Good morning, Kalispell.

Flathead Valley man Kaleb Elijah Fleck was sentenced Monday to 50 years in prison with 10 years suspended at Montana State Prison for killing 60 year old Scott Bryan in the parking lot of a Kalispell gas station on June 25, 2023—he pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal.

In Flathead County District Court on Monday, prosecutors told jurors that they could link accused killer Derrick James Jackson to the gun used in the 2022 double homicide of Stanley Allen Grotberg and Tricia Lynn Demotts in Bigfork; the trial will continue through early next week.

Kalispell man Kaleb Fleck—20 year old who changed his plea to guilty in February—was sentenced on March 31 to 50 years in prison with 10 years suspended for the June 2023 death of homeless man Scott Bryan.

Kalispell man Kaleb Elijah Fleck, 20, pleaded guilty to beating 60-year-old homeless man Scott Bryan to death outside a gas station in June 2023 and was sentenced yesterday—by Flathead County District Court—to 50 years in prison with 10 suspended.

Trial for 39-year-old Bigfork man Derrick James Jackson, accused of killing his mother and her partner in October 2022, is underway in Flathead County District Court in Kalispell—with jury selection, opening statements, and initial witness testimony held on March 31—and will resume today at 9 a.m. as prosecutors detail his odd behavior while the defense argues the investigation is deeply flawed.

CSKT Solid Waste Program warned that illegal dumping is rising on the Flathead Reservation — including household trash, yard waste, and hazardous materials — and urged residents to dispose of waste properly and report incidents.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks approved plans on March 13 to build a new fishing access site near Sportsman’s Bridge in Bigfork at the intersection of Montana 82 and Oldenburg Road.

Construction will begin in May and finish by mid-August—while the current site remains available for public use.

Lawmaker Rep. Llew Jones sent an email to top business lobbyists on Saturday warning that Gov. Gianforte’s property tax relief bill faces hurdles from a competing measure—House Bill 528—that some lawmakers now favor.

He said his committee is likely to advance HB 528 soon if there is general agreement, though he remains confident in the governor’s proposal.

The Montana Department of Transportation is widening Reserve Drive and repairing its bridge this week, so drivers should expect delays from lane restrictions.

Traffic will drop to one lane near the bridge today from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. and tomorrow during the same hours—with oversized loads advised to take an alternate route and the West Reserve Drive entrance to Home Depot closed for two weeks, leading to 15–20-minute delays.

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.

Run Flathead Running Clinic

2-7:30 p.m. — 175 Commons Loop, Kalispell, MT — Registration required — Enhance your running skills at a comprehensive clinic for all levels.