Ellington

Glacier Glide moves to Dog Creek

The Glacier Nordic Club will host its annual Glacier Glide race on Sunday, Jan. 6 at Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center in Olney.

Change weakens checks, balances

We question the wisdom of making significant changes to the rules of operation in the Montana House as a group of legislators are currently trying to do. One of the proposed changes would allow a simple majority (51 members) to “blast” a bill out of committee and on to the House floor. Their logic is that the Montana Senate operates under simple majority rules so the House should follow suit. The House has twice as many members as the Senate; thus, there are significantly more bills introduced in the House each session. Respecting committee work and requiring super majority votes and Speaker controls under certain circumstances allows for an orderly and expedited legislative process. Just about every other state House across the country operates under similar rules.

Pilot launches survey seeking top issues facing Whitefish

For many the start of a New Year is a time for reflecting on the past year, while also looking forward to the future ahead.

Whitefish's Botner commits to play for Griz

The Bulldogs’ Dillon Botner has signed on to play for the University of Montana Grizzlies next year.

2018 - year of championships for Bulldogs

Bulldogs sports spent plenty of time in Class A state play in 2018.

FVSEF skiers earn spots on podium in Red Lodge

Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation ski racers topped both U16 and U19 Men’s podiums at The Northern Division Winterstart Slalom Camp & Race at Red Lodge Mountain held on Dec. 15-17.

Skiers safely evacuated after chairlift stops at resort

About 140 skiers were rescued from a chairlift in the East Rim area at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday after the lift stopped as the result of a mechanical issue.

Bulldog wrestlers grab second at Eureka tourney

Whitefish earned second place at the Buzz Lucey Tournament in Eureka on Dec. 22.

Lady Dogs suffer close loss to Frenchtown

A slow second half for the Lady Bulldogs led to a loss Dec. 21 at Frenchtown.

Broncs best Bulldogs with buzzer-beater

Whitefish gave its best effort, but the Bulldogs weren’t unable to come back from a slow start against Frenchtown on Dec. 21 at home.

Board gives thumbs up to housing project

The Whitefish Planning Board gave a favorable recommendation for an affordable housing apartment complex on Edgewood Place.

Deanna (Bohart) Frizelle, Frazier

Deanna (Bohart) Frizelle, Frazier, 79, died suddenly Dec. 6, 2018. She died of natural causes at her home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Alyssa Ann Gibson

Alyssa Ann Gibson, 54, of Whitefish, passed away Dec. 20, 2018 in Whitefish.

U.S. Senate fails to renew land conservation program

Before recessing for the year last week the U.S. Senate failed to reauthorize a conservation and recreation program that has funded project in all 50 states.

Community briefs for Dec. 26

Reflections on the dreaded college essay

As Jan. 1 approaches, the seniors at Whitefish High School grow increasingly panicked. The deadline is almost here; college applications are due.

Ready to fight resort expansion

So where is the outrage? Where are the lawsuits?

Depression pervasive in Montana, nationwide during holidays

America is sad. Not in the pejorative manner of President Trump’s “sad,” but in the more universal definition of “unhappy, sorrowful, depressed, despondent, despairing, gloomy, melancholy, mournful, heartbroken — the adjectives go on and on that regretfully, captures the spreading malaise of today’s America.

Bulldog wrestlers come up short in duals

It’s been a tough couple of duals for the Bulldogs.

Planning board splits on request for downtown winery

The Whitefish Planning Board was unable to come up with a consensus on a proposal for a mixed-use building housing a winery on Spokane Avenue.

Sounds of the holidays

Band and choir students from Whitefish middle and high school recently held concerts at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

No headline

Police calls: grinchy youngsters tip Christmas tree

Tuesday, Dec. 11

American to service airport with new daily flights

American Airlines, the world’s largest airline company, will offer three new daily flights next summer servicing Glacier Park International Airport.

Community college enrollment shows slight increase

This fall’s enrollment numbers at Flathead Valley Community College showed a continued correlation between record-low unemployment rates in the valley and the number of credits students are taking, according to President Jane Karas.

Bob foundation looking for new director

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation recently announced that Carol Treadwell, executive director, is leaving the job after a seven-year tenure that the foundation’s chairwoman described in glowing terms.

Big Mountain Dream Home ready for lucky winner

When interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn begins a tour of the 2019 HGTV Dream Home on Big Mountain, he starts at the front door.

Whitefish Trail photo contest

Whitefish Legacy Partners this fall hosted a Whitefish Trail photo contest, and recently announced the winners.

Holiday events on Big Mountain

There’s plenty happening at Whitefish Mountain Resort during the holiday season.

Recruiting firm celebrates expanded offices downtown

CulverCareers operates through the idea that the modern workforce can live and work anywhere.

Annual Ski with Maggie day set for Dec. 27

Olympian and Whitefish native Maggie Voisin will continue the tradition of Ski with Maggie day on Thursday, Dec. 27 at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Legals December 26, 2018

No. 2464 This notice is to inform the community of Whitefish that The Lodge at Whitefish Lake will be holding its annual New Year's firework display beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1st. All are welcome to ring in the New Year with us and view the fireworks from The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. December 26, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

Quilt society donates placemats for holidays

Quilters with the Stumptown Quilt Society wanted to make sure a few folks have a cheerful table for the holidays.

City examines options for Central road slump

Whitefish is in the early planning phase of seeking a solution for the south end of Central Avenue roadway that for decades has been slumping.

Quilter pieces together family and fabric

Grandmother Nancy Khoury has pieced together a gift of family history in fabric that she plans to give to her grandchildren this Christmas.

Muldown construction ahead of schedule, on budget

The construction of the new Muldown Elementary School building is moving ahead of schedule.

Whitefish draws more students than it loses

Whitefish Schools is attracting more students to attend class here than it is losing to other public schools, statistics on student enrollment trends show.

Legals December 19, 2018

No. 2463 CITY OF WHITEFISH, MONTANA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Proposals Due: Friday 01/18/19 4:00 PM Contact: Craig Workman, Public Works Director Phone Number: (406) 863-2455 Email Address: cworkman@cityofwhitefish.org ANNOUNCEMENT In accordance with Title 18, Chapter 8 (MCA) and adopted City policy for consultant selection, The City of Whitefish, Montana (City) is seeking Proposals from qualified consulting engineering firms and/or water resource specialists to provide consulting services for the Groundwater Supply Feasibility Study. This project may involve multiple phases. Phase 1 will involve determining the viability of a groundwater source near the City of Whitefish. Depending on the outcome of the Phase 1 Study, a more in-depth Phase 2 Study may be contracted to prove the viability of the source and to secure water rights. Proposals are due by Friday, January 18, 2019. PROJECT OVERVIEW The Groundwater Supply Feasibility Study will involve investigating the feasibility of utilizing groundwater as a supplementary water source for the City of Whitefish municipal water supply. Phase 1 of the study consists of investigating viable aquifers within a reasonable proximity to the City of Whitefish. In addition to investigating viable aquifers, the scope of this investigation will include outlining land access possibilities for City wells and infrastructure needs, determining how the City can obtain water right permits in areas assessed to have a viable aquifer, outlining source water protection concerns, and producing a preliminary project estimation for implementation. Phase 1 of the study will include a thorough water rights permitting strategy. There are at least three options to consider that could be used individually or jointly; 1. Aquifer storage and recovery wells could be considered using existing water rights (recharge during winter from the WTP; pump from the aquifer to satisfy peak demand in summer). 2. New wells could be considered as additional diversions onto existing rights. City of Whitefish Department of Public Works 418 E. 2nd Street| PO Box 158 Whitefish, MT 59937 (406) 863-2460 Fax (406) 863-2419 Request for Proposal Groundwater Supply Feasibility Study 3. New wells could be permitted with new water rights. This option would likely require that the City purchase water rights to offset surface water depletions. Phase 2 of the study, if contracted, will consist of securing access to well properties, proving the aquifer yield, and procuring water rights. The City's goal is to award a consultant contract in February 2019. Phase 1 of the study will be due by March 15, 2019. REQUIRED SERVICES The work to be performed by the consultant shall include, but not be limited to, the following services: Phase 1 (No field work or test drilling is included in this Phase 1) Identifying viable aquifers in reasonable proximity to the City of Whitefish. Outline land access possibilities for City wells and infrastructure for viable aquifers. Determine how the City can obtain water right permits for groundwater. Outline source water protection concerns. Describe the most probable infrastructure needs for implementing a groundwater supply for the City of Whitefish based on the above outcomes, and provide total project estimates for implementation. Phase 2 (if contracted) Securing access to well properties. Proving the aquifer yield. Procuring water rights. FORMAT AND CONTENT OF SUBMITTAL Five (5) copies of the firm's proposal shall be submitted to the Whitefish Public Works Department, 418 E. 2nd Street, PO Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937, no later than 4:00 PM Friday, January 18, 2019. Faxed or emailed proposals will not be considered. In order to be responsive, all proposals must follow the format and contain information listed in this section. Proposals shall be limited to five (5) pages in length. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures and other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete and effective response are not desired. 1. Cover Letter - Provide a letter of transmittal introducing your firm. 2. Overview - Provide an abstract of your firm's submittal summarizing the nature of the proposal and demonstrating your understanding of the projects. Request for Proposal Groundwater Supply Feasibility Study 3. Key Personnel - Include brief resumes of the staff who will be assigned to the project. Discuss experience and how experience will be applied to this project. 4. Experience - Provide details of up to three (3) prior projects your firm has completed which relate to this assignment. 5. References - Provide names and telephone numbers of three (3) references who will attest to your firm's ability to undertake and complete projects similar to this on time and within budget. EVALUATION, SELECTION PROCESS AND CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS Proposals will be ranked by a Selection Committee. Contract negotiations will begin with the highest ranked firm as soon as possible following the ranking. This contract will be for Phase 1 activities. The City may choose to expand the contract resulting from this selection process to include similar or related work, including additional phases. If the City determines acceptable terms cannot be reached, the City will terminate negotiations and continue with the next highest ranked firm. Each Proposal will be ranked according to the following criteria. 20% - Overall quality of the proposal including clarity of the submittal and responsiveness to the Request for Proposals 30% - Qualifications of personnel who would be assigned to the project and the project team's experience, as a group, with design and construction oversight of municipal Public Works projects 30% - Prior experience with similar projects 10% - The firm's past work for the City of Whitefish 10% - Office location for personnel who would be assigned to the project Questions may be referred to Craig Workman - Public Works Director, by telephone at 406-863-2455, or by email at cworkman@cityofwhitefish.org. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. City reserves the right to request clarification of information submitted and to request additional information from the firm(s). If a contract and fee cannot be successfully negotiated with the selected firm, the City may choose to enter into negotiations with another prospective firm, or it may re- advertise for new proposals. The successful consultant shall provide and maintain professional liability, worker's compensation, property damage, errors and omissions, and any additional lines of coverage required by the City. December 19, 26, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

No headline

Board delays decision to change teacher requirements for physical education

A proposed change to the Whitefish School District’s physical education policy, while intended to increase flexibility, is drawing concerns from those saying the change could result in losing teachers with specialized training.

No headline

Tuesday, Dec. 4

Board looks at requests for winery; wellness center

A request for a building planned to house a winery downtown, and a separate request to allow for a wellness facility at a mixed-use project on the former Idaho Timber property top the list of items on the Whitefish Planning Board agenda for Dec. 20.

Photographer captures scenes from Flathead, state

Photographer Chuck Haney knows many of the best spots to capture a landscape picture. But sometimes his best work comes from wandering the back roads without much of a plan.

Citing family, superintendent seeking work outside Whitefish

Whitefish Schools Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt says family is behind her decision to look for work outside of Whitefish.

Road trip-ready

To say Becky Lomax’s life revolves around the national parks is not an oversimplification.

Montessori students share their holiday spirit

The Children’s House Montessori School is all about community engagement this holiday season.

Ski museum opens for season, celebrates racing heritage

The Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing is announcing its winter opening on Dec. 20 and its winter schedule.

Managers continue to monitor Haskill and Trumbull easement areas as they remain popular for recreation

The Haskill Basin and Trumbull Creek conservation easement areas continue to be popular for recreation, and while user conflicts seem to be few, land managers continue to monitor activity on the properties.

Talent showcased during Glacier Skate show

Glacier Skate Academy is holding its Winter Wonderland ice show on Dec. 22-23 at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish.

Bulldogs compete at CMR Classic in Great Falls

The Bulldogs wrestling team got after it at the tough CMR Classic Tournament in Great Falls last week.

Buzzer-beater

Things were looking bleak for the Bulldogs with 14 seconds to go versus Libby on Friday.

Lady Dogs looking ahead after tough losses

The Lady Dogs’ hot start cooled off with losses to Libby and Browning last weekend.

Speech team takes silver

The Whitefish speech and debate team had one of their strongest performances of the season at Frenchtown last weekend.

Ring, Qunell shine in Missoula

The Whitefish swim team held its own against Class AA competition at the Missoula Swim Meet last weekend.

Zinke resigns as interior secretary amid numerous probes

WASHINGTON (AP) — Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, facing federal investigations into his travel, political activity and potential conflicts of interest, will be leaving the administration at year’s end, President Donald Trump said Saturday. In his resignation letter, obtained by The Associated Press, Zinke said “vicious and politically motivated attacks” against him had “created an unfortunate distraction” in fulfilling the agency’s mission.

County withdraws idea of billboards in scenic corridors

Flathead County Commissioners Thursday agreed to nix the idea of allowing billboard-sized signs in scenic highway corridors before a public hearing could even begin.

Community briefs for Dec. 12

City embraces new tech for wastewater plant

Whitefish is planing to implement relatively new technology at a cost of $2.3 million in its planned new wastewater treatment plant that it expects to work more efficiently and also save in the overall price tag of the project.

Community supporter remembered for giving spirit

Jake Heckathorn, a man who spent more than six decades supporting his community, died Dec. 5 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Legals December 12, 2018

No. 2459 Montana Eleventh Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Robert Kozlowski Jennifer Krueger, Petitioner Cause No. DV-18-1153A AMY EDDY Notice of Hearing on Name Change of Minor Child This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change a child's name from Robert Garrett Kozlowski to Garrett George Krueger. The hearing will be on January 8, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Flathead County. Date: November 14, 2018 PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: SARA SMITH Deputy Clerk of Court November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

Governor says recreation stirs economic growth

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock says it doesn’t take much thinking to realize why people are visiting the state.

Skiers flock to mountain on opening day

While opening day at Whitefish Mountain Resort had many skiers excited, some literally couldn’t wait to hit the slopes.

No headline

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

City annexes Park Knoll neighborhood

The Park Knoll neighborhood will become part of the city.

Council pushes vote on mixed-use building to New Year

A decision on whether the construction of a new mixed-use building will be allowed on Central Avenue has been delayed until next year.

Symphony preforms annual 'Messiah' concert

The Glacier Symphony’s “This Sacred Season and Messiah” concerts in Whitefish and Kalispell will offer a delightful pallet of sacred music for the season with a program focused on highlights from Handel’s “Messiah.” The concert includes inspiring works by Johann Sebastian Bach, English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and American composers, Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre. Also on the program will be the premiere of “A Christmas Round” composed by John Zoltek.

County proposes softening sign regulations in scenic corridor

The Flathead County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Thursday regarding proposed zoning text amendments, including one that would allow advertising signs to be erected in various parts of the county’s extensive scenic corridor overlay, so long as they remain under 250 square feet in surface area.

Opposes crossbows in archery season

Why we should be against the crossbow during archery seasons?

Whitefish is my home

I moved to Whitefish a little over a year ago. It was the summer before my junior year, and Whitefish was utterly unlike the environment in which I had been raised. I was from Boston, a big city on the East Coast. I went to a school of 2,500 students, not 500. I walked and took public transportation, never drove. I didn’t even have my license.

Christmas Stroll

Folks walked Central Avenue Friday for the annual Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Stroll.

FREEFLOW project awarded $5,000 grant at outdoor summit

Whitefish High School’s FREEFLOW club earned a $5,000 grant for future projects during the Business of Outdoor Recreation Summit last week.

No headline

Tuesday, Nov. 27

Glacier Park's historic red buses to see an overhaul

Glacier National Park’s coveted red bus fleet will undergo a complete rehabilitation in the coming years.

Christine Russell Haller

Christine Russell Haller, 90, of Whitefish, passed away peacefully at The Springs.

Stanley Channell

Stanley Channell, 71, passed away at his home on Dec. 3, 2018.

Richard Field

Richard Field, 84, passed away on Dec. 7, 2018.

Ira James (Jake) Heckathorn

Ira James (Jake) Heckathorn, 95, of Whitefish, grudgingly succumbed to chronic medical conditions on Dec. 5, 2018 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls; he retired from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Robert Arthur Gordon

Robert Arthur Gordon “Flash,” 65, of Tillamook, Oregon, passed away on Nov. 29.

Scholarship set up in honor of late youth soccer coach

A scholarship has been set up and a memorial is planned for a Flathead Rapids soccer coach who died this fall.

Club gets county approval for new Nordic skiing trailhead

The Glacier Nordic Club plans to add additional access to the Big Mountain Nordic Trails through Haskill Basin with a new parking lot.

Lady Dogs pick up two wins in opening week

The Whitefish girls basketball team won two and dropped one in their first week of competition.

Speech grabs gold in Bozeman

The Whitefish speech and debate team continued its strong season with a first-place finish at the Bozeman Invitational.

Bulldog wrestlers take second in Superior

The Whitefish wrestling team notched a second-place finish at the Bob Kinney Invitational last weekend.

Off to a hot start

The Bulldogs have already surpassed last year’s win total with three straight victories to start the season.

Christmas Stroll downtown Friday

The holiday season begins in Whitefish on Friday with the annual Christmas Stroll downtown.

MCNEIL, FAIRCHILD ENGAGED

Jessica McNeil and Steven Fairchild were engaged Oct. 26 at Whitefish City Beach.

Nonprofit leaders seek to increase adaptive outdoor recreation opportunities

DREAM Adaptive’s leaders have a vision for the nonprofit to expand its services in the coming years.

Resort opens with skiing on north side

Whitefish Mountain Resort will open for its 71st season on Thursday, Dec. 6.

Food bank volunteers butcher donations of meat

A group of volunteers at North Valley Food Bank on a recent Friday morning worked quickly and efficiently to butcher donated meat that would later be distributed to those in need.

Resort opens featuring skiing on backside of mountain

Whitefish Mountain Resort is set to open Thursday with skiing on the north side.

Senators call for reauthorization of conservation fund

Montana’s two U.S. Senators were among a group of lawmakers on Thursday morning calling for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund by the end of the year.

Legals December 5, 2018

No. 2462 WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The regular meeting of the Whitefish Planning Board will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2018 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 items listed below. Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Planning Board, the Whitefish City Council will hold a subsequent public hearing for items 1-2 on January 7, 2019 and items 3-5 on Tuesday, January 22, 2018. City Council meetings start at 7:10 pm at 418 E Second Street in the Whitefish City Council Chambers on the second floor. A request by 95 Karrow LLC for a Planned Unit Development amendment to add 'clubs, private and semi-private recreational facilities' to the list of permitted uses within the 95 Karrow project (Ord. No. 18-01). The property is partially developed with a warehouse and is zoned WT-3/WI-T/WPUD. The property is located at 95 Karrow Avenue and can be legally described as Tract 1, COS 9540 in S 35 & 36, T31N, R22W P.M.M., Flathead County. (WPUD 18-08) Compton-Ring A request by Homeword for a Planned Unit Development to develop a 38-unit affordable rental housing project. The property is undeveloped and is zoned WR-4 (High Density Residential District). The property is located at 524 & 530 Edgewood Place and can be legally described as north half of Lot 4, Lots 5 & 6, Block 9, Whitefish Townsite Company 5 Acre Tracts First Addition in Section 25, Townsite 31 North Range 22 West P.M.M., Flathead County. (WPUD 18-07) Compton-Ring A request by Aaron McPherson for a Conditional Use Permit to convert an existing detached garage into a guesthouse. The property is currently developed with a residential structure and is zoned WLR (One-Family Limited Residential District). The property is located at 220 Peregrine Lane and can be legally described as Lot 6 of Gyrfalcon Estates Subdivision in S32, T31N, R21W P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 18-13) Minnich A request by Bald Eagle LLC and Nicole Erickson, with technical assistance from Montana Creative, for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a mixed-use building with a winery on the 1st floor and three (3) residential units on the 2nd floor. The property is currently developed with a commercial structure and is zoned WB-3 (General Business District). The property is located at 20 Spokane Avenue and can be legally described as Lots 6 & 7 in Block 28 of Whitefish Subdivision in S36, T31N, R22W P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 18-14) Minnich A request by James Dodkin, with technical assistance from BCD Engineering, to subdivide a property into two parcels. The subject property is currently vacant and is zoned WCR (Country Residential District). The property is located at 441 Armory Road and can be legally described as Tract 3F in Section 32 and Tract 5F in Section 33, Township 31N, Range 21W. (WPP 18-12) Minnich Documents pertaining to these agenda items are available for review at the Whitefish Planning & Building Department, 418 E Second Street, during regular business hours. The full application packets along with public comments and staff report will be available on the City's webpage: www.cityofwhitefish.org under Planning Board six days prior to the Planning Board public hearing date noted above. 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 December 5, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

No headline

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

Community briefs for Dec. 5

Couple honored for conservation work

The Flathead Audubon Society recently honored local conservationists Mary and Gary Sloan with a Conservation Achievement Recognition Award.

New members join DREAM board

DREAM Adaptive recently added three new board members: Bryan George, Robin Idol and Sylvia Lundquist.

Enrollment begins for Soroptimist dental program

The enrollment period is underway for Soroptimist International of Whitefish’s Smile of Hope dental program for women.

WTC holds auditions for two plays

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions in December for two theatre productions.

Man arrested for shooting; others face charges following incident

Nine people were charged with crimes last week following a burglary and shooting Thursday, Nov. 29 in a neighborhood south of Whitefish. At about 8 a.m. the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a burglary in progress and that someone had fired a gun before fleeing the scene, according to a release. Several suspects were eventually arrested on KM Ranch Road and Spring Prairie Road.

Polzin spent decades restoring backcountry cabins in Glacier Park

If you’ve ever hiked to one of Glacier’s remote backcountry patrol cabins or one of its lookouts, you’ve seen the restoration work of Jack Polzin and his crew over the years.

Great job to teacher of year

A big round of applause to Emily Dugan! There are few teachers in our young lives that make such a big impression on us. Emily’s experience with her first grade teacher obviously made a lasting mark, so that she now carries that torch. I’m sure her students years from now will recall their time with her with fondness and respect. Whitefish is blessed to have her. Let us hope that we can keep Emily and many of other stellar instructors in this school district.

Historic opportunity for Land and Water Conservation Fund

In Montana, at least, all the ballots have been counted and all the 2018 elections resolved. If voter turnout numbers are any indication, folks across Montana were keen on making their voices heard, and are now eager for our elected officials to get back to the vital work of legislating. We extend hearty congratulations to Senator Tester and Representative Gianforte for their victories.

Support Montana food banks in final Farm Bill

Every month, food pantries, meal programs, and other partners of the Montana Food Bank Network distribute over a million pounds of food to those who are struggling in our communities. The impact of these programs is immediate and enormous, helping to keep food on the table for Montana families, seniors, underemployed workers, individuals with disabilities, and anyone else in need of a helping hand. While much of this food comes from the generous support of donors, a substantial portion also comes through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

Shop local this season

This holiday season, will you be among 83 percent of consumers who plan to do some portion of their holiday shopping at a small, independently owned retailer or restaurant?

Why wilderness? Because it's irreplaceable

A lot is being said about wilderness these days: some misrepresentations and a lot of confusion as to what wilderness is — legally and ecologically.

'Best Christmas Pageant' both hilarious and heartfelt

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents the family classic “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” as its holiday show at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Taking the stage

When Elise Sabin steps into the role of Clara in the “Journey to the Land of Sweets,” she admits it’s a challenge.

Noble Dance offers different take on classic 'Nutcracker'

The Noble Dance Performing Company presents “Journey to the Land of the Sweets,” a lively take on the holiday classic the “Nutcracker” next week during its eighth annual Winter Celebration.

Bulldog wrestlers open season in Pablo

Whitefish wrestlers got their season started at the Owen Invitational in Pablo last weekend.

Speech gets bronze in Stevi

The Whitefish speech and debate team finished third overall at the Stevensville Tournament on Saturday.

Swimmers take fifth in season opener

Whitefish finished fifth overall in the Kalispell Invitational swim meet, starting the season off on a high note.

Book tells the story of railroads

Had it not been for railroads, most Montana towns wouldn’t exist — at least, not as we know them. That’s the story told by historian Dale Martin in his new book, “Ties, Rails, and Telegraph Wires.”

Pilot delivery delayed due to Post Office closure

Federal offices including the United States Post Office will be closed on Wednesday in honor of the late former President George Herbert Walker Bush.

Claudia Shea Puccio

Claudia Shea Puccio, 53, of Whitefish, passed away Dec. 1, 2018 at Brendan House in Kalispell.