Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 29th of April.
Good morning, Kalispell.
🏘️ Community
North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish served about 1,200 customers weekly and saw a 20% increase in first quarter demand compared to last year.
A federal funding cut cancelled $500 million in TEFAP support—reducing food supplies by 40% and 100,000 pounds annually—forcing the bank to seek an extra $250,000 in private donations to help families from rural areas across the valley.
May brings a host of community events with Happy's Inn hosting live music on May 24th and 25th, a Press Play lunch concert on May 2nd at noon, film festivals in Whitefish, and Mother's Day tea parties in Kalispell.
Local venues also set a PechaKucha event on May 29th — sharing quick insights on art and growth — to round out a busy month for local residents.
📰 Economy
Diane Medler of Discover Kalispell said that strained ties with Canada and new tariffs have reduced Canadian visits, leading to lower border crossings and hotel cancellations in the Flathead Valley.
Rob Ratkowski noted that passenger numbers at Glacier Park International were up by 13% between January and March—indicating domestic travel may help offset the loss of international tourism.
🌲 Environment
Montana FWP held its annual meeting with the Montana Trappers Association on Sunday at the Region 1 Headquarters in Kalispell—local trappers reviewed past trapping data for bobcats, beavers, and otters and discussed new quota proposals.
They suggested lowering the quota for bobcats and raising it for beavers to better protect local ecosystems.
🏛️ Government
Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Bobby’s Law Friday to toughen drunk driving penalties by allowing drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.16 or higher to face felony charges for fatal crashes (penalties include 3 to 30 years in prison or fines from $10,000 to $50,000).
The law was introduced after Bobby Dewbre’s 2023 death to close a gap that let offenders avoid severe charges.
On April 24, authorities arrested 33-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker Beker Enrique Rengifo-Del Castillo in Whitefish during a traffic stop, even though he had valid legal permission to live and work in the Flathead Valley until July 2026 under a federal humanitarian program.
Community members gathered outside the CBP office to protest his detention while an attorney works to secure his legal representation—asserting that the detention is unlawful.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality issued a permit to expand Lakeside’s wastewater system to update the treatment facility and address near-capacity concerns—public hearing comments raised environmental worries about the proposed location on Wiley Dike Road.
The Lakeside County Water and Sewer District will need further DEQ approval for the remaining engineering upgrades.
📰 Real Estate
Real estate listings show four homes priced near $1.1 million.
A Whitefish home at 304 Stumptown Lp has 2 beds, 3 baths, and 2053 sq ft with mountain views and a covered deck, a Kalispell property at 344 Stillwater Lp has 4 beds, 4 baths, and 3840 sq ft with river views and vaulted ceilings, a Columbia Falls home at 165 Jewel View Dr offers 4 beds and 3 baths with 2417 sq ft on 2 acres and many upgrades, and a Whitefish home at 235 Diamond Ct features 3 beds and 3 baths on a quiet 1.11-acre lot — each property provides distinct living spaces for buyers.
🎉 Kalispell Events
Submit an event →
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.
Champions of Magic Show
7:30-9 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Ticketed event — Experience an all-new thrilling magic show from the world-renowned Champions of Magic team.
Shrine Circus
2-4 p.m. — Majestic Valley Arena — Affordable entry — Experience a delightful family-friendly circus with exciting performances under the big top.
The Rancher's Daughter Farmer's Market
5-8 p.m. — The Rancher's Daughter Kalispell — Free entry — Explore a vibrant summer market showcasing local vendors and fresh produce.
Kalispell Professional Bull Riding
7:30-10 p.m. — Majestic Valley Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrilling action of professional bull riding in Kalispell.
🏠 Kalispell Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Kalispell Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Kalispell Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Kalispell.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.