Ellington

Community briefs for Jan. 29

Film Festival

Whitefish inventor creates device for hospitals

Kerrie Cardon has been inventing products since the age of 5, and now she’s hoping one of her inventions could end up in hospitals everywhere.

Whitefish inventor creates device for hospitals

Kerrie Cardon has been inventing products since the age of 5, and now she’s hoping one of her inventions could end up in hospitals everywhere.

Whitefish man who attacked woman with stun gun sentenced

A Whitefish man who attacked the mother of his children with a stun gun as she tried to call police on him from her Columbia Falls home was sentenced to 10 years with the Department of Corrections with five years suspended for felony criminal endangerment, though Flathead County District Court Judge Robert Allison expressed his deep dismay with the case last week.

Designs put water treatment plant cost at $9.86 million

Designs for the expansion of the city’s water treatment plant are more than halfway complete and the estimated cost for the project sits at $9.68 million.

School district adds employee assistance program

Employees at Whitefish School District will soon have more options for mental health, legal and financial counseling.

Town Pump doubles donation to Food Bank

The Whitefish Town Pump doubled its donation this year to North Valley Food Bank as part of its annual fundraiser.

Couple focuses on creating great tasting kombucha

Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, is often framed in terms of its often-debated health benefits, like providing antioxidants and probiotics.

Construction on State Park Road to begin this spring

Reconstruction for the second phase of State Park Road is set to begin this spring.

Masons donate to Christian school

The Whitefish Christian Academy recently got a $10,000-boost from the Whitefish Masonic Lodge.

Father-Daughter ball Feb. 7

The Whitefish Theatre Company is hosting the sixth annual Father-Daughter Winter Ball on Friday, Feb. 7.

Whitefish records spike in building permit numbers

Whitefish during 2019 saw an estimated $45.5 million in residential and commercial construction with total building permits recorded by the city the highest of the decade.

Masons donate to Christian school

The Whitefish Christian Academy recently got a $10,000-boost from the Whitefish Masonic Lodge.

Crafting kombucha

Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, is often framed in terms of its often-debated health benefits, like providing antioxidants and probiotics.

Designs put water treatment plant cost at $9.86 million

Designs for the expansion of the city’s water treatment plant are more than halfway complete and the estimated cost for the project sits at $9.68 million.

Construction on State Park Road to begin this spring

Reconstruction for the second phase of State Park Road is set to begin this spring.

Father-Daughter ball Feb. 7

The Whitefish Theatre Company is hosting the sixth annual Father-Daughter Winter Ball on Friday, Feb. 7.

Town Pump doubles donation to Food Bank

The Whitefish Town Pump doubled its donation this year to North Valley Food Bank as part of its annual fundraiser.

School district adds employee assistance program

Employees at Whitefish School District will soon have more options for mental health, legal and financial counseling.

Whitefish records spike in building permit numbers

Whitefish during 2019 saw an estimated $45.5 million in residential and commercial construction with total building permits recorded by the city the highest of the decade.

Whitefish denies violating open meeting laws

The City of Whitefish is rejecting allegations that officials violated state open meeting laws regarding the creation of the city’s affordable housing program.

No headline

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Feb. 3 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

Walking complete, fundraiser continues

Yes, the 15-year quest of Old/Older/Olderer Man Walking is finally complete!

No headline

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

Nordic ski team has strong showing in Wyoming, Seeley Lake

The Glacier Nordic Ski Team had a busy race weekend, Jan. 17-18, with both the competition team and prep team traveling to races.

Bulldogs drop a pair of thrillers to Libby, Browning

The Bulldogs got close in both their games last week, but couldn’t squeak out a win in either.

Lady Dogs fell Loggers at home

The Lady Dogs couldn’t quite get past first-place Browning on Saturday, but they held their own.

Whitefish alpine skiers earn team title at home event

As daylight faded under gray, snowy skies Sunday afternoon, Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation racers skied their way to the Overall Team Title at the Sportsman Ski Haus-Northern Division U.S. Ski Association Youth Ski League race series in Whitefish.

Hockey team wins tourney in Utah

Team Montana, the 14 years old and under AA Tier II hockey team, recently won the Griz Cup in Salt Lake City.

Swimmers take third, fifth in Missoula

The Bulldogs swam with the best last weekend in Missoula, finishing third and fifth as a team.

Speech readies for state

Whitefish had two individual champions and an overall second place finish at the Class A Divisional speech and debate tournament last week.

Wrestlers get set to host Whitefish Invite

The Bulldogs got plenty of wrestling time in last week at the Class A Duals.

LOOKING BACK FOR JAN. 29

A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay. 10 years ago

Voisin earns X-Games bronze

Whitefish freeskier Maggie Voisin soared to a podium finish in women’s slopestyle at the X-Games in Aspen, Colorado, on Sunday.

Whitefish man sentenced to 20 years in state hospital for killing father

A Whitefish man who stabbed his father to death during a dispute more than a year ago was sentenced to 40 years, with 20 suspended, in the Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs.

Sweet Peaks plans expansion to Texas

Sweet Peaks Ice Cream has announced its plan to open a storefront in Dallas, Texas.

City shows support for Safe Freight Act

Whitefish City Council last month passed a resolution showing its support of a federal act that would mandate at least two person crews on freight trains.

Driver hits teen in crosswalk on Baker Ave.

A 14-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle while he was using a crosswalk on Baker Avenue near Riverside Park in Whitefish around 2:46 p.m. Monday.

Council turns down 36-unit apartment project

Whitefish City Council on Tuesday rejected the first proposal to come through review under the city’s affording housing program adopted last summer.

Snow Sculpture event set

The City of Whitefish, in partnership with Whitefish Winter Carnival, is excited to announce the Snow Sculpture Showdown planned for Winter Carnival on Feb. 7-8.

Black Curtain: Snarky play takes look at topic of sibling rivalries

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its third Black Curtain Theatre production of the 2019-2020 season with the award-winning play “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

WHS senior working on third self-produced album

Most musicians are lucky to put out an album every few, if not several, years.

Whitefish has ways to go to meet targets

Whitefish appears to still have a large hurdle to overcome in creating the number of housing units — and in particular affordable housing units — needed to serve the city, according to a housing assessment issued four years ago.

Community briefs for Jan. 22

Chamber's annual awards event next week

The Whitefish Chamber’s annual Community Awards Gala, is Thursday, Jan. 30 at the O’Shaughnessy Center.

Judges needed for state speech tourney

Whitefish High School will host the 2020 Class A Montana State Speech, Debate, and Drama Tournament on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Whitefish High School and Whitefish Middle School, and is seeking volunteer judges to help with the tournament.

Volunteers needed for speech tourney

We are members of the Whitefish High School Speech and Debate Team.

Property taxes, controversial audit

The press reports that our past week of trainings, seminars and interim committee meetings allowed legislators to “try on” annual sessions. It’s a bit of stretch to make any comparison of legislative week to an actual session, though a valuable experience.

Looking back at 'Theodore Rex' Roosevelt

We had no TV at our ranch because my father thought its absence would encourage his kids to read. I’m extremely grateful to him. I remain an avid reader of history, and discovered Theodore Roosevelt during my childhood years.

Impressed with work on State Park Road

In October, the section of State Park Road near our home was completed, and I have to say I was impressed with the entire project.

Junior ski races at Big Mountain this weekend

The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation will be hosting three days of junior ski racing at Whitefish Mountain Resort this weekend.

Warm weather causes cancellation of skijoring

The Whitefish World Invitational Ski Joring event set for Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26 has been canceled due to an unfavorable forecast of warmer temperatures and rain.

Lady Dogs sink Pirates for second win

The Lady Dogs got another mark in the win column after thrashing the Lady Pirates on Friday.

Boys looking to regroup after home loss to Polson

Despite outscoring Polson 34-25 in the second half, Whitefish couldn’t hold on in Friday’s Northwest A matchup.

Speech gears up for state with another silver

Another week, another silver finish for the speech and debate team.

Flannery takes second in Rocky Mountain Classic

The Bulldogs had some solid individual performances despite the overall team scores in a pair of duals last week.

New owner purchases grocery store, brewery properties

The properties housing Great Northern Brewing Co. and Markus Foods in downtown Whitefish are under new property management, and while the new owners intend to retain Markus Foods as a grocery store, future plans for the brewery building aren’t as clear-cut.

Police Calls: Men search for phone under car

Thursday, Dec. 26

Bulldog leaders inducted into Hall of Fame

Three Bulldogs leaders have been inducted into the Whitefish High School Hall of Fame.

MacLarens crowned King and Queen

Longtime Whitefish residents Scotty and Gayle MacLaren will reign as Whitefish Winter Carnival King Ullr LXI and Queen of the Snow. They were crowned during a coronation ceremony Saturday evening in downtown Whitefish.

Future of Great Northern brewery uncertain, building already sold

The future of Great Northern Brewing Company in downtown Whitefish appears to be uncertain.

Goguen asks court to toss police chief's lawsuit

Whitefish businessman and philanthropist Michael Goguen has asked Flathead District Court to dismiss a lawsuit filed against him last month by Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial, alleging Goguen attempted to derail a 2017 criminal investigation and also tried to get Dial fired from his job.

Resort touts deepest snow in state

January has delivered the goods to Northwest Montana’s mountains.

Community briefs for Jan. 15

WITNESSING HISTORY

Ruth and Sam Neff remember the start of April 4, 1968 as a quiet, beautiful morning at their Atlanta home.

Whitefish's first production winery opens

Nicole Erickson envisions her winery as a relaxing place to enjoy a glass of wine whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to wine.

Engineer OK'd for Baker Ave. underpass

Whitefish City Council last week approved awarding an engineering contract for designing the Baker Avenue pedestrian underpass project.

Hucking hatchets

There’s something about throwing an ax, Jared “Hank” D’Andrea says.

MLK program looks at black experiences in Montana

The 15th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center chronicles the history of the black experience in Montana.

No headline

Whitefish City Council meets on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

Journal hosts author Pam Houston

Author Pam Houston will read from her latest book, “Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country” on Friday, Jan. 17 at Casey’s in downtown Whitefish.

Application period opens for nonprofits for annual Great Fish Community Challenge

The 2020 Great Fish Community Challenge application opens Jan. 15.

Skiers compete in Glacier Glide

Skiers of all ages competed Sunday in Glacier Nordic Club’s Glacier Glide.

Speech team takes second

The Whitefish speech and debate team had another solid outing at the Frenchtown Invitational.

Apartment project doesn't match neighborhood, would increase traffic

Whitefish residents should pay close attention to our City Council’s actions at the upcoming Jan. 21 meeting. Council is poised to vote on a proposed multi-family housing project in the neighborhood near the Whitefish High School, Muldown Elementary School, and numerous preschools. Everyone in Whitefish should be aware, and quite frankly, alarmed, at the scope and scale of this project, and how it will affect you and your children, no matter where you live in Whitefish. City Council is considering this project, despite the outpouring of concern and protest from local neighbors and concerned citizens, because it may provide “affordable housing.” We are the immediate neighbors of this project, and we ask the rest of our Whitefish neighbors to consider our concerns, and join us in sharing them with City Council, as follows:

Mark F. Wolfe

Mark F. Wolfe, 61, of Missoula passed away Dec. 20, 2019 at St. Patrick Hospital.

Thanks

It is impossible for me to adequately express the deep gratitude my family and I have for your overwhelmingly kind and generous response to my recent car accident.

Lady Dogs look ahead after tough week

It was a tough week for the Lady Dogs, who dropped games at home and on the road.

Bulldogs nip Wildcats in rivalry swim battle

It was a solid showing for Whitefish at the Cat-Dog Invitational last Saturday.

Wrestlers compete in Cut Bank

The Bulldogs got another big test at the Cut Bank Invite last week.

Boys hoopers win one, drop two in busy week

The Bulldogs won one of three games last week, dropping the other two in close road battles.

Council reorganizes at first meeting of year

Mayor John Muhlfeld and three City Councilors were sworn into office last week at the first meeting of 2020.

Steele named new supervisor for Flathead Forest

The deputy forest supervisor for Idaho’s Nez-Perce Clearwater National Forests, Kurt Steele, has been named the new forest supervisor for Flathead National Forest.

Carnival 2020: Duffey named Prime, Straka Duchess

The first royalty of the annual Whitefish Winter Carnival has been announced.

Minimal oversight required for planned slopeside resort

If you were unaware of the recently announced plans for a Canadian development company to erect a large luxury ski-in ski-out condominium building on Big Mountain, you are not alone.

Good Medicine owners thrive on adventure

Ryan and Sara Grenier had an adventure-filled summer in the Flathead Valley preparing them to take over ownership of the Good Medicine Lodge.

Whitefish creates app so folks can report issues around city

The City of Whitefish is making it easier for folks to report issues they see around town.

Whitefish included as part of governor's recreation plan

The Whitefish Trail project got a nod in the most recent update to the governor’s comprehensive outdoors plan.

Judge awards Goguen $10.25M in counter-claim over contract lawsuit

A California judge has ruled in favor of Whitefish philanthropist Michael Goguen in a counter-suit he filed against a woman who claimed that he abused her during their 13-year relationship.

Neighbors rally against apartment project

Residents surrounding an apartment project proposed to be sandwiched between Seventh and Eighth streets spoke for about an hour Monday night, telling Whitefish City Council the project would negatively impact their neighborhood.

Seniors lead the way in Feat x Feet

Olivia Potthoff and Ian Calaway began tap dance as the younger siblings who were brought along to the studio, but they both found a reason to keep dancing.

Police calls: Santa spotted?

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Should Legislature meet annually?

During the week of Jan. 13, members of the legislature will gather in the state capitol at what is being billed: “Legislative Week: Budget and Policy Trends in Montana.” The purpose, according to the good folks at Legislative Services, is to “bring legislators together to cross pollinate and provide additional training and share information.” All the interim committees will be meeting. I serve on Local Government. (More on the working of this interim committee to follow.) There will be a day of seminars with titles such as, “How to Build a World Class Education System,” “State and Local Sustainability,” breakout sessions on the topics of pensions, human services, local trends, public safety and infrastructure. In addition, the gathering is held in conjunction with Senate Bill 310, a study looking into annual sessions.

Looking back on a year of community care

This was a busy year at North Valley Hospital, and our staff and employees worked hard to maintain our high quality of patient centered care with increased volumes, new services, and new technology. Here we review some highlights of 2019 as your community hospital.

Old Man Walking campaign supports education

I am a sophomore at Whitefish High School and have been involved with Project FREEFLOW (Flathead River Educational Effort for Focused Learning in Our Watershed) since the fall of my freshman year. This club has provided me with knowledge and adventures I will treasure for a lifetime.

WCU announces dividend for members

Whitefish Credit Union announced a 1.5% dividend for the six-month period ending on Dec. 31.

Whitefish skijoring event this month

Organizers of the Whitefish skijoring event want folks to know their event is moving ahead as planned later this month.

Werner lookout fully reserved for limited 2020 dates

Werner Peak Lookout is booked for the entire 2020 season, according to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Restaurant focuses on menu of fresh ingredients

When Patrick and Reem Mata wanted to open a restaurant, they knew they wanted to do it their own way — relying on family recipes and focusing on using fresh ingredients.

Wrestlers show improvement at Western A Duals

The Bulldogs started slow but went out strong at last week’s Western A Duals in Ronan.

Beale, Drown named to Shrine Game

The Bulldogs will have two representatives on the gridiron during this year’s East-West Shrine Game.

FVSEF racers compete in Big Sky

Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation racers were on the road at Big Sky Resort over the weekend competing at the Northern Division Tech Qualifier on Jan. 3-5.

Lady Dogs struggle against Browning

The Lady Bulldogs had a tough end to their winter vacation Friday, falling to Browning 67-24.

Bulldogs drop a high-scoring battle to Browning

The Bulldogs held on tight against the Indians, but fell short 70-60.

Sandra Diane Sesler

Sandra Diane Sesler, 82, passed away quietly on Dec. 20, 2019, surrounded by her children.

Housing, schools, business, conservation top stories of year

A look at the top headlines that shaped 2019 in Whitefish.

Students go from soil to sale with academic lesson

Whitefish Middle School fifth-graders recently grew their own produce and then turned it into an opportunity to earn money.

James Russell White

James Russell White, 77, passed away in Eureka on Dec. 24, 2019.

Whitefish native training for 2020 Olympic rugby team

Nicole Heavirland, like most professional athletes, is competitive by nature, but what keeps her loving rugby is the culture that surrounds the game.