Good morning, Kalispell.

Flathead County officials confirmed that Dwight Steffanson, 69, and Thomas Gladden, 68, died in a Saturday plane crash at Ryan Field near West Glacier—autorities reported the aircraft was engulfed in flames when responders arrived and federal investigators are pursuing the cause.

Noted Flathead Valley businessman Ivan O’Neil, founder of Western Building Centers, died July 15 at 96.

He was known for his generosity and for leading the Over the Hill Gang — a local hiking group that honored his lifelong passion for adventure.

A Kalispell woman who pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for a fatal head-on crash on the Polson bridge was sentenced on July 17 to 10 years in corrections with seven years suspended—her crash on May 12, which killed a man and a dog, led to the conviction.

On July 29, 2025, rancher Lance Williamson said that Chain Lake on his Heart Butte lease on the Blackfeet Reservation had nearly dried up due to an extreme drought that led the Tribal Business Council to declare an emergency last month, forcing him to move his cattle to a spring-fed field that is also drying and may put his young calves at risk from grizzly bears. The drought has hurt more than 800 producers and spurred local agencies and government programs to offer short-term aid for cattle care+ water transport while long-term solutions remain delayed.

The Montana Department of Transportation and Pavement Maintenance Services, Inc. completed the four-mile Kalispell Bypass project from West Reserve Drive south past the southern Ashley Creek Bridge, ensuring improved roadway durability.

The project included crack seal, chip seal, fog seal—applied to both the road and the adjacent shared-use path—and bridge end repairs to extend the pavement's life.

Kalispell City Council met Monday and considered a request from the Northwest Montana History Museum to acquire the 130-year-old Central School building at 124 Second Ave. E—currently leased since 1997 and needing upgrades like climate-controlled storage and water drainage repairs. Councilors also supported renaming the Kidsports Youth Athletic Complex to honor Dan Johns—future sessions will review a legal opinion and options for subdividing adjacent green space.

Montana State University is leading a six-state program that trains nurses to become effective educators through flexible online courses.

The initiative, now in its final year, received a $3.87 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration in 2021—training over 450 nurses and enhancing local skill development at the Kalispell campus.

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.