Good morning, Kalispell.

The federal government announced the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program today to help row crop farmers — though local producers say its $30 per acre payments barely cover rising costs.

Montana farmers note that low wheat prices similar to the 1970s and high equipment costs continue to strain their operations.

Heritage Academy moved to Easthaven Baptist Church at 2010 Whitefish Stage Road amid growing enrollment of 291 students, adding a modular building for fine arts + receiving a $100,000 grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation while planning a campus on a 24-acre site north of Whitefish.

After a damaging windstorm on Wednesday, Flathead Electric Cooperative restored power for about half of affected homes, but 14,000 customers in the Flathead Valley remained in the dark by 6:30 a.m. Thursday + a temporary shelter opened at the county fairgrounds, and some roads stayed closed because of fallen trees.

Flathead County Suicide Prevention Coalition ended its second 2025 campaign promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline after calls increased by 26% to 182 a month.

The group also finalized a three-year plan with local partners to boost safe firearm & medication storage.

Annual Live Nativity Hayride

Visit our Live Nativity Hayride on Dec 19th & 20th, 4:30 to 7:30p at Cayuse Prairie School. This free entry event includes a hayride, music, chili, cookies and hot coco; also check out the local Vendors for some last minute Christmas shopping!

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.