Ellington

Life on the sled

It’s a dog-race-dog world for Sara and Butch Parr.

City backs off proposal to add area to south

Whitefish for now has set aside adding an area south of Montana 40 to its extension of services plan.

Legals February 28, 2018

No. 2413 WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The regular meeting of the Whitefish Planning Board will be held on Thursday, March 15, 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 1-3 on April 2, 2018 and items 4-7 on April 16, 2018. City Council meetings start at 7:10 pm at 418 E Second Street in the Whitefish City Council Chambers on the second floor. Continuation of discussion on a request by the City of Whitefish to adopt the Wisconsin Avenue Corridor Plan (Edgewood to Big Mountain Road) as an addendum to the 2007 Whitefish City-County Growth Policy (WGPA-18-02) Taylor A request by Judah Gersh to amend §11-6-2A, to add a parking standard for studio and one-bedroom apartments under the multi-family dwelling parking standards. (WZTA 18-02) Compton-Ring A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone a 1.64-acre parcel known as the Snow Storage Lot from WI (Industrial and Warehousing) to WR-4 (High Density Multi-Family Residential) in conformance with the Whitefish City-County Growth Policy, and to enable implementation of the Whitefish Strategic Workforce Housing Plan. The property is located at the corner of Columbia Avenue and Railway Street and can be legally described as Tract ID 3122X36-DEV-3 in S36 T31N R22W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WZC 18-01) Lindh A request by Robert Marney for a Conditional Use Permit to construct an accessory apartment. The property is located at 104 Columbia Avenue and can be legally described as Lots 1 and 2 in Block 33 of Whitefish Subdivision in S36, T31N, R22W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 18-04) Minnich A request by Todd & Lindsey Burris for a Conditional Use Permit to construct an accessory apartment. The property is located at 829 E. 2nd Street and can be legally described as Lot 4, 5, and E18.75 feet of Lot 6 in Block 48 of Whitefish Subdivision in S26, T31N, R22W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 18-02) Minnich A request by Moose Run Properties, LLC to rezone a 0.998 acre parcel from a split zoning of WB-2 (General Business District) and WR-1 (One-Family Residential District) to WR-2 (Two-Family Residential District. The property is currently undeveloped with no address, adjacent to Whitefish Avenue, and can be legally described as Tract 1 in S01, T30N, R22W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WZC 18-02) Minnich Continuation of a request by Whitefish 57 llc for a 70-acre neighborhood plan, an amendment to the 2007 Whitefish Growth Policy, to change the Suburban and Rural land use designations to Urban and High Density land use designations. The properties are located at 6204 & 6208 Highway 93 S and can be legally described at Tracts 3B, 3BB, 3BD, 3BCBA & 7A in S1, T30N, R22W P.M.M., Flathead County. (WGPA 18-01) Compton-Ring Also, on the Planning Board's agenda, but not including a public hearing, is item number 8 below. A public hearing will be held on this item at the City Council meeting scheduled for April 2, 2018. A request by the City of Whitefish to modify the boundaries of the City of Whitefish Urban Renewal District to include a parcel at the corner of Columbia Avenue and Railway Street, known as the Snow Storage Lot, as a blighted area in need of redevelopment and rehabilitation and appropriate for an urban renewal project. Documents pertaining to these agenda items 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 Planning Board. 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 February 28, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

Wilderness Speaker Series tackles variety of topics

This winter local wilderness organizations are partnering to host the Wilderness Speaker Series.

Auditions held for 'Behanding'

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for a Black Curtain theatre production of “A Behanding In Spokane” on Tuesday, March 6 at 6 p.m. the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. The north door at the back of the O’Shaughnessy Center will open at 5:45 p.m. for those wanting to fill out an audition application early and review the audition selections.

Pair represents state credit unions

Whitefish Credit Union has announce that Tiffany Mahan and Sierra Hubble have been selected to attend Crash the GAC 2018 by The Cooperative Trust and Credit Union National Association to represent Montana’s credit unions.

Allison, Powell marry

Thomas Haden Allison and Torie Vaughn Powell were married Sept. 23, 2017 in Saint Ignatius, Montana.

ATPK auditions for 'Addams Family'

The Alpine Theatre Project Kids (ATP Kids), the educational outreach program offered by the Alpine Theatre Project, is holding auditions for its spring session, culminating in a production of the macabre comedy musical, “The Addams Family.”

Community events for week of Feb. 28

Supports Downen

I support re-election of Jay Downen as trustee of the electricity cooperative upon which so many people have depended for so many years, and I urge all cooperative member/customers to do the same when casting their votes. I know Mr. Downen as a neighbor in Whitefish, but better I know him as an extraordinarily qualified person for managing our most essential energy resource in terms of reliability, service, prioritization of equipment maintenance and of new projects and consumer electricity rates. He has for decades devoted himself to the work of electric service cooperatives with education and experience levels likely unmatched, or nearly so, anywhere.

Clinic sad change for Whitefish

Those who come to Whitefish are looking for something. They seek out the outdoor splendor and fun that our town has to offer. From endless outdoor activity, to the quaint small town warmth and safety that our community conveys.

Take responsibility of care by being an informed patient

Patient Responsibility

Safe learning environments - our highest priority

The national debate on gun laws and school safety has intensified since the tragic recent events in Florida. While I don’t wish to debate the intent of the Second Amendment in the modern era, I do want to share a few thoughts about safety and security in Whitefish Schools and our school culture.

Means honored for leadership role working with paraeducators

Of all the roles he’s played in his educational career, Dave Means found his love for the field behind the wheel.

Flathead Classic Dog Sled Race

The Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race hosted a record 54 entries in last weekend’s sled dog races held at the at Dog Creek Lodge & Nordic Center near Olney.

Racers make podium in Bozeman, Helena

Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation ski racers found the podium repeatedly at weekend ski competitions at Bridger Bowl Ski Area near Bozeman and Great Divide Ski Area near Helena.

Youth Basketball program teaches girls fundamentals

Ninety girls in grades three through six recently participated in the Whitefish Youth Basketball program.

Bowling scores

Pin & Cue, Feb. 18-23

Search for missing skier continues

The search for a skier who has been missing in the backcountry near Whitefish Mountain Resort for 10 days was resumed Tuesday after a winter storm stymied efforts on Sunday.

Meeting on Sperry Chalet rebuild held Wednesday

Glacier National Park leaders will give the public a first look at its vision for rebuilding the Sperry Chalet at a meeting in Kalispell on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Nurse has spent decades helping patients

Getting sick and going to the hospital is no fun. But with her disarming smile and sense of humor, Joan Werner has been making it all the more bearable for patients at North Valley Hospital for generations now.

Hole in city, county lakeshore rules being exploited

A flaw in our lakeshore rules is being exploited by an out-of-town developer. Current city and county rules state that no structures can be built within 20 feet of the high water mark, but existing structures can be repaired.

Community rallies to support searchers, family of missing skier

As the search for Dr. Jonathan Torgerson stretches into the sixth day, a community struck with grief and worry has been left without the traditional avenues to express their feelings to the family of a man they all love. Uncertainty has precluded a sense of closure, and the result is an emotional conundrum that is difficult to sit with.

Drama Club tackles mature topics in 'She Kills Monsters'

Members of the Whitefish High School Drama Club took the lead when they selected the play they’ll bring to the stage this weekend.

Dogs ready to race in Flathead Classic this weekend

Thirty-five teams are set to race in the Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race this weekend based near Olney.

No headline

Citing its lack of compatibility with downtown, Whitefish City Council Tuesday denied a proposal by Fresh Life Church to construct a mixed-use building on Central Avenue.

Gene-editing has great potential, but still calls for caution

Modifying genetic code, training the body to better fight disease, even eradicating cancer — these miracles may be less science fiction than they seem.

Woman honored for work assisting athletes

Kimberley Barreda loves the outdoors and being active. She spends winter days on the slopes of Big Mountain and summer days kayaking the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

PICTORIAL for BIG MOUNTAIN

Sheila Morrison’s memories of Whitefish are preserved in black and white, tucked away in various albums of photographs taken by her father, Marion Lacy.

Bidding opens for Somers Ave. rebuild

City Council Feb. 5 approved bidding for the reconstruction of Somers Avenue. The project is estimated to cost $2.2 million.

Finding friendship story at center of 'Edward Tulane'

The Whitefish Theatre Company is delighted to present the extraordinary tale of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.”

ATP holds auditions March 3 for 'Matilda the Musical'

Alpine Theatre Project is conducting a statewide search for the stars of its upcoming production of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical.”

WTC holds auditions for 'The Great Gatsby'

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for the spring production of “The Great Gatsby,” a cabaret-style production that will be performed in April.

Luke, Reid marry

Dr. Carmen Marie Luke and Dr. Collin Ray Reid were married in a double ring ceremony in Nampa, Idaho, on Oct. 28, 2017.

No headline

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

Disappointed McDonald's ended discount

I am writing this to inform all seniors and veterans that they will no longer be eligible for discounts at McDonald’s in Whitefish and Kalispell.

Growing up with skis on her feet

Growing up in a ski town has a lot of perks. The most obvious, learning to ski soon after you begin to toddle around on foot and a half long legs. My parents put me and my siblings on skis when we were not even 2-years-old, as did many of my friends parents. Skiing was close to their hearts and it was important to pass that down to their kids.

City's approval of dredging project an 'under-sight'

I see in the Feb. 14 Whitefish Pilot that the City Council gave its approval for a dredging project on the north end of Whitefish Lake. I’m curious if the city has jurisdiction of the sediment from the low water mark down into the lake; then why is it “giving away” 6,000 cubic yards of city sediment for free and not getting compensated for the material or at least, putting it to some good use on city property? Will the city dredge up an excuse for this under-sight?

Real environmentalists left out of Whitefish Range Partnership plan

I am taking time out of working hard at snow removal on my little wilderness ranch near Glacier National Park and the Whitefish Range. I have had over 10 feet of snow this season to clear from my 120-yard driveway and around my house for ingress/egress. But seeing the Whitefish Pilot opinion page on Feb. 14 , 2018, requires that I set the record straight for the general public that does not know the truth about the Whitefish Range Partnership plan at the core of the Flathead National Forest Service management planning report.

City raises business fees

For the first time in 35 years, the city of Whitefish is raising its business license fees.

FVSEF skiers work through competition-filled February

Five junior racers from the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation recently attended a U16 four-day Super G and Giant Slalom camp put on by the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association. The invitation-only training camp was for top Junior Ski racers in the Western U.S.

Nordic skiers race hard in Idaho

Three members of the Glacier Nordic Ski Team traveled to McCall, Idaho, last weekend to compete in the third and final Intermountain Junior National Qualifier of the season.

Lady Dogs fall to Ronan, Libby in District Tourney

The Lady Dogs gave it their all in their opening game of the District Tournament against Ronan, but couldn’t get the final buckets when they needed them.

Bulldogs can't keep season alive in Ronan

The Dogs fought hard but couldn’t keep the season alive at the Northwest A District Tournament in Ronan over the weekend.

Searchers look for missing skier in backcountry

Search and rescue teams scoured the backcountry near Whitefish Mountain Resort for a fourth day Tuesday for a skier who reportedly left the ski resort boundary Saturday near the Flower Point area.

Searchers continue to look for man missing near Whitefish Mountain Resort

Search crews continued to comb the slopes near Whitefish Mountain Resort on Monday morning after a skier was reported missing over the weekend.

Voisin takes fourth

Whitefish freeskier Maggie Voisin just missed the podium with a close fourth place finish in women’s slopestyle at this year’s Olympic Games.

No headline

The potential for development of 70 acres of property fronting Highway 93 in south Whitefish has a number of folks up in arms.

First phase of Watershed Project completed resulting in protection of 7,000 acres

The first phase of the Whitefish Lake Watershed Project has been completed protecting more than 7,000 acres of forestland north of Whitefish.

Council to look at church request for building on Central

Whitefish City Council meets Feb. 20 at 7:10 p.m. at the City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

No headline

The valley-wide 14U Glacier Avalanche Bantam Black hockey team won the Cranbrook Hornets Bantam A Tournament last weekend in Cranbrook, B.C.

Committee begins work on top four strategies

The Whitefish Strategic Housing Plan Steering Committee is already beginning work on the first four strategies outlined in the city’s Strategic Housing Plan.

Whitefish updates short-term rental regs

Whitefish has adopted new regulations expected to help manage short-term rentals operating in the city.

City OKs dredging for channel

Whitefish City Council gave its approval last week for a dredging project on the north end of Whitefish Lake to remove silt from a man-made canal.

State snowpack levels sitting above normal

Experts are looking at Montana’s solid snowpack conditions with cautious optimism for a wet spring and summer.

Whitefish Review wins national cover contest

The Whitefish Review was recently named the Readers’ Choice winner in the American Society of Magazine Editors 12th ASME Best Cover Contest.

School Board approves absences related to hockey academy

The Whitefish School Board on Feb. 6 approved a request for recognition for hockey academy training during the school day allowing students to miss class for training.

Board looks at bar expansion; neighborhood plan; corridor plan

The Montana Tap House on Wisconsin Avenue is looking to expand its operations by adding onto its building.

Council approves 14-lot subdivision on Colorado

City Council last week approved a 14-lot residential subdivision on Colorado Avenue.

No headline

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

Clinic provides range of care

I’d like to share my support of the opening of All Families Healthcare in Whitefish. This clinic will provide a wide range of healthcare and reproductive services for men, women and children. These services include preventive checkups for adults, well-child checkups, cancer screenings, birth control and reproductive rights options, as well as supportive healthcare and transgender hormone therapy for the LGBTQ population. While abortion is one of the many services offered, it is not a choice that is taken lightly, as some might imply. It is a legal option that women have and All Families Healthcare will provide this service up to 12 weeks, with caution, care, safety and privacy. There are many in our community who would prefer that abortion simply be banned, but doing so will not prevent the occurrence of abortion and it would also introduce a whole new series of issues involving women’s privacy and bodily autonomy. Consider the creation of a new “pregnancy patrol” department that would be tasked to screen all termination requests. Clinics and service providers, such as those at All Families Healthcare, have the same goal as any pro-lifer out there, to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and to ultimately reduce the number of abortions being performed. They choose to do this by supporting comprehensive and reality based sex education within our communities, providing all types of birth control options based on individual needs and offering a safe space for those who do choose to end a pregnancy before 12 weeks gestation.

Supports stewardship act

Over the course of my career, I’ve been deeply involved with our public lands and the economic benefits these lands bring to our communities. I’ve also spent countless days outside on the trail experiencing the personal benefits that come from spending time in exceptional places like Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Finding consensus on Whitefish Range

There’s a lot of bad news about divisiveness in America. Here’s a local good-news story: Folks with very diverse interests in the Flathead Valley met over a 13-month period, got way past “No!” and achieved a unanimous agreement on national forest management. Sound impossible? No, not really. The Flathead Forest has formally adopted most of the Whitefish Range Partnership’s recommendations in their recently released revised forest plan, proving that local input matters, and that people who work together in good faith can have a positive impact.

Orchestra provides exciting opportunities for students

The Whitefish High School orchestra has been preparing for yet another event.

Hospital completes fundraising for 3D mammography machine

North Valley Hospital is installing a 3D mammography machine that is the result of a fundraising effort that began last fall.

Chamber awards community supporters at gala

The leader of a Whitefish organization that works to promote and funnels donations to nonprofits throughout the community was honored last week with the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s Great Whitefish Award.

WMS students envision new products in Junior Achievement class

A smartphone-enabled pet food dish, an automated laundry gadget and a non-lethal home defense system topped the list of ideas presented on a recent afternoon by Whitefish Middle School sixth-graders for the Junior Achievement program.

Goguen to speak Feb. 20 at FVCC Honors Symposium

Flathead Valley Community College’s 2018 Honors Symposium features Tuesday evening lectures that will address this year’s theme of “Technology and Humankind.”

Community Events

Wildlife tracks

William “Dick” Crockford II

William “Dick” Crockford II, 65, of Dillon, passed away Feb. 8, 2018, at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare in Dillon.

Loretta Drescher Berrett

Loretta Drescher Berrett, 87, of Whitefish, passed away Jan. 3, 2018 at the Whitefish Center in Whitefish. Loretta was born Sept. 13, 1930 in Anaconda, Montana, to Carl and Helen Drescher. Loretta was one of five children, two brothers, John and Carl, and two sisters, Coleen and Betty. Loretta was married to her late husband, Paul Berrett, for 66 years.

Fusion win another state title

The Flathead Lady Fusion 14U (15-3-1) hockey team capped off a great season this weekend at the state tournament in Bozeman, winning their second-straight gold in double overtime against a strong and fast Glasgow Ice Dawg team.

Reporter honored for work examining aquatic invasive species

The Whitefish Lake Institute honored Montana Public Radio reporter Nicky Ouellet last week for her contribution to water quality education through a podcast series she created.

Voisin competes in slopestyle Friday

Whitefish skier Maggie Voisin is in South Korea this week competing in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

Lady Dogs can't pace Wildkats

An explosive fourth quarter by Columbia Falls put them ahead in a tight rivalry battle Thursday night at Whitefish.

Whitefish wrestlers conclude season at state tournament

The Whitefish wrestlers fought hard at state but couldn’t advance on and keep the season alive.

Bulldogs swim to second at state meet

Whitefish swimmers put the finishing touches on the season with second-place finishes at state for both the boys and the girls.

Bulldogs can't hold on late against Columbia Falls

A Ryan Kemm layup following a huge block by Lee Walburn on the other end had the Bulldogs dead even with Columbia Falls in the fourth quarter Thursday night.

Whitefish records strong year for home construction

New residential home and commercial development in the city last year continued on a strong trend.

Snow levels on pace for record year

It’s been all good news for skiers at Whitefish Mountain Resort, which is reporting more than 20 feet of snow this season and still counting.

Grant helps purchase groomer expected to improve Nordic trails

A new trailhead is providing improved access this winter to the Big Mountain Nordic Trails, and now a state grant will help purchase a snow cat groomer to improve those cross-country ski trails.

Applications taken for Great Fish

The Great Fish Community Challenge has begun taking applications from nonprofits wishing to participate in the fourth year of the collaborative fundraiser.

Saddened by clinic

When my children learned about World War II they immediately wanted to know how the horrors of the Holocaust could have happened. Why didn’t anyone stop the madness? People in Germany had access to information about the concentration camps yet many people didn’t know (and therefore didn’t take action) because they didn’t want to know. Today, we all know abortion exists. But many of us choose not to take a closer look at this painful reality. Close to one million innocent children die in the United States each year. Less than 1 percent of these abortions are due to rape or incest.

Rotary program celebrates 38 years of giving

The “Magic of Christmas” program to help children in need during the holidays celebrated its 38th year in Whitefish, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Whitefish, private donors, but in large funded by the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Challenge this year.

Patricia A. MacDonald

Patricia A. MacDonald, 84, of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 at Townsend Park following a lengthy illness.

Dawn Hope Reisch

Dawn Hope Reisch passed away on Feb. 1, 2018, at Brendan House in Kalispell. She was born in Helena, Montana, on November 26, 1930, the only child of Margaret Lucille Hanson and Matt Rougle.

Credit Union announces 15 percent increase in dividend

Whitefish Credit Union last week announced a 1.08 percent dividend for the six- month period ending on Dec. 31, 2017.

Carnival Classic results

Carnival Classic Race was on Sunday, Feb. 4 at the Glacier Nordic Center.

Shorthanded Lady Fusion gets two wins on the road

The Flathead Fusion girls 14U hockey team traveled the snowy and icy roads to Miles City this past weekend to compete in two final league contests each against Miles City and Bozeman.

Cailyn Ross begins volleyball career with Kean University

Cailyn Ross, a two-time all-state middle hitter from Whitefish, is attending Kean University, in Union, New Jersey, on an academic scholarship.

Henson leads Nordic ski team in Idaho

Four members of the Glacier Nordic Ski Team traveled to Sun Valley, Idaho, the weekend of Jan. 27 and 28 to compete in the second Intermountain Junior National Qualifier.

FVSEF racers sweep events in Red Lodge

Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation ski racers stepped up on the winners podium multiple times last weekend in both Red Lodge and Big Sky events.

Lady Dogs fight through tough week

The Lady Dogs fought hard but only finished with a single win during a packed week of play.

Bulldogs looking for spark heading to Senior Night

Heading into the final week of the regular season, the Bulldogs have a chance to spark a run.

Five Bulldog grapplers advance to state

Five Whitefish wrestlers are headed to the state tournament after some strong performances at divisionals over the weekend.

'Eddie the Eagle' spreads message of perseverance

At 8-years-old, Michael Edwards decided his dream was to one day represent Great Britain at the Olympics.

Peak named in honor of late conservationist who worked to protect Haskill Basin

A 9,765-foot peak will be named in honor of the late Montana conservationist Alex Diekmann.

Browning presents Whitefish with memorial quilt

Honoring the nine people who died in a 1984 bus crash, Browning High School gifted a memorial quilt to the Whitefish School District last Thursday prior to a basketball game between the two teams.

City rebuffs 11th-hour request to save building

City Council Monday night gave a resounding “no” to a last-minute request by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce to spare the city’s building in Depot Park from demolition.

Photos: Penguin Plunge

Folks braved the icy waters of Whitefish Lake Saturday morning for the annual Whitefish Carnival Penguin Plunge, which raises money for Montana Special Olympics.

Winter Carnival Grand Parade

Thousands lined Central Avenue Saturday during the Whitefish Winter Carnival Grand Parade. This year’s theme for the 59th annual Carnival was “Fly Like an Eagle.” (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot)

Dress warm for Carnival - arctic air headed this way

Folks heading out to the Whitefish Winter Carnival this weekend might want to bundle up.