Good morning, Kalispell.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, Flathead Composite Squadron volunteers along with Girl Scouts + FFA + Kalispell Fire Department laid over 1,300 wreaths on veterans’ headstones at Depot Park, Glacier Memorial, Woodlawn and Conrad cemeteries.

They raised over $22,000 in donations and plan to reach 2,000 wreaths in 2026.

Six local groups formed a Downtown Forward Coalition this year to make downtown more walkable by updating streets, utilities, and easing parking issues; they met with 99 businesses in November and plan to work with the city and incoming officials in January to boost vibrancy.

Whitefish High School won a weekend speech and debate tournament with 225 points while Columbia Falls placed second with 201 points.

The teams prepare for a competitive state tournament next month.

The Somers Lakeside board approved three budget amendments on Dec.

15 to fix a data entry error that granted a 25% tax break instead of a 5% break. A one-time special assessment in February will raise $630,460.15 for the general, transportation, and retirement funds.

Two Flathead Valley Community College students earned statewide and national recognition for creative work and community service.

Lillyan Johnson’s piece will be published later this year and she will join the Parade of Scholars (2026) while Blaine Shaw received the Montana Athletes in Service Award at the Brawl of the Wild football game in Missoula.

Over the weekend, Glacier High secured second while Flathead placed third in Bozeman’s speech and debate tournament, scoring 156 points and 146 points respectively among competitive teams from 16 Class AA high schools + junior varsity squads.

Officials finalized Monday a 53,000-acre conservation easement in Northwest Montana from Green Diamond Resource Company, ending a multi-year project transferring development rights on over 85,000 acres.

The $57.5 million deal—supported by in-kind and federal funds—prevents intensive development and preserves public access for hunting and recreation.

Tuesday morning’s power outages affected western Montana with widespread loss in Kalispell and along Hwy 89 near Monarch, Cascade, Stanford, and Great Falls.

NorthWestern Energy is working to restore power near Ulm, and Fisher River Valley Fire Station (8:00 a.m. to noon) is available for charging medical devices.

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.

New Year's Eve Dueling Pianos

6:30 PM - 12:30 AM — Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell — Dinner included — Experience an interactive night of music where two pianists compete and collaborate for your requests while you celebrate the New Year.