Good morning, Kalispell.

Last year, tenants at Spring Creek Mobile Home Park received 180-day eviction notices and agencies like NeighborWorks Montana partnered with the Whitefish Community Foundation to provide a $45,000 Emergency Response Grant that gave each of 26 households $5,000 to cover moving expenses — all households were relocated by June. Follow-up interviews showed that while many found new homes, several residents experienced increased stress and social isolation.

Glacier Processing Cooperative was formed in Columbia Falls in 2023 when local ranchers bought the processing plant after longtime owner Ron Vandevanter retired — the USDA-inspected facility now serves 43 members and more than 40 ranchers, reducing the need for long drives to process livestock.

Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre celebrated 25 years last weekend with alumni and current members sharing memories and funny mishaps—organizers and performers recalled how the program helped build confidence and skills.

Founder Brach Thomson said the group is planning a new season with shows like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Addams Family—ensuring the legacy of community theater continues.

Bigfork Elves will start Decorating Day on Nov.

22 at 8 a.m. in front of the Bigfork Inn, where volunteers will learn to tie bows before they decorate local businesses with 10,000 feet of garland and 5,000 feet of lights. Head Elf Michele Mank, who has served for nearly 20 years and plans to leave after this season, is recruiting new board members—coffee, hot chocolate, doughnuts, and chili will be served during the event.

Somers School District officials plan a special tax assessment in February to fix a revenue shortfall caused by a data entry error that reduced property taxes by nearly 25% and depleted reserve funds needed for school operations.

The district said homeowners will be billed extra based on property values—this measure will recoup lost funds without increasing taxes beyond the original plan.

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.