Ellington

Council approves updated extension of services plan

Whitefish City Council has adopted an update to the city’s extension of services plan that looks at growth likely to occur in the next decade.

Muldown students get first lesson in new sustainability center

Just days before the Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship opened to the public as part of Earth Day celebrations, Muldown Elementary students got to enjoy their first lesson in the new facility.

LIVING TEXTBOOK

In the beginning there were plans for a greenhouse.

Nurturing a new, sustainable education program

In a way, the Whitefish Schools Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship is Taylor Wilmot’s new home.

Community briefs April 25

Legals April 25, 2018

No. 2428 CITY OF WHITEFISH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at its regular meeting to be held May 7, 2018, at 7:10 p.m. in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 418 East Second Street, the Whitefish City Council will hold a public hearing for the purpose of receiving public comment regarding proposed fee increases charged by the Whitefish Fire Department for the RescueCare Program. Individuals may appear or submit written testimony at the hearing to comment on the proposed fee increases. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the Whitefish City Clerk, PO Box 158, 418 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana 59937, or emailed to mhowke@cityofwhitefish.org. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the City Clerk's Office or by calling 8632400. April 25, May 2, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

As Nelson's marks 70 years, owners consider move to 93

Nelson’s Ace Hardware has been a cornerstone of downtown for 70 years and its owners are planning ways for the business to remain a mainstay for Whitefish in the future.

Whitefish officer tapped to focus on internet crimes

In response to the need to enforce crimes involving the internet, the Whitefish Police Department is set to move one of its current officers to the United States Department of Homeland Security office in Kalispell.

Affordable housing development gets OK from planning board

Despite concerns from neighbors over high groundwater and traffic, the Whitefish Planning Board gave its recommendation for a 58-lot affordable housing project off Monegan Road.

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A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay.

Kookiest family at center of musical production

America’s kookiest family comes to musical life in “The Addams Family,” coming to the Whitefish Performing Arts Center April 27-29.

Wine and Food Fest benefits sports, theatre

The annual Project Whitefish Wine and Food Fest wine tasting, food festival and auction is set for Wednesday, May 2.

Feast of Whitefish returns for chance to sample city's best

Want the chance to taste Whitefish’s best food and drinks?

City Council approves final climate action plan

Whitefish City Council officially adopted the city’s Climate Action Plan last week.

Zinke should lead on LWCF

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke had the perfect opportunity to tell Congress that he supports the Land and Water Conservation Fund, but he failed. In a hearing with the House of Representatives' Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee on April 11, Secretary Zinke instead only defended his ethics, defended his plan to reorganize the Department, and defended his energy development proposals.

Community members honored for work on climate change issues

Climate Smart Glacier Country announced the selection of the second annual Climate Smart Champions during a ceremony Saturday at the annual Earth Day Celebration in Whitefish.

Speaker shares personal story in speaking on suicide

The Nate Chute Foundation will host a free community presentation on Tuesday, May 1 featuring award winning global speaker and suicide prevention and mental health advocate Kevin Hines.

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Monday, April 16

Two guesses win as dummy breaks through ice on April 15

Two contestants tied for the closest guess when the “Jean Claude Cousteau” dummy fell through the Whitefish Lake ice as part of the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation recent fundraiser.

Bulldog tennis sweeps Loggers

The Bulldogs tennis team continued their early season success Friday with a sweep over Libby.

South Course opens this week

Course Opening Busy

Lady Bulldogs take down Loggers in nail-biter on court

The Lady Bulldogs tennis team pulled out a close win over Libby last Friday.

Dogs takes second, third at C-Falls invitational

It was a windy and rainy morning, but the Whitefish track team managed a second and third place finish at the Columbia Falls Invitational on Saturday.

Cmdr. Adam G. Alexander Jr.

Cmdr. Adam G. Alexander Jr., known to all as Alex, the father to two and mentor to many, passed quietly in his sleep at the ripe old age of 88 on Saturday, April 14, 2018 in Whitefish. He was a flyer of planes, an avid skier, a driver of Ford Thunderbirds and a lover of Marty Robbins and Patsy Cline music played loud.

Giselle Antionette Harring

Giselle Antionette Harring was born May 17, 1923 in Hungary, the daughter of a diplomat.

Lucille Edna (Hempel) Jensen “Lucy”

Lucy passed away peacefully in her sleep March 5, 2018 at Hidden Meadows Memory Care in Columbia Falls, Montana, following a long difficult struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Helen Elaine Lehner

Helen Elaine Lehner at 92 years of age, passed away peacefully at the Immanuel Lutheran Home on April 15, 2018.

Sharon L. Wesala

Sharon L. Wesala passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of April 8, 2018 at her home in Glendale, Arizona.

Boat decon station opens

Don “K” Subaru and the Whitefish Lake Institute have partnered in the fight against aquatic invasive species.

Sew much fun: Show to feature work of quilter

Sewing has become more than just a hobby for Whitefish’s Mona Benson, it has become a passion.

Celebrating Earth Day

The fourth annual Flathead Earth Day Festival on Saturday will celebrate the completion of two projects in the city.

Contractor works to retain Depot Park building

The city’s building in Depot Park will be getting a second life as headquarters for the company that had originally been tasked with demolishing it.

State proposes timber sale for Beaver, Boyle lakes area

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has released an initial proposal for a timber sale near Beaver Lake extending north to Boyle Lake.

Legals April 18, 2018

No. 2424 Notice of Public Meeting for the Somers Avenue Reconstruction Project "What to Expect During Construction" When: Thursday, April 26th, 2018 Where: Whitefish City Hall Council Chambers Conference Room Time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm Whitefish Residents that are wishing to inform themselves of the upcoming reconstruction project are encouraged to attend. April 18, 2018 MNAXLP _________________________

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After two seasons coaching the Bulldogs boys basketball team, Sean Duff is resigning from the post.

Community briefs April 18

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A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay.

Metzmaker passes CPA

Grant Metzmaker of Whitefish, recently passed the Uniform CPA Examination. The exam is made up of four sections including: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting and Regulation. Metzmaker has both a bachelors and masters degree in accounting from the University of Montana. The Whitefish High School graduate is the son of Jan and Pete Metzmaker.

Kohnstamm running to bring fresh perspectives to board

As newcomer candidate for one of two open seats on the Whitefish School Board, Betsy Kohnstamm says she provides a different perspective.

Kaminski remains focused on standing up for her beliefs

Marguerite Kaminski doesn’t mind being the odd one out on Whitefish School Board matters.

Harrison wants to continue working on district's projects

After 12 years on the Whitefish School Board, Ruth Harrison says she’s running again to see the district’s biggest projects through.

American Dream at center of 'Great Gatsby' play

A classic drama “The Great Gatsby” opens this weekend as the spring production for the Whitefish Theater Co.’s 39th season.

Lake monitoring program seeks volunteers

The Northwest Montana Lakes Volunteer Monitoring Network is seeking volunteer lake monitors.

Board OKs extending superintendent contract

The Whitefish School Board on April 10 approved extending the contract for Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt.

Board rejects proposal to digitize yearbooks over privacy concerns

A proposal for digitizing old yearbooks was denied by the Whitefish School Board last week, after the board expressed concerns regarding privacy.

Art project aims to bring awareness to issue of human trafficking

The Red Sand Project, a participatory artwork event that aims to bring awareness to the global problem of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, will be held at noon Wednesday, April 25, at the Flathead Valley Community College Arts & Technology Building.

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Monday, April 9

Board considers affordable housing project east of town

Topping the Whitefish Planning Board agenda this week is a proposal for a 58-lot subdivision that plans to provide affordable housing through the entire proposed project.

Easy as pi - WHS students top Mathletics competition

Whitefish Mathletes were in prime shape last month, with a number of strong performances adding up to an overall championships at the Montana Mathletics competition.

Martel selected for Muldown project

Martel Construction will build the new Muldown Elementary School.

Foundation announces Great Fish nonprofits

The Whitefish Community Foundation lat week announced the 50 nonprofits that will participate in this year’s Great Fish Community Challenge.

City topic of chamber breakfast April 25

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Business Breakfast series begins with a “State of the City” report from Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld and City Manager Adam Hammatt on Wednesday, April 25.

Boys tennis swings into season with five wins

A hot start in their first week of competition has the Bulldog tennis team at 5-0 early in the season.

Bolam tapped to coach Lady Dogs

Bob Bolam will take the helm as the new Lady Bulldogs basketball coach.

Lady Bulldogs sweep C-Falls to open season

The Lady Bulldogs finally got out on the court last week after weather delayed the season start.

Golf course scheduled to open Friday

Course Opening this Friday

Bulldogs finally get chance to hit the track

The Whitefish track team finally got some competition under its belt last week, racing in Kalispell and Missoula to start the season.

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Whitefish City Council April 2 quietly passed the Wisconsin Avenue corridor plan.

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A handful of folks are speaking out against potential plans by the city to develop its snow lot for affordable housing.

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Whitefish City Council meets April 16 at 7:10 p.m. at the City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

Community briefs April 11

School District at center of broader efforts for sustainability

Whitefish is ramping up its efforts to be sustainable, and to no surprise, the Whitefish School District wants to be a big part of it.

Final stages of Whitefish Trail goes up for review

The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has released the draft environmental assessment for one of the final segments of the Whitefish Trail loop that looks to complete a project more than a decade in the making.

Resort celebrates 70th season with powder days, record visits

Whitefish Mountain Resort’s 70th anniversary season went out with a bang.

Legals April 11, 2018

No. 2425 The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Stillwater Unit is proposing to harvest timber in Sec. 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, and 20 of T31N R22W, approximately 5 miles west/northwest of Whitefish in the Beaver and Boyle lakes area. The objectives of the timber sale are to contribute 2-5 MMbf to the annual sustainable-yield targets for DNRC, and generate revenue for the associated School Trusts and Forest Improvement Fund. The project would be designed to maintain existing recreational uses and include provisions for any proposed future recreational uses that have been identified in the Beaver Lakes Area Public Recreation Use Easement. For additional information or to make comments, please contact Matt Lufholm, DNRC Stillwater Unit, at mlufholm@mt.gov or 406-881-2371 no later than May 10, 2018. April 11, 2018 MNAXLP ________________________

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A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay.

Application for proposed neighborhood plan along Highway 93 pulled

Developers looking to create a neighborhood plan for 70 acres fronting Highway 93 South have pulled their application with the city.

North Valley Hospital offers many educational classes

As a community hospital, North Valley Hospital offers various classes to meet the health-related educational needs of our local service area. North Valley offers approximately 150 educational classes and workshops every year that address a variety of relevant community health topics. The primary subjects of these classes are general health and wellness, diabetes education and prevention, and family and women’s health courses. The hospital works to consistently adapt classes to address new or changing needs in the service area, and always makes an effort to expand class offerings to more people.

Recalling Dorothy Johnson's take on Stumptown

While Kevin McCready’s recent article (Whitefish Pilot, March 28, 2018) was informative about Whitefish’s nickname of “Stumptown” there was an even earlier Whitefish Pilot reporter who reported from a first hand account regarding Whitefish’s “stumps.” I am referring to Dorothy Johnson’s classic, “When You and I Were Young, Whitefish.”

Devonne Rae Lynn Trama

Devonne Rae Lynn Trama, 26, of Cabot passed away April 3, 2018.

Bascom Harold Monzingo

Bascom Harold Monzingo Dec. 25, 1921-March 30, 2018

Auditions for 'Constellations'

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for “Constellations”, the final Black Curtain Theatre production of the 2017-2018 season.

Former Whitefish resident runs Boston Marathon to honor victims of 2013 terrorist bombing

Nick Ferrington was on his way to the finish line as a spectator of the Boston Marathon in 2013 when tragedy hit.

Armstrong tops 4 million vertical feet on Big Mountain

Susan Armstrong stopped skiing for the better part of 30 years. Her love for it, however, never ceased.

Whitefish High talent show

Whitefish High School students showed their off their skills during the school’s annual talent show last week at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

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Thursday, April 5

Spring sports resume after weather-related cancellations

Some spring snow canceled Whitefish sports last week, but they’ll be back at it again this week.

Whitefish sends wrestlers to national tournament

While most Whitefish athletes are getting started in spring sports, a handful of dedicated wrestlers have been making the most of their offseason.

Bid approved for Somers reconstruction project

A bid for work on the reconstruction of Somers Avenue came in about $540,000 under the amount budgeted for the project.

Council reduces parking obligations for smaller units

New multi-family buildings in Whitefish will now have to provide less parking than in the past.

Season pass prices increase slightly

Season passes at Whitefish Mountain Resort next winter will be increasing slightly.

Margaret Mary Coates Lundgren

Margaret Mary Coates Lundgren, 95, went to Heaven on March 24, 2018 to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Margaret was born on June 8, 1922 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Margaret passed into Heaven while living at The Springs Retirement Center, Whitefish. Margaret had many hobbies and was very active in Sunday School and church for years in West Glacier. Margaret’s greatest passion was serving her Lord through the Christian Ministry in the National Parks which she was secretary for many terms. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Everett M. Lundgren, her son, Rob Lundgren and her son-in-law, Monty Parratt. Surviving are her daughters, Laurel Lundgren Parratt, Laraine (Lanie) Lundgren and Helen Lundgren. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A private family burial at the family plot at Conrad Memorial Cemetery was held recently. The family requests contributions to charities of your choice.

Community briefs

Septic contamination issues for lake remain unsolved

Failing septic systems around Whitefish Lake have been long known to be causing septic contamination in the lake.

DREAMING of a RESORT

The story of Carl “Ed” and Marguerite Schenck runs parallel to the story of skiing on Big Mountain.

Legals April 4, 2018

No. 2417 INVITATION FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be accepted for production of a Master Plan for the Whitefish Fire Department who provides primary all-hazard response to the City of Whitefish, the Whitefish Fire Service Area, and portions of the Flathead County Fire & EMS Service areas meeting or exceeding the minimum specifications on file in the office of the Fire Chief, 275 Flathead Avenue, Whitefish, Montana. Bids will be received at the City Clerk's Office, 418 E. 2nd Street, Whitefish, Montana, until Monday, April 16, 2018 10:00 a.m. MST and will be opened and publicly read at that time. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked: "Bid-WFD Master Plan." Envelopes must also include the bidder's company name. Bidders must state their time line for the project. Pursuant to § 18-102, MCA, the City is required to provide reciprocal purchasing preferences to resident Montana vendors if the state of the vendor submitting a bid enforces a purchasing preference for its residents and vendors. No bid will be considered which includes Federal excise tax because the City is exempt therefrom. The City of Whitefish reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids, to re-advertise under the same or new specifications, or to make such an award as in the judgment of its officials best meets the City's requirements. The City reserves the right to waive any technicality in the bidding that is not of a substantial nature. Any questions or objections to specifications shall be filed in written form with Fire Chief Joe Page prior to 4:30 p.m. MST on April 6, 2018. March 28, April 4, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

Glacier superintendent receives award

Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow has received an award for outstanding stewardship of public lands.

Group recommends changes related to school safety

It takes a village to raise a child, Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial says, and Whitefish is no exception.

Tremper part of winning Carroll debate team

Carroll College Talking Saints member Teigen Tremper of Whitefish was part of a winning team during a recent collegiate debate event.

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WTC holds auditions for musical production

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for “Urinetown,” the final musical production of the season. Auditions are April 9 and 10 at 6 p.m. in the Green Room at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Enter at the north side of the building and arrive early to fill out an audition application and review the script.

Panelists discuss impacts of climate change on snow sports

Climate scientist Anne Nolin says future winters in Montana are likely to see ups and downs in the amount of snow, but an overall warming trend will continue.

Connect our legacy by protecting Smith Lake

The Whitefish Neighborhood Plan has guided local land management decisions for over a decade, and the engine driving our community’s conservation is the Whitefish Trail project. With 42 miles, 12 trailheads, and counting, our local trail system seamlessly blends conservation, education, and recreation to ensure these same opportunities will be available for future generations.

Thanks to those who provided support for Browning

Ruth Neff, an ardent community volunteer herself, called last week to bring attention to some volunteers and groups who have worked this winter to provide needed items to folks in Browning.

Montana delegation comes up big for our forests and communities

With dysfunction in Washington, D.C., near an all-time high, it’s nice to see the Montana delegation help lead the way to a badly needed deal to help our federal forests. In spite of a four-inch “blizzard” in our nation’s Capitol, a deal was recently reached that will truly help Montana avoid another smoke-filled summer, and hopefully start bringing the health of our forests back from the brink.

Gordon Opel

Gordon Opel, 64 of Whitefish, passed away March 30, 2018 at his home.

Brian J. Lazorishak

Brian J. Lazorishak, 46, of Whitefish, Montana, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018, while saving his oldest daughter Elena Lazorishak from drowning at Olivine Pools in Maui, Hawaii.

Mark S. King

Mark S. King, 69, passed away at his home in Whitefish on Thursday, March 29. He was born in 1949 to Helen and Jack King in Pontiac, Michigan.

Area above-average snowpack still holding strong into April

Most of the snow of winter has shrunk to a few gritty roadside banks in most of the Flathead Valley, but Northwest Montana’s high terrain is still buried deeper than normal.

Timber sale planned for Lupfer Loop Road

The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has issued a scoping notice for a planned timber harvest off the Lupfer Loop Road near Olney.

Tennis heads to Ronan for season opener

The Whitefish tennis teams are hitting the court this week with season opening duals in Ronan and Polson.

Bulldogs are off and running

Half the track is still covered in snow, but the starting gun has sounded for the Bulldog track and field team.

Three file for two seats on Whitefish School Board

Two incumbents and one newcomer are running for a pair of open seats on the Whitefish School Board this spring.

Ninja Climbers

A few kids recently got to spend a Saturday testing themselves to find out what it takes to be a Ninja Warrior.

Judge to decide if Nazi 'troll storm' is protected speech

MISSOULA (AP) — Attorneys for a neo-Nazi website publisher and a Montana woman will ask a judge to decide whether the white nationalist had a First Amendment right to unleash a “troll storm” of anti-Semitic messages and threats against the woman’s family.

Webcam lets viewers keeping watch on bear in Glacier

Glacier National Park’s latest webcam is its most popular yet, but check it out quickly — the main attraction will soon be hitting the woods.