Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 24th of May.
Good morning, Kalispell.
Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a new property tax law that will lower taxes by about 18% for owner-occupied homes while raising taxes by over 60% for second homes and short-term rentals, according to the Montana Department of Revenue.
Homeowners in Kalispell and across the state will see these changes on their 2025 tax bills before full implementation comes in 2026 — a shift that may lead to fluctuating bills from one year to the next.
Hundreds of valley students will graduate over the next two weeks from schools including Linderman Education Center, Flathead High School, Glacier High School, Bigfork High School, and Stillwater Christian School.
Linderman will graduate 44 students on May 29 at 7 p.m. from 124 Third Ave. E. in Kalispell, Flathead High School will graduate 280 students on May 30 at 7 p.m. from 644 Fourth Ave. W., and on May 31 Glacier High School at 375 Wolfpack Way in Kalispell will graduate 300 students, Bigfork High School at 600 Commerce St. in Bigfork will graduate 71, and Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell will graduate 19 students at 4 p.m. — Whitefish Independent High will hold a ceremony on June 5 at Hope Garden on its campus — Columbia Falls and Whitefish high schools plan commencements on June 7 with Columbia Falls starting at 11 a.m. and Whitefish at 1 p.m.
Glacier National Park plow crews punched through the Big Drift and worked on clearing snow at the Logan Pass visitor center on the Going-to-the-Sun Road on Friday—park spokeswoman Gina Icenoggle said snow reached about 12 feet deep.
Crews still need to widen the road, install log guardrails, and remove rocks before the roadway can fully open while parts remain available for hikers and bikers this weekend.
Holland Lake Lodge will operate under a new 20-year special use authorization in the Flathead National Forest after Supervisor Anthony Botello approved the decision.
Eric Jacobsen and Thomas Knowles of Holland Peak, LLC will manage the lodge at its current facilities—while the Forest Service works with them to finalize the 2025 operating plan and ensure safe operations.
The final phase of the Whitefish West highway project has cleared its last hurdle and work began this week to rebuild Highway 93 west of Whitefish for safer travel and improved bike and pedestrian access—long delayed by funding shifts and design challenges.
The work will be completed in fall and will include new safety features and a shared-use path that connects town with local recreation spots.
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 PBR Championship
7:30-10 p.m. — Majestic Valley Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of bull riding with the world's toughest riders and elite bucking bulls.
Trivia Tuesday
6-8 p.m. — Bias Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of trivia and craft beer at one of Kalispell’s favorites.
Terran Last Gun Artist Reception
5-7 p.m. — Good Luck Gallery — Free entry — Explore the captivating works of artist Terran Last Gun in a solo exhibition.
Teacher Appreciation Night
3-8 p.m. — Bias Brewing — Free entry — Celebrate the dedication of local educators with an evening of appreciation and community spirit.
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