Kalispell Daily: Courts, care, and canceled skijoring

Court update in teen shooting case

A high-profile juvenile case is moving toward a resolution this spring. A Kalispell teenager accused of shooting his sister in the head on Halloween 2024 is now scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing in March. Court records indicate that both defense and prosecution have agreed to the hearing date, signaling that negotiations over the charge of attempted deliberate homicide are advancing.

The teen has been held to stand trial as an adult in Flathead County District Court. A change-of-plea hearing does not guarantee a finalized agreement, but it typically means the parties are working toward a plea deal that could avert a full trial. The victim survived the shooting but suffered serious injuries.

Logan Health reshapes inpatient care

Logan Health in Kalispell is preparing a major shift in how it uses hospital beds. The medical center is closing its dedicated inpatient rehabilitation unit and converting the space into a 13-bed surgical unit. Hospital leaders say the change is driven by persistent demand for medical and surgical beds, with many patients boarding in the emergency department while waiting for a room.

The rehab unit has served patients recovering from strokes, brain and spinal injuries, and complex orthopedic surgeries. Officials say those services will continue through different care settings, but acknowledge the change comes as rehab stays have become harder to secure under current insurance rules. The transition is expected to be complete later this spring.

Warm spell cancels skijoring weekend

Unseasonably warm weather is reshaping winter plans across the valley, including a major event that had been slated for Kalispell. Organizers have canceled this year’s Whitefish skijoring weekend, which was scheduled to run over Valentine’s Day at a venue in town. After weeks of above-normal temperatures and thin snow cover, organizers concluded they could not safely build or maintain a course.

The group explored hauling in truckloads of snow and even shifting locations, but ultimately determined the conditions would not hold up. The decision is a blow to local winter tourism and to competitors who travel from around the region, but organizers say safety for riders, skiers, horses, and spectators had to come first.

Also today in and around Kalispell

Kalispell’s weekend calendar leans into indoor and family-friendly activities, from game gatherings and themed winter events in town to countywide youth programs and upcoming science fair deadlines. Residents looking to stay engaged can find a full list of events, from casual social meetups to kids’ workshops and regional trail outings, on local community and tourism calendars.

Sources

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