Wednesday, August 31
Whitefish volleyball begins season at Tip-off Tourney
The Lady Bulldogs traveled south to Hamilton to compete in the Southwest/Northwest Tip-off Tournament over the weekend.
Whitefish girls adjust to new positions in wins over Lockwood, East Helena
Despite conceding a goal first, the Whitefish girls quickly recovered against East Helena on Saturday and ran away with an 11-1 victory.
Brothers face weapon charges after alleged assault
Two brothers arrested last week are accused of firing a semi-automatic weapon at a woman, and at one point holding a pistol to her head.
Bulldogs can’t overcome early-season mistakes in loss to Dillon
Whitefish scored the first points of the game against Dillon on Friday night, but then allowed the Beavers to score 26 unanswered points to build a significant lead late into the game.
Bulldogs keep a clean sheet over two matches
Whitefish’s team effort Friday and Saturday helped the Bulldogs to begin the season with two shutout wins over Lockwood and East Helena.
Donald D. Nerdig
Donald D. Nerdig, age 75, of Columbia Falls, Montana passed away Aug. 4, 2022.
Randy Watkins
On the morning of Aug. 15, 2022, Randy Watkins of Whitefish died at home, at the age of 74.
Photos: Back to school in Whitefish
Students arrived at Whitefish schools early Wednesday morning last week, eager to start the new school year.
Declining trust in government a top issue for Zinke supporters
The economy and a general distrust in government are among the top issues for the folks who came out to support U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke at his campaign rally in Columbia Falls on Friday.
Woman dies after shooting at Saloon in Martin City
A dispute over a golf cart led to a shooting at a bar in Martin City on Saturday that left one woman dead and her husband seriously injured, charging documents filed Monday reveal.
Holbrook Overlook trailhead grand opening
The new Holbrook Overlook trailhead, as part of the Whitefish Trail system, provides stunning views of the Flathead Valley from the overlook picnic area and 3.8 miles of multi-use trails.
Council approves controversial marijuana dispensary on Baker Avenue
Last week, Whitefish City Council discussed and eventually voted to approve a conditional use permit for a marijuana dispensary to operate at 333 Baker Avenue.
Round Star Project advances to the next step
The Flathead National Forest, Tally Lake Ranger District, last week announced that the Round Star Project has moved to the next phase of its planning process with the release of the draft decision notice.
NVMS fall music programs
North Valley Music School starts program year 2022-23 with a fall schedule full of diverse and inclusive music programs and invites the community to enroll.
Northwest Ballet School celebrates 45 years
The Northwest Ballet School is celebrating its 45th season.
Planning Board recommends approval of updated Transportation Plan
The Whitefish Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend amending the city’s Growth Policy by adopting the 2022 Whitefish Transportation Plan update.
Great Northern Wilderness Guides aims to make backcountry attainable
Madison Browning's vision for her new business, Great Northern Wilderness Guides, is to provide people with the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the backcountry along with the education needed to be able to get out on their own.
Tee to Green: Loss of an icon, upcoming annual meeting
A full field of players participated in this past weekend’s member/guest tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
City holds public gathering for residents to give input on community housing
As part of the Whitefish Strategic Housing Plan update, the city is holding an open house to receive feedback from the public on the recent draft of the updated Housing Needs Assessment.
Bulldog golf sweeps Western A Kickoff in Whitefish
The Whitefish Bulldogs golf team hosted the Western A kickoff tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club last week and the boys and girls teams both emerged victorious.
Police Calls: Rap music from the rooftop
A black Chevy driving 80 mph almost hit another vehicle on Highway 40.
City Council preview for Sept. 6
Whitefish City Council meets on Tuesday, Sept. 6 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Looking Back for August 31
A new gymnasium for Central School was a step closer to reality with the calling for bids on the structure by the District 44 School Board.
Bulldog cross country runners shine in Libby
Whitefish runner Deneb Linton took top honors at the Libby Invitational Cross Country meet last week with a time of 17:06:81, nearly five seconds ahead of the second-place finisher, Bauer Holloman of Flathead High
Legals for August, 31 2022
Friday, August 26
City holds open house to receive public input on community housing
As part of the Whitefish Strategic Housing Plan update, the city is holding an open house to receive feedback from the public on the recent draft of the updated Housing Needs Assessment.
Wednesday, August 24
Chris Allen
Chris Allen, 60 of Whitefish, passed away Aug. 18, 2022 at Logan Hospital.
Police Calls - Multiple vehicles have license plates stolen
Just as the caller was on the phone with law enforcement, the people camping in the parking lot drove away.
Cross country returns quality runners
The Whitefish cross country teams are returning almost all of their top performers from last year.
New personalities to lead Whitefish girls soccer this season
A four-goal loss in the State A semifinals to an outsider seems like a tough ending to Whitefish’s winning season last year, but the score shouldn’t be taken at face value.
Transition year won't stop Bulldogs from playing their style soccer
Though it feels great to start a new season coming off of a big 3-2 win over Columbia Falls in the State A Championship, the Bulldogs are focused on the season ahead.
Key returners poised to lead Whitefish Volleyball team
The Whitefish volleyball team will feature several key returners who will give the Lady Bulldogs the leadership the young squad needs.
Back to the gridiron: Seniors ready to lead Bulldogs in new season
Last season the Whitefish football team got a taste of what it feels like to have success.
Inflation is moderating, but not for Northwestern Energy customers
I woke up to news last week that the US inflation rate is moderating. Good news – unless you are a customer of Northwestern Energy.
Interior secretary visits Lost Trail Conservation Area
On a hot and dry morning, Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland made a brief visit to the Flathead Valley to celebrate the Lost Trail Conservation Area, the newest unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the first under her tenure.
History lives on through former Stoltze vice president
Ronald Buentemeier has probably one of the most unique yard ornaments in the Flathead Valley: A real, and fully working, vintage fire lookout tower.
Community Blood Drive creates welcoming environment to donate blood
Fifteen years of life-saving blood drives at The Wave in Whitefish not only provides the American Red Cross a consistent supply of blood they can count on to send to hospitals to help patients in need, but also has created a multi-generational donor family.
Public invited to Baker Ave. underpass celebration
Join the City of Whitefish on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Baker Avenue Underpass for a ribbon cutting celebration.
WTC auditions for ‘Making God Laugh’ production
The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for its first Black Curtain theatre production of the 2022-2023 season.
WTC hosts volunteer appreciation party
The Whitefish Theatre Company is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Party at the O’Shaughnessy Center on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Library hosts final adult program of summer
The Whitefish Community Library presents award-winning author Carol Buchanan for a program on the Vigilantes of Montana.
Ski Education Foundation among grant winners
The Roundup for Safety Board awarded $23,500 in community safety grants to nonprofit organizations at its Aug. 11 meeting, including a $6,500 grant requested by Bigfork ACES.
Bulldogs begin season with big win at Browning
The Marias Valley Golf Course in Browning was in great shape and featured fast greens last Friday for the Browning Invitational — Bulldog Golf’s first invite of the season.
City Council meeting features rezoning requests, residential trash bin update
An applicant’s request for postponement last Monday night during the city council meeting shorted what would have been a long night.
City approves a $53.4 million annual budget
The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to approve the 2023 fiscal year budget without further discussion.
Mary K. Scott
With regret and sadness, the family of Mary K. Scott announces her sudden passing on Aug. 11, 2022, at the age of 81.
Lawrence Michael “Mike” Elliman
Lawrence Michael “Mike” Elliman, 85, of Bainbridge Island, Washington, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2022, at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, Washington.
Katherine Louise Anderson
Katherine Louise Anderson, 79 of Whitefish, passed away, Aug. 18, 2022, at Logan Hospital.
Former F. H. Stoltze vice president to give talk on history of logging in Flathead
Ronald Buentemeier spent over four decades working for F. H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company.
Whitefish Ski Museum to unveil new exhibit
The Ski Heritage Center Museum this week will open its new 10th Mountain Division exhibit honoring the legendary 10th Mountain Division of World War II.
Tee to Green: Tee times in high demand, tournament this weekend
The Annual Member/Guest tournament is this weekend at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
History - Looking Back for August 24
The Whitefish Jaycees sponsored their annual Demolition Derby for the sixth consecutive year.
Wednesday, August 17
Heart of Whitefish: Recent painting project restores historic beauty of a town treasure
At the north end of downtown, the Whitefish Depot has classic Tudor-style architecture with a similar appearance to historic buildings in Glacier National Park, offering a glimpse into the past that formed the City of Whitefish.
Northwest Montana Fair opens
The 2022 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo opens Aug. 17 (today) at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell and will feature a performance by country star Lee Brice, three nights of Ram PRCA Rodeo, a Big Air Bash motorcycle stunt show, a carnival and hundreds of exhibits as well as a host of show animals on display.
Beginners to elite athletes compete at Whitefish Lake Triathlon
Seventy people competed in the Whitefish Lake Triathlon on Sunday.
Bulldog golf teams look forward to another competitive season
The Whitefish High School golf team is ready to swing into a new season with Tait Rocksund in his second year as head coach and several returning varsity players ready to pick up where they left off last year.
Swim the Fish challenges competitors
The annual Swim the Fish competition had over 100 swimmers participating on Saturday, Aug. 13 at City Beach.
ATP concludes summer season with Beatles Celebration
The Alpine Theatre Project will complete its busy summer season with a two-night performance of “Here Comes the Sun,” a celebration of the music of The Beatles, Aug. 19-20 at 8 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.
WTC hosts auditions for musical Sweeney Todd
The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding auditions for its musical production of “Sweeney Todd” on Aug. 21 and 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Hospital’s Planetree Festival Returns to Whitefish
In 2012 the first Planetree Festival was held to celebrate the Whitefish hospital’s 10-year affiliation with Planetree International.
Thunderstorms spark new fires over weekend
A series of thunderstorms on Friday have sparked new fires in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and one in Glacier National Park in the Quartz drainage.
Buchanan is independent choice for an effective voice in congress
One of the first lessons I learned on becoming a state legislator was to make it as easy as possible for other legislators to agree with me. I saw how those who demonstrated both competence and goodwill were taken seriously and achieved the greatest success in accomplishing their goals.
S.N.O.W. Bus Brewfest in Depot Park Saturday
After the event had been canceled for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the S.N.O.W Bus Fundraiser Brewfest returns this year.
Whitefish Trail Hootenanny returns to downtown Whitefish
After a two-year hiatus, the Whitefish Trail Hootenanny is back. Come celebrate the Whitefish Trail and local conservation lands with Whitefish Legacy Partners during the annual Whitefish Trail Hootenanny on Friday, Aug. 19 at Depot Park in downtown Whitefish from 5 to 9 p.m.
Whitefish School District budget reflects increased enrollment, inflation of supplies
The Whitefish School Board last week unanimously approved the school district's final budget for the 2022-23 school year.
Draft housing assessment reveals severity of Whitefish’s housing shortfall
A draft of an updated Whitefish Housing Needs Assessment that was discussed by city officials and community members last week predicts Whitefish will need over 1,000 homes built over the next eight years
Montana Art Theatre performs original play adapted from Irish classic
The Montana Art Theatre (MAT) will debut its original production “A Different Kind of Woman” on Aug. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at The O’Shaughnessy Center.
Tee to Green: Board positions open, WHS team kicks off season
The next big event at Whitefish Lake Golf Club is the member/guest tournament on Aug. 28 and 29.
Monday, August 15
Shooting in southwest Kalispell under investigation
Kalispell Police are investigating a weekend shooting that left one man in critical condition.
Thursday, August 11
Columbia Falls Planning Board rejects massive subdivision near Flathead River
After a marathon meeting that ended just before midnight, the Columbia Falls City-County Planning Board voted against a massive subdivision east of the Flathead River on Tuesday night.
Wednesday, August 10
Summit Nature Center invites visitors to see landscape through eyes of a naturalist
On the summit of Big Mountain, it is common to hear questions like “Is that Glacier?” or “Can we see Canada?” from visitors and residents alike. To help answer those questions and educate people about various aspects of the northwest Montana ecosystem, the Flathead Forest and Whitefish Mountain Resort partner to operate the Summit Nature Center.
Not here to survive, but to thrive — IV Element Project offers holistic health care approach
As a holistic wellness center that specializes in intravenous therapy and alternative medicine, The IV Element Project is looking to revitalize the way people view health care in Whitefish.
City Council preview for Aug. 15
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Aug. 15 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Dispensary on Baker Ave gains planning board recommendation
The Whitefish planning board recently voted 3-1 in favor of recommending a conditional use permit for Vincent Remmel to operate a marijuana dispensary on 333 Baker Avenue.
Dave Fern: Burdens facing many residential property owners
Like many of you who are homeowners, my property taxes have taken an upward trajectory in the last few years.
Areas along Baker to close for road work
Sections of Baker Avenue will be closed to all vehicles between East Second Street and East 19th Street on Thursday, Aug. 11, and Friday, Aug. 12.
Whitefish Planning Board recommends new zoning, subdivisions on Edgewood
Four of the seven items on the Whitefish Planning Board’s agenda last month regarded the same property, approximately 66 acres south of East Edgewood Drive and east of East Second Street.
Whitefish High grad hosts TV show highlighting lesser-known Montana attractions
Twenty-plus years ago, Julie Mac was fighting fires right out of high school with the Hungry Horse Ranger District.
Tee to Green: Shake those first tee jitters, annual club championship begins
Brad Grattan proved to be the most consistent player in the Montana Men’s Senior Golf Championship this past week.
Looking Back for August 10
The Montana State Highway Department decided to drop their plans for four-way stop signs at the Spokane Avenue and Second Street intersections.
Kids Fair features helpful resources for new mothers, families
Kids of all ages could fish a rubber duck from the pond, have a giraffe balloon animal made for them or even spray a real fire hose at a plywood “house” while parents learned about the myriad of resources available to them in the Flathead Valley.
Huck Days returns this weekend
A traditional Whitefish summer favorite returns this weekend with the 33rd Annual Huckleberry Days Arts Festival.
Writing program at Whitefish Library
The Whitefish Community Library is hosting an opportunity for all to join award-winning author, Carol Buchanan, for a special program called "Writing Your Memories".
Edible books and more at Library
Summer Adventures 2022 at Whitefish Community Library ends with four exciting events over the week of Aug. 11-17.
Wine, dine and auction for ATP
Alpine Theatre Project’s third annual Whitefish Wine Auction for the Arts takes place Aug. 10 to 12, featuring a casual wine tasting, food and wine pairings in private residences around Flathead Valley, and a gala and wine auction at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Whitefish High grad Grattan wins Montana State Seniors
Brad Grattan has Whitefish Lake Golf Club listed as his home course, but notes he plays more at Buffalo Hill.
UM scientist honored for wildfire smoke research
University of Montana researcher Lu Hu contends our understanding of wildfire smoke is a bit hazy.
Volunteers sought for cleanup on three forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River
Flathead Rivers Alliance seeks volunteers to help clean up the three forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River.
Florida man who recently died in Glacier Park identified
Glacier National Park has released the identity of the victim of a fall on Rising Wolf Mountain in the Two Medicine Valley as 79-year-old Bob Biondi of Lutz, Florida.
Legals for August, 10 2022
Wednesday, August 3
Lake Mary Ronan area evacuated as Elmo Fire moves closer
Three structures have been destroyed in a wildfire that continues to expand its reach west of Flathead Lake.
Looking Back for August 3
Dave Draeger’s first base glove snapped shut on the ball and the Whitefish Babe Ruth All Stars were the Montana State Champions, destined for a trip to Pendleton, Oregon, and the regional playoffs.
Local Author Pens Novel about Furries, Hoarding
After self-publishing five high fantasy novels, one local author has landed a unicorn: an agent and a two-book deal in a completely different genre.
Film exhibit tells story of Glacier Park’s esteemed ranger
The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in Great Falls is presenting a touching and informative documentary film exhibit about longtime Glacier National Park ranger Doug Follett.
Man dies in ATV crash on Whitefish Stage
Alcohol and speed are suspected factors in a crash that killed a Kalispell man over the weekend when the ATV he was driving collided with a pickup.
Glacier Institute launches campaign for upgrades
Rotting boards.
Further detail emerges on local climbers who died in Glacier National Park
More details regarding the deaths of two mountain climbers in Glacier National Park have become available.
Twins season ends with early exit from state tournament
The Glacier Twins came out strong winning their first game of the Legion Baseball State A tournament in Belgrade, but unfortunately weren’t on the winning end the next two days.
Former newspaper owner remembered fondly by friends
Back in the early 1980s a gay group called “Out in Montana” ran a classified ad in the Hungry Horse News.
Arthur Prall Perina
Art was born Sept. 19, 1954, to parents John and Marion Perina in Staten Island, New York.
Police Calls - Lots of parking problems
An Apple watch accidentally dialed 911.
Major Whitefish events, festivals adopt zero waste practices
A visitor to the zero waste Whitefish Farmers’ Market will notice that everything they buy from a food vendor is compostable — all the packaging, all the food.
Whitefish Theatre Company announces 2022-2023 season
Whitefish Theatre Company, celebrating 44 years of quality community theatre, world music and more, is proud to introduce its 2022-2023 season.
Academic ranking lists UM top in state, among best worldwide
The Academic Ranking of World Universities recently named the University of Montana as the top academic institution in the state and among the best in the world.
Tee to Green: Bulldog open raises money to support junior, high school golf
Thanks to all the players for participating in the Bulldog Open again this year. With a full field of players, the Bulldog raised over $15,000 to support Junior Golf and the Whitefish High School golf teams.
Whitefish pro skier Maggie Voisin wins sportsmanship award
Three-time Olympian Maggie Voisin of Whitefish, was recently recognized with the Buddy Werner Award, honoring sportsmanship.
Annual Great Fish Community Challenge begins with Launch Party
Whitefish Community Foundation kicks off the eighth annual Great Fish Community Challenge on Thursday, Aug.
Explore Whitefish grant applications open
Explore Whitefish is now accepting applications for its fifth annual grant program, with submissions due by Nov. 1, 2022.
Woman dies after falling at Columbia Falls High School
A 20-year-old woman died after falling through a skylight at Columbia Falls High School over the weekend.
Flathead Electric Co-op celebrates 25 years of Roundup for Safety grants
After 25 years and $4.3 million given to local projects, Flathead Electric Co-op is celebrating their Roundup for Safety program.
Home Consign and Design debuts art gallery
The local business Home Consign and Design is joining the Thursday evening Whitefish Art Walk on Aug. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Summer adventures continue at Whitefish Library
The trombone and steel drums were favorites when North Valley Music School took over Whitefish Library’s portico for an Instrument Petting Zoo on July 28.
In a Nutshell: Food Ed feeds the body — and soul
Did you know that radish tops are edible?
Richard John Helmold
Richard John Helmold, 91 of Columbia Falls, passed away July 23, 2022, at the Bee-Hive Home.
Lawrence Joseph Souza
Lawrence Joseph Souza, 33 of Kalispell, passed away July 23, 2022, in Kalispell.
Billie Jean Howke
Billie Jean Howke, 77 of Kalispell, passed away July 20, 2022, at Logan Health.
Duane Allen Carlson
Duane Allen Carlson, 86, of Whitefish, Montana passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at his home.
Dorothy L. Whitney
Our mother was a beautiful person.
Legals for August, 3 2022
Tuesday, August 2
Elmo 2 Fire continues to spread quickly; 300 firefighters brought in to battle blaze
Nearly 300 firefighters have converged on the Flathead Reservation to battle the unconfined Elmo 2 Fire that has charred nearly thousands of acres in three days west of Flathead Lake.