Ellington

Flathead hospitals to join forces

The Flathead Valley’s two hospitals now are closer together.

Crittenden finalist for 'Academic Heisman' award

University of Montana senior captain and former Whitefish Bulldog standout Derek Crittenden is in the running for college football’s top scholar-athlete award.

Whitefish City Hall demolition

Halloween activities for kids and adults

The annual

New trails connect three scenic lakes

The expanse of recreational opportunities along the Whitefish Trail were expanded by a number of miles this summer with the addition of new trails in the Dollar Lake and Spencer Mountain areas.

Wildfires burn resort tax collections in August

Resort tax collections were down in the month of August for the city compared with August 2014.

Police calls: SUV runs bicyclist off Edgewood

Whitefish Police calls

Whitefish powers past Hamilton, 52-19

Dominate defense, almost unstoppable offense — exactly the kind of performance Whitefish was looking for heading into the State A football playoffs.

Students balance school, social life and work

While summer jobs are popular among high schoolers, it’s not as common to find a student who holds down a job during the school year. Sports schedules, homework and social events seem to deter most students from pursuing one. However, the ones who are so brave as to take on the responsibility of balancing school, work, and their social life find their experiences to be very fulfilling.

Most elk taken along Highway 2 in season opener

Thousands of hunters in northwest Montana took to the field last weekend for the opening of the general deer and elk season and returned with encouraging results.

Late goals lift Central over Whitefish in semis

A back and forth battle simply slipped away from the Lady Bulldogs on Saturday at a State A semifinal soccer match at Billings Central.

Slaney represents the working class

I grew up in small agricultural community in eastern South Dakota. I received my bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D. I started a career with BNSF Railway eight years ago and have been living in Whitefish for six years.

Separating the wheat from the chaff

Each year farmers in Montana harvest their crops and separate the valuable wheat from the worthless chaff. So too must Whitefish voters separate the valuable facts surrounding recent City Council decisions like the one to move forward with a much needed parking structure with an attached City Hall from worthless attacks based on misinformation and misleading statements.

Speech team wins opening tournament

The Bulldog speech and debate team started its season off strong with a first place sweepstakes win Saturday at the Stevensville tournament.

Three community volunteers honored on 'Extra Mile' day

Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld is honoring three community volunteers recognizing their work to go the “extra mile” by proclaiming Nov. 1 Extra Mile day in their honor.

Councilors set the record straight

As the objects of a recent election flyer that Whitefish voters found in their mailboxes last week we thought it timely to set the record straight. While we don’t fault the author for trying to influence the outcome of the City Council election we do take exception to the gross misstatement of the facts and mischaracterization of the incumbents.

Mailer more to arouse than inform

A color mailer to the residents of Whitefish asks us to vote out Frank Sweeney and Richard Hildner. Some of the language seems more to arouse than to inform.

Costs split for upgrades at Ice Den

The city of Whitefish is still negotiating a contract to manage the Stumptown Ice Den, but city council on Oct. 19 approved spending more than $50,000 to make an upgrade to the facility.

Kalispell to assist with building inspections

The city of Whitefish will get assistance from the city of Kalispell with its commercial building inspections.

Not voting for incumbents

With our city elections next Tuesday, this is my final letter on the City Hall issue. I want to show you how much this city council is spending per man, woman and child and compare it to other cities selected from the largest 20 in Montana.

Voting for Hildner and Sweeney

John Muhlfeld, Richard Hildner and Frank Sweeney have earned my respect as mayor and city councilors. I’ll be voting for their re-election. Here’s why:

A better use of City Hall funds

It is with sadness that I watch our historic City Hall building being torn down to make way for the enormous development that will take its place.

Not the time to change horses

My family is supporting the re-election of Richard Hildner and Frank Sweeney for the simple reason that they are truly the most experienced and qualified candidates for city council at this time.

Girls cross-country second at State A meet

Whitefish and Corvallis had combined to win the previous eight State A girls cross-country titles. So when the two dynasties faced off Saturday in Great Falls at the 2015 championships, the only question was which team would come out on top this year.

Railroad workers say long shifts unsafe

Some BNSF Railway employees are sounding the alarm about what they say are unsafe working conditions as a result of long shifts that could lead to extreme fatigue while hauling hazardous materials.

Prescribed burns planned in Whitefish watershed

Widespread prescribed burns and some timber harvesting is proposed for the mountains above Haskill Basin in an effort to prevent a devastating wildfire from spoiling the creeks that feed Whitefish’s drinking water supply.

Whitefish recycling consolidated at single site

Whitefish will soon have one centralized spot where residents can drop off their recyclables.

Is Whitefish all glamour, no soul?

My heart belongs to Whitefish. That is the way I feel about this town, though I see it becoming divided.

Fact checking the City Hall election mailer

Whitefish voters were hit with election propaganda for the first time in nearly four years on Tuesday when they opened their mailboxes to find a mailer taking aim at the City Hall project and two incumbent councilors.

El Nino predictions don't slow ski pass sales

Early-season winter pass sales at Whitefish Mountain Resort once again approached record levels despite a small bump in price and sour predictions of an El Niño weather pattern developing.

Whitefish air quality to be studied

The Flathead City-County Health Department this fall is set to begin air quality testing in Whitefish.

Bestwick honored with Spirit of Whitefish award

Don Bestwick has served in many roles and many years as a volunteer supporting youth sports in the community.

New campaign raises awareness of violence

In his work as an attorney and mediator, Brian Muldoon is quite familiar with what he describes as the proliferation of violent tendencies in society.

Whitefish man charged with firing gun during altercation

A Whitefish man is accused of firing a weapon and assaulting his girlfriend during an altercation last month at a Whitefish apartment complex.

Hunters should see good whitetail numbers for opener

The general firearm hunting season opens Saturday for deer and elk and runs through Nov. 29. It should be a good year for hunters, as most game species in Northwest Montana have rebounded from a bad winter in 2010-11, said Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Region One Wildlife Manager Neal Anderson.

Vote to ensure citizens have representation

Under the Montana constitution the citizens have the right every 10 years to study and possibly amend their form of government.

Community Foundation grants award ceremony Nov. 7

The Whitefish Community Foundation will award grants to 76 local nonprofit organizations from the Community Grant Program during a special event Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

City impact fee collections dip in 2015

Collection of city impact fees dipped in fiscal year 2015 after having increased the previous year.

City Hall block best place for new businesses

I was very surprised by Mayor John Muhlfeld’s letter (Pilot, Oct. 7) suggesting that Whitefish citizens spend more in town and not in Kalispell, etc.

Small town Whitefish doesn't need another city employee

On Nov. 3, I will be opposing Whitefish’s efforts to appoint an ombudsman. I oppose this issue for the following reasons.

Albert Anton Schwegel

Albert Anton Schwegel, 93, passed away quietly on Oct. 9, 2015.

Raymon Bridwell

Raymon D. Bridwell, 63, passed away on Oct. 13, 2015 of heart disease at his home in Columbia Falls.

WHS musicians perform with All-State ensemble

Four Whitefish High School musicians recently participated in the All-State honor choir and orchestra ensembles, in conjunction with the annual Montana Music Educators’ Conference in Billings.

No need for more government

Whitefish Government Study Commission has recently recommended changes to the Whitefish City Charter which would add a new government layer in the position of ombudsman.

Police calls: Trap requested for problem bear

Whitefish Police calls from Oct. 12 to 18.

Lady Dogs top Broncs in OT to reach soccer semis

With their backs against the wall, the Lady Bulldog soccer team keeps finding the fire and will to stay alive in the State A playoffs.

Deal protects grizzly habitat near Whitefish

As many as seven grizzly bear security zones encompassing 22,000 acres of state land north of Whitefish is the result of a settlement agreement between state officials and a handful of conservation groups.

Dogs looking for playoff focus against Broncs

With a first-round bye in the State A playoffs secured, Whitefish has nothing to gain from its final regular season game Friday when they host Hamilton.

BNSF sues downtown bar over fatal wreck

BNSF Railway says Casey’s Bar should be held liable for a fatal accident in 2013 that left one of its work vehicles destroyed.

Lady Dogs XC 2nd at Western A meet

Just a single point separated Corvallis and the Lady Bulldogs in the run for the Western A Divisional crown.

Bulldogs claim Northwest A football championship

One goal in a season full of high expectations has been checked off the list for the Bulldogs.

Former Gov. Schweitzer predicts energy revolution in new book

Former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer is predicting a revolution in how America consumes and produces energy.

Great Fish fundraising tops $1.1 million

The Whitefish Community Foundation on Wednesday distributed more than $1.1 million to 32 participating nonprofits in the first annual Great Fish Community Challenge.

Whitefish can secure Northwest A crown against Frenchtown

Whitefish can secure a perfect conference record and a second consecutive Northwest A championship on Friday with a victory over visiting Frenchtown.

Multi-building development planned for Baker Avenue

Developers are seeking approval to construct a multi-building project that includes a small hotel, cooking school, restaurant, and a music school on a tract of land along the south end of Baker Avenue.

Boys soccer ends season with win over Cats

A bumpy soccer season ended on a high note as the Whitefish boys blanked Columbia Falls 4-0 on Saturday in the regular season finale.

Lakefront condominium project shot down

Whitefish City Council shot down a proposal Oct. 5 to construct a building on Whitefish Lake containing six condominium units.

Paid ombudsperson not worth the cost

I am writing regarding a ballot issue on the fall Whitefish election ballot to change the city charter and require the city council to appoint an ombudsperson (citizen advocate).

City, county seek common ground

Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld and Flathead County Commissioner Phil Mitchell say they would like both government entities they represent to forge a new relationship.

Police calls: Sow and cubs chased from Waverly

Whitefish Police report from Oct. 5-11.

City voters to consider creating ombudsman position

When Whitefish voters get their ballots in the mail this week they’ll notice two proposed changes to the city’s charter.

2nd Street sidewalk closes for City Hall demolition

The sidewalk on Second Street in front of Whitefish’s City Hall will be closed this week as crews begin to tear down the building.

Changing city charter shouldn't be taken lightly

At the Sept. 30 candidate forum I was asked if I supported the ballot measure to change the city’s charter to provide for an ombudsman. I replied, “No.” Here’s why.

Bus rides give chance for team bonding

Parents and fans know how hard student athletes train during practice, and they cheer regardless of a victory or loss, but little is known to outsiders about a team’s dynamic.

Supports Hildner and Sweeney for council

Richard Hildner and Frank Sweeney are men of exemplary integrity. Agree or disagree with some of their decisions, it is undeniable that they have reached their conclusions with what is best for Whitefish foremost in their minds.

Volleyball sweeps Lady Pirates for first 'home' win

Playing at “home” but still on the road, the Lady Bulldogs swept Polson in a Northwest A match Saturday afternoon at Glacier High School.

Re-elect city council incumbents

We would like to take this opportunity to address the upcoming city election.

Rep. Zinke considering running for speaker job

(AP) — U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke says he is considering running for House speaker.

Iron Horse 'welcome center' approved

The Iron Horse neighborhood has received approval to construct a “welcome center” at the entrance to the subdivision.

Whitefish City Council Candidate Forum 2015

Affordable housing project eyed on 93 South

Whitefish is in the running for a major grant to back an affordable housing project on Highway 93 South.

Whitefish man facing seventh DUI charge

A Whitefish man is facing a seventh charge of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Melinda Marie Mackley

Melinda Marie Mackley was born on May 13, 1983 in Spokane, Wash., and departed from Whitefish for eternal peace and happiness with her Creator on Sept. 12, 2015.

Bear attack near Olney latest in string of conflicts

A 500-pound grizzly bear was shot dead after it reportedly charged three men hiking near Olney on Saturday.

Police calls: Pancake tailgaters seem sketchy

Whitefish looks to ground Columbia Falls air attack

Whitefish travels a few miles down the road Friday night to take on Columbia Falls in a showdown of two Northwest A rivals.

Slaney re-enters council election

Whitefish City Council candidate Barton Slaney was in the election before he dropped out. Now he’s back in again.

Lights out defense leads Lady Dogs

The Lady Bulldog defense gave nothing to Polson’s high-power offense in a 2-0 Northwest A soccer victory Thursday on the road.

Old-World sauerkraut drives new business

Sooner or later, everything old is new again.

Resort tax bump brings in extra $153k

Whitefish took in an additional $153,000 in July after the city’s resort tax increased by 1 percent starting that month.

Municipal Court records for September

Whitefish Municipal Court with Judge Johnson residing:

High school science class looks at air quality

Whitefish High School chemistry students held a coffee straw in their mouth and plugged their nose. Then they began to inhale and exhale only through the straw.

Danny Joe Fluharty

Danny Joe Fluharty, “Chief,” passed away at home with family and friends by his side on the evening of Sept. 23, 2015.

Explaining the ombudsman

Our next election shall occur shortly. On the ballot are two issues placed by the Whitefish Government Study Commission.

Repke earns conservation endorsement

As a candidate for city council I was asked to speak with representatives of Montana Conservation Voters regarding my views on development, conservation and environmental issues.

City Hall demolition underway

Demolition on the site of Whitefish City Hall began Monday.

Mayor: Step up and shop locally

In the coming months, the city of Whitefish will embark on a campaign to encourage local spending and bolster support for our shops, restaurants and lodging establishments in Whitefish.

Girls bring home State A golf title

The Lady Bulldogs set the tone on day 1 of the State A tournament in Sidney. Day 2 they closed the deal with a performance that left no doubt about which collection of golfers is the best in the state.

Ferdas inducted into Bulldog Hall of Fame

She’s arguably the best female multi-sport athlete to walk the halls at Whitefish High School. Her dad has a lasting legacy of his own as a respected instructor and coach that taught countless children the value of living an active and healthy lifestyle.

Forum contrasts council candidates

The four candidates seeking election to Whitefish City Council gave their take on a variety of issues facing the city during a forum last week.