Two days of healthy rainfall and cool temperatures across Northwest Montana brought an abrupt end to fire restrictions, while some public closures and evacuation notices were lifted.

An ongoing effort to construct sidewalks in Evergreen has earned nearly $1 million in federal funds, the Flathead City-County Health Department has seen a slight uptick in Covid-19 cases and the Northwest Montana Fair’s livestock auction breaks record profits.

Sanders County Sheriff Shawn Fielders said at a community meeting on Thursday that early estimates include 55 structures lost in the River Road East Fire burning near Paradise, with 15 of those being primary residences.

Crews working wildfires across Flathead County welcomed rain this week, which diminished fire activity across the region.

We go over last week's biggest headlines and take a trip to the Northwest Montana Fair, where I spent some time with young steer handlers during the beef cattle judging.