Good morning, Kalispell.

Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department earned its Quick Response Unit status in mid-February, letting its EMTs respond to medical calls and fill a long-standing gap in rural care from a 71-sqmi district near Bigfork.

Friends of Ferndale helped fund equipment upgrades + training that improved response times on their first call.

Northwest Montana faces a snowpack deficit as warm, dry conditions have reduced levels in many basins.

The Flathead basin is at 88% and the Kootenai basin at 82% of normal, and hydrologists predict near to below normal spring runoff—cautioning water users.

Flathead County Public Works will launch a two-year study this fall to monitor landfill moisture as new rules may require biosolids to reach 18% solids.

The plan follows the Sept. 30 shutdown of a key compost facility — which handled 4,200 tons — prompting Kalispell and Columbia Falls to upgrade treatment.

Kathy Ross discovered monarch butterflies breeding in her Bigfork garden last summer during a Flathead Conservation District talk; her finding shows that pesticide-free gardens with milkweed help support these pollinators amid shrinking habitats — local conservation efforts remain key.

Brash Winter Series Rodeo

7-9 p.m. — Majestic Valley Arena — $16+ — Experience the thrill of classic rodeo disciplines amidst Montana's rich rodeo heritage.