Good morning, Kalispell.

A project years in the making to expand affordable housing reached a major milestone at Samaritan House as it prepares to break ground on 18 family style apartments on July 1.

The first phase—featuring two and three bedroom apartments and backed by $8.3 million toward a $17 million goal—is expected to finish by summer.

A traffic stop on March 21 in Flathead Valley led to the arrest of suspected drug dealers Charles John Arthur Cislo and Tanita Jo Anderson after deputies found over 47 grams of methamphetamine—Cislo faces felony counts with bail set at $60,000 and a June 12 arraignment while Anderson faces felony charges with bail of $135,000 and will appear on June 5.

A 26-year-old man named Garrett Christopher Joubert allegedly attacked police officers during a traffic stop on May 22 near Columbia Falls after repeatedly crossing the white fog line; he now faces a felony assault on a peace officer and a second-offense DUI charge in Flathead County District Court (bail is set at $60,000) and will appear on June 5.

Logan Health awarded 14 Healthy Classrooms Grants to teachers in northwestern & central Montana to improve health, safety and wellness in schools.

Gail Hofstad of Conrad Schools used her award to fund a healthy snack program and applications for the next funding round will open in fall.

Fire crews contained the Banana Lake Fire near Plains to 15% after it burned 913 acres when two helicopters dropped water buckets on the north side and crews fought off spot fires on Tuesday — they warn drivers to slow down on Highway 28 and are working to control the blaze today as winds continue to challenge their efforts.

Missoula meteorologist Dan Borsum warned on Monday that Montana faces a tough wildfire season as hot, dry weather and a long drought make fire risks rise—early fires near Plains hint at what may come.

Governor Gianforte and fire officials said they will boost forest care and firefighting coordination—steps aimed at keeping communities safe this summer.

The Montana Supreme Court ruled on May 29 that Governor Gianforte must pay legal fees to the Montana Environmental Information Center & Earthworks for a lawsuit over state records on Hecla Mining.

The 4-3 decision split the justices with dissenting Justice Jim Rice accusing the majority of bias & saying the ruling will help keep government records open to the public.

On Monday, Kalispell City Council voted not to apply for a $25 million federal grant to redesign Main Street as public opposition grew over fears that the lane reduction would cause longer traffic delays—critics noted the plan would have included wider sidewalks and safety upgrades after 258 crashes from 2018 to 2022. The council may revisit the proposal in the future if conditions change.

On Tuesday — after several rounds of votes — Flathead County Compensation Board voted to recommend a 2.5% cost of living increase for county employees.

The board, made up of elected officials and citizen members, reached its compromise as some members pushed for a 3% raise while commissioners warned of budget risks.

Logan Health will hold its inaugural Cancer Survivors Day on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Glacier Conference Center Field at 1375 U.S. 93 North — an event featuring activities, a butterfly release, games and resource tables — to honor cancer survivors and their families.

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.

wedi Certified Installer Workshop

12:00 p.m. — T & A Supply Company Inc — Free entry — Get wedi Certified while enjoying food and learning about innovative drainage solutions.