Ellington

'Days-long stagnation event' to impact air quality

While skiers hitting the slopes should enjoy plenty of sun and blue sky this week, worker bees in the valley are likely to be stuck in frozen and stinky soup.

Pilot Editorial: Council faces steep hill to start New Year

A thick fog of uncertainty greets Whitefish City Council when they reconvene Monday for the first meeting of the New Year.

Snowpack still below average

It may have been a snowy week in the Flathead and Glacier National Park, but the snowpack in the mountains is still below average for this time of year.

Distillery brings new flavor to downtown Whitefish

With the opening of the new Spotted Bear Spirits in Whitefish, the downtown scene has expanded in both flavor and charm.

Top-5 Whitefish news stories of 2015

A look back at the top news stories of 2015.

Looking ahead to 2016 in Whitefish schools

Looking ahead to 2016 provides an opportunity to reflect on what we do in Whitefish Schools.

New snowmobile trail pass funds grooming

It’s a daunting task local snowmobile clubs are up against each winter. There are 4,000 miles of groomed trail across the state and it’s their efforts that keep them in prime condition for public enjoyment.

Land Board OKs Haskill deal

The state Land Board has approved a conservation easement on Haskill Basin.

Police calls: Child left inside running vehicle

Whitefish Police calls Dec. 21 to 27

Holiday crowds hit the slopes

The 4 p.m. traffic off Big Mountain Road on Monday gave a clear indication of just how busy Whitefish Mountain Resort has been this Christmas week. A line of cars snaked down Wisconsin Avenue, over the viaduct and clear across town as happy skiers headed home from a day on the slopes.

Program prepares students for transition to adult life

Is it OK to wear sunglasses to a job interview and text on your phone the whole time? Or is it better to come dressed in nice clothes and shake hands with the interviewer while introducing yourself?

Patty O'Rork Higgins

Patty O’Rork Higgins, 65, passed from this world Dec. 17, 2015 at 12:45 a.m. at her home in Columbia Falls surrounded with love from her friends and sister. Patty was born in Piora Illinois Sept. 17, 1950 to Dave and Bonnie O’Rork.

WTC auditions for 'The Winning Streak'

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for a Black Curtain Theatre production of “The Winning Streak” on Sunday, Jan. 3 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Top Whitefish sports stories of 2015

A 36-year championship drought was snapped on the final play of a thrilling State A title game. Is there really any debate about the top sports moment of the year?

Rep. Zinke explains vote on spending bill

Yes; I voted for the 2,000-page spending bill which funds the government next year, known as the Omnibus. Yes; my staff and I read it. And yes; it was a difficult vote. I assure you, the easy thing to do in these situations is vote no. It’s easy to vote no. But before judgement is delivered, you deserve to hear the reasoning behind my decision.

Ski with Maggie

Whitefish native leads research in blast wounds

Dr. Jonathan Forsberg has seen first-hand the toll of war.

Six Bulldogs named to elite Shrine Game roster

Bulldog football will be well represented at the elite East-West Shrine Game.

Police calls: Woman more than just a friend

Quimby leads Whitefish wrestling at Buzz Lucey

Whitefish 285-pound senior Steven Quimby took home an individual championship to lead the Bulldogs at the Buzz Lucey Memorial wrestling tournament Saturday in Eureka.

It's time to raise the minimum wage

As a candidate for House District 5, Whitefish, I am in support of increasing the minimum wage to the level of $11 an hour subsequent to the next legislative session, one year from now. 

County mulls rural Whitefish zoning

With a final round of public comment taken last week, the Flathead County commissioners now must decide what changes, if any, they will make before adopting the Rural Whitefish Zoning District and five new county zoning classifications for the Whitefish area.

Federal spending bill boosts Park Service budget

A massive spending bill that passed Congress last week will give the Park Service a boost in its centennial year, but didn’t get support from Montana’s senators. The $1.12 trillion spending bill for 2016 includes a 4 percent increase for the Park Service, a $94 million increase.

Glacier upgrades backcountry permit system

The advance reservation system for backcountry camping in Glacier National Park is being upgraded and changed for 2016.

Dogs can't overcome sluggish start against AA Flathead

A slow start buried Whitefish’s chances in a 55-38 nonconference loss Friday at Flathead High School.

Swimmers pick up pace as records fall

Ten school records were broken by Whitefish swimmers at the Great Falls Invitational meet Saturday.

Put down the phone, reconnect with the real world

What do clothes, education, and cell phones have in common? They’re all essential to a teenager’s life. 

Senator: Let's all play by the same rules

The State Administration and Veterans Affairs Interim Committee has oversight of the Commissioner of Political Practices. Candidates file their election forms with this office and follow the rules for fair campaigning. Many refer to the job as the “election cop.”

State auctions lakefront property

It’s a rare opportunity to own a sliver of Montana paradise. 

Lady Dogs measure up at Flathead

It was a loss, but Friday night proved to be another example of how much this Lady Bulldog basketball team has improved.

Loose lug nuts bring suit against tire store

Most customers of Les Schwab tire stores are familiar with the orange flyers placed inside the vehicle after a service or installation.

Ethelyn Lorraine Dalen

Ethelyn Lorraine Dalen, 94, of Whitefish passed away on Saturday morning Dec. 12, 2015 at The Springs in Whitefish with family at her side. She was born Sept. 3, 1921 in Whitewater to Gust and Luella (Reitan) Torgerson.

Ross named football Coach of the Year

An already remarkable year for Bulldog football keeps getting sweeter.

Three-story building OK'd on Second St.

A commercial and residential building planned for a vacant lot on East Second Street has received city approval. 

Balanced scoring lifts Lady Dogs in win

Whitefish sophomore Dani Douglas netted 17 points and seven other Lady Dogs put their name on the scoresheet Friday in a victory over Stevensville at the annual Northwest Southwest Tip Off Tournament in Missoula.

Wrestling second at Superior Invite

Whitefish wrestling continued its strong start to the season with a second-place finish at the Bob Kinney Invitational wrestling tournament on Saturday at Superior.

Police: Caught smoking in the boys room

Whitefish Police calls Dec. 7-13.

Plans OK'd for Baker business park

Whitefish City Council approved the plans for multiple buildings in a business park on Baker Avenue, but ignored requests to reconsider a previously denied zone change for the property. 

Latin-fusion Mama Blanca's open again

Ten years after its initial opening in Whitefish, Latin-fusion restaurant Mama Blanca’s is getting a second chance.

Whitefish Municipal Court log for November

Whitefish Municipal Court log.

Country songwriter Pfrimmer dies a 78

Prominent country music songwriter Don Pfrimmer, who grew up in Whitefish, died of leukemia Dec. 7 at his home in Nashville. He was 78.

Memorial wall spaces available at cemetery

Those who want to honor loved-ones who have passed away have another option at the Whitefish Cemetery. 

Whitefish speech nabs first at Polson meet

The Whitefish speech and debate team took first place at the Polson meet Saturday. 

Rep. Regier honored for DUI efforts

Two Montana lawmakers have been recognized by the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility for their efforts to promote responsible drinking during the legislative session earlier this year.

Council approves new parkland requirements

Whitefish is implementing new parkland dedication requirements for small plots of land with the intent of making the requirements more equitable. 

Bulldogs winless at Tip Off

Whitefish took three nonconference losses last week as the team continues to search for chemistry on a roster of new faces.

New commercial development surges in Whitefish

From the Highway 93 strip to downtown, signs of new commercial development in Whitefish are everywhere.

Shelter for homeless teens gets wide support

A shelter for homeless teenagers has received approval to operate out of a house on Colorado Avenue. 

Rural fire service rates increased

The city of Whitefish has entered into a revised interlocal agreement with the Whitefish Fire Service Area that will bring rural taxpayer bills for fire service more in-line with what is already paid by city taxpayers. 

Letterman chats with local journal

Brian Schott and his team of associate editors have churned out 18 editions of the Whitefish Review literary journal since it debuted nine years ago. It’s been an exhausting endeavor of love, often with little financial gain. 

Weekend storm elevates avalanche danger

Local forecasters are warning of elevated avalanche danger following Sunday’s storm that dumped more than two feet of new snow in the mountains around Whitefish.

State commission approves Haskill easement

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Thursday morning gave unanimous approval of a conservation easement for Haskill Basin that protects from development 3,020 acres of F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. property north of Whitefish.

Lady Dogs notch win to open hoops season

First-year coach Ben Johnson led the Gardiner High School girls to the Class C state championship last season before signing to coach the Lady Bulldogs.

Shop local, be 'Whitefish Proud'

The City of Whitefish is happy to announce “Whitefish Proud” — a campaign to inspire residents to do more of their business locally.

Kastella drops 20 as Dogs blast Lions

Derek Kastella poured in 20 points Friday as Whitefish buried Eureka 74-44 at home in the basketball season-opener.

Speech takes 2nd at home meet

Whitefish speech and debate team took second at its home tournament last week.

Railway touts strong safety record

At BNSF Railway, operating safely is the most important thing we do every day.

Shed that old skin

Moving to Montana? Great! Everyone is looking forward to having you as a new neighbor. Best to leave how you did whatever you did, behind. “When in Rome, Do As The Romans” works out here too. Don’t need to bring any aggressive defense mechanisms that are mandatory where you’re coming from. Folks are different out here. Doors are often unlocked, hearts always are. A helping hand does not have a knife in it to stab you in the back. Aggressive behavior isn’t required and be aware, it’ll sure make you stand out. You’re coming out here for the mountains, rivers, lakes, wildlife, the people and western way. Montana isn’t just in the west, IT IS THE WEST. You’ve seen the cowboy way. Come be part of it. A little laid back but it’s great. Don’t bring Miami, Norfolk, L.A., Chicago with you. We want you, not what you are leaving behind. So, leave it behind. Example: When someone makes a driving mistake, we don’t lay on the horn. They know they goofed. Plus, you’ll see each other later in town. Best to want to say, “Howdy” not duck away.

Wrestlers enter season with high expectations

Whitefish wrestling hit the mat this season with a strong foundation of returning grapplers who are expecting to raise the bar for the entire program.

Report: Whitefish Lake at 'tipping point'

Whitefish Lake is a community gathering place, an economic driver, part of the heritage, a source of drinking water, a scenic view, a place of recreation and so much more for Whitefish and its citizens.

Police calls: Dispute over TV remote gets physical

Monday, Nov. 30

Whitefish students attend Model UN Conference

While the United States urged Turkey and Russia to remain calm after Turkey shot down a Russian jet, an intrepid group of Whitefish High School students last month were occupied with the Syrian crisis and more at the 50th annual Model United Nations Conference at the University of Montana.

Report says pilot missed helipad before deadly crash

The National Transportation Safety Board says the pilot in a helicopter crash that killed two men at a California airport missed the portable helipad he was trying to land on.

Jack Pfrimmer

Jack Pfrimmer, 96, passed away Dec. 2, 2015.

Whitefish storyteller writes childrens book

Storytime with Dave Spangler is everything but idle.

City Hall, parking structure construction costs soar

An estimated $1.7 million budget shortfall is projected for the Whitefish City Hall and parking structure construction project, and city council remains undecided on how to tackle the issue.

Jim Peterson named businessman of the year

Jim Peterson’s favorite saying came from his dad — “Save a little cream for the next guy.”

7 trails, 5 lifts for ski season opener

Limited terrain and varied conditions will greet skiers and snowboarders Saturday for opening day of Whitefish Mountain Resort’s 68th winter season.

Adopt a family through Magic of Christmas program

The Rotary Club of Whitefish is sponsoring its 36th Magic of Christmas program to help children in need during the holidays.

Whitefish extends market season into winter Dec.15

The city of Whitefish is taking vendor applications for the first Whitefish Winter Market on Dec. 15 at the Roy Duff Memorial Armory.

No grooming at Stillwater Nordic this winter

For the first winter in a decade, Stillwater Nordic Center will not be grooming its cross-country ski trails. 

Bulldogs pile up All-State selections

The state champion Whitefish Bulldogs earned eight All-State selections this year, the most of any Class A football program.

Canadian recession, wildfires slow summer visitation

The 2015 summer tourism season in Whitefish was solid, but not nearly as strong as the year before. 

Police calls: Arguing with a bag of chips

Whitefish Police calls Nov. 23-29.

Speech and debate tops at Kalispell tourney

Whitefish speech and debate took the top spot among Class A, B and C schools in a close win Nov. 21 at the Kalispell tournament.

Installation of rammed piers up next for City Hall project

Sheet piling efforts will be wrapping up as construction activities at the new City Hall site enters the next phase this week.

Schulz, Ross earn All-State honors

Two Lady Bulldogs have earned All-State recognition for their play on the volleyball court this year.

Joyce Jewell Jensen

The dance band is playing a last waltz for Joyce Jewell Jensen, 90, of Hamilton, who passed away peacefully on Nov. 24, 2015. She was born on May 26, 1925 in Cambridge, Minn. to Henning and Olga (Jacobson) Joing, lovingly touching countless lives during her journey.

Concerns with proposed affordable housing project

For the record, the property owners of Rivers Edge at Whitefish would very much like to be in a position to support the affordable housing project being proposed for property along Highway 93, north of Les Schwab. We recognize workforce housing is a high priority for the City of Whitefish as was communicated so effectively at the Affordable Housing Summit in late September. 

Remedies spa lands in new downtown building

It’s noticeably quieter at Remedies Day Spa these days.

Sales promotion supports Glacier Park trail maintenance

Whitefish auto dealer Don Kaltschmidt has spent many summer afternoons trekking the high peaks and ridges of Glacier National Park.

Judgment denied in tree well death lawsuit

After hearing arguments from both sides, a judge has decided that it should be a jury that determines the final outcome of a lawsuit involving a 2010 tree well death at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Former Pilot editor Richard Hensley dies at 55

Former Whitefish Pilot editor Richard Hensley died Tuesday at his home in Florida. 

FWP stands behind Haskill Basin easements

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is recommending the completion of the South Whitefish Range Conservation Project, which includes conservation easements that would preserve more than 10,000 acres of F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. property from development.