:14 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBStudents and teachers around the Flathead Valley are returning to the classroom this week, with many opening their doors five days a week for any students who want to attend in-person. Most families have opted to do just that, and School District 6 Board Chairwoman Jill Rocksund joins the show this week to talk about how schools in Columbia Falls are planning to reopen safely and how she and her colleagues plan to react if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs. Later, host Andy Viano runs down the bigg...
Preserving 'Big Wild Country'
August 19, 2020 17:47 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBMontana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced this week that they have proposed acquiring 106 acres of exclusive property along the north shore of Flathead Lake, major news for outdoor enthusiasts who already jam into the limited points of public access to the immensely popular lake. But that news is just one piece of a recent string of land acquisitions for FWP, and Dr. Alan Wood and Dillon Tabish join the show to talk about how and why those projects have come together. Later, host Andy Viano...
A Fair Without a Ferris Wheel
August 12, 2020 11:46 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBAs fairs around Montana scale back or are canceled in their entirety, the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo in Kalispell is pressing on, scheduled to being on Aug. 19. Staff Writer Micah Drew has been covering all the developments for weeks and he joins the show to talk about what the fair's going to look like and why organizers are still moving forward. Later, host Andy Viano runs through the biggest stories from the last week, including a roundup of COVID-19 cases, news on a potential mail-...
Growth and Uncertainty
August 05, 2020 12:01 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBKalispell Regional Healthcare is Flathead County's largest employer, and the healthcare system is continuing its years-long expansion while also trying to manage the financial and logistical challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Managing Editor Myers Reece looked into all of that for the Aug. 5 issue of the Beacon and he discusses his story, "Growth and Uncertainty," on this week's show. Later, host Andy Viano runs through the biggest stories from the last seven days, including the latest ...
Under Pressure
July 29, 2020 11:46 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBSummer in Northwest Montana unofficially begins when Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road opens in its entirety, but because of the coronavirus pandemic there will be no through travel this year. Assistant Managing Editor Tristan Scott is this week's guest and he talks about how the park is adapting, why the Blackfeet Nation chose to cut off access to the east side of Sun Road and what the future may hold. Later, host Andy Viano runs through the biggest stories from the last seven d...
The Reopening Riddle
July 15, 2020 12:01 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBStudents throughout Northwest Montana are planning to return to school next month, and Evergreen School District Superintendent Laurie Barron joins the show this week to talk about her district's plan, what still needs to be figured out, and how districts are preparing to adapt as the reality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shift. Later, host Andy Viano runs through the biggest stories from the last seven days, including the continuing surge of coronavirus cases in Montana ...
COVID-19 Makes a Comeback
July 08, 2020 11:58 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBMyers Reece is the managing editor of the Flathead Beacon and the man behind Flathead Living magazine, and he joins the show this week to talk first about this week's Beacon cover story, "Abbie's Way," a terrific profile by Clare Menzel that was first published in the magazine. Then Myers shares his reporting on the novel coronavirus and the uptick in cases that has continued this week, with 80 new cases announced on Monday alone. Later, host Andy Viano runs through the biggest stories from ...
Checking in on COVID-19
July 01, 2020 11:41 - 7 minutes - 4.83 MBThis week's Flathead Beacon cover story is really five stories in one, and you can read everything on the Great Outdoors in this week's edition, available on newsstands now and at flatheadbeacon.com. In this week's episode, host Andy Viano goes through the latest news including a surge in coronavirus cases in the last seven days, a major decision by the Blackfeet Nation that will have a big impact on Glacier National Park, an education-related lawsuit out of Kalispell decided by the U.S. Sup...
Seeking a Safe Haven
June 24, 2020 12:01 - 12 minutes - 8.88 MBStaff Writer Maggie Dresser led this week's Flathead Beacon with a close look at the local housing market and an explanation of why homes are selling fast in the midst of a global pandemic, all as part of her story, "Seeking a Safe Haven." Later in the show, a rundown of the biggest news stories of the week, including a surge in coronavirus cases in Montana, a historic step for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and a change to the Empire Builder's schedule. Read more about all of this we...
Next Steps
June 17, 2020 11:15 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBStaff Writer Micah Drew profiled distance runners Makena Morley and Zach Perrin for this week's Flathead Beacon, getting to know one of the country's fastest couples and sharing what comes next for the two Flathead Valley natives and recent college graduates. In the second half of the episode, get caught up on the biggest stories of the last week, including a pair of newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Flathead County, the reopening of Glacier National Park and a victory for the Badger-Two ...
Who's Right?
June 10, 2020 12:20 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBWe'll get Tristan Scott's insight into this week's Flathead Beacon cover story, "Who's Right?" and talk about the hard-line vs. moderate divide within the Montana Republican Party, and what the June 2 primary meant for that battle. Later in the episode, get caught up on the biggest stories of the week, including protests in the Flathead Valley in support of Black Lives Matter, the latest coronavirus case numbers and a prediction for the upcoming fire season. RELATED STORIES June 10 E-Edit...
Prepared for an Uncertain Future
June 03, 2020 11:45 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBWe dive into this week's Flathead Beacon cover story, "Prepared for an Uncertain Future" and talk to a member of the graduating class of 2020, Glacier High School's Madison Alcorn. Later in the episode, get caught up on the biggest stories of the week, including results from the June 2 primary election, news on the reopening of Glacier National Park, changes to the school calendar this fall and the closure of a Kalispell landmark. RELATED STORIES June 3 E-Edition 2020 Primary Election Res...
Weekly Update for May 29
May 29, 2020 23:39 - 5 minutes - 3.48 MBGlacier National Park will reopen in the second week of June, answering a question that's been hanging in minds of local business owners for weeks. Plus, eight new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Montana on Friday, unreturned ballots for the upcoming June 2 primary should be dropped off in person, and an officer-involved shooting took the life of a 52-year-old man in Flathead County. RELATED STORIES Glacier Park Poised to Reopen Eight New COVID-19 Cases Reported Ballots Must be Receiv...
Weekly Update for May 15
May 16, 2020 03:09 - 5 minutes - 3.44 MBIt's still all about coronavirus in Northwest Montana, but this week as even more restrictions are lifted there is a bit of good news. Gyms, fitness centers, movie theaters and museums are now permitted to reopen and unemployment claims dropped for a second straight week. Later, Jared Allen Parsons is sentenced to 17 years in prison, with 10 of those years suspended, after he drove drunk and crashed into an Evergreen home last April, killing a 15-year-old girl who slept inside. RELATED STOR...
Weekly Update for May 8
May 09, 2020 03:52 - 5 minutes - 3.6 MBIn our first weekly roundup of Northwest Montana news, we go through the latest coronavirus numbers in Montana and lay out the businesses open now, and the ones that are opening soon. Later, Kalispell Regional Healthcare begins offering more services and the Under the Big Sky festival cancels this summer's event. RELATED STORIES Bars and Restaurants Reopen with Restrictions Under the Big Sky Festival Postponed Gyms, Fitness Studios Can Reopen May 15 Kalispell Approves Water, Sewer Rate ...
COVID-19: Update for May 1
May 02, 2020 00:16 - 3 minutes - 2.72 MBIt's been nearly two weeks since more than four new cases of coronavirus were reported in Montana on a single day as no new cases were added to the state's total on Friday. This episode is the final regular update on COVID-19 but stay subscribed to this feed for new podcasts from the Flathead Beacon. Or check out Project 7, our mini-series on Kalispell militia leader David Burgert. Thanks for listening! RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Bigfork Food Bank Reopens Project 7...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 29
April 30, 2020 01:18 - 3 minutes - 2.22 MBNo new cases of coronavirus were reported in Montana on Wednesday, just as the state's phased re-opening begins. And school boards across Montana are declining to re-open this year despite Gov. Steve Bullock turning that decision over to local jurisdictions last week. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Schools Choose to Remain Closed Montana Could Lose 51,000 Jobs The music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is licensed under Cre...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 27
April 28, 2020 02:10 - 3 minutes - 2.72 MBThe state of Montana is slowly reopening and today retail shops and businesses like salons, spas and tattoo parlors welcomed their first customers in weeks. Bars and restaurants will open next week and schools could open on May 7 but it appeared most if not all Northwest Montana districts would instead extend remote learning through the remainder of the academic year. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Bullock Unveils Phased Reopening Flathead City-County Health Dept. The m...
Project 7 BONUS Episode
April 25, 2020 04:14 - 26 minutes - 21.6 MBProject 7, the Beacon's podcast mini-series about vanished militia leader David Burgert, just released its third episode and on today's COVID-19 podcast we're bringing the two shows together. Travis McAdam of the Montana Human Rights Network has been monitoring extremism in Montana for two decades, and he sees some parallels between the heyday of the modern militia movement around the turn of the century and the recent protests in Kalispell led by a controversial doctor. The show today is a...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 22
April 23, 2020 02:01 - 10 minutes - 7.24 MBGov. Steve Bullock rolled out his plan for the phased reopening of Montana on Wednesday, lifting the state's stay-at-home order on Sunday and gradually opening businesses in the following days. He also turned one decision over to local school districts, allowing them to reopen their doors on May 7 if they so choose. Later, the most up-to-date news and numbers on COVID-19 in Montana. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Bullock Unveils Phased Reopening MHSA Cancels Spring Sport...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 20
April 21, 2020 00:36 - 11 minutes - 7.88 MBDr. Annie Bukacek's appointment to the Flathead City-County Health Board in January was already contentious, and her recent public comments about the coronavirus are leading some to call for her removal from the board. Senior Writer Tristan Scott joins the show to share what he knows. Later, the latest news and information on COVID-19 in Montana. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Public Calls for Physician's Ouster Kalispell Declares Local State of Emergency Health Board C...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 16
April 17, 2020 01:15 - 11 minutes - 7.56 MBPauline Davidson, a third-grade teacher at Creston School, was one of the five "Faces of Resiliency" profiled in this week's Flathead Beacon joins the show today. Later, get the latest news and information on COVID-19, including the eighth reported death in Montana from the virus and a grant awarded to Kalispell Public Schools for meal service. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Faces of Resiliency Schools Receive $15,000 Grant The music in this this episode is “Thinking Mu...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 14
April 15, 2020 03:45 - 2 minutes - 1.57 MBOnly five new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Montana on Tuesday, so just a quick recap of the news on today's episode. If you're looking for more content, subscribe to Project 7, the Flathead Beacon's true-crime podcast about militia leader David Burgert. Episode two of Project 7 comes out on Wednesday. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak No Timeline for Return to Normal Project 7 Podcast The music in this this episode is “Th...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 13
April 14, 2020 00:10 - 11 minutes - 8.1 MBThe Abbie Shelter Executive Director Hilary Shaw talked to Maggie Dresser for a story this week, and we share excerpts of that interview. The Abbie Shelter is still providing its services to domestic abuse survivors, even during the coronavirus pandemic. Later, Flathead County reports its first death from COVID-19 and Kalispell Regional Healthcare furloughs around 600 employees amid declining revenues RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Shelters Report Increased Danger Levels ...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 10
April 11, 2020 02:15 - 10 minutes - 7.39 MBTim and Dana Phillips, the owners of Hops Downtown Grill in Kalispell, join the show to talk about how they've been adapting throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and what the future could bring. Later, we run down the latest news, numbers and information on the coronavirus in Northwest Montana. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Superintendent Expects School Year to Finish Online Hops Downtown Grill on Facebook Project 7 Podcast The music in this this episode is “Thinking Musi...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 9
April 10, 2020 01:30 - 6 minutes - 4.78 MBMontana's state medical officer explains how he and other experts are analyzing COVID-19 data to try and build the most accurate models. Later, the governor issues yet another directive, this one allowing a pair of "magical creatures" to perform essential services. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Three New COVID Cases in Flathead County MHSA Extends Suspension of Spring Sports The music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is li...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 8
April 09, 2020 00:59 - 5 minutes - 3.59 MBIt was a slow day in coronavirus news so we took another listen to some of Gov. Steve Bullock's Tuesday press conference and zoomed in on rural healthcare and the pocket of cases in Toole County. Later, the most up-to-date information on the spread of COVID-19 in Montana. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Addressing Montana's Health 'Deserts' Montana Adds 13 New Cases The music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is licensed unde...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 7
April 08, 2020 02:00 - 11 minutes - 8.01 MBGov. Steve Bullock extended school closures and his stay-at-home order for two more weeks, through April 24, at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. Later, Flathead Beacon Media Director Hunter D'Antuono joins the show to talk about what it's been like to shoot photographs throughout the Flathead Valley during this pandemic. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Bullock Extends Stay Home Order Kalispell Declares State of Emergency Photos: COVID-19 in the Flathead Valley The...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 6
April 07, 2020 00:51 - 12 minutes - 10 MBChildcare has been one of the many sectors completely upended by the COVID-19 outbreak, and in Montana daycares were left scrambling when schools were closed with little notice in the middle of March. Collette Box, director of Discovery Developmental Center in Kalispell joins today to talk about how her daycare is adapting and what the plan looks like in the future. Later, the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in Montana. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Pandemic U...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 3
April 04, 2020 00:16 - 10 minutes - 8.74 MBFlathead City-County Public Health Officer Hillary Hanson took time out of a busy schedule to join tonight's show and talk about how her office is handling the outbreak of coronavirus so far, what recommendations she has for Flathead County residents, and how local officials are preparing for the days and weeks to come. Later, we report the latest case totals around the state and locally, and bring you other coronavirus-related news. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Flathea...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 2
April 03, 2020 00:20 - 10 minutes - 6.95 MBSenior Writer Tristan Scott interviewed a pair of doctors at Kalispell Regional Healthcare, Jeff Tjaden and Doug Nelson, and shares excerpts from that interview on today's show. They talk about how coronavirus is impacting KRH and what they see for the future as Northwest Montana responds to the virus. Later, the updated numbers on COVID-19 in Montana and details on the state's plan to screen out-of-state travelers when they arrive. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak National...
COVID-19: Daily Update for April 1
April 02, 2020 02:28 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBIt's been a very long few weeks for very many people in the Flathead Valley so this week's Flathead Beacon cover story took a look at how the most creative among us are surviving COVID-19. Hear from musician Nick Spear and Alpine Theatre Project's Luke Walrath on this episode, plus the latest coronavirus news and information. And stay tuned at the end of the episode for a sneak preview of the Beacon's new true-crime podcast, Project 7. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Creat...
COVID-19: Daily Update for March 31
April 01, 2020 01:10 - 13 minutes - 9.33 MBWhitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld hops on a quick phone call to discuss the letter the city sent out on Tuesday, asking short-term rentals and lodging properties to stop accepting reservations for dates beyond April 30. Later in the show, Gov. Steve Bullock addresses a number of issues including his Monday phone call with President Trump that was obtained by CBS News and the New York Times. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Montana to Ban Evictions, Utility Shutoffs Whitefish A...
COVID-19: Daily Update for March 30
March 31, 2020 00:04 - 14 minutes - 9.65 MBWhitefish Community Foundation President Linda Engh-Grady shares details on the group’s emergency response fund, set up to assist individuals, families and businesses affected by the coronavirus. Later, the most up-to-date numbers on the coronavirus in Montana, and Flathead County makes changes to the June 2 primary election. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Whitefish Community Foundation Flathead County Adopts All-Mail Ballot Seeking Refuge in the Flathead Valley The mu...
COVID-19: Update for March 27
March 28, 2020 01:12 - 12 minutes - 8.79 MBBigfork High School Activities Director Matt Porrovecchio is the guest on today's episode to chat about the suspension of the spring sports season in Montana and what comes next. Later, Montana suffers its first death from the coronavirus and the state's number of cases continues to climb rapidly. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Spring Sports Suspended Libby Man First Coronavirus Death in Montana The music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incomp...
COVID-19: Update for March 26
March 27, 2020 00:50 - 12 minutes - 8.27 MBGov. Steve Bullock makes a major announcement for the second time in three days, this time issuing a stay at home directive to all Montanans, effective Saturday and extending through April 10. Then, our Maggie Dresser sits down with Laura Gardner from Job Service Kalispell to talk about how her organization is assisting those impacted by job loss in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Bullock Issues Stay at Home Directive Federal Guidance of...
COVID-19: Daily Update for March 24
March 25, 2020 00:27 - 11 minutes - 7.6 MBGov. Steve Bullock held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon to announce that the current closures of K-12 schools, dine-in restaurants, bars and other locales will extend through at least April 10. Staff Writer Justin Franz joins the show to talk about Bullock's announcement, then we go through the latest news and cases of COVID-19 in Montana. RELATED LINKS Covering the Coronavirus Outbreak Schools Prepare for New Closures State Extends Restaurant, School Closures The music in this ...
COVID-19: Daily Update for March 23
March 24, 2020 00:59 - 15 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode, Explore Whitefish Executive Director Dylan Boyle joins the show to talk about how his town and others in Northwest Montana are bracing for a potential downturn in visitation this summer. In a region so dependent on tourism, restrictions on travel and fears about gathering with large crowds could be devastating to local businesses across the spectrum. Later, we provide the latest updates on the coronavirus, including two new cases in Flathead County and policy changes that co...
COVID-19: Daily Update for March 21
March 21, 2020 23:22 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBKalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau joins the show to talk about how his district reacted to last week's school closure and what their plans look like if and when the statewide school closures are extended beyond March 27. We also have an update on yesterday's news that Flathead County has its first two confirmed cases of coronavirus. This morning, the Flathead City-County Health Department and Kalispell Regional Healthcare held a joint press conference to discuss both cases,...
COVID-19: Daily Update for March 20
March 21, 2020 00:33 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MBFlathead Beacon Managing Editor Myers Reece sits down for a conversation about how social service providers are responding to new challenges during the coronavirus outbreak, including local food banks and homeless shelters. Later, news breaks that Flathead County has its first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 and that one of the people sickened is a healthcare worker who had spent time at a Kalispell Regional Healthcare facility, potentially sickening other KRH staff. Get the latest updates ...
COVID-19: Daily Update for March 19
March 20, 2020 01:28 - 11 minutes - 16.4 MBThe coronavirus outbreak is having a massive impact on businesses, even in the Flathead Valley. Staff Writer Maggie Dresser joins the show to talk about how the small business community is coping, then Justin Franz rejoins the show to discuss today's news that Flathead County is closing restaurants, bars and a number of other businesses to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is licensed under Creative C...
COVID-19: Daily Update for March 18
March 19, 2020 00:46 - 14 minutes - 19.9 MBSenior Writer Tristan Scott spoke with Kalispell Regional Healthcare's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Doug Nelson, this morning to talk about the hospital system's preparations and some general strategies for combating coronavirus. Plus, we bring you the latest news and information related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. Hosted on Acast. See acast...
COVID-19: Daily Update for March 17
March 18, 2020 00:09 - 13 minutes - 19.1 MBStaff Writer Justin Franz joins today's show to recap everything that's happened since late Friday night, when the first four cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, were discovered in Montana. For the latest coverage in the Flathead Beacon, click this link. The music in this this episode is “Thinking Music” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.