Monday, August 31
Preschool temporarily closes after student tests positive for virus
A student at the Whitefish Community School has tested positive for COVID-19 forcing the school to close for two weeks.
Long-term care facility confirms deaths related to virus
Four recent COVID-19-related deaths in Flathead County have been tied to Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center as the facility faces an outbreak that has resulted in 41 positives so far between staff and residents.
Friday, August 28
Health department confirms four additional deaths at care facility
The Flathead City-County Health Department on Friday confirmed four additional deaths related to an outbreak of COVID-19 at a long term care
Annual Oktoberfest canceled
The annual Great Northwest Oktoberfest scheduled for this fall has been canceled.
Wednesday, August 26
Whitefish city employee tests positive for COVID-19
The City of Whitefish announced Tuesday afternoon that one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Board recommends changes for WB-2 business zoning
The Whitefish Planning Board last week voted to recommend changes to the list of uses allowed in the WB-2 zoning district for along the U.S. 93 Highway corridor.
City plans for future infrastructure while lowering tax bill
The Whitefish City Council has approved the fiscal year 2021 budget, running from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
New weather stations enhance safety in the backcountry
The Flathead Avalanche Center recently finished installing weather stations on Tunnel Ridge near Essex — an undertaking that closed out a multi-year, multi-partnership effort to build a more robust weather dataset for the Flathead Range and beyond.
Whitefish boys golf team dominates two early season invitationals
If the first two tournaments of the season are any indication, the Whitefish boys golf team is primed to have a successful 2020 season.
Bulldogs begin fall sports season
Boys Soccer looks to continue state-title legacy
The Whitefish boys soccer team will look at defending a two-time State A title come October, but the team is taking it one day at a time with gratitude to just be on the pitch again.
Parents, teachers support hybrid model for back to school
Whitefish School District parents and teachers gave a mostly positive review of the school district’s hybrid in-person and remote learning plan related to COVID-19 during a special school board meeting last week.
Rotary Club raises funds for new bathrooms at Smith Fields
Rotary Club raises funds for new bathrooms at Smith Fields
WHS graduate working on COVID-19 vaccine
Whitefish graduate Dr. Colin Fields is part of research efforts to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus.
Health department confirms COVID-19 death at care facility
The Flathead City-County Health Department on Saturday confirmed the death of an individual residing in a long term care facility due to COVID-19.
Creative entries for library's edible book contest
Bugs, Rice Krispie treats, and cakes figured largely in the third annual Edible Book Contest recently at the Whitefish Community Library.
Trailview neighborhood offers workforce housing
Jerry Dunker and Dave Brandt had a vision to create a unique neighborhood of homes where working families could purchase a good home, at a good price.
Member/Guest tourney huge success
The 2020 Member/Guest tournament was a huge success with 60 teams competing in the two day event.
Schools plan to track COVID-19 indicators
The Whitefish School District plans to monitor several indicators related to COVID-19 throughout the duration of the school year in order to make decisions regarding how schools will continue to operate.
Great Fish challenge enters fourth week of giving
The Great Fish Community Challenge, a charitable giving campaign benefiting 56 local nonprofits, is now in the fourth week of the seven-week campaign.
Flattening the curve on chronic wasting disease
Flattening the curve on chronic wasting disease
Patricia Miller Tarpley
Patricia Miller Tarpley
City budget results in reduction for tax payers
Whitefish City Council last week approved a $65.5 million budget that results in a reduction for city tax payers.
WTC holds auditions
WTC holds auditions
Police Calls: Blue wallet lost at City Beach
Police calls
Whitefish Theatre Company announces 2020-2021 season
Whitefish Theatre Company, celebrating 42 years of quality community theatre, world music and more, is proud to introduce its 2020-2021 season.
Results from the Northwest Montana Fair
Results from the fair
Legals for August, 26 2020
Monday, August 24
Board looks at changes in uses for WB-2 business zone along highway
Whitefish is looking to make changes to the uses allowed in its WB-2 business zoning district along the U.S. 93 Highway corridor.
Friday, August 21
Residents, staff test positive for COVID-19 at care facility
A total of 14 residents and employees with Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center have tested positive for COVID-19.
Workshop destroyed by fire
A workshop located behind a residence on Fifth Street West in Whitefish was destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon.
Wednesday, August 19
Fall sports COVID-19 rules limit spectators
Fall sports COVID-19 rules limit spectators
School board approves final budget with decrease
The Whitefish School Board last week unanimously approved the school district budget for the 2020-21 school year.
Looking Back for Aug. 19
Looking Back
Bulldog sports complex design shows separate track, field
Dedicated to serving multiple sports and purposes, the committee working on designs for a new Bulldog sports stadium project has selected a “separated facility” concept.
Caution near railroad tracks paramount
There is no better place to be during the summer than Montana. Wide open spaces and long August days have been treasured more than ever this year. As summer comes to a close, though, we shift our focus to harvest and sending the kids back to school. It’s a good time to remind friends and family about safety near railroad tracks. Remember that if you see railroad tracks, there will be a train!
America is under siege
America is under siege.
Philanthropy and collaboration support community health
Whitefish and surrounding communities are fortunate to have superb healthcare facilities and services nearby — including a hospital established in 1905; many local and regional clinics; well-trained physicians, front line and administrative healthcare workers; emergency medical staff; and countless others who contribute to the health of our community.
Frank J Newbury
Frank J Newbury
Frank J Newbury’s final road trip is underway. “Huckleberry’s” log book entry shows the journey began August 10, 2020, at 1:45 p.m. Though he had no passengers on this last journey, Frank was not alone. For much of his life Frank was a professional driver, whether logging, or over the highways driving a semi, or as a tour bus driver in the U.S. and Canada. The time he spent in Alaska was part of his soul. It was never particularly easy being Frank. He often had a bur on his seat but through it all his charm endured. Tour bus patrons loved his stories of the road and each unique experience he shared from his millions of miles of journeys along life’s roadways. Executives asked for him by name. Railroaders were delivered, perhaps with some trepidation, to and from their assignments. Frank was often called upon to safely ferry our children to sporting and other events across the state. In 2007, as Frank was bringing our high school tennis team back from the state tournament in Miles City, a vehicle pulled alongside near Columbus and held up a sign that smoke was coming from the back of the bus. Frank wasn’t able to immediately pull off due to the ribbon of guardrail, but he sternly announced to the students that as soon as he could stop, they needed to urgently depart the bus and take nothing with them. The students did exactly as instructed--moments later the bus was engulfed in flames. For his efforts, Frank was named the Hero of the Year by the Montana Public Transportation Association; his award trophy was never far away. The tennis team later presented Frank a Whitefish letterman’s jacket, of which he was immensely proud.
Holes-in-one at WLGC
Holes-in-one at WLGC
Three golfers recently earned holes-in-one at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
WLGC puts course improvements on hold
Golfers card scores at Club Championship
John Lewis Carpenter
John Lewis Carpenter
One of Whitefish Montana’s most memorable citizens, John Carpenter, has passed away after a lengthy struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was released from his broken body on Aug. 2, 2020.
WHS golfer Kahle digs a challenge on the green
Over the years growing up in Whitefish, Cameron Kahle has made the Whitefish Lake Golf Club a second home of sorts spending countless hours golfing all summer long.
Whitefish Police increase patrols for holiday weekend
Historically, Labor Day weekend is a popular travel time with increased traffic on the roads, and this year is anticipated to be no exception as people drive instead of fly and Montanans stay to enjoy our outdoor recreation opportunities rather than travel out-of-state.
Completion of new Muldown Elementary School building celebrated
Completion of new Muldown Elementary School building celebrated
A pair of giant green scissors were used to cut the ribbon last week officially celebrating the completion of the new Muldown Elementary School building.
Education focus of design for new Muldown
A Bulldog puppy painted into the concrete of floor inside the main hallway of Muldown Elementary School will welcome students when they enter the building this fall for the first time and for years to come.
Police Calls: Unwanted RVs parked around town
Bullock knows Montana
The first step to representing Montanans well in government is understanding our state’s way of life. And it’s clear to me that nobody understands it better than Gov. Steve Bullock.
Monday, August 17
New needlework superintendent keeps textile arts alive
The torch has been passed to a new superintendent of the Northwest Montana Fair’s Needlework Department, and it is burning as bright as ever. Orry Nail comes to the role with a fire for teaching younger generations about age-old crafts like weaving, spinning, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and embroidery.
BNSF closes Glendive facility, but says no staffing changes planned for Whitefish
BNSF Railway Co. closed its maintenance facility in Glendive last month, cutting approximately 85 jobs. The closure is one of many changes coming down the line to Montana railroads due to the wide-ranging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friday, August 14
Whitefish School District adopts hybrid teaching model, requires wearing masks to reopen schools
The Whitefish School District has finalized plans to carefully reopen its school buildings with a hybrid in-person and remote-learning format for an extended transition period.
Wednesday, August 12
Bullocks requires masks for most schools
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Wednesday issued a directive requiring all K-12 schools, both private and public, to require face coverings for students and staff in counties that have four or more active coronavirus cases.
Nonprofits look to raise awareness with painted rocks
Butterflies in a rainbow of colors with paintbrushes for bodies have been creatively painted on about 100 rocks scattered around Whitefish.
Lillian Ellen (Merkle) Judge
Lillian Ellen (Merkle) Judge
Lillian Ellen (Merkle) Judge passed away on April 29, 2020 at The Montana Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls at the age of 91.
Swim the Fish turns into (mostly) virtual race
The annual Swim the Fish typically draws dozens of swimmers to Whitefish Lake for the open water swim event.
Shirley Yeats, 91
Shirley Yeats, 91
Shirley Yeats, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her, passed away peacefully with her son by her side, on July 21, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Police Calls: Hot tub party gets out of hand
Summer ArtFest showcases fine art in revamped gallery and virtual event
This year’s Summer ArtFest has created an avenue for fine art enthusiasts to enjoy the work of some talented artists, both in person and online.
Council OKs payment plan for Alta Views
Whitefish City Council last week struck a compromise with the developer of the Alta Views subdivision to pay a fee in lieu of affordable housing.
Whitefish among tourism organizations promoting safe travel practices
The Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau is among several tourism organizations joining the state in a “Montana Aware” campaign to promote safe and responsible behavior among those who are traveling in the state.
City looks to recoup COVID costs
The City of Whitefish has submitted a request for reimbursement from the state for about $688,000 in expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council approves loans for water project
Whitefish City Council has approved state loans to finance the expansion of the city’s water treatment plant.
Larson will protect open lands
We moved to Whitefish in 1969 when it was a quiet little town where my husband and I both found work at the Big Mountain Ski Resort. We were fortunate to make Whitefish our home and raise our sons here. Now the world has discovered our piece of paradise and though we recognize the benefits of growth, we also realize that many problems are rising as our population expands. Kristen Larson, candidate for Flathead County Commissioner, realizes that it is a delicate balance as the Flathead grows to support both our growth while protecting the open lands we love.
Lockwood leader who made dog park great
Thank you for your wonderful article on the front page of a recent Pilot about Jim Lockwood. Having served with him on the Board of the Whitefish Animal Group for a number of years, I know what he has meant to our organization. So when in your headline, you refer to Jim as a “longtime dog park volunteer,” it’s important to note that Jim brings new meaning to the word, “volunteer.”
Tester deserves thanks for legislation
I want to thank Senator Tester for his continued support of our public lands. A few weeks ago he introduced legislation that addressed the 100-year old, inefficient BLM oil and gas non-competitive leasing system. More recently, he introduced the Badger-Two Medicine Protection Act. This legislation builds on decades of important work to permanently protect the Badger-Two Medicine area and honor Blackfeet culture and their connection to the land. With the passage of the bill, this spectacular place will not be susceptible to industrialization and will protect wildlife, clean water and recreational opportunities for future generations. Tester also continues to support Montana-made solutions like the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, a collaborative solution with diverse interests near Seeley Lake. In this difficult time when things sometimes seem upside down, good things still are happening.
Doesn’t agree with changing name of lake
I find the plan to change the name of Lost Coon Lake to be ridiculous. Way back it was changed from Nigger Lake and the road was changed from Nigger Lane to Lost Coon Lane.
Fair carnival canceled amid virus concerns
This year’s Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo attendees can still expect the beloved event to unfold later this month, but this time without a carnival.
Legals for August, 12 2020
Tuesday, August 11
City Council meets Aug. 17
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Aug. 17 at 7:10 p.m. at the City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:
Twins finish season at state tourney
The Glacier Twins fell short against the Bitterroot Bucs on Saturday at the American Legion Baseball Montana-Alberta Class A State Tournament in Lewistown, recording a narrow 5-3 defeat in what turned out to be the team’s final game of the season.
Progress toward lake name change positive
Forest awards timber project to Stoltze
F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. has been awarded the bid for the Taylor Hellroaring Forest Management Project on the Flathead National Forest.
Friday, August 7
Tester wants aid directed to hospitality industry
As Congress continues to negotiate the next COVID-19 rescue package, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said he isn’t hopeful a final bill will be ready anytime soon.
Landmark outdoors bill signed into law
President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law last week.
Thursday, August 6
Counties to decide whether to hold mail-in election
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said Thursday that it would be up to counties on whether they wanted to implement a mail-in ballot for the November election.
Police seek man involved in deadly bar fight
Whitefish Police are working with California authorities to locate a man allegedly involved in the death of a Whitefish man following an altercation outside a bar.
Wednesday, August 5
Donations to trail encouraged after hootenanny canceled
Whitefish Legacy Partners has decided to cancel the annual Whitefish Trail Hootenanny that had been planned Aug. 21-22.
Food bank distributions remain high
The North Valley Food Bank has been growing since Executive Director Jessy Lee took over in 2019, adding more hours and serving more families.
Multi-phase reconstruction project brings park’s master plan to fruition
Multi-phase reconstruction project brings park’s master plan to fruition
Depot Park is the open space at the heart of downtown Whitefish. The park plays hosts to family gatherings, lunchtime picnics and major events, and is often the first glimpse of town visitors get when coming off the train.
Montanans should vote to preserve public lands
A recent survey by the University of Montana revealed information about how Montanans feel about our public lands and how we use them. The phone survey of 500 registered voters was done by Republican Lori Weigel, a Republican pollster with New Bridge Strategy and Dave Metz, a Democratic pollster with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates.
Huckleberry Days this weekend
The 31st annual Huckleberry Days Arts Festival is set for Aug. 7, 8 and 9 at Depot Park downtown.
Sweet Peaks drops plans for manufacturing facility
The owners of Sweet Peaks Ice Cream have dropped plans to construct a manufacturing facility and retail store on U.S. Highway 93 in Whitefish.
How many deaths do we have to suffer?
It took the United States 95 days, on April 28, to record a million cases of COVID-19. Forty-three days later, on June 10, we reached 2 million cases; 28 days later, on July 8, we reached 3 million cases. On July 23, 15 days later, we reached 4 million cases.
Cartoon poor choice
Shame on the Whitefish Pilot for publishing the cartoon on July 29. This community, this country and the world are dealing with very serious issues.
Dismayed by Council
It was disturbing to watch the June 15 Whitefish City Council meeting when councilors directed staff to review street or place names for racism/offensive language and to also look into banning offensive symbols. What I would like to know is who is going to determine what is offensive and then ultimately where this ends?
Annual edible book contest set for Aug. 14
Whitefish Community Library’s third Annual Edible Book Contest and Feast takes place Friday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.
Library takes storytime outside
Social distancing is no problem for the Whitefish Community Library’s storytime programs.
Neighbors seek to change name of lake
A group of neighbors who live around Lost Coon Lake, along with the City of Whitefish, are expected to soon file a petition in court to change the name of the lake due to its connection to a racial slur.
Longtime dog park volunteer says good-bye
Jim Lockwood seems to know most every person — certainly most every dog — at the WAG dog park.
Legals for August, 5 2020
Tuesday, August 4
Woman rescued after climbing accident
A woman fell 80 feet while climbing in the Point of Rocks area near Olney Sunday afternoon.
Familiar names top list of winners in annual Big Mountain Run
The 38th Big Mountain Run moved to a solo run this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Twins advance to state
There are more efficient formulas than, “wait for a crooked number in the sixth inning,” but the Glacier Twins don’t need to fix what isn’t broken.
Fall WHS sports set to begin with modifications
Fall sports are ready to take the field, but things are going to look a little different this fall.
Close battles expected for annual Club Championship
Three golfers nab holes-in-one at WLGC
Gary Lee earned a hole-in-one on July 21 the No. 6 of the North Course at Whitefish Lake Golf Club. He shot from 135 yards. Witnesses were Terry Lee, Jason Kuri and Barry Castle.
Justin Brewer
Justin Brewer
Justin Brewer, 30, of Eureka, passed away July 31, 2020 as a result of an auto accident near Olney.
Patricia Tarpley
Patricia Tarpley
Patricia Tarpley, 89, of Whitefish, passed away July 31, 2020 at The Springs.
Police Calls: Worry over boat not moving
Nancy A. Garrett
Nancy A. Garrett
Nancy A. Garrett, 78, formerly of Whitefish and Columbia Falls, passed away July 31, 2020 at Brendan House.
John S. Petersen
John S. Petersen
Long time Whitefish resident and local dentist passed away July 23. Dr. John S. Petersen DDS (Pete or Jack by relatives) was born in Missoula, Montana in 1935.
Police investigating death of man found outside bar
The Whitefish Police Department is investigating the death of a Whitefish man after an incident outside a bar last week.
Monday, August 3
Health-care providers want fair downsized
At a Flathead County Fair Board meeting Thursday evening, a local pediatrician presented a letter signed by 140 Flathead Valley health-care professionals who do not believe the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo should occur as currently planned, considering school is expected to start back up soon after the event.
