Ellington

Give power of Senate appointments back to the people

With the departure of Max Baucus from the U.S. Senate, Montana's longest serving statewide elected official is Ed Smith.

Dogs sniff out invasive species

For all those frightened by the prospect of Montana’s lakes getting coated with nonnative mussels and wondering how the aquatic invaders can be stopped, help may be on the way from one of man’s best friends — dogs.

In support of Phil Mitchell for commissioner

I have known Flathead County Commissioner candidate Phil Mitchell a long time. His tireless efforts on behalf of the community and its people have been remarkable.

Voisin family thanks community for support

Now that the Olympics are over and Maggie is making her way home, Kristin and I would like to thank the community for the support we received from everyone.

West Seventh rebuild slated for 2015

Reconstruction of West Seventh Street has been tabbed as Whitefish’s next resort tax funded street reconstruction project.

New director of WCVB keeps focus on geotraveler

With a background in marketing geotourism and a love for the outdoors, Dylan Boyle was a natural fit to take over leadership of the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau.

Whitefish grad crowned Miss Montana Collegiate

Whitefish’s Klaire Taylor will represent Montana in the Miss Collegiate America Pageant this July in Orlando, Fla.

Seasonal flight to Portland begins June 9

Alaska Airlines will offer direct flights between Portland, Ore., and Kalispell beginning this summer.

Whitefish rejects planned resort zoning

Whitefish has rejected a proposed zoning district intended for high-density resort development.

Grant boosts effort to lure new direct flights

The Flathead County Economic Development Authority has thrown its support behind a group of business and community leaders working to expand air service to the Flathead Valley.

Police calls: Fancy coffee and sleeping bag found

Anonymous buyer to purchase Independent High School building

An undisclosed buyer has put in an offer to purchase the Whitefish Independent High School building.

Assessment pinpoints areas to improve local health care

Hospitals in the Flathead Valley are creating plans to address areas were medical service may be lacking after conducting a countywide heathcare assessment.

Ski patrol announces scholarship winners

The Big Mountain Ski Patrol Inc. at Whitefish Mountain Resort is pleased to announce the 2014 recipients of their Community Scholarship Program.

No justification for non-motorized river

The Whitefish City Council built support for their non-motorized proposal for the Whitefish River based on exaggerated claims that there was considerable motorboat use and that much of it violated the no-wake rules and caused safety concerns and stream bank erosion. 

Lady Dogs meet Polson in divisional tourney

The Whitefish girls basketball team was held without a field goal in a tough 46-14 loss Saturday at Polson.

Peitzsch takes lead at avalanche center

For avalanche forecaster Erich Peitzsch, a day at the office could mean miles on a snowmobile, miles on skis and 3,000 to 5,000 feet of climbing. A “big” day could mean 7,000 feet.

Munski-Feenan family grateful

The family of June Munski-Feenan would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and condolences. Along with those who helped us remember and celebrate her life.

McIntosh and King married

Kaycee Lynn King and Tobin Lee McIntosh were married July 27 at Apgar Amphitheater at Glacier National Park. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. John Bent of Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

ATP holds auditions for 'Pippin'

Alpine Theatre Project will hold auditions for its upcoming production of “Pippin” March 3 at 4:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. The production is the spring session of its Alpine Kids Theatre Project arts education program for local high school students.

Thought of the day

Here’s my thought for the day.

Snowboarder partially buried in Skook Chutes avalanche

A snowboarder was partially buried by an avalanche Tuesday, Feb. 25 in the Canyon Creek drainage just beyond the Whitefish Mountain Resort boundary.

Fireworks season shortened, fines increased

Whitefish took steps last week to crack down on nuisance fireworks.

Olympian Maggie Voisin gets warm welcome home

Whitefish freeskier Maggie Voisin rode a fire truck down Central Avenue on Tuesday as hundreds cheered, held homemade signs and welcomed the teen home from the Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Ski resort considers change to uphill policy after close call

Whitefish Mountain Resort is considering a change to its uphill travel policy after two skiers were caught in a closed area where ski patrol was using avalanche explosives.

BNSF plans to upgrade tanker fleet after accidents

BNSF Railway Co. said Thursday it intends to buy a fleet of 5,000 strengthened tank cars to haul oil and ethanol in a move that would set a higher benchmark for safety within an industry that's seen multiple major accidents.

Osweiler among NFL players to attend Winter Classic

The annual Winter Classic returns to Whitefish on March 6-9. The charity event features well-known college and NFL football players, and raises money to assist Northwest Montana families with pediatric medical-related costs not covered by insurance.

Residents keep watch on yearly ice patterns

Man searches for Whitefish Lake freeze, thaw history

DECA to send 29 to international meet

Thespians best in state, again

Lady Dogs look to take on Polson

Dogs fall short against Wildcats

The Whitefish boys basketball team was outscored in every quarter of their rematch with rival Columbia Falls on Saturday as the Wildcats rolled to a 74-52 victory at home.

Wrestlers finish season at state

Instruction influences school design

Snowmobiler triggers Canyon Creek avalanche

A snowmobiler triggered an avalanche Feb. 15 in the Canyon Creek drainage near Whitefish Mountain Resort that partially buried four people.

Calgary skier dies in tree-well accident

Avalanche danger rated 'high' near Glacier

Heavy snowfall, rain and strong wind gusts have elevated avalanche danger in the mountains near Whitefish.

Anderson leads Dogs past Libby

Whitefish picked up its third consecutive league win Thursday behind a strong performance from senior Garrett Anderson.

Skaters make push for year-round ice

Riding the wave of hype surrounding the Winter Games, a local ice skating club is gearing up for a big push to bring year-round skating to Whitefish.

Freeskier Voisin vows 'I'll be back'

Maggie Voisin of Whitefish didn’t come all this way to let a fractured leg keep her from experiencing the Olympics.

Fireworks fines may skyrocket

Whitefish is considering a significant bump to the minimum fine for fireworks violations.

FWP wants public input on non-motorized river designation

Local Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials would like public input on the proposal for a non-motorized designation for a stretch of the Whitefish River that runs through town.

Dogs send 8 to state wrestling tourney

The Bulldogs will send eight wrestlers to the Class A state tournament this Friday in Billings.

Seventh Street rebuild up for discussion

The rural feel of West Seventh Street is poised for a big change next year.

Valentine show benefits mission to Ecuador

A Valentine’s Day variety show this Friday will offer a celebration of the holiday along with the chance to support a mission trip to Ecuador.

Glacier Park navigates leadership changes

Glacier National Park continues to be in transition as new leaders and supporting organizations prepare for a busy summer season that is quickly approaching.

Study looks at bicycle tourism in Montana

A new report finds great opportunities for small towns in Montana to earn money from tourists who pass through on bicycles, but the state’s narrow roads and speeding vehicles might need to be addressed first.

Ski crowds expected for holiday weekend

Expect another round of tourists in Whitefish this weekend with two big holidays falling on Monday.

Restoring America to what it once was

Rash of car break-ins reported Monday

Show some pride in our town

I was born and raised in Whitefish and have nothing but fond memories of Whitefish Winter Carnival. In fact, watching the parade every winter was one of the highlights of my childhood.

Eighth-graders invited to WHS orientation

The excitement is building among Whitefish High School’s staff and students in anticipation of welcoming next year’s incoming freshman class. The Class of 2018 will reap the benefits of innovative efforts gaining momentum at WHS, including the excitement of moving into the new high school in the fall of 2014.

Stairs connect path to new bridge

New stairs will be installed on the new Second Street bridge to connect the bike and pedestrian path at Kay Beller Park to Miles Avenue.

Nelson, Gulick to enter WHS hall of fame

Whitefish High School will induct two new members into the Bulldog Hall of Fame this Saturday at 7 p.m. between basketball games against Columbia Falls.

Emergency crews responded to 409 false alarms last year

Citing a concern for public and officer safety, Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial is asking City Council to pass changes that would result in a fine for false-alarm reports.

Whitefish freeskier Maggie Voisin out of Olympics

Whitefish freestyle skier Maggie Voisin is out of the Olympics due to an ankle injury suffered during training for ski slopestyle on Friday. Doctors have deemed she will not recover in time for Tuesday's competition.

Bullock names Walsh to the U.S. Senate

Gov. Steve Bullock appointed Lt. Gov. John Walsh on Feb. 7 to represent Montana in the U.S. Senate.

Zinke gains attention after calling Clinton the 'anti-Christ'

Ryan Zinke, a Republican candidate for Montana’s congressional seat, stirred up a bit of national attention because of his recent reference to Hillary Clinton as the “anti-Christ” at a Bigfork campaign gathering.

Brewery decides to cancel Beer Barter

The popular Beer Barter will not be part of this Saturday’s Whitefish Winter Carnival celebrations after all.

Volunteers hope to increase blood donations in Whitefish

Every 27 minutes someone in Montana needs blood. On average, a car accident victim requires three pints of blood. Less than 10 percent of the U.S. population eligible to donate blood actually does so each year.

City approves permit for Whitefish Beer Barter

Whitefish’s popular Beer Barter will go on as planned this Saturday following the Winter Carnival parade.

Construction and home sales up in Whitefish

Nearly 200 homes sold last year

Whitefish posted strong results in 2013 for new home construction and residential sales, with both numbers increasing to their highest totals in eight years.

Craft posts career night in loss

Simone Craft had a career night for the Whitefish girls basketball team in a 71-39 loss to Frenchtown at home.

T'ai chi classes a fun way to stay healthy

David Calebretta begins his t’ai chi classes by passing out handfuls of dark chocolate chips. There’s no official connection between the Chinese martial art and chocolate, but Calebretta likes breaking the ice with his students in a tasty way.

Registration for hunter education classes

Hunter education classes have been scheduled for a number of communities in northwest Montana.

Montana women in history

Young Belle Winestine described suffragist Jeanette Rankin as “magnetic,” with an “illuminous quality,” and quoted another observer of the charismatic Rankin as like a “young panther ready to spring.”

Meet the artists behind the Whitefish Trail

At the Beaver Lakes trailhead, Greg Gunderson and David Noftsinger mount new signs on the kiosk.

Bulldogs ready for divisional wrestling

Whitefish showed some fight at a trio of Northwestern A wrestling duals last week as the Bulldogs ready for the divisional tourament this weekend in Libby.

Progress, change at our schools

We toured the new high school last week and both came away amazed at the space. It made us want to be a student again.

Little Guy wrestling begins Feb. 17

The Whitefish Little Guy wrestling program begins Feb. 17.

Dogs get 'biggest win of year' at Frenchtown

The Whitefish boys basketball team seems to have found a winning formula.

Police calls: Underage party busted

Robert “Bob” Lloyd DePratu

Robert “Bob” Lloyd DePratu, 74, passed away on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at the North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, with his family by his side.

Lucille Lucetta Schmoldt

Lucille Lucetta Schmoldt, 83, passed away Jan. 29, 2014 in Cody, Wyo.

Youth skiers make podium in blizzard conditions

Five local alpine ski racers produced excellent results in blizzard conditions at the Youth Ski League slaloms held at Red Lodge Jan. 25-26.

Robert Wesley “Bob” Pilote

Robert Wesley “Bob” Pilote passed peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 28, in Lewistown at age 68.

Respected community leader DePratu dies at 74

Whitefish has lost another of its esteemed community leaders.

Benkelman earns first at state speech meet

Sophomore Sam Benkelman earned a state championship medal in expository speaking, leading the Bulldogs at the Class A Speech, Debate and Drama Tournament Saturday in Hamilton.

Margaret Marie Turnquist

Margaret Marie Turnquist passed away Oct. 17, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Atheist group appeals Jesus statue decision

A Wisconsin-based atheist group has filed a 60-page brief outlining its appeal of a federal district court decision that allowed a statue of Jesus to remain on Big Mountain.