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Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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Dear Friends, Family & Clients,
As we step into a new year, I hope your holidays were filled with warmth, rest, and moments worth savoring. One of my favorite sights this season was seeing our new bridge lit up for Christmas - glowing against the winter sky as a beautiful symbol of connection, progress, and what’s ahead.
This winter has certainly been one to remember -unseasonably warm temperatures, plenty of inversion, higher-than-average precipitation - which means very high lake levels - all reminding us that change doesn’t always arrive the way we expect it to.
That theme carries us into 2026 as well. In the Chinese zodiac, this is the Year of the Fire Horse - a powerful time of movement, momentum, and choosing direction with confidence. After the quiet shedding of last year, (the year of the snake), this is the year that asks us to step forward and take control of our own destiny.
This month, I've included a look at how our local market wrapped up Q4 2025, along with several articles discussing thoughtful perspective on what 2026 may have in store for housing as things like the recent Fed rate cut start to ripple through the year. There are also a few local moments I couldn’t resist sharing, including that absolute edge-of-your-seat Bobcat/Redbird FCS Championship game (congratulations, MSU! 🥳).
I’ve also tucked in a look back at the homes we were lucky enough to help sell or buy last year - always one of my favorite year end reflections - and, of course, Ceri’s Corner, where January “resolutions” are examined with brutal honesty, zero shame, and a strong opinion on glass tables and eye-level chicken.
And because no good conversation is complete without food and a good book, you’ll find a delicious cookie recipe that’s perfect for Dry January (or just a cozy start to your morning with coffee or tea), along with this month’s read, Killers of the Flower Moon - a powerful, sobering book that stays with you long after you close it and invites some meaningful reflection on history, justice, and truth.
If your vision for 2026 includes making a move, growing your business, buying your first home, or simply getting more familiar with the process, this is a year built for intentional action and I’m here to support you every step of the way with local expertise, professionalism, and a friendly, grounded approach.
Here’s to clarity, momentum, and moving forward with purpose.
Warmly,
Denise
*Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell
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BIGFORK HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH AND DEBATE NEEDS YOU!
We need judges! Bigfork High School is hosting our first meet in YEARS! It is the final meet before Divisionals and State. The Bigfork Speech and Debate tournament will be held on January 17th, 2026. It is called the "Stick a Fork In It" Speech and Debate Tournament.
Speech events are high energy and fun to watch. It is like a 10-minute mini movie! Debate events showcase students debating current topics. Each round lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. You can judge one round, a couple rounds, or all 5, any help is appreciated, especially for Finals where we need three judges per room.
We are asking for your support in judging the Tournament. Training will be provided on Wednesday, Jan 14, in the High School library at 3:30pm. It is not mandatory to attend the training to judge. If you can't make this training please arrive 30 min prior to the event for a quick training session.
Below is the link for signing up.
This is a fun experience and even as a Coach, I have judged different events. Each and every time, I enjoy listening and watching students who have worked so hard to hone their craft.
For questions, please email Head Coach Shirley Stine at speechanddebate@bfsd38.org.
We need our community's help to pull this off. Thank you!
Thanks so much for supporting all of the Speech and Debate Students Statewide!
Shirley Stine & Richalle Close
Coaches
Text Link
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As we closed out the fourth quarter of 2025, the Flathead Valley real estate market continued to show signs of steady resilience and measured momentum across both Flathead and Lake Counties.
Pricing remained strong, with median sales prices holding firm despite longer market times - a clear signal that well-positioned properties are still finding their buyers, even as decision-making has become more deliberate.
As we move into 2026, those who take an intentional approach - whether buying, selling, or simply staying informed - will be best positioned to move with confidence rather than react to noise.
If you’re curious how these trends affect your specific property or goals, I’m always happy to talk through what the numbers really mean for you.
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How the Bobcats Outlasted the Redbirds in an Overtime Thriller for the
FCS National Championship
The Bobcats captured their second national title in program history, surviving a dramatic overtime battle that tested their discipline, depth, and resilience. This episode puts the win into historical context: Montana State ends the season on a 14-game winning streak and delivers the Big Sky Conference its first FCS national championship since Eastern Washington in 2010.
If you want the full breakdown of how the Bobcats finished the job in Nashville — and what this title means for Montana State moving forward — this is the episode to watch.
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Flathead Lake Rises to Unprecedented Winter Levels
As the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi sits just below full pool at the beginning of January, Energy Keepers Inc. (EKI) CEO Brian Lipscomb reflected on the events of the past weeks - record-setting precipitation and higher than average temperatures - that led to Flathead Lake’s high winter levels.
At the beginning of January, Flathead Lake sat at 2,892 feet, about 4 feet higher than normal for the winter months.
“We’re fuller now than we’ve ever seen, than I’ve ever seen in my entire life at this time of year,” Lipscomb said.
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Wildlife Expert Shares How Mild Winters Impact Bear Activity Across Montana
A milder winter in Montana has led to unusual wildlife activity, particularly among bears. Daniel McHugh, a bear specialist with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, noted an increase in bear sightings and conflicts occurring later in the year.
Other wildlife, such as deer and elk, are also adjusting to the warmer winters by benefiting from easier access to food. However, predators may face challenges when hunting.
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63 U.S. National Parks Ranked
Ranking it at Number two:
Glacier National Park encompasses 1 million acres of Montana wilderness, two rugged mountain ranges, more than 130 lakes and 700 miles of trail. You can kick off your adventure on foot by hiking famous Glacier footpaths like Grinnell Glacier or the Highline Trail, or kick back and relax on the Flathead River.
Glacier also happens to be one of the best places in the world to experience by car. The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches for 50 miles through the park, crossing the Continental Divide before reaching over 6,600-feet at Logan Pass. Let’s just say, scenic is an understatement.
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The 10 Best U.S. Small Towns
to Visit in the Winter
Whitefish is a favorite mountain resort destination. Located just 25 miles from the breathtaking Glacier National Park, this charming town is a must-visit for any nature or history lover.
Each February, Whitefish holds a Winter Carnival featuring polar plunges, ice sculptures, live music, and more. Enjoy a few ski runs at Whitefish Mountain Resort, go on a jingle bell sleigh ride, and head into town to try some delicious food (bison burger, anyone?).
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50 of the Best Small Towns In America
National Geographic once named Whitefish, Montana, one of the "Top 25 Ski Towns in the World," but this small town on the shores of Whitefish Lake offers even more to do and see.
Visitors come to snowboard, hike, boat, bike and enjoy live, professional theater and fine dining. For nature lovers, Glacier National Park is a short drive away.
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Realtor.com 2026 Housing Forcast
Rates, Pricing & Inventory...
All the Info on the 2026 Housing Market
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Welcome to the Year of Fire Horse 2026: Exploring Chinese Zodiac Horse's
Cultural Meanings & Traditions
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Here's Everything To Know About the
2026 Super Bowl
| | | Public Figures Who Died in 2025 | | | What are today's mortgage interest rates: January 12, 2026? | | | 101 Best New Year's Resolutions for 2026 | | | What Were Wild West Saloons Really Like? | | | |
7 Features You Didn't Know Your
Kitchen Utensils Had
| | | What Will Ignite the 2026 Real Estate Market | | | |
Selling This Spring?
10 Tips to Help You Start Preparing Now
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5 Traits Dog's Developed to
Win Over Humans
| | | The Septic Tank Ten Commandments | | | 2025 LIVE Montana is now on the stands! The link to the digital version is included below and you can pick up a physical copy at your office. | | Our Digital Listing Catalogue is also a great option. Bookmark the link above so you can keep on eye on what's been recently listed and sold. | | |
Year in Review:
It's the Glacier Sotheby's 2024 Annual Market Report.
This is a great place to see how far the reach is and what I can do for you through the Sotheby's platform!
| | The 2025 Mid-Year Luxury OutlookSM delves into the pivotal, forward-looking issues shaping luxury residential property markets around the world. | | |
TESTIMONIAL
We put our home on the market with Denise Lang knowing she was the perfect person to sell it in Bigfork and it sure paid off as we soon found out - the market had softened and it wasn't going to be the easy sale we thought it would be.
As Denise strategically planned our sale, we realized how much experience with the Bigfork area she had. We got a late start -we should of put the home on the market in the spring- but Denise realized that and navigated through a tough, declining market with foresight, experience and changing tactics
and she got the home sold!
THANK YOU DENISE!
-Jeff and Laura P.
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ON MARKET
106 Golden Bear Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30056536 $829,900
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CLOSED
283 Lakeview Drive, Lakeside
MLS #30060135
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ON MARKET
1000 MT Highway 82, Somers
MLS #30053780 $1,795,000
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CLOSED
618 Spruce Place, Bigfork
MLS #30058383
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UNDER CONTRACT
Business Opportunity
MLS #30059714 $150,000
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CLOSED
1215/1225 Sunnyside Drive, Kalispell
MLS #30043446
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SOLD
283 Lakeview Drive, Lakeside
MLS #30060135
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SOLD
47 Bay Harbor Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30055703
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SOLD
D-36 Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor
MLS #30053274
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SOLD
1215/1225 Sunnyside Drive, Kalispell
MLS #30043446
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SOLD
443 Osborn Ave - Unit 206, Bigfork
MLS #30050740
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SOLD
151 Timberjack Trail, Bigfork
MLS #30048023
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SOLD
1204 Marion Hubbart Spur, Marion
MLS #30039569
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SOLD
1000 MT Highway 82, Somers
MLS #30036842
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SOLD
1066 Lake Pointe Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30043203
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SOLD
NHN Orvis Evans Drive #35, Bigfork
MLS #30030379
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SOLD
618 Spruce Place, Bigfork
MLS #30058383
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SOLD
298 Kuzmic Lane, Corum
MLS #30053479
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SOLD
33731 Westview Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30052154
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SOLD
255 Windsor Court, Bigfork
MLS #30052084
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SOLD
6580 Edna Creek Road, Trego
MLS #30059906
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SOLD
33435 Quarter Circle Way, Bigfork
MLS #30047632
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SOLD
222 Log Yard Court, Bigfork
MLS #30039226
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SOLD
320 Eagle Bend drive, Bigfork
MLS #30033276
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SOLD
443 Osborn Ave - Unit 106, Bigfork
MLS #30044027
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SOLD
22154 E Lakeshore Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30056998
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SOLD
12862 Rainbow Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30053418
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SOLD
164 Porter Ranch Road, Kalispell
MLS #30052146
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SOLD
311 Akers Lane - Unit D, Whitefish
MLS #30051053
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SOLD
1048 Mill Creek Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30043839
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SOLD
712 11th Street W, Columbia Falls
MLS #30046053
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SOLD
25 Whalebone Court, Kalispell
MLS #30039058
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SOLD
106 Golden Bear Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30033063
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SOLD
1204 Lake Pointe Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30019698
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CERI'S CORNER:
-January Resolutions
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Hello friends, it’s Ceri here.
January has arrived, which means the hoomans are talking about resolutions. You know - mindful eating, balanced meals, intention, discipline. Very serious stuff.
Apparently, January is also when hoomans decide dogs should be included in this whole “health and wellness” conversation. According to this great iHeartDogs article, the new year is a great time to focus on balanced nutrition, healthy portions, and active lifestyles - for pups and people alike.
Which sounds fine.
In theory.
But let’s discuss the real-life implications.
Odin was literally eye-level with the chicken on the counter the other day. Not “near” it. Not “smelling” it. Eye contact. The chicken and Odin locked gazes. It was a moment. A destiny. A missed opportunity.
And me?
I was stationed under the glass dining table- which according to mom - frankly feels like a design choice that needs rethinking apparently.
I lay there looking straight up through the glass at that same chicken. Just inches away. Floating above me. Taunting me. A cruel architectural decision, if you ask me.
I mean clearly, we are "starving" - Have a little mercy! 🙄
So here’s our deal:
We fully support healthier meals - as long as the treats remain delicious.
We will attempt portion control - but reserve the right to negotiate additional chicken bites based on
cuteness, eye contact, or emotional need.
And we enthusiastically endorse more walks, more playtime, and significantly more belly rubs.
January resolutions are all about balance, after all.
And we’re just trying to help.
Love,
Ceri 🐾
(And Odin — who is still thinking about that chicken)
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DENISE'S COOKING CORNER
-Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, 'Craisin' Cookies
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DENISE'S READING CORNER
-Killers Of The Flower Moon
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From New Yorker staff writer David Grann, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Lost City of Z, a twisting, haunting true-life murder mystery about one of the most monstrous crimes in American history
In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, they rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe.
Then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed off. The family of an Osage woman, Mollie Burkhart, became a prime target. Her relatives were shot and poisoned. And it was just the beginning, as more and more members of the tribe began to die under mysterious circumstances.
In this last remnant of the Wild West—where oilmen like J. P. Getty made their fortunes and where desperadoes like Al Spencer, the “Phantom Terror,” roamed—many of those who dared to investigate the killings were themselves murdered. As the death toll climbed to more than twenty-four, the FBI took up the case. It was one of the organization’s first major homicide investigations and the bureau badly bungled the case. In desperation, the young director, J. Edgar Hoover, turned to a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to unravel the mystery. White put together an undercover team, including one of the only American Indian agents in the bureau. The agents infiltrated the region, struggling to adopt the latest techniques of detection. Together with the Osage they began to expose one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history.
In Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann revisits a shocking series of crimes in which dozens of people were murdered in cold blood. Based on years of research and startling new evidence, the book is a masterpiece of narrative nonfiction, as each step in the investigation reveals a series of sinister secrets and reversals. But more than that, it is a searing indictment of the callousness and prejudice toward American Indians that allowed the murderers to operate with impunity for so long. Killers of the Flower Moon is utterly compelling, but also emotionally devastating.
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