Good morning, Kalispell.

Kalispell police and fire responded to a motor vehicle fire at the Homewood Suites Hotel Monday evening—one person was found dead—and an investigation continued Tuesday morning.

One person died after a motor vehicle fire at the Homewood Suites Hotel on Hutton Ranch Road in north Kalispell when police and fire personnel responded at 9:17 p.m. on Aug 18—investigators processed the scene as the cause remains undetermined.

David Easterly, a 67 year old boater from Mill Creek, was reported missing on August 16 after jumping from his boat and his body was recovered today in Flathead Lake near Blue Bay by Lake County Sheriff’s deputies — the medical examiner will perform an autopsy while the coroner’s office investigates the cause of death.

South Dakota-based Black Hills Corp. will buy NorthWestern Energy in an all-stock deal; Black Hills shareholders will hold 56% of a new company headquartered in Rapid City.

NorthWestern CEO Brian Bird will lead as Black Hills CEO Linn Evans retires and the Montana Public Service Commission will review the sale—ensuring it meets Montana customers' needs—while an investor rights firm examines the deal.

Today at Depot Park, the final Picnic in the Park Summer Concert Series kicks off with Wylie Gustafson at noon + Wildwind performing at 6 p.m., and the free event offers food trucks, lawn games, and a raffle supporting the 2026 series.

Kalispell Public Schools will operate on a $90.7 million budget for the 2025-26 school year with a stable high school allotment of $46.74 million and a tighter $43.96 million budget for the elementary district.

Administrators plan to review staffing and capital expenditures after the next enrollment count to address ongoing funding challenges.

On Monday, Liz English began her role as Kila School District’s top administrator, returning to the school where she earlier worked as principal.

She plans to support teachers, implement personal competency-based education—bridging learning to high school—and start fix-up plans for the aging facility with her initial one-year contract in place.

Flathead Lake Biological Station unveiled its new modular wastewater treatment plant Friday at an open house that featured boat rides and science activities—this $2.1M unit now serves the research station and Yellow Bay State Park while cutting phosphorus discharge to one-tenth of its previous level.

Kalispell City Council last night approved a $179.9 million budget for fiscal year 2026 that cuts spending by $2 million from the preliminary plan and adds $2.27 million to the sewer fund for the biosolids treatment project—funding new public safety equipment and projects.

The council also removed a 5% administrative fee from impact fees and changed the emergency responder levy from a mill-based to a dollar-based system to comply with new state law.

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.