Good morning, Kalispell.

The Whitefish Mountain Resort Professional Ski Patrol union is still negotiating its first contract with the resort—talks began in July last year as patrollers push for higher wages, better benefits, and job security to meet living costs in the Flathead Valley.

Resort officials have held 13 bargaining sessions over the past eight months and said they expect to reach a mutually beneficial agreement soon—ensuring continuity of care for all who ski.

Students from Flathead and Glacier high schools are canvassing for a $2.97 million levy set for May to keep staff and programs at Kalispell Public Schools; they have visited nearly 1,000 homes — using door-to-door outreach and social media — to urge a 'Yes' vote.

Jay Hagen, who served as Bellevue fire chief, will become Kalispell’s new fire chief on May 5 as Chief Dan Pearce retires after helping pass a $4.6 million emergency responder levy.

Hagen said he is ready to use his experience from Missoula and Seattle to expand the fire department’s workforce—marking a homecoming to western Montana.

Lucas and Leslie Sterling from Columbia Heights filed a $36.7 million lawsuit against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. EPA, saying they were not told that their home off Berne Road is on a contaminated land treatment unit formerly used by Beaver Wood Products. They claim that lingering toxic chemicals have led to health problems and forced them to take legal action—aiming to address undisclosed environmental hazards for future buyers.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is accepting proposals for leasing a 25-acre state trust land in North Kalispell—located between Stillwater Road and the U.S. 93 Bypass—with a minimum annual rate of $140,000.

Lease fees from this R-4 zoned property will fund local K-12 schools as responses must be submitted by June 24.

State lawmakers are debating a new resolution introduced by Sen. Matt Regier that asks decision bodies to balance recreation needs with hydropower, fish, and irrigation demands at Flathead Lake.

Regier said last summer's low water levels hurt residents and businesses and that the resolution will be sent to lake management stakeholders to show the Legislature's position.

On March 27th, Montana’s legislative auditor reported that Senate President Matt Regier did not misuse public funds when he hired a private attorney for work in 2023 and 2024—findings based on interviews with Regier and legislative employees who approved the contracts.

Senate leadership held a press conference on the audit while Regier described his actions as a response to criticism from within his party.

Whitefish City Council voted in May 2024 to apply for a permit to finish the Riverbend-Miles section of the Whitefish River Trail—Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks denied the request, saying the project would harm fish and game habitat.

Mayor John Muhlfeld will hold a special meeting on Monday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers to discuss the decision.

Barrel Racing Jackpot

10 AM – 5 PM | Majestic Valley Arena | Ages 13+: $16, Children 6-12: $8 | Experience thrilling barrel racing as part of the Brash Winter Series Rodeo.

Grits and Glamour

7:30-11:30 p.m. | Wachholz College Center | Ticket info available | Enjoy an evening of entertainment at this local favorite venue in Kalispell.

Our Planet Live Speaker Series

7-8:30 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — $15-$40 — Experience immersive stories from the Emmy® Award-winning nature documentary team highlighting climate change and its impact on our planet.

Eagles Tribute Concert in Kalispell

7:30-9 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the original Eagles tribute band Hotel California with their iconic sound and impressive performances.

Weekly Spring Sunday Services

11 a.m. — Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Lakeside — Everyone is Welcome — Join for uplifting Sunday worship and Thursday evening Sunday School.

Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Offensive Skills Camp

April 12-13 — Flathead High School — Registration required — Improve your shooting skills and build confidence with expert coaching and intensive drills.

Beethoven's Missa Solemnis Concert

3-5 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Tickets available — Experience the transcendent beauty of Beethoven’s choral-symphonic masterpiece performed by local chorale and orchestra.

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen

8:30-9:30 p.m. — Snowline Acres — Ticketed event — Experience the timeless music of Queen performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Taste of Italy: Wine Dinner Experience

6:30-9 p.m. — Mercantile Steak — Check event page for pricing — Savor a luxurious six-course dinner paired with exquisite Italian wines in an unforgettable culinary experience.

ATP Teens: We Will Rock You

7 p.m. — Whitefish Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — A thrilling musical featuring over 20 iconic Queen hits set in a dystopian world.