Good morning, Kalispell.

Erik Allen Rodriguez (54) was arrested in spring 2023 for starting a standoff near West Idaho Street by aiming a rifle at a motorist, and his felony assault charge was dropped on December 16 after he stayed on a waiting list for a mental health check (by Judge Eddy) for over 90 days.

The Columbia Falls School District 6 board is inviting residents to attend Wednesday night meetings at the high school from 6:30 to 8 p.m.—starting April 23 to discuss security, May 7 to review budget and infrastructure plans, and May 21 to focus on classroom and learning upgrades.

Bigfork’s Bridge Street Bridge — a new single-lane steel-truss structure built to replace the unsafe old span — will be completed by June 30 after work began last December.

Organizers for the Whitewater Festival from May 23 to May 25 have coordinated with contractor Battle Ridge Builders to adjust routes and parking during construction.

Kalispell’s Samaritan House said its $4.3 million grant for a $16.9 million expansion project vanished when the federal agency went silent (the grant was part of HUD’s Continuum of Care program).

Officials said they will adjust project phases and construction is planned to begin early summer after cleanup at the former Army Reserve Armory (1110 Second St. W.) is finished.

Amber Steed was named the first female FWP Region 1 supervisor in Kalispell.

The 45-year-old biologist replaced retiring Lee Anderson and started on March 10—she now leads a team managing Northwest Montana's diverse wildlife resources.

The Montana Legislature paused discussions on Public Law 280, the law enforcement agreement between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and state and county officials, amid disagreements over funding for felony prosecutions.

Lake County re-submitted its resolution to withdraw on April 1—lawmakers introduced three bills to address the cost issues, though none have moved forward with only 20 days left on the session.

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.

An Evening with Dr. Abraham Verghese

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — First 500 tickets include a free paperback edition of 'The Covenant of Water' — Engage with a leading voice in healthcare and storytelling.

Mother's Day Flower Frame Craft Event

8 p.m. — Meadows Edge — Cost to be determined — Create a heartfelt flower frame as a special gift for Mom.