Ellington

Sean Carter

Sean Carter

Sean Carter died at his home in Kalispell, Montana, July 16, 2020.

Solo only for Big Mountain Run

The 38th Annual Big Mountain Run is a solo challenge this year.

Impressed with Whitefish Lake Golf Club

Editor’s note: The following letter was received and submitted by Terry Nelson.

Teaching in the field

As a field scientist, Eric Sawtelle appreciates the lessons that come from getting your hands dirty.

Twins close out regular season

The Twins closed out the regular season over the weekend, splitting a pair against the Mission Valley Mariners.

Police calls: Fireworks sounding like war

Thursday, July 2

Shirlee L. Yeats

Shirlee L. Yeats

Shirlee L. Yeats, 91, of Whitefish, passed away July 21, 2020 at KRMC.

Whitefish High senior gets an early start on activism

While political activism can be intimidating for anyone at any age, Luca Welle doesn’t feel the pressure.

City Council sets goals for 2021

Whitefish City Council last week approved its goals list for what it hopes to accomplish primarily in the next year.

Council denies fee extension for Alta Views

Whitefish City Council last week rejected a request for a year extension for the Alta Views subdivision to pay a required fee in lieu of affordable housing.

City approves water plant contract

The expansion of the City of Whitefish’s water treatment plant has been approved with a construction contact of $9.3 million.

Alpine Theatre Project, Glacier Twins present summer series

Alpine Theatre Project is teaming up with Glacier Twins baseball team for a series of outdoor concerts.

Cooney visits Whitefish hops producer

Montana Lieutenant Gov. Mike Cooney got a chance to taste what’s brewing at Glacier Hops Ranch on Friday.

State unemployment rate dropped in June

Montana’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.1 percent in June after the state and national parks reopened to tourists.

911 levy heads to Flathead County voters this fall

Flathead County voters will have another chance this fall to decide whether or not to support a ballot measure that will tax property owners to support capital improvements for the Flathead Emergency Communications Center.

Construction going smoothly for new wastewater plant

Progress on the City of Whitefish’s new wastewater treatment plant is humming along.

Believes in free speech, not vandalism

I am a local resident of Whitefish, and I am a firm believer in everyone’s right to free speech. If you want to make your opinion known, write a book, a blog. Wear a T-shirt. Write a news article, hold a sign. What you can’t do, is vandalize private property. This is our home. We will not become Seattle, New York, Portland, Chicago, Detroit.

Cowboy up, mask up, keep Montana open

Wearing a mask and keeping six feet apart from others is the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure Montana businesses remain open during this challenging time. We all have a role to play during this pandemic to keep our loved ones, families, neighbors, communities, and businesses safe. COVID has created a new motto to help keep businesses and their clients safe: no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service.

A silver lining for downtown Whitefish

How about we change things up a bit and create a uniques business friendly atmosphere in downtown Whitefish.

ATV tours allowed to Red Meadow Lake, but not North Fork Road

The Flathead National Forest gave North Fork residents a preview of some controversial recreation permit requests for the area.

Honoring our obligations to one another

I’m going to ask you to do some things for me, and I’ll do the same for you in return.

Brown: My very own declaration of independence

Ever hear of Rudy Stanko, well-known in Montana 20-plus years ago? Rudy “Stinko” you say? Well, maybe. Here’s the story. Rudy liked to speed, and it was easy for him to do so because from 1955-1974 and again from 1995-1999, the speed limit in our state was “reasonable and prudent” in the opinion of the arresting officer. This worked well enough when the spirit of the law was respected, but then along came Rudy. In one three-month period, he was clocked exceeding 100 mph three times. Our law enforcement and judicial systems had enough, so the Montana Legislature took up the issue.

Northwest Montana Fair accepting online entries

The 2020 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo is now accepting online entries for 4-H, FFA and Open Class competitions.

No Sun Road reservations this summer

Glacier National Park announced Wednesday that it would not implement a reservation system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer.

Latest COVID cases linked to service industry

Many of the newest local cases of COVID-19 appear to be associated with those who work in the service industry such as at bars and restaurants, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.

Opening Day at Sperry Chalet

Grace and Landon Gardner of Missoula got up bright and early Saturday morning. They wanted to be the first guests at the new Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park. So they spent the night with friends in Whitefish and were on the trail at 6 a.m. and made it to the chalet by 10 a.m.

Latest COVID-19 cases linked to service industry

Many of the newest local cases of COVID-19 appear to be associated with those who work in the service industry such as at bars and restaurants, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.

Glacier won’t implement Sun Road reservation system this summer

Glacier National Park announced Wednesday that it would not implement a reservation system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer.

State adjusts COVID testing priorities to tackle wait times

In an effort to combat growing wait times for COVID-19 test results, the state of Montana recently made adjustments to who will receive priority testing at the state lab in Helena.

City should have given more notice

I would like to express my disappointment in the handling of the face mask policy vote by the Whitefish City Council.

Great Fish ready to launch

Whitefish Community Foundation kicks off the sixth annual Great Fish Community Challenge with a Virtual Launch event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 30.

Chiropractor authors chapter in self-healing book

Erika Putnam thinks of health in terms of a broader picture.

Whitefish Schools look to phased reopening plan

The Whitefish School District last week approved a phased reopening plan for Whitefish Schools should students return to the classroom this fall.

Reminder issued about face masks

Whitefish is reminding folks about the guidelines surrounding the wearing of face masks in pubic, and noting that neither the city nor state requirements to do so provide for criminal or civil citations for those who do not wear a face covering.

Mother-daughter team care for Whitefish’s vision

Duo cares for patients’ vision at Whitefish optometry clinic

Naomi Barnes and her daughter Breanna Barnes knew they wanted to pursue careers in health care, but they also knew they didn’t like blood — both chose to become optometrists.

Claim over masks is false

In response to Catherine Owens’ opinion in the July 15 edition, she stated that “we, who watch the science and know that asymptomatic and healthy people do not spread the virus.”

Destruction of private property no way to improve society

I am saddened to report that the Jesus statue placed on Big Mountain by the Knights of Columbus has been vandalized. As many of you know, the statue was dedicated in 1954 to the memory of those who served in World War II fighting for the freedom of Europe against the totalitarianism of the Nazi regime.

Masks keep business open

Everyone needs to take responsibility and establish a mandatory mask mandate for Whitefish. The health of our staff, family and our community is of the highest priority.

School district eyes slight dip in preliminary budget

The Whitefish School District is looking at a slight decrease in its general fund budget for the 2020-2021 school year.

School Board welcomes Interim Superintendent

The Whitefish School Board officially welcomed Interim Superintendent Dave Means during its July 14 business meeting.

Looking Back for July 22

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

Library storytime goes outside

A new outdoor storytime begins this week at Whitefish Community Library.

Annual Bulldog Open set for Sunday

Dorothy Bunker Artley

Dorothy Bunker Artley

Dorothy Bunker Artley passed away in her sleep on May 16, 2020.

Eatery taps into authentic Mexican cuisine

The former site of McGarry’s Roadhouse on Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish has been completely transformed for the opening of Jalisco Cantina, a new Mexican restaurant with an overflowing tequila vault. For owner David Pike, that’s all part of the experience.

Some COVID-19 testing suspended

Flathead Community Health Center has suspended asymptomatic testing for coronavirus in the Flathead Valley until further notice.

Glacier Park waiting on Washington for decision on Sun Road reservation system

Glacier National Park is now awaiting a decision from the Park Service’s Washington, D.C. offices on whether it can implement a ticketed reservation system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road for the remainder of the summer, superintendent Jeff Mow said Friday.

Bullock directive requires masks in most public places

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Wednesday announced immediately that people will be required to wear masks in public buildings, stores and even outside where 50 or more people are gathered and they can’t keep safe social distance from each other.

Commissioners OK $105.2M preliminary budget

The Flathead County Commissioners recently approved a $105.2 million preliminary budget for Flathead County for fiscal year 2021, which began on July 1.

Scholarships awarded to graduates

• The Flathead Democratic Women award scholarships yearly to encourage Flathead Valley students to reach their academic goals through higher education.

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I would like to thank Betsi Morrison and Luke Walrath and the Alpine Theatre Project. They have taken on a new challenge so needed for our children.

Young people make great citizen lobbyists

Recently I had a terrific experience volunteering with Whitefish High School student Luca Welle as citizen lobbyists. We were warmly welcomed in our online meeting with Representative Gianforte’s office in Washington, D.C. Luca and I are both members of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Our meeting was one of over 400 held in June by CCL with D.C. lawmakers to ask for a price on carbon pollution.

Glacier considers temporary reservation system for Sun Road

Glacier National Park is considering implementing a temporary reservation system for visitors wanting to travel the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer.

Shared leadership empowers nursing teams at hospital

At North Valley Hospital, the concept of shared leadership is an important part of the culture as a Planetree hospital. The Planetree philosophy of person-centered care at the hospital encourages communication between staff and administrators and collaborative problem solving. Shared nursing leadership is just one example of how innovative healthcare management models are being used at your community based hospital.

Court decision puts future of public schools in hands of voters

A decision by the United States Supreme Court could put Montana’s quality public schools at risk.

DREAM recreation program celebrates 35 years

Many people flock to Northwest Montana for the great outdoor recreation opportunities abound — but for some it’s not as simple as stepping outside the front door and charging out to the surrounding mountains, lakes and parks.

Polka Dot Sheep yarn shop leans on tight-knit community

Bundles of yarn in deep blue, vibrant green, sunny yellow and most any color you can conjure up line the shelves at the Polka Dot Sheep Fine Yarns.

Requiring wearing masks creates division

I attended the Whitefish City Council meeting on July 6 and addressed the mask wearing resolution.

County to receive $3M from federal government

Flathead County will receive just over $3 million this year from the federal government under a long-running program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.

Townhouse project with affordable units gets OK

Whitefish City Council last week approved a 20-townhouse residential subdivision for West Second Street that plans to include three deed-restricted affordable units.

DREAM earns grant for summer program

DREAM Adaptive Recreation has been awarded a $9,000 grant from The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund to support the nonprofit’s Summer Water Sports Program.

Looking Back for July 15

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

Excessive personal items can’t be stored in public areas

Personal items, such as duffel bags, backpacks or suitcases, can no longer be left to clutter public spaces in Whitefish, under a city new ordinance.

On split vote, Council approves request for property line change

Whitefish City Council on a split vote last week approved an agreement with owners of a Dakota Avenue property that would allow them to change the boundary lines of their property to construct future homes.

Bulldog Open set for July 26

Member/Guest Tournament

Twins come close to Sapa/Johnsrud title

Heading into the seventh inning, the Glacier Twins were looking to break a 2-2 tie and defeat the Crew Athletics 17U squad for a Sapa/Johnsrud tournament title.

Whitefish mandates masks for public settings

Whitefish City Council Tuesday afternoon unanimously passed an emergency ordinance requiring the use of masks in public spaces when social distancing is not feasible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Jesus statue at Whitefish Mountain Resort vandalized

The Jesus statue that sits atop Chair 2 at Whitefish Mountain Resort was vandalized.

Bar temporarily closes after employee tests positive for COVID-19

The popular Great Northern Bar downtown is temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

Council sets emergency meeting Tuesday morning to vote on ordinance requiring masks in public

Whitefish City Council will meet in a special session on Tuesday, July 14 to consider an emergency ordinance requiring the use of masks in public spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Whitefish man in custody following shooting in Coeur d’Alene

A Whitefish man is in custody following a reported shooting late Saturday near the back entrance of the Iron Horse Bar and Grill, according to the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

Montana business and tourism organizations encourage mask use

Chambers of commerces and visitors bureaus around Montana are asking people to wear masks to protect the health and economic viability of the communities they represent.

Sun Road opens Monday to Rising Sun

The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park will open to motorized vehicles from the west entrance to Logan Pass and as far as Rising Sun on Monday, July 13, pending any last-minute changes due to weather, the park said late Thursday in a press release.

Glacier Twins have a tough go in Helena tournament

The Twins weren’t lacking in tough competition during the Keith Sell Tournament last weekend in Helena.

Dennis Duane Bee, 52

Dennis Duane Bee, 52

Dennis Duane Bee joined heaven on June 23, 2020.

FWP plan would restore cutthroat to Martin Creek near Olney

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is looking for public input on a new proposal that would restore westslope cutthroat trout in Martin Creek near Olney.

Cutthroat Tattoo brings the ink to Second Street

At Cutthroat Tattoo, the priority is quality art in a comfortable atmosphere.

Whitefish Pottery changing course at 25 years

Tom Gilfillan wants to focus on his own artistic projects.

Patrick Joseph Sullivan

Patrick Joseph Sullivan

Pat was born April 21, 1941 in Minneapolis to Joseph James and Esther Susanna (Stuedemann) Sullivan. Pat passed away on June 26, 2020 in the hospital in his old neighborhood. In between, Pat enjoyed a life of many adventures and laughs.

Whitefish looks into creating deer management plan

Watching a doe and fawn walking through a downtown park can be a neat experience.

Partners in blue

The chiefs of the fire departments of Flathead County would like to acknowledge our “Partners in Blue” during what has to be some of the most challenging of times in law enforcement. We recognize the toll that current circumstances take, not only on your department, but also on each and every individual serving. While the missions of fire and law may vary in many ways, they also align in many ways, too. We are all here to serve the public and keep them safe, all while taking care of ourselves, making sure we all go home.

Police Calls: Man spotted sleeping in park gazebo

Doctor says wearing mask way to beat coronavirus

Montana is in grave danger of missing a rare opportunity to demonstrate to the rest of the country how to reopen the economy and prevent resurgence of the COVID virus.

Looking Back for July 8

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

Bullock releases phased plan for opening schools

Hoping to set in place guidelines for school districts in the fall, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and Lieutenant Gov. Mike Cooney on Thursday released the state’s Plan for Reopening Safe and Healthy Schools.

Whitefish passes resolution urging folks to wear face masks

Whitefish is “strongly encouraging” residents and visitors to wear face masks when outside the home related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students seek more lessons on diversity

A trio of Whitefish High School students are voicing their desire for more diversity studies in their school.

Fundraisers set up for Mohler, Nevins families

Two online GoFundMe fundraising campaigns have been set up to help the families of Emily Mohler and Cody Nevins, who were both stabbed to death last week at her home near Olney.

Rosanova, Johnston win competitive Fourth tourney

WHITEFISH — Cora Rosanova bested Teigan Avery by two strokes to win the women’s division at the 84th Annual Earl Hunt Memorial 4th of July Golf Tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Saturday.

WLGC celebrates Fourth of July tournament

Fourth Of July Tournament

Hazmat training for local first responders this week

Flathead County first responders are hosting a joint Hazmat and Law Enforcement exercise this week on July 6-10.

City taking comments on resolution that would encourage use of masks

The City of Whitefish is accepting comments on a proposed resolution that strongly encourages the use of masks in Whitefish.

Court filings show Whitefish man had threatened to murder ex-wife

The Whitefish man accused of brutally murdering his ex-wife, daughter and another man near Olney early Tuesday morning had told the woman he would kill her this summer, court filings state.

Harold Jerome “Jerry” Puglia

Harold Jerome “Jerry” Puglia

Harold Jerome “Jerry” Puglia, 66, of Hungry Horse, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 21, 2020 in his home of 15 years after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the fifth born blessing on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1953, in Highland Park, Michigan to James William and Eleanor Marie Puglia.

Whitefish Police explain response to Lion Mountain home following 911 call

The Whitefish Police Department has issued a statement related to law enforcement’s response to a call to Larch Lane on Lion Mountain on June 14.

Four people dead in Olney murder-suicide

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday was investigating an apparent triple homicide and suicide in Olney.

Badger-Two Medicine needs permanent protection

A panel of judges in Washington, D.C., recently ruled that the last industrial lease in the Badger-Two Medicine must be canceled. And while the Blackfeet Nation is grateful for the court’s ruling, we recognize that this company is not likely to give up. They will be back.

Lawsuit results after building begins sinking

A mixed-used building on East Second Street is at the center of lawsuit involving the building’s owner, along with the construction companies and engineering firms that worked on the project, after the building apparently began sinking during construction.

Census critical for future of Montana

As the country celebrates its birth as a nation, one of the most patriotic things Montanans can do is stand up and be counted — in the 2020 Census.

Require wearing of masks to slow spread of virus

We’ve watched with alarm as the state and Whitefish, in particular, descend into summer chaos in the midst of a global pandemic and COVID-19 cases follow the predictable trajectory that comes with lack of leadership and irresponsible behavior.

Looking Back for July 1

Resort’s pass sales lead to food bank donation

Whitefish Mountain Resort recently presented a check for $2,500 to the North Valley Food Bank.

FORLOH looks to build better threads

Andy Techmanski, founder of FORLOH outdoor apparel company, was on a trip up the North Fork recently while wearing one of his company’s shirts. The mosquitoes were so bad, he sprayed himself down with bugs repellent multiple times, and the next day when he smelled the shirt, designed to eliminate scent for hunters, it smelled brand new.

Twins fall short of Ed Gallo championship

A pair of late runs spoiled the Twins’ shot at an Ed Gallo tournament trophy on Sunday.

In the wilderness, girls learning life lessons

This year marks the fifth anniversary for Girls in The Bob – a program of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation designed to introduce young women to wilderness and public lands stewardship.

County sets preliminary budget with $6M increase

A proposed $6 million increase to the preliminary Flathead County budget is on the table for the county commissioners.

Harold Jerome “Jerry” Puglia

Harold Jerome “Jerry” Puglia

Harold Jerome “Jerry” Puglia, 66, of Hungry Horse, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 21, 2020 in his home of 15 years after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the fifth born blessing on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1953, in Highland Park, Michigan to James William and Eleanor Marie Puglia.

Police calls: The French launch projectiles on highway

Thursday, June 18

Hot, dry summer could still dictate fire season

It was a wet June, but forecasts still predict a hot and dry summer in northwest Montana.

COVID-19 testing site opens for front-line workers

Free COVID-19 testing is available in Whitefish for front-line workers who interact with the public frequently, but are asymptomatic.

Library reopens with restrictions

The Whitefish Community Library has reopened to the public with certain restrictions in place related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council looks at housing project

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, July 6 at 7:10 p.m. at the City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

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Sworn law enforcement officers in Montana adhere to a high code of ethics which states, “As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.”

Fireworks allowed in city July 3-4

The Whitefish Police Department is reminding folks that fireworks are allowed in Whitefish only on July 3 and July 4.