Ellington

Development in residential area needs to be thought out

Of all the testimonies I heard regarding the 7th Street Apartments at the Whitefish Planning Board hearing on Dec. 19, two seemed to strike the strongest chord with me.

WTC holds auditions for Black Curtain production

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for a Black Curtain theatre production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Christmas on Ice

More than 40 skaters performed during Glacier Skate Academy’s Christmas on Ice show recently at the Stumptown Ice Den.

Winter tunes

The Whitefish High School band performed its winter concert last month at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. The band is led by Mark McCrady.

Weber reflects on career at helm of Flathead National Forest

A few years back Flathead National Forest Supervisor Chip Weber humped it up the steep ridge overlooking the Bunker Creek drainage accompanied by a host of wilderness advocates.

A year's worth of highlights

The year 2019 was one of state titles, scoring errors and plans for a new sports facility for Whitefish.

Luxury condo development planned for former Alpinglow site

After sitting vacant for years, the site of the former Alpinglow Inn on Big Mountain could soon be redeveloped.

Chamber seeks nominations for annual community awards

The Whitefish Chamber is seeking nominations for its 2020 Community Service Awards.

Legals December 25, 2019

No. 2530 PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to Water Users (Pursuant to Section 85-2-307, MCA) The following application has been submitted to appropriate water in the State of Montana. THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION PROPOSES TO GRANT AN APPLICATION FOR BENEFICIAL WATER USE PERMIT. DESCRIBED BELOW ARE THE PERTINENT FACTS WHICH SUMMARIZE THE APPLICATION. THE PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION (PD) DOCUMENTING THE FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND ANY CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO THE WATER RIGHT ARE AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/wrd/. OBJECTION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 10, 2020. THE DEPARTMENT CAN ONLY ACCEPT OBJECTIONS FILED ON AN OBJECTION TO APPLICATION, FORM 611. MAIL THE COMPLETED FORM AND THE $25.00 FILING FEE TO THE DNRC, PO BOX 201601, HELENA, MT 59620-1601 BY THE DEADLINE SPECIFIED. THE FORM IS AVAILABLE ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE. DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO THE APPLICATION, TO OBTAIN THE PD OR OBJECTION FORM TO THE WATER RESOURCES OFFICE AT 655 TIMBERWOLF PARKWAY, SUITE 4, KALISPELL, MT 59901-2387, PHONE: 406-752-2288, FAX: 406-752-2843. IF ISSUED, THE RIGHT WILL BE SUBJECT TO PRIOR EXISTING WATER RIGHTS. Application Number: 76LJ 30123906 Owners: JOHN B COLLINS JR ANNE I COLLINS 3080 E LAKESHORE DR WHITEFISH, MT 59937 Priority Date: APRIL 24, 2019 at 04:25 P.M. Purpose (use): GEOTHERMAL Maximum Volume: 14.50 AC-FT Volume: 14.50 AC-FT Source Name: WHITEFISH RIVER (WHITEFISH LAKE) Source Type: SURFACE WATER Point of Diversion and Means of Diversion: ID 1; Qtr Sec NWNESE; Sec 4; Twp 31N; Rge 22W; County FLATHEAD Period of Diversion: JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31 Diversion Means: PUMP Subdivision: EAGLE POINT SUB. TRACT/LOT: 4 Purpose (Use): GEOTHERMAL Period of Use: JANUARY 1 to DECEMBER 31 Place of Use: ID 1; Qtr Sec NWNESE; Sec 4; Twp 31N; Rge 22W; County FLATHEAD Subdivision: EAGLE POINT SUB. TRACT/LOT: 4 Remarks: ASSOCIATED RIGHT THIS PERMIT IS ASSOCIATED WITH AND SUPPLEMENTAL TO PROVISIONAL PERMIT NO. 76LJ 30047287; THEY SHARE THE SAME POINT OF DIVERSION AND PLACE OF USE. 76LJ 30047287 IS FOR 75 GPM UPTO 11.2 AF. IN COMBINATION BETWEEN THE TWO RIGHTS FLOW CANNOT EXCEED 75 GPM UP TO 25.7 AF. PUBLISHED IN: WHITEFISH PILOT ON DECEMBER 25, 2019. December 25, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________

Whitefish's response to climate change featured as part of national report

Whitefish is featured in a national report that details how 18 communities are responding to climate change impacts.

Ski shop celebrates milestone anniversary in seasonal business

Whitefish was a different ski town 20 years ago.

Police Calls: Dog running in circles, barking

Wednesday, Dec. 11

Solar viable option to supply power to wastewater plant

Constructing a solar array to produce power alongside the city’s new wastewater treatment plant could offset some of cost of operating the plant, according to a solar feasibility study.

Neighbors speak out against apartment project

Neighbors of a proposed apartment project near the new Muldown Elementary School say the project would drastically alter the character of their neighborhood.

Council OKs $19.89M sewer plant

Whitefish is moving forward with a major project to construct a new wastewater treatment plant at a cost of $19.89 million.

Journal's Huey Lewis interview draws wide attention

An interview with musician Huey Lewis is garnering widespread attention for the Whitefish Review.

WMS project examines technology for preventing frostbite

Spending time outside in the winter can be a lot of fun if you’re on skis, snowshoes or a snowboard, but too much time can be dangerous.

No headline

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

Ski Heritage Center holds open house

For anyone interested in learning more about the Ski Heritage Center, please join us for a Holiday Open House on Friday, Dec. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Stillwater seeks information on vandalism

The Stillwater State Forest is looking for any information regarding vandalism that occurred earlier this month to destroy signs located on the state forest.

Richard Charles Ibsen

It is with saddened hearts that we share the fact that Richard Charles Ibsen gracefully passed away in Bandon, Oregon, at 77 years of age on Dec. 12, 2019.

Sandra Sesler

Sandra Sesler, 81, of Whitefish, passed away Dec. 20, 2019 at North Valley Hospital.

Bulldogs show off offense in pair of wins

The Bulldogs got two marks in the wins column last week with victories over Eureka and Polson.

Bulldogs complete full week of competition on mat

The Bulldogs got plenty of mat time heading into the winter break with duals at home and in Browning last week.

Lady Bulldogs dominate Polson for 47-18 win

The Lady Bulldogs came away with a loss and a win in a pair of lopsided games last week.

Ski with Maggie day Dec. 27

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

Skate academy's Christmas program features Olympian

Skaters from 3-year-olds just learning to skate all the way to an experienced Olympian will be featured during Glacier Skate Academy’s Christmas on Ice show this weekend.

Community briefs for Dec. 18

Legals December 18, 2019

No. 2529 WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING At a meeting of the Whitefish Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 6:00 pm, the Board will hold a public hearing on the items listed below. The Board of Adjustments meets in the Whitefish Council Chambers at City Hall, at 418 E. 2nd Street, Whitefish, Montana. 1. A variance request by Gary and Annell Danczyk to the sideyard setback in order to cover a stairway providing access to the front door. The property is developed with a single-family home and is zoned WLR (One-Family Limited Residential District). The property is located at 2306 Houston Point Drive. (WZV 19-08) Compton-Ring Documents pertaining to this agenda item are available for review at the Whitefish Planning & Building Department, 418 E. 2nd Street, Whitefish, Montana 59937 during regular business hours. Inquiries are welcomed. Interested parties are invited to attend the hearing 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: wcompton- ring@cityofwhitefish.org. For questions or further information regarding this request, phone 406-863-2410. WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Herb Peschel, Chair December 18, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

An amazing year of images

Photographer Chuck Haney’s favorite shots often come when he takes the time to explore new spots in familiar places. This year on a trip to the badlands of North Dakota he was forced to take a break from bike riding due to suffering heat stroke.

Bulldogs look for big win against Lions

It was another tough early-season battle last week for the Bulldogs, who fell to Frenchtown 76-48.

McDonald's emerges after a Big Mac-over

The Whitefish McDonald’s recently went through a major remodel inside and out, giving it a fresh look.

Wrestlers compete at Bob Kinney Classic

The Bulldogs held their own at the Bob Kinney Classic at Superior over the weekend with three top-five finishers.

Lady Bulldogs fall to Broncs in overtime heartbreaker

The Lady Dogs fought to the wire against Frenchtown last Friday, but couldn’t hold on in overtime in the 36-30 loss.

Controversial apartment plan before board

A proposed apartment project not far from the new Muldown Elementary School that drew concerns from neighbors will head to the Planning Board this week. The Planning Board meets on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Music festivals provide economic boost

In July, roughly 30,000 people over two days crowded within the boundaries of Big Mountain Ranch to attend the first-ever Under the Big Sky festival, which attracted big-name artists like Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and Band of Horses.

Menorah lighting at Depot Park one of 15,000 worldwide

Chabad of the Flathead Valley will ignite a public 9-foot Hanukkah menorah erected at Depot Park in Whitefish at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, the first night of the eight-day holiday. The ceremony will be followed by a community-wide celebration. Organized by Chabad Rabbi Shneur Wolf, the event will feature Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld.

Ski Foundation announces 2019 Bruce Erickson award winners

The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation has announced the 2019 award winners for the Bruce Erickson Award, named in the honor of the late American Bank President Bruce Erickson.

Report says cost to develop snow lot $7.8 million

An analysis by a nonprofit that develops affordable housing projects around the state estimates that it could cost about $7.8 million for the city to turn its snow lot into an affordable housing project.

Police chief sues Goguen claiming he attempted to get him fired

The Whitefish chief of police has sued Whitefish businessman and philanthropist Michael Goguen over claims Goguen tried to get the longtime law officer fired from his job.

Foundation announces fall community grants

The Whitefish Community Foundation recently announced the recipients of its 2019 fall Community Grants Program. A total of more than $24,000 in grants was awarded.

No headline

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

Symphony pops concert this weekend

Just in time for Christmas, a fun-filled concert will feature holiday music for the whole family.

Focus on children tops list of qualities for next schools superintendent

What does Whitefish want out of its next schools superintendent?

Working together in the New Year

Looking to the New Year is always a time of reflection. In a few more days we will turn the corner to the winter solstice where more daylight will slowly begin to return.

Fern Kastella

Fern Kastella, 91, of Whitefish, passed away Dec. 9, 2019 at North Valley Hospital.

Wayne Arthur Hedman

Wayne Arthur Hedman, 80, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, Dec. 2, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.

Police Calls: Bikes seemingly from nowhere

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Speech takes silver in Hamilton

The Whitefish speech and debate team had one of its best showings of the season so far last weekend with three individual champions.

Muldown construction turns to playground options

As some classrooms at the new Muldown Elementary School prepare for their first coats of paint, the next phase of planning is shifting to the playgrounds.

Citizens for Better Flathead restarts with new leadership

After a funding shortfall forced Citizens for a Better Flathead to temporarily suspend operations in August, the organization on Friday announced it’s back in action with a new board of directors, a new office and a year-end fundraising campaign with the goal of hiring a new director.

County terminates shuttle deal with Glacier Park

The wheels of Glacier National Park’s free shuttle system will officially come to a halt Dec. 31 after the Flathead County commissioners on Wednesday voted unanimously to terminate the park’s long-standing partnership with the county to maintain and operate the system, citing concerns over a substantial lack of funding from the park, shuttle safety, among other reasons.

Whitefish Police arrest fugitive from California

The Whitefish Police Department early Wednesday morning arrested a California physician accused of attempted murder and attempted child abduction.

Community briefs for Dec. 11

City sees increase in impact fee collections

Whitefish collected roughly a half million dollars more in impact fees in fiscal year 2019 than it did the previous year.

Ross takes third at Owen Invitational

The Bulldogs got their season going at the Owen Invitational in Polson over the weekend.

Bulldogs fall short in Tip-Off tourney

The Bulldogs had a tough start to the season, falling to two strong teams in opening weekend.

Irony in superintendent search firm

Former superintendent of Kalispell Schools Darlene Schottle will locally lead and interact with the Whitefish School Board to assist with the national search firm chosen to search for a new candidate to replace the current superintendent, Heather Davis Schmidt. I find this ironic.

No headline

Smith brings continuity to new role as City Manager

Dana Smith found her way into city government by examining the accounting side of operations.

Into the Woods

A musical twist on the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, the imaginative and enchanting “Into the Woods” continues this week at the O’Shaughnessy Center.

Whitefish adds to review process for hotels, gas stations

Hotels and gas stations will now have to undergo additional review to operate along the U.S. Highway 93 corridor.

Author's perseverance leads to 3 million books sold

Kristen Proby is proud to call herself a full-time writer.

Speech and debate takes fourth

The Whitefish speech and debate team had a solid outing in Kalispell on Saturday.

Lady Dogs drop two in Tip-Off tourney

The Lady Dogs got their season going over the weekend at the Tip-Off Tournament in Frenchtown, but nothing came easy.

Whitefish Marathon selected as state championship

The Whitefish Marathon has been selected by the Road Runners Club of America as the 2020 RRCA Marathon State Championship race.

Police Calls: Sweater-wearing dog found

Wednesday, Nov. 27

Music is gift for all ages that keeps on giving for years to come

I was lucky to have music early in life, piano lessons, singing in the church choir, listening to all kinds of music on NPR, but for many youngsters music starts in fifth grade.

Swim takes third, fifth in Kalispell

The Bulldogs got a strong start to the season with third and fifth place finishes at the Kalispell Invite on Saturday.

Hospital honored for excellence in patient experience

North Valley Hospital is being honored at the national level for its patient experience.

Fundraiser aims to assist teacher injured in car accident

After Whitefish Schools Choir Director Sky Thoreson totaled his car in an accident last week, his colleagues are stepping up to help.

Adelheid 'Heidi' Ratz

Adelheid “Heidi” Ratz, 85, was delivered into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Dec. 7, 2019. She was surrounded by her family and friends, as she passed away from the results of a stroke.

Community input sought for superintendent search

The Whitefish School District is looking for community input as the search for a new superintendent gets underway.

Christmas Stroll

Folks walked through downtown Friday for the annual Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Stroll.

No headline

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

Under the Big Sky music festival announces 2020 lineup

The Under The Big Sky festival on Friday announced the lineup for its 2020 festival set for July.

Whitefish Mountain Resort opens for 72nd season

Whitefish Mountain Resort opened for its 72nd season on Friday.

Charges expected 'soon' in bus stop accident

The Montana Highway Patrol trooper who investigated the traffic accident last month that severely injured an Olney-Bissell student said there was no reason the driver couldn’t have stopped in time to avoid the tragic incident.

Former county commissioner Dale Lauman dies

Former Flathead County Commissioner Dale Lauman, who was well-known not only for extensive community service that spanned decades but also for his statesmanship, kindness and compassion, died Wednesday. He was 80.

Uphill travel on Big Mountain closes due to lack of snow

Whitefish Mountain Resort and the Flathead National Forest are temporarily closing the front side of Big Mountain to uphill skiing until more snow is received.

WTC presents a musical fairy tale with a twist

A musical twist on the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, the Whitefish Theatre Company presents the musical “Into the Woods” as its holiday show this month at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Out West Trading on Central Avenue offers variety

Out West Trading Co. is both modern and rustic in the feel of the downtown shop, but also in the unique gifts and clothing in the store.

Public art project at City Hall building unveiled this week

A sculpted bronze art piece will be unveiled this week putting the finishing touch on Whitefish City Hall.

Legals December 4, 2019

No. 2527 WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The regular meeting of the Whitefish Planning Board will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2019 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 subsequent public hearings for items 1-2 on Monday, January 6, 2020 and items 3-4 on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. 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 the City of Whitefish to rezone one parcel annexed into City limits from County RR-1 (Low Density Resort Residential) to WRR-1 (Low Density Resort Residential District). The property is located at 1515 Highway 93 W and can be legally described as Tract 1ABD S35, T31N, R22W P.M.M., Flathead County. (WZC 19-05) Compton-Ring A request by Central Ave WF for a Conditional Use Permit to develop two 18-unit apartment buildings. Per §11-7-8(M) of the Whitefish Zoning Code, the Zoning Administrator has elevated this project from an Administrative Conditional Use Permits to a full Conditional Use Permit. The property is zoned WR-4 (High Density Multi-Family Residential District). The property is located at 1022 E 8th & 1013 E 7th Streets and can be legally described as Tracts 1H & 1GAC in Section 31, Township 31N, Range 21W, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana (WCUP 19-24) Compton-Ring A request by Mark Fennessy, with technical assistance from Mitch Heuer, for a Conditional Use Permit to convert an existing dwelling into a guesthouse in order to construct a new single-family dwelling on the property. The subject property is zoned WR-1 (One-Family Residential District). The property is located at 1460 Barkley and can be legally described as Lot 11A of Barkley Tr L9, 10, 11 Amd Subdivision in S24, T31N, R22W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 19-23) Minnich A request by Eagle Enterprises LLC for a Conditional Use Permit to add 4,875 square feet to an existing building. The property is currently developed with a car dealership and associated buildings and is zoned WB-2 (Secondary Business District). The property is located at 6219 Highway 93 S and can be legally described as Lot 2, Rocksund Addition Amended Lot 1 & 2 in S1, T30N, R22W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 19-22) 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 4, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________

A different approach to school

For the 12 students who took their seats in the “WHS Annex” in December of 1999, school was about to become an experiment.

Eagle Scout project adds to options at middle school playground

Whitefish Middle School students have another option for physical activities thanks to a recent Eagle Scout project.

Sisters have been sewing fabric for iconic decorations for decades

Sisters Janice Maddux and Jeanne Thorson know the iconic red bells that hang over Whitefish every winter better than most anyone around.

Annual Christmas Stroll Friday begins holiday season

It’s time to get in the holiday spirit and celebrate winter with the annual Whitefish Christmas Stroll downtown on Friday, Dec. 6.

Whitefish Review debuts 'Awakenings'

Whitefish Review will release “Awakenings & Our Teachers” issue No. 24 on Saturday, Dec. 7 with a celebration at Casey’s in downtown Whitefish. The new issue features 45 authors, poets, photographers, and artists, as well as an interview with singer and songwriter, Huey Lewis. The cover features work by Michael Reeder and Lola Dupré.

Community Briefs for Dec. 4

Council picks Smith as new City Manager

Whitefish City Council on Monday approved Dana Smith as the new City Manager.

Resort hopes for more snow ahead of opening

It’s just a few days before Whitefish Mountain Resort is set to open, but powder hounds are going to have to wait until later in the week for any news on the conditions.

Teachers want reading scores to improve

Learning to read and write as a young student is critical, and some Whitefish elementary teachers are concerned about student success in later grades if early benchmarks aren’t met.

Caller questions use of remote control cars

Wednesday, Nov. 20

Auditions for 'Snow White'

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for a spring production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” a family production that will be performed in February and March of 2020.

John B. “Jack” Collins Sr.

Sept. 28, 1919 — Nov. 26, 2019

Carol Lynne “Honey” Thompson

Carol Lynne “Honey” Thompson of Kalispell, Montana, passed away at the age of 82 on Nov. 6, 2019. Honey, as known to all, was born in Hutchinson, Minnesota. May 17, 1937.

DNRC takes comments on proposed timber harvest

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is proposing to harvest timber on several parcels in the Stillwater State Forest.

Handel's 'Messiah' returns for Christmas season

This Christmas season the Glacier Symphony and Chorale will treat residents to three performances of Handel’s inspiring “Messiah.”

Dissolution of MudMan ministry, nonprofits put on hold

New information on the homepage of the Whitefish-based Potter’s Field Ministries website details, among many other things, how the dissolution of the ministry and other related nonprofits — namely the now-shuttered MudMan Burgers chain — will not be happening, at least not for now.

Bulldog athletes get ready for winter tip-off

It’s getting colder and winter sports are underway.

'Nutcracker' comes to stage for Winter Celebration

The Noble Dance Performing Company presents “The Nutcracker” with special guest artist Abby Cockrell, a Whitefish native, for its ninth annual Winter Celebration on Dec. 6-8.

Cockrell returns to Whitefish for holiday performance

Abby Cockrell says her favorite part of ballet is performing for an audience.