WESTERN MONTANA — Here's a look at Western Montana's top news stories for Tuesday.
For the first time since the 1980s, the Flathead National Forest is proposing major rule changes for the three forks of the Flathead River, including mandatory permits for floaters. Officials are now seeking public comment on the draft management plan that would govern the 219-mile river corridor for decades to come. (Read the full story)
Montana Knife Company is completing its new facility near Missoula after starting in Owner Josh Smith's garage during COVID in 2020. The company now employs 105 people and expects to hire 40-50 more workers over the next year, with a grand opening scheduled for April 11. (Read the full story)
Granite County Commissioners shut off the rotating beacon at Riddick Field Airport near Philipsburg, effectively making it a daytime-only facility due to residents complaining about how bright it was. Now, pilots associations are concerned about safety risks — as the beacon helps locate the airport during nighttime emergency landings in mountainous terrain. (Read the full story)
