Good morning, Kalispell.

An injured smokejumper was rescued on August 22 from the Swan Valley by Two Bear Air Rescue—who airlifted him to a waiting ALERT helicopter for hospital treatment after he was injured during a fire jump.

A 34-year-old woman was injured by a brown bear that charged from brush with two cubs near Lake Janet in Glacier National Park Wednesday afternoon—her partner used bear spray to force the bear away until help arrived and she was taken to Logan Health.

On August 18, the Glacier County Office of Emergency Management used a thermal drone—Matrice 30 RTK—to locate and rescue a family stranded in total darkness along Cut Bank Creek, where they were trapped in a deep cut of the creek.

On August 27, a 34-year-old hiker was injured by a bear defending its cubs on a trail in the Goat Haunt area near Lake Janet Wilderness Campground at about 3:15 p.m.—a fellow hiker used bear spray and a rescue helicopter took her to Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell—and later, authorities closed the road between Big Bend and Logan Pass on Going-to-the-Sun Road for a rescue operation.

A Kalispell man, 22-year-old Caelus James Hattel, pleaded guilty to illegal firearm possession and was sentenced to 32 months in prison—he will also serve three years of supervised release and was linked to a stolen Ruger from Raven Rock Armory—after police recovered the gun on October 3.

On 3,200 acres in Creston producers had good yields but saw lower quality winter wheat after heavy July rains increased fertilizer costs due to high tariffs.

Some farmers said they will likely change crop plans next season as high input costs make farming more difficult.

A settlement reached on August 13 requires Montana school districts to provide public education for students with disabilities up to age 22.

Districts will notify families of students who left school too early—allowing re-enrollment within a 30-day period.

Kalispell City Hall waited nearly two years to issue a drinking water notice after tests in November 2022 found low levels of PFAS (forever chemicals) in the city’s wells, and a statewide news report spurred the public warning in March 2024.

Officials cited limited EPA guidance as they continued testing and planned to seek grants for future mitigation.

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.

Whose Live Anyway?

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — All ages welcome — Experience a night of hilarious improvised comedy and song driven by audience suggestions.

Pinky and the Floyd: 50th Anniversary of 'Wish You Were Here'

7:30-9 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Tickets required — Celebrate the poignant 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd's timeless album with heartfelt performances honoring their legacy.

Iron Legion Fitness Expo

9 AM – 3 PM — Flathead County Fairgrounds — Entry fee varies — Energize yourself at Montana's fastest growing fitness expo with competitions, vendor showcases, and health challenges.