Good morning, Kalispell.

The Feed the Need benefit held last week at the Wachholz College Center raised more than $183,000 for the Flathead Food Bank, marking a record-breaking night of giving in the Flathead Valley—local leaders and country artist Drake Milligan shared how the funds will support families in northwest Montana.

The Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department is investigating a poaching incident after a mule deer was shot and its carcass left near the Joe Show Road West and BIA Road One intersection on the Blackfeet Reservation—residents are asked to call 406-338-7207 with any information.

Kalispell School District officials held a celebration at Glacier High School on November 20th to mark the payoff of a 20-year, $37.3 million school bond approved in fall 2004—officials said the bond ended mortgage-like payments and will ease local taxes.

The Nate Chute Foundation received a $157,500 grant from Flathead Electric Co-op to fund a long-term mental health education initiative with the JED Foundation.

The funds will be awarded over five years — supporting nearly 10,000 students and 1,000 school staff — to bolster mental wellness and suicide prevention efforts across the service area.

On November 19, 2025, the Glacier National Park Conservancy pledged $4.39 million to cover over 25% of the park’s $16 million annual budget—most of which has already been directed toward projects such as the School-to-Park program at Columbia Falls High School.

The remaining funds will be allocated in February to support wildlife restoration and park infrastructure improvements amid concerns of possible government cuts.

Local land trust groups are holding a conservation easement panel—organized by the Flathead Land Trust and Montana Land Alliance—to teach owners how to protect their land from future development.

The panel is a response to growing development pressures that may harm wildlife habitats and water quality.

The Montana Land Board approved the 481-acre Dog Rock Timber Sale on state trust lands near Olney earlier this week, allowing nearly 3.5 million board feet of timber to be removed over four years to fund state trust accounts for schools, public buildings, Montana State University and Pine Hills School. The DNR will accept bids on Dec. 9 and the project will operate from July 1 until Sept. 30 while more than 75% of the area remains suitable for wildlife — with a minimum bid of $396,437.

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.