Months after the devastating fire that wiped out Noxon’s beloved businesses, the town is still searching for answers — and a way forward. In part two of this series, Daily Inter Lake News Editor Derrick Perkins hears from local business owners, firefighters, and longtime residents about the lasting impact of the fire and the uncertainty of what comes next. From the Hereford Bar’s relentless rebuild after two separate fires to the debate over whether new businesses will rise from the ashes, Noxon is at a crossroads. Will it bounce back, or will it become another forgotten town?

A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm in Kalispell for sponsoring this season of Deep Dive: From the Ashes! Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, they provide expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit vannlawfirm.com.

Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us!

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In the early hours of Feb. 27, 2024, a devastating fire tore through Noxon, Montana, reducing its historic downtown to ashes. First responders raced to contain the flames, but within hours, beloved local landmarks — the Angry Beaver General Store, the Mercantile and Café, and Toby’s Tavern — were gone. In part one of this two-part series, Daily Inter Lake News Editor Derrick Perkins hears firsthand accounts from firefighters, business owners and residents as they relive the chaos, heartbreak and resilience that followed. What caused the fire? Could anything have stopped it? And how did the town come together in the aftermath?

A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm in Kalispell for sponsoring this season of Deep Dive: From the Ashes! Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, they provide expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit vannlawfirm.com.

Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us!

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In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, reporter Derrick Perkins explores the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town’s business community were wiped out. Almost a year later, the town still wondered: Can Noxon recover? What will rise from the ashes?

Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel.

A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm in Kalispell for sponsoring this season of Deep Dive: From the Ashes! Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, they provide expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit vannlawfirm.com.

Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us!

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Join Kate Heston for our last episode of Season 2, as she explores Keith Hammer's decades-long battle to protect Montana’s iconic grizzly bears through the power of the Endangered Species Act. As president of the Swan View Coalition, Hammer has tirelessly fought against forest management practices that threaten wildlife, using litigation to halt projects impacting grizzly habitats. We delve into the legal and political challenges that have shaped—and continue to shape—conservation in Montana. From court victories to confrontations with state and federal agencies, this episode reveals the complexities and stakes of preserving Montana’s wild legacy for future generations.

Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us!

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The third episode of Deep Dive's Season 2 explores the 50-year legacy of the Endangered Species Act, highlighting the remarkable resurgence of gray wolves in northwest Montana. Daily Inter Lake reporter Kate Heston dives into the captivating story of Kishinena, the pioneering wolf whose journey from Canada to Montana ignited one of the most successful wildlife recovery efforts in history.

Join us as we unravel the complex interplay between federal and state protections, the challenges of wolf management, and the passionate individuals dedicated to preserving these majestic creatures. Featuring insights from renowned wolf biologist Dr. Diane Boyd, this episode is a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of conservation.

Read Dr. Diane Boyd's book 'Woman Among Wolves' - https://greystonebooks.com/products/a-woman-among-wolves

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In the second episode of Season 2 of Deep Dive, Daily Inter Lake reporter Kate Heston explores the fascinating story of Montana’s prehistoric white sturgeon, often dubbed 'living dinosaurs,' which have roamed North American waters for millions of years. Despite their remarkable resilience, the Kootenai white sturgeon was declared endangered in 1994, with its population steadily declining due to habitat loss and human interference.

Conservation efforts, spearheaded by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, focus on hatchery breeding and habitat restoration. While progress is slow—sturgeon take decades to reach maturity—dedicated conservationists are determined to prevent this ancient species from slipping into extinction.

Learn more about the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho's conservation aquaculture program: www.kootenai.org

Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us!

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In the first episode of Season 2 of Deep Dive, Daily Inter Lake reporter Kate Heston explores the hidden world of Northwest Montana's rare and fascinating creatures whose survival is vital to their ecosystems. With species like the northern alligator lizard and black swift facing threats, the Montana Natural Heritage Program is on the front lines, monitoring 86 species of concern. Kate speaks with David Tevs on the urgent conservation efforts underway to protect these unique animals from habitat loss, human impact, and climate change, and why preserving biodiversity is more critical than ever.

iNaturalist - https://www.inaturalist.org/

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Season 2 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast is coming 10/27/24! Reporter Kate Heston presents a four-part series on the Endangered Species Act, exploring the species most at-risk in northwest Montana. Discover how the law has helped some recover from near extinction and the challenges when federal and state protections overlap.

Watch this podcast and more on our YouTube Channel. Visit DailyInterLake.com to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking news from the Flathead Valley and beyond. Support local journalism and subscribe to us!

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