Ellington

Deep pool of applicants for Whitefish School Board vacancy

Whitefish School District has fielded a deep pool of eight applicants to fill a vacancy on its school board.

Traffic delays of 2-3 hours on Sun Road

Visitors to Glacier National Park can expect long delays on the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road while crews continue to battle a wildfire burning on the east side of the Park.

Yvonne B. Holman

Yvonne B. Holman passed away on Monday, July 27, 2015.

Investigators say Glacier fire human caused

Fire investigators say initial evidence suggests the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park was human caused and the Park Service is seeking help from the public in tracking down any sightings of people in the area at the time of the fire.

Couple honored for native plant preservation

Gary and Mary Sloan have devoted their retirement years to tromping through the woods searching for native plants and bringing their

Police calls: Columbia Avenue egged

High school changes suspension policy

Whitefish High School is changing its discipline policy to keep suspended students on campus.

Edna Doyle

Edna Doyle, 88, of Belgrade, passed away at her home on July 18, 2015.

Baker Avenue offices to serve as temporary City Hall

The city of Whitefish offices will have a temporary home while the new City Hall building is being constructed downtown.

Classified workers reach agreement with school district

The Whitefish School District and the Classified Employee Association have agreed on a two-year collective bargaining agreement.

Cyclists escape fire, take refuge in Whitefish

A group of cyclists riding across the country found refuge in Whitefish after the Reynolds Creek Wildfire forced their evacuation from Glacier National Park.

Mystery author taps into career as investigator

After more than two decades of working fraud cases for the government, Marilyn Jax knows a thing or two about how a lengthy investigation unfolds.

Questions raised about formula used for parking assessment

Whitefish City Council officially gave notice last week of its intention to create a parking special improvement district to offset the cost of constructing a downtown parking garage.

Let's bring the fun back to Whitefish

It was 1980, the week after Labor Day and Whitefish was deserted, just like every year before.

Whitefish rejects petition for City Hall vote

The city of Whitefish has rejected a petition calling for a public vote on the City Hall project, a move that effectively kills the opposition’s effort to cap spending on the $14.95 million city facility and attached parking structure.

Rain dampens Glacier wildfire, access to Logan Pass expected July 29

The first major fire of the season wreaked havoc in Glacier National Park last week, but firefighters are cautiously optimistic they can contain the Reynolds Creek Fire and a semblance of normalcy can return to the Park.

Jacobson wins Senior Am golf title

Whitefish golfer Karen Jacobson rallied to win the Montana State Women’s Senior Amateur Championship last weekend at Canyon River Golf Club in Missoula.

Judge OK's gated community in Whitefish

A Whitefish subdivision will be allowed to close its roads to the public despite the city’s efforts to prohibit gated communities.

Twins take second at Western A

The Glacier Twins ‘A’ run to claim the Western A District title came up just short last week after falling to a hot Bitterroot Red Sox club twice in the double-elimination tournament at Polson.

15U All-Stars undefeated at state

The Glacier All-Stars won the Montana Babe Ruth 15U State Tournament on Sunday by defeating rival Kalispell 6-2 in the championship game.

Police calls: Downtown fight brewing with 'Jesus people'

Whitefish Police calls form July 13 to 19:

City increases Ice Den rental fees

A public hearing Monday on an increase in ice rental fees at the Stumptown Ice Den quickly slipped into users of the facility pleading their case to have an extended ice season.

Ice Den skating season capped at 8 months

The long-fought effort to bring summer skating to the Stumptown Ice Den has been put on ice, leaving a large contingent of local hockey players and figure skaters frustrated and scratching their heads.

Hospitals to study expanded collaboration

The two hospitals serving the Flathead Valley have created a joint task force to study how the facilities can expand on their collaborative efforts.

Yvonne Jingle

Yvonne Jingle went to be with the Lord Jesus on July 9, 2015.

Applause for City Hall, parking project

For a small city, there is a lot happening in Whitefish. Many of you are so busy enjoying the wonderful summer season, it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on at City Hall.

Barbara Brown

Barbara Brown, 87, a resident of Whitefish for 25 years, died on July 15, 2015 at The Springs at Whitefish. She had been in declining health for the past year.

School board seeks applicants to fill vacancy

The Whitefish School Board is looking for applicants to fill the vacancy left by the passing of trustee Pat Jarvi.

Helen Clark retires after more than two decades at VFW

Helen Clark is making her second attempt at retiring as manager of the bar at VFW Post 276 in Whitefish, but this time she is confident she’ll stay retired.

14U All-Stars take state championship

The Glacier Babe Ruth 14U baseball club — the same team that earned a trip to the Babe Ruth World Series last summer as 13-year-olds — is making another deep post-season run.

Recalling North Fork's Ben Rover

Hal Rover remembers his uncle Ben Rover as a “real gentile man who was a farmer and retailer” living in the North Fork of the Flathead River.

Scientists honored for lake research

Citing their research and advocacy efforts, Whitefish Lake Institute presented lifetime achievement awards last weekend to Dr. Jack Stanford and Dr. Bonnie Ellis.

Green hired as WMS Dean of Students

Curtis Green has been hired to take on the newly created Dean of Students position at Whitefish Middle School.

Police search for napper suspected of library break-in

The Whitefish Police Department is investigating a break-in at the Whitefish Library that occurred during the early morning hours of July 18.

Middle school tweaks policy on smartphones, leggings

Students at Whitefish Middle School will be allowed to use smartphones, iPads and other internet-based technology this coming school year in all classrooms.

Twins on tear heading into playoffs

The Glacier Twins A squad secured the top record in the conference after a strong finish to the regular season last week.

Whitefish kayaker found safe on Kootenai

Search and rescue teams in Lincoln County were dispatched July 16 to search for a Whitefish kayaker who missed his take-out point while floating the Kootenai River near Libby.

Donated property to become city park

A property on West Eighth Street has been donated to Whitefish for use as a city park.

Caller concerned about dogs left in hot car

Whitefish Police calls from July 6-13:

Jacobs appointed new Whitefish city attorney

Angela Jacobs has been appointed as the new Whitefish city attorney.

Walk the beat with a bucket

I am a longtime resident of this city and a senior citizen. In the last week, I and my bucket of soapy water have cleaned the graffiti off the bus stop windows by Safeway, two concrete walls and three signs.

City assists downtown hotel with streetscaping

Developers of a downtown hotel will receive a boost of public funding to help pay for enhanced sidewalks and streetscaping around the building.

Microdistillery OK'd for Wisconsin Avenue

A new microdistillery has been given the OK to open on Wisconsin Avenue.

Dr. Richard Owen Petty

Dr. Richard Owen Petty, son to Dr. Russell B. and Lucille O. Petty, passed away peacefully in company of family members and close friends returning to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on June 30, 2015.

New Whitefish thrift store opens doors

Holly Behm and Crystal Donovan have always enjoyed hunting through thrift stores looking for a great buy. For years they talked about opening a store of their own, but it was the death of a friend that made them realize it was time.

Taking issue with Johnny-come-latelys

Decisions are not made in a vacuum. We elect our city council to gather information, engage experts, provide a public process and sort through the facts to determine the best course of action.  

Breaking down the $14.9M City Hall / parking project

A breakdown of the construction costs for the new Whitefish City Hall and parking structure.

Whitefish's Anderson named new Columbia Falls hoops coach

A Whitefish attorney with a passion for basketball has been tapped to coach the Columbia Falls boys basketball team.

Unfounded dissent for City Hall project

Whitefish is a great city and community, fortunate with its locale, scenery, and citizens who contribute to our overall wellbeing.

Bob Gesek

Bob Gesek, 88, passed away July 8 at the Columbia Falls Veterans Home. Bob was born in Spokane, Wash., on March 28, 1927 to Arthur Gesek and Agnes Brinks.

Forum looks at improving local government

Both praises and frustrations with the city were publicly aired last week at a forum asking residents to share their thoughts on the good, bad and sometimes ugly aspects of local government.

Whitefish plans zoning lawsuit against county

Whitefish will likely file a lawsuit against Flathead County following a decision by county commissioners to rezone farmland in the former “doughnut” area east of city limits.

Median price for a home in Whitefish tops $300,000

The median price for a home in Whitefish has crested the $300,000 mark for the first time since the housing market crashed.

Twins win Sapa-Johnsrud baseball tourney

The Glacier Twins A hammered the Spokane Cannons 9-1 to take the title at the annual Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament in Whitefish.

Baker bridge closed to traffic through July 16

The Baker Avenue bridge will be closed for four days beginning Monday morning for repairs. Work will wrap up on Thursday, July 16.

Whitefish runners strong at Missoula Marathon

Whitefish was represented by a strong contingent of runners at Sunday’s Missoula Marathon, one of the largest races in the state.

Donald Conat

Donald C. Conat, a resident of Keizer, Oregon, for over 23 years, passed away on June 20, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends and the wonderful staff at Avamere Court at Keizer.

Man faces second felony assault charge

A Whitefish man is facing his second felony assault with a weapon charge of the past six months.

Another 66 condos planned for Monterra development

Another 66 units are proposed to be built at the Monterra condominium development on the south end of Whitefish.

Krystle Marie Gilchrist

On Jan. 25, 2015 our beloved Krystle Marie Gilchrist “Bunky” joined our Heavenly Father. She was 28 years old.

Never too late to make the right decision

Carol and I have lived in and loved Whitefish for 30 years. I’ve been actively involved in fundraising and philanthropy, most visibly as Old Man Walking for the Whitefish Performing Arts Center and more recently as Older Man Walking for the Whitefish High School greenhouse.

Jarvi instilled in children a passion for reading

I met Pat Jarvi, for the second time, about four years ago when I began working as a reporter at the Whitefish Pilot.

Glacier Rim fire jumps the line

Stoked by high winds the night of July 4, the Glacier Rim fire slopped over containment lines on its south and southwest flank, growing another 20 acres.

Appeals Court considers 'Big Mountain Jesus' case

Glacier Park goats show resilience

They’ve endured blizzards, wind, rain and hail storms, dodged avalanches and negotiated cliffs and crags that would make a seasoned mountaineer take pause, but 24 mountain goats in Glacier National Park all survived last winter without a hitch.

Full slate of candidates for city election

A slew of late fillings has created a full ballot in the race for Whitefish City Council.

Police calls: Dry ice bombs no big deal

A digital guide to Glacier's wildflowers

Shawn Coggins put in 240 miles and climbed 36,000 vertical feet last year hiking the trails of Western Montana. He’s seen a lot over those miles, but one thing can stop him dead in his tracks — a wildflower.

Candidate wants to contribute to Whitefish

My name is John Repke and I am running for Whitefish City Council.

Move on with City Hall project

Who is this anonymous group of individuals as reported by the paper? And why are they hiding and afraid to reveal their names? Perhaps another group of newcomers always wanting to change things. We have lived here since 1977. We love Whitefish and are getting tired of too many changes.

Dr. Beach steps out of delivery room

After 35 years and nearly 4,000 babies, Dr. Randy Beach has decided to step out of the delivery room and focus solely on women’s health.

Hawaii already there

Patty, what a great letter, “Is Whitefish losing its soul?” (June 3 Pilot). You said it all. That’s why I live in Hawaii and Dillon. Hawaii is already there, but let’s hope Dillon never falls.

10U All-Stars win Firecracker

The Whitefish 10U All-Star baseball team won Kalispell’s annual Firecracker baseball tournament last weekend. The win marks the third weekend in a row the team has notched a youth tournament championship.

Help a good thing along

In early 1917 the Whitefish Pilot asked residents about their opinions of building a new City Hall. The town had only been incorporated less than 12 years.

Whitefish student's art to appear on Glacier Park pass

Whitefish seventh-grader Turner Haugen won the annual Glacier National Park park pass artwork contest.

Local government review group seeks input

A panel studying Whitefish’s government wants to know what the citizens think of their city government.

State audit worrisome

The financial audit for the State of Montana revealed some disturbing problems in front of the Legislative Audit Committee in Helena.

Low scores at Fourth golf tourney

Washington golfer Bob Conrad carded a 14-under-par to easily win the 79th annual Earl Hunt Memorial Fourth of July golf tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Farmers market in a sad state

The Whitefish farmers market has gone downhill fast. There are a few vendors that have something going on, but $6 for eggs? There are other venders that are good from out of town, they aren’t coming back. I’ve farmed my whole life and treated my customers well. If you want to go to a good market try Kalispell at the college. It is so sad the people that run the Whitefish farmers market don’t get it.

Chief thanks residents for a quiet Fourth

With the dry weather, high winds and threat of fire to the community and lands surrounding Whitefish, Whitefish City officials made the decision last week to suspend fireworks.

Parking expansion planned for City Beach

Sunny summer days can make it difficult to find a parking spot around City Beach, but a plan by the city to create another parking lot in the neighborhood could add a few more spots.

Patricia Linn Jarvi

It is with great shock and sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Linn Jarvi on July 3, 2015. Pat lived most of her life in Whitefish.

Police search for suspect in Whitefish stabbing

Whitefish Police are searching for a suspect involved in a late-night stabbing last week near downtown.

Flathead County bans fireworks

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday morning unanimously voted to ban the use of fireworks throughout the county on both public and private land outside of city limits, effective immediately.

Whitefish philanthropist backs initiative to stop City Hall project

Whitefish philanthropist Richard Atkinson has come forward as one of the residents leading an effort to put the City Hall project up to a public vote.

It's not too late to make the right decision on City Hall

Carol and I have lived in and loved Whitefish for 30 years. I've been actively involved in fundraising and philanthropy, most visibly as Old Man Walking for the Whitefish Performing Arts Center and more recently as Older Man Walking for the Whitefish High School greenhouse. I’m pushing this initiative because it's important for Whitefish residents to have a say on a project of this permanence and significance.

Whitefish bans fireworks, City Beach display called off

The Fourth of July fireworks display over Whitefish Lake has been officially called off. The decision came from Whitefish Fire Chief Joe Page on Thursday who noted ongoing dry conditions and predicted winds of 15-20 miles per hour for Saturday.

Fireworks organizers take steps to prevent another barge fire

After two consecutive years of the pyrotechnics barge catching fire during the Fourth of July display at City Beach, event organizers think they may have a solution figured out.

Deitz beats the heat to win Lake Run 10K

Whitefish’s Jacob Deitz beat the heat and held off the field to post the fastest time of the day in the 10K race at the annual Whitefish Lake Run on Saturday.

New islands help improve Riverside pond water quality

Tiny islands bobbing in the pond at Riverside Park have a big task of improving the murky water quality.

Rev. Schmidt reflects on 14 years at United Methodist

The sight of children dancing inside United Methodist Church during vacation Bible school makes Rev. Debbie Schmidt smile.

Lucille Reynolds

On June 21, 2015 at 7 a.m., our mother, Lucille Reynolds, left this mortal world after almost 98 years of life. She was born on July 22,1917.

Twins A win Ed Gallo wood bat tourney

The Glacier Twins A squad beat the Glacier Twins B squad to win the Ed Gallo Memorial wood bat tournament. The A squad beat the B squad 18-1 Sunday for the title. Pitcher Jonny Sapa held the B squad to just one hit.

Zone change OK'd on Whitefish farmland

The Flathead County commissioners last week unanimously approved a zone change to allow smaller lots on 62 acres of farmland east of Whitefish after neighbors fells short in their campaign to stop the proposal.

Patricia L. Marks

Patricia L. Marks, 66, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at her home in Olney after a long battle with cancer.

Bort and Thomas married

Mary Barbara Bort and Kabin Alan Thomas married May 23, 2015 at First Unitarian Church of Omaha, in Omaha, Neb. Chaplain Royal Bush officiated the ceremony.  Mary’s father and step-mother are Dr. Robert and Kelly Bort of Whitefish. Mary is also the daughter of the late Barbara Bort. Kabin is the son of the late Rose Mae Thomas and Kirtis Thomas. Kabin’s children, Olivia Thomas and Andrew Sweet, escorted Kabin down the aisle. Bob and Kelly Bort escorted Mary down the aisle. Mary’s Merry Maids were Maria Wallace, Vanessa Timberlake, Nellie Chenoweth and Kathi Oliver. Kabin’s Cadre included Rev. Frank Rivas, Skip Ciulla, Ben Wallace and Chris Oliver. Will Chenoweth provided “Ring Security” and Novi Harper was Flower Girl. Others who participated in the service were Mary’s sister, Teresa Rice; Kabin’s sisters, Dr. Kertia Black and Bertha Thomas; and friends Mary Sue and Alex Grossman, and Barb Ross. Stan Harper and Skip Ciulla provided special music with Mary and Kabin.  Mary and Kabin were both college students who worked summer jobs at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, when they met and dated in 1985. Their relationship lasted only six months, but they never forgot each other. Kabin found Mary on Facebook after 27 years apart, and they reunited in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where Kabin was working. It felt like they had been apart only a week, and their love was still strong and true. Kabin moved to Omaha to be with Mary. They were wed 30 years after they first met. Mary earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Central Michigan University, and is employed by Boys Town National Research Hospital. Kabin earned his Bachelor’s degree from University of Michigan, Master’s degree from University of Wisconsin, and is employed by Commercial Investment Properties. Kabin and Mary Thomas reside in Omaha.

Police calls: Transients found living on bike path

Fee and Slaybaugh to marry

Rowdy Fee and Jessica Slaybaugh announce their engagement. The bride is a graduate from Whitefish High School in 2010. She is currently a nail technician at Evolve Hair Studio in Kalispell. The groom is a graduate from Flathead High School in 2007. He is currently employed at NVIE Nutrition in Kalispell. A wedding is planned for July 18, 2015 in Columbia Falls.

Burgi and Graf to marry

Robert and Debbie Burgi of Columbia Falls, together with Dick and Gayle Graf of Whitefish, announce the engagement of their children, Laura Elizabeth Burgi and Trevor Lee Graf. The bride-elect is a graduate of Columbia Falls High School and Flathead Valley Community College. She is a nurse at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Her fiance is a graduate of Whitefish High School and Montana Tech of the University of Montana-Butte. He is a mechanical engineer at Burgi Engineers. The wedding will take place Sept. 26 in Whitefish.

Best of Whitefish results 2015

Results from the Best of Whitefish 2015 reader's choice awards: