Thursday, June 27
City begins program to fix sidewalks
Whitefish is establishing a sidewalk cost sharing program that would help reimburse homeowners for repairing the city’s sidewalks.
Wooden boat show this weekend
Antique and classic wooden boats will fill the waters of Whitefish Lake this weekend for the annual Whitefish Woody Weekend VIII.
Wednesday, June 26
Schulz ends Bulldog career on high note
After 24 years of coaching track and an additional three years of teaching, Derek Schulz closed out his Whitefish Schools career on a high note, leading his girls track team their first state title in 35 years.
Joern loves the 'magic' of the classroom
In some ways, Kathy Joern was always a teacher.
Original Big Mountain ski lift relocated to museum in town
A key piece of ski history was moved to the Ski Heritage Center ski museum last week and should eventually be on display for those wanting to view it.
Legals June 26, 2019
No. 2495 NOTICE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT REQUEST FOR FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT The City of Whitefish Floodplain Administrator has received the following Floodplain Development Permit application: A request by with City of Whitefish for a floodplain development permit for the installation of a 4-feet wide gravel pedestrian path located between the Riverbend Homes Condominiums and the Whitefish River, within the 100-year floodplain of the Whitefish River. The property is located along Miles Avenue, north of the Highway 93 West bridge across the Whitefish River. The property is located at 102 Miles Avenue and can be legally described as Common Area for Riverbend Homes Condos in Section 36, Township 31 North, Range 22 West, P.M.M., in Flathead County, Montana. The complete application may be reviewed at the Whitefish Planning and Building Department at 418 E. 2nd Street. Written or oral comments concerning the above request should be directed to the Floodplain Administrator at the Whitefish Planning and Building Department, PO Box 158, Whitefish, Montana, 59937, e-mailed to bminnich@cityofwhitefish.org, or you can also call (406)863-2410. Comments should be received by Friday, July 12, 2019. In the event of substantial comment or protest to the issuance of the permit, the Floodplain Administrator may hold a public hearing to determine whether the permit shall be issued. Bailey Minnich, AICP, CFM City of Whitefish Floodplain Administrator June 26, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Tuesday, June 25
Betty Lou Schultz
Betty Lou Patterson was born on Sept. 8, 1932; she was the daughter of Fred and Orvetta Knopfle. She was raised in Ruby Gulch, Montana, until the sixth grade when the family moved to the Flathead Valley. She had two brothers, Vern and Danny and one sister Peggy. Her father was a miner and her mother was a homemaker. Betty graduated from Whitefish High School on May 24 of 1950.
Lavonne (Vonnie) Elizabeth Grenz
Lavonne (Vonnie) Elizabeth Grenz peacefully passed away into her Father’s heavenly arms at her home in Stevensville, Montana, on June 21, 2019, at the age of 77, surrounded by her beloved husband and sons.
Bear expert opposes permits for running events in forest
Grizzly bear expert Chris Servheen takes a dim view of the U.S. Forest Service granting special-use permits for events he says will violate commonly accepted guidelines for safe passage in bear country.
Summer ArtFest makes debut here
Whitefish is already a ski and summer destination, but Nancy and Steve Cawdrey are hoping to make it an art destination as well.
Council splits on approval for Lupfer building
Whitefish City Council on a split vote last week decided to approve plans for a new three-story mixed-use building planned for the corner of Lupfer Avenue and Second Street.
No headline
Whitefish City Council meets on July 1 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:
Don Kaltschmidt elected to serve as state GOP chairman
Whitefish businessman Don Kaltschmidt was been elected as chairman of the Montana Republican Party, the Montana GOP announced recently.
Sustainable Whitefish: Making transit a priority
Public transit in Montana has rarely been considered a necessity. Buses and passenger trains aren’t often found outside of big cities, and those that exist follow limited routes and run only at certain times of year. However, as quickly growing towns like Whitefish consider a future that is both more accessible and environmentally friendly, sustainable transit has become an important piece of the puzzle.
Give hospital CEO a chance
Proponents of the SEIU nursing union at Kalispell Regional Medical Center appear to be unwilling to give CEO Dr. Craig Lambrecht a chance to correct mistakes made in the fallout from the recent federal settlement. He has been here two months.
Police Calls: Flower thief; missing dog located
Thursday, June 13
Board gives favorable recommendation to body shop expansion
The Whitefish Planning Board met last week on June 20.
KRH nurses set to vote on creating union, while hospital says may lose independence
The possibility of a nurse’s union forming at Kalispell Regional Healthcare is coming to a tipping point as employees gear up to cast their votes on the matter during a two-day union election slated for July 11-12 — a fast-approaching resolution hospital officials say could signal an end to the hospital’s independence, should they vote in favor of the union.
Participants needed for Fourth of July boat parade
The Fourth of July boat parade on Whitefish Lake is returning for the second year set to take place prior to the annual fireworks display off City Beach.
Fourth of July tourney next week
4TH July Tournament
Monday, June 24
No headline
Two grizzly bears were captured north Whitefish and later euthanized after the bears had become food-conditioned and were responsible for property damage and livestock depredation.
Glacier Park's Sun Road opens for season
Wind, rain, dense fog in spots, and bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Hooks, Lake Monsters both compete for titles
The Cal Ripken League baseball Minors League for ages 9-10 recently held their championship game. The Lake Monsters team took first place and the Hooks team took second.
Wednesday, June 19
Legals June 19, 2019
No. 2494 LEGALS AD: Upper Whitefish Road Commercial Lease The Montana DNRC, Stillwater Unit, has received a proposal from Northwest Montana Adventures LLC for development of a commercial lease for year-round recreational equipment rentals and lodging on approximately 6.5 acres of state trust land east of Olney, Montana. The proposed site is situated adjacent to U.S. Highway 93 North and the Upper Whitefish Road in Section 7 of Township 32 north, Range 23 west. The Initial Proposal with map is available for viewing at http://dnrc.mt.gov/public-interest/public-notices. If you have any questions or comments related to this project, please contact Nicole Stickney at nstickney@mt.gov or 406-881-2666 no later than July 16, 2019 to be considered. June 19, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Tuesday, June 18
Peterman service
Three Peterman family members will be laid to rest Saturday, June 22 at 11 a.m. at the Adventure Church at 348 2nd Ave West in Kalispell. Pastor Bob Ross will officiate with internment at Glacier Memorial Gardens with lunch to follow at the church. Those that knew or worked with BJ, Marceen and David Peterman, you’re welcome to come celebrate their lives with us.
James Gary Sloan
James Gary Sloan, 87 of Whitefish, passed away June 12, 2019 at his home. Gary is survived by his wife Mary Sloan. No services are scheduled. Austin Funeral and Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.
No headline
Thursday, June 6
Jack Fletcher
Jack K. Fletcher of Whitefish passed away peacefully on June 8, surrounded by family and friends. He was 92.
Twins score plenty of runs in pair of doubleheaders
After falling to Cranbrook in game one of a doubleheader, the Glacier Twins got the bats going.
Archer, Gardner pairs win green jackets at WLGC Bulldog Open
Bulldog Open winners
Moore heads to international tournament
Kaiah Moore is hoping when she takes to the court for Lady Bulldog volleyball in the fall, she’ll be bringing some top-level experience with her.
Whitefish Bike Park opens top-to-bottom biking trails
While the mountain biking season started at lower elevations in the Whitefish Bike Park earlier this month, stoke was up high last weekend with top-to-bottom trails opening.
Ten thousand students
Teachers Sara Parr and Chris Holt figure they’ve worked with than 10,000 students combined during their tenure as educators.
Feat x Feet taps New York professional for annual show
A great taste of talent will be featured when the Whitefish local Feat x Feet youth tap ensemble performs its annual summer show Friday, June 21, at 8 p.m., at the O’Shaughnessy Center downtown. This show features tap Professional Derick K. Grant of New York City.
Community Foundation announces grant awards for 21 nonprofits
The Whitefish Community Foundation has announced grant awards to 21 nonprofit organizations totaling $62,581 through the spring Community Grant cycle.
Easment helps preserve North Fork area
A small, but important piece of property near Polebridge has been placed under a conservation easement, the Flathead land Trust announced last week.
Next census brings hope for a second representative
The entire state of Montana has only one member representing us in the United States House of Representatives. For most of our history we have had two. That changed in 1992 when the 1990 census resulted in Montana’s loss of a Congressional seat in the population-based House of Representatives.
New shop offers high-quality, custom gifts
At Axehead, customization is key.
Biking dangerous on sections of Reservoir trail
People interested in evaluating whether mountain biking would be appropriate within formally designated and potential Wilderness areas would do well to visit the steep and heavily switchbacked Whitefish Trail near Reservoir Road. Although rocketing down steep trails at breakneck speed undoubtedly is fun, virtual carnival rides have no place in truly wild backcountry. In addition, that portion of the Whitefish Trail is especially hazardous for dog walkers due to the many blind corners.
Muhlfeld a strong leader
We have many reasons to be grateful for living in and around Whitefish. Among those reasons for me is having an extraordinary leader of our city government. John Muhlfeld is an outstanding mayor, and our community is fortunate that he is willing to serve another term of office.
Congress should fund Park System maintenance backlog
Montana’s national parks have never been more popular. The surge in park visitation has added millions to our state economy and helped create new employment opportunities for Montanans. However, more tourists visiting our parks have increased the wear and tear on infrastructure, and federal funding for maintenance projects has not kept up with the need, leading to a serious backlog of repairs.
Muhlfeld can tackle Whitefish's issues
I moved to Montana 20 years ago after retiring early from a career in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Sciences Consulting, in order to study and save grizzly bears and study and educate on global warming, and the first two people I met at my home were John and Clint Muhlfeld. Two very smart brothers: Clint a wildlife biologist with a Ph.D., and John — your current Mayor of Whitefish running for that office again for a third time.
City considers parking solutions
What would you do if you could wave a magic wand to improve parking challenges in Whitefish?
Full plate for Planning Board Thursday
Whitefish Planning Board has six public hearings on its agenda for Thursday, June 20.
Whitefish Storytime
Local organizations have again partnered to provide free programs highlighting literacy and nutrition this summer.
Music school receives donations, grants
North Valley Music School has recently been the recipient of several grants and donations that will keep students learning music.
Oktoberfest, Marathon awarded state grants
Two Whitefish events were recently awarded grants from the state Department of Commerce.
DREAM Adaptive fundraiser
Kobe Steak and Sushi in Kalispell held a fundraiser recently for DREAM Adaptive Recreation and CASA for Kids Flathead and Lincoln counties. During the event, 100 percent of all sales were gifted equally between both organizations to support children in the Flathead Valley. Owner Mason Ma and Restaurant Manager Brittany Sago presented a check and cash donations totaling $5,069.60 each to the organizations. All of us at DREAM Adaptive Recreation and CASA for Kids are extremely grateful for this generous gift and to everyone who came out and filled their bellies with yummy food for these organizations, the nonprofits said in a release.
Six candidates to run for City Council
Six candidates have filed to run in the Whitefish City Council election.
Art studio holds fundraiser for Powell family
Stumptown Art Studio’s Shelby Powell has given a lot to her work and her community.
Whitefish officials join call for conservation fund
Whitefish’s City Council members and Mayor are among 150 elected officials from 11 states who have signed onto a letter urging their congressional delegations to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Council makes decision on State Park Road rebuild
Whitefish City Council selected a construction option for State Park Road that will have traffic detouring through the adjacent neighborhood.
Thursday, June 13
No headline
The Flathead National Forest has opened a public comment period regarding a special use permit for a proposed ultra marathon on Big Mountain.
Trio plays 14 characters in summer comedy
Using only three actors playing 14 characters at breakneck speed, ATP’s new production of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” runs this month at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.
Wednesday, June 12
Whitefish hires firm for water system expansion
The City of Whitefish has hired the engineering firm of Morrison-Maierle to design a project set to expand its water source and treatment capacity.
Organizers make last push to raise funds for vehicle purchase
Organizers of a fundraiser are making a last push to raise funds to assist a Whitefish man in purchasing a vehicle.
Residents decry foul odor from wastewater treatment plant
Mark Owens says for the majority of the month of May the foul odor wafting from the city’s wastewater treatment facility has been unbearable.
Legals June 12, 2019
No. 2489 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 2020 at its regular meeting to be held June 17, 2019, 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 Assistant City Manager/Finance Director, Dana Smith, at 406-863-2405 or dsmith@cityofwhitefish.org. June 5, 12, 2019 MNAXLP --------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 11
Council reluctantly approves new design standards
City Council last week hesitantly approved new development design standards for the city’s zoning code.
Remembering Olney's Ida Hunnewell
For many years, Ida Hunnewell had a by line in the Whitefish Pilot called the Olney Briefs. It was a charming, folksy commentary on life in a community which began as a pioneer, logging camp written by a tiny woman who lived in a tiny house that looked like it had been borrowed from a fairy tale book. She parlayed her third-grade education to international recognition and an invitation to the David Letterman Show. Clearly, she was Olney’s most famous resident!
Police Calls: Bear impedes use of grill
Thursday, May 30
Mayor advocates for support of Amrak's Empire Builder
Dear Senator Tester, Senator Daines, and Congressman Gianforte,
Changes would do away with option for living space for caregiver
The Planning Board recently recommended approval of zoning amendments eliminating guest/domestic worker quarters as a permitted use.
Deadline to file for city election June 17
Less than one week remains for candidates to file to run for city offices.
Presentation Friday focuses on Megafires
The City of Whitefish Fire Department and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation are holding a presentation on Friday, June 14, about the Era of Megafires and how fire has and will continue to affect Whitefish.
Schools look into spray to subdue attackers
Amidst a national debate over arming teachers in classrooms, the Whitefish School District is looking into a nonlethal product that could subdue would-be attackers.
Studio organizes fundraiser to benefit founder who suffered injury
Stumptown Art Studio is holding “Painting for a Purpose,” a community benefit for Shelby Powell on Friday, June 28, from 7-9 p.m.
Open house held on Smith Lake plan
Join Whitefish Legacy Partners and the City of Whitefish to learn about upcoming conservation and recreation opportunities at Smith Lake, 8 miles northwest of Whitefish, during an open house on Thursday, June 13 5-7 p.m. at the Whitefish Legacy Partners office, 525 Railway, Suite 206. Legacy Partners is looking to permanently protect 800 acres of local open land for wildlife habitat, watershed protection, public access on the Whitefish Trail, and sustainable forest management. Input is needed to establish the conservation, education, and recreation priorities at Smith Lake. Trail construction could begin as early as 2020.
No headline
A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay.
Sticking it to the teachers
Muldown Elementary School students laughed and smiled Wednesday as they got to duct tape four educators to walls of the school as a reward for their fundraising efforts.
Girls on the Trail returns for second summer
A program designed to get teenage girls out on the Whitefish Trail is returning again this summer.
Dryden, Schulz receive coaching awards
Adding to a stellar spring for Bulldog sports, Whitefish also received two Coaches of the Year awards for girls tennis coach Patrick Dryden and track coach Derek Schulz.
Glacier Twins shut out Bandits at home
The Glacier Twins held Cranbrook scoreless on Sunday in a shutout home win, 9-0.
Bulldog Open tees off Sunday
Bulldog Open this Sunday
Joyce Elizabeth Ferrington
Joyce Elizabeth Ferrington passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, June 4 2019, in the comfort of her Columbia Avenue Whitefish home.
Robert Edmund Litchfield
Robert Edmund Litchfield, 77, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019.
Monday, June 10
Pilot named top small weekly newspaper in state
The Whitefish Pilot took home 21 awards and was named the best weekly newspaper in Montana for its circulation size at the Montana Newspaper Association awards banquet Saturday in Big Sky.
Saturday, June 8
PHOTOS: WHS graduation
Whitefish High School graduated 96 seniors Saturday as part of the Class of 2019 during a commencement ceremony in the gym.
Thursday, June 6
Music event features country band
Montana-based honky-tonk country band Russ Nasset and the Revelators will perform at the Montana Music Event on June 15 at the O’Shaughnessy Center downtown.
Wednesday, June 5
Bertelsen savors life spent on the line
Thirteen-year-olds can find themselves dreaming about a variety of paths for their futures. For Robert Bertelsen, that was buying and operating a food truck.
Matulionis loves to disappear into dance
While Lindsey Matulionis set herself apart in the classroom at Whitefish High School, her true passion lies with dance.
Tuesday, June 4
Spring snow could be possible this weekend
A wild temperature swing predicted for this weekend has the potential to bring freezing cold and a shot of late-spring snow to the region.
Contemporary artists collaborate for pop-up exhibit
A group of artists have come together to create a pop-up art exhibit curated with the goal of being thought-provoking.
Students search lake shoreline as part of science lesson
A zebra mussel is a small, roughly 1-inch wide creature with alternating dark brown stripes over the rest of its tan shell.
Forest takes comments on race permit after objection
An already-approved special use permit for an ultra marathon on Big Mountain will get a public comment period after backlash from one environmental group.
City's hydropower system pays for itself earlier than expected
Whitefish’s hydroelectric power system is expected this spring to finish paying for itself.
Council begins budget review
Whitefish City Council last week held its first review of the draft fiscal year 2020 city budget.
John Jack Garlitz
John “Jack” Garlitz passed away on March 12, 2019.
Author speaks about historical nonfiction novel
Miantae Metcalf McConnell’s creative nonfiction historical biography, “Deliverance Mary Fields: A Montana History,” deftly answers the question of how did an independent black woman on the frontier in central Montana in the late 1800s manage to live independently without being murdered.
Market in running for best in country in magazine poll
Folks here already enjoy the Whitefish Farmers Market, but now there’s a chance to vote for the market as the best in the country.
Police Calls: Bear and cub walk along Wisconsin Ave.
Thursday, May 23
Time to say no to development
I would be embarrassed to have any connection to a new development in Whitefish on Wisconsin Avenue called The Quarry. First the developer removed all the affordable housing that was once the mobile homes. Then they removed every tree. Then they put up “modern” cabins that look like match boxes. How many of these match boxes will we drive by each day? Eventually, 102. How much do they cost? $350,000 to $650,000! And will they be used as permanent residences? No, for the most part these odd match boxes will become vacation rentals.
Sewer stench too much
You would think living in a pristine mountain town the air would be crisp and clean, ah no.
A community of caring
I want to reiterate a heartfelt thank you to the community of Whitefish for supporting the levies in the May election. Your vote of confidence speaks to how much the community values our public schools.
Gallery Nights set for Thursday
The art community of Whitefish comes together during the summer to host an evening of featured artist exhibitions, entertainment, and light refreshments on the first Thursday of the month.
WHS graduates 96 students during Saturday commencement
Whitefish High School will graduate 96 seniors at a commencement ceremony Saturday, June 8 at 1 p.m. at the high school gym.
Bulldogs named All-Sports Champions
The Whitefish Bulldogs are the Class A All-Sports Champions.
Bulldog Open a perfect Father's Day celebration
Bulldog Open Father’s Day
Twins come back to defeat Lakers A at home
Despite falling behind 3-1 in the first three innings, the Twins rallied to defeat the Kalispell Lakers last week 6-3.
June Anne Erickson Hiebert
June Anne Erickson Hiebert “June Bug,” 68, of Whitefish, passed away Feb. 9, 2019 surrounded by family.
Joseph Joe Bucariza
Lifelong resident of Whitefish, Joseph “Joe” Bucariza passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday afternoon, May 24, 2019, at North Valley Hospital. Joe was 13 days short of his 85th birthday.
Monday, June 3
Submissions taken for Great Fish T-shirt competition
The Whitefish Community Foundation is accepting online submissions for the 2019 Great Fish Color Run and Community Celebration T-Shirt Design Contest.
