Good morning, Kalispell.

The Great Fish Community Challenge helped 85 nonprofits raise over $6.5 million about a month ago as the Whitefish Community Foundation matched donations throughout the year + the free Great Fish Awards Ceremony will take place on Oct.

21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to honor the efforts.

On Wednesday in Kalispell, NCEE hosted the first road show of the School Funding Interim Commission’s decennial study where teachers, board members, and the public joined group discussions and a survey to offer feedback on education funding.

The road show will travel to Havre on Sept 18 and Billings on Sept 22—while a Zoom session is scheduled for Sept 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

After a summer of work, Ross Creek Cedars in Kootenai National Forest reopened on Sept 12 with the new Ross Creek Nature Trail No. 405 now classified as a fully developed, accessible trail—improvements include nearly one mile of compacted gravel, 16 benches, three bridges, a boardwalk and wooden walkways that protect the cedar groves.

The 90-bed Flathead Valley Prerelease Center in Evergreen will open in the last week of October as renovations complete and the Montana Department of Corrections hires staff + Jim Sanderson steps in as the new prerelease operations manager to help former inmates transition to community living.

Former Congressman Matt Rosendale endorsed Sid Daoud as Kalispell’s next mayor on Sept.

11 in a Facebook post that praised Daoud as a thoughtful leader who would fight to preserve our Montana way of life & highlighted his service as a city councilor. Daoud, whose term ends at the close of 2027, is running against Ryan Hunter and Kisa Davison in the mail-in election on Nov. 4 with ballots sent on Oct. 17.

Last month, seven veterans went on a fly-fishing trip on the North Fork of the Flathead that marked the first Northwest Montana event for the Built for More program run by Warriors for Quiet Waters—this nine-month plan helps veterans work through challenges and look ahead.

The program will expand its services as donor support grows.

State health officials said Montana will hire 40 to 50 new employees to process Medicaid applications after new federal eligibility rules under House Resolution 1 take effect, and the department may need additional state funds to meet these changes.

Lawmakers are concerned that current processing times for low-income applications exceed 45 days—raising questions about the department’s ability to implement the new rules.

The Gravelle family, known as Team Red Rock, will join the Flathead Valley Out of Darkness Walk at 2 p.m. on Sept 28 at Kalispell Middle School to honor Dustin, who died on Feb 5, 2005—aiming to raise $30,000 for suicide prevention during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

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.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Tribute Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the ultimate tribute to Fleetwood Mac, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself.

Story Pirates: The Amazing Adventure Tour

6:30-8:00 PM — Wachholz College Center — Ticketed event — Experience a fun-filled family show featuring songs and comedy inspired by children's creativity.

Sam Bush Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary Sam Bush bring his unique blend of bluegrass and improvisation to Kalispell.