Ellington

Wild Rivers Film Tour makes stop here

The 2019 Wild Rivers Film Tour will make a stop in Whitefish next week.

Caution urged as bears waking up

They’re back.

In Glacier Park, plows begin the long job of clearing roads of snow

Glacier National Park’s annual rite of spring gets underway this week and next — the clearing of its roads of winter snows.

Bullock to establish grizzly advisory council

Hungry Horse News

Club brings adaptation of 'Frozen' to stage this weekend

The Homeschool Theater Club will bring to the stage “Elsa and Anna,” an adaptation of the Disney film “Frozen,” this weekend.

Alternative transportation could help congestion

Transportation expert David Kack points out that many people have nicknames for their cars, and yet on average most only spend about one hour per day in their vehicle.

Hall of fame educator

Jackie Fuller is a Bulldog through and though.

Beaver Lake success story for invasive species removal

Efforts to eradicate an aquatic invasive species from Beaver Lake continue to be successful in a way that is rare.

City renews AIS prevention plan

Whitefish will once again continue its program aimed at preventing the entry of aquatic invasive species in Whitefish Lake.

Public says more work needed on housing program

Whitefish’s Legacy Homes plan is getting there, but not quite finished, according to many of those making comments at the first public hearing on regulations that would implement the program.

No headline

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

Flathead Forest management plan a win for conservationists

The U.S. Forest Service recently completed a new management plan for the Flathead National Forest that will guide decisions on the Forest for the next 20 to 30 years more. The plan addresses a dizzying array of management issues — including municipal watersheds, wildlife habitat, protected lands, outdoor recreation and much more — over 2.4 million acres that cover the Mission Mountains, the Swan Range and the Whitefish Range.

Citizen involvement in legislative process inspiring

The idea behind a bill may derive from a state agency, an interest group, a legislator or a constituent.

Regier gives update on bills

The Montana Legislature has finished 60 days of its 90 day session. The following are some Senate revenue bills that have passed the Senate recently and are on their way to the House for their approval.

Local faith leaders pray for New Zealand tragedy victims

Fear, grief, loss, pain, and anger converge in our hearts at the murder of 50 innocent prayerful people, and the injury of 50 more, who were gathered in two sacred Muslim houses of prayer in Christchurch, New Zealand. The loss of life comes with the devastating loss of human dignity at the hands of an avowed White Nationalist, a White Supremacist and racist, hate-filled individual. The mass shootings in the Christchurch Mosques, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, are just a few of the domestic terrorist acts we are witnessing in our world today. They are driven by a movement defined by bigotry and terror, anti-Semitism, and anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant platforms. When hate-filled people are moved to bring guns and ammunition to a house of worship, what can stop them?

Post-prom party noise piercing

Friday, March 15

Credit Union announces several staff changes

Whitefish Credit Union has announced changes regarding a few staff positions.

Larry Hadley

Tongue-in-cheek, as he would have wanted.

Patsy Moller

Patsy Moller, 72 of Columbia Falls, passed away March 5, 2019 at a local hospital.

Steven J. Sladek

Steven J. Sladek, 75 of Whitefish, passed away March 20, 2019 at KRMC.

Carla Jean Petrini

Carla Jean Petrini passed away on March 23, 2019 in Great Falls, Montana.

Council Preview

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, April 1 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

Spring sports kick off for Bulldogs

Snow has yet to be cleared off of much of Whitefish’s track and tennis courts, but Bulldogs spring sports are underway.

Matdies earns national education award

Whitefish High School teacher Amanda Matdies is receiving a national award for her contributions to the field of family and consumer science.

Contract approved for beach parking

Whitefish City Council has approved a contract to construct new parking near City Beach.

Snowboarder in closed area triggers large avalanche on Big Mountain

A “dangerously large” avalanche was trigger by a snowboarder in a closed area within the boundaries of Whitefish Mountain Resort on Thursday.

Moving native trout in Glacier way to preserve them

The bad news about trout and their brethren is about 73 percent of the species worldwide are threatened with extinction.

Winner announced for Big Mountain dream home

A former preschool teacher from Osgood, Indiana, has been announced as the winner of the HGTV dream home on Big Mountain.

Connelly resigns as volleyball head coach

The Lady Bulldogs volleyball team is looking for a new head coach following former coach Addy Connelly’s resignation.

Community briefs for March 20

Professional discuss influences on environment during lakes conference

A changing environment was a reoccurring theme during the inaugural Montana Lakes Conference last week in Whitefish.

Final contact for Muldown build approved

The Whitefish School Board on March 12 unanimously approved a contract for the final phase of construction for the new Muldown Elementary School building.

Glaciers shrinking, but scientists still determining rate of melt

Glaciers are melting as a result of climate change. However, how fast that will occur remains to be seen and will likely be impacted by how society reacts to climate change.

Hospital earns high marks for patient care

North Valley Hospital recently received high marks from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for providing quality care.

No headline

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

Volunteers still needed for Junior Achievement program

Volunteers are still needed to help lead Junior Achievement programming at Whitefish Schools.

Administrators, teachers working to improve student test scores

Student test scores over the past few years have been declining, and Whitefish School District administration is looking for answers.

Vacant state jobs should be cut

Your Republican led legislature is in the process of compiling the budget for the next two years. We are not just talking about efficient state government, we are implementing it. We are doing this by focusing on reducing waste in bureaucracy, while at the same time retaining indispensable state services.

Grob should keep job on Co-op board

With many years as Flathead Electric Co-op Trustee and as Board President, Doug Grob’s service to our community is well-known. But many may not be aware of the reputation he has earned at the regional level as a thoughtful and respected advocate for our utility.

School district retains wellness policy while looking to still update

After a review of a student wellness policy drew backlash from parents and staff members, the Whitefish School Board last week voted to revert back to an older policy regarding the issue. The district says it intends to craft a new policy by the fall.

Legislature should make funding higher education priority

In 1947 thousands of World War II veterans eligible for G.I. Bill higher education benefits were overwhelming the University System. The feeling in Montana and the rest of the country was that nobody was entitled to a living, but that everybody should be entitled to a fair chance to earn one. Education makes opportunity possible. Those who benefit from it can take advantage of opportunities, and create them for others. Those without an education are often left behind.

School district seeks approval of technology levy

The Whitefish School Board is looking to increase levies to help offset future increases in technology spending.

Institute honors contributions to protecting water quality

The Whitefish Lake Institute is honoring four individuals for their commitment to protecting water quality through volunteering, education and conservation easements.

WHS course teaches work through agriculture, internship

Whitefish High School this fall is planning to offer a new, hands-on agricultural internship focused on teaching students the skills needed for any job site they’ll encounter.

John H Garlitz

John H. “Jack” Garlitz passed peacefully March 12, 2019 at the Montana Veterans’ Home in Columbia Falls.

No headline

Friday, March 8

Taking the ice

A group of ice skaters from the Glacier Skate Academy is headed to Missoula this weekend for their first skating competition of the season.

PHOTOS: Prom 2019

Students walked in the Grand March Saturday evening for the Whitefish High School 2019 Prom outside the O’Shaughnessy Center downtown. The theme was Enchanted Forest.

Whitefish man honored for contributions to rodeo, western lifestyle

Lee Patterson is proud of his family history of cowboys.

Art auction benefits Muldown

Muldown Elementary School is holding a silent auction of collaborative art pieces created by every grade level during its annual Mully Night on Thursday, March 14.

Affordable housing program heads to Planning Board for hearing

A housing needs assessment three years ago confirmed that Whitefish was in desperate need of affordable housing and called for the creation of 980 residential units here by 2020.

Trump budget looks to cut Park Service spending

At a time when places like Glacier National Park are seeing record crowds, President Trump’s proposed 2020 budget looks to cut the Park Service budget and it zeros out the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

President signs lands bill, but funding still needed for conservation fund

A major public lands bill was signed into law Tuesday by President Trump including the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The bill previously passed the House and Senate. Montana’s Congressional delegation all voted for the bill.

Resort looks to spring skiing after cold forces closures

Whitefish Mountain Resort is hoping for a big March after a cold February forced a handful of upper mountain closures.

Boardercross event that raises funds for suicide prevention marks 20 years

The Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross races will celebrate 20 years at Whitefish Mountain Resort this weekend.

Council considers tightening fireworks regs

Whitefish City Council is considering a move that could temper the spark of private fireworks allowed in the city around the Fourth of July.

Community briefs for March 13

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Grant to WTC allows for free performance of ensemble

The National Endowment for the Arts Acting Chairman Mary Anne Carter has approved more than $27 million in grants as part of the Arts Endowment’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2019. Included in this announcement is a Challenge America grant of $10,000 to the Whitefish Theatre Company to host the award-winning a cappella ensemble Women of the World on March 22.

Vocal quartet celebrates world folk music traditions

Celebrating world folk music traditions from Bulgaria to Brazil and Japan to Africa, the Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to host vocal quartet Women of the World. This award-winning, a cappella ensemble will play one night only on Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

MDT looks to widen Highway 93

The Montana Department of Transportation is considering widening 1 mile of U.S. Highway 93 west of Whitefish.

City OKs Colorado subdivision

City Council last week approved a 12-lot subdivision while requiring the developer to construct a sidewalk along Denver Street adjacent to the property.

Thanks for supporting race

The Flathead Classic Dog Sled Race has come and gone and once again it was a great success thanks to the organizational skills of Bret Svetlik, Pam Beckstrom, Wendy and Steve Riggs, and Georgia Hall. This fun weekend race would also not be possible without the tremendous support of our wonderful community and sponsors.

Legislature takes on bills related to microchip implants, taxation

The 66th Montana Legislative Assembly has reached its midpoint known as transmittal. This is when general bills in the Senate and House have to be transmitted to the other chamber. It is the half way point of the 90 day session. The general bills that were tabled in committee would require rule changes to advance so most likely are dead. The following are some bills of interest to the Flathead Valley that were passed by the Senate and are on their way to the House for their approval.

Sunshine Week highlights need for open government

The students I teach at the University of Montana often show up with a powerful assumption: If there is some piece of information out there, Google can find it. It’s an understandable belief for 19-year-olds who have grown up in a world where ubiquitous connection to the Internet and easy access to vast reams of webpages is expected.

Now time to build infrastructure

For a decade or more our Montana Legislature has grappled with the increasing need to renovate both Romney Hall on the MSU campus in Bozeman and the Montana Historical Society museum facility in Helena.

Beer truck accidentally distributes free deliveries

Friday, March 1

STEM grant benefits science classrooms

Whitefish High School students are already putting to use a $3,000 grant for science research with real world applications.

Writing Coaches program looking for volunteers

Writing Coaches of Montana is looking for community members in Whitefish and Columbia Falls to help local students develop better writing skills.

Swimmer reflects on undefeated season for Bulldogs

As far as Bulldog swimmer Preston Ring is concerned, speed kills.

FVSEF sends 23 skiers to regional events

Twenty-three skiers from the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation teams have been selected to compete in the Western Region and Northern Division Championship events at Sun Valley, Idaho, Jackson, Wyoming and Big Sky.

Spring skiing

Skiers young and old relished in bluebird skies and great snow over the weekend at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Temperatures on the mountain reached highs in the mid-20s with a wind chill of minus 10 at the summit.

Volunteers needed for lake monitoring

The Northwest Montana Lakes Volunteer Monitoring Network (NWMTLVMN) is looking for lake property owners and/or homeowners, summer cabin owners, recreationists, and just people who are interested in lakes to become volunteer monitors.

Lecture to examine Brexit's impact on Europe and U.S.

Flathead Valley Community College’s 2019 Honors Symposium continues Thursday, March 14 with an examination of the U.K.’s decision to leave the European Union and the resulting social and political implications for Europe and the United States.

Watercraft inspection stations to open in Montana

The first watercraft inspection stations of 2019 will open this month in Kalispell, Ravalli and Browning. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species.

Glacier backcountry reservations going to a lottery system on opening day, March 15

Glacier National Park has announced a key change in its backcountry camping advanced reservation system this year. The system, which will go live on March 15 will now use a “modified lottery system” on opening day that will process requests “in a randomly sequenced order,” the Park announced on its website.

February weather benefits snowpack

Above normal snowfall in February and December-like temperatures have led to an improvement of snowpack totals for March 1 in river basins across the state, according to snow survey data collected by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Film festival lands here next week

Inspiring and adventure-filled documentaries are coming to Whitefish as part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation’s Mountainfilm on Tour.

Presentation on March 13 looks at impact of fading glaciers

The Whitefish Lake Institute is hosting a free community presentation entitled “A glimpse of fading glaciers: Impacts on life in mountain regions” on Wednesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

Traffic focus of meeting

The city of Whitefish is holding a public meeting to present information about efforts to reduce congestion and provide alternative modes of transportation downtown and throughout the city.

Legals March 6, 2019

No. 2474 DOG CREEK NORDIC TRAIL EXPANSION: The Montana DNRC, Stillwater Unit, has received a request from Dog Creek Lodge & Nordic Center approximately 3 miles north of Olney to expand their current license for use of state trust land for Nordic trails from 5.0 miles to 10.8 miles. The additional trails would be located in sections 30,31,32 of T33N R23W and section 25 of T33N R24W. Revenue from this license would benefit the Public Buildings, Common Schools, and MSU 2nd Grant Montana school trusts. 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 April 1, 2019 to be considered. March 6, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

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Growth has impact on police service

As Whitefish has grown in number of homes and become a popular place for visitors there has been impacts to the emergency services in the city.

House passes LWCF bill

The U.S. House passed a key piece of land use legislation last week.

Annual winter golf event raises money for animal groups

All Saints’ Church in Columbia Falls will host its 12th Annual Chili Open on Saturday, March 9. This event benefits the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, the Flathead County Animal Shelter, the Spay and Neuter Task Force and Spay Montana. The golf tournament in the snow takes place on the church grounds at 2048 Conn Road.

Barbershop thrives on old-school atmosphere

A new barbershop with old school style opened downtown last fall, and customers have been lining up for a haircut and shave ever since.

Legislature looks at infrastructure, housing

The Montana Legislature is on a transmittal break during the first week of March. This is the 45-day mark of the session where general bills (nonrevenue), must get to the other chamber. Most of us in the House will be off this week. Several unlucky members of the Appropriations Committee will be back in Helena on Thursday for committee work. House Bill 2, the funding bill for the general budget will pass through the careful scrutiny of Appropriations. This committee is broken into six sections of government services. The sections subsequently convene as a whole to guide the body towards an attainable budget. Appropriations members often can be seen with several trees worth of binders. Within such binders are spreadsheets galore, everything done within Montana government. Assignment to this committee equates to the special forces of our legislature. They are the worker bees, their tasks much appreciated by the remaining plebian legislators.

New surgical director joins cutting-edge team

Recently, North Valley Hospital welcomed a new surgical services director, Rob Romanelly, who moved to Whitefish from Fort Collins, Colorado. Romanelly earned his nursing degree at Indiana State University before working in management in various surgery departments in Indiana and later Florida. When he and his wife decided to move west, they selected Colorado and relocated to Fort Collins where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governors University.

Thanks to business for great service

When you wake up on a Sunday morning with the temperature at minus 13 degrees, it’s a big surprise to discover that your house temperature is 59 because your furnace has gone out. That happened to us. We have a maintenance contract with Denning Sheet Metal and I called around 8 a.m. to leave a message. My return call came in at about 8:30 a.m. and I was told someone would be there at 9:30 a.m. And he was! And it was the owner of Denning Sheet Metal! I just want to publicly thank Curt Denning for his quick response and attention to detail with regard to our furnace. Thank you Curt — you rock!

Police calls: deer requires rescue

Friday, Feb. 22

Paulette Thompson

Paulette Thompson had an amazing passion for books, music, dance, theater, gardening, vegetarian cooking and preserving the environment. For 53 years, her family and many friends were always welcome at Paulette’s/Mom’s/Grandma’s house in South Eugene. On Feb. 17, a few months before her 87th birthday, Paulette died at home of age related causes.

Weather service says February was cold

If you thought February was cold and snowy, you were right. The National Weather in Missoula said that February was the snowiest ever in Kalispell, with 33.2 inches of snow at the Glacier Park International Airport.

Whitefish introduces affordable housing program

The city of Whitefish is rolling out its Legacy Home program during an open house this month designed to answer questions about the planned affordable housing program.

Hunter ed registration opens

Hunter and bowhunter education courses are open to registration across northwest Montana.

Two seats up for election on school board

Two Trustee positions on the Whitefish School Board are up for election this spring.

Glacier Avalanche wins state championship

The Glacier Avalanche Peewee A won the Montana Amateur Hockey Association’s 12U Division A state championship Sunday in Billings.

'All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten'

Reading, writing, arithmetic, science, social studies, health: are all examples of content universally taught to students throughout their K-12 careers. But what life lessons were underlying those formative years in school and the decades that followed?

New food bank director seeks challenge

Jessy Lee began anti-hunger work as an intern at the Missoula Food Bank.

Hyatt takes over leadership of Shepherd's Hand

Within Shepherd’s Hand, Jennifer Hyatt has nearly done it all.

Forest explores permits to float North Fork

The Flathead National Forest is eyeing the prospect of the possibility of a permit system or other crowd controls for the scenic section of the North Fork of the Flathead River. The scenic section, as defined under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, runs from the border with Canada to the Camas Bridge.

Nelson's Ace opens in new location

Nelson’s Ace Hardware is continuing its tradition of serving Whitefish as its new location on U.S. Highway 93 opened to customers early Monday morning.