Good morning, Kalispell.

At Flathead Lake along Highway 35, local cherry orchards faced a mixed harvest as heavy rains and strong winds in early July damaged trees and bruised fruit, leaving some farms—like Buena Vista Orchards with its 800 trees—with unmarketable crops.

Growers reported that about 30% of the fruit was affected and they hope to still pick roughly a million pounds that can be sold despite the poor quality.

Haley King became the first full-time education coordinator at Whitefish Legacy Partners in January and began organizing formal trail education programs that include an updated curriculum and online registration for school field trips.

Organizers expect more participants this summer as additional camps and outdoor events expand opportunities for local students and families—efforts that aim to make the trail a welcoming and inclusive learning space.

Flathead County commissioners pressed the Bureau of Indian Affairs on Tuesday for answers on why Little Bitterroot Lake has had low water levels for two years, affecting boat ramps and irrigation supplies.

They noted that local irrigators struggled to pull water and a letter citing issues like broken stream gauges (and other maintenance concerns) was sent to the Department of the Interior.

The Montana Department of Transportation announced that work to replace the 70-year-old Sportsman’s Bridge in Bigfork will begin early next month—Sletten Construction is set to lead the two-year project on Montana 82 over the Flathead River while keeping the current bridge open.

The project will also add turn lanes at key intersections—providing improved access for local drivers and recreationists.

Lucy Barnard, a 42-year-old Australian hiker and 2024 Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year, is on a trek from Argentina to Alaska that has already spanned over 13,000 miles with stops in Montana at East Glacier and Kalispell—she left Australia in 2017 and is now headed to Canada to start the final stretch of her journey accompanied by her dog Wombat while connecting with local communities along the way.

Northern Rockies Chapter Banquet

5-10 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell — Community event — Celebrate conservation efforts and enjoy networking with local enthusiasts.

Huckleberry Days Festival

10 a.m. — Depot Park — Free admission — Celebrate Montana's native huckleberry with arts, crafts, and delicious gelato treats.

WCC Film Series: Heaven’s Gate

7-9 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Discounts available on tickets — Experience Montana's cinematic gems with a focus on films made in the Big Sky State.

Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo

7:30 p.m. — Flathead County Fairgrounds — VIP tickets available — Experience thrilling rodeo action and community spirit with premium seating options.

Great Bear Festival

3-8 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — $25 for adults, free for kids — Enjoy craft beverages, live music, and family-friendly activities at this local festival.

Keb' Mo' and Shawn Colvin Concert

7-9 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable evening with acclaimed singer-songwriters Keb' Mo' and Shawn Colvin performing together.

Kalispell Home Priced to Sell!

Completely remodeled 4/2 home including new roof, new windows, new flooring, two newly remodeled bathrooms, New kitchen, and new paint inside and out! Unfinished basement to complete for additional living space. mls30044525