Ellington

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Senior Devin Beale didn’t hold back on homecoming night, scoring four touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 55-20 beatdown of Ronan.

Off-season rules begin for watercraft inspections

The Whitefish Lake Institute, City of Whitefish and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are asking watercraft users to comply with off-season rules on Whitefish Lake that go into effect on Oct. 1.

Historic winter storm on its way

A historic winter storm is expected to hit Western Montana late Friday into the weekend bringing with it snow and cold.

Hop Queen gets crowd ready to dance

What sticks out to reigning Hop Queen Kate Houlihan most about her Oktoberfest experience? The Chicken Dance.

Oktoberfest celebrates 10th anniversary

Happy Anniversary, Oktoberfest!

Citizens says thank you

Citizens for a Better Flathead would like to say thank you.

Crews work at unique, but beautiful job site as they repair Sperry Chalet

The hike up to Sperry Chalet is a great day trip.

Legals September 25, 2019

No. 2512 Notice of Close of Regular Voter Registration and Option for Late Registration Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for the Whitefish Municipal General Election(s) to be held on November 5, 2019 will close at 5:00 p.m., on October 7, 2019. *NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the local election office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. All active and inactive**electors of City of Whitefish are entitled to vote at said election. **Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the Election Office in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by completing a new voter registration form available at on the Election Department's website, https://flathead.mt.gov/election and returning it to the Election Department by October 7th. Address: 40 11th St West #230, Kalispell, MT 59901 Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the county election office. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the county election office. DATED this 16th day of September 2019. Debbie Pierson Flathead County Election Administrator By: /s/Monica R. Eisenzimer Clerk & Recorder Manager Updated September 6, 2017 September 25, October 2, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________

Commercial project on Hwy 93 gets OK

A five-lot subdivision has been approved on U.S. Highway 93 South on property just north of the First Baptist Church.

Businesses talk strategy in dealing with summer worker shortage

It’s no secret that Whitefish businesses are always looking for workers in the summer.

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

Water, sewer rate increases irk residents

A mix of opinions were shared by the public with Whitefish City Council last week before it voted to increase water and sewer rates.

Board recommends expansion of Christian Academy

The Whitefish Planning Board last week unanimously recommended approval for a proposed expansion to the Whitefish Christian Academy.

Council approves Smith as interim City Manager

Dana Smith has taken on the role of interim City Manager for the City of Whitefish.

Hammer Nutrition celebrates anniversary by assisting Whitefish Trail

Hammer Nutrition recently celebrated its 32nd anniversary, volunteering 32 hours of service to Whitefish Legacy Partners.

Band performs mixture of traditional, pop songs

The Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to present San Diego-based Latin fusion band Jarabe Mexicano who are performing for the first time in Montana. Called “heartfelt and engaging,” Jarabe Mexicano will play one night only on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Nomination for top students sought for feature

As the first month of school comes to a close, Kalispell Regional Healthcare and the Whitefish Pilot would like to remind folks to nominate an outstanding high school student to be considered for the inaugural “Today’s Achievers, Tomorrow’s Leaders” honors.

Whitefish Trail races scheduled

Whitefish Legacy Partners is hosting a weekend of trail running events next month.

Svein Jenshus

Svein Jenshus of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away Aug. 26, 2019.

'Doll's House' auditions

The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for a Black Curtain theatre production of “A Doll’s House, Part 2” written by Lucas Hnath.

Dogs drop Browning for third win

The Bulldogs improved to 3-1 with a 47-6 trouncing of Browning last week.

City Council not listening

What a waste of time to go to the City Council meeting.

September is Suicide Prevention Month

“We need to talk about suicide,” teachers said, choking back tears, or letting them flow, as they interviewed recently for Montana’s Teacher of the Year award. They shared with us on the selection committee that student suicides hurt their hearts and devastate schools, and we need to bring the problem out in the open to solve it. That’s what September’s National Suicide Prevention Month aims to do — create suicide prevention awareness and reduce stigma of mental illness. It’s a time for communities all over Montana and the country to give pause and pull together to stop suicide.

Sickened by loss of historic home

Dear Mayor Muhlfeld and Councilors:

Whitefish planning could take a lesson from Columbia Falls

Bravo to the Daily Inter Lake article published Sept. 12, 2019 regarding the status of a Columbia Falls subdivision proposed for the area near Flathead River and River Road.

Police calls: People warned against taking selfies with bears

Wednesday, Sept. 11

Lady Dogs flood Pirates at the net

Anna Cook notched a hat trick en route to the Lady Dogs’ highest scoring match of the season, a 7-2 beatdown of Polson, last week.

Dogs keep streak alive, blow out Polson, Corvallis

Last year Polson was the thorn in the Bulldogs’ side, stealing away a perfect season with a late-season tie game before the Dogs got revenge in the Class A State Title game.

Golfers take gold, silver at Polson Invite

The Lady Dog golfers took first overall last Monday at the Polson Invitational.

Lady Dogs split with Wildkats, Maidens

After a rough first set, the Lady Dogs put up a fight against the Columbia Falls Wildkats last week.

Bulldog harriers keep pace with best in Class AA, A

The Bulldogs competed in a tough Class AA and A meet on Friday in Great Falls.

Whitefish native joins Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame

Don Welch Hall of Fame

Great Fish Challenge sets new record, passes $2.2M

The preliminary total raised for this year’s Great Fish Challenge was just over $2.27 million.

Lawsuit against Goguen dismissed

A California arbitrator last week threw out a civil breach-of-contract suit alleging sexual and emotional abuse by Michael Goguen, a venture capitalist who has donated to many causes in Whitefish and the Flathead Valley.

Artist brings Blackfeet history to students

It’s one thing to see artifacts from the past — to be told a rock is 200 million years old or a buffalo tooth is over 200 years old — holding these in your hands is another thing entirely.

Oktoberfest event searching for next Hop Queen

Organizers of the 10th annual Great Northwest Oktoberfest are searching for the next Hop Queen.

Whitefish grad honored for creating positive change

Micah McFeely describes herself as an advocate for justice and equity, and often asks herself an important question in her job looking to improve the lives of students at Montana State University.

Nurse Becky Cox named hospital's Caregiver of Year

Registered Nurse Becky Cox says working in the emergency department gives her the chance to be the source of comfort on what may be one of the worst days of their lives.

Exhibit features art inspired by railway

Artists throughout several decades have been capturing the culture and history of the railroad.

Community briefs for Sept. 18

BNSF continues cleanup related to diesel sheen in Whitefish River

BNSF Railway is continuing cleanup work in the Whitefish River this week.

Legals September 18, 2019

No. 2511 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 to replace an existing treated water effluent diffuser in the Whitefish River, within the 100-year floodplain of the Whitefish River. The project is located at the back of the City of Whitefish Wastewater Treatment Plant off Monegan Road. The property is located at 350 Monegan Road and can be legally described as Tracts 1 & 2D in Section 6, Township 30 North, Range 21 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, October 4, 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 September 18, 2019 MNAXLP _________________________

Poets gather to present work during competitive arts event

Kay Lynn’s words hang in the air, the last line tumbling through the minds of the dozen or so people gathered in Frame of Reference Gallery. Silence for a moment, then applause. Lynn smiles and gives a slight bow, just a nod of the head, and returns to her seat.

Forest plans prescribed burn near resort

Plumes of smoke rising near Whitefish Mountain Resort could be highly visible this fall as the Flathead National Forest conducts prescribed fire projects in the area.

District to retain part of building, tear down gym

The kindergarten and fourth-grade wings of the current Muldown Elementary School building will remain while the rest of the school building — including the gym — will be demolished after a new building is complete, the Whitefish School Board decided last week.

Christian school expansion goes to planning board

The Whitefish Christian Academy has applied with the city to expand its school building on Ashar Avenue.

Veterans Support Team hosts summer retreat

The Whitefish Veterans Support Team hosted six injured veterans and their spouses at the annual Summer Retreat Sept. 3-8.

Symphony focuses on young talent to open season

The Glacier Symphony announces the start of their 37th season themed “THE MUSIC MAKERS.”

Dark comedy tells story of joys, terrors of starting over

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its first Black Curtain Theatre production of the 2019-2020 season with “The Roommate” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Police Calls: Gold ring stolen from unlocked vehicle

Sunday, Sept. 8

Community Foundation opens applications for grant cycle

The Whitefish Community Foundation is opening the fall cycle of its Community Grant Program.

Gathering information on deer incidents

Many people in Whitefish believe we have a deer problem. I am compiling information to present to Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to see if there are possible solutions. I would like to know the following:

Fiber optic line install proposed for forest service road

CenturyLink has applied with the Flathead National Forest to install fiber optic line to Bootjack Lake Road area residents.

School board adopts policy changes despite objections

The Whitefish School Board last week approved two policy updates that had previously been met with criticism from teachers and administrators.

Developer says vandalism causes home to be unmovable

A Whitefish developer says vandalism to a historic home on Lupfer Avenue will force the home to be demolished rather than moved to another location.

Bulldogs outscore opponents 21-0 in dominant week

The Bulldogs continued their undefeated streak while scoring 21 goals on the pitch in three games last week.

Fall Pro-Am this weekend at WLGC

Fall Pro-Am Saturday and Sunday

Additional early concept emerges for athletic complex

More potential plans for a Whitefish Bulldogs athletic complex have been presented to the Whitefish School Board.

Lady Bulldogs take down Stillwater 3-1 after slow start

The Lady Dogs came roaring back after dropping the first set to Stillwater Christian School on Thursday.

Golfers take silver, bronze at Libby Invitational

Whitefish showed up to play at the Libby Invitational golf tournament last Friday, coming away with the individual winner on the boys side and second and third on the girls side.

Lady Dogs looking to rally after tough weekend

It was a tough weekend for the Lady Dogs (2-3) at home.

Slaybaugh named new Twins coach

Head coach Scott Murray has resigned from the Glacier Twins, and general manager and Twins president Kevin Slaybaugh will take the reins.

Harriers compete in Kalispell

The Bulldogs cross country team got to race with some of the best at the Flathead Invitational at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell.

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It was close, but the Bulldogs pulled away for a 17-14 rivalry win over the Columbia Falls Wildcats.

Legals September 11, 2019

No. 2510 WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING At a meeting of the Whitefish Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, October 1, 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. A variance request by Dennis Doherty to reduce the rear and side yard setback for an accessory building to a new commercial building. The property is zoned Secondary Commercial District (WB-2) and is located at 6354 Highway 93 S. (WZV 19-05) Compton-Ring Documents pertaining to this agenda item are available for review at the Whitefish Planning & Building Department, 418 E. 2nd Street, Whitefish, Montana 59937 during regular business hours. Inquiries are welcomed. Interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and make known their views and concerns. Comments, in writing, may be forwarded to the Whitefish Planning & Building Department at the above address prior to the hearing or via email: wcompton-ring@cityofwhitefish.org. For questions or further information regarding this request, phone 406-863-2410. WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Herb Peschel, Chair September 11, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

Fundraiser aims to assist ski patrol employee

A fundraiser is set for Sept. 19 for Mark Dundas, a Glacier National Park employee and member of the ski patrol at Whitefish Mountain Resort, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.

City sets priorities for remaining TIF funds

Whitefish has an ambitious list of project it plans to organize before its tax increment finance district sunsets next summer.

City eyes potential for new TIF districts

Whitefish is considering creating two new tax increment finance districts that would allow the city to capitalize on future growth saving funds for public projects.

Chamber event focuses on summer staffing issues

Staffing-up for the peak summer season has always been a challenge for Whitefish businesses, and never more so than in the summer of 2019, according to the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

City Council considers increase to water, sewer rates

Whitefish City Council is set next week to consider whether to approve an increase in sewer and water rates.

Lawmakers should have courage to limit clip capacity

The President has frequently repeated the NRA talking point that more extensive background checks on gun sales would not have prevented the recent rash of mass murders. Maybe so. It’s hard to accurately see what lurks in a murderer’s mind.

Clear conflict of interest

The recent appointment of William Perry Pendley as acting director of the Bureau of Land Management should deeply trouble all Montanans who love our public lands. Mr. Perry is an outspoken advocate for selling off all public lands, including places like Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the Flathead National Forest, places vital to our heritage, our way of life, and our economy, especially here in Northwest Montana.

Council approves contract to rebuild Monegan Road

Whitefish plans to reconstruct a portion of Monegan Road on the eastern city limits.

Sarah Chrischilles

Sarah Chrischilles, 61 of Whitefish, passed away Sept. 8, 2019 at North Valley Hospital.

Harry Puryer

Harry Puryer, Jr., 77 of Eureka, passed away at his home on Sept. 6, 2019.

Marilynn Dee Harding

Marilynn Dee Harding, 75, of Whitefish, devoted sister, beloved wife, loving mother and grandmother extraordinaire passed away Aug. 24, 2019 while at a family gathering. She had a passion for life and lived each day to the fullest.

Hospital garden growing community project

The Planetree Garden at North Valley Hospital can mean different things for different people.

WHS Homecoming events set for later this month

Whitefish High School’s Homecoming week is coming fast.

Course fall maintenance set to begin

Fall maintenance schedule

Hole-in-one

John Harding shot a hole-in-one on Aug. 30 on the No. 15 of the North Course at Whitefish Lake Golf Club. He used a 6 Iron at 168 yards.

Lady Dogs best Loggers

It took all five sets, but the Lady Dogs defended their home court against the Libby Loggers last week.

Golf takes gold, silver in Frenchtown

The Bulldogs split first and second place honors at the Frenchtown Invitational last Thursday.

Lady Dog harriers nab second place

The Whitefish girls cross country team ran their way to a second-place finish at the Cut Bank Time Trials on Friday.

Lady Dogs split opening week

The Lady Dog soccer team got their groove back on the Friday after dropping their opening match to Columbia Falls earlier in the week.

Whitefish keeps unbeaten streak alive in week one

Goals win games, boys soccer head coach John Lacey likes to say, and early in the season, the defending state champs aren’t having any issues with scoring goals.

Bulldogs bounce back to sink Pirates at home

The Bulldogs found their rhythm against Polson Friday night, coming away with a solid 28-15 home victory.

PHOTOS: Great Fish Color Run

Runners got splashed with color Saturday morning during the Great Fish Community Challenge Color Run around Whitefish.

City Manager suddenly resigns position

Whitefish City Manager Adam Hammatt has resigned from his position with the city.

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The Bulldogs found their rhythm against Polson, coming away with a solid 28-15 home victory.

Swirl caters to sweet tooth with gourmet cotton candy

Spinning the sugar inside a machine, Jessica Shaw smiles. Then holding the stick, she hands over a delicate white cloud of dessert to her customer.

Duo holds concert, music workshop

Nashville-based duo Mare Wakefield and Nomad are set to perform a concert at Stillwater Landing and hold a Turkish music workshop at North Valley Music School next week.

Back to school

Daniel McKay photos/Whitefish Pilot

Park responds to medical fatality on Sun Road

A Whitefish man died while traveling on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park over Labor Day weekend.

Legals September 4, 2019

No. 2509 WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The regular meeting of the Whitefish Planning Board will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 6:00 pm in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 418 E Second Street. During the meeting, the Board will hold a public hearing on the items listed below. Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Planning Board, the Whitefish City Council will hold subsequent public hearings for items 1-3 on Monday, October 7, 2019 and for item 4 on October 21, 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 Matt Danford for a Conditional Use Permit to construct an accessory apartment over a proposed two-car garage. The subject property is currently developed with a single-family dwelling and is zoned WR-2 (Two- Family Residential District). The property is located at 1047 Columbia Avenue and can be legally described as Lot 1 of Brash Subdivision in S36, T31N, R22W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 19-16) Minnich 2. A request by Courtland Chelmo for a Conditional Use Permit to construct an accessory apartment above an existing garage. The subject property is currently developed with a single-family dwelling and is zoned WR-2 (Two- Family Residential District). The property is located at 725 Riverside Drive and can be legally described as Lot 1 of Canoe Park Subdivision in S36, T31N, R22W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 19-17) Minnich 3. Whitefish Christian Academy is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to expand the school facilities. This is a continuation from the July and August Planning Board meeting. The property is currently developed with a school and is zoned WR-1 (One-Family Residential District). The property is located at 820 Asher Avenue and can be legally described as Tracts 1K, 6W in S32-T31N-R21W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 19-12) Compton-Ring 4. A request by Sandra Hartman to rezone a parcel from WR-1 (One-family Residential) to WR-2 (Two-family Residential District) along Wisconsin Avenue. The subject property is currently developed with one single-family dwelling. The zone change would permit development of a duplex on the northern of the two lots in the parcel. The property is located at 1320 Wisconsin Avenue and can be legally described as Tracts 2D and 2CC in S24 T31N R22W P.M.M., Flathead County. (WZC 19-04) Lindh 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 September 4, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

Gallery Nights features variety of talent

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.

Police Calls: Man swinging from tree causes concern

Friday, Aug. 23

Couple honored for decades of teaching, volunteering

Since she herself was a third-grader, Jerrie Boksich knew she wanted to be like the teacher she looked up to at her Portland, Oregon, grade school.

Study shows skier visits up statewide

Montana has seen an increase in skiers over the last four years, a trend Whitefish Mountain Resort has been no stranger to.

Great Fish hits final stretch of giving campaign

The Great Fish Community Challenge has officially raised more than $1 million in donations in the first five weeks of the challenge.

Construction begins for new apartment complex project

Amid the sounds of construction equipment already working on the Edgewood Place site, state and local leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony last week to celebrate a new affordable housing project for Whitefish.

Community choir marks 10th anniversary of singing for cause

The voices that make up the Crown of the Continent Choir are varied.

Jeanne Appelgren and Bob Appelgren

Jeanne Appelgren passed away on June 25, 2019 and Bob Appelgren passed on Aug. 18, 2019.

Daniel David Donahue, 86

Dan passed away at his home in Whitefish on Sept. 2, 2019.

James Charles Sharp

Jim was born on June 12, 1940 and left us on April 18, 2019. According to Google he lived 28,799 days.

Harriers get off to a fast start at Libby Invite

The Bulldogs cross country got a nice start to their season, taking second and third at the Libby Invitational on Saturday.

Hole-in-one

Mike Oehlerich got a hole-in-one on Aug. 23 at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Former WLGC players making themselves known nationally

Annual Meeting on Oct. 5

Lady Dogs prepare for Loggers on Thursday

The Lady Dogs had a tough go at the Northwest A/Southwest A Tip-Off Tournament in Butte over the weekend.

Bulldog golfers dominate at home to start season

The Bulldogs golf team got a start to be proud of, dominating their home meet last Tuesday.

Bulldogs felled by Loggers in home opener

The Bulldogs are looking for improvement after a tough home opener.

Ethel McKenzie

Ethel McKenzie, 95, formerly of Whitefish, passed away in Columbia Falls at the Bee Hive home she resided in.