Good morning, Kalispell.

The 21st Annual Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby is set for Feb.

7 at Murphy Lake (located between Fortine and Trego) and will raise funds for scholarships, engaging families in safe ice fishing to honor a beloved local fisherman.

An (18-year-old) snowboarder who went missing at the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Christmas Day was found safe in a survival cabin on the backside of Big Mountain at 8:40 p.m. by rescue teams and returned to his family.

Flathead National Forest approved thinning near Blacktail Mountain to remove hazard trees and fuels from 364 acres adjacent to power lines; work will begin in spring 2026 and continue through 2031 to boost grid reliability and forest resilience (despite potential impacts to threatened species).

Flathead Valley is set for major transportation upgrades in 2026.

In Whitefish, the largest road reconstruction will begin next year while Glacier Park International Airport completes its terminal expansion by next spring & rebuilds its runway in July, and Columbia Falls will add a shared-use path for safer travel.

Officials in Lincoln County assessed flood-damaged bridges as part of recovery work yesterday — the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes held elections that resulted in three incumbents losing their seats.

Glacier Nordic Club launches a laser rifle biathlon program for youth + adults at Whitefish Lake Golf Course and Dog Creek Lodge starting Jan.

10. The program prepares local skiers for February races with safe training and expert rifle safety guidelines.

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.

Dirty Dancing in Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Trades Institute — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic film accompanied by a live band performing all your favorite songs.