Inside Flathead County Jail: The crisis behind the $105 million bond
HANNAH SHIELDS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 months, 2 weeks AGO
As Flathead County voters weigh a $105 million bond to build a new detention facility, the Daily Inter Lake goes behind bars for an unfiltered look at the conditions facing inmates and officers alike.
RURAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER, REPORT FOR AMERICA Hannah Shields covers rural government and accountability reporting for the Daily Inter Lake and Northwest Montana weekly papers as part of the national Report for America program. Her reporting focuses on transparency, public spending and the impact of local government decisions on small communities. Shields has covered issues ranging from school district finances to development disputes and rural infrastructure projects. She regularly uses public records and investigative reporting to examine institutions that affect local residents. Her work helps bring greater oversight and visibility to rural government across Northwest Montana. IMPACT: Hannah’s work strengthens transparency and accountability in rural communities that often lack consistent watchdog coverage. | October 27, 2025 12:00 AM
Inside the Flathead County Jail, aging pipes leak sewage, officers walk 12-hour shifts through overcrowded cells, and inmates struggling with mental health have nowhere to turn.
As Flathead County voters weigh a $105 million bond to build a new detention facility, the Daily Inter Lake goes behind bars for an unfiltered look at the conditions facing inmates and officers alike.
Join reporters Taylor Inman and Hannah Shields as they spend a day inside the jail, talk with Sheriff Brian Heino and Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist, and uncover what’s truly at stake for the community.
READ MORE:
Behind locked doors: Dangerous working conditions, flooding sewage water, power failures
$105M bond for new detention center to appear on Flathead County ballot this November
Kalispell Planning Commission recommends annexation of potential jail site
Flathead County aims to tackle overcrowding with construction of new jail
Are you a Kalispell voter? Municipal ballots were mailed October 17th to registered voters.
Eligible residents can confirm registration, find ballot return details, and learn about in-person voting options by visiting the Flathead County Election Department website
Watch and Listen to all the Deep Dive podcasts on the Daily Inter Lake. Or on the Daily Inter Lake You Tube Channel or on your favorite podcast app.
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