Good morning, Kalispell.

The Montana Farmers Union will host Know Your Cuts 101 tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Community Room on 2510 U.S. 2 E where butchers from Glacier Processing Cooperative will teach producers and consumers how to buy and package locally raised meat — offering practical guidance on portioning and freezer space.

Border Patrol agents from Whitefish Station helped Kalispell police during a traffic stop on April 3 and arrested six adult males who were illegally in the U.S.—three from Honduras, two from Mexico, and one from Guatemala.

On April 3rd, a Flathead County jury heard more witness testimony as 39-year-old Derrick James Jackson faced trial in Kalispell for the 2022 deliberate homicide of his mother and her partner—defense attorney Levi Roadman said the investigation failed to test victims' evidence to rule out other shooters.

Investigators nearly from the start suspected Derrick James Jackson in connection with the October 28 murders of his 62-year-old mother and her 65-year-old partner in Bigfork, as he was found with victim clothing and a Smith — and he now faces charges of deliberate homicide, tampering with evidence and criminal possession of dangerous drugs while pleading not guilty.

Northwest Montana Lakes Network is seeking local lake property owners and water recreationists to volunteer as citizen scientists to monitor water quality and track aquatic invasive species on 41 lakes.

Training will occur on Thursday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. (490 North Meridian Road in Kalispell) and volunteers must bring their own boat (to access mid-lake sample sites).

On April 3, the Senate Taxation Committee rejected Gov. Gianforte’s proposals to cut the state’s income tax rate and modify property taxes on second homes—moves meant to ease homeowners’ burdens.

Lawmakers indicated that other tax measures will be explored as related proposals continue to be reviewed in the Legislature.

State lawmakers reviewed a bill on Thursday that may change how asbestos exposure claims are handled by requiring victims to report past claims to asbestos trusts and by raising the evidence needed to name a defendant—Rep. Greg Overstreet said the changes will prevent fraudulent claims. Local lawyers and affected families warned the bill could delay or lower compensation for victims already facing long legal battles.

Montana lawmakers passed House Bill 267—Bobby’s Law—that creates a new crime for drivers with a blood alcohol level of .16 or higher who cause a death and sets a mandatory three-year minimum prison sentence; the bill is sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell from Columbia Falls and follows the 2023 death of Bobby Dewbre. It is supported by Flathead Valley groups and aims to address weak penalties that have let drunk driving offenders reoffend.

The Montana Senate passed a bipartisan bill Tuesday to expand the business equipment tax exemption from $1 million to $3 million, which is expected to ease tax burdens for about 700 small businesses—school districts may see a 0.35% rise in taxes.

Gov. Greg Gianforte and agriculture groups supported the measure while some lawmakers noted concerns over impacts on residential taxpayers.

Michael Kozlowski donated $500,000 on behalf of his mother Rita Fitzsimmons to Logan Health Children’s hospital, which set plans to consolidate pediatric cancer treatment services under one roof—Rotary Club members added $105,670 to support the project.

The funds will help launch a dedicated pediatric infusion center to improve care for children undergoing cancer treatment.

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.