Tuesday, May 31
Learning opportunities on the Whitefish Trail
I am writing to express my gratitude for the local education opportunities offered on the Whitefish Trail.
Report: Pilot at fault in helicopter crash
The pilot who crashed a private helicopter into Beaver Lake last summer while attempting to load a water bucket wasn’t formally trained in over-water loads, a report from the National Transportation Safety Board reveals.
Police Calls: Nickel and dime burglary
Whitefish Police calls May 23-29:
Class of 2016: Running to the future
Sarah’s Perez’s first foray into cross-country running didn’t exactly produce a result worthy of the scrapbook.
Program trains new hospitality workers
A group of Flathead Valley high school students recently took a closer look at the hospitality industry and learned more about what it takes to work in the field during a day-long training session.
Whitefish Theatre hosts summer camps
Enrollment is now open for Whitefish Theatre Co.’s Summer Performance Camps. Whitefish Theatre Co. is offering programs for four age groups, including kindergarten, first through second grades, third through fifth grades, and sixth through 10th grades. Theatre camps offer tools that promote self confidence in a supportive, creative and dynamic environment. All camps culminate in a short 15-25 minute demonstration for family and friends on the last day of the class.
126 WHS seniors to graduate Saturday
Whitefish High School will graduate 127 seniors at a commencement ceremony Saturday, June 4 at 1 p.m. at the high school gym.
East 1st reopens for summer traffic
The city of Whitefish in an effort to alleviate summer traffic congestions is re-opening East First Street between Central Avenue and Baker Avenue.
Council to discuss pedicab operation in town
Whitefish City Council meets June 6 at 7:10 p.m. at the interim City Hall at 1005 Baker Ave. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:
Class of 2016: Taking on life's adventures
When Annika Gordon wants to take on a new challenge in life, she makes it happen.
11U All-Stars show grit in season start
Despite seasonably cool temperatures and spring snow on the peaks of Northwest Montana’s mountains, the Whitefish 11U All-Star Baseball team is starting to heat up.
Church opens free community garden
The dirt is tilled, the fence is up and irrigation in place. A free community garden at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Whitefish is ready to produce a bounty of vegetables this summer.
Clean water in Montana deserves delegation's support
Clean water in Montana survived an under-the-radar attack in the U.S. Senate last month. And it’s a good thing, too, for it jeopardized Montana’s famed fish and wildlife populations, as well as our drinking water and irrigation supplies.
Vulnerable Middle Fork
Many individuals and organizations have written about the vulnerability of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River to a catastrophic oil train spill.
Admiration for Don 'K'
My name is Bob Lawson. I had the honor and privilege of representing the folks in Montana House District 80, which included the greater Whitefish area, from 1997-2004.
Regier a superior statesman
I have worked with Rep. Keith Regier for the past four sessions in the Montana State Legislature. In today’s world of politics it is hard to find someone like Keith.
Doris Lou Dunlap
Doris Lou Dunlap, 89, passed away suddenly on Monday, May 23, 2016, in Monroe, Washington. Doris was born on Dec. 10, 1926, in Anacortes, Washington, to William and Ethel Rogers and grew up in Sedro Woolley, Washington.
Don 'K' brings a fresh approach
My family has lived in what is now Senate District 3 for more than a century. I have lived here in the Whitefish community all my life. I have always been interested in politics, and I’ve paid close attention to who has represented us over the years in the state legislature.
Eric Platt
Eric Platt, of Spokane, died at home on May 20, 2016. Eric lived in the world with joy and quiet strength, before and after his diagnosis of ALS in 2011, and left this life peacefully.
Lady Bulldogs win State A tennis championship
Calm on the big stage, clutch in the big moments.
Wednesday, May 25
Police Calls: 2 a.m. beer run turns into robbery threat
Whitefish Police calls from May 16 to 22.
Zinke backs Trump on eve of Montana rally
BILLINGS — Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., on Wednesday became the most prominent Montana Republican to endorse Donald Trump, one day before the presumptive nominee for the Republican presidential nomination arrives to rally supporters in the Treasure State.
Tuesday, May 24
Collaboration needed to balance forest demands
To borrow the words of a good friend, our National Forests are like a big sandbox and we all need to figure out how to play together in it!
GOP candidates face off in Senate primary election
Whitefish businessman Don “K” Kaltschmidt says he’s a deal-maker who will bring fresh ideas to the state’s Republican party. House Majority Leader Rep. Keith Regier says his years of experience and established relationships in the Legislature gives him the clout to get things done.
DEQ investigates downtown solvent plume
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is investigating solvent contamination in Whitefish that likely is the result of past dry cleaning businesses that operated in downtown.
Council says no to horse-carriage operation
Whitefish City Council rejected a request for a horse-carriage business to operate along city streets.
Change in garbage billing a burden on residents
I am writing to express my disappointment in the recent city decision to shift billing for refuse collection from city utility bills to North Valley Refuse billing directly.
City takes action on sewer smells
Whitefish City Council wants residents who have complained about obnoxious odors coming from the city wastewater treatment facility to know they’re listening.
Depot Park gazebo bids come in double estimated budget
Whitefish City Council voted to reject two bids for the construction of a gazebo in Depot Park.
Class of 2016: Sam Benkelman has a way with words
Sam Benkelman’s hero is Dr. Seuss.
Millennials working to make world more accepting
Most Americans call the generation born between the years of 1980 and 2000 “Millennials,” and at times they are referred to as “Generation Next” for their forward-thinking mindset.
Whitefish Review releases new issue
Whitefish Review will release the “Change” issue on June 4 with a celebration at Casey’s in downtown Whitefish.
WTC wraps up season with sharp-witted comedy
The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its final cabaret of the theatre season with a production of “Red Herring” by Michael Hollinger at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Bulldog Open tees off June 19
This year’s Bulldog Open is set for Sunday, June 19, and once again is on Father’s Day.
Regier the right man for the job
Montana needs strong, principled leadership in the Senate, and Keith Regier is the right man for the job.
Dogs win Northwest A tennis crown
Whitefish tennis will send a dozen to the State A tournament this week in Bozeman after a convincing run through the Northwest A divisional bracket.
Speak for yourself on 'doughnut' issues
Blake doesn’t speak for all doughnut residents
Students push for idle-free zones at schools
Vehicles are sometimes left unattended and idling for 45 minutes or longer in front of Whitefish Middle School. Eighth-grade students Caroline Dye and Jessica Henson say it’s a habit that needs to be broken among some parents waiting to drop off or pick up their children.
Wednesday, May 18
What are Don Kaltschmidt's motives?
Don Kaltschmidt, who is running against Rep. Keith Regier for Senate District 3, has no visible involvement in the Republican Party.
Class of 2016: WHS senior has a gift for language
Two weeks into Ryan Brown’s freshman year at Whitefish High School, he had already advanced out of Spanish I. At the end of his sophomore year, Brown took the Advanced Placement Spanish test and scored the highest grade possible.
Police calls: Unwelcome couch surfer arrested
Whitefish Police calls from May 9 to 16:
Proposals come in for affordable housing study
The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce has narrowed the field down to four firms in its search for a consultant to complete a housing needs assessment for Whitefish.
Community Center offers gentle yoga classes
Betty Kuropat offers the same warning to everyone who rolls out a mat at her gentle yoga class.
Billi articulate, passionate about his beliefs
Though Georgia is my home state, Montana feels like a second home to me because it’s the state I visit every year to enjoy the great outdoors. More than any other place, it refreshes my appreciation for America — not only its natural beauty but also the values that make it so special among nations.
Forest fuels reduction project near Olney OK'd
Forest officials have given the go-ahead for a fuels reduction project slated to begin his summer on Flathead National Forest lands north of Whitefish.
All-American guy
Don K is the kind of man who makes me proud and excited to vote on Election Day.
The Lodge earns sixth Four-Diamond award
Five black diamond-shaped plaques are prominently displayed above the front reception desk at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Twins take pair from Bitterroot
Glacier seemed to find a cure for their early-season pitching woes in a pair conference victories last weekend.
Whitefish Trail program focuses on youth photography
Whitefish Legacy Partners is unveiling a new program to introduce youth to outdoor photography on the Whitefish Trail.
Greenhouse blossoms into $1M learning facility
What started five years ago as an idea to replace a dilapidated greenhouse at Whitefish High School has developed into a far more extensive project that is being touted as a learning tool that will benefit the entire school district.
Don 'K' a true common-sense conservative
It’s rare that I send a letter to the editor to express my opinion. The elections are upon us, and if you are like me, the thought of picking our future leaders is not easy and can be confusing. One leader that I am not confused about is Don “K” Kaltschmidt.
Looking at Regier's record
I am a casual observer of Montana politics, but what I observed in the last legislative session was disturbing. Party politics were extreme, which meant that little was accomplished, deeply affecting you and me.
City excuses for odors unacceptable
Recent city of Whitefish excuses for obnoxious odors from its wastewater plant are unacceptable.
Let's be proactive with city's smelly situation
I am writing to the Pilot to express my displeasure at how the city of Whitefish is managing the smelly situation with our sewage treatment facility.
Louise Payne Bundhund
Louise Payne Bundhund was brought home by her Heavenly Father on May 8, 2016.
Don 'K' is a principled conservative
I take a moment to write a letter for a friend, Don “K” Kaltschmidt. I know Don and have observed his life, family, and business for some years, coaching several of his kids and seeing his community involvement.
Suzanne Kameon
Suzanne Kameon passed away peacefully April 29, 2016 in Whitefish. She was born Aug. 9, 1930 in Massapequa, N.Y.
Groups fund boat inspection station at City Beach
The Whitefish Lake Institute and several community partners are building an addition to the hovercraft garage at Whitefish City Beach to house a watercraft inspection station.
Coalition pushes for flight ban over Glacier Park
Back in 1998, Glacier National Park’s General Management Plan called for working with the Federal Aviation Administration on a plan that would include “a phaseout of commercial” air tours over Glacier National Park.
Supergirls of Zimbabwe
Growing up in Whitefish taught me the power of community, and my time at St. John’s College has exposed me to the power of conversation.
Wednesday, May 11
Don 'K' is all hat, no show
All hat, no show. That describes state senate candidate Don Kaltschmidt.
Street races disturb peace on Stumptown Loop
Whitefish Police calls from May 2-8:
Hartman explains why she's running for office
One of the greatest gifts my parents gave to me when I was growing up was our dinner together every evening. I realize now in this hectic day and age how precious these dinners were.
AKTP production handles serious subjects well
I am writing to express my gratitude for the recent production of “Spring Awakening” by Alpine Kids Theatre Project. Given the serious subject matter, I know the directors were concerned about how it would be received by the audiences and parents of the Flathead Valley.
Tax reduction proposed in Whitefish budget
Whitefish property owners will likely see a reduction in their city tax bill this year as a result of the increase in the city’s resort tax, which went into effect last summer.
Kaltschmidt shares success with community
Don “K” Kaltschmidt is a common guy who has accomplished a lot.
Don 'K' will be unifying force in Helena
Life is full of choices, more so than ever at election time. Sometimes these choices are difficult, especially at the local level when all participants are known and the choice is between two honest, well-meaning people.
Old Town 6-lot subdivision approved
City Council May 2 approved a new six-lot subdivision planned for the Old Town neighborhood on the west end of Whitefish.
PTA sends thanks to Whitefish educators
Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week.
Grant could mean Whitefish water system improvements
The Flathead Conservation District is applying for a grant on behalf of the city of Whitefish that could allow the city to perform improvements to its water treatment plant.
Council considers allowing deferred annexation
Whitefish City Council has asked for a re-write of its annexation policy to allow for deferred annexation, which it is considering as a way to get properties along Whitefish Lake to connect to city sewer.
Berger and Young to marry
Joe and Kelley Hill of Whitefish, together with Michael and Lisa Young of Kila, announce the engagement of their children, Zachary William Berger and Samantha Elizabeth Young. The bride-elect graduated from Glacier High School in 2010. She is a sophomore at Montana State University-Billing and works as a paralegal. Her fiance is also the son of Rick Berger of Columbia Falls. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 2010 and is currently a student. The wedding will take place Aug. 13 at Bailey Lake.
Fern advocates for fair property tax system
The Tax Foundation, a right of center of tax analysis think tank in Washington D.C. It ranks Montana sixth best in the nation in their State Business Tax Climate Index survey. Montana has retained this ranking for several consecutive years.
Foul odor from wastewater plant stirs residents
Residents living on Whitefish’s southeast side have banded together in demanding the city address a foul odor wafting from the wastewater treatment facility.
Tuesday, May 10
Glacier prepares for summer crowds
The National Park Service is celebrating its centennial this year, but visitors to Glacier National Park should expect the party to be a low-key affair.
Whitefish tennis rules court against Columbia Falls
Whitefish tennis is shaping up nicely as the season inches closer to tourney time.
Bitterroot dumps Twins twice
The Glacier Twins A struggled to get any consistent offense going in a pair of non-conference American Legion baseball losses to the Bitterroot Red Sox A over the weekend.
Students earn scholarships to travel the world
Eight Whitefish High School students will travel abroad this summer and next school year thanks to scholarships from the AFS exchange student Global Prep program.
Bruce Erickson
Bruce Erickson — citizen of Bozeman, the greater world, and the skies above, died on Nov. 18, 2015.
New school trustee has passion for education
Anna Deese brings a diverse resume to her position as the newest trustee on the Whitefish School Board.
Monday, May 9
Whitefish golf pro cards first ace
Whitefish Lake Golf Club head professional Tim Olson carded his first ever hole-in-one Saturday in the Season Opener Tournament.
Friday, May 6
Proctor and Wetsch to marry
Brent and Kathy Wetsch of Whitefish announce the engagement of their daughter, Torey, to Levi Proctor, son of Eric and Patricia Proctor of Kalispell. Torey graduated from Whitefish High School in 2012. She is currently attending the University of Montana and will begin study for her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in the fall. Levi is a 2013 graduate of Glacier High School. He graduated from the University of Montana in 2015 with a Bachelors in Sociology. He is a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves and is employed at Lithia-CJDR in Missoula.
Edwin Charles Kaminski
Captain Edwin Charles Kaminski died March 23, 2016, in western Colorado after a brief illness.
Thursday, May 5
Man dies after jumping into Running Eagle Falls
Details are still sketchy, but a 26-year-old man died Wednesday after he jumped into a shallow pool at Running Eagle Falls in Glacier National Park. The falls is a short hike off the Two Medicine Road on Glacier’s east side.
Tuesday, May 3
Nonprofits help clean up Wisconsin Avenue
Joe and Cindy Gregory were looking to clean up Wisconsin Avenue and help local nonprofits along the way when they created a new program that does just that.
Deeply ashamed if city chooses to kill deer
Unfortunately, we live in a world filled with animal cruelty and exploitation and now Mr. Hildner wants to add Whitefish to the list of cruel places that kill deer because they inconvenience some people.
Alley behind City Hall work to reopen
An alley closed this spring for the construction of the new City Hall and parking garage is on target to reopen by the end of the month.
Police calls: River boater warned about motors
Whitefish Police calls April 25 to May 1:
Police here to help with dogs, bikes, bears
It’s spring and with the change in weather comes changes to the community. Dogs, bears, transients, and more bike traffic are issues that your police department concentrates our efforts on to keep our community the great place it is to live and work. Daily we receive calls about the aforementioned.
City volunteer boards seek candidates
The city of Whitefish is looking to fill positions on several volunteer boards.
City applies for grants for wastewater plant
The city of Whitefish is looking to secure funding needed for a planned upgrade to its aging wastewater treatment plant.
Sullivan reflects on 40-year teaching career
The understanding of DNA structure was in the early stages of discovery when Colleen Sullivan first arrived in Whitefish for a teaching position. Girls athletics was just beginning at the high school, and grades were still kept on a single handwritten mastersheet.
Whitefish boys undefeated in doubles action
Whitefish went undefeated in doubles play Friday to sweep a doubleheader of duals at Corvallis and Hamilton.
Children's choir brings energetic show to Whitefish
The African Children’s Choir returns to Whitefish with a pair of performances on Sunday.
Homeowners should plan ahead for wildfire season
With all the green foliage that marks springtime in the Flathead, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that wildfire season will soon be here.
Lady Bulldogs impressive at Bitterroot tourney
Whitefish’s top girls doubles tennis teams showed their dominance last weekend in winning all their matches during a road trip to the Bitterroot.
Top seniors head to high-powered universities
Whitefish High School guidance counselor Barb Mansfield keeps a running inventory of the colleges Bulldog graduates have gone on to attend. The list is three pages long and includes schools from the East Coast to the West, both large and small.
West 7th road work underway
The reconstruction of West Seventh Street in Whitefish began Monday.
