Thursday, June 29
Budweiser Clydesdales visit Whitefish
The famous Budweiser Clydesdales made an appearance in Whitefish Wednesday evening.
Owner speaks against reconfiguration of Central Ave.
Charlie Abell doesn’t want to see the southern portion of Central Avenue change.
Wednesday, June 28
Bears relocated from near Whitefish
Two young grizzly bears were recently captured 10 miles northwest of Whitefish along the Stillwater River and relocated after they were trying to get into a dog kennel to get dog food.
City calls out state for push back on invasive regs
The state appears to have rescinded its previous direction that Whitefish could not require boats at a “high risk” for aquatic invasive species to undergo decontamination before launching into Whitefish Lake.
Park opens Sun Road
The wait is finally over. On Wednesday morning, Glacier National Park opened the full 50 miles of Going-to-the-Sun Road to motorists — kicking off the unofficial start to Glacier’s busy season.
Legals June 28, 2017
No. 2377 LEGAL NOTICE Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) seeks public review of a proposal to work with The Trust for Public Land (TPL) to conserve twenty-one sections (approximately 13,398 acres) of Weyerhaeuser property located approximately nine miles northwest of Whitefish, Montana. Under this proposal, TPL would acquire the entire project area from Weyerhaeuser by the end of September 2017. FWP would purchase the Lazy Creek Conservation Easement (CE) on sixteen sections (~10,218 acres) of the property in two phases with a combination of federal and state funding. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) would purchase the underlying fee ownership from TPL once the conservation easement is in place. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) would provide funding for the purchase of the remaining five sections (~3,180 acres) in the Swift Creek watershed. In exchange for their funding, BPA would retain a perpetual conservation easement (Swift Creek Conservation Easement) with ownership of these sections being transferred to either DNRC or FWP. The Whitefish Lake Watershed Project Environmental Assessment evaluates the proposed FWP actions of purchasing the Lazy Creek Conservation Easement and the potential for FWP to assume ownership of five sections in the Swift Creek drainage. DNRC's potential actions are subject to their separate review and approval process. FWP has scheduled a public hearing June 21, 2017, at 6:30 pm in Whitefish at Grouse Mountain Lodge (2 Fairway Drive) to provide interested organizations and private individuals an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed project and submit public comment. The draft is out for a 30-day public review through 5:00 p.m., July 12, 2017. Copies of the draft EA are available at the FWP office, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell; Montana State Library, 1515 E 6th Ave., Helena; FWP State Headquarters, 1420 E 6th Ave., Helena; the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/News/Recent Public Notices/Environmental Assessments/Acquisitions, Trades & Leases; and available for viewing at local libraries. Please submit comments to Nancy Ivy; Fish, Wildlife & Parks; 490 N Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901; (406) 751-4579; nivy@mt.gov. Contact persons for questions regarding this project or the draft environmental assessment: Alan Wood (awood@mt.gov, 406-751-4595); or Kris Tempel (ktempel@mt.gov, 406-751-4573). June 21, 28, 2017 MNAXLP
Tuesday, June 27
Fireworks show set to draw crowd
The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for next week’s Fourth of July fireworks display, one they say is bigger and better than last year’s.
Folks support watershed project for recreation access
Protecting access to critical recreation is a top priority for those showing support of a proposed conservation easement for 13,000 acres of Weyerhaeuser property nine miles northwest of Whitefish.
Woody Weekend another success
Thank You, Whitefish, for helping to make Whitefish Woody Weekend VI a huge success. It was a great show with 39 beautiful classic boats from all over the Pacific Northwest. On behalf of the all of the boat captains, thank you to the 1,400 dock-walkers who came out and supported the event. It means a lot to the boat owners to see the tremendous turnout.
Judge candidate plans to continue affordable housing work
I am running for Whitefish Municipal Judge. I have had the pleasure of talking to many of you at the Dog Park and Farmers Market. Some folks have asked me whether my election will interfere with my work promoting affordable workforce housing in Whitefish.
PWK sale thanks
I want to personally thank all the people who participated in the inaugural Project Whitefish Kids Trash and Treasures Sale at the Smith Fields, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Whitefish. The event raised a substantial amount of money to help maintain the Smith Fields, which enhances the fun and helps maintain the park as one of the finest in the state. There were literally hundreds of folks who donated things to sell, came out to buy, or worked on the event to make it a great success. The list of people who helped to make this a success would be too many to mention them all, but special thanks to Project Whitefish Kids, Rotary Club of Whitefish members, and Whitefish Soroptomist for all their help. You all did more than we could have hoped.
City budget talks turn to public works, resort tax
Whitefish City Council recently took a look at the second half of the fiscal year 2018 preliminary budget for the city.
Lake Triathlon
This year’s Whitefish Lake Triathlon will be held on Sunday, July 23.
Whitefish prepares future goals in climate action plan
Whitefish is creating an action plan designed to outline the ways the community can conserve energy, reduce costs and prepare for future climate goals.
Fourth of July tourney begins Thursday
Fourth Galleries Welcome
Twins crowned champs at Ed Gallo Tournament
The Glacier Twins were named champions of the Ed Gallo Memorial Tournament over the weekend, keeping the hot streak alive and looking strong heading into the final weeks of the season.
John Rawlings writes book about historic Italian city
John Rawlings’ new book is a love letter to a city dear to his heart – Venice.
Western governors begin conference in Whitefish
Holding up a bumper sticker that said “bipartisanship happens,” Montana Gov. Steve Bullock kicked off a meeting of the Western Governors’ Association in Whitefish Monday.
Electric bikes approved for use on city's pathways
Electric bikes will soon be allowed on the city’s shared-use pathways.
Fern prompts discussion on statewide school issues
Democrat Rep. Dave Fern recently returned to the Whitefish School Board to check in on the district and share some of his work in the recent legislative session.
Administrative changes at middle, high schools
After six years as assistant principal at Whitefish High School, Jackie Fuller is moving to take the same position at the middle school starting in the fall.
Kathleen Hansen
Kathleen Hansen
Man loses foot in boating accident on Whitefish Lake
A Canadian tourist lost at least one foot in a boating accident Saturday evening on Whitefish Lake.
Monday, June 26
Schulz named national coach of the year
Whitefish High School track and field coach Derek Schulz received the 2017 national boys track and field coach of the year award by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association last week.
Whitefish's Heavirland carries U.S. to sixth place finish in 7s series
CLERMONT-FERRAND, France — Whitefish’s Nicole Heavirland scored two tries on the final day of play at the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series on Sunday, helping the U.S. national team to a sixth place finish at the tournament and in the final season standings.
Wednesday, June 21
Leading by example
Mike Ferda seems to enjoy serving in the role of mentor.
Woody Weekend comes to Whitefish Lake
A showcase of classic wood boats will hit the water of Whitefish Lake this weekend for Whitefish Woody Weekend VI.
Feat x Feet tap show celebrates 20 years of dancing
The Feat x Feet youth tap ensemble will celebrate its 20th anniversary during its annual summer show Friday at the O’Shaughnessy Center.
Legals June 21, 2017
No. 2378 WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING At a meeting of the Whitefish Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 6:00 pm, the Board will hold a public hearing on the item listed below. The Board of Adjustments meets in the Whitefish Conference Room at City Hall, at 418 E. 2nd Street, Whitefish, Montana. 1. A variance request by Glacier Medical Associates to develop parking in the setback along W 10th Street. The property is located at 1111 Baker Avenue. (WZV 17-02) Compton-Ring 2. The variance request by Cameron & Claudette Vance to construct a portion of a single-family home in the rear yard setback. The property is located at 1006 Mountain Park Dr. (WZV 17-03) Compton-Ring Documents pertaining to this agenda item are available for review at the Whitefish Planning & Building Department, 418 E. 2nd Street, Whitefish, Montana 59937 during regular business hours. Inquiries are welcomed. Interested parties are invited to attend the hearing 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: wcompton-ring@cityofwhitefish. org. For questions or further information regarding this request, phone 406-863-2410. WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS Herb Peschel, Chair June 21, 2017 MNAXLP
Tuesday, June 20
Troop 1917 retires flags
Boy Scouts from Whitefish Troop 1917 took a worn U.S. flag carefully cutting it apart and the placing the pieces in a burning fire.
Work begins on housing plan
There are roughly 40 different tools and endless ways to combine those tools to create affordable workforce housing for Whitefish.
Pilot wins 22 awards
The Whitefish Pilot took home 22 awards during the annual Montana Newspaper Association awards banquet Saturday in Lewistown.
Murphy tosses no-hitter during weekend sweep
A no-hitter by Tyler Murphy on Sunday added to the Glacier Twins’ 10-game winning streak in impressive fashion.
PTA grant brings new bikes for middle school
This fall Whitefish Middle School students should be cycling their way to fitness.
Rapids 12U take gold
The Flathead Rapids 12U girls soccer team came out on top in the Montana Showcase in Helena last weekend. They beat the Bozeman Blitzz in the championship game, 4-3.
Turgeon family grabs Father's Day Open grand prize
Bulldog Open
Margaret 'Peggy' Kusumoto
Margaret Fargo Spink was born in the family home at Fourth Ave EN in Kalispell to Monroe and Margaret. She was the youngest of four daughters; her beloved sisters were Lillian Thompson, Mabel Thompson, and Mary Stillman. Peggy met Heloshi (Losh) at Whitefish High School. Typical of her iron will and strength to “do the right thing,” she and Losh drove to Spokane to get married because interracial marriage was against the law in Montana. Peggy was courageous and undeterred, and she followed her heart and sense of right despite anti-Japanese sentiments following WWII.
Robert F. Bort
Robert F. Bort, MD, 80, was born on Aug. 7, 1936 to Fredrick Christian Bort and Henrietta Elizabeth (Fahrenkrog) Bort. He died on June 7, 2017, at the Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. The cause of death was cardiac arrhythmias.
Ann Christine Christoferson
Ann Christine Christoferson
Former parks employee denies theft charge
A former employee of Whitefish Parks and Recreation denied stealing more than $1,500 from the city by charging personal purchases to city financial accounts.
Powell, Allison engaged
Shelby and Charles Powell of Whitefish, announce the engagement of their daughter, Torie Vaughn Powell, to Thomas Haden Allison, son of Paul Moomaw and Janet Allison of Missoula.
Four file to run for Whitefish City Council
Four candidates have filed to run for Whitefish City Council.
Inventor looks to manufacture electric bike
Timothy Carolin has invented an electric bike he says is self-charging and he hopes will change transportation around the world.
FWP begins review of Whitefish Lake watershed easement
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is beginning the review of a proposal to conserve 13,398 acres of Weyerhaeuser property nine miles northwest of Whitefish.
Summer season begins at art studio
The summer season at Stumptown Art Studio has kicked off with a group exhibition, “Wildflowers: Variations on a Theme.” A showcasing of many well-known local artists, each has expressed the theme “Wildflowers” in their own creative and artistic styles. These unique works of art can be enjoyed by all ages and are on display through July 2 at the studio.
Lobbying group claims Zinke leaning toward privatizing Park camps
A Whitefish-based lobbying group is claiming that Sec. of Interior Ryan Zinke wants to privatize campgrounds in national parks.
Postmaster issues warning following thefts
The Whitefish U.S. Post Office is warning residents to use caution after a recent increase in mail theft cases.
A banner year for beargrass in Glacier
If the low elevations are any indication, it looks like it will be a banner year for beargrass in Glacier National Park and surrounding mountain ranges this summer.
Monday, June 19
City leaders call for removal of county planning board members for 'Nazi' reference
Whitefish city officials are asking for the dismissal of two county planning board members following a May 10 meeting where the board members made comments using “foul language” and made references to “Whitefish Nazis.”
No headline
The next step in the years-long effort to develop a revised management plan for the Flathead National Forest, originally expected this month, won’t be rolled out until late August at the earliest.
No headline
Darrel “Bill” Martin, a longtime Kalispell businessman and leader in expanding Whitefish Mountain Resort, died Wednesday morning at his home in Kalispell. He was 93.
Thursday, June 15
Resort opens for summer season with new attractions
Whitefish Mountain Resort is looking forward to another busy summer season as final preparations are made for opening day on Saturday.
Wednesday, June 14
Chair affair
Ten artistic ski chairs have popped up around Whitefish this summer.
School celebrates 20 years of making music
Quiet and then bursts of music.
City revising policy regarding special events
The city of Whitefish is working to ensure that those wanting to exercise their First Amendment right to freedom of expression aren’t hampered by its special event permit regulations.
Legals June 14, 2017
No. 2375 CITY OF WHITEFISH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PRELIMINARY BUDGET NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Whitefish City Council will consider adopting the proposed preliminary budget for fiscal year 2018 at its regular meeting to be held June 19, 2017, at 7:10 p.m. in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 418 East Second Street. Any taxpayer or resident may appear at the public meeting and be heard for or against any part of the proposed budget. The proposed budget has been placed on file and is available for inspection in the City Clerk's office located at 418 East Second Street. For further information please contact the City Finance Director at 406-863-2405 or dsmith@cityofwhitefish.org. June 14, 2017 MNAXLP
Wickland has watched Music School grow up
Music seems to have woven its way through every stage of Jennifer Wickland’s life.
Tuesday, June 13
Powell anniversary
Chuck and Phyllis Powell were married June 9, 1957 in Faith, Minnesota, and are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.
Stone earns P.E.O. scholarship
A $1,500 scholarship was awarded to McKayla Stone by Rebecca Hjertberg, president of the P.E.O. Chapter D, at the Whitefish High School awards night ceremony.
Clip Joint celebrates milestone anniversary of business in Whitefish
Through all the changes downtown Whitefish has seen in the last 70 years, the Clip Joint has remained the same.
Report: Homes on E. Lakeshore should connect to city sewer
A new report says a large swath of properties along East Lakeshore Drive should connect to city sewer to keep pollution out of Whitefish Lake.
One candidate files, one incumbent plans run for Council
Only one candidate has officially filed to run for Whitefish City Council and one incumbent says he will run again.
Zinke headlines governors' annual meeting in Whitefish
Secretary of the Interior and former Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke is set to deliver the keynote address at the Western Governors’ Association annual meeting in Whitefish later this month.
Suzanne Perkins Miller
Suzanne Perkins Miller died early Thursday morning, June 8, at her home in Whitefish, surrounded by devoted family members. She succumbed to a rare neurological disease, Multiple System Atrophy.
Donald S. Clark
Donald S. Clark, of Whitefish, passed peacefully at his residence, in the company of his family, on May 19, 2017.
Patrick (Pat) Casey
A celebration of life for Patrick (Pat) Casey.
Elementary students express their opinions with letters
Sara Miller’s third grade class at Muldown Elementary School recently completed a persuasive writing unit. “We chose to write about causes that we are passionate about and that we want to see changed,” she said. “We hope you enjoy our writing and we persuade you to side with us.”
Hostility developing toward free press frightening
It is difficult to know which is worse, that Greg Gianforte lost his temper and body slammed a reporter, that his spokesperson lied to cover up the facts of the incident afterwards, or that his attack on a journalist for some Montanans was a reason to celebrate. All of these are horrendous but I would have to go with the latter as the most distressing aspect of this election.
Teacher thanks community for support of school
Thank you for helping us grow, Whitefish!
Candidate goal to make court efficient
I am running for Whitefish Municipal Court Judge for one reason: to make the court and our community the best it can be.
Twins sweep Cloninger Classic in Helena
The Glacier Twins are hot after a 4-0 sweep of the Cloninger Classic in Helena this weekend.
Ed Gallo tourney June 22
The 28th Annual Ed Gallo Memorial Wood Bat Baseball Tournament is set for June 22 through June 25 at Memorial Field in Whitefish.
Rapids 14U end season as champs
The Flathead Rapids U14 girls soccer team ended their spring season as champions of the Intermountain Champions Cup in Missoula last weekend.
Bulldog Open tourney set to tee off Sunday
Greens Crew Shines
Workshop teaches tips for creating bird-friendly backyard
Wings In Nature (WIN) is conducting a Backyard Birding Workshop that will provide hands-on experiences for everything one needs to know about establishing a bird-friendly backyard habitat.
MARS skier named to U.S. team
Montana Alpine Race School’s Cedar Mattole has been named to the U.S. Telemark Ski Team for the 2017-18 season.
Plowing of Glacier's Sun Road nears completion
Glacier Park plow crews were clearing out the Logan Pass parking lot and making the first cuts into the Big Drift Friday on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Friday, June 9
Whitefish 'most beautiful' town in state
Residents and those who love Whitefish already know it’s a beautiful place, but it was recently selected as the most beautiful in the state by a travel website.
Wednesday, June 7
Legals June 7, 2017
No. 2374 PUBLIC NOTICE OF FOOD VENDOR PERMIT APPLICATION The City of Whitefish Planning Department has received the following Mobile Food Vendor Permit application: 1. A request by Zombie Dogs, LLC for a Food Vendor permit for a hot dog cart in the parking lot of 6475 US Highway 93 South (The Mountain Mall), Whitefish, Montana for a one-year permit beginning June 22, 2017. The subject area is located in WB-2 Zoning District, and can be legally described as Whitefish, Lot 1LA, Section 30, Township 22 North, Range 01 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. The complete application may be reviewed at the Whitefish Planning & Building Department at 418 E Second Street. Written comments concerning the request should be directed to the David Taylor at Whitefish Planning, PO Box 158, Whitefish, Montana 59937, (406) 863-2410, or sent via email to: dtaylor@cityofwhitefish.org. Comments should be received by June 20, by 5:00 pm. June 7, 2017 MNAXLP
Tuesday, June 6
MUNICIPAL MONUMENT
Mayor John Muhlfeld cut the ceremonial ribbon Monday afternoon for the new Whitefish City Hall.
Railroad crossing closed Wednesday
Emergency repairs at the railroad crossing at State Park Road will cause the crossing to be closed Wednesday, June 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Applications accepted for performance workshop
The Montana-based Share Your Voice Foundation’s Empowerment through Performance Workshop returns later this summer and application to attend are being accepted now through Friday, June 9.
Find treasures at sale benefiting Smith Fields
Project Whitefish Kids is holding a “Trash and Treasures” fundraiser sale Saturday, June 10.
City Council begins crunching budget numbers for FY 2018
Whitefish City Council began digging into the city budget last week in the first of two budget work sessions scheduled this month.
Process begins for workforce housing master plan
The next step in finding solutions to deal with Whitefish’s shortage of available workforce housing is beginning.
Climate Action committee welcomes ideas at open house
The Whitefish Climate Action Planning Committee will discuss the development of a city climate action plan during an open house on June 14 in the City Hall lobby.
Health, wellness events part of Global Wellness Day celebration
Whitefish will join more than 4,000 locations in 100 countries to celebrate Global Wellness Day on Saturday, June 10.
South Course now open
South Course Open
Studio mixes yoga, chiropractic care for stress relief
During daily life our bodies bend, twist, squat and absorb stresses of all kinds, says Erika Putnam.
Wild finish to 46th Cat-Dog Smoker
The 46th annual Cat-Dog Boxing Smoker finished with a bang Monday night at Memorial Field.
Fundraising brings new courts to Christian Academy
Whitefish Christian Academy students started a recent school day by shooting hoops, as the school christened its new basketball court.
Rapids 12U champs in Kalispell
The Flathead Rapids 12U girls soccer team earned another championship win last weekend.
Saturday, June 3
115 graduate from Whitefish High School
Whitefish High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday focused on the memories that have been made by the seniors on their way to graduation day and the future ahead of them.
Friday, June 2
Grizzly bear killed near Whitefish
Officials are investigating the shooting death of a grizzly bear found west of Whitefish.
Trump budget trims nearly $1 million from Glacier
President Trump’s proposed 2018 budget could mean a nearly $1 million cut to Glacier National Park’s operational budget. The proposed budget would trim about 7 percent from Glacier’s budget, or about $956,000.
Thursday, June 1
Experiencing urban nature
The wind rustles through the leaves of many mature trees while deer walk through the open field.
WHS graduation set for Saturday
Whitefish High School will graduate 115 seniors at a commencement ceremony Saturday, June 3 at 1 p.m. at the high school gym.
