Good morning, Kalispell.

Glacier High finished second at a weekend speech and debate tournament in Great Falls with 129 points — Bozeman led with 264 while Flathead took third.

Coach Adkins said the team showed promise in dramatic interpretation and memorized public address despite being inconsistent across events.

Columbia Falls High School speech and debate team won first place Saturday in Stevensville by scoring 239.5 points while Whitefish and Hamilton finished second and third with 91 and 46 points respectively—coach Dawn Wheeler warned that upcoming tournaments will be tougher with key competitors absent.

Schellinger Construction paid a $15,000 fine after a burst water line on Aug.

12 spilled muddy water into Garnier Creek near Meadow Lake Resort at the Tamarack Meadows subdivision. The company must now develop a mitigation plan—this step is required for final approval of the planned 100-home subdivision.

Northwest Montana hunters have maintained steady participation as check stations, including one on U.S. 2 near Kalispell, show that big game harvest numbers remain similar to last season—white-tailed deer lead the counts while mule deer and elk are also close.

Flathead, North Valley and Bigfork Food Bank directors reported that the government shutdown caused a sharp rise in families needing food when SNAP benefits were delayed, and they say the high demand may continue as new work requirements could cut off help for some households.

They noted that even though full benefits were restored on Nov. 15, the increased need during the shutdown points to long-term challenges in food security.

Montana’s four delegates oppose renewing Affordable Care Act tax credits that helped over 77,000 residents pay for coverage—Congress will vote on the subsidies next month while experts note that premiums have risen by 10% to 30%.

Mayor Mark Johnson defended a Nov.

17 proclamation that encourages donations and volunteer work at local food banks after criticism claimed the city pushes taxpayers to pay more, stating that charities handle funds more efficiently (underscoring his commitment to help the unsheltered and unfed). The council also voted on local measures including waiving a residency requirement for a city manager, transferring an acre of city property to the public school district, and hiring a firm to rehabilitate sewer mains affected by root intrusion.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Concert

7-9 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Tickets available — Experience the holiday magic with Mannheim Steamroller’s signature sound and stunning multimedia effects.

Banff Mountain Film Festival

7 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Get Tickets — Celebrate the spirit of outdoor adventure through breathtaking films at the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

Handel's Messiah

3-9 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Ticket required — Experience the timeless beauty of Handel’s Messiah performed by the Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale.

Elegant Holiday Dinner Experience

5-9 p.m. — Arts & Technology Building — $225 per person — Celebrate the season with an exquisite à la carte dinner showcasing culinary student artistry.

The Nutcracker Performance

2:00 – 3:30 PM — McClaren Hall, Wachholz College Center — Get Tickets — Experience the magic of live orchestral music with the Glacier Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Ballet Company.

Christmas Celebration with Wai Mizutani

7-9 p.m. — McClaren Hall, Wachholz College Center — Check for entry fees — Celebrate the Christmas season with music and dance performances from Wai Mizutani and local talents.