Friday, September 11, 2026
50.0°F

Bigfork Schools warn staff and student’s families about possible COVID closures

TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 8 months AGO
by TAYLOR INMAN
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | January 13, 2022 11:00 PM

Bigfork Schools administrators want to let their staff and student’s families know that rising COVID-19 cases are once again putting pressure on keeping in-person learning available.

Bigfork Elementary School Principal Brenda Clarke sent a letter to staff, students and parents letting them know of the current “significant impact on staffing in our schools due to COVID-19 protocols or cases.”

She said due to the increase in cases administrators may find it necessary to close schools based on insufficient staffing. If this happens, people will be notified through the BrightArrow system with a phone call from their building’s principal. More information about the closure would come later in an email.

Clarke said school administration will continue to do all that they can to prevent schools from closing. She said while they monitor active cases across the district, the Flathead City/County Health Department continues to support and assist in identifying close contacts.

Recently, the CDC and FCCHD put out new guidance that recognizes shorter quarantine and isolation guidelines. For more information regarding the specific changes coming from the FCCHD, read the public notice FCCHD Quarantine and Isolation Protocols.

Bigfork Schools administration asks students and staff to stay home if they are not feeling well to help limit the spread of sickness in the school.

ARTICLES BY TAYLOR INMAN

WinCo planning to move into former Costco building
September 5, 2026 12:05 a.m.

WinCo planning to move into former Costco building

Discount grocery store chain WinCo is planning to move into the former Costco building in North Kalispell.

Montana Treehouse Retreat hosts inaugural concert in new outdoor event space
September 6, 2026 midnight

Montana Treehouse Retreat hosts inaugural concert in new outdoor event space

Montana Treehouse Retreat co-owner Kati O’Toole said being able to host live music and share the property near Columbia Falls with the community is a marriage of everything she loves.

Flathead air quality monitoring site closures ordered by EPA, DEQ
August 27, 2026 midnight

Flathead air quality monitoring site closures ordered by EPA, DEQ

Flathead County commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 18 to decommission the Whitefish and Kalispell air quality monitoring sites after a request from state and federal agencies.