Good morning, Kalispell.

Country singer Tyler Childers donated $500,000 from his Whitefish concerts—$250,000 last winter to 11 Blackfeet groups and another $250,000 this summer to 16 nonprofits including FAST Blackfeet, which uses the funds for food security and nutrition classes.

The donation supported local efforts and added new support for youth sports programs.

A free and family friendly Great Fish Launch Party will be held on Tuesday, Aug.

12 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Glacier Bank Park. Attendees can explore 85 interactive nonprofit booths, enjoy free food and beverages, see Glacier Range Riders mascots and join a raffle for five $1,000 grants — part of the Great Fish Community Challenge.

Gov. Greg Gianforte signed an executive order Tuesday to free up more resources as law enforcement—with support from over three dozen agencies and military teams—searched the mountains for Michael Paul Brown, a former soldier suspected of fatally shooting four people at The Owl Bar in Anaconda last Friday.

Code Girls United received a $20,000 donation from Spectrum yesterday to keep its free summer camp programs and add classes in cybersecurity and a new AI academy, CEO Marianne Smith said.

Campgoers like Mia Warkins are learning coding skills at the camp.

Flathead Valley Community College has renamed its Occupational Trades building as the FVCC Trades Institute to reflect a decade of evolving trades programs and a commitment to workforce training—providing flexible programs from two semesters to two years—with an upcoming free Night of the Trades event on Oct. 2 that will offer focused training sessions.

New aluminum north bleachers were unveiled Tuesday morning at the Flathead County Fairgrounds to replace the unsafe wooden seating and now provide about 1,600 seats at a cost of $1.3 million.

County commissioners approved the capital improvement funds and the project will support ongoing upgrades — including future plans to remove deteriorating horse barns after funding is secured.

Montanans who buy individual health insurance through the federal Marketplace could face double-digit rate hikes in 2026 as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana plans a 28% increase and Mountain Health Cooperative suggests a 25% jump (these proposals are preliminary).

Federal officials will review the changes (the review is expected to finish by August 13) as enhanced premium tax credits end at the close of this year.

On Monday, Kalispell City Council approved the Reserve at Johnson Ranch, a nearly 500-unit high-density subdivision in North Kalispell spread over 92 acres at the intersection of Stillwater Road and Old Reserve Drive that includes 186 single-family lots, two multi-family lots—one with 237 units and one with up to 70—and commercial space for a 40,000-square-foot grocery store and retail shops. The council approved the annexation, zoning changes and planned unit development overlay while noting pedestrian safety concerns and suggesting flashing beacons for a crosswalk near a planned park and playground amid heavy gravel truck traffic.

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.

MBHA Barrel Racing

6-9 p.m. — Majestic Valley Arena — Competitive entry fees — Witness thrilling barrel racing action from top competitors in Northwest Montana.