Ellington

Efforts underway to rejuvenate disc golf course

Whitefish’s hidden gem of a disc golf course is getting a makeover.

Commission puts focus on septic contamination

The group tasked with monitoring and protecting water quality in the Flathead Basin, decided last week to focus on an issue that has been a decades-long concern for Whitefish Lake.

Board splits on proposal to change land use

A stalemate forced the Whitefish Planning Board Thursday to pass along a neighborhood-type plan for 35 acres along Highway 93 South without making a recommendation.

Legals June 27, 2018

No. 2437 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Homeword, Inc. will hold a public hearing on July 16, 2018 at 7:10PM in the Whitefish City Hall at 418 E. 2nd St., Whitefish, MT 59937 for the purpose of obtaining views of the residents of Whitefish and Flathead County, especially low- and very low-income residents, regarding the community's housing needs and priorities of the City of Whitefish for housing improvements. In accordance with Section 15-6-221, M.C.A. (2017), a public hearing will be held to solicit comment on whether the proposed qualifying low-income rental housing property meets a community housing need. Homeword, Inc. is considering submitting an application to the Montana Department of Commerce for a HOME Investment Partnerships Program Grant for a new (38) unit affordable multi-family housing complex in Whitefish and wants to obtain public comment on the needs of the community. Homeword, Inc. will discuss the purpose of the HOME Program and the variety of activities eligible for funding. At the public hearing, everyone will be given the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the City of Whitefish's needs and the type of projects, which should be considered. Comments may be given orally at the hearing or submitted in writing to Homeword, before Monday July 16, 2018 at 5:00PM. Public comment is encouraged. Anyone who would like more information or who would like to submit suggestions should contact Heather McMilin, Homeword Housing Development Director, at (406) 532-4663. A copy of the HOME Grant Application Guidelines is available for review at Homeword's office, 1535 Liberty Lane, Suite 116A, Missoula, MT 59808, during regular office hours, or via email by request (info@homeword.org). The City of Whitefish makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person's ability to participate in this hearing. Persons needing an accommodation must notify Ashley Grant, Homeword Housing Project Manager no later than July 11, 2018 to allow adequate time to make needed arrangements. Please call (406) 532-4663 or write to 1535 Liberty Lane, Suite 116A, Missoula, MT 59808, to make your request known. June 27, July 11, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

Young actress at center of 'Matilda the Musical'

Dylynne Cosand, 10, of Bigfork has been chosen to portray the title character in Alpine Theatre Project’s upcoming production of “Matilda the Musical.”

WHS teacher honored with state award

Whitefish High School teacher Amanda Matdies recently won the Montana Family and Consumer Science New Achievers Award from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Thank you, Tester

Thank you, Jon Tester, for coming to Whitefish to debate Matt Rosendale for a seat in the U.S. Senate. And even though Rosendale thought it was more important to travel to Washington, D.C. and meet with lobbyists to fundraise, Jon still came for a solo debate and answered many questions on issues that affect Montanans every day. Jon has always focused on and is committed to holding town hall meetings, round tables, and touring the state. Our representatives work for all Montanans and it is important for them to listen. It is also important for Montanans to attend debates so we can best decide who to vote for in November. Thank you, Jon Tester!

Celebrating another successful Whitefish Woody Weekend

Thank You, Whitefish, for helping to make Whitefish Woody Weekend VII a huge success. It was a great show with 42 beautiful classic boats from all over the Pacific Northwest, Canada and California, 21 of which were new to Whitefish Woody Weekend. These boats represented 17 different manufacturers and seven different chapters of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. Nineteen of the 42 participants came to the show from outside the Flathead Valley.

Visitor moves lawn gnome, leaves surprise behind for homeowner

Friday, June 15

Councilor questions balloon rules as city updates sign regulations

Whitefish City Council last week approved an update to the city’s sign ordinance.

Highway 93 W subdivision gains city approval

Whitefish City Council last week approved a 52-unit development off Highway 93 West.

No headline

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

P.E.O. STAR scholarship awarded to Grimes

The prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year, was presented to Hunter Grimes, a senior at Whitefish High School.

Development project with Zinke connection comes under scrutiny

A proposed Whitefish development project in the crosshair of a recent national story alleging impropriety by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke was vetted through the city’s planning process before winning City Council approval in late 2017.

Fireworks, boat parade top Fourth of July celebrations next week

Celebrations are gearing up for the Fourth of July festivities this year on Whitefish Lake.

Director looks to build adult education program

David Donaldson wants to make Whitefish’s new adult education program for the community, by the community.

Twins take bronze at annual Ed Gallo Tournament

The Glacier Twins showed off at their own Ed Gallo Tournament with an 18-2 blowout over the Olympia Raptors on Sunday.

Athletes prepare for national competition for powerlifting

Two Montana athletes will test their abilities on a national level when they head to Seattle next week to compete in powerlifting.

Gwen Evangeline (Adams) Wollan

Gwen Evangeline (Adams) Wollan, 94, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, went to be with God on May 15, 2018. Gwen was born on Dec. 19, 1923 in Bainville, Montana, to Arlington Elias Adams and Angeline Louise Gardiner Adams.

Laura Jean Wyman

Laura Jean Wyman passed away on June 16 in her home in Whitefish after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 58.

Dorothy M. Boggs

Dorothy M. Boggs, 86, formerly of Whitefish, passed away June 24, 2018 at the Montana Veterans Home.

Blanche Herring

Blanche Herring, 89, of Whitefish, passed away June 24, 2018 at a local hospital.

Jerry Lee Garrott

Jerry Lee Garrott, 93, died peacefully on May 2, 2018, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

James E. Madole

Lt. Col. James E. Madole was born in Whitefish, on Aug. 12, 1931.

Council considers neighborhood plan

Whitefish City Council meets on July 2 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

Multi-sport Glacier Challenge set for Saturday around Whitefish

This year’s Glacier Challenge, Montana’s premiere multi-sport relay race, kicks off at City Beach Saturday.

Fourth of July tourney coming up

The annual Fourth of July Tournament is now in its 84th year, having first been hosted in 1934 and at that time it was open to golf professionals along with amateurs. Some of the early Professionals traveled around the Northwest playing in every tournament they could enter and for very little payouts for the winners.

Lawmakers seek investigation of Whitefish land deal involving Zinke

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation Thursday into U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s involvement in a land deal with the chairman of an energy services company that does business with his agency.

Design unveiled for new Muldown school building

The Whitefish School Board gave a unanimous thumbs-up last week to the exterior design of the future Muldown Elementary School.

Kayak discovered on property after taking solo trip on river

Thursday, June 7

Council upholds approval of planned condo project

For the second time Whitefish City Council on Monday approved a 60-unit condo project along Highway 93 South.

Neighborhood plan for Highway 93 S returns after update

A neighborhood plan for 70 acres fronting U.S. Highway 93 South will return to the Whitefish Planning Board for a public hearing on Thursday after the developers redesigned their plan.

Browns celebrate 60 years

Harry and Nancy Brown, long time residents of Whitefish were married June 21, 1958 in Summit, New Jersey. They met while students at Penn State and married shortly after graduation.

Pilot brings home awards at annual state convention

The Whitefish Pilot earned 13 awards during the annual Montana Newspaper Association convention Saturday in Billings.

Councilor voices spending concerns during budget review session

Whitefish City Council last week began crunching numbers in the second half of the fiscal year 2019 preliminary budget for the city.

Talent on display for youth tap ensemble performance

A great taste of talent is coming to Whitefish. The local Feat x Feet youth tap ensemble will be performing its annual summer show Friday, June 22, at 8 p.m., at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Broadway veterans star in ATP summer productions

New faces, including Broadway veterans and even an American Idol contestant, join returning favorites to perform in Alpine Theatre Project’s 2018 Broadway Summer Season.

Summer art classes at Stumptown studio

An amazing line-up of art opportunities for adults are part of the programs at Stumptown Art Studio this summer.

Twins can't close out in Belgrade tourney

Despite coming off two straight wins, the Twins couldn’t finish against Cody, Wyoming, in the final game of the Belgrade tournament on Saturday.

Junior golfers qualify for state

Successful Dowaliby

Tally Lake District keeps new ranger busy

As the new Tally Lake District Ranger, Bill Mulholland says he enjoys wearing a variety of hats.

Abstracts taken for first Montana Lakes Conference

The Whitefish Lake Institute is hosting the inaugural Montana Lakes Conference March 13-15, 2019.

Camp Invention

Whitefish’s young innovators got to create at Camp Invention, a nationally recognized summer camp that promotes creativity and invention, last week.

Wooden boats on display this weekend for annual event

More than 40 antique and classic boats are expected to be cruising Whitefish Lake and on display this weekend for the annual Whitefish Woody Weekend VII.

Animal shot in eastern Montana confirmed as a wolf

The canine creature shot in Montana a month ago that captured the curiosity of the nation is indeed a gray wolf, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks confirmed Monday.

Tester talks issues in Whitefish

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester spoke Sunday morning at the Montana Broadcasters Association Conference at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, where he told people what voters should expect out of him if they re-elect him to another term in the U.S. Senate on Nov. 6.

Legals June 13, 2018

No. 2436 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 2019 at its regular meeting to be held June 18, 2018, 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 13, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

Community briefs June 13

Council pulls back on approval for condo project

Whitefish City Council will reconsider a 60-unit condominium project that it previously approved for property on U.S. Highway 93 south of the Mountain Mall pond.

WMS orchestra

Branston memorial grant goes to trail program

The Whitefish Community Foundation has announced the recipient of a one-time $5,000 memorial grant in memory of Katy Branston to the Whitefish Legacy Partners’ Girls on the Trail program.

City may look to add further regulation to short-term rentals

Whitefish may not be finished with tightening up its regulations for short-term rentals.

Survey taken on adult ed options

The Whitefish School District is asking community members for input on what offerings they’d like to see from the adult education program.

No headline

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

No headline

Whitefish City Council meets on June 18 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

Police calls: Lost ID turns out to be fake

Thursday, May 31

Kindems celebrate 65th anniversary

The Kindems of Apple Valley, Minnesota, were married at St. John Lutheran Church in Northfield, Minnesota, on June 8, 1953.

Housing plan moves to next round in quest for tax credits

The Whitefish Housing Authority’s bid to earn housing tax credits moved forward last week, as it works toward its goal of developing a 38-unit housing complex planned off of Wisconsin Avenue.

Resort opens daily for summer season

Whitefish Mountain Resort will open daily on Saturday, June 16 for summer activities.

Chamber breakfast focuses on update on affordable housing efforts

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce will hold a breakfast meeting on June 20 to discuss what’s being done to implement the 2017 Whitefish Strategic Housing Plan.

Seasonal clinics there to assist

North Valley Hospital operates seasonal clinics to support our local, seasonal and tourist population in the Flathead Valley. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the West Glacier Clinic operates near Glacier National Park to serve visitors, residents, and seasonal employees.

Heartfelt thank you to real heroes of fire department

Every second counts. And your life and situation can change in an instant too. An enjoyable day working outside suddenly is interrupted by a loud bang, sparks and the surrounding area catching on fire. You make the 911 call and quickly realize your home is in jeopardy. Next, getting the animals out of the house, moving the cars out of the garage, and scooping up whatever is deemed valuable. One finds it so hard to think straight and not panic. Frantic to save your house, you use a small garden hose to battle an inferno fire that is so hot you feel as if a toothpick is in your hands and temperatures and smoke that make it difficult to continue. Trying to keep it at bay, waiting and listening for the fire trucks to arrive. A most welcome noise when the sirens are heard. How thankful to see the firefighters as they jump into action, dousing water onto the roof, trying to save my house. Their work is tireless, they risk their lives every day. One gains a new appreciation and a new perspective. I am most grateful to their efforts. Afterwards, they confided to me that they were not certain they could save my home. The fire was so close, my fence and some of the aspens were a casualty. Another 30 seconds, maybe a minute, was all we had. Trucks from Whitefish, Evergreen and West Valley were all there. Thank you for coming. Thank you to Joe Page, the Whitefish Fire Chief for being in attendance. Thank you to each fire fighter who battled the flames and stayed to ensure it was totally extinguished. Thank you to my neighbors Michele Irelan, who ran in to take the animals, Joe and MaiBritt Bennett who both watered down the fence and took valuables out of the house. And thank you to everyone that stopped their car when on the road to allow the fire trucks to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Every second counts. Thank You!

Muldown Circus

Robert Young

Robert Young, 65, passed away in Whitefish on June 6, 2018.

Raymond Joseph Van Ham

Raymond Joseph Van Ham, 67, passed away Jan. 21, 2018, in Channelview, Texas.

Brian Sullivan

Brian Francis Sullivan, a longtime resident of Whitefish, passed away in the early morning of March 20, 2018 under the tender care of his wife Gail and supported by hospice, family, and friends.

Scott Smith to lead Bulldog boys basketball

With Scott Smith at the helm of the Bulldogs basketball program, defense comes first.

Twins split two with Lakers A

The Twins finished even with the Kalispell Lakers A last week, splitting a pair of high-scoring games.

Bulldog Open this Sunday

Bulldog Open this

Summer art camps offer creativity at Stumptown Art Studio

The summer art camp season at Stumptown Art Studio kicks off this month.

Sunshine and a spritz

Whitefish’s food and drink connoisseurs have a new place to whet their appetites.

Renovated north field, new obstacles top dog park upgrades

Whitefish’s furry friends have new upgrades to enjoy at the Whitefish Animal Group Dog Park.

Rosendale and Tester won't debate in Whitefish

HELENA — Republican Matt Rosendale won’t participate in a debate against Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester because it was scheduled on Father’s Day, his campaign spokesman said Monday.

Former county commissioner Joe Brenneman dies

Former Flathead County Commissioner and fourth-generation Creston farmer and rancher Joe Brenneman died Sunday at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. He was 60.

Ramsey Avenue house razed by fire

A house already in the process of being demolished on Ramsey Avenue was completely destroyed by a fire on Thursday.

Documentary film set for screening here features biorefinery plant

The award-winning documentary “The Need To Grow” will be shown later this month in Whitefish. The film takes a look at activists and innovators in the food movement including the Flathead Valley’s Algae AquaCulture Technologies.

Heino, Brodehl win primaries

Randy Brodehl has won the Republican primary for Flathead County Commissioner and Brian Heino won the primary for Flathead County Sheriff.

Rosendale, Williams win primaries

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana State Auditor Matt Rosendale will challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in November as Republicans look to take back Tester’s seat and complete a sweep of Montana’s congressional delegation.

Legals June 6, 2018

No. 2435 WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The regular meeting of the Whitefish Planning Board will be held on Thursday, June 21, 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 July 2, 2018 and item 3 on July 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. A request by Whitefish School District for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a new elementary school. The property is located at 1118 E 7th Street and can be legally described as Tract 6A in S32 T31N R21W P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 18-07) Compton-Ring A request by Whitefish 57 llc/Eagle Enterprises for a Subarea Plan to change the land use on 34 acres from Suburban land use to Urban, High-Density and General Commercial land use designations. The properties are located at 6204 & 6208 Highway 93 S and can be legally described as Tracts 3B, 3BB, 3BD, 3BCBA & 7A in S1, T30N, R22W P.M.M., Flathead County. (WGPA 18-01) Compton-Ring A request by Robert & Heather MacCulloch for a Conditional Use permit to construct an accessory apartment in a residential zone. The property is located at 303 O'Brien Avenue and can be legally described as Lots 23 & 24 in BLK 55 of Whitefish Subdivision in S36, T31N, R22W P.M.M., Flathead County (WCUP 18-08) 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 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 June 6, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

Joan Audrey Duncanson

Joan Audrey Duncanson, 82, of Whitefish, passed away on May 27, 2018 in Fontana, California.

Community briefs June 6

Event focuses on community broadband

Montana West Economic Development and the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors/MLS will be hosting a Community Broadband Initiative event on Wednesday, June 13 at Flathead Valley Community College.

Whitefish eyes changes to snow plowing

Thoughts of snow covering Whitefish’s roadways may seem far off, but the city of Whitefish Public Works Department is already planning for next winter.

After gaining recommendation, updates to sign code head to Council

The Whitefish Planning Board last month recommended approval for changes to the city’s signage ordinances, which affect the criteria by which sign regulations can be made.

Cantus mark 25 years

Lisa and Juan Cantu will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary at 6 p.m. June 9 at 6305 Hwy 2 in Columbia Falls. Food will be served.

Police calls: Clyde, the dog, goes missing

Friday, May 25

WMS students win annual writing contest

The Lambda Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Women’s Honorary Teacher Society recently announced the winners of their annual Writing Contest for students in fifth- through eighth-grade.

Appreciating teamwork from our schools and community

As the 2018 school year ends, I want to first emphasize my appreciation for our educators. Our school system relies on a variety of teachers and mentors who support students in our classrooms and beyond — everyone who plays a role and works tirelessly for the benefit of our students. This is the most important part of who we are as a school district and what we do. I am grateful and appreciate that the Whitefish community and our board of trustees recognize the value of our educators.

Theater director expresses thanks

My name is Jesse DeVine and it has been my privilege to be the Artistic Director of Whitefish Theatre Company for the past eight years. Recently I was informed that the current Board of Directors would not be renewing my contract.

Harold Monzingo

A celebration of life for Harold Monzingo will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Whitefish, 301 Central Ave., on June 22 at 3:30 p.m. A gathering at their home will follow at 1950 East Lakeshore Dr. at 4:30 p.m.

Brian Sullivan

Brian Francis Sullivan, a longtime resident of Whitefish, passed away in the early morning of March 20, 2018 under the tender care of his wife Gail and supported by hospice, family, and friends.

Karen May Wright

Mrs. Karen May Wright, 82, quietly passed away the morning of June 2.

City Council takes first look at budget

Whitefish City Council last week took its first in-depth look at the fiscal year 2019 city budget.

Managers look to handle crowds as visitation grows

Glacier National Park isn’t the only land agency dealing with crowds. The Flathead National Forest and Montana state parks also have their fair share of visitors as well.

Mystery author writes stories with dash of humor

Heat up a sizzling mystery, stir in a couple of strong female characters, add a liberal dash of humor and you have all the ingredients of a Leslie Budewitz novel.

Reserved for nature

A group of about 50 people gathered last week at the James Bakke Nature Reserve in a celebration that was as much about enjoying the new natural park as it was about honoring the man who gifted the property to the city.

Free throw contest

Winners of the Whitefish Knights freethrow competition held this spring at Whitefish Middle School, are in the age 10 category, Elijah Adams-Griffin and Esmeralda Gutama-Fennessy; in the age 11 group, Ryan Conklin and Bailey Smith; in age 12, Jack Peppmeier and Brooklyn Roberts; age 13, Josiah Crismore and Ashley Gunset and in age 14, Talon Holmquist and Erin Wilde. There were about 160 boys and girls who competed.

Entry forms now available for Dowaliby Bulldog Open

Bulldog entry forms available

Whitefish joins Global Wellness Day

Whitefish will join more than 4,000 locations in 100 countries to celebrate Global Wellness Day on Saturday, June 9.

Whitefish graduates 112 seniors during commencement

Whitefish High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday was about looking ahead to the future, while honoring the work that propelled the graduates to earning their diplomas.

Whitefish High School graduation

Whitefish High School graduated 112 seniors from the Class of 2018 Saturday afternoon during a ceremony in the high school gym.