Ellington

Edwin Gilk, 95

Ed Gilk, 95, died from natural causes on Dec. 23, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brothers.

FEC awards nearly $3,700 in support of community safety

The Roundup for Safety Board awarded $36,936 in community safety grants to nonprofit organizations at its Dec. 8 meeting, including a $5,381 grant for communications batteries needed by Kootenai Winter Sports Ski Education Foundation to ensure safety at Turner Mountain Ski Area.

Fresh faces needed on Whitefish’s housing committee

In November, the Whitefish City Council adopted the 2022 Whitefish Community Housing Action Plan — a document meant to guide the creation of more affordable housing options in Whitefish by 2030. One of the plan’s primary recommendations is to “evolve” the city’s housing committee, which in its current form, is set to sunset on Dec. 31, 2022.

New contract doesn't fix working conditions, say rail workers

A monthslong labor dispute between the Class I railroads and rail worker unions ended Dec. 2 with Congress’ intervention, subjecting workers to a new contract and using the 1926 Railway Labor Act to prevent a potential strike.

High school expansion options revealed at community meeting

Whitefish High School expansion plans recently presented at a community meeting hosted by the school district show the addition of around 35,000 square feet that would add on 24 new classrooms, labs and shops as well as double the Whitefish Independent High School space.

Student Art: 'Weather Crow'

The art featured above is called "Weather Crow" and is a linoleum block print with Chine Colle tissue paper by Whitefish High School freshman E Ratchye in the class WHS Introduction to Art. The Pilot will be periodically featuring art from Whitefish High School students.

City Council preview for Jan. 3

Whitefish City Council meets on Tuesday Jan. 3 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

Haney celebrates 30 years behind the lens with annual show

Whitefish photographer Chuck Haney’s career has morphed over the years as the industry changed with new technology and digital cameras became available to more people.

Big Mountain Memories: Mismatched skis and friendly people at the Bierstube

I first skied Big Mountain in 1964. Skis broke in those days. Gary Sakahara and Mark Sullivan each had busted a ski. They combined the surviving solo skis and called them a pair. I bought the pair for $1.50. My first “pair” of skis were mismatched; different manufacturers and different lengths. The price was right.

Forest finishes planning for Spotted Bear Mountain Project

Hungry Horse, MT – Flathead National Forest, Spotted Bear Ranger District signed the final decision notice for the Spotted Bear Mountain Project this week.

3 Bulldogs picked for 2023 Shrine Game

The rosters for the 76th East-West Shrine Game were released on Christmas, and the Flathead Valley was well represented.

Montana GOP forms election integrity committee

During the upcoming legislative session, Montana lawmakers will launch a six-person select committee dedicated to discussing election integrity.

Developer returns with new Columbia Falls subdivision plan

The River Highlands subdivision is back for a second go-around before the Columbia Falls City-County Planning Board in January.

Proposed tram up Columbia Mountain rejected by Forest Service

Pursuit Glacier Park Collection is considering a tram that would run from Hungry Horse to about 1,000 feet below the summit of Columbia Mountain in the Swan Range, Pursuit Vice President and General Manager Gary Rodgers said.

Don ‘K’ makes donation to humane society

Don “K” Subaru and the Subaru Love Promise program donated $3,300 to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, the hometown charity selected by the employees of the dealership for the Subaru Loves Pets program held in October of this year.

Glacier's east side reservation plan receives scrutiny

Glacier National Park will expand its vehicle registration program to limit access and reduce crowding during the busy summer months.

Photos: Whitefish Schools' Band, Choir and Orchestra winter concerts

Over the month of December prior to winter break, the Whitefish High School and Middle School hosted music concerts that delighted the crowd with Christmas and winter-themed songs. The Whitefish School District's choir, orchestra and band programs performed on three separate nights, combining the middle and high schools' ensembles.

Homeless shelters say outreach successful during winter storm

The Flathead County’s two major homeless shelters are reporting successful outreach efforts during the cold snap that hit here begining on Wednesday.

Young students learn about community through volunteering

Who are the people in your neighborhood?

A new generation of unique — House of Skye opens on Central

During the night of Whitefish’s Christmas Stroll, Dec. 9, a new store opened on Central Avenue and it experienced a steady stream of visitors.

Nelson to retire from WLGC

Patient, focused, knowledgeable and positive — all qualities that describe a good coach.

Whitefish Marathon returns with course changes, state title

Runners at the 2023 Whitefish Marathon powered by Hammer will be competing for records on an updated course, while vying for an extra championship medal thanks to the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).

History - Looking Back for Dec. 28

The Rocky Mountain Casket Corporation opened their doors in Tallman’s old location across from the Viking Lodge and began production of one of the most unique products ever to come from Whitefish.

Police Calls: Drunken and disorderly yeti causes a stir

It turned out that no one stole the caller’s pistol from his truck last night.

Legals for December, 28 2022

Rain creates ‘downright dangerous’ avalanche conditions

Heavy rain falling on fresh snow is causing very dangerous avalanche conditions in the Northwest Montana backcountry.

The Flathead National Forest announces MacKenzie as Deputy Forest Supervisor

The Flathead National Forest is excited to announce the selection of Tami MacKenzie as Deputy Forest Supervisor.

Loretta Irene Fauske, 89

Heaven welcomed another earth angel, Loretta Irene Fauske, to her forever home Dec. 8, 2022.

Dean Swank, 86

Dean Swank, born Oct. 29, 1937, passed away on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, in his home after a brief battle with cancer.

Jacqueline Ruth Anderson, 82

Jacqueline died Dec. 14, 2022, in Whitefish, Montana.

Police Calls: Dogs at large, two really fluffy, two aggressive

A driver in his late 20’s or early 30’s with long, dirty blond hair shook his fist at the caller, who was driving the speed limit.

Looking Back for Dec. 21

School District 44 voters approved only about one-fifth of a special levy sought by the school board to finish the new Central junior high physical education building under construction.

RightOnTrek Completes Wilderness EDGE facility; adds snowshoes

RightOnTrek just finished construction of its flagship backpacking and camping outdoor gear rental facility in Columbia Falls.

First Interstate Bank donated over 12,000 clothing items through drive

Team members from First Interstate Bank, a $33 billion community bank with more than 300 branches across 14 states, recently collected and donated 12,232 clothing items from the Bank’s annual Coats and More Drive to help keep community members warm this winter.

Whitefish man killed in two-vehicle wreck

A two-vehicle crash along U.S. 93 south of Whitefish on Dec. 14 left one passenger dead, officials said.

Housing Whitefish nonprofit hires new executive director

Housing Whitefish recently hired their first, full-time staff member and executive director.

Annual Haney photo show benefits North Valley Food Bank

Nationally acclaimed Whitefish photographer Chuck Haney will present his annual show to benefit the North Valley Food Bank on Friday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in downtown Whitefish.

The Lakes subdivision approaches Council with road issues

The condition of the roads in The Lakes neighborhood has spurred the residents to bring the situation to the attention of the Whitefish City Council.

Jury finds Bigfork man guilty of assaulting Whitefish officer

After deliberating for a little under an hour Tuesday, a jury found a Bigfork man accused of attacking a Whitefish Police officer in 2021 guilty of felony assault on a peace officer.

Missing Whitefish snowmobiler found dead in Canyon Creek area

A snowmobiler reported missing Dec. 13 after failing to return from an outing in the Canyon Creek area was found dead by a search and rescue team shortly before sunset Wednesday.

Does art outlast the notoriety of its creator?

The criminal case against acclaimed artist Nicholas Oberling has sent ripples across the local art world, his once-coveted paintings taken off display in venues and upcoming shows paused.

Private Land and Public Wildlife Committee identifies goals for 2023

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ Private Land and Public Wildlife (PLPW) Committee identified its top goals for the upcoming year in a meeting on Wednesday.

Arctic blast expected to drop temps to over 30 below

The region is expected to see a frigid blast of arctic air Thursday morning that could be the coldest we’ve seen in 40 years, or perhaps, ever.

‘Ski with Maggie’ day planned at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Olympian and Whitefish native Maggie Voisin will continue the tradition of “Ski with Maggie” day on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022 at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Shelter WF ramps up fight for housing as legislative session approaches

Shelter WF is a relatively new organization that has been gaining traction in Whitefish.

In a Nutshell: Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen… Have nothing on us!

Maddie, our AmeriCorps Vista volunteer, and I drive up the icy road toward the Trego Civic Center at 11:45 a.m.

Inn remodeled into unique Après Whitefish hotel

The former Stumptown Inn, located at 800 Spokane Avenue, changed hands, underwent a major makeover and has emerged as Après Whitefish, a boutique hotel with an eye on design that remains affordable.

Wrestlers hit the mat for Holiday Classic in Great Falls

Two Whitefish athletes placed last weekend at the CMR Holiday Classic in Great Falls, which is a massive two-day tournament that pins athletes from all over Montana, all classes, against each other.

Swim team competes in Great Falls Relays over the weekend

The Whitefish swim team headed to Great Falls last weekend to compete in the Great Falls Relays meet.

Whitefish girls dominate Corvallis on court

A 17-point first quarter helped Whitefish establish an early lead that would hold up for the remainder of the game against Corvallis on Friday.

Izaak Walton Inn sold, remodel in future plans

The iconic Izaak Walton Inn has changed hands, with owner Brian Kelly selling it to Loge Camps, a hotel brand marketed toward outdoors adventure clientele, after 16 years at its helm.

Bulldogs struggle with thin roster in two losses

The talent and athleticism are there, but the lack of depth on the bench is hurting the Bulldogs to start the season.

Photos: Winter Wonderland on Ice

Set to a magical wintery background with lighting that enhanced the theme, Glacier Skate Academy ice skaters performed their annual show in front of a packed house on Saturday and Sunday at the Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish.

Longtime Glacier National Park ranger dies at age 102

Lyle Ruterbories, a longtime ranger and one of the oldest rangers ever in the National Park Service, died last week.

Student Art: 'A Bug's Eye View'

The art featured above is called "A Bug's Eye View" and is a pen, graphite, and colored pencil piece by Whitefish High School junior Leah Tabor in the class WHS Art 2: Advanced Art. The Pilot will be periodically featuring art from Whitefish High School students.

Common ground on guns

A new year brings with it new hope for a new beginning. As the ancient saying goes, the old has died that the new may be tried. And so we celebrate the happy holiday time in the spirit that the year to come will bring more peace, goodwill, and good faith.

Ski Swap raging success

Happy winter from our crew to yours. We are thrilled to be able to say this year's annual ski swap at The Wave was our best year ever.

Whitefish Mountain Resort president starts day on the slopes

On a powder day on Big Mountain, skiers can find Whitefish Mountain Resort president Nick Polumbus enjoying runs such as Connie’s Coulee and Picture Chutes in the Hellroaring Basin, perhaps humming a Willie Nelson or Ray Charles song that he has stuck in his head from his drive up the mountain.

Legals for December, 21 2022

Glacier Park will require reservations at all major entrances this summer

Glacier National Park will require reservations at all of its major entrances during the summer of 2023, the park officially announced Friday.

Winter Wonderland on Ice returns to Whitefish

Glacier Skate Academy (GSA) will be hosting its annual holiday show on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m., at the Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish.

Opponents speak out against lumping Whitefish, Columbia Falls into same house district

“Do not force a wildcat and a bulldog to share the same cage, the results may not be pretty,” said a Columbia Falls resident during a redistricting public hearing on Saturday.

Local nonprofit agencies hope to share usable information on septic leachate

The Whitefish Lake Institute and the Flathead Basin Commission spoke to the city council at a work session last week about septic leachate, a problem that has been documented in the Flathead Basin since the 1970s. They also addressed the council about ways to engage the public for meaningful change.

Council green-lights affordable Depot Park Townhomes downtown

Construction will soon begin on 22 townhomes in downtown Whitefish that are 100% deed restricted for affordable community housing.

Montana's minimum wage rising 75 cents to $9.95 in January

Montana's minimum wage is increasing 75 cents an hour to $9.95 starting on Jan. 1, the Department of Labor and Industry announced.

Resort breaks record skier visits for Opening Day

Open terrain, deep snow and pleasant weather highlighted Whitefish Mountain Resort’s 2022-23 winter season opening day on Thursday.

Student Art: 'A Whitefish Winter'

The art featured above is called "A Whitefish Winter" and is a pen drawing by Whitefish High School senior Matthew Causey in the class WHS Art 1: Drawing. The Pilot will periodically feature art from Whitefish High School students.

RightOnTrek Completes Wilderness EDGE facility; adds snowshoes

RightOnTrek just finished construction of its flagship backpacking and camping outdoor gear rental facility in Columbia Falls.

$10k grant assists childcare facility with water damage repairs

Whitefish Community Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 emergency grant to Whitefish Community School to renovate the facility’s water-damaged basement.

Loretta Fauske, 89

Loretta Irene Fauske died Dec. 8, 2022, in Columbia Falls, Montana.

Logan Health Children’s Toy Box benefits pediatric patients, families

For the fourth consecutive year, Logan Health Children’s will be fundraising during the holiday season to benefit pediatric patients and their families.

Hanukkah menorah lights up Whitefish as Jewish community gathers

Chabad of the Flathead Valley will light a 9-foot public Hanukkah menorah at Depot Park, on Dec. 18, the first night of the eight-day Festival of Lights. The ceremony will be followed by a community-wide celebration. Complimentary Hanukkah menorahs and candles will be distributed as well for participants to light at home.

Lady Bulldogs outlast Park, fall to Frenchtown at tip-off tourney

The Whitefish girls basketball team was back in action last weekend at the Western A Tip-Off Tournament in Frenchtown.

Park defeats Bulldogs in OT at Western A Tip-Off Tournament

After pushing the game to a second overtime, the Bulldogs fell by just three points to Park High School on the first day of the Western A Tip-Off Tournament in Frenchtown last weekend.

Bulldogs take small but tough squad to Kinney Classic

Only a handful of Bulldog wrestlers competed over the weekend, but the ones that did had a good showing. Whitefish wrestlers continue to deal with injuries and meeting the practice requirements to compete, but despite less numbers, the Bulldogs still came in eighth place out of 14 teams at the Bob Kinney Classic in Superior, Montana Saturday.

Looking Back for Dec. 14

A search for the oldest continuous living resident of Whitefish was concluded by the Whitefish Library Association with the naming of Mrs. Roger Smith, formerly Pearl Ruth Geeslin, who was born in the LaSalle area in 1898 and came to Whitefish in 1903, and Marvin Hove who was born in Minneapolis in 1882, moved to Kalispell in 1903 and came to Whitefish in 1904.

Police Calls: Early morning fun, an Aussie makes the rounds

One of the owners of a stickered vehicle called to find out why his car got a sticker and his neighbors’ cars didn’t.

Flathead Fusion girls hockey team wins Bozeman tourney

The 14U Flathead Lady Fusion hockey team competed at the annual Bozeman Cup 19U/14U Hockey tournament last weekend.

Whitefish speech places third in two-day regional invite

The Whitefish speech and debate team competed in a western regional competition in Kalispell on Friday and Saturday.

McDaniel leads Whitefish swimmers at Kalispell Invite

Whitefish swimmer Jack McDaniel led the Bulldogs in a season-opening meet in Kalispell on Saturday with two first-place finishes.

Photos: Christmas Stroll takes over Central Avenue in burst of holiday spirit

The annual Whitefish Christmas Stroll came alive downtown Friday night with the lighting of the Depot Park Christmas Tree, the arrival of Santa Claus in a horse-drawn wagon, caroling, and dance and musical performances. Several vendors lined Central Avenue and attendees enjoyed a night of holiday festivities.

Legals for December, 14 2022

School district seeks additional feedback on expansion planning

Whitefish School District will hold its second community engagement meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Whitefish High School cafeteria to continue discussions about the growth and expansion needs of Whitefish High School and its activities complex.

Locals in natural resource industry take media training

Flathead Valley residents Shauna Dunn, Shelby George, Brian Hogue, and Cameron Wohlschlegel recently returned from three days in Billings as part of REAL Montana (Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership). For REAL Montana Class V, this was the second seminar in their two-year educational program.

Boys basketball takes down Eureka in season opener

Led in scoring by juniors Mason Genovese and Mason Kelch, the Bulldogs defeated Eureka 61-49 on Friday in Whitefish.

Whitefish football earns postseason honors

Several Bulldogs were honored last week, with five Whitefish players being selected for All-State honors in Western A football.

Lady Dogs get ball rolling in home-opener win

Whitefish jumped out to an 11-3 lead in the first quarter against the Eureka Lady Lions Friday night and never looked back winning 38-18.

Three Whitefish grapplers place in first tournament of season

Whitefish wrestling started its season at the Owen Invitational in Polson last weekend.

Hank Williams Jr. to headline UTBS next year

Under The Big Sky returns for the fourth time to Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish on July 14-16, 2023, presenting a diverse blend of the leading edge names in alternative and outlaw country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and rock music.

Sensory-friendly Santa visits Dec. 10 in Kalispell

This holiday season, Logan Health Children’s is partnering with Whitefish Credit Union to provide sensory-friendly Santa experiences for families in the Flathead Valley.

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD airs world premiere ‘The Hours’ in Whitefish

Whitefish Theatre Company and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center are co-presenting the third live on-screen performance of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD 2022-2023 season.

Beloved holiday ballet brings family together

When the San Diego Ballet’s “Nutcracker” touring company travels to Kalispell this week, it will not only bring one of the most beloved ballets and Christmas stories to the McClaren Hall stage, it will also nurture a unique kinship between an aunt and her niece.

Construction on Spokane finished for now; watermain replacement project to resume in spring

Whitefish drivers have all season to enjoy fewer backups on Baker Avenue since traffic has returned to two lanes on Spokane Avenue while work on the watermain replacement project pauses for the winter.

Police Calls: Quarter of a million dollar watch goes missing

A pop-up trailer on Dakota Avenue earned an orange sticker for poor parking.

Whitefish Library Program: Student Eleanor Parsons reviews ‘The Comeback’

The Whitefish Community Library’s Fall Into Reading program features book reviews written by local students.

Hospital Corner: Foundation giving is always in season

Christmas came early at Logan Health’s walk-in clinic at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Looking Back for Dec. 7

The Whitefish City Council drew up a tentative list of suggestions for disbursement of the funds on hand now that they granted the petition to abandon the section of Woodland Place Street between Washington and Idaho Streets.

Retired sportscaster recalls colorful memories in new book

Peanuts and Cracker Jack, rally hats, the roar of the crowd.

Tee to Green: South Course ranked best in the state

In a ranking of best golf course in each state across the country by Tee Time Media, the South Course at Whitefish Lake was rated the best in Montana.

Christmas Stroll returns to Whitefish Dec. 9

The holidays are upon us, and that means it’s time for one of the biggest family events of the season in the Flathead – the annual Whitefish Christmas Stroll, sponsored by Stockman Bank.

Alan Priebe, 75

Alan Priebe of Whitefish, Montana died on Nov. 25, 2022. He was 75.

Robert Matthews Anderson, 100

Robert Matthews Anderson passed away Nov. 16 at the age of 100 in his home in Whitefish, Montana, surrounded by his wife, Mary (Mitzi) of 70 years, and his children, Grant Anderson of Kalispell, Montana and daughter, Dana (Anderson) Thompson of Bainbridge Island, Washington.

75 years on Big Mountain: Decades of memories made at the resort that helped shape Whitefish

Opening day in 1947 drew out an enthusiastic group sporting doubled-up sweaters and long skis — a lift ticket for the brand new T-bar was $2, a burger was 25 cents and a beer cost a few nickels. About 6,900 skiers enjoyed The Big Mountain that year, according to the historical book “Hellroaring: 50 Years on The Big Mountain”.

Regional septage treatment facility could address growing problem

On any given day up to 40,000 gallons of septage waste needs to be pumped from septic tanks in Flathead County and with rapid growth in the area over the past decade suitable land for disposal of that waste has become scarce.

Avalanche warning issued through Friday

Northwest Montana avalanche forecasters issued a special warning Thursday for elevated danger in the backcountry due to recent heavy snowfall.