Good morning, Kalispell.

On August 4 in Flathead County, a mid-air collision at Meadow Peak Skydiving’s Lost Prairie Boogie event killed one skydiver—while the other deployed their parachute and landed safely.

A skydiver died in a mid-air collision during the 58th Lost Prairie Boogie event at Meadow Peak Skydiving near Marion on Aug.

4 at about 9:42 a.m.—first responders could not save him even though his reserve parachute deployed automatically while another skydiver landed safely after the collision.

Two local families launched Hidden Meadow Berries just west of Kalispell by hauling five semi loads of organic blueberry bushes from Junction City in early July—today the farm offers pick-your-own and take-home options daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the harvest wraps up in early fall.

After nearly 12 years in operation, Bonsai Brewing Project in Whitefish changed hands when founders Keela Smith and Graham Hart sold the business to local residents Charlotte Lubert and Daniel Wright on July 1 — the new owners plan to upgrade the space and keep its popular community vibe by enhancing landscaping, kitchen facilities, and weekly vinyl night events while expanding their range of creative beers.

Rita Ann Pierce, 59, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison and will serve 3 years of supervised release after she embezzled nearly $500,000 from a local company between 2016 and 2020 — federal officials said she covered the crime by falsifying ledger entries.

On Tuesday, a Missoula district court vacated a federal decision that had denied protections for gray wolves, forcing wildlife officials to review their findings.

The ruling criticized the agency for relying on unfounded assumptions — that state governments would enforce wolf protections — and comes as the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will vote on a wolf kill quota on August 13th.

Kalispell City Council approved the first steps for a new neighborhood called The Reserve at Johnson Ranch off the northwest corner of Old Reserve Drive and Stillwater Road that will feature 186 single-family units, 493 dwelling units in two multi-family lots and a commercial lot for a grocery store—Spartan Holdings LLC and Whispering Trails LLC filed the project and council members also agreed to add rapid flashing beacons near a local playground for safety.

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.

September 6 Rodeo

6-9 p.m. — Brash Rodeo — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of bull riding, bronc riding, and more at this legendary Montana rodeo event.