Ellington

Suspects in custody after burglary, shooting

Several people are in custody after an early-morning burglary and shooting in Flathead County.

Study confirms Flathead River busy in summer

A new report of river usage in the Flathead River system confirms what many had long suspected: That river use on certain sections of the rivers in peak summer months gets very busy.

Traffic congestion at Columbia and 13th not new issue

First off, I must clarify that I have no affiliation with Riverbank Properties, nor with any entity or individual who ever had or now has a vested interest in either that property or the proposed project.

Volunteer hits 50 years

After reading the note from Whitefish Shines in the last Pilot, I thought I should make a small correction. I have only been involved with the holiday decorations for 50 not 58 years. I know I’m an old guy but don’t remember leaving high school in Idaho in 1960 to help out. In any case, I would like to personally thank the individuals and businesses that have supported our small project through the years and continue to do so. Sort of reminds us why Whitefish is such a special place.

Ski club says thanks

We would like to shout out a huge thanks to all of our supporters that consigned new and used outdoor gear and ski equipment at the annual ski sale and swap the weekend of Nov. 2 and 3. And thank you, also, to all of the purchasers of this fine equipment. Once again, there was a large turnout at The Wave, who has so generously donated the use of their gym space for the past few years in Whitefish. As everyone noticed the club has now gone digital. Patrons who consigned items on Friday, we thank you for your patience. This was our first year of trying out a new computerized system since the ski club started the ski swap in 1976, which we hope to continue to streamline with future swaps. We love our vendors that joined us this year and also helped set up and tear down: Runner-Up Sports, P.O.W, Sportsman & Ski Haus, Glacier Nordic, Glacier Cyclery, Sue Janik/Soroptomist, Auston Bergeson/Bergeson RV, and Jimmy Deats/JD Thinning. The bibbed volunteers, who are too countless to name, we love you and couldn’t do it without you.

Montana turning into deeply conservative state

Montana appears well down the road to becoming a one-party, Republican, deeply conservative state, like the states that surround us. Democrat U.S. Sen. Jon Tester’s survival was an anomaly best explained by his personal popularity and his opponent’s weakness.

Bulldogs set to tip off for winter sports

The days are shorter, the air is colder and Bulldogs athletes are gearing up for the winter season. With competition starting this weekend, here’s a look at the teams Whitefish will be fielding this winter.

City's impact fees for new homes to increase

Impact fees for new homes in the city of Whitefish will increase about $1,300 beginning next year.

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Club seeks parking lot for skiing

The Glacier Nordic Club is hoping to add a new access point to the Big Mountain Nordic Trails via Haskill Basin.

State Park Road reconstruction set to begin next year

Construction is expected to begin next summer on the first phase of a major reconstruction of State Park Road.

Hunting season ends in Montana with mixed results

Northwest Montana big-game hunters harvested fewer white-tailed deer and elk than in past years, but the number of mule deer taken was significantly up.

Author talks 'Puma' book at event

Whitefish Review will host wildlife biologist and author Jim Williams at Casey’s on Saturday, Dec. 8 for a slide show, reading, and discussion of “Path of the Puma,” a new book about the remarkable resilience of the mountain lion.

Snack and gift shop offers wide variety

L and S Snacks & Gifts offers a little bit of almost everything.

Council approves updated plan for Riverview Meadows

City Council last week approved amending a planned unit development overlay at the Riverview Meadows subdivision.

Community briefs for Nov. 28

Gala celebrates 80 years of ski racing on mountain

The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation will hold its annual gala event Showcase of the Chefs — Gourmet Dinner, Wine Tasting and Auction on Thursday, Nov. 29 at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

Concert supports Crown Guitar scholarships

Self-proclaimed “Wild Child” guitarist and singer-songwriter, Brett Dennen, will join with Montana-based composer and pianist, Philip Aaberg, in a special fundraising concert to support the scholarship program of the Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop.

Police Calls: Trees victim of car

Saturday, Nov. 17

Creating stories with wings

Venture into the wild world of Shard and other majestic gryphons with Jess E. Owen, author of the Summer King Chronicles, as her mythical creations struggle with power, pride, injustice and a sense of loyalty. For more than 10 years, Owen has invited young adult readers to escape to an imaginary realm in her works of art and fiction where suspense and adventure soar.

Doris Ann Dittus

Doris Ann Dittus, 86, of Whitefish, passed away Nov. 22, 2018 at KRMC.

Laurie Turgeon

Laurie Turgeon, 56, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018.

Heloshi Kusumoto

Heloshi Kusumoto, 89, of Columbia Falls, passed away Nov. 22, 2018 at the Montana Veterans Home.

Amanda Adele Tustin

Amanda Adele Tustin, 89, of Coram, passed away Nov. 25, 2018 at KRMC.

Pamela Brewster

Pamela Brewster, 61, formerly of Columbia Falls, passed away Nov. 23, 2018 at North Valley Hospital.

Ruth E. Kauffman

Ruth E. Kauffman passed away quietly on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 at Invigorate Healthcare of Whitefish previously Whitefish Care & Rehab Center. Ruth was born July 18, 1921 in Lititz, Pennsylvania to Benjamin S. and Anna O. Eberly, the eighth of 10 children. She grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania but finished high school at Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Ruth continued her education at Eastern Mennonite College (now University) graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While at college, Ruth met her husband David “Doc” Kauffman of Creston, and they married in 1950. Ruth taught nursing at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while her husband finished medical school. Ruth and Doc briefly resided in Spokane, Washington, before moving to Whitefish in 1959.

Legals November 28, 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 __________________________

Officials call for steps to prepare for wildfire

As homes and communities in California continue to burn in wildfires, local fire experts last week held a forum to discuss methods residents can take to keep disaster out of Whitefish.

Teacher of the year

Emily Dugan has always known teaching is her calling.

Traffic concerns raised regarding apartment development

The potential for increased traffic resulting from a proposed large apartment project on U.S. Highway 93 seemed to garner the top spot of concern last week for both the public and members of the Whitefish Planning Board.

Ballet company presents 30th year of 'Nutcracker'

This year marks the 30th year the Northwest Ballet Company has been entertaining Flathead Valley audiences with their “Nutcracker” productions.

Decorating downtown

Whitefish was decorated in its iconic winter fashion Sunday morning.

Board recommends mixed-use building

The Whitefish Planning Board voted last week to recommend approval of a mixed-use building on Central Avenue.

Whitefish freeskier stars in 'Far Out' film

Parkin Costain could ski before he could walk.

Uphill rules begin on Big Mountain

The Flathead National Forest and Whitefish Mountain Resort are reminding skiers of the uphill skier policy that goes into effect Thursday, Nov. 22.

Community briefs for Nov. 21

Police calls: Salmon steaks topic of conversation

Monday, Nov. 5

WHS student athletes earn Academic All State honors

Dozens of Whitefish athletes earned Academic All State honors from the Montana Coaches Association for the fall 2018 quarter.

District looks to assist students following early year testing

Whitefish School District administrators and teachers are looking at ways to improve after analyzing reading and math scores from assessment tests taken by students early in the school year.

School Board amends budget for maintenance work

The Whitefish School Board on Nov. 13 approved a budget amendment that will help to address building maintenance issues.

Concerns linger over relationship between teacher, administrators

Two months after first hearing from concerned parents about a shaky relationship between teachers and school administrators, the Whitefish School Board again last week heard from frustrated community members.

Fear and hatred will not have last word

Tragically, we recently witnessed the horror of senseless violence and death, the murders that took place at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We responded with painful grief, sorrow and love for the victims, their families and the Jewish community.

Shop local, dine local

Every year after Thanksgiving, Americans kick off the holiday shopping season with big stores advertising deal after deal. Not long ago, Americans during the holiday season typically would visit locally-owned small retailers in a downtown area to purchase all of their gifts. Business owners would decorate their shops with lights and ornaments or create elaborate window displays to grab the imagination of a passerby and encourage them inside. It was a magical time of year, and many of us still hold on to those memories today.

Election provides ray of hope

A ray of hope now shines through a cloud of fear, thanks to millions of young people and minorities who sat out the last election, but who spoke loudly and clearly in this one.

Whitefish Shines says thanks

Whitefish Shines would like to thank the tremendous turnout of community volunteers, Flathead Electric Co-op Linemen, city of Whitefish, Rocky Mountain Painting, Fast Signs, Glacier Painting, and Ozegovich Plastering for their great community spirit, bucket trucks and trailers in helping to hang the Whitefish winter decorations on Sunday, Nov. 18. A special thank you this year goes to Jim Trout, who is celebrating his 58th year of helping to coordinate this community project. Thanks Jim! This project is made possible through community donations and community volunteers who spend many hours each fall maintaining and improving the decorations. Donations are much appreciated and can be mailed to: Whitefish Shines P.O. Box 695 Whitefish, MT 59937.

Giving thanks

At this time of Thanksgiving, it’s always a good time to step back and look at what we are grateful for.

Bulldogs named to All State, All Conference teams

A handful of Bulldog football players received All Conference or All State awards for their play this season.

Speech gets silver in Columbia Falls

The Whitefish speech and debate team took second overall at a competitive tournament in Columbia Falls last weekend.

Ruth E. Kauffman

Ruth E. Kauffman, 97 of Whitefish, passed away Nov. 12, 2018 at the Whitefish Care Center. Ruth is survived by her children David Kauffman, Stephen Kauffman, Betsy Kauffman-Harman and Becky Kauffman. A memorial gathering will be scheduled in the spring. Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.

Helen G. Call

Helen G. Call, 94 of Whitefish, passed away Nov. 6, 2018 at The Springs. Helen is survived by her son Ron Call. A graveside service will be held in Oceanside, California. Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.

Michael Edward Micklewright

Michael Edward Micklewright, 57 of Whitefish, passed away Nov. 10, 2018 at his home. Michael is survived by his daughters Alexandra Micklewright and Quinn Micklewright. Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.

Clinton “Clint” Wayne Collins

Clinton “Clint” Wayne Collins, 84, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, Montana.

Roger Ray Martens

Roger Ray Martens, 70, of Missoula, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, surrounded by his family.

Affordable housing project gets tax credits

The Montana Board of Housing on Monday awarded $6.75 million in federal tax credits to Whitefish, paving the way for a planned affordable housing project here.

Christmas tree permits now available online

Christmas tree permits for the 2018 season for the Flathead National Forest are now available for purchase online.

Former BNSF conductor awarded $2.1 million in damages

A former Burlington Northern Santa Fe conductor from Columbia Falls was awarded $2.171 million by a jury Nov. 7 in federal court for an injury he sustained while working for the railroad back in 2015.

Neo-Nazi's attorney calls ruling dangerous for free speech

HELENA — A federal judge’s decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed against the publisher of a neo-Nazi website is “dangerous for free speech,” the publisher’s attorney said Thursday.

Case against neo-Nazi publisher will proceed

HELENA — The First Amendment’s free-speech protections do not shield a neo-Nazi website publisher from being sued for a “troll storm” by his readers that led to hundreds of anti-Semitic threats against a Jewish woman and her family, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

Hampton manager named Lodging Person of the Year

Matt Sease was staying at the Super 8 motel in Bozeman while waiting for construction to be finished on his house when he found his next profession.

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

Community briefs for Nov. 14

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Whitefish City Council meets on Nov. 19 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

'Notable Heroines' take the stage once again

“Notable Heroines of America” returns to the Flathead Valley for the third time in a decade.

Townhouse project aimed at workforce housing takes shape

Mark Panissidi would like to see the majority of the townhouses purchased in Alta Views subdivision owned by those working and living here year round.

Legals November 14, 2018

No. 2457 CITY OF WHITEFISH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at its regular meeting held November 5, 2018, the Whitefish City Council passed a Resolution indicating its intent to consider annexing approximately 22 acres of contiguous land into the City of Whitefish, Montana, describing the land to be so considered, providing for notice and publication as required by law, and providing a date of hearing such proposed annexation. For a period of twenty (20) days after the first publication of the notice on November 7, 2018, the Whitefish City Clerk shall accept written comments approving or disapproving the proposed annexation from registered voters and property owners residing in the area proposed to be annexed. The regular meeting of the Whitefish City Council will be held on Monday, December 3, 2018, at 7:10 p.m. in the Whitefish City Council Chambers, 418 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana. During the meeting, the City Council will hold a public hearing to receive public input regarding the proposed annexation of those certain tracts of land known as: 101 Park Knoll Lane, 105 Park Knoll Lane, 108 Park Knoll Lane, 112 Park Knoll Lane, 113 Park Knoll Lane, 116 Park Knoll Lane, 117 Park Knoll Lane, 120 Park Knoll Lane, 121 Park Knoll Lane, 124 Park Knoll Lane, 125 Park Knoll Lane, 128 Park Knoll Lane, 128 Park Knoll Lane, 132 Park Knoll Lane, and 136 Park Knoll Lane. The following parcels and roadways without addresses: no address (Tract C2, Certificate of Survey No. 5909, in Northeast 1/4 of Southwest 1/4 of Section 01, Township 30 North, Range 22 West, P.M.M., records of Flathead County, Montana; and no address (Tract 2, Certificate of Survey 19026, P.M.M., in Northwest 1/4, Southeast 1/4 of Section 01, Township 30 North, Range 22 West, P.M.M., records of Flathead County, Montana.). Individuals may appear or submit written testimony at the hearing to comment on the proposed annexation. Written comments may be delivered or mailed to the Whitefish City Clerk, 418 East Second Street, PO Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937, or emailed to mhowke@cityofwhitefish.org. For further information, contact the Whitefish City Attorney at 406-863-2444 or ajacobs@cityofwhitefish.org. November 14, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

Return sought for program that assisted conservation projects

Proponents of the Land and Water Conservation Fund are once again urging federal lawmakers to reauthorize the public lands program along with dedicated funding.

Resort plans for major expansion in Hellroaring

Whitefish Mountain Resort is hoping to bring more skiers and runs into the Hellroaring Basin area.

Police calls: Lazy black bear stops to rest on lawn

Monday, Oct. 29

Whitefish proposes annexation of Park Knoll neighborhood

Whitefish is considering bringing the Park Knoll neighborhood into the city.

Planning Board holds public hearings Thursday

The Whitefish Planning Board will hold four public hearings at its meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15.

Council approves rezone for planned multifamily housing

A zone change for two acres on Skyles Place on the north side of Whitefish could lead to the development of multifamily housing on the property.

Stimson part of Montana's legacy

President Trump is contemplating replacing Secretary of Defense, retired Marine Corps General Jim Mattis, apparently based upon Trump’s observation, “I think he’s sort of a Democrat ...”

Happy to call Whitefish home

I had some homework to do recently on a lot in the city which I’m interested in purchasing and building my home on. I needed to meet with several city officials and departments, most of whom were in the new City Hall building. Upon walking in, I was taken by how nice and welcoming the building was, and was immediately greeted by several kind and helpful employees. They introduced me to the people with whom I was meeting and those people dropped what they were doing to answer my questions. While I was waiting for one of my meetings I enjoyed looking at the people walking by and the pictures of old time Whitefish. I walked out of the building feeling informed, appreciated and happy. I say all of this because never in my life have I had such a positive experience dealing with city officials or spending time in a city building and never have I heard of so many other people having the same experience. I know it was a controversial choice to build the new City Hall in that location, but as someone who has now been fortunate enough to experience it, I just want to commend the council and mayor for making that choice on our behalf. It’s one of the many gifts that makes Whitefish so wonderful! Grateful to call this town my home!

Hospital employees give back as volunteers

North Valley Hospital employs over 400 people at the Whitefish hospital, all of whom are considered caregivers, as part of our Planetree philosophy of patient-centered care. Everyone from nurses to physicians to dietary support, from information systems to housekeeping employees are part of the care team.

Diversity the center of Veterans Day message

Whitefish students and community members paid tribute to veterans during a ceremony Friday ahead of Veterans Day.

Arthur John Peterson

Howdy! Arthur John Peterson, family man, artist, outdoorsman, and proud Montanan, passed away of natural causes surrounded by family at age 93 on Oct. 31, 2018, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

How one man's love of music changed lives

Sometimes in your journey through life you encounter people whose gift is so obvious it makes you stop and pay attention. Leonard Hetrick, who, for 30 years, taught band to thousands of students in the Whitefish school system was one of those people. His love of music was always with him, it was him — a soft, barely-audible hum, a cadence drummed with his fingers on his knee, a subtle hand gesture where, inside his head, he directed an invisible band. Since the Hetricks, Leonard and Ruth, and their three kids, Doug, Lynn, and Fran, lived in our same close-knit neighborhood in Whitefish, Montana, he would frequently drop us off at school before heading to the band room where he held reign. His hand on the steering wheel always padded out a rhythm, his knee keeping pace.

New book recalls Glacier's early days

On a cool, sunny October day, author John Fraley is digging a hole in Cork Hill’s pasture in Nyack. The pasture is along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad. The hole is for a post and on top of the post is a plaque that tells the story of the one of the worst train accidents ever to occur in Montana.

XC runners compete against the region's best in Boise

Six Whitefish High School cross country runners recently traveled to Boise to compete in the Nike Northwest Regionals.

Lady spikers close season at state tourney

The Lady Dogs’ solid season came to a close last week at the Class A State Tournament.

Student artist competes for scholarship

One young Whitefish artist has the chance to put her art toward her education.

Man recalls being attacked by bear

The bear snarled and slobbered as it tore first into Anders Broste’s right arm, breaking the radius and dislocating the arm, before focusing on Broste’s left ankle.

Whitefish man attacked by bear

A 36-year-old Whitefish man was attacked by a bear Sunday morning after he apparently surprised the bear while hunting.

Affordable housing chair dedicated to building community

Tell Ben Davis you want to talk about affordable workforce housing in Whitefish, and he’ll laugh and say he can talk excessively about the subject.

Big Sky brew

At Folklore Coffee, the focus is as much about the atmosphere as it is the brew.

Photo Gallery: Students show off musical talent

Whitefish middle and high school students recently performed during the fall band concert at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

Fern earns second term in state Legislature

Democrat Dave Fern has won re-election to represent House District 5.

Proposal calls for mixed-use building on Central

A new mixed-use building is being proposed to be constructed on Central Avenue at the former Lakestream Fly Shop location.

Chemistry students turn contaminated soil into science experiment

An early setback for the new Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship has become the type of real-world learning the facility promised.

Legals November 7, 2018

No. 2455 NOTICE Whereas, the Board of Pardons and Parole has officially received an application for Executive Clemency concerning GLEN, Robert, convicted of the crime of Domestic abuse, committed in Whitefish, Montana, in the county of Flathead, State of Montana, on the 30th of July 1988 and was ordered to pay $100.00 bond. Therefore, be it ordered that Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 11:00 am be set apart for the consideration of said Executive Clemency matter; and all persons having an interest therein desiring to be heard either for or against the granting of the Executive Clemency, are hereby notified to contact the Board of Pardons and parole, 1002 Hollenbeck Road, Deer Lodge, Montana 59722, phone (406) 846-1404, to be present at the Board of Pardons & Parole office at 1002 Hollenbeck Road, Deer Lodge. Further, ordered that a copy of this order be printed and Published in the Whitefish Pilot News, in Whitefish, Montana, once each week for a two-week period. Sincerely, BOARD OF PARDONS & PAROLE CATHY LEAVER, ADM. SPECIALIST October 31, November 7, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________

Fire forum Nov. 14

A community forum about establishing Whitefish and other Flathead towns as fire-adapted communities will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. at Whitefish City Hall.

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Community briefs for Nov. 7

Apartment project planned for old hospital site

A plan has come forward that could develop the former North Valley Hospital site with 234 apartments.

Summit focuses on outdoor industry

The Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation is hosting the Business of Outdoor Recreation Summit in December in Whitefish.

Production provides lesson in sticking up for what's right

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its second Black Curtain Theatre production of the 2018-2019 season with the award-winning play “Trying” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Police calls: Accuser runs off wearing only swimming trunks

Monday, Oct. 22

McNeil, Fairchild engaged

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

Love Lives Here grieves for shooting victims

Love Lives Here is grieving with the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh after a gunman murdered 11 people during their worship service last week. Just a few days earlier, another gunman tried to enter the First Baptist Church in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, then turned away and murdered two African-American people at a grocery store instead.

Mayor urges tolerance, civility in difficult times

The recent tragic and senseless events in Pittsburgh are a stark reminder of the increase in hate and prejudice in our country. The city of Whitefish would like to extend our solidarity and condolences for the Jewish community.

Mary Frances Olson

Mary Frances Olson (MacDonald-Morrison) passed away after a short illness on Nov. 2, 2018 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Donna C. Lazar

Donna C. Lazar, 91, passed away peacefully at The Springs in Whitefish, and was welcomed into heaven on Oct. 29, 2018. Donna lived a long, wonderful life and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Montana has chance to make homes affordable

Montana, in both large and small communities, has a shortage of safe homes that people across a spectrum of incomes can afford. That impacts everything from a local business’s ability to recruit workers to having options for seniors and others who are spending too much of their income on their homes while foregoing basic needs. Safe and secure homes are critical for our children to thrive regardless of their family’s financial situation. More and more we are coming to understand the connection between stable homes and better health outcomes. This problem is not new, nor is there one single solution to meeting the needs of our communities.

Bozeman-bound

The Lady Dogs are headed to the state tournament.

Speech and debate takes second place at Kalispell Kickoff

The Whitefish speech and debate team is looking sharp just two weeks into the season.

Caribou spotted near border

Residents have recently documented sightings of woodland caribou near the U.S.-Canada border. The multiple sightings include the potential for a bull and a cow in separate locations, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman Dillon Tabish said Monday.

Interior watchdog refers Zinke probe to Justice Department

WASHINGTON — The Interior Department’s internal watchdog has referred an investigation of Secretary Ryan Zinke to the Justice Department, signaling a potential escalation amid a series of inquiries into Zinke’s conduct.

Trash turned to fashion on display for show next month

Trash bag trousers, blouses with bottle caps and cardboard caps.