Good morning, Kalispell.

At the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo on August 13, FFA and 4-H competitors showcased beef cattle showmanship as they groomed, trimmed, and handled steers while judges questioned their project knowledge.

Ione Plummer was named grand champion and Taylor Ekern earned grand reserve champion—highlighting months of dedicated training.

A fatal plane crash occurred Tuesday afternoon at Ryan Field near West Glacier when a prop airplane’s right wing clipped a tree during an attempted go-around and first responders found the aircraft upside down in an embankment (the pilot was pronounced dead on scene with no one else aboard).

Gabriel Chandler of Yellowstone Air Service said that pilot error and not knowing local density altitude caused Montana’s recent plane crashes, including a Ryan Field crash on August 12 that killed two — he stressed that local pilots need more training as the NTSB and FAA investigate.

On August 11, Kalispell City Airport saw a plane crash and fire where a home-built Swearingen—flown for 23 years—was destroyed as the pilot and three passengers escaped in seconds and crews with Red Eagle Aviation worked to clear wreckage that included three other aircraft with significant damage and one with cosmetic damage while the airport stayed open.

Two Bear Air rescued a free climber who clung to a rock wall at Mount Reynolds in Glacier National Park on August 10—rescue specialists lowered her safely to Logan Pass where park rangers took over her care.

A Kalispell bookkeeper pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced last week to 14 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release for embezzling nearly $500k from Pierce Manufacturing—a state audit revealed she misdirected funds between 2016 and 2020.

Today, hikers obtained a permit for Arrow Lake—then hiked via an avalanche chute to reach Heavens Peak in Glacier Park—and signed the summit registry as the first ascent of 2025.

They later visited the historic fire lookout built in 1945—restored in 2011—to view sweeping park scenes.

The Kalispell City Council unanimously appointed Development Services Director Jarod Nygren as interim city manager after Doug Russell announced his departure on August 20, and Nygren began Tuesday with full signatory authority — his appointment includes a salary adjustment until a permanent manager is hired.

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.

America's Diamond - Neil Diamond Tribute

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — $38.50 to $71.50 — Celebrate iconic hits from Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand with stellar performances by Jay White and Sharon Owens.