Stories for July 2016

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Wednesday, July 27

July 27, 2016 4:30 p.m.

Legals July 27, 2016

No. 2335 CITY OF WHITEFISH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at its regular meeting on Monday, August 1, 2016 at 7:10 PM, in the City Council Chambers, located at 1005 Baker Ave., Whitefish, MT, the City Council will conduct a hearing for the purpose of receiving public input regarding approving an increase in fees charged for recreation programs and park facilities. Individuals may appear or submit written testimony at the hearing to comment on the proposed fees. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the City Clerk, PO Box 158, Whitefish, MT, or emailed to mhowke@cityofwhitefish.org. Additional information regarding the recreation programs and park facilities fee changes may be obtained by visiting the Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department office, 510 Railway St, Whitefish, MT or by calling 863-2470. July 20, 27, 2016 MNAXLP

July 27, 2016 2 a.m.

No headline

As a high schooler nearing ACT and SAT tests, writing is very important. At this stage having someone that is able to sit down and talk you through your writing is quite a blessing.

Keystone species
July 27, 2016 2 a.m.

Keystone species

High above most everything else on Big Mountain, marking the treeline where dense forest becomes open sky, sit dozens of tall pines with what appears to be mesh bags covering their pine cones.

Tuesday, July 26

At Stoltze tour, Zinke stumps for forest bill
July 26, 2016 1:57 p.m.

At Stoltze tour, Zinke stumps for forest bill

Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke toured the F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. mill last week while promoting the Resilient Federal Forests Act.

SmartLam could be key to easing Weyerhaeuser layoffs
July 26, 2016 1:50 p.m.

SmartLam could be key to easing Weyerhaeuser layoffs

Sometimes when a door closes, another one opens.

July 26, 2016 8:31 a.m.

Martin to retire as Glacier airport director

Glacier Park International Airport Director Cindi Martin will retire Aug. 31, the Flathead Municipal Airport Authority announced last week.

July 26, 2016 8:18 a.m.

Outfitting recommended as new use in WB-2 zones

After much debate over amending older zoning codes, Justin Lawrence of Lakestream Fly Shop received a recommendation of approval from the Whitefish Planning Board for a proposed zoning text amendment that would allow his business to operate in the WB-2 secondary business district.

Monday, July 25

July 25, 2016 4:27 p.m.

Whitefish man facing felony weapon charge

A Whitefish man is in jail after allegedly brandishing a knife, kicking and punching a man and fleeing from police while downtown.

July 25, 2016 3:06 p.m.

Casino, restaurant planned in Happy Valley

A casino with a restaurant and bar planned at the intersection of U.S. 93 and Hodgson Road near Happy Valley will be considered by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment at a public hearing on Aug. 2.

July 25, 2016 11:35 a.m.

Delegate impressed with Republican convention

The questions I had when signing up to be a delegate in May to the Republican National Convention were laid to rest when I arrived in Cleveland last week.

July 25, 2016 11:22 a.m.

Twins rally past Lakers for state berth

The Glacier Twins clawed their way in to the American Legion Baseball state tournament, rallying past rival Kalispell 11-10 on Sunday to clinch the berth in loser-out action at the Western A tournament in Florence.

WHITEFISH TO RIO
July 25, 2016 10:17 a.m.

WHITEFISH TO RIO

Six years ago, Nicole Heavirland’s father convinced her to take up rugby, telling her he knew she’d be great at it.

Mud to silver
July 25, 2016 10:05 a.m.

Mud to silver

Malinda Goldhirsch holds a small torch over a small piece of seemingly dry, tan clay. The small leaf-shaped item heats glowing red for a short time before it appears as if to almost melt into silver.

July 25, 2016 9:14 a.m.

Board gives OK to greenhouse plans for high school

The Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a new greenhouse and outdoor learning center on the Whitefish High School campus.

Thursday, July 21

July 21, 2016 1:51 p.m.

State infrastructure funding

Governor impeding infrastructure funding

July 21, 2016 10:21 a.m.

City OKs deferred annexation to protect lake quality

The city of Whitefish has revamped its annexation policy to allow for deferred annexation when a neighborhood connects into the city’s sewer system with the goal of protecting the water quality of Whitefish Lake.

July 21, 2016 10:19 a.m.

City annexes W. Lakeshore properties

Twenty-five properties on West Lakeshore Drive will become part of the city.

Wednesday, July 20

Downtown parking lot will stay, for now
July 20, 2016 10:33 a.m.

Downtown parking lot will stay, for now

Business owners along the south end of Central Avenue say the city parking lot at the corner of Third Street and Central is vital to the success of their operations.

Tuesday, July 19

July 19, 2016 11:44 a.m.

Teen recovering after head-on ATV collision

“It’s just such a miracle,” Veronica Love says of her cousin’s recovery.

July 19, 2016 10:39 a.m.

Zinke takes stage at GOP convention

Montana’s Rep. Ryan Zinke brought the first night of the Republican National Convention to a close late Monday night in Cleveland, using the stage to blast Democrats on national security and military leadership.

Council approves Marriott hotel
July 19, 2016 8:15 a.m.

Council approves Marriott hotel

Whitefish City Council took a dramatic turn in its decision-making July 18 when it approved a Marriott hotel that just two weeks prior it sought to deny.

Monday, July 18

Beating the heat
July 18, 2016 2:10 p.m.

Beating the heat

While the summer heat has firmly settled into the Flathead Valley, inside the Stumptown Ice Den it remains a refreshing 40 F. Puffy jackets and mittens recommended.

Seniors take to sky during dream flights
July 18, 2016 11:31 a.m.

Seniors take to sky during dream flights

As a young boy, Jack Taylor would look up at the airplanes sitting on the runway of the Boise airport with a sense of wonderment. Today, at age 84, he remembers just how large those planes looked to a 10-year-old child.

July 18, 2016 10:57 a.m.

No headline

After reading Mitch Linne’s negative comments about his Fourth of July experience at Great Northern Veterans Peace Park I felt compelled to offer my own thoughts.

No headline
July 18, 2016 10:32 a.m.

No headline

Marcia Ellen Petersen of Bowling Green, K.Y., previously from Whitefish, died Sunday July 17, 2016 at age 91.

July 18, 2016 10:02 a.m.

Twins split with Lakers in regular season finale

Glacier A wrapped up the regular American Legion baseball season last weekend with a split against the Lakers A.

Thursday, July 14

July 14, 2016 2:30 p.m.

Petition to allow guns in schools falls short

After failing to gain traction, state Legislature candidate Chet Billi’s proposal to allow teachers to carry concealed weapons will not be on this year’s ballot.

July 14, 2016 2:29 p.m.

Event celebrates Haskill Basin protection

Huddled under a tent to hide from a steady rain Saturday morning, state and city leaders gathered at Depot Park in Whitefish to celebrate the preservation of 3,000 acres of forestland through the recently completed Haskill Basin conservation easement.

July 14, 2016 2:12 p.m.

Chiropractic office brings cryotherapy deep freeze to Whitefish

Tim Dudley likes to cue up a little AC/DC to accompany his 2 minute journey to minus 230F.

July 14, 2016 2:09 p.m.

Home prices continue to climb

Home prices in Whitefish continued to rise in the first half of 2016, raising concerns of affordability in the future.

July 14, 2016 1:40 p.m.

Peak to be named for late conservationist

Montana’s congressional delegation is looking to honor the late conservationist Alex Diekmann by naming an unnamed mountain peak in his honor. Diekmann was instrumental working to preserve thousands of acres in the state along with the protection of Haskill Basin north of Whitefish.

Wednesday, July 13

July 13, 2016 1:55 p.m.

The ultimate bond

Frank and Paula Sweeney say there is a special connection between horse and rider when competing in eventing. Trust is essential when the rider asks a horse to perform the precise movements of dressage, or flawlessly execute the obstacles in cross-country, or clear rails in show jumping.

July 13, 2016 8:41 a.m.

State to take control of city airport

The state of Montana is expected to take over ownership of the Whitefish Airport.

Tuesday, July 12

Twins battle at Sapa-Johnsrud
July 12, 2016 11:45 p.m.

Twins battle at Sapa-Johnsrud

Glacier Twins A coach Bob Rupp likes how his boys are playing heading into the final week of the regular season. Even after posting a 1-5 record at the Sapa-Johnsrud Tournament last weekend at Whitefish, he’s optimistic his team is peaking at the right time.

City stays with plan to demolish Depot Park building
July 12, 2016 11:45 p.m.

City stays with plan to demolish Depot Park building

Whitefish City Council is sticking with long-held plans to demolish the city parks and planning building in Depot Park — at least for now.

July 12, 2016 11:45 p.m.

Fiasco on the Fourth

I just returned from an attempt to watch the Whitefish city fireworks from our favorite spot in what is now the Great Northern Veterans Peace Park. Until this year it was the little secret shared by the local neighborhood. In one year it went from the best place to quietly share viewing this great show to the noisiest, most dangerous spot, all thanks to the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

July 12, 2016 11 p.m.

Leadership needed on timber policy

The recent news of the Weyerhaeuser mill closures in Columbia Falls sent shockwaves across the state. For the Flathead Valley and our state’s struggling timber industry, it’s another 100 good paying jobs lost. For the community of Columbia Falls, the mill closures mean the loss of two mills that have been staples of the community for decades.

July 12, 2016 10:30 p.m.

Mini-cabin development approved

A plan for a dozen small cabins in a condominium neighborhood has received approval from the city.

July 12, 2016 10 p.m.

Ski museum making headway

Ski, beer and music enthusiasts gathered at Mountain Trails Park in Whitefish Thursday to support the planned Ski Heritage Center and Museum of Skiing.

July 12, 2016 10 p.m.

Whitefish a parking mess

What a mess! Driving and parking in downtown Whitefish should not be an adventure.

Toni Evans
July 12, 2016 10 p.m.

Toni Evans

Toni Evans of Whitefish quietly passed away June 24, 2016. Toni was a loving and fun wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be remembered by all for her warm heart, strength and sense of humor.

July 12, 2016 10 p.m.

Golf Column: Club Membership Tournament

The annual Club Championship is scheduled for Aug. 6-7 and everyone is invited to participate in this fun event.

July 12, 2016 10 p.m.

Great Northern Resort has new owners

A little more than 20 years ago, Byron Beers and his brother, Lee, were guides at Glacier Raft Co. They always thought it would be cool to own a resort and rafting business.

July 12, 2016 1:30 a.m.

Solutions to revive the middle class

Our neighbors in Columbia Falls received devastating news last month about the closure of two Weyerhaeuser plants that will cost the valley 200 jobs. We can point the blame in many different places, or we can use our resolve to find solutions to return Flathead County and Montana to economic prosperity for all.

July 12, 2016 12:30 a.m.

Nude man removed from City Beach

Whitefish Police calls from July 4 to 9:

Skijoring group says they were denied access to repair runway
July 12, 2016 midnight

Skijoring group says they were denied access to repair runway

Skijoring coordinator Scott Ping says there’s more to the story surrounding the closure of the Whitefish Airport after damage occurred during last winter’s skijoring event there. He claims his organization was never given an opportunity to make repairs to the airport’s damaged turf.

Monday, July 11

Marriott proposal met with opposition from Council
July 11, 2016 10 p.m.

Marriott proposal met with opposition from Council

The fate of a proposed Marriott hotel in Whitefish hangs in the balance while Whitefish City Council explores options for denying the project.

July 11, 2016 8:51 a.m.

Safety improvements top city pedestrian plan requests

Folks who walk and ride bicycles in town want greater connectivity and safety improvements to Whitefish’s bike and pedestrian systems, according to input received as part of an update of the city’s bicycle and pedestrian plan.

Thursday, July 7

Valesca Louise Wallner
July 7, 2016 10 p.m.

Valesca Louise Wallner

Valesca Louise Wallner died just short of her 99th birthday on June 30, 2016 at The Springs in Whitefish.

Kahle named Whitefish golf coach
July 7, 2016 10 p.m.

Kahle named Whitefish golf coach

Whitefish High School has tapped a familiar face to take over the varsity golf program.

Tuesday, July 5

Demolition of former Whitefish hospital complete
July 5, 2016 11:30 p.m.

Demolition of former Whitefish hospital complete

The site of the former North Valley Hospital in Whitefish has been scraped bare. All that remains is a cluster of mature trees fronting Highway 93 and the original flag pole that once stood in the hospital’s entry courtyard.

Skijoring damages close Whitefish airport
July 5, 2016 11:30 p.m.

Skijoring damages close Whitefish airport

The Whitefish Airport remains closed this summer after the runway was damaged during the skijoring event held there last winter.

Local celebrities to appear in ATP's 'The Full Monty'
July 5, 2016 11:30 p.m.

Local celebrities to appear in ATP's 'The Full Monty'

Local celebrities will join Alpine Theatre Project’s Broadway stars for a series of cameos in ATP’s upcoming production of “The Full Monty” starting July 7 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. The production, along with “Rock of Ages” and “Man of La Mancha,” is part of ATP’s summer season.

Bear mauling victim remembered as standout officer
July 5, 2016 11:15 p.m.

Bear mauling victim remembered as standout officer

It was a hot Wednesday afternoon at the Green Gate trail complex in West Glacier.

July 5, 2016 11:15 p.m.

Wildfire season begins in western Montana

Near-average precipitation so far this year suggests wildfire season will be more subdued than last summer. At one point last August, more than 100 wildfires were burning across Northwest Montana.

Whitefish woman finalist in Meth Project video contest
July 5, 2016 11 p.m.

Whitefish woman finalist in Meth Project video contest

“I used to have dreams,” a young girl says. Ceremonial tribal song and dance fills the screen, snow-capped mountains in the background. Suddenly it all goes wrong, as bright images give way to dark, haunting scenes that flash between depictions of methamphetamine use. “Now I only have nightmares.”

July 5, 2016 11 p.m.

Police calls: Transient troubles

Whitefish Police calls from June 27 to July 3.

July 5, 2016 10:30 p.m.

Casey's debuts summer concert series at Raceway Park

Casey’s Pub and Grill in Whitefish presents The Crown Summer Series, a new music and arts festival taking place at Montana Raceway Park. The series will debut on Saturday, July 9. There will be a second event in the series on Aug. 27.

Original national park posters reprinted
July 5, 2016 10:30 p.m.

Original national park posters reprinted

As a park ranger in Grand Teton National Park in the 1970s, Doug Leen stumbled upon an old poster depicting Jenny Lake. He liked it, saved it and put it up on his wall. Twenty years later, that same poster sparked a hunt for the rest of a rare set of historical posters.

Event celebrates Haskill land deal
July 5, 2016 10 p.m.

Event celebrates Haskill land deal

An event this month in Whitefish will celebrate the preservation of about 3,000 acres of forestland through the Haskill Basin conservation easement.

Trike brings freedom to man fighting genetic disorder
July 5, 2016 10 p.m.

Trike brings freedom to man fighting genetic disorder

Six-and-a-half years ago, Dan Zimmerman tried to pick up an old hobby — mountain biking. He got on the bike, started to pedal and crashed. Then he did it again.

July 5, 2016 10 p.m.

Common-sense forest management

The past few days, Montanans have seen a debate develop regarding Rep. Ryan Zinke’s vote for a proposal that would create a pilot program for states to manage portions of Forest Service land. As a nationally certified professional forester and current State Senator who represents a district surrounded by Forest Service land, I am completely frustrated by the tone, tenor and scare tactics being promulgated by fringe environmental groups.

July 5, 2016 10 p.m.

Great Fish Challenge kicks off July 12

Forty local nonprofits are set to reap the rewards of the Great Fish Community Challenge. The second annual giving campaign organized by Whitefish Community Foundation kicks off Tuesday, July 12.

July 5, 2016 10 p.m.

Ride For Life recap

Saturday, June 18 was a perfect day for the first “RIDE 4 LIFE” fundraising bike ride to benefit the Nate Chute Foundation. The weather was cool and overcast. The riders were few but energetic.

July 5, 2016 12:30 a.m.

Trail deserves community support

Whitefish Legacy Partners, the nonprofit behind the ever-expanding Whitefish Trail system, announced last month its intent to complete the 55-mile recreational loop circling Whitefish Lake by 2020.

Medley goes birdie, eagle to win Fourth tourney
July 5, 2016 midnight

Medley goes birdie, eagle to win Fourth tourney

Saturday will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary final rounds in the 80 years Whitefish Lake Golf Club has hosted the Earl Hunt Memorial Fourth of July Tournament.

Saturday, July 2

Mauling victim may have collided with bear
July 2, 2016 10 p.m.

Mauling victim may have collided with bear

Bear traps removed

The mountain biker involved in a fatal mauling near Glacier National Park earlier this week may have crashed into the bear, inciting the animal to react.

Friday, July 1

July 1, 2016 10:39 a.m.

Chess club battles played over game board

Simon McGlenn and Hans Mazur sit locked in a battle — one moves a pawn then the other a rook — they’re competing across a chessboard and their focus is one of serious fun.