Ellington

Large music festival set for this summer in Whitefish

A new music festival featuring a list of national performers has been announced for this summer just outside Whitefish.

Annual Winter Carnival celebrates its 60th anniversary

The Whitefish Winter Carnival celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Whitefish Lake reaches near record low level

Whitefish Lake is known to fluctuate throughout the year dropping in winter, but a recent measurement of the lake’s water level show it approaching the record all-time low level.

Central Ave. building allowed commercial uses

Seeming to reverse course, City Council decided last week to allow a planned mixed-use building on Central Avenue to house commercial business on the ground floor in addition to retail.

Legals January 30, 2019

No. 2466 Parks and Recreation Program Fee Schedule A 6:00 p.m. work session of the Whitefish City Council will be held Monday, February 4th at Whitefish City Hall, 418 E. Second St.to discuss an increase to Parks and Recreation Program fees. During the February 19th regular meeting of the Whitefish City Council, the City Council will vote on the Parks and Recreation Program Fee Schedule. Interested parties are invited to attend the work session and the hearing and make known their views and concerns. Comments in writing may be forwarded to the Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department at the above address prior to the meeting or via email: parksadm@cityofwhitefish.org. For questions or further information regarding the plan, phone 406-863-2472. January 23, 30, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

North Valley Hospital looks ahead to 2019

North Valley Hospital is looking ahead to 2019 with optimism and enthusiasm for the new year. Again, we look forward to partnering with our communities and finding more ways to serve our patients, provide better access to quality care, and address local healthcare needs.

New administrator takes reins at healthcare center

Spending time recovering after appendicitis Jordan Holt became fascinated with the interworking of a hospital.

Winery gains approval to operate on Spokane Ave.

City Council last week approved a building on Spokane Avenue planned to house a winery.

Steve C. Jacobi

Steve C. Jacobi, 61, of Columbia Falls, passed away Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at home surrounded by loving family.

Jeanette “Gail” Litchfield

Jeanette “Gail” Litchfield, 81, of Whitefish, passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2019 at The Springs where she resided.

Donald E. Gray

Donald E. Gray, 71, of Conrad/Brady area and formerly of Whitefish, passed away on Dec. 29, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mary Ann Rodman

Mary Ann Rodman, a long time Whitefish resident, passed away at St. Pat’s in Missoula on Jan. 21, 2019. Mary Ann was born to Al and Lorraine Hoffman in Whitefish on January 14, 1949. She was preceded in death by both parents and her brother Greg Hoffman. She is survived by her husband Gary Rodman, son Jesse Rodman and daughter in law Lori Bemis.

Volunteers needed for writing programs

Writing Coaches of Montana seeks community members in Whitefish and Columbia Falls to help local students develop better writing skills. Volunteers meet with students twice per month, helping teachers provide individualized attention.

Skiers race down Big Mountain

More than 60 young skiers from throughout Montana, north Idaho and eastern Washington competed at Whitefish Mountain Resort in the Sportsman Ski Haus Northern Division U14 Qualifier, which wrapped up on Monday.

Ring takes two golds at Missoula swim meet

Preston Ring continued his excellent season with a pair of firsts at the Missoula Invite on Jan. 19.

Yellowjackets no problem for Lady Bulldogs in beatdown

The Whitefish Lady Bulldogs squashed the Stevensville Yellowjackets at home on Saturday.

Hoopers reach double-digit wins

It was two up, two down for the Bulldogs last week, who defeated Eureka and Stevensville to bring their win total to 10.

Bulldogs drop Wildcats, Blue Hawks at home

The Bulldogs capped off the regular season with two wins and a loss at their home invite on Friday.

Theatre Co. holds Father-Daughter ball Friday

The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding its fifth annual Father-Daughter Winter Ball on Friday, Feb. 1.

Climate art on display at Winter Carnival

The Whitefish Winter Carnival Art Expo on Saturday, Feb. 2 will showcase artwork submitted to the Climate Smart Art Contest.

Local businesses pitch in for furloughed workers

Whitefish’s small businesses helped out furloughed federal workers during the record 35-day federal government shut down, which ended last Friday.

Bulldog speech second at state after score error

The Whitefish speech and debate team’s first-place finish at state announced over the weekend was amended Tuesday to second place due to a scoring error.

Great Northern beer barter returns

The Great Northern Brewery’s Beer Barter is returning to Whitefish Winter Carnival Saturday.

Voisin takes bronze at X Games

Whitefish skier Maggie Voisin has another X Games medal to add to her collection.

FWP says record number of watercraft inspected last year

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks’ aquatic invasive species program had a record number of watercrafts inspected, a record number of water samples analyzed and no mussel larvae or adult mussels detected in 2018.

Council approves major apartment housing project

Whitefish City Council last week approved a project that looks to construct 234 rental apartments on U.S. Highway 93.

Community briefs for Jan. 23

Visitor count down, but spending up last year

Traveler spending in the Treasure State increased in 2018 while the number of visitors dropped slightly.

Linda Ray handcrafts dolls for Winter Carnival fundraiser

When Linda Ray scraped together her first yeti doll for the 2013 Whitefish Winter Carnival, she had no idea how popular her craftsmanship would turn out to be.

DNRC gives positive review of trail project

The state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has given a green light to one of the final segments of the Whitefish Trail loop and a conservation easement around Smith Lake.

Preserving views priority during 93 plan meeting

Preserving the view toward Big Mountain as it rises above Whitefish as seen from U.S. Highway 93 appears to be one of the top priorities for the future of the corridor in the city’s south gateway.

Legals January 23, 2019

No. 2466 Parks and Recreation Program Fee Schedule A 6:00 p.m. work session of the Whitefish City Council will be held Monday, February 4th at Whitefish City Hall, 418 E. Second St.to discuss an increase to Parks and Recreation Program fees. During the February 19th regular meeting of the Whitefish City Council, the City Council will vote on the Parks and Recreation Program Fee Schedule. Interested parties are invited to attend the work session and the hearing and make known their views and concerns. Comments in writing may be forwarded to the Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department at the above address prior to the meeting or via email: parksadm@cityofwhitefish.org. For questions or further information regarding the plan, phone 406-863-2472. January 23, 30, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

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Monday, Jan. 14

Adult classes begin

The Whitefish School District’s adult education program has begun its winter curriculum.

Carnival honors service with knightings

We are so lucky to live in the magical realm of Whitefish. It is so rare for a small town to have its own living mythology that gets acted out every year, especially in such a fun way that gives all the people a chance to join in. It’s Whitefish Winter Carnival LX, and Woodstock Whitefish is alive for the 60th year!

Jeanette “Gail” Litchfield

Jeanette “Gail” Litchfield, 81 of Whitefish, passed away peacefully at the Springs.

Legislature gets rolling for 66th session

The 66th session of the Montana Legislature was sworn into office on Jan. 7. With five new Senators and 31 new Representatives, there is a steep learning curve to implement. The Flathead Valley is well represented in leadership positions this session. On the House side Representative Greg Hertz of Polson is the Speaker. Representative Derek Skees is a Majority Whip and chairman of Rules Committee. Representative Carl Glimm is chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Representative Matt Regier is chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Judicial Branch, Law Enforcement and Justice. Representative Mark Nolan is chairman of the Business and Labor Committee. Representative Bob Brown of Thompson Falls; whose district includes Marion; is chairman of the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee. On the Senate side Senator Mark Blasdel is President Pro Tempore. Senator Dee Brown is chair of the State Administration Committee and chair of the Committee on Committees. Senator Keith Regier is chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Senator Jennifer Fielder of Thompson Falls; whose district includes Marion; is chair of the Fish and Game Committee.

Charles Richard (Dick) Hale

Charles Hale was born to parents Charles and Mary Josephine Hale in Havre, Montana, on Feb. 11, 1942. He passed away on Jan. 4, 2019 at North Valley Hospital at the age of 76.

Jim Risher

Jim Risher is taking a few laps in heaven today, pacing himself, but enjoying the thrill of running again after a long and hard-fought battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He is surrounded by friends and family who gathered to greet him. Though he will be missed terribly by his loved ones, he is buoyed by his eternal optimism and faith in the blessings that await him.

Winter Carnival Ski Joring kicks off this weekend

Skiers grab your skis, riders grab your horses, and spectators get ready to watch the fun — it’s time for the annual skijoring competition.

ATP presents 'Death and the Maiden' reading

Alpine Theatre Project is presenting a free play reading next week and a burlesque show next month.

DREAM Adaptive offers veteran ski and snowboard days

The DREAM Adaptive Recreation Veteran ski and snowboard weekends at Whitefish Mountain Resort are geared to providing an outlet for stories of service and compassionate ears from those who have similar experiences while creating the opportunity to heal through playing.

WTC brings 'sweet-and-sour' 'Ripcord' to stage

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its third Black Curtain Theatre production of the 2018-2019 season with the tastily sweet-and-sour comedy “Ripcord” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. This hilarious and moving play has performances on Jan. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Whitefish wrestlers finish 4-3 at Class A Duals in Belgrade

The Bulldogs brought their all to the Class A Duals last weekend, finishing the tournament with a winning 4-3 record.

Dogs close out Pirates, Loggers

The Bulldogs squeaked out two close wins against Polson and Libby last week.

Lady Dogs drop Polson for big home win

As Lady Dogs head coach Bob Bolam put it, last weekend was a “tale of two nights” for his team.

Speech dominates divisionals

The Whitefish speech and debate team is looking forward to the state tournament after winning the divisional championship last weekend.

Resort holds junior ski races

The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation is hosting three days of junior ski racing at Whitefish Mountain Resort this weekend.

Glacier Nordic racers complete busy weekend

Glacier Nordic Ski Team had a busy race weekend Jan. 18-19, with both the Competition team and Prep Team traveling to races.

Community briefs for Jan. 16

Whitefish part of statewide climate monitoring network

A weather station on Whitefish Lake is part of a statewide soil and climate network of monitoring stations.

Whitefish store to remain open as Shopko files for bankruptcy

Whitefish’s Shopko Hometown store will remain open even as the company announced that it’s filling for bankruptcy and will undergo financial restructuring.

Allegiant to offer direct flight to Phoenix

Las Vegas-based Allegiant airlines will offer a new direct flight from Kalispell to Phoenix beginning May 15.

Boutique offers clothing, gifts, more

The Nest, a clothing, gift and beauty boutique, downtown is offering a bit of almost everything.

Whitefish above state percentage for grad rates

Montana last year saw record high graduation rates for high school students, and Whitefish High School is sitting above the state average.

Council set to decide on major housing project

Whitefish City Council is expected to decide Tuesday on a plan to developer 234 apartments at the former North Valley Hospital site.

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Rotary program provides gifts for children

The Rotary Club of Whitefish’s Magic of Christmas program served 83 families in the Whitefish School district, including the Olney area, during December.

Symphony event features composer Gershwin

Glacier Symphony rings in 2019 with an elegant “Gershwin Gala” featuring the music of the great American composer, George Gershwin, in two concerts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, in Whitefish. The program features a 45-piece orchestra under the direction of Maestro John Zoltek with guest pianist Natalia Lauk.

Grant assists with trail signs

Whitefish was among several Montana communities that recently received grants from the state Department of Commerce to assist with attracting visitors.

Wellness center allowed at Karrow project

A wellness center will be allowed as one of the businesses to potentially operate in a mixed-use development that looks to transform the former Idaho Timber site.

Annual chamber awards event set for Jan. 31

In keeping with the Whitefish Woodstock theme for this year’s Winter Carnival, the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s annual community awards gala will recognize the true rock stars of the community — the businesses and individuals who make Whitefish great.

Board looks at rezone following annexations

The Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday will consider a request for a zone change for several properties along Park Knoll Lane.

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Whitefish City Council meets on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

Council approves affordable housing development

A 38-unit affordable housing apartment complex on Edgewood Place has gained city approval.

Supports Medicaid expansion

As a local citizen, a fifth-generation Montanan, and also as a professional in the field of behavioral health, I am writing to share my support for Medicaid expansion in Montana.

Event celebrates life of Martin Luther King, Jr. through music

Love Lives Here in the Flathead is collaborating with Groovetrail and Jazz at Lincoln Center for a celebration of the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Montana businesses cannot afford congressional inaction on LWCF

In Montana, the business of outdoor recreation is big business. Whether you are REI or a local main street operation selling gear and goods to communities who thrive on our outdoor amenity lifestyle, you are contributing to the $7.1 billion economy of the outdoors. Our mission at REI is centered on getting people outside to explore and experience nature and to be good stewards of our public lands. It’s the core of our business model, and the reason we are invested in the outdoors and the good policies that support them both here in Bozeman, and across the country. The Montana REI stores employ approximately 170 people and we’re proud to help fuel Montana’s growing outdoor economy which generates $2.2 billion in wages and salaries, and supports 71,000 jobs (and hiring).

Regular season wrapping up for Bulldog wrestlers

The Bulldogs got plenty of wrestling in last week, finishing with seven total duals.

Bulldogs nip Wildcats for win

The Bulldogs took care of business against the Wildcats at home, winning 60-45 behind Lee Walburn’s 29 points.

Speech gets silver in Polson

The Whitefish speech and debate team found their groove at Polson over the weekend.

Lady Bulldogs drop two games at home

It was tough going for the Lady Dogs on Thursday, who fell to rival Columbia Falls Wildkats 61-27.

Fundraising OK'd for proposed Bulldog stadium

The dream of a Bulldogs sports stadium moved closer to reality last week, as the Whitefish School Board unanimously approved a request to begin fundraising for the facility.

Bulldogs show off at home meet

The Whitefish swim team defended its home pool with some strong performances at the Cat-Dog Invitational on Saturday at The Wave.

PHOTOS: Winter Carnival King and Queen coronation

Looking like they’d come straight from Woodstock, past Whitefish Winter Carnival royalty celebrated the announcement of this year’s King and Queen Saturday during a coronation ceremony Saturday at the O’Shaughnessy Center.

Coats named King, Ryan crowned Queen

Paul Coats and Patricia Ryan will reign as the Whitefish Winter Carnival King Ullr LX and Queen of the Snows.

Solution to climate change

With the latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report I was again distressed over this big world problem. Yes, I can turn down the heat and take the bus, but my personal impact seems so small. Then I found a great solution.

New Kalispell Regional CEO announced

A North Dakota health-care administrator who served two combat missions in Iraq with the U.S. National Guard will take the reins as the new president and chief executive officer of Kalispell Regional Healthcare. He will begin the job in early February, the hospital board of trustees said.

Pilot's top issues survey continues

There’s no doubt that Whitefish is a great place to live, but as in any community there is always room for improvement. Many of the issues or challenges facing the town have come up in public meetings or have been discussed at the coffee shop, while still others may not yet have risen to forefront.

WHS campaign encourages use of reusable bottles

Whitefish High School has launched a new campaign to reduce the number of plastic bottles used at Bulldogs sporting events.

Emotional curriculum part of lesson plan

While teachers at Muldown Elementary School still focus on reading, writing and arithmetic, another big topic is working its way into the lesson plan — feelings.

Council approves new mixed-use building on Central

Less than a year after it denied a proposal for a mixed-use building on Central Avenue, Whitefish City Council on Monday approved a similar proposal by a different developer for the same spot.

Community briefs for Jan. 9

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

Submissions taken for Snow Sculpture event

The city of Whitefish is looking for teams to participate in the second annual Snow Sculpture Showcase planned for the weekend of Whitefish Winter Carnival on Feb. 1 and 2.

Lady Dogs fall to Bravettes, Broncs

It was a tale of two halves in the Lady Dogs’ loss to the Flathead Bravettes on Friday.

Dogs take fifth in Kalispell

The Whitefish swim team got back in the pool on Saturday in Kalispell, taking fifth in the tournament.

Bulldog wrestlers fight hard at Cut Bank Invite

The Bulldogs wrestling team got back on the mat during the Cut Bank Invitational last weekend.

Bulldogs drop Braves for big home win

The Bulldogs split their first two games following the winter break, taking down the Flathead Braves before getting trampled by the Hamilton Broncs over the weekend.

Skiers race in annual Glacier Glide

Skiers of all ages competed Sunday in Glacier Nordic Club’s Glacier Glide.

Downhillers grab podium spots

Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation ski racers dominated the U16 Boys podium at Big Sky last weekend, while U14 and younger skiers showed well at Bridger Bowl.

Bulldog speech competes in Corvallis

The Whitefish speech and debate team got back at it in Corvallis over the weekend.

Ski resort records second busiest day ever

Whitefish Mountain Resort recorded its second and third busiest days ever over the recent holiday week.

Applications taken for avalanche training scholarships

The Patrol Fund is accepting applications for avalanche and backcountry medicine scholarships for courses this winter at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Smith named Prime, Rossi named Duchess

The first royalty of the 60th annual Whitefish Winter Carnival has been announced.

What are Whitefish's top issues?

We want to know what you think.

Feat x Feet keeps its rhythm in 22nd year

The local Feat x Feet group this months is celebrating 22 years of dancing and music.

Climate Smart Glacier Country announces art contest

Climate Smart Glacier Country is hosting its first-ever art contest with submissions being taken this month.

Mary Tombrink Harris, 88

Mary Margaret was born Nov. 28, 1930 to John Tombrink and Elizabeth Hodgson Tombrink in Kalispell, Montana. She died Dec. 21, 2018. The early years of her life were happily spent at Hori Ranch, two miles East of Whitefish, where her father was manager.

Charles Hale

Charles Hale, 76, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, at North Valley Hosptial.

Delmar B. Granmo

Delmar B. Granmo, 85, passed away peacefully at his Whitefish home on Dec. 27, 2018.

Snowmobiler dies in avalanche near Choteau; snow biker injured in Swan slide

A snowmobiler who died in an avalanche Jan. 5 near Choteau was not wearing an avalanche beacon, according to information in a preliminary report from the Flathead Avalanche Center.

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Bonsai Brewing Project’s humble start in a tight corner of the Mountain Mall is a far cry from where the business is at today, owners Graham Hart and Keela Smith say.

Fern discusses issues ahead on legislative agenda

Democrat state Rep. Dave Fern is heading back to Helena this month, with some of the biggest issues facing Whitefish on his mind.

North Valley Hospital celebrates successes of 2018

North Valley Hospital is grateful for our community support throughout 2018. We wanted to look back at some of the wonderful events, fundraisers, and moments we shared and also express our optimism for another year ahead as your community hospital.

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

Riders can now track location of SNOW bus

New GPS trackers in the SNOW buses will let powder hounds see how far away their bus is while they wait to grab a lift up to Big Mountain.

Reisch spent 24 years crunching numbers for schools

As Business Director for the Whitefish School District, Danelle Reisch’s responsibilities run the gamut.

Highway 93 corridor plan workshop set for Jan. 8

Whitefish is holding a public workshop as part of work to craft a corridor plan for Highway 93 South.

2018 REWIND Look at top stories of year

A look at the top headlines that shaped 2018.

Legals January 2, 2019

No. 2465 WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The regular meeting of the Whitefish Planning Board will be held on Thursday, January 17, 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 a subsequent public hearing for item 1 on February 4, 2019. City Council meetings start at 7:10 pm at 418 E Second Street in the Whitefish City Council Chambers on the second floor. 1. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone 16 parcels and an adjacent road, annexed into City limits from County R-3 (One Family Residential) to WR-1 (One-Family Residential District). The properties are located along Park Knoll Lane and can be legally described 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; 129 Park Knoll Lane; 132 Park Knoll Lane; 136 Park Knoll Lane; no address (Tract C2 of Certificate of Survey No. 5909 in S1, T30N, R22W); and the Park Knoll Lane Private Access Road (Tract 2 of Certificate of Survey No. 19026) in S1, T30N, R22W P.M.M., Flathead County. (WZC 18-10) 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 Jan. 2, 2019 MNAXLP