Good morning, Kalispell.

TCG Collective, the valley's first trading card game and Pokemon store, opened in Evergreen this June at 228 East Reserve Drive + owner Nikki Blake said the shop sells thousands of cards and holds a monthly trade night for local fans.

Glenna and Andy Maras opened their Kalispell SERVPRO branch at 2750 U.S. Highway 2 East in June 2024 to offer restoration and cleaning services for water, fire, mold, biohazards, sewage and odors.

They plan to add rentable storage units and an ultrasonic cleaning station — a move meant to boost their service to local customers.

Rochelle Miller started Montana Mini & Modular Homes after a visit to Kalispell sparked her drive to ease the housing crisis—she offers a 14x28 tiny home for $69,999 from her office at 1012 U.S. 2 East.

Her business has faced early challenges after her hired manager vanished two months into the new venture.

Veteran owners Josh and Sylvia Kramer launched Flathead Mobile Marine in February to offer on-site boat repair services across the Flathead Valley — they now handle dozens of calls weekly for tasks from engine repairs to winterization.

The mobile service saves boat owners the hassle of hauling boats and helps promote safer boating in the community.

Real estate broker Justin Meccia took over Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits in October last year and now runs it as a distillery that serves craft cocktails and specialty smashburgers off U.S. 2.

He will rebrand it as Hidden Lake Distillery next year—aiming to grow distribution and work with local entrepreneurs to offer non-alcoholic spiced rum and Ember and Oak cigars across state lines.

Justin Barry, owner of Fdes, upcycles thrift store finds into functional gear — he now leads The Making Place in Columbia Falls, a community workshop that offers shared tools and craft events to support ethical design.

The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation held its 18th annual Grand Wine Tasting event with over 400 guests — raising more than $250,000 that will fund a full year of college for over 40 students.

The fundraiser supported gourmet foods, fine wines and a live auction that directly helped student scholarships.

At East Evergreen Elementary School, all students—from preschool to fourth grade—learn key skills from the district's learner profile during daily morning meetings and classroom activities.

School leaders say the focus on adaptation, thriving, and contributing builds a strong base for success in junior high and beyond.

The city of Columbia Falls began its effort to develop a new land use plan that meets the Montana Land Use Planning Act—officials received nearly $400K in grant funds and released early engineering reports on sewer and water systems while urging residents to complete a survey and attend an open house for further details.

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.