Wednesday, May 29
New owner plans to keep nostalgic feel of Clip Joint
For the last five years, the Clip Joint has been Brittney Smith’s home.
Water conservation measures begin this summer
Whitefish is implementing a suite of water conservation measures set to go into effect this summer, including regulating when folks can water their lawns.
Visitor spending continues increase
Every year for the past seven years, visitor spending in the gateway communities of Glacier National Park has grown.
Legals May 29, 2019
No. 2485 Montana Eleventh Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Jacquelyn Janetski Jacquelyn Janetski, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-356A AMY EDDY Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Jacquelyn Elle Janetski to Jacquelyn Elle Kingery. The hearing will be on June 11, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Flathead County. Date: April 26, 2019 PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: Sara Smith Deputy Clerk of Court May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________
Tuesday, May 28
Community briefs for May 29
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A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay.
No headline
Friday, May 17
Pursuit purchases Belton Chalet
Pursuit, the company that was formerly known as Glacier Park Inc., announced Tuesday it had purchased the historic Belton Chalet in West Glacier. Terms were not disclosed.
Whitefish sticks with current short-term rental regulations
Whitefish has decided for now that no further regulations are necessary for vacation-style rentals in the city.
Symphony gives students scholarships
Four student musicians who perform frequently with the Glacier Symphony were awarded 2019 Youth Music Experience Scholarships. Music Director, John Zoltek and board member Mark Holston presented the awards onstage at intermission of the Symphony’s Spring Festival concert.
No headline
Whitefish City Council meets on June 3 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:
New director takes over at hospital's Birth Center
Felicity Williams has stepped into the role of director for The Birth Center at North Valley Hospital.
Anderson awarded Phase 2 for Sperry Chalet completion
Dick Anderson Construction will finish the work the company started rebuilding the Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park.
Lots to love in WTC's 'I Hate Hamlet'
The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its final cabaret show of the 2018-2019 theatre season with a hilarious production of “I Hate Hamlet” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Called “fast-mouthed and funny”, this entertaining show opens with a sneak preview night on May 30 at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue on May 31, June 1–2 and 7–9 at 7:30 p.m.
Cyclists stranded by avalanche on Sun Road
No one was injured, but 13 bicyclists were stranded in the alpine section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park after an avalanche swept over the road at Triple Arches.
Samuel Jackson Brady, Jr.
Samuel Jackson Brady, Jr. (Sam), of Whitefish, passed peacefully on May 20, 2019.
Bulldogs take silver at state tournament
The Whitefish boys tennis team capped off the season on a high note, with Brendan Buls taking second in singles and the team winning silver overall.
Time to start practicing for Bulldog Open at WLGC
New practice area progress
Lady Dogs sprint to first championship in 35 years
The Lady Bulldogs showed up to compete at the Class A State Track Invitational, coming away with their first title in 35 years.
Smyley stays perfect as Lady Dogs win state
The Lady Bulldogs are Class A state champions.
Monday, May 27
Photos: Memorial Day
The Whitefish VFW Post 276 held its annual Memorial Day parade Monday afternoon through downtown.
Thursday, May 23
Board rejects plan for mixed-use building on Lupfer
Saying it just couldn’t see how the building would fit with the neighborhood, Whitefish Planning Board last week voted against a planned mixed-use building for the corner of Lupfer Avenue and Second Street.
Memorial Day parade set
The annual Memorial Day parade is set to make its way through downtown on Monday, May 27 followed by a ceremony at the Whitefish Cemetery.
Wednesday, May 22
Legals May 22, 2019
No. 2485 Montana Eleventh Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Jacquelyn Janetski Jacquelyn Janetski, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-356A AMY EDDY Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Jacquelyn Elle Janetski to Jacquelyn Elle Kingery. The hearing will be on June 11, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Flathead County. Date: April 26, 2019 PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: Sara Smith Deputy Clerk of Court May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________
Tuesday, May 21
Community briefs for May 22
Bulldogs gear up for state competition in Laurel
The Bulldogs posted strong showings at the Western A Divisional track meet in Butte last weekend.
Smyley leads Lady Dogs to divisional title
Led by Gracie Smyley’s singles title and a second place from Olivia Potthoff and Aubrey Hanks, the Lady Bulldogs are divisional champs.
Bulldogs defend divisional title, gear up for state
The Bulldogs dominated the Western A Divisional Tournament last week, coming away with singles, doubles and team titles.
Police Calls: Backpacks left behind
Monday, May 13
Wilfred (Bill) Stare Miller, MD
Wilfred (Bill) Miller 88, of Green Valley, Arizona, and formally of Whitefish, passed away on May 17, 2019. He was born in Decatur, Illinois, to Dr. W.S. Miller and Cecil Miller. The family later moved to Assumption, Illinois.
Resort kicks off summer season on mountain this weekend
The summer season at Whitefish Mountain Resort is set for another early start this year as the resort opens for Memorial Day weekend.
Thanks for passing levies
We are so grateful for your support in passing the technology and general fund levies! The additional general fund dollars will help better support staff, strengthen the curriculum, and provide more of the materials necessary to improve each student’s learning outcome. And the technology levy carries a dual benefit, because it not only provides separate fund dollars to insure an effective and secure technology program, it also relieves any further pressure on the general fund budget to maintain our tech department.
Mental Health Month time to provide education, awareness
May is Mental Health Month nationwide, and in Montana, this is a topic that affects many people in the local area. In recent years, mental and behavioral health providers, clinics, and nonprofit organizations have made great efforts to de-stigmatize mental health, increase education and resources, integrate services, and invest in suicide prevention and awareness.
Sewer smell wretched
The Whitefish wastewater treatment plant stinks high heaven. Did we not solve this problem just two summers ago? How can this be that this beautiful town with its mountain views and clean air can smell so wretched. What’s boggles the mind is the fact that there are multiple new developments and condos in the process of building that haven’t even burdened the plant yet. What then? The thousands of tourists haven’t shown up yet. What then?
Preventing AIS everyone's responsibility
Montanans know how precious water is. It’s essential for fish and wildlife, boating and angling, irrigating, drinking and creating much of our electricity. When something threatens our water — such as aquatic invasive species — we are on high alert.
Fern discusses preschool initiatives
Democrat Rep. Dave Fern returned to the Whitefish School Board last week to give an overview of the recent state legislative session, but the discussion focused primarily on public pre-kindergarten education in the state.
Great Clips offering quality haircuts
Offering walk-in service, Great Clips is now offering haircuts in Whitefish.
Whitefish High graduate honored for work with BPA
The Bonneville Power Administration presented Melanie Smith with the BPA Unsung Hero Award as part of the agency’s 2019 Administrator’s Excellence Awards program.
Bullock talks job creation at summit here
Presidential candidate Montana Gov. Steve Bullock stopped by Whitefish on Tuesday as part of the National Governors Association’s Good Jobs for All Americans summit.
Whitefish adopts affordable housing program
Most new developments in Whitefish will now have to include affordable workforce housing.
Plan lays out goals of academic improvement
The Whitefish School District has adopted a strategic plan for the next six years, laying a path for academic growth for each and every Whitefish student.
Conservation project earns international award
An effort that eventually led to the conservation of 13,400 acres west of Whitefish has earned international recognition.
Board approves bid for rebuild of high school gym roof
The Whitefish School District is moving forward with plans to replace the oldest section of the high school’s roof.
Friday, May 17
Burger Battle moved to June 8
The third annual Feast Whitefish Battle of the Burgers, which had been scheduled for Saturday, May 18 at the Pine Lodge has been re-scheduled to Saturday, June 8.
Thursday, May 16
Students share soil remediation research
After turning an unfortunate case of contaminated soil into a research project, Whitefish High School students and teachers presented their findings to the public last week.
Glacier's Mow looks ahead to busy summer
As Glacier National Park continues to see changes in areas like visitation and wildfire frequency, Superintendent Jeff Mow says the future requires flexibility and “all hands on deck” to adapt.
Wednesday, May 15
New director takes keys at group behind SNOW bus
Rick Cunningham and Jenny Cloutier both often get asked the same question — do you get to drive the bus?
No headline
A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay.
Driver hits bird leaving 'fowl' scene
Friday, April 26
Community briefs for May 15
City Council
Whitefish City Council meets May 20 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:
Planning board has full agenda
The Whitefish Planning Board has a full agenda for its meeting on Thursday, May 16.
Capital projects lead to increase in city budget
While capital projects are driving an increase in the City of Whitefish’s proposed budget total, the document released last week anticipates a decrease in city property taxes.
Council approves right-of-way purchases for State Park Road construction
Whitefish City Council on May 6 approved a resolution allowing for the purchase of right of way associated with the reconstruction of State Park Road.
Scientist says everyone plays role responding to climate change
Robert Davies’ talks about the changing climate are, as he puts it, “heavy.”
Bridge Medical Center celebrates 20 years of care
The healthcare professionals at Bridge Medical Center take a holistic approach to treating their patients.
Project aims to address Central Ave. 'slump' by reducing width of street in that section
Whitefish plans to reconstruct the southern most portion of Central Avenue in continued efforts to curb slumping of the road into the Whitefish River.
Charles M Schwarz
After 92 years of love and adventure, Charles Milton Schwarz, “Charlie,” peacefully left this life to venture on to his “happy hunting grounds.”
Lana Nelson
Lana Nelson, 78, passed away on May 8, 2019 at Northwest Health Center in Kalispell.
Lady Dogs close out regular season on a high note
Singles star Gracie Smyley concluded her undefeated regular season as the Lady Bulldogs breezed to easy wins over Polson, Hamilton and Corvallis last week.
Whitefish Marathon
Drew Coco of Whitefish was the lone runner to break 3 hours on Saturday for the Whitefish Marathon.
Bulldogs prepare for divisionals, weather
After three strong wins last week for the Bulldogs, it’s tournament time.
Track posts strong showing at Polson ABC Invitational
The Whitefish track and field team wrapped up their regular season schedule with solid showings at home and in Polson last week.
Lyndsie Sebby, Adam Long receive Northwest PGA honors
Cart path use
Twins best Senators in weekend doubleheader
The Glacier Twins picked up a pair of wins over the Helena Senators in a Sunday doubleheader.
Walburn to lace up for Carroll
Bulldog athlete Lee Walburn will continue his athletic career into college, joining the track team at Carroll College in Helena next year.
Legals May 15, 2019
No. 2487 WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING At a meeting of the Whitefish Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 6:00 pm, the Board will hold a public hearing on the item 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 Will MacDonald on behalf of Quarry Joint Venture to exceed the maximum WB-1 zoning district size of seven acres in order to apply for a future zoning map amendment to rezone portions of three WRR-1/WB-1 split-zoned lots entirely to WB-1. The properties are located at 800, 902, and 1000 Wisconsin Avenue. (WZV 19-04) Taylor 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: dtaylor@cityofwhitefish.org. For questions or further information regarding this request, phone 406-863-2410. WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS Herb Peschel, Chair May 15, 2019 MNAXLP
Monday, May 13
City adopts 5G regulations
Whitefish is implementing regulations around small 5G cell wireless facilities that could end up being installed primarily in the public right-of-way.
Thursday, May 9
Whitefish Farmers Market returns for the summer
A staple of summer returns Tuesday, May 28 with the first Whitefish Farmers Market of the season.
For 30 years, Expo has been getting folks into the woods
When the Family Forestry Expo first started, some of the trees in the Ronald Buentemeier Educational Forest off Trumbull Creek Road were just saplings.
City holds forums on downtown parking
The City of Whitefish is holding two public input forums on parking issues in the downtown core as part of their public outreach for the downtown parking improvement plan currently underway.
Wednesday, May 8
Voters approve school levies
Voters on May 7 elected Darcy Schellinger and Nick Polumbus to the Whitefish School Board and approved three levies.
Modifications boost Whitefish Marathon
Things have been changing in the last few years for the Whitefish Marathon — the name change from Two Bear, the switch to an all-road course and moving the event to the spring.
FWP reviews bike path connection along river
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is looking for public input on a proposed extension of the bike path along the Whitefish River.
Comments taken on changes in Hellroaring
The Flathead National Forest has released an environmental assessment for plans by Whitefish Mountain Resort designed to enhance skiing in Hellroaring Basin.
Legals May 8, 2019
No. 2485 Montana Eleventh Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Jacquelyn Janetski Jacquelyn Janetski, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-356A AMY EDDY Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Jacquelyn Elle Janetski to Jacquelyn Elle Kingery. The hearing will be on June 11, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Flathead County. Date: April 26, 2019 PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: Sara Smith Deputy Clerk of Court May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________
Tuesday, May 7
Man wearing short shorts while running deemed suspicious
Friday, April 19
Hospital planning for future 'steady growth'
North Valley Hospital saw about 1,600 patient admitted to the hospital last year.
No headline
A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay.
Library earns state award
At the 107th annual Montana Library Association conference held recently in Helena, the Whitefish Community Library received the 2019 Excellent Library Service Award from the Montana State Library Commission.
Payment company announces merger
Payment company NXGEN International of Whitefish announced its merger with Atlanta-based Payscape on May 1. The combined company will operate in 75 countries and is expected to process over $10 billion in payment volume annually for more than 20,000 merchants.
The War of the Republicans
A half century ago the power in Montana politics was the Montana Power Company. Created to provide electricity for the operations of the Anaconda Copper Company, “the terrible twins” dominated Montana both economically and politically for most of the last century.
Assisting wrongly convicted
We are board members of the Montana Innocence Project, which works to exonerate the innocent and prevent wrongful convictions. Our client Richard Burkhart was 23 years old when he was wrongly convicted of murder in Great Falls. Two years ago, at age 38, he was finally exonerated after the Montana Innocence Project found a police report of another person confessing to the crime.
Passion for yoga center of new studio
Holly Purdy and Suzy Argon want to share their love of yoga with others.
Muldown Elementary students, staff embrace values of book
A tree has sprouted in the main hallway at Muldown Elementary School and hanging from its branches are colorful handwritten wishes.
Ronan, Libby no problem for Lady Bulldogs tennis
The Lady Dogs made quick work of Ronan and Libby over the weekend, coming away with just one loss in the two duals.
WHS sends 28 to DECA conference
Whitefish High School once again got a student on stage at DECA ICDC (International Career Development Conference). Elizabeth Campbell, a junior, scored in the Top 10 in the world for her competitive event case-study. Her event was Apparel and Accessories Marketing and the case-study topic was Economics. There were five total students from Montana that made the podium with the other four from Bozeman High School.
Bulldogs split Cat-Dog meet in Columbia Falls
One week stands between the Bulldogs track and field team and the Western A Divisional tournament.
Boyle resigns as head wrestling coach
Bulldogs wrestling head coach Ryan Boyle has decided to step down from his post after eight years.
Bulldogs net perfect weekend
The Bulldogs made the best of a mostly-nice Saturday with a pair of sweeps over Ronan and Libby.
Deborah Rae Langford
April 25, 1956-April 30, 2019
Golf course welcomes new members
Parking lots completed
Lewis F. McCready
Lewis F. McCready, 89 of Whitefish, passed away May 5, 2019 at the Veterans Home. Lewis is survived by his wife Georgia McCready and his children. A graveside committal with military honors will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Austin Funeral and Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for Lewis’ family.
Alex Richard Rich Ottwell
Alex Richard “Rich” Ottwell, 73 of Whitefish, passed away May 2, 2019 at a care center in Bigfork. Rich is survived by his wife Judith Ann Ottwell and daughters Kate Riggles and Paula Pomeroy. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2019 at the Whitefish Assembly of God. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery with a reception in Olney later in the day. Austin Funeral and Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.
Heloshi Kusumoto
Heloshi Kusumoto passed away in November 2018 at the age of 89.
Ballet Company presents 'Sleeping Beauty' this weekend
Northwest Ballet Company is presenting the classic story of “Sleeping Beauty” for Mother’s Day weekend at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.
Monday, May 6
No headline
Hikers and bikers will see some weekday restrictions on the Going-to-the-Sun Road later this month as Glacier National Park crews will start pavement preservation work on the road.
Man with long criminal history here has died
A man with a long criminal history in Flathead County has died.
Sunday, May 5
PHOTOS: WAG RACE
Runners and their dogs participated in the 10th annual WAG Race Sunday morning beginning and ending at the WAG dog park. The annual race is a fundraiser for the park.
Friday, May 3
Hospitals release affiliation report
The annual affiliation report is part of the affiliation agreement between North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional Healthcare. For the first five years of the affiliation, NVH will report on the changes and benefits of the affiliation to the facility, employees, and community.
Legislator reflects as 66th session comes to close
On Tuesday afternoon, April 25, both chambers of the legislature voted to sine die (Latin term meaning, without a day specified for a future meeting), and the 66th session came to an end.
ATP performance had heart, soul and song
What a show! If you missed the high school production of “9 to 5” by Alpine Theater Project (ATP) this weekend, you missed out big. Every single person put their heart and soul into those performances and every one in attendance walked out of that theatre blown away. Some of these kids are stars in the making, and under ATP’s tutelage, they simply shine. For those of us with kids who never really sang or danced—we were amazed that they can, indeed, sing and dance. Anyone can with a little help from ATP.
Thanks for skiing program
Did you know that this last winter over 500 elementary students grades three through six went on a field trip up to the Whitefish Mountain Resort to ski or snowboard? As a matter of fact, Sue Moll was once again able to organize two trips per class.
Test scores not everything when it comes to learning
In last week’s coverage of school board candidates, the Pilot reported that “parents” were concerned about declining test scores. While a few parents have raised this concern, many others have voiced concern about teaching to the test at the expense of deeper learning.
Education association evaluates trustee candidates
Whitefish Education Association leadership officers interviewed all four Whitefish School Board candidates. We are grateful for people who care about our schools, and are wiling to run for office, as well as serve, if elected as a trustee.
Mary Tyler
Mary Tyler, 68, passed away April 28, 2019 at Whitefish Care and Rehab.
Charles Schwarz
Charles Schwarz, 92, passed away at his home in Whitefish on April 26, 2019.
Helen Gertrude (Thoring) Herberg
Helen Gertrude (Thoring) Herberg passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at the age of 84 in Everett, Washington. She was born in Williston, North Dakota on July 3, 1934 to the late Anton and Louise Thoring.
Thursday, May 2
State Park Road closure set for gas pipeline relocation
Modifications to the traffic flow on State Park Road begin today including a closure of the road as crews work to relocate a natural gas pipeline.
State Park Road rebuild final design approved
A final design for the reconstruction of State Park Road has been approved and the city is set to begin accepting bids on the first phase of the project.
Wednesday, May 1
Forest release assessment for Taylor Hellroaring Project
The Flathead National Forest has released an updated environmental assessment for a timber management and trail project planned for northwest of Whitefish.
Legacy Partners challenges community for fundraiser
Grab your hiking boots or bike, and head out on the Whitefish Trail beginning today, May 1 to give back to the trail while also getting healthy.
Safety driving middle school upgrades
Visitors to Whitefish Middle School may have noticed some recent changes to the school’s entrance — most notably the 10-foot glass wall.
Legals May 1, 2019
No. 2480 CITY OF WHITEFISH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHING FEES FOR SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at its regular meeting to be held May 6, 2019, at 7:10 p.m. in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 418 East Second Street, the Whitefish City Council will consider establishing fees for small wireless facilities. Any taxpayer or resident may appear at the public meeting and be heard for or against establishment of the small wireless facilities fees. Written comments for or against the establishment of the small wireless facilities fees may be submitted to the Whitefish City Clerk, PO Box 158, 418 East Second Street, Whitefish, Montana 59937 or by e-mail at mhowke@cityofwhitefish.org. For further information contact the Whitefish City Attorney at 406-863-2444 or ajacobs@cityofwhitefish.org. April 24, May 1, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________