Whitefish sports, homecoming events canceled

Whitefish High School homecoming activities and games scheduled for today and tomorrow have been canceled.

Whitefish Athletic Director Aric Harris made the announcement Friday morning saying that due to the “current situation regarding safety of students and staff” all home and away activities for the weekend have been canceled.

Schools throughout the Flathead Valley remained closed for the second day on Friday after threatening text messages and emails were sent out to several school districts. All districts in Flathead County canceled weekend sports and activities.

Whitefish Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt said no decision regarding school on Monday has been made. School districts are expected to make an announcement no later than 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17 on whether classes will resume.

“Administrators have consulted with law enforcement and have been advised that the situation has not been resolved,” Davis Schmidt said in an announcement Friday morning.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI continue to investigate the threats. The threats originated in the Columbia Falls School District, which announced Wednesday evening that it was canceling school after text or email threats were made, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

The threats also extended to Whitefish and Kalispell schools.

Sheriff Chuck Curry on Thursday said that the Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Falls Police Department, Kalispell Police Department and the FBI have continued to work on the threats made to schools.

“Progress has been made in the ongoing investigation,” he said in a release.

He said law enforcement met with school representatives and advised them that the threat is “potentially credible.”

Whitefish had been set to hold its homecoming parade downtown Friday afternoon, followed by the homecoming football game against Corvallis. The Booster Club barbecue held before Friday night’s game has also been canceled. On Saturday the boys and girls soccer teams had been set to play Bigfork. Thursday night’s volleyball game against Columbia Falls was also canceled due to the threats.

Harris said it’s unfortunate that the situation occurred during the school’s homecoming week causing many events to be canceled. The remaining homecoming activities have been tentatively rescheduled to Oct. 5-7, but confirmed details will be sent out when they become available.  

“I appreciate everyone’s understanding and flexibility as we work together through this situation,” Harris said in an email. “We will do our best to provide a great homecoming experience for our students and community which they deserve.”