Tuesday, January 31
Science on Ice
The ice rink can be a great place to learn about science.
School center secures $2.1M in donations
The Whitefish School District has secured $2.1 million in funding for its Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship and is poised to begin construction in April.
Sustainability part of district-wide curriculum
Whitefish School District’s director of curriculum and instruction Ryder Delaloye says Whitefish school are working to be a model of sustainability.
City looks to add workforce housing to zoning code
Whitefish is looking to change its zoning code to aid in the development of workforce housing in the city.
No headline
Stumptown Art Studio has a number of classes scheduled for the month of February.
Winter Carnival takes over Whitefish this weekend
The much anticipated main events of the Whitefish Winter Carnival take place this weekend.
'On Golden Pond'
The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for the spring production of “On Golden Pond” on Feb. 6 and 7 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Fly shop gets OK for move to Spokane Ave.
Whitefish City Council Jan. 17 gave its approval for Lakestream Fly Shop to operate out of an unused building on Spokane Avenue.
From the desk of Polly Penguin
To King Ullr Ross and Queen of the Snows Sue,
PTA kicks off education series with documentary
A new education series will kick off Feb. 9 in Whitefish with the goal of addressing different topics relevant to parents and guardians of students.
Bills of interest for Flathead Valley
The 65th session of the Montana Legislature has finished its third week. Bill drafts on various legislation are being completed and assigned to committees for public hearings. These hearings are open to the public for their input. If an individual is in favor of a bill becoming law or opposed to it, the committee hearing is where they can voice their opinions. If a bill is favorably voted out of a committee, it goes to the Senate or House floor where no public testimony is allowed.
Supports Quist for Congress
I am writing in support of Rob Quist’s candidacy for Montana’s lone congressional seat. It is said that the House of Representatives is the people’s chamber and it is easy to see that Rob Quist represents what the people of Montana love and respect.
William Lowell Wallace
William Lowell Wallace, “Bill” was called peacefully to be with the Lord at his home, on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 at the age of 79.
Swimmers take 2nd in Havre
The Whitefish girls took second and the boys fourth during the Havre Invitational swim meet on Saturday.
FVSEF skiers make podium at Bridger Bowl
Junior skiers from the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation stood on the podium 13 times during the Northern Division USSA ski races hosted at Bridger Bowl near Bozeman on Jan 19-22.
MARS results
Montana Alpine Racing School skiers competed at the Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Base Lodge Clinic - Sportsman Ski Haus Northern Division Qualifier Series and the Bridger Bowl YSL Tech Qualififer in Bozeman last month.
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Skiers and riders alike hit the race track over the weekend at the World Invitational Whitefish Ski Joring races.
Back to basics after Dogs drop two straight
Rebounding and avoiding turnovers are the focal points for the Bulldogs after two disappointing losses to Bigfork and Frenchtown last week.
Bulldog speech earns second place at state
Strong debate and impromptu performances led the Whitefish speech and debate team to its second-straight second place finish in Class A at the state tournament.
Lady Bulldogs falls in tough losses
A down season for the Lady Bulldogs continued with two losses over the weekend.
Wrestlers look ahead to divisional
Whitefish grapplers wrapped up the regular season at home during the Whitefish Duals on Friday.
Bike and pedestrian plan receives approval
Whitefish now has an updated guide in planning for the future of its trails, paths and sidewalks around town.
Thursday, January 26
Flathead jobless rate increases in December
Unemployment rates in Flathead and surrounding counties inched upward in December.
Wednesday, January 25
Skijoring returns this weekend
It’s a competition that pairs horse and rider along with skier being pulled around a course on snow.
Tuesday, January 24
City moves ahead with Highway 93 South cooridor plan
The city of Whitefish is finally moving forward on a long discussed corridor plan for Highway 93 South.
Neighbors help swan make annual trip home
Each fall, like clockwork, a chill comes to the air and the leaves change color. The days grow shorter, and as the pond behind Mallard Loop slowly begins to freeze, a certain swan awaits its rescue.
Forest project set to begin this summer
Widespread prescribed burns and some timber harvesting are planned for the mountains above Haskill Basin.
Don K dealership adds detail building
The Don K car dealership in Whitefish has embarked on another round of expansion with the addition of a $650,000 accessory and detail building that is an extension of the business’ Subaru operation.
A ricochet life
Larry Rooney has led a ricochet life.
Fire marshal reflects on nearly four decades of service
Whitefish Fire Marshal Tom Kennelly’s 38-year career is full of fighting fires and keeping people safe, but through it all, family is what kept him motivated.
City selects second tenant for parking structure space
The city of Whitefish is negotiating with a second tenant to lease the commercial space inside the under construction parking garage attached to the new City Hall.
Marching forward
For those who know Travis Catina, his military ambitions should come as no surprise.
Look at future of Affordable Care Act
When the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010, its goal was to improve access to quality health care for all Americans. However, the law has provided the greatest benefit to states with large rural populations like Montana. The reason is that the Affordable Care Act targets the exact factors that lead to poor health outcomes in rural communities: lack of insurance coverage, lack of physicians, lack of access to care, quality of care, and geographic barriers.
Key bills in Legislature
Last week two important bills reached the House floor with razor thin 10-9 committee votes. The essence of the subsequent floor debates may be boiled down to the following: Should an increase in fees and surcharges be implemented to fund important governmental services?
Pick up after dogs
I want to acknowledge the amazing efforts of the Whitefish Legacy Partners in the creation and maintenance of the Whitefish Trail. It is remarkable that such a trail system exists so close to our town and I deeply appreciate the foresight of all who contributed to the trail’s creation and upkeep. The Whitefish Trail is truly a gift to be respected and appreciated.
Mixed feelings about winter weather
Every year, by the time winter rolls around, I couldn’t be more excited. The falling of leaves and steady decline in temperature signify that it is time for flannels and warm fires and hot chocolate. There’s skiing on the mountain, ice skating at the rink, and building forts in the snow. What is there not to like? These fond memories of winter and the anticipation that I have each fall always mask the pain and suffering that are actually endured as winter progresses. Honestly, what’s really so great about winter?
Lady Dogs come up short in tight battle
The Lady Bulldogs dropped two games at home this weekend, falling to Eureka 47-23 on Friday before losing a close matchup with Polson 34-32 on Saturday.
Dogs down Eureka, fall to Polson at home
The Bulldogs split two home games this weekend, defeating Eureka 48-37 before falling to Polson 63-54 the following night.
Glacier Nordic racers compete in Seeley Lake
Glacier Nordic Ski Team had several skiers place Saturday at the Skiesta Youth Races in Seeley Lake.
FVSEF skiers claim podium spots
Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation had skiers claim 14 podium spots over four days of races at Whitefish Mountain Resort in the Base Lodge Clinic-Sportsman Ski Haus Northern Division Qualifier Series.
Wrestlers compete at Class A duals
The Whitefish wrestling team competed with schools from all over the state during the Class A Duals over the weekend.
Little Guy wrestling signups begin Friday
Whitefish Wrestling Club will be having signups for the 2017 Montana Little Guy season on Friday, Jan. 27, in the Whitefish High School gym from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Speech takes 2nd at divisional
The Whitefish Bulldog speech and debate team had a solid performance last weekend at the Class A divisional tournament taking second place.
From the desk of Polly Penguin
To King Ullr Ross Strauser and Queen of the Snows Sue Strauser,
Hanson picked for School Board
Shannon Hanson has been selected to serve on the Whitefish School Board.
Wednesday, January 18
Event promotes pet adoption, Humane Society
Hoping to raise awareness about the positives of adopting a pet, Whitefish High School students will host a “Paws with a Cause” fundraiser during the boys varsity basketball game Friday, Jan. 20.
Strausers crowned King and Queen for annual event
Whitefish couple Ross and Sue Strauser will reign as the Whitefish Winter Carnival King Ullr and Queen of the Snows.
City Hall, parking structure construction progressing
Construction work on the new Whitefish City Hall and parking structure continues to move along.
City looks at adding workforce housing to zoning code
Whitefish is considering adding a few tools to the city zoning code that would allow for creating workforce housing.
Wessels, Maetzold to lead community foundation board
The Whitefish Community Foundation starts off 2017 with a change in the foundation’s leadership.
Message from the desk of Polly Penguin
Dear King Ullr LVIII and Queen of the Snows,
Movie, panel discussion takes look at climate change
A movie and panel discussion will look at climate change during an event Monday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center.
Middle school penny fundraiser nets $2,000 for food bank
Whitefish Middle School students scrapped together their pennies in a big way last month donating more than $2,000 to North Valley Food Bank.
Ballet dancers present annual production
Noble Dance Performing Company’s leading ballet dancers present their annual company production featuring all new classical and contemporary ballet works on Jan. 21 and 22 at the O’Shaughnessy Center.
Three candidates apply for open School Board seat
The Whitefish School Board is considering three candidates for the vacant position left by longtime trustee Dave Fern, who resigned after his election to House District 5.
District hires firm for phone poll on Muldown
Hoping to take the publics pulse on a bond issue request for Muldown improvements, the Whitefish School Board on Jan. 10 voted to hire research firm Anderson Robbins for a public opinion survey.
Classroom project part of Samsung contest
Whitefish Middle School is one of 255 finalists nationwide for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest.
No headline
Thousands of people are now aware of the Quiet Waters Initiative. The issue is that we risk losing a tremendous amount of our freedom to enjoy public land and water by regulations that dramatically restrict the type of boats we can use.
Unhealthy weight is one of the greatest health concerns
January brings many opportunities to refocus on health and wellness for the New Year. Jan. 16-20 is Healthy Weight Week, and Jan. 19 is Women's Healthy Weight Day. Physicians and hospitals take into account the many challenges that people face when trying to make a lifestyle change, but it cannot be ignored that unhealthy weight is one of the greatest health concerns in the country. While there are sometimes difficult feelings around discussing healthy weight, it is an essential factor in lifelong health.
Valley legislators hold readership roles
Montana’s 65th Legislative Assembly started on Jan. 2. Of the 150 legislators, 33 are new to the legislative process. With a 90 day session, there is a steep learning curve for those freshmen. Bill drafts are being finalized, and some committees have had hearings on legislation in the first week of the session. The Legislature has a website that provides information on bills, committees, legislators and all of the activities of the Legislature. An internet search of Montana Legislature will get you to the home page. Topics of interest and bills relating to those interests can be found, read and tracked through the legislative process. Legislator contact information can be obtained as well.
Bulldog swimmers dominate in home pool
The Whitefish boys and girls swim teams grabbed first place at their home invite at The Wave Saturday.
Lady Dogs look ahead to weekend matchups
The Lady Bulldogs are still looking for their first win of the season after falling to Columbia Falls and Thompson Falls last week.
Dogs outscore T. Falls in nonconference win
The Bulldogs split two games last week, falling to rival Columbia Falls 54-42 before beating Thompson Falls 77-62.
Wrestlers push through long weekend of duals
The Whitefish wrestling team had a busy week, wrestling duals against Lake City and Frenchtown Thursday before heading to Idaho for the River City Duals over the weekend.
Speech takes second at Ronan Invitational
The Whitefish speech and debate team capped off a weekend of strong performances with a second place finish in Ronan.
Tuesday, January 17
City says neo-Nazis allowed to march, but not with guns
The city of Whitefish says that if a neo-Nazi march through town does take place those participating will not be allowed to carry weapons.
Monday, January 16
Reflecting on mountain glows
Once in a while up here in Whitefish we have these incredible evenings (OK — maybe it’s still late afternoon), when the mountain glows with the sunset’s reflection. It looks magical from town.
Resort to move idle Chair 5 to East Rim
Whitefish Mountain Resort on Friday announced a $1.2 million project to move Chair 5 to the East Rim to improve access for advanced and intermediate terrain.
Friday, January 13
Local hero remembered as 'everyone's best friend'
A devoted family man who loved life and always had a smile on his face. An accomplished ski and mountaineering athlete. And everyone's best friend.
Neo-Nazi march through town postponed
A neo-Nazi march planned for Monday through downtown has been put on hold. However, it may be rescheduled to February, according to the website calling for the march.
Wednesday, January 11
No more doughnut days for Whitefish
Whitefish is forcing itself back into the doughnut.
Tuesday, January 10
No headline
Skiers young and old gathered at Whitefish Lake Golf Club early Sunday morning for Glacier Nordic Club’s annual Glacier Glide race.
Music school purchases city building for $20
North Valley Music School has purchased the city of Whitefish’s building at Depot Park for $20.
Dogs drop Braves in overtime
The Bulldogs split two nailbiters over the weekend, defeating Flathead 49-46 Friday, but falling to Hamilton 80-70 on Saturday.
Lady dogs bested by Flathead, Hamilton
The Lady Dogs weren’t able to overcome strong performances from their opponents last weekend.
Wrestlers compete at Cut Bank
Whitefish grapplers competed with 28 teams at the Cut Bank Invitational over the weekend.
Swim team picks up 3rd, 6th at Kalispell Invite
The Whitefish swim team had a strong outing in Kalispell Saturday, with the boys taking third and the girls taking sixth.
Speech takes second at tourney
The Whitefish speech and debate team grabbed a second place finish at Corvallis on Saturday.
Benjamin Parsons
Benjamin Parsons, 36, of Kalispell, died Jan. 5, 2017, in an avalanche while backcountry skiing on Stanton Mountain in Glacier National Park.
Cecilia Lyons
Age 49, Our beautiful Mommy, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Dec. 30, 2016.
Spear, Olson named to Carnival royalty
The Whitefish Winter Carnival got underway for its 58th year during the annual Merry Maker on Saturday, crowning Prime Minister Nick Spear and Duchess of Lark Renee Olson who will be part of the carnival’s royal court.
Workforce housing project gets OK
Whitefish City Council Jan. 3 approved a plan that will provide seasonal workforce housing in the city.
No headline
A neo-Nazi blog that has threatened to hold an armed march through Whitefish may be calling off its plans, at least for the time being.
Junior ski racing this weekend
The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation will host four days of junior ski racing at Whitefish Mountain Resort this weekend.
MLK celebration set for Monday
A Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration will feature musical performances and presentations by students on Monday, Jan. 16 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.
Quiet waters proposal gets a negative review
A possible new rule that would severely curb boating and outlaw Jet Skis and personal watercraft on portions of the Flathead and Whitefish rivers got a big thumbs down at a public hearing Tuesday at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters in Kalispell.
Art exhibit raises awareness of human trafficking
Soroptimist International of Whitefish, in conjunction with the office of Attorney General Tim Fox, is taking a unique art exhibit on a four-city tour of Montana to raise awareness of human trafficking.
No headline
The city of Whitefish has received an incomplete application for a special event from The Daily Stormer for a proposed Jan. 16 march on Second Street from Memorial Park to City Hall.
Monday, January 9
Block party spreads message of 'love not hate'
Hundreds of hardy souls braved frigid temperatures to share a message of togetherness across racial, gender and religious lines at the Love Not Hate block party near Depot Park Saturday morning.
Saturday, January 7
Firefighter killed in Glacier avalanche
Ben Parsons, 36, a well-known local athlete and Whitefish firefighter and paramedic, was killed in an avalanche Thursday afternoon while backcountry skiing on Stanton Mountain in Glacier National Park.
Friday, January 6
Winter Carnival events begin
There’s always the yetis and penguins. But for this year’s Whitefish Winter Carnival, there should be some even more unique characters right from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book wandering the streets.
No headline
Authorities on Friday released the name of the Kalispell man who was killed in an avalanche Thursday afternoon while backcountry skiing on Stanton Mountain in Glacier National Park.
Thursday, January 5
No headline
Despite the fact that The Daily Stormer neo-Nazi website claims its planning a march in Whitefish on Jan. 16, the city of Whitefish has not received an application for such an event.
Invasive species growing concern for Whitefish Lake
Efforts to keep Whitefish Lake free of aquatic invasive species could be ramped up this year after zebra mussel larvae in two Montana water bodies this fall caused boating closures in other parts of the state.
Efforts to contain AIS in Beaver Lake find success
Efforts to contain and eradicate an aquatic invasive species from Beaver Lake so far have proven successful.
Wednesday, January 4
No headline
Pieces of twisted metal and what appeared to be siding was virtually all that remained Wednesday afternoon as steam rose up from the foundation of a North Pinnacle Road house destroyed by fire Tuesday night.
Musician finds niche performing for seniors
Before and after a performance, Kathy Sullivan likes to mingle with the crowd. It gives the singer and guitarist the opportunity to hear the stories of her audience.
Tuesday, January 3
No headline
Whitefish Mountain Resort is off to a great season so far, receiving an 18-year high for snowfall with 12 feet on the mountain.
Community pushes back against white supremacist threats
Whitefish for the past few weeks has been the target of threats and harassment by white supremacists. Though the attacks have come online, the community has faced them together in tangible ways, while continuing to declare the town as one of inclusion.
Love Not Hate community event set for Saturday
A free community block party is planned for Saturday, Jan. 7 in response to negative attention an anti-Semitic blog has brought to Whitefish.
Lakestream applies for move to Spokane Avenue
Lakestream Fly Shop could be moving to Spokane Avenue after the Whitefish City Planning Board on Dec. 12 voted to recommend its request.
Tree-house chalets offer sense of whimsy
When creating the design for her tree houses at a local ski resort, Gail Goodwin wasn’t going to compromise on the vision for her project.
New City Manager excited to begin work in Whitefish
The next City Manager of Whitefish is excited to begin work for the city and move home to Montana.
C. Falls councilor pushes for anti-hate measure
Columbia Falls City councilwoman Jenny Lovering hopes to see a kinder, gentler city in 2017. At the last council meeting of the year, Lovering urged her fellow councilmembers to pass a resolution denouncing hate and bigotry.
Whitefish Christian Academy first quarter honor roll
3rd Grade
Theatre company earns national grant
The National Endowment of the Arts recently announced awards totaling more than $30 million as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017.
Invasive species funding emerges as legislative priority
Montana’s susceptibility to invasive mussels has rattled policymakers across the state, and despite a tight budget, boosting the state’s invasive species programs appears to have gained bipartisan traction.
Glacier updates 2016 visitor numbers
Glacier National Park has revised its visitation estimate for 2016 to nearly 3 million visitors, after it was discovered that traffic counters didn’t always work last summer.
Flathead Electric awards safety grants
Flathead Electric’s Roundup for Safety program has awarded $16,400 in grants to seven community safety projects.
Program aims to engage students outside classroom
A new pilot program in Whitefish schools is hoping to get students engaged and learning outside of the classroom.
Catina, Cote named to Shrine Game
The Bulldogs will have two representatives on the gridiron during this year’s East-West Shrine Game.
Inspired by community as it stands up together
In a rapidly changing world, I have once again witnessed the essence of Whitefish. We are a close-knit community that rolls up its sleeves, gets things done, and takes care of each other. We may not always agree on issues, but we respect one another.
Preventative measures key in keeping AIS out of lake
What would a zebra mussel infestation in Whitefish Lake look like? Imagine the cost to you if the city’s drinking water intake pipe in Whitefish Lake became plugged with mussels.
Whitefish pitches in to support its own
I am forever grateful to have moved to Whitefish 25 years ago. Back then we were ‘Pothole City, USA,” there was one good restaurant in town and the skiing was just as awesome as it is today.
Affordable housing project fulfills a need
The Reisch Family Partnership is requesting a conditional use permit to turn the former Whitefish Independent High School building into a boarding house for seasonal workers.
