Ellington

Gertrude Ellen Lindquist Owen

A little over 10 years an article appeared in the Whitefish Pilot about the 70th wedding anniversary of Gertrude and Roy Owen who had lived in Whitefish for 50 years. It was a tribute to both of them and then a year later Roy passed away leaving Gertrude to move to Nevada and Oregon to live with daughters.

Student's artwork chosen for Thanksgiving race T-shirt

When Caden Means sat down to draw a turkey picture, he had no idea his art would lead him to winning prize money, having his work printed on a T-shirt and alter his family’s Thanksgiving Day plans.

Lookout Ridge plat extended for two years

A critical two-year plat extension for the faltering Lookout Ridge subdivision was approved last week despite lingering questions about soil stability and who will take eventual ownership of the 267-acre private development north of Iron Horse.

Peitzsch named interim director of avalanche center

The Flathead National Forest announced Monday that Erich Peitzsch will be the interim director of the Flathead Avalanche Center this season.

Ski resort flunks eco scorecard; questions objectivity of study

Whitefish Mountain Resort has been named one of the least eco-friendly ski resorts in the nation in an annual report published by the nonprofit Ski Area Citizens Coalition. Whitefish ranked 84th out of 85 ski areas for their commitment to environmental stewardship.

City OKs new and increased planning fees

A few fees for services provided by the Whitefish Planning and Building Department have been reduced, while a few new fees have been added.

WHS All Class Reunion planned for summer

The 100th graduating class of Whitefish High School is set to earn its diplomas in 2014 and to commemorate the event a group of volunteers is organizing an All Class Reunion for next summer.

Wife arrested after husband stabbed

A Whitefish woman is in jail and her husband hospitalized after a stabbing Monday evening in Whitefish.

Downscaled plan approved for phase 3 of Great Northern Heights

A revised plan for the third phase of the Great Northern Heights neighborhood received approval from the Whitefish City-County Planning Board Nov. 21, but not before the board slashed the number of lots in the subdivision.

Young actors wanted for upcoming shows

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” and “Shakespeare: Next Generation,” two all-kids productions that will be performed early in 2014.

City plans for resort with new zoning district

The City of Whitefish is planning for a future resort that could be constructed here by creating a new zoning district aimed at that type of development.

Preparing students for life after high school

Whitefish High School earns '5 for 5' award

One Whitefish High School class has been honored for making sure its students not only graduate from high school, but also become product citizens.

Logging at ski resort temporarily closes roads

As part of Whitefish Mountain Resort’s ski area expansion project, there will be log hauling on the Big Creek and Canyon Creek roads that will prompt a temporary road closure for public safety.

Answers about healthcare coverage

It's a good idea to know the basics of the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. “Obamacare.” No matter what your political belief, it will inevitably affect you, your family, or your community in some way since 195,000 Montana residents who had no health insurance can now apply.

Raised median irks business owners on 93 West

A series of raised medians planned for West Second Street has sparked the ire of business owners in Signature Plaza and residents in nearby neighborhoods.

Donations needed for county animal shelter remodel

The Flathead County Animal Shelter is very excited to announce the dog kennel renovations are underway. These renovations will allow the shelter dogs to have approximately double the space in their kennels and will also allow the dogs to be outside, getting fresh air, while living in the shelter awaiting adoption. These renovations include guillotine doors that allow closure of the kennels to the outside during extreme temperatures. 

Pilot launches new mobile-friendly website

Born in the 70s, raised in the 90s. Today’s thirty-somethings have never been an easy demographic to pin down as belonging to any one social generation.

City seeks more input on downtown plan

Wanting more input on what the future of downtown should look like, Whitefish City Council has decided to hold off on approving an update to the downtown master plan. Instead, a community information session will be held in January where the city hopes to receive more public feedback on the proposed changes.

Dogs, horses, parking issues highlight Whitefish Trail meeting

What better time to evaluate the Whitefish Trail than after a great season of hiking, biking and exploring the lands surrounding Whitefish.

Knox and Bastian married

Victoria Anne Bastian and Kyle Collins Knox were married July 27 at Whitefish Assembly of God Church. The ceremony was performed by Youth Pastor Roy McDaniels.

Yacko and Kuntz engaged

Al and Shelle Kuntz, of Whitefish, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jaime Kuntz, to Kurt Yacko, son of Nick Yacko, of Costa Mesa, Calif., and Bruce and Grace Conklin, of Costa Mesa.

Whitefish Walkers

County seniors need new facility

Recently, I attended an RSVP committee meeting at the Red Barn and due to the office where we were to meet being so small we had to move to the dining area where the seniors sit to have lunch.

Robin Rice (Villaran)

The Lord called one of his earthbound angels home on Nov. 14, 2013.

Neighbors' concerns ignored

We live on Meadowlark Lane half a block east and below Tamarck Ridge which is a new area John Collins and his son Ian plan to develop.

The Met opera crowd tops 100

More than 100 opera lovers enjoyed a stunning broadcast of “Tosca” through The Met: Live in HD program at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Police calls: Burglar gets away with $1 bill

Muldown report cards no longer use letter grades

Muldown Elementary students and parents will notice a change in report cards when they are mailed out later this month. Traditional letter grades have been replaced in favor of a standards-based grading system.

Twins install 13,000 feet of garland

Over the past two weekends, the Glacier Twins American Legion Baseball players have installed almost 13,000 feet of evergreen Christmas garland at businesses and homes in and around Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

WHS athletes named Academic All-State

Dozens of Whitefish High School athletes have been named Academic All-State qualifiers by the Montana Coaches Association.

Downtown brewery plans expansion

Brewery to up production by 50 percent

Six-packs of Great Northern Brewing Company’s line of craft beers have been flying off grocery store shelves this year at an unprecedented rate.

Front Page Splash

WFP Front Page

Adopt a family with "Magic of Christmas" program

Rotary Club of Whitefish is organizing its 33rd annual “Magic of Christmas” program to help children in need during the holidays.

Christmas tree permits now available

Christmas tree permits from the Flathead National Forest are available for $5 each from Forest Service offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Bigfork, or in Whitefish at the Cenex Zip Trip convenience store on U.S. 93 South.

Upset bid comes up short for spikers

The Whitefish volleyball team had Columbia Falls on the ropes but couldn’t deliver the knock-out punch.

City asks to ban gas motors on Whitefish River

Gas-powered boats may soon be banned from a stretch of the Whitefish River that runs through town.

The 'Powder River Gang'

John Henry “Gatling Gun” Parker had earned his moniker by providing the covering fire for Teddy Roosevelt's immortal assault on San Juan Hill.  Nearly twenty years later his six-feet three-inch frame made him an easy target while charging at the head of his command, the 362nd U.S. Infantry.  As the heroic Parker went down with a wound, behind him came the cries “Powder River!”  “Powder River!”  Colonel Parker's regiment, made up nearly entirely of men from Montana and known as the “Powder River Gang,” emerged from World War I as one of the most remarkable military units of that great conflict.

Septic plan lays out options to protect Whitefish Lake

A proposed wastewater management plan could set a path for how the city deals with failing septic systems around Whitefish Lake.

Whitefish soccer leads in All-Conference honors

Whitefish soccer led the league with 16 players selected to the boys and girls Northwest A All-Conference teams.

$8 million rescue helicopter takes flight

Nearly three years into its existence and after several delays, Two Bear Air has announced the arrival of its long-awaited custom Bell 429 rescue helicopter.

Changing lives through literacy

Imagine not being able to read a map, a job posting or a prescription drug label. How about your own child’s report card or a past-due notice from the phone company.

Police calls: Phone calls from jail are expensive

Avalanche center readies for early winter

The Flathead National Forest avalanche center typically begins posting advisories in early December, but snow is piling up in the backcountry and users could see initial reports far sooner.

Hail Mary ends Bulldog playoff run

The No. 1 seed Belgrade Panthers mounted a late-game comeback to escape with a 27-20 victory over No. 2 seed Whitefish in the State A football quarterfinals Saturday at Belgrade.

Defense claims government conspired against newlywed

Premeditation charge could hinge on blindfold theory

Columbia Falls men charged in deer poaching cases

Four men from Columbia Falls have been charged in a series of poaching incidents last year where 19 deer were shot and left to waste near Whitefish.

Disturbed by treatment of county's seniors

I was deeply disturbed after reading the write up in recent newspapers the Lapps’ proposal that the Flathead County Commissioners sign a two-year lease on the Red Barn that the Lapps own and have been renting to the Agency on Aging.

Man re-sentenced for 2011 shooting incident

A 36-year-old former Columbia Falls man was re-sentenced Oct. 4 for a shooting incident two years ago in Columbia Falls.

Mona Gulbranson

Mona Lisa Boushie Gulbranson, 55, died Nov. 5, 2013, at her home in Martin City.

Whitefish area whitetail poachers charged

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens have charged four individuals with numerous counts of wildlife violations related to whitetail deer poaching in 2012.

Veterans have made huge sacrifices

The voice of the veteran is important and needs to be heard. While active duty service members should remain politically neutral, those who have taken the oath to defend the Constitution have a duty to speak out to defend the very freedoms that they swore to protect.

Obama talks about the economy

The following remarks were made by President Barack Obama at the Port of New Orleans on Friday, Nov. 8.

Flu season arrives in the Flathead

Flu season has hit Montana with Flathead and Gallatin counties reporting influenza cases.

Montana Tea Party responds to Bohlinger's comments

On Nov. 4, former Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger announced his candidacy for the Montana U.S. Senate seat in next year’s election. Today, Bohlinger told Chuck Johnson, Lee Newspaper Capital Bureau Chief, that his decision to run was driven by last month’s federal government shutdown, which he blamed on the “Tea Party Taliban.”

Veterans Day surprise from Congress

In a few days, Americans will observe Veterans Day. Some will observe it with a day off from work or checking out the special Veterans Day sales that will be held in department stores. But the real meaning of the day should be to think about the great sacrifices of the men and women who deserve to be honored. Instead, these same honorable men and women may be dishonored by a Congressional vote next week on the Furthering Asbestos Claims Transparency (FACT) Act.

Remembering Veterans Day

The members of American Legion Auxiliary Columbia Falls Unit 72 would like to express our sincere appreciation for the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Bohlinger announces he will run for U.S. Senate

Former Republican Montana Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger announced Nov. 5 that he will run next year as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate.

New rescue helicopter arrives in the Flathead

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Two Bear Air announced Nov. 7 the arrival of the much-anticipated Bell 429 rescue helicopter.

Donald Veidt

Donald Lewis Veidt, 89, passed away Nov. 1, 2013, at Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle.

Crow Nation should be heard in coal export debate

When it comes to developing our energy resources, Montanans have grown accustomed to the federal government getting in the way. But as coal development projects in the state move forward, the latest roadblock is coming from right here in Montana.

Addressing mental illness

We have another tragedy concerning the mentally ill in the killing of young Steven Henning.

Daines announces run for U.S. Senate

The following statement was made by Republican Congressman Steve Daines when he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Nov. 6 in Bozeman;

Three troublesome grizzlies captured and killed

It was a quiet season until October

Ream recruited to UGF cheerleading team

Jessica Ream, a 2013 graduate of Columbia Falls High School, was recruited by the University of Great Falls Cheerleading Team and will receive a cheer scholarship.

Kats scratch Lady Bulldogs on Halloween

Look for Cats to run against Havre

Teen hunter survives big October storm

Outdoor news

Former Park biologist claims staff warned about shuttle buses

Climate change and crowds tough on harlequins

Recalling World War I's 'Powder River Gang'

John Henry “Gatling Gun” Parker had earned his moniker by providing the covering fire for Teddy Roosevelt’s immortal assault on San Juan Hill. Nearly 20 years later, his six-feet three-inch frame made him an easy target while charging at the head of his command, the 362nd U.S. Infantry.

C-Falls Veterans Day assembly scheduled

The National Honor Society of Columbia Falls High School will present the annual Veterans Day Assembly in the Columbia Falls High school gymnasium on Monday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 a.m. Seating will begin at 10 a.m.

Lovering is front runner in C-Falls election

Columbia Falls City Council candidate Jenny Lovering was the front-runner in official results from the Nov. 5 municipal election. There were five candidates for three seats on the city council.

Quiet election shifts makeup of city council

There were no yard signs, no election mailers and not a single letter to the editor printed about the slate of council candidates in this year’s city election. Even the Whitefish Chamber’s council candidate debate was canceled due to a lack of interest.

Major donation boosts school music department

The Whitefish School District music program received a significant boost from an anonymous donor this week.

Whitefish gets rematch with Belgrade

Whitefish travels to Belgrade (7-2, 4-0) on Saturday for a Class A quarterfinal playoff game. The winner advances to the semis to take on Dillon or Laurel.

Whitefish featured in new Warren Miller ski flick

When the 64th Warren Miller ski flick “Ticket to Ride” makes its Whitefish debut this month, more than a few segments will be quite familiar to local skiers and snowboarders.

Working-class musician Mike Murray releases new record

At one point in his young career, Whitefish musician Mike Murray was so sure he needed to be in Nashville, Tenn., he all but moved his family 2,000 miles across the country. Countless other musicians had cut their teeth working the live venues along the Music City riverfront — Murray was ready to be the next.

Zinke distances himself from PAC

(AP) — Congressional candidate Ryan Zinke says he has distanced himself from the political action committee he helped launch now that he is running for office.

Dogs truck past Butte Central in first round

Receiver Jed Nagler found an opening, quarterback Luke May lobbed a perfectly timed pass over the middle, and with a single play Whitefish was off and running to its first Class A football playoff win at home in a decade.

Police calls: Aggressive St. Bernard charges mail carrier

Lip balm company denied use of school building

The Whitefish Independent High School building on Park Avenue has housed a plethora of businesses and organizations over the past 60 years. It’s been used as a church, a physician’s office, a day care and now a school, to name a few.

Hunting numbers remain strong near Olney

Hunters in northwest Montana continue to have limited success thus far this season.

FREEFLOW students assist with study on Viking Creek

Whitefish Lake Institute and a group of Whitefish High School students recently collaborated on a water quality study on Viking Creek.

Spikers open divisional tourney against Columbia Falls

The Whitefish volleyball team opens the Northwest A Divisional Tournament on Friday with a tough draw.

Whitefish angler reels in $5,000 trout

The most lucrative fish ever caught in the 11-year history of the tribally sponsored Mack Days fishing tournament came ashore last month, netting a Whitefish angler $5,000.

Whitefish man sentenced on heroin charge

A Whitefish man who admitted selling heroin to an informant just eight days after being released on house arrest in another case has been given a four-year sentence.

Pavilion planned to increase learning on Whitefish Trail

While orchestrating a high school field trip on the Whitefish Trail this past spring, I was amazed by the abundance of learning opportunities within a short walk from the trailhead.

Rams drop Lady Dogs in soccer championship

The juggernaut that is the Billings Central girls soccer team proved to be too much for the Lady Bulldogs.

California shooting victim had multiple run-ins with police

The 32-year-old Whitefish man shot and killed by northern California law enforcement last month reportedly had multiple run-ins with police during the week leading up to the fatal shooting.

Students run for their lives in Halloween Howl

Whitefish Middle School students ran through the school’s gym last week like ghosts and goblins might be chasing them.

Three Grizzly Bears Captured and Euthanized

Three grizzly bears were captured by Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Grizzly Bear Biologists and euthanized with the assistance of local veterinarians, according to FWP Grizzly Bear Management Specialist Tim Manley. The bears had become food-conditioned and caused conflicts resulting in property damage and in one case, lots of dead chickens.

Montana's energy industry supports economic growth

Our nation has dug itself into a debt problem. Years of going without any national budget whatsoever have taken their toll. When you don’t plan for how to spend, you overspend — every teenager with his first job knows that.

Leo Nigg

Leo Simon Nigg, 85, died on Nov. 1, 2013.

Ronald Bronson

Ronald A. Bronson, 79, passed away at his Kalispell residence on Nov. 1, 2013.

Salvation Army gears up for the holidays

The Salvation Army is looking for individuals, groups or organizations to ring the bells during their annual Christmas Kettle Season from Nov. 22 through Christmas. For more information, contact Bob Blake at 257-4357.

Fire destroys trailer home

Muzzleloader hunter kills big ram

Deer and elk harvest remains slow

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that the number of deer and elk checked at the six Northwest Montana game stations has been slower than last season.

The shutdown

Marion murderer's parole denied

Brian Winters

Brian Lee Winters, 45, of Columbia Falls, passed away Sept. 22, 2013.

Local roller derby action kicks off Nov. 16

Flathead Valley Roller Derby’s Misfits will hold their first home bout this season at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade Center on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m., taking on Snakepit, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Snow coming to the local mountain ranges

Weather forecasters call for up to a foot of snow in the mountains of Northwest Montana on Sunday, as a cold front moves across the region.

Snow storm to pound Whitefish mountains

Up to a foot of snow could fall in the mountains of Northwest Montana this weekend as a cold front moves across the region.

Spawning surveys show positive results

City considers boat restrictions on Whitefish River

Whitefish City Council will consider a resolution Monday that could lead to a six-mile stretch of the Whitefish River being limited to manually-powered watercraft or those with small electric motors.

Helping patients navigate through breast cancer

'Autumn Giants' is theme for GSC's November concerts

Commissioners approve new districts for themselves

Mining giant acquires B.C. lands for conservation

Coal export restrictions hurt Montana's economy

When it comes to developing our energy resources, Montanans have grown accustomed to the federal government getting in the way. But as coal development projects in the state move forward, the latest roadblock is coming from right here in Montana. On a recent visit to the Crow Indian Nation, we learned how local opposition to coal exports is impacting one of the poorest communities in the state.

Outdoor news

Park Conservancy retail store

Hunters' time to shine, we hope

It’s fall. If you’re a hunter, this is your time. Your time to enjoy crisp mornings on a ridge as dawn breaks, to take in evenings at camp around a fire under a shimmering night sky, to put meat on the table.

Newlywed wanted to keep cops at bay

Documents unsealed in Glacier Park murder case

Inflation is the last thing we need

“Some economists say more inflation is just what the American economy needs to escape from a half-decade of sluggish growth and high unemployment,” the New York Times reports.

Commission member rebuts op-ed on CSKT water compact

The following opinion piece is a rebuttal to a recent column written by Sen. Verdell Jackson, R-Kalispell, about the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact.