Good morning, Kalispell.

Dominic Austin Prichard, 32, who was convicted in a shoplifting case last year, pleaded not guilty to felony theft and criminal mischief charges when he was accused of stealing an outboard motor from a boat dealer on June 1 — he is set for a pretrial conference on Dec.

3.

A Columbia Falls man named Travis Kurt Myers pleaded guilty in March 2025 for aiming a laser-mounted firearm at a helicopter and was sentenced to eight months in prison plus three years of supervised release and a $15,000 fine, authorities said.

Whitefish-based Northstone Solar has seen many homeowners and businesses rush to install solar power ahead of the end of the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit—federal cuts and a focus on fossil fuels have reduced support for solar projects, and the company worries that job losses may follow next year. The surge in installations shows a mix of hopes for lower electric bills and concerns over future funding for renewable energy.

Four conservation groups filed a lawsuit in federal court on Monday against the Forest Service over a logging project near Whitefish that may harm grizzly bear habitat and old-growth forests in the Flathead National Forest—claiming that splitting the project allowed the agency to sidestep environmental laws. They asked the court to declare the projects unlawful—seeking to send the plans back for proper review.

Flathead Electric Cooperative is asking local residents for input on its updated wildfire mitigation plan—required by House Bill 490—and will hold a public meeting on August 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at its Community Room on U.S. Highway 2 East; comments will be accepted until September 6.

After nearly four years of long waits and denied appointments when she moved from Chicago, Camee Ridgeway turned to direct primary care at Bluebird Health in Kalispell—this model offers longer visits and easier access to trusted doctors.

Dr. Kelly Berkram also left Logan Health and started Apex DPC in Kalispell last year after she grew tired of brief, paperwork-heavy visits in the traditional fee-for-service system.

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.