Bonner West Riverside
Bonner West Riverside, MT · Local Life
Q2 News
Montana wrestling team denied meal at McDonalds restaurant
NBCMontana
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers opens in Kalispell
KALISPELL, Mont. — On Tuesday, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is now officially open for business in Kalispell. The restaurant is located off Highway 93 in a new development area in Kalispell. The location seats 52 guests, has patio seating, and a drive-through for customers. Management says the...
Flathead Beacon
Whitefish Music Artist and Producer Returns Home to Teach at North Valley Music School
In the more than 10 years since Ethan Thompson moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a music artist and producer, the Whitefish native has seen both his career and the industry take new forms. The Berklee College of Music graduate’s journey has so far included amassing writing...
Bigfork Eagle
PHOTOS: Polar Bear Plunge into Flathead Lake kicks off 2026
Plungers take an icy dip in Flathead Lake to kick off the new year during the Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1, 2026 at The Raven in Woods Bay. Due to debris on the lakeshore from recent windstorms, participants went into the lake in smaller groups throughout the day. (Steve Mitchell photos) Search and rescue personnel on hand to ensure everone's safety. A trio of polar plungers ready for the big event. Search and rescue keeping a close watch at the Raven's New Years Day Polar Bear Plunge. A trio having fun at the plunge at the Raven on New Years Day. Search and Rescue personnel going over safety procedures. Starting the New Year with a nice, cool wake up plunge. It's easy to smile when you're going to watch someone else jump in the nearly frozen lake.
KPAX
Ring in the New Year’s Day with First Day hikes in the Flathead
Valley Press - Mineral Independent
Quinn's lights up New Year's Eve with 200 rockets a minute
The skies above Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort burst into color on New Year’s Eve as more than 200 people gathered to celebrate the arrival of 2026. The annual event drew attendees from across the region, including about 40 guests from surrounding communities. “There were more regional locals than we’ve had before,” said Denise Moreth General Manager of Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort. Guests were treated to a wide selection of appetizers and desserts throughout the evening. “We go heavy on the food,” Moreth continued. “All the guests were enjoying the party and making new friends. That’s one of the great things about having this at Quinn’s — people meet new friends.” Musical entertainment for the night was provided by the Northern Lights Band from Missoula. However, the highlight of the evening was the fireworks display presented by Steve Underwood, owner of Rocketman Pyros, and his assistant, Dylan Ray, based out of Spokane, Washington. More than 1,000 fireworks were launched during the display, averaging nearly 200 rockets per minute. “We’re in it for about five to ten minutes of pure excitement and joy after New Year’s,” Ray said. Rocketman Pyros has been providing fireworks at Quinn’s for more than 20 years and
livelytimes.com
Experience Quarteto Nuevo Live in Mission Valley Feb 6 Concert
The Quarteto Nuevo, Mission Valley Live concert is a must-see event for music lovers of all ages. On Friday, February 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Quarteto Nuevo will perform at the Ronan Performing Arts Center as part of the Mission Valley Live concert series. This amazing group is known for...
familydestinationsguide.com
This Tiny Cafe In Montana Has A Mouth-Watering Buffalo Pie Known Throughout The State
Ever had one of those mornings where your stomach growls so loudly it could be mistaken for a grizzly bear?. In the charming mountain town of Whitefish, Montana, there’s a humble establishment that knows exactly how to tame that beast – The Buffalo Cafe. This isn’t just another...
bozone.com
Flip calendar with spirited Saloon sounds
Dive into a brand new year refreshed and rejuvenated with a soak in the natural waters at Chico Hot Springs. The local resort offers accommodations for overnight visitors and features regular entertainment in the Saloon. Check out the upcoming live music schedule. First up is Ian Thomas & Band of...
Flathead Beacon
Riding a New Wave into the New Year
For the first time in nearly four years, you won’t need time travel to see this Whitefish ‘80s New Wave cover band. The New Wave Time Trippers, who played their final show in February 2022, will be reuniting on New Year’s Eve at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish to take concert-goers back to 1985 before they ring in 2026.
The Western News
Wagner Memorial fishing tourney inspires new anglers
A little wind on the water never keeps an angler on the shore. That’s something the annual Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby, held at Murphy Lake, has instilled in old and new generations of fishers for the last two decades. Nestled between Fortine and Trego in the Kootenai National Forest, Murphy Lake is about 140 acres and 1 mile long. Although just off U.S. 93, the forest is dense and immersive. On a cold, often dreary winter day, it is quiet. That is, except for one special day each year. On the day of the annual Ryan Wagner Ice Fishing Derby, the lake becomes a bustling beacon for families to learn about the outdoors. The 2025 tournament drew nearly 400 people to the ice, turning the quiet lake into a lively tent city with grills, snowmobiles and all. Thad Briggs, owner of Thad’s Tackle Shop in Olney, is just one of many locals who helps out with the tournament. He said Murphy Lake, mainly known for big bass and northern pike, is especially good for kids. “The yellow perch are a little small to filet ... but you know they’re going to catch something,” Briggs said with a chuckle.
Whitefish Pilot
Hip hop artist visits Whitefish High School to inspire change
Students from a Whitefish High School art class and a music class filed into the AP environmental science classroom and found spaces to sit before guest speaker, AY Young, leapt to the front of the room. “Everybody say, ‘Outlet!’ Everybody say, ‘Plugged in!’” he began. “I have this belief that everyone in the world is an outlet for change.” Young is a United Nations Youth Leader for Sustainable Development Goals. He is also a producer, singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. He has electrified the music scene with over 900 concerts powered entirely by renewable energy through his pioneering initiative, the Battery Tour. At Whitefish High School, he was hosting an interactive question and answer session with students to inspire them to become outlets for change. He asked the students what their “why” is, after explaining a person’s “why” is what drives them. His voice is as smooth and as wide-ranging as his movements. One moment he swooped to the far side of the classroom to listen to a student’s response and then, nearly floated across the room to ask another student, “What’s crackin’?” He’d squat to be at eye level to a table of boys one second, and the next he
Flathead Beacon
A Cross Country Skier’s Guide to the Flathead Valley
For novices, cross-country skiing can be an intimidating sport requiring specialized gear, expenses, technical expertise, and access. But relative to other winter sports, its barrier to entry is among the easiest to clear. And in the Flathead Valley, where a rich proving ground awaits anyone with the desire to try, most folks can ascend the ranks from knock-kneed neophyte to Nordic ninja in a single season — or even a weekend.
Lake County Leader
Choral Society begins spring rehearsals
Practices begin for the Mission Valley Choral Society Spring Concerts on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 7-9 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Polson. Choir members will begin preparing for two spring concerts scheduled for the weekend of April 18-19. Director Cathy Gillhouse has selected a varied program that includes Duke Ellington’s “Don’t Get Around Much Any More,” “Defying Gravity” from the musical “Wicked,” “Bye Bye, Blackbird” and the traditional spiritual, “Every Time I Feel the Spirit.” The community choir, which has existed in the Mission Valley since the 1960s, has grown to include many new members from all corners of the Mission Valley, and continues to welcome new voices. For information, call 406-261-3304 or 406-260-6103, or check out the MVCS website missionvalleychoralsociety.org or Facebook page.
The Western News
Libby Senior Center Menu for January 2026
Here is the menu for January at the Libby Senior Center. Staff is asking those that want to reserve a meal call the center 24 hours in advance. The number is 293-7222. Meals are available in house, home delivery or grab and go. Meals are ready from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday or 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Fri. January 2 : chicken parmesan with rice, corn and carrots, macaroni sald, kaiser roll, apricots, cherry pie, milk Tues. January 6 : goulash – ground beef in tomato-based sauce, corn, elbow macaroni, garlic bread, beets, pears, broccoli and cauliflower salad, apricot muffin, milk Wed. January 7: egg salad on sandwich bread, tomato soup, cracker, cottage cheese, peaches, chocolate chip cookie, milk Fri. January 9 : pork roast, mashed potatoes made with sour cream, pork gravy, roll, fruit cocktail, apple sauce, yellow cake with cream cheese icing, milk Tues. January 13: oven cooked breaded chicken breast fillet, mashed potatoes made with sour cream and country gravy, biscuit, corn, pears, pea salad, white cake with cream cheese icing, ice cream, milk Wed. January 14 : cheeseburger w/bun, tomato, onion, lettuce, pickle chips, chicken with rice soup, crackers, fruit