Ellington

U.S. News ranks Whitefish in top three Montana high schools

Whitefish High School ranked third among its peers in the state this year, according to a U.S. News & World report.

Whitefish man arrested following police chase, standoff

Authorities report that a Whitefish man is behind bars following a police chase and armed standoff Wednesday evening in the Halfmoon area near Columbia Falls.

A solution to short-term rental issue

Sharon Morrison has nailed the short-term rental problem. The services of any municipality or county are clearly impacted by all housing, rental or otherwise, and hence in return these governments legally tax and regulate for the benefit of the community.

Support for Friess in commissioner race

I am pleased to offer my full and heartfelt support for Brian Friess, as he runs for the office of County Commissioner, here in Flathead County. I have known Brian for several years and gotten to know him and his family well during that time.

Rage-fueled rhetoric has no place on school board

The Whitefish School Board election will take place on May 3, 2022. Five candidates are running for two seats on the Board.

Don't vote for Paatalo in school board election

Whitefish School Board ballots should all be in our homes by now. Do not to vote for Jenny Paatalo.

Vote for incumbents in Whitefish School Board election

Our community is facing some very real threats. Extremists who believe their own view is the only solution, and one who has demonstrated vulgar abusive behavior.

Flathead Electric Co-op talks of valleywide boom at annual meeting

If one is looking for hard numbers behind the latest boom in the Flathead, one has to look no further than Flathead Electric Co-op.

School board candidate defends threatening email amid community backlash

A Whitefish School Board trustee candidate is standing behind a profanity-laced email she sent to the school board last year in which she says the board is full of “morons and child abusers.”

Walburn third in Group B at Bryan Clay decathlon

AZUSA, Calif. — Whitefish product and Carroll College standout Lee Walburn completed a couple solid days of competition by finishing third in his decathlon group at the Bryan Clay Invitational meet on April 14.

Whitefish selects Brett Bollweg as next football coach

Whitefish High School football will soon have a new coach at the helm — Brett Bollweg.

Boys tennis switches lineup in Libby Invite

The Bulldog boys tennis team switched some of its players from doubles to singles, and vice versa, at the Libby Invitational on Saturday.

Girls tennis competes in Libby, tourney cut short by spring storm

As a storm threatened for most of the afternoon, the Whitefish girls tennis team was able to get in a good number of matches before the unpredictable spring weather called off the Libby Invitational midway through matches on Saturday.

Whitefish girls track finishes on top at two meets; boys making steady progress with multiple PRs

Last week the Whitefish track and field teams finally got two full meets under their belt — one in Bigfork on Tuesday, April 19, and one Saturday in Columbia Falls.

City Council Preview for May 2

City Council Preview for May 2

State officials issue warning regarding bird flu

Montana officials are warning poultry owners and the general public to take precautions against the avian flu including keeping poultry inside and taking down bird feeders.

Plows beyond the Loop on Sun Road

Glacier National Park allowed hikers and bikers to go as far as the Loop on the Going-to-the-Sun Road over the weekend. It was brought back down to Avalanche on Monday when crews started plowing again.

Photos: Whitefish Earth Day, Clean the Fish events

Whitefish hosted a couple Earth Day events over the weekend.

Columbia Falls man suspected in armed robbery of pharmacy appears in court

Columbia Falls man suspected in armed robbery of pharmacy appears in court

Foxtail to open new school downtown

The co-founders of an alternative learning school are working to open a friskola for children in grades one through three this fall on the second floor of the building that houses Loula’s Cafe.

MOST Physical Therapy expands business

Owner Ralph Simson’s plan to tear down an existing garage and build an accessory building to expand business operations at MOST Physical Therapy located at 576 Spokane Avenue will proceed as the company’s permit request was approved at the City Council meeting last week.

Whitefish appoints Conway as new deputy chief of police

Some of the responsibilities of a deputy chief of police are hiring, mentoring and training younger officers. Whitefish’s new Deputy Chief Kevin Conway feels these are very important steps and that they are largely overlooked.

Police Calls: Young driver breaks a height limit bar

Police Calls for April 27

Looking Back for April 27

A look back at past Pilot articles compiled by Julie Engler.

Whitefish Thrift Haus extends hours

The Whitefish Thrift Haus, supporting the Soroptimist International of Whitefish, will now be open an additional day each week while also expanding its operating hours daily beginning May 3.

WasteNot Project provides helpful resources as spring cleaning begins

Spring is upon us and that means that spring cleaning season is here.

Flathead River community days, public input sought

Flathead Rivers Alliance (FRA) announces community day events, Predict the Peak contest, and invites public input on the future of the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River.

Boat launch inspection stations open in May

The boat launch at Whitefish City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park Boat will open on May 1, 2022, with reduced hours.

Hit the Trail Challenge returns in May

The fourth annual Hit the Trail Challenge returns this May.

Project Whitefish Wine and Food Fest returns

For the last 31 years, Whitefish has hosted the annual Whitefish tradition of the Project Whitefish Wine and Food Fest.

Master illusionist to perform in Whitefish

Brace yourself for a completely new take on magic as the Whitefish Theatre Company hosts Arthur Trace and his jaw-dropping show “The Artful Deceiver”.

ATP Kids presents ‘RENT — The School Edition’

Alpine Theatre Project is bringing back one of the most generation-defining musicals of the modern era — the Pulitzer Prize winning “RENT.”

Whitefish Lake Golf Course now open for season

TEE TO GREEN column

Legals for April, 27 2022

Tree falls on Whitefish home causing significant damage

A large tree fell onto a home in Whitefish on Tuesday evening around 7 p.m. while the occupants were inside, but no injuries were sustained.

Whitefish School District election features five trustee candidates

In the 2022 Whitefish School District election, there are five trustee candidates running for two open positions. Two incumbents and three new candidates are in the race.

Local nonprofits deal with inflation, increased need

While prices for goods and services are on the rise as of late, many companies can offset the higher costs by raising prices but nonprofit organizations cannot.

A locals perspective

As someone who has grown up in Montana, the wilderness has always been something that I have found profoundly beautiful. I have witnessed first hand the majesty of landscapes such as the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and mission mountain wilderness. As someone who has fished, floated, and explored many parts of the Blackfoot river, I find it important to keep the area alive and pristine for every future generation of Montanan.

Joan (Jo) Lucille Soller Beck

On Thursday afternoon, April 14, 2022, Joan (Jo) Lucille Soller Beck, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother passed away in the presence of her loving family at the age of 91.

Henry John Hebing

In December of 1978, Henry arrived in Whitefish after a harrowing drive across Eastern Montana on roads, he said, were snow-packed and icy for 500 miles, to find work as a carpenter and ski Big Mountain.

Fred M. Hane

Fred M. Hane, Jr. 75 of Trego, passed away at his home on April 13, 2022.

Helene L. Doney

Helene L. Doney, 83 of Whitefish, passed away at her home on April 15, 2022.

Girls tennis sweeps Libby, Ronan

The Whitefish girls tennis team came away from last week without losing a match after competing in two Northwest A conference matches.

Whitefish softball records first home win

Whitefish softball got its first win of the season last week against Thompson Falls at Smith Fields in Whitefish.

WHS seniors achieve 4.0 GPA throughout high school career

A group of Whitefish High School seniors was honored last week by receiving their gold letters for high academic achievement. Sixteen seniors maintained a 4.0 GPA or higher throughout their high school careers.

Bulldog boys tennis tallies two more wins

The Whitefish boys tennis team took down two Northwest A foes last week, defeating Libby and Ronan.

Whitefish track and field teams finally compete in two meets

After a tough beginning to the season with three meets being canceled due to weather conditions, the Whitefish track and field team finally saw competition last week.

North Valley bear manager ready to hit the woods, neighborhoods

Justine Vallieres was recently named the new Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife conflict management specialist to fill the role of longtime grizzly bear manager Tim Manley.

Weather Service says start to April coldest ever

The first half of April was the coldest ever, on average, the National Weather Service in Missoula reported.

Police Calls: Cowboy hat-wearing driver swerves on Spokane

8:47 a.m. A woman suffered a dog bite on Fourth Street and wanted to know if she needed to do anything because the bite occurred close to a school; she didn’t want anyone else to be injured.

Hit TV series Yellowstone boosts Montana economy

Filmed in and around the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, the fourth season of the hit television series “Yellowstone” brought more than $70 million in additional spending to the state, according to a study conducted by the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

Glacier Park releases campground schedule, backcountry permit update

Glacier National Park has released its 2022 campground schedule. Apgar, Fish Creek, Sprague, and St. Mary Campgrounds will operate under a reservation system beginning May 27 for most of the summer.

Bike or walk to work on Earth Day

Do you struggle to find parking or are gas prices getting you down? Want to reduce your carbon footprint and increase your fitness? All of these are great reasons to ditch the car and bike and walk your way to work.

Report states building permits hit all-time high in 2021

The number of building permits issued in Whitefish hit an all-time high of 1167, which includes a record number of new single-family homes at 129 units, according to the Planning and Building Department’s 2021 annual report.

Unleash Montana’s energy potential

Energy is the lifeblood of human civilization and progress. Transportation, manufacturing, the Internet, heated homes, clean drinking water, agricultural production and almost every other vital component of our modern lives relies on having consistent and reliable access to energy. Energy is also essential to our national security and independence. Just look at what is going on in Europe.

Daines is wolf in sheep’s clothing regarding Montana’s public lands

I think we both just about spit out our coffee when we each read a recent (April 6, 2022) guest column claiming Senator Steve Daines is “leading the charge to protect our natural resources.”

Re-elect Commissioner Holmquist

It is once again time for the public to voice our support or opposition to candidates for a number of public offices in Montana.

Explore Whitefish, WMR partner with Protect Our Winters to empower community climate efforts

In an effort to advance climate advocacy within the whole Whitefish community, Explore Whitefish and Whitefish Mountain Resort recently joined forces with Protect Our Winters. The strategic, multi-year partnership with Protect Our Winters (POW) will raise awareness about climate change, solutions to reduce emissions and empower people to protect their communities, lifestyles and livelihoods from a warming planet.

Plows at Glacier's west side tunnel

Glacier National Park plow crews have made it to the west side tunnel, the Park Service reports.

Council approves bid for Texas Avenue project

Construction on Whitefish’s Texas Avenue project will move forward as the Council approved the sole bid that came in for the project even though it was over 20% higher than the engineer’s estimate.

Plant a Seed: Project honors late snowboard legend A-Rob's mission of snowboarding for all

Aaron Robinson would always say he wanted every kid to be able to experience snowboarding — to feel the snow between their feet and the wind in their face.

Three businesses selected for Employer of Choice awards

As businesses large and small grapple with retention challenges, three local businesses are setting an example for the business community.

WTC’s Sense and Sensibility closing weekend

Only three shows remain of the Whitefish Theatre Company’s romantic classic “Sense and Sensibility”. Based on the beloved novel by Jane Austen, this funny and touching show has performances on April 14, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

WTC presents Celtic rock sensation Derina Harvey Band

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents the Derina Harvey Band, an award-winning Celtic Rock quintet known for its big sound, humor and dynamic live shows. A family-friendly concert not to miss, the Derina Harvey Band will perform their “raucously entertaining” music on Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Whitefish girls tennis three-for-three to begin season

In less than ideal weather, Whitefish girls tennis defeated each team it faced last week.

Bulldog boys tennis off to winning start

Over the past week the Whitefish tennis teams endured some chilly matches to start out the season 3-0.

Bulldog softball program continues to grow in Whitefish

The Whitefish High School softball program has had to endure a few hurdles but is headed in the right direction.

Resort ends season with over a foot of fresh powder, record visitation

After warm spring weather endured throughout the majority of March, winter made its return again just in time for closing weekend at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Canceled meets suspend beginning of season for Whitefish track and field

The Whitefish track and field team has now had two weekends in a row of canceled competition.

Benton C. Cavin

Benton Cavin, lover of okra, sugar pines, and country roads, died at his home in Whitefish, Montana, March 8, 2022.

City Council preview for April 18

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, April 18 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

Construction promises to curtail early morning access to Logan Pass

Folks looking to get to Logan Pass from the west side of the park before 6 a.m. without a reservation are out of luck this year.

Flathead ski racers with strong finish at Bridger Bowl

With the Western Regional Championships and Tri-Divisional Championships concluded for the season, the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) ski racers took to the race hill for one last weekend of fun at Bridger Bowl, April 1-3.

Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Pond Skim back with a bang

After a two-year hiatus, the Pond Skim on Big Mountain at Whitefish Mountain Resort dialed up the entertainment on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

UM researchers find campground reservations becoming a problem of equity

University of Montana Assistant Professor Will Rice is a self-avowed “campground nerd.”

GOP congressional candidates to debate in Whitefish, various parts of state

Whitefish next month will host a debate of Republican candidates vying for Montana’s District 1 congressional seat.

Mountain Haven holds fundraiser for refugee family

To help with Afghani refugee relocation, the Whitefish Mountain Haven Sponsorship Circle, in conjunction with Valley Neighbors and the Whitefish United Methodist Church, is working to bring a family to the Flathead Valley this summer.

County planning board looks at rezone on 290 acres near Whitefish

A pair of property owners have submitted a request to Flathead County to rezone just over 290 acres of property outside of Whitefish.

Police Calls: Road rage on Highway 40 leads to bear-spray fight

Police Blotter for March 27-30.

Looking Back for April 13

A look back at past Pilot articles compiled by Julie Engler.

City looks to accessory units as a potential assist in housing crisis

The City of Whitefish is working to make adjustments to the rules on constructing accessory dwelling units in an attempt to help with the shortage of housing for local residents.

Central Avenue project gets the go-ahead

A development project that will replace an older building on Central Avenue with four single-family units was recently approved by the Whitefish City Council.

Legals for April, 13 2022

Construction promises to curtail early morning access to Logan Pass; Sun Road plowing starts

Folks looking to get to Logan Pass from the west side of the park before 6 a.m. without a reservation are out of luck this year.

Resort on pace to surpass last year’s skier visit record

An adult season ski pass at Whitefish Mountain Resort will top the $700 mark next winter, the ski area revealed Friday as it closes in on its busiest winter ever.

Get your vote on — Best of Whitefish contest

We at the Whitefish Pilot invite all the folks who love this town to get on your computers and participate in the Best of Whitefish friendly competition.

Area trail projects selected for federal funding

A number of trail projects in Northwest Montana are set to receive a shot of funding through the federal Recreational Trails Program.

City shelves curbside recycling program, new bear-proof trash containers likely

The arrival of spring in Whitefish means the return of bears and therefore trash and recycling need to be secured. Residents also anticipated spring to be the start of a new citywide recycling program, however, now the city has put the program on hold indefinitely.

Photos: Whitefish High School 2022 Prom

Whitefish High School hosted its 2022 prom at Whitefish Lake Lodge

Gilbert Mather Harrison

Gilbert Mather Harrison came to a peaceful end of his more than 77 years on March 28, 2022, at his home in Whitefish, Montana.

Stockman Bank breaks ground on new building

Construction of the new Stockman Bank building on the corner of Highway 93 and 13th Street in Whitefish is now underway.

Time is now to protect public lands

Growing up, I had the good fortune of close access to our beautiful Montana wilderness. Every day after school I would rush into pristine woods, weaving my way through towering pine trees, jagged rock formations, and untouched creeks in pursuit of adventure.

Daines leads charge to protect natural resources

Spring is coming to Montana and we look forward to it. We cherish our rivers, plains and mountains — this beautiful place we all call Montana.

Proposed tax initiative wrong for Montana

As a small business owner and active Polson community member, I wanted to share my thoughts on why I am opposed to CI-121.

What did sportsmen expect?

Greg Gianforte has just put out an “advisory” committee to lay out what should be in the next statewide elk management plan. It’s stacked with outfitters and landowners who are going to want licenses for themselves and friends, while the regular Montana hunter might get some crumbs.

Thanks to community for extended generosity following house fire

My husband and I lost our home to a fire that started in the early morning hours on Tuesday, March 8. We are thankful that our smoke detectors alerted us, allowing us the time to exit our home with our two dogs.

Flathead now fastest-growing county in Montana

Flathead County was the fastest-growing county in Montana last year - even over Gallatin which in past years has been the fastest-growing urban area.

Junior Ski Patrol day inspires local girls to pursue opportunities outdoors

They may have been smaller than the rest, but the junior ski patrollers buzzed around the mountain on a recent sunny day and had a blast learning about mountain safety and what it takes to rescue skiers in distress.

Looking Back: MDT, City look at reconstruction of Highway 93 through town

Looking back for April 6.

In a nutshell: Rural pantry delivery program addresses food insecurity

North Valley Food Bank’s mission is to build food security and strengthen communities.

Workforce Housing Summit addresses critical housing shortage

The local community is being faced with a critical workforce housing shortage, and according to the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, it is the No. 1 issue facing the business community today. In response, several organizations in Whitefish are coming together to host a Workforce Housing Summit.

Snow geese return by thousands to Freezout Lake

The annual snow geese migration at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area has arrived this year, but with a slower start than normal. By Thursday last week steady waves of migrating snow geese landed at the lake. Last week saw slightly below average numbers of geese according to several reports, but an increased sighting of tundra swans.

Court ruling all but shuts down resort on west end of Lake Five

Flathead County District Court Judge Amy Eddy issued an order Monday that both voids a major land use permit for a resort on Lake Five and orders the property owner to restore the land “to its previous unaltered condition,” which includes removing several buildings on the property.

Whitefish girls tennis returns senior-heavy squad

The Whitefish High School girls tennis team is preparing for the new season through bouts of sunny weather and storm systems riding through.

Bulldog boys tennis looking for another shot at state

The Whitefish boys tennis team missed winning a state championship last year by two points — doesn’t get much closer than that.

An ‘Austen’tatious delight with WTC’s Sense and Sensibility

The Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to present the romantic classic “Sense and Sensibility” as their spring show at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Based on the beloved novel by Jane Austen, this funny and touching show opens with a sneak preview night on April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue on April 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and on April 10 at 4:00 p.m.

Police Calls: Chevy drives off without paying for gas — for the third time in a week

Police calls

Legals for April, 6 2022

Farbstein sentenced for fatal DUI crash

Lifting a blue urn containing Brooke Hanson’s remains up to eye level, Jessie Hanson stared at her daughter’s killer from the witness stand in Flathead County District Court on Thursday.