Monday, July 31
Fire danger extreme, Stage II restrictions implemented
Following weeks hot, dry weather conditions the fire danger is now listed as extreme.
Friday, July 28
Bicycling theater troupe brings original show to Whitefish
A group of eight actors are pedaling their way across Montana this summer making stops in towns to perform their original play before packing up their bikes to cycle on to the next show.
No headline
Whitefish is issuing a fire advisory due to recent hot and dry weather, the city announced Friday afternoon.
Thursday, July 27
Best of Whitefish 2017
There is always a certain buzz that surrounds our annual Best of Whitefish.
Home prices continue increase in Whitefish, Columbia Falls
Home prices in Whitefish continued to rise in the first half of 2017, according to a market report by Kelley Appraisal, following a trend of steady increases for the last five years.
Wednesday, July 26
Educator of Excellence
A call to help brought Amanda Matdies from teaching home school to public classrooms.
Stage II fire restrictions begin for Flathead County
Following hot, dry weather conditions, Stage II fire restrictions are now in place for Flathead County.
Patsy Cline musical tells story of a special friendship
The story of a special friendship between a legendary singer and her fan comes to life on stage at the O’Shaughnessy Center this week.
Legals July 26, 2017
No. 2382 CITY OF WHITEFISH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON STREET ABANDONMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at its regular meeting to be held August 7, 2017, at 7:10 p.m. in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 418 East Second Street, the Whitefish City Council will consider discontinuing, abandoning and vacating the portion of the unconstructed street more particularly described as follows: The East Twenty (20) feet of the Southeast (SE) quarter of the Southeast (SE) quarter, Section Twenty-Seven (27) Township Thirty-One (31) N Range Twenty Two (22) W.M.M., lying north of the centerline of Haugen Heights Road. As indicated in Deed Record Book 192, Page 345, records of Flathead County, Montana. Individuals may appear or submit written testimony at the hearing to comment on the proposed street abandonment. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the Whitefish City Clerk, 418 East Second Street, PO Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937, or emailed to mhowke@cityofwhitefish.org. Additional information regarding the proposed street abandonment may be obtained by contacting the Whitefish City Attorney at 406-863-2444 or ajacobs@cityofwhitefish.org. July 19, 26, 2017 MNAXLP
Tuesday, July 25
Passing of the skates
The Glacier Skate Academy has a new director lacing up her skates as the rink says goodbye to former director Chad Goodwin.
City updates invasive regs to match state
The city of Whitefish has updated its aquatic invasive species regulations to better coincide with state rules.
City approves trail agreement with resort
The city of Whitefish has approved an agreement for a public recreational trail easement on Big Mountain.
Johnsons mark anniversary
Doug and Linda Johnson of Whitefish celebrated their 50th anniversary on July 21.
Protecting private property rights and public access possible
Two core values that Montanans share make our state great: a deep respect for private property rights as well as a dedication to public land. Defending both of these values is essential to our way of life.
Remembering Liu Xiaobo
On July 13, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, a political prisoner in China and a champion of democracy, died of liver cancer in a Chinese hospital. The world mourned, but in China his death was barely noted. The Chinese government is responsible for Liu Xiaobo’s death. It imprisoned him unjustly, then withheld proper medical treatment until his cancer was too advanced to treat. At the end it spurned international appeals to allow him to emigrate abroad with his wife so he could die a free man in a free country.
ATP talent staggering
Remember Al Pacino’s tango scene in “The Scent of a Woman?” Well, Alpine Theatre Company’s “The Pursuit of Happiness” tango blows Al completely out of the water. This year’s level of talent is staggering.
Council OKs sending second letter to county concerning board comments
Whitefish City Council last week struggled with whether to send another letter to the Flathead County Commissioners over an incident that occurred at a May 10 county planning board meeting.
Stop 197: Man visits Glacier on goal to visit all National Parks
Mikah Meyer spent a recent weekend riding horses, hiking and stargazing in Glacier National Park.
Twins fall short against Red Sox to end season
After scoring two runs in the top of the fourth inning of a deadlocked 0-0 game against the Bitterroot Red Sox on Saturday night, things were looking good for the Glacier Twins.
Windauer, Prystayko win Whitefish Lake Triathlon
About 50 competitors participated in the triathlon Sunday beginning and ending at City Beach.
Judy (Filiatreau) Schooley, Burton Carroll Schooley
This year saw the passing of both Judy (Filiatreau) Schooley and Burton Carroll Schooley.
Glenn David Haas
Glenn David Haas, a child of God, was received in the arms of our heavenly Father on July 19, 2017, he will be greatly missed here.
Robert Allen Burtsfield
Robert Allen Burtsfield, resident of Blackwell, Oklahoma, went to his Heavenly Father on July 8, 2017, at age 79 from complications of dementia.
No headline
Governor’s Cup Scramble
Whitefish 12U All-Star takes state title in Belgrade
Whitefish’s 12U All-Star baseball team dominated on the field this season.
Students attend D.C. youth tour
A record-setting crowd of 1,800 students from 46 states, including three from the Flathead Valley, attended the annual Washington D.C. Youth Tour recently hosted by the National Rural Electric Co-op Association. The week-long tour brings high school students to Washington, D.C. each year to visit monuments and memorials, meet with members of Congress to learn how government works, and hear inspirational messages.
SBG competitors mark wins at mixed martial arts events
Competitors from the Straight Blast Gym in Whitefish and Kalispell recorded wins at recent competitions.
Thursday, July 20
Unique ski chairs to be auctioned
Ten artistic ski chairs have popped up around Whitefish this summer.
Wednesday, July 19
Next section of Whitefish Trail going through review
Whitefish Legacy Partners is looking ahead for the next expansion of the Whitefish Trail as well as to create a recreation easement around Smith Lake west of Whitefish.
Hospital auxiliary ends after 68 years of service
After nearly seven decades of service the North Valley Hospital Auxiliary is ending its service to the hospital.
Legals July 19, 2017
No. 2382 CITY OF WHITEFISH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON STREET ABANDONMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at its regular meeting to be held August 7, 2017, at 7:10 p.m. in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 418 East Second Street, the Whitefish City Council will consider discontinuing, abandoning and vacating the portion of the unconstructed street more particularly described as follows: The East Twenty (20) feet of the Southeast (SE) quarter of the Southeast (SE) quarter, Section Twenty-Seven (27) Township Thirty-One (31) N Range Twenty Two (22) W.M.M., lying north of the centerline of Haugen Heights Road. As indicated in Deed Record Book 192, Page 345, records of Flathead County, Montana. Individuals may appear or submit written testimony at the hearing to comment on the proposed street abandonment. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the Whitefish City Clerk, 418 East Second Street, PO Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937, or emailed to mhowke@cityofwhitefish.org. Additional information regarding the proposed street abandonment may be obtained by contacting the Whitefish City Attorney at 406-863-2444 or ajacobs@cityofwhitefish.org. July 19, 26, 2017 MNAXLP
Tuesday, July 18
Great Fish campaign kicks off
Let the giving begin.
ATP showcases new play reading series
Alpine Theatre Project and Great Northern Brewing Co. are presenting a new play reading series.
Hospital receives donation toward mammography machine
North Valley Hospital has received a sizable donation toward its effort to improve the accuracy of breast screenings at the hospital.
Salaries drive increases in school budget
The Whitefish School District 2017-18 general fund preliminary budget calls for an increase of just under $520,000, which continues a several-years trend of increases.
Fern outlines work on interim committee
Following the completion of the 2017 legislative session, I was assigned to sit on the Local Government Interim Committee.
Planning Board holds hearing on update to overlay regulations
A revision of Whitefish’s planned unit development zoning code goes before the Whitefish Planning Board this week.
Twins prepare for district tourney run
It’s full speed ahead for the Glacier Twins, who are gearing up for the District Tournament this week after sweeping a full plate of games last week.
Athletes gear up for Whitefish Lake Triathlon this weekend
This year’s Whitefish Lake Triathlon will be held on Sunday, July 23.
12U All-Star take state title
Whitefish’s 12U All-Star baseball team continues to dominate on the field.
Babe Ruth 15 win state at home
The Glacier Babe Ruth 15 year olds won the state championship Sunday at Memorial Field over the Glendive Babe Ruth.
Care needed for cart use, divots
Golf Cart Use
No headline
The Whitefish High School Little Guy Football camp is July 26-28 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the high school practice field. Camp is for grades three through eight. Cost is $25 and includes a T-shirt. Registration takes place on the first day of camp.
Indah Sushi settles in on Second Street
Indah Sushi, a popular Asian food truck, has staked out a permanent home in downtown Whitefish.
Scholarships awarded for Crown workshop
The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation has awarded 12 full-ride scholarships to Northwest Montana guitarists to attend the eighth annual Crown Guitar Workshop and Festival in Bigfork.
Man searches for father's friend from WWII
William “Fred” Haithcox served in World War II on the USS Lexington.
Lee Brockel
Gottlieb Peter (Lee) Brockel, 88, passed away on March 29, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Skulason Moe
Skulason Moe’s life journey ended on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18. He left behind his wife of 63 years, Jeanne and children Richardson, Erik and wife Lisa, Kristine and her late husband Mark, Kathryn and husband Raymond and Sonya and her husband Bill. Also seven grandchildren Bridget and husband Marcus, Andrew and wife Becca, Taylor, Erin, Melissa, Alec and Brittany. Also by his sister, Karen Moe and many nieces and nephews.
Model T car show
Hundreds of Model T cars lined Central Avenue Sunday for a car show as part of the annual tour for the Model T Ford Club of America and the Model T Ford Club.
Thursday, July 13
Cycling trip raises funds for Flathead ski museum
From one historic ski hill to another, Tim Hinderman is set to embark on a 2,100 mile bike tour across Montana.
No headline
Hunter Dana had an experience Tuesday morning that he never wants to relive.
Rock star's home up for auction
The Whitefish vacation home of rock n’ roll hall of famer and E Street Band bassist Garry Tallent will be sold at a live auction July 18 with no reserve and no minimum bid.
Wednesday, July 12
Hundreds of Model T cars expected for show on Central Avenue Sunday
Every year on the Fourth of July, John Barr’s father would get out his old 1910 Ford Model T.
Service: Fred Bagley
A Celebration of Life for Fred Bagley will be held Saturday, July 15 from 4-7 p.m. at the Bagley home.
Nurse makes lasting connection with patients
Nurse Leilani Swan likes making a personal connection with her patients.
Tuesday, July 11
Hot weather predicted as fire danger raises to high
It’s expected to be another hot and dry week in Northwest Montana after the fire danger was moved to high last week.
Ladenburg, Sandelin
Samantha Ladenburg of Columbia Falls and Tarn Sandelin of Whitefish are engaged to be married Sept. 2 at Stillwater Landing in Whitefish.
Viscosity Cabaret troupe returns with new show
The latest production from Viscosity Cabaret runs through the end of next month at the Great Northern Bar and Grill in Whitefish.
Foundation thanks WHS students
The Nate Chute Foundation would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Whitefish High School class of 2017 for their generous donation to youth suicide prevention and awareness efforts.
Gerald Jerry Charles Johansen
Gerald “Jerry” Charles Johansen, 85, went to heaven on June 20, 2017, surrounded by his entire family and three granddaughters singing “Amazing Grace.”
Broadway performer enjoys summers spent in Whitefish
Actress and singer N'Kenge has a hard time picking a favorite song she'll perform during a trilogy of original shows brought to the stage this month by Alpine Theatre Project.
North Valley Hospital announces new medical leaders
Registered Nurse Amy Vanterpool will serve as the role of Chief Clinical Officer at North Valley Hospital and Dr. Michael Henson will take over the title of Chief of Staff, the hospital announced last week.
Summer Art Social raises $200,000 for grant programs
The Summer Art Social held at the Iron Horse Golf Club June 25 was a success setting a new record for art sales that will help two community grant programs.
Twins fall short in Sapa Johnsrud tourney
The Twins fought hard over the weekend but weren’t quite able to make it to the championship of the Sapa Johnsrud tournament.
Ontiveros to toss first pitch at state tourney in Whitefish
Former Major League Baseball pitcher Steve Ontiveros will throw the first pitch to open the 2017 Montana Babe Ruth State Tournament in Whitefish on Thursday.
Governor's Cup set for end of month
Club Championship
Volleyball camp
The Whitefish Volleyball Camp will be July 17-20 at Whitefish High School. Girls entering grades 3-7 will be from 9-11:30 a.m. and girls entering grades 8-9 will run from 1-4 p.m. Registration forms can be found on the Whitefish High School web page or sign up on the day of the camp.
Nicholson returns to the pitch for a cause
Whitefish’s Haley Nicholson joined some of Montana’s top soccer athletes to bring awareness to mental illness at the 18th annual Shodair Classic in Helena over the weekend.
Advocacy group urges action to minimize climate change
One nonprofit is hoping to spread concern over climate change one postcard at a time.
DNRC seeking comments on next section of Whitefish Trail
The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is taking comments on trail and recreation easements for a proposed section of the Whitefish Trail on the Stillwater State Forest.
New book takes in-depth look at Glacier Park fatalities
A new book that examines death and survival in Glacier National Park has found that falling, not drowning, is the leading cause of death in the Park.
Thursday, July 6
Cultural immersion
Whitefish graduate Makkie Haller is putting an exotic twist on the post-graduation road trip – studying Arabic in Morocco for the summer.
Whitefish scout one of top cookie sellers in state
Girl Scout Ashlyn Gardner is already a pretty good salesperson.
Earthquake shakes Western Montana
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake rocked Western Montana Thursday morning shortly after midnight and was felt as far north as Calgary, Alberta, as far south as Boise, Idaho, and as far east as Billings.
Wednesday, July 5
City looks at shift to mandatory curbside recycling
Whitefish is examining the potential for a mandatory curbside recycling program for the community.
Water feature eliminated from Depot Park master plan
Depot Park is expected to go through some major upgrades in coming years, but a few of the items on the list have changed.
Fourth of July fireworks
Thousands packed City Beach and boats filled Whitefish Lake Tuesday for the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show.
Summer bus begins trips to Glacier, resort
The Whitefish summer shuttle has returned again.
Legals July 5, 2017
No. 2380 WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The regular meeting of the Whitefish Planning Board will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 6:00 pm in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 418 E Second Street. During the meeting, the Board will hold a public hearing on the item listed below. Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Planning Board, the Whitefish City Council will hold a subsequent public hearing on Monday, August 21, 2017. City Council meetings start at 7:10 pm at 418 E Second Street in the Whitefish City Council Chambers on the second floor. 1. A request by the City of Whitefish for a zoning text amendment to revise 11-2S, Planned Unit Development, to address blending of densities and other issues as recommended by the PUD Revision Ad Hoc Committee. WTZA 17-02 (Taylor) Documents pertaining to this agenda item are available for review at the Whitefish Planning & Building Department, 418 E Second Street, during regular business hours and on the City's webpage: www.cityofwhitefish.org under the Planning & Building Department, 'News & Updates'. Inquiries are welcomed. Interested parties are invited to attend the meeting and make known their views and concerns. Comments in writing may be forwarded to the Whitefish Planning & Building Department at the above address prior to the hearing or via email: dtaylor@cityofwhitefish.org. For questions or further information regarding these proposals, phone 406-863-2410. WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD Steve Qunell, Chair July 5, 2017 MNAXLP
Monday, July 3
Duffs celebrate 50th anniversary, birthdays
Mark and Lynne Duff are celebrating their 70th birthdays and 50th wedding anniversary this summer!
Monthly Gallery Night held Thursday
The Whitefish art community hosts an evening of featured artist exhibitions the first Thursday of the month.
Pops concert features movie music favorites
Music lovers are invited to trek to Rebecca Farm for the Glacier Symphony’s annual Summer Pops concerts, Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8.
City plans to purchase new ambulance
The city of Whitefish is ordering a new ambulance to add to its fleet and replace aging equipment.
Leaders say craft beverage industry has positive impact on economy
Representatives from Montana’s brewing and distilling industry sat down with members of the Western Governors’ Association last week to discuss challenges and solutions facing the booming industry.
County commissioners OK $78.6M capital spending plan
A $78.6 million five-year capital spending plan that includes $50 million for a new jail won unanimous approval Wednesday from the Flathead County commissioners.
Fireworks in 4th of July tourney
Bang up 4th of July
Moore edges Johnston in playoff to capture 4th of July Tournament title
The 81st Annual Whitefish Lake Golf Club’s 4th of July Tournament turned into a battle of the state’s two biggest prep stars.
Glacier Twins have hot bats heading into tourney
The Twins’ hot streak continued last week with sweeps of the Lakers AA and the Loggers.
Youth soccer teams shine at Portland tournament
Two NSC Montana soccer teams placed second in the highest division at the Clash at the Border Tournament in Portland last month.
Zinke returns home to address governors
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke returned home to Whitefish last week to address the Western Governors’ Association conference and share his views on public lands and energy dominance in the country.
Mountaineer encourages philosophy of personal challenge
From climbing snow-capped peaks across the world to testing his nerves at public speaking events, mountaineer Conrad Anker’s philosophy is to keep scaring himself.
Crowds swamp Glacier parking as Sun Road opens
The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park completely opened June 28 and the crowds responded in force over the weekend. Parking along the Sun Road was at a premium and even places that don’t normally fill were full.
Guardipee ceremony marks goodwill between Park Service, Blackfeet
In a sign of growing goodwill between Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Tribe, a ceremony was held Friday morning at Logan Pass to honor the memory of Francis Guardipee, the first Blackfeet ranger in the Park.
