Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Have your say on fisheries: FWP will host a Kalispell meeting May 14 on 41 fishing regulation proposals for 2027–2028, including 13 affecting northwest Montana waters. Public comments are also accepted online and by mail -- learn how you can comment.

Her case for local food: Award-winning farm to table chef Sarah Manuel has moved Farmer Meets Foodie to the Flathead Valley and will open a Somers cafe this summer using ingredients from Montana farms -- learn why local sourcing matters.

Recruitment challenges linger: Flathead County is seeking temporary 911 dispatchers ahead of summer, with seven of 22 positions vacant as of April 15. Bids are due April 29, considered April 30 -- read the full story.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Gear up like a local: Rocky Mountain Outfitter is the long-running Kalispell gear hub where you can swap trail or snowpack intel with staff, get careful ski-shop tuning and boot fitting, and pick up trustworthy kit for everything from alpine touring to kayaking. Weekend problem, meet solution.

Brunch, Montana-style: When you need a hearty reset, Sykes Diner delivers legit comfort plates, like eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, and a heroic chicken fried steak. Friendly, no-frills vibes, reliable coffee, and portions that fuel a grocery run, a trail day, or a blissfully lazy Sunday.

Polish with a pour: Because you deserve both a killer mani and a proper cocktail, The Ritzy Nails & Cocktail Lounge blends spa manicures and pedicures with a legit cocktail menu so you can sip while you get pampered. Grab a friend, exhale, and turn a regular day into an easy little celebration.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🏫 Creston Elementary School Community Night @ MacKenzie River Pizza Co. | Monday (4/27) at 11:00 AM – MacKenzie River in South Kalispell is turning dinner into a fundraiser, with 20% of your tab going to Creston Elementary when you flash the flyer. Rally the crew, order the extra pie, and call it civic duty with olives, peppers, and zero guilt.

👕 Screen Printing Night @ Center for Restorative Youth Justice | Wednesday (4/29) at 5:00 PM – DIY screen printing night at CRYJ. Bring that tired tee, a hoodie, or use their stash. Teens, volunteers, and anyone who likes hanging at CRYJ are welcome, and yes, you will leave with ink on your hands and a story.

☕ Coffee is for the Birds @ Lone Pine State Park | Friday (5/1) at 9:00 AM – Trade small talk for songbirds at Lone Pine’s picnic shelter. A ranger and a Flathead Audubon pro will help you ID the feathered locals by ear, coffee in hand, no hiking required. Free with registration, and yes, the non-resident car fee still applies.

🔢 Bingo Night @ Big Sky Bricks | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Consider this your pre-dinner thrill: free bingo at Big Sky Bricks every Friday, 4 to 6, family friendly and gloriously low-stress. Stretch your dabber hand, snag free prizes, and let the kids learn the ancient art of yelling BINGO, politely, indoors.

🚶 Walk MS @ Lawrence Park | Saturday (5/2) at 9:30 AM – Whether you’re a brisk walker or scenic stroller, this 1-mile Walk MS rallies neighbors to support folks living with MS, caregivers, and advocates. Join, donate, or sponsor at https://events.nationalmssociety.org/teams/BSIV, then trade small talk for a lap of solidarity and a community that shows up.

🎉 Grand Opening Party @ Kalispell Center Mall | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Nature Baby Outfitter is celebrating its grand opening at a new consolidated home inside the Parkline District Mall in downtown Kalispell, and yes, the parking is actually good. Drop in for giveaways, solid sales, and the rare chance to shop with your sanity intact.

🍎 Teacher Appreciation Workshop @ Crafting on Foothill | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Teacher gift panic setting in? Crafting on Foothill hosts a hands-on workshop to make a tote, zipper bag, flower pot, canvas, or candle, supplies and guidance included. It’s $10 per item, $5 per add-on, and they’ll do custom orders if you can’t make it.

This expansive Stoneridge custom delivers 6 bedrooms, versatile rec spaces, and a primary retreat with dual closets, gas fireplace sitting area, spa bath, and a balcony with mountain views. The kitchen anchors the living area. Outside, a one-acre lot showcases a 17'6"x32' pool, hot tub, covered patio, a 52'x28' shop, and a heated three-car garage, minutes to downtown Kalispell.