Lincoln County Facing Millions in Damage From Flooding

Governor Gianforte is declaring a state of emergency as the state sends help to deal with significant flooding in Northwest Montana that has washed out at least four local bridges.

Lincoln County Commissioners declared a state of emergency earlier, as Libby and the surrounding areas are dealing with flooding that has closed roads and damaged bridges.

While most areas of the state have been able to cope with the persistent rains this week, Libby has been right at the end of the firehose of precipitation that's been streaming across the Northwest for days. That's caused the Fisher and Yaak Rivers to see a rise of 4 to 5 feet, with a crest expected by Friday.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is urging people to stay alert and up to date on the rapidly changing conditions.

The agency reports that at least three bridges, the Granite Creek and Libby Creek Bridge on Farm to Market Road, and the Keeler Creek Bridge have been washed out. Standing water is impacting traffic on Highway 2.

The City of Libby has also issued a "boil water" advisory.

    🌧️  High water is also reported around Troy, and in portions of Sanders County as well. Sanders and Flathead County commissioners are declared emergencies.

Montana temperatures set some records

The runoff isn't being helped by mild temperatures. Most locations in Western Montana remained in the low to mid-50s this morning, increasing rapid snowmelt in the high country.

Kalispell set a new record for December 10th high temperature yesterday at 50 degrees. Missoula hit 57, just two degrees shy of a record that's held since 1896. Great Falls hit 56 degrees on Wednesday, while Bozeman also set a new record of 61 degrees.

    💨 Winds have diminished somewhat since this morning, but many locations still reported gusts over 60 miles per hour, including Livingston.

RELATED: Montana's Coldest December on Record

Not guilty plea in Stillwater double murder

A Texas man pleads "not guilty" for a double murder in Stillwater County, where authorities say he ambushed a mother and daughter, just days after reportedly raping the younger woman.

Q2 News is reporting that 23-year-old Ty Allen Turney had driven from Texas last week, attempting to revive his relationship with Nila Dawson, a student at Rocky Mountain College in Billings. In charging documents, prosecutors say Turney reportedly raped Dawson. Then, last week, he drove to the family's home on Stillwater River Road, waiting in ambush and then shooting Dawson, her mother, Justine Dawson, and also shooting two men who were friends of Nila Dawson.

Counties will see federal school funds

Many of Montana's rural counties are breathing a sigh of relief after the House gives its approval to the measure that had already cleared the U.S. Senate.

The SRS, or Secure Rural Schools program, is critical to the state's timber counties, where large stretches of federal lands can impact county property tax revenues. The reauthorization will keep the money coming through 2026.

No Glacier reservations in 2026?

It appears Glacier National Park will scrap its vehicle reservation system next summer, giving locals and visitors uncontrolled access to the park during the peak travel months.

The Daily Interlake is reporting that Park Superintendent Dave Roemer mentioned the change when he was speaking to the Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce, saying that while the system used for the past 4 years has reduced congestion, there have been problems, such as a surge of early morning traffic trying to beat the timed entry, which in turn endangers wildlife.

There's been no official confirmation from the park. But Representative Ryan Zinke is celebrating the news online, saying it will give Montanans and other travelers more flexibility is visiting the park.