Ellington

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After two top candidates for the Whitefish city manager job dropped out, City Council has decided to again advertise the position.

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The seventh annual celebration of all things German — steinholding, polka and Hofbrauhaus beer — are the highlight of this year’s Great Northwest Oktoberfest.

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Whitefish Mountain Resort has been named the 11th overall best ski area by SKI Magazine readers.

Legals September 28, 2016

No. 2341 Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for the Federal General Election(s) to be held on November 8, 2016 will close at 5:00 p.m., on October 11, 2016. *NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office: 40 11th St W #230, Kalispell Montana up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the local election office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. All active and inactive**electors of Flathead County are entitled to vote at said election. Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Administrator in writing of the elector's current address in the county. Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail, by downloading a form from the County's website or by appearing at the county election office. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the county election office. The website address is http://flathead.mt.gov/election DATED this 9th day of September, 2016. Flathead County Election Administrator Debbie Pierson Election Administrator September 21, 28, and October 5, 2016 MNAXLP

State park adds cycling comforts

Travelers arriving in Whitefish by bike will be welcomed with extra hospitality after Whitefish Lake State Park this summer added new campsites and amenities tailored to cyclists as part of a statewide program.

Spring, fall targeted for increased marketing

With Whitefish’s national appeal as a summer tourist destination firmly in place, the group in charge of marketing the city continues to focus on promoting the shoulder seasons.

Biking, walking focus of week of community events

The newly-formed Connect Whitefish group is holding a variety of community events the week of Oct. 1-9 to promote walking and biking toward a healthier lifestyle.

Fern a true representative and worth going to the polls to vote for

As I watch the 2016 Presidential campaign with increasing dismay, it is not hard to recognize what is missing and I have to fight the very rational urge to simply opt out. But I won’t, and I encourage you not to do so either.

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Fern shown ability to get things done

Business owners thankful to community

After reading the nice article in the Pilot and also the Flathead Journal about Chase and Abby Pierce taking over the Tailwaggers store, we, as the originating founders, owners and operators of this wonderful store, wish to send thanks to all our shoppers for a bountiful and wonderful 10 years. Serving our neighbors, not just in Whitefish, but throughout the Flathead and beyond, many of regular shoppers came from Bigfork and Kalispell, Lakeside and Somers, even Polson. We shipped to Havre regularly and many points beyond.

Girls golf advances to state

The Whitefish girls golf team dominated the Western A divisional tournament at Hamilton Golf Course on Saturday, claiming the team title.

Lady Dogs continue conference win streak

Whitefish took down Polson (6-2-0) 1-0 in a tight battle between the Northwest A opponents Saturday at Memorial Field.

Dogs fall short against Pirates

The Whitefish boys soccer team dropped a close match against Polson (5-2-0) Saturday.

Lady Dogs sink Pirates for homecoming win

The Lady Bulldogs put on a strong showing during Thursday’s homecoming win over Polson (2-4).

Jazz ensemble combines live music and silent films

The Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to present award-winning, gypsy jazz ensemble Hot Club of San Francisco with their unique show titled “Cinema Vivant.”

Overcast, Farrell wed

Annie McLaughlin and Chuck Overcast of Whitefish are happy to announce the marriage of their daughter, Brooke Overcast, to Joshua Farrell, son of Karen Farrell and John Farrell.

No parking zones approved for West Seventh

Following the reconstruction of West Seventh Street a portion of the street will become a no parking zone.

Planned high school center becomes larger than dream

As a 2016 Whitefish High School graduate, I am proud to call myself a Bulldog, but I’m even more honored to be a FREEFLOW alumni. During my four years at WHS, I was a member of this club and involved in the idea for a greenhouse, or what is now more appropriately named the Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship.

Love of Ireland, books

Kathy Borchers has a love of Ireland and a passion for books.

'World's Hardest Tournament' Oct. 15

Absentee voting begins

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It is with great pleasure and confidence that I support Dave Fern for House District 5 and Melissa Hartman for Senate District 3. Both are highly qualified, mature and intelligent individuals whom I trust to make decisions that are in the best interest of the residents of Whitefish and the state of Montana.

City rejects hotel's request for additional funds

Whitefish City Council decided not to give additional funds to developers of the Firebrand Hotel for work completed on streetscaping at the hotel.

Rosendale right for Auditor job

Have you ever felt that you’d been hosed by your insurance company? Have you ever sought capital to start your own business? Ever wondered whether that “sure thing” investment scheme is legit?

School project is forward thinking

My father Mully Muldown was very passionate about Whitefish and I am proud of his legacy here in skiing and education. Whitefish has certainly changed a lot since I was a boy. Old friends call me from all over the United States and tell me that they keep hearing about Whitefish. Yes, Whitefish is certainly on the map these days.

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Whitefish’s top selection for the next city manager has declined an offer of employment.

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The seventh annual celebration of all things German — steinholding, polka, and Hofbrauhaus beer — are the highlight of this year’s Great Northwest Oktoberfest.

Lawsuit over skier's death settled

Whitefish Mountain Resort has settled a federal lawsuit involving the 2010 death of a skier who fell into a tree well.

Dogs fall in heartbreaking homecoming loss

It came down to one play, but the Bulldogs fell to Corvallis 23-17 in a tough loss on homecoming night.

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Legals September 21, 2016

No. 2341 Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for the Federal General Election(s) to be held on November 8, 2016 will close at 5:00 p.m., on October 11, 2016. *NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office: 40 11th St W #230, Kalispell Montana up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the local election office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. All active and inactive**electors of Flathead County are entitled to vote at said election. Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Administrator in writing of the elector's current address in the county. Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail, by downloading a form from the County's website or by appearing at the county election office. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the county election office. The website address is http://flathead.mt.gov/election DATED this 9th day of September, 2016. Flathead County Election Administrator Debbie Pierson Election Administrator September 21, 28, and October 5, 2016 MNAXLP

Community should work to keep children safe

It takes a village.

Clark, Burrows engaged

Ward and Jenifer Clark are so pleased and proud to announce the engagement of their daughter Brittanie Clark from Whitefish to Chance Burrows from Helena.

Age should be celebrated, even in politics

The old saw, “age is only a number,” is proving more and more correct. Our presidential election is rife with cautions about the candidates being the oldest in history.

Fern works tirelessly in education

When we finally get to vote for candidates, I’ll be voting for David Fern for Montana House District 5. Dave has spent the last 20 years working for education at our local school board, as well as endless hours serving on the Montana School Board Association’s state board. Dave studies issues, listens to people and encourages folks to work together and skip the ideology stuff. We need folks in Helena that will seek solutions and use common sense to solve problems, not create ones where they don’t exist. Vote for Dave Fern.

Disagrees with Brown's pick for president

I could not believe my eyes when I read the “guest opinion” by Bob Brown.

Hay donation helps farm program in winter

Being grateful is often overlooked, but living in the Flathead it is very easy to be grateful.

Resort honored for work to save whitebark pine

After more than 20 years of working to protect the keystone species, Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday was recognized as the first Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area by the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation.

Around the world

From the cockpit of the single-engine plane, Giuseppe Caltabiano looked out into a bright ocean filled with ice. The onboard compass began to drift, and he knew he had made it to the North Pole.

Soroptimists take over annual fundrasier sale

For roughly 15 years Sam and Ruth Neff have organized and ran, along with the help of volunteers, an annual fundraiser yard sale at their home.

Play explores limits of human identity, technology

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its first Black Curtain theatre production of the 2016-2017 season with “Marjorie Prime” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Lake conservation project earns federal grant

A large land conservation deal on land north of Whitefish Lake will benefit from $2 million in federal funding.

Whitefish students score above state average in testing

Whitefish students scored well above the statewide average on the state’s Smarter Balanced assessment and the national ACT test for high school juniors.

Girls dominate Ronan XC meet

The Whitefish girls dominated at the Ronan Invitational cross country meet Thursday, claiming both the team title and the top individual runner.

Exhibit features Blackfeet artists

Stumptown Art Studio’s current exhibition of 13 Blackfeet Nation artists is a great way to learn about Blackfeet culture and art.

Council wrestles with vacation rental requirements

Whether a planned new residence on O’Brien Avenue will be used for long-term leases or as a vacation rental caused a hiccup during the Whitefish City Council’s consideration of a conditional use permit for the property.

Great Fish hits new fundraising high

Donations flooded the Whitefish Community Foundation office online, in the mail, or were hand delivered during the final week of the Great Fish Challenge, which concluded last Friday. The preliminary total for the nonprofits tallied $1.1 million.

Girls place second at Kalispell Invitational

The Whitefish girls golf team took second in the Kalispell Invitational at Buffalo Hills Thursday behind top-ten performances from seniors Hayley and Holly Hileman.

Lady Dogs off to hot start in conference play

Whitefish girls soccer racked up three conference wins in a strong week for the Lady Dogs (6-2).

Dogs split against conference foes

The Bulldogs (3-4) split their two conference soccer matches last week, falling to Columbia Falls but coming up big with a late goal to take down Libby.

Lady Dogs sweep past Frenchtown

Whitefish girls volleyball swept Frenchtown (0-5) in a strong showing Thursday.

Dogs blank Stevensville

The Bulldogs won their second straight game behind a strong defensive performance, shutting out Stevensville (2-2) 20-0 Friday.

Grizzly bear DNA database grows by the day

This summer, grizzly bears have been confirmed in the Big Hole River Valley of Montana for the first time in the last 100 years.

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Jimmy Grant was the top finisher at the Two Bear Marathon Sunday coming in well below the three-hour mark in the mens full marathon.

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City looks at annexing 44 more properties

Whitefish is considering a plan to annex a smattering of properties around town that are surrounded by city limits.

Happy Valley casino OK'd

Despite heavy opposition from neighbors, a proposed casino and tavern near Happy Valley on Tuesday won unanimous approval from the Flathead County Board of Adjustment.

'Equity' cited as main reason for water rate hike

Residents of Rest Haven Drive say the city’s latest increase in sewer rates is unfair when their neighborhood already pays higher rates than other city users.

Sailing through my father's memories

Last month, I met two of the men who attempted to sail with my father in a tiny rowboat across the North Atlantic to evade Nazis and work for Norwegian freedom.

City Hall work closes downtown alley

The south end of the alley between Central Avenue and Baker Avenue by the City Hall construction project will be closed until Sept. 30.

Assisting students who fall through the cracks

High school students today worry about the usual things: grades, homework, sports, friends and love, among others. Yet for some students, finding a place to sleep is at the top of that list.

Lady Dogs nipped at net by Kats

The Lady Bulldogs fell to defending state champion and rival Columbia Falls 3-1 Thursday evening in a Northwest A volleyball match at home.

Cyclists, pedestrians often confused by shared paths

Making sure bicyclists and pedestrians know which paths they can use and where those routes go is a concern for some people who use Whitefish’s non-vehicle transportation routes.

New owners take the leash at Tailwaggers

After Chase Pierce moved back home to Whitefish, he was paws-itive he wanted to own his own business. Fur-tunately, the purr-fect opportunity arose at Tailwaggers.

Desch named Whitefish Pilot editor

Heidi Desch has been tapped as the next managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot.

It's been an honor

The first chapter of my Whitefish story isn’t much different from the many others who came here on a chance and never left.

Gambling our future away

Congratulations Whitefish, you have just received approval for your first casino conveniently located just outside city limits and right in a residential area. How fortunate we are that the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office along with the Advisory Board took the time to listen to the many residents in the area bring up relevant and important points regarding potential detrimental neighborhood and traffic impacts, then blatantly disregard all of them and unanimously vote in favor of the Midway Tavern and Casino.

Five reasons to vote for Billi

Chet Billi is running for Montana House District 5 representative. As Chet’s neighbor, former employer and friend, I feel like I know him well enough to vouch for his character and sincerity.

City Council vote a sham

I attended the Whitefish City Council public hearing Sept. 6 on revised wastewater rates. The stated purpose of the meeting was to receive public input.

Thankful for donation

It was an act of amazing graciousness when Collision Craft donated a vehicle to the Flathead Youth Home.

Lion killing could have been avoided

The recent killing of a mountain lion by police officers in Whitefish is an unfortunate incident that could have possibly been avoided.

Grateful for emergency response

On Sunday, Sept. 4, around 6:30 p.m., my husband and our niece who was visiting from California had just finished a delicious meal at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course restaurant. I suddenly felt myself passing out and my world went dark.

Country might not survive a Trump presidency

I am saddened to write this opinion piece, but after much thought, I must. In my long life I have never voted for a Democrat for president. That will change this year.

Montanans rallying to remember Diekmann's legacy

Editor’s note: The late conservationist Alex Diekmann worked as a senior project manager for the Trust for Public Land. He orchestrated the deal to complete the Haskill Basin conservation easement, which was finalized earlier this year and preserves about 3,000 acres of working forestland north of Whitefish.

Visitors treat town like a frat party

Monday, Sept. 5

Pro-Am tourney this weekend

Two new board members will be elected at this year’s annual meeting on Saturday, Oct. 15 with one male and one female tier one member replacing the outgoing board members. At this time we have contested races for both seats with Diana Johann and Tracey Whisenand vying for the seat to be vacated by Leslee Washer. Bill Bayne and Bill LeLievre are running for the seat to be available with John Peschel completing his term on the board.

Top-10 finishes for XC

The Bulldogs boys and girls cross-country teams both finished in the top 10 at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell Friday.

Win streak snapped for girls soccer

The Lady Bulldogs’ hot start came to a halt over the weekend, as Whitefish (3-2) dropped soccer matches on the road at Laurel (5-1) and at Billings Central (6-0), the defending Montana A girls soccer champions.

Boys soccer derails Locomotives on road trip

Whitefish boys soccer (2-3) split two non-conference road games over the weekend, defeating Laurel (3-3) but falling to Billings Central (5-1) a day later.

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Whitefish High School is gearing up for it annual homecoming festivities set for next week.

Dogs take down Browning for first win

The Bulldogs (1-2) made amends for last week’s scoring drought just 12 seconds into Friday’s 28-7 victory over Browning (0-3) in the nonconference contest at Memorial Field.

City manager finalist withdraws

One of the four finalists vying to be the next Whitefish City Manager has withdrawn from consideration. As a result, the city has decided to add another candidate to keep the pool at four total in the running for the city’s top administrative job.

Whitefish woman returns from simulated space mission

For an entire year, Carmel Johnston and five crewmates survived the desolation that is Mars.

Life of international intrigue

During the height of the Cold War, Don Clark recalls walking through the streets in what is now Russia when he noticed that he and his associate were being followed. Two men with briefcases containing cameras were taking pictures of them.

XC runners improve at Cut Bank

A pair of Whitefish girls cross-country finished in the top 15 at a Cut Bank race on Friday.

Whitefish volleyball splits doubleheader in Bitterroot

The Lady Bulldogs (1-1) split a doubleheader road trip over the weekend, beating Hamilton but falling to Corvallis Saturday.

Annual WLGC meeting set for Oct. 15

The 2016 Annual Meeting of the Whitefish Lake Golf Association is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15 with a hosted brunch at 9:30 a.m. followed by the business meeting. All members are invited to attend the meeting and learn about the current financial position and plans for the next season.

Dogs look for first win Friday against Browning

The Bulldogs (0-2) return home Friday to face Browning (0-2).

Dillon blanks Bulldogs in rout

The last time the Bulldogs and Dillon met on the gridiron, the Bulldogs left with the state championship trophy in hand. Friday’s rematch, however, had little in common with that game.

Lady Bulldogs start off hot

It’s been a fast start for the Lady Bulldogs (3-0) this season.

Boys drop weekend soccer matches

It was a rough weekend for the Whitefish boys soccer team (1-2), falling to Belgrade and Livingston in two shutouts by non-conference opponents.

Residents warned about unsecured garbage

Monday, Aug. 29

Final countdown for Great Fish donations

The countdown has reached single digits — only nine days remain to donate to Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Community Challenge.

Honest people doing good

Thank you to the person who turned in my cell phone at Safeway on Aug. 26. I am so grateful to you. It is so heartwarming to know that there are honest people doing good. Thank you so much.

Allow parents a bigger stake in their child's future

School is starting in many parts of Montana as we say goodbye to summer. Sadly, Gov. Steve Bullock didn’t request any funding increases for this year’s special education students in his budget proposal in 2015.

Properly vetting Syrian refugees

This week, the White House met its goal of resettling 10,000 Syrian refugees. The Republicans on Capitol Hill have raised questions about whether or not terrorists or violent criminals have been allowed in. However, the White House has assured them that they have all been vetted.

Bike, pedestrian plan looks to improve trail systems

Greater connectivity and safety improvements for the city’s trails and sidewalks is the focus of a draft bike and pedestrian master plan released last month.

San Francisco direct flight added for ski season

A new direct flight between Glacier Park International Airport and San Francisco has been added for the winter season. The new flight comes after three years of direct flights to Chicago proved to be a success for Glacier AERO.

One workforce housing project takes shape, another in the works

While a study of Whitefish’s workforce housing shortage is underway, one meaningful project addressing the issue is already in the works and another is being planned.

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First Street from the Central Avenue alley to Baker Avenue will be closed beginning on Thursday, Sept. 8 as part of work on the City Hall and parking structure construction project.

DEQ plans cleanup of downtown solvent pollution

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is planning to clean up underground solvent pollution in Whitefish later this year.

Whitefish students head back to class

$90,000 raised for grandstands

After a fire destroyed the grandstands at the Columbia Falls baseball stadium in June, the focus has been rebuilding.

Schatte and Lautaret marry

Jill Christine Schatte, daughter of Karla West of Whitefish and Chris Schatte of Traverse City, Michigan, and David Eugene Lautaret, son of Rena and Larry Lautaret of Whitefish, were married on Aug. 19. The ceremony was held at the home of the groom’s parents in Whitefish with Eric Murphy of Portland, Oregon, officiating at the ceremony.

Climber dies in fall on Glacier's Mount Jackson

A mountain climber died Tuesday while descending Mount Jackson in Glacier National Park. The Park Service reported that two men, a father and son, were descending the east face when they slipped and fell on a snowfield. The son was able to self-arrest and had injuries, but he could not locate his father, Dann R. Pilipow, 56, of Portage, Indiana.

Giving life to final dreams

When her mother was diagnosed with cancer nine years ago, Whitefish resident Courtney Laabs trained for an Iron Man triathlon as an outlet for her grief. But when her mother entered hospice care two weeks before the race, Laabs knew she had to drop out.