Ellington

Police Calls - Kids hanging out on parking garage

A resident of Woodland Place got his questions answered regarding the Suburban that is still in the parking lot.

Dancing to the Strings concerts showcase Argentine tango

The Lord of the Strings concert series takes the stage for Opus 7 of 12, Dancing to the Strings — a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between master violinist Wai Mizutani, pianist Xiao-Long Chen and drummer Rob Spencer, with special guest dance couple Rob Montango and Faith Morrison, professional Argentine tango and ballet dancers — will take place over two concert dates, Friday and Saturday, July 29 and July 30, at the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center. Both concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Regional SWAT team skillfully resolves conflicts as crime rate rises

Hollywood would have us believe that every time the SWAT team arrives, they bust through doors, blow down walls and run into houses with guns blazing.

Festival Amadeus celebrates 15th Anniversary in Flathead

This summer the Glacier Symphony presents the 15th annual Festival Amadeus, the region’s only week-long classical music festival, offering spectacular chamber and orchestra concerts in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, Aug. 9-14.

Blankenship gravel bar to remain unprotected

On Friday, July 15, Judge Donald Malloy denied Friends of the Flathead River’s motion for a temporary injunction to prevent camping on the Blankenship gravel bar on the Flathead River.

Supreme Court rulings contradictory

It’s ironic, but does anyone see it? First, the Supreme Court overturns Roe vs. Wade, letting states ban abortion, then the Supreme Court rules against the EPA fixing the climate crisis.

Relative of East Glacier Park rampage victims offers thanks for outpouring of support

The father and grandfather of two victims of last weekend's brutal attack in East Glacier Park thanked those offering his family support and called on mourners to let go of any anger they might hold.

FVCC’s Festival of Flavors event raises money for scholarships

The FVCC Foundation hosted its Festival of Flavors summer event, “Swan River Soirée” on June 30, an outdoor dining experience and auction.

Tails and tunes at Whitefish Library

The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (known as R.E.A.D.), visited Whitefish Library recently to demonstrate the power of partnering with a therapy animal to boost confidence and reading skills.

Tee to Green: Whitefish Lake Golf Club to host senior championships

About every eight years, the Men’s Senior State Amateur tournament returns to the Flathead Valley as the hosts of the three-day event.

All smiles at DREAM Adaptive's Water Sports Week

An inviting lawn fitted with towering trees looking out onto Echo Lake near Bigfork is filled with families from many different walks of life. Some are all adults while some have small children and everything in between — and all are participating in DREAM Adaptive Recreation’s Water Sports Week.

Alpine Theatre Project's summer program pairs students with Broadway talent

Walking into the lobby of the Alpine Theatre Project, it’s easy to forget that not long ago the building housed the Whitefish Mountain Cinema.

Tribute to Winter Carnival legend Rick Donahue

Our community is sparked and powered by heroes hidden in plain sight, working tirelessly and over a long time to create goodness for the benefit of us all.

New gym focused on physical, mental wellbeing

A new gym in Whitefish is aimed at helping people take control of their lives physically, mentally and emotionally through high intensity interval training, or HIIT.

Twins take second in district tournament; head to state

In an eventful West A District Legion baseball tournament, the Glacier Twins fought until the end to make the championship game.

City Council resumes discussion of community solar facility

The City of Whitefish is moving forward with plans to install a large solar panel array at the site of the new wastewater treatment plant on Monegan Road.

Council seeks proposals for potential central recycling site

The City of Whitefish is once again looking into forming a centralized recycling site after the idea for curbside pickup of recyclables didn’t pan out.

Whitefish Lake Triathlon returns; beginners to elite athletes compete side by side

After a two-year rest, the Whitefish Lake Triathlon is ready, set, go for Sunday, Aug. 14, at 9 a.m. The event has been a staple in the community for over 25 years and this year, the event’s main goal is to attract beginner triathletes.

Participants post fast times in annual Big Mountain Run

The 40th Big Mountain Run on Saturday at Whitefish Mountain Resort showcased talent from local runners who finished the Danny On Hill Climb route with impressive times.

Looking Back for July 27

Until 1962, borate was the primary chemical used by the USDA Forest Service as a fire retardant, but borate acted as a harsh soil sterilant of quite long duration and it killed the foliage that it contacted.

Bodies of two overdue hikers found in GNP; Park announced another hiker fatality Tuesday

The bodies of two men were found in Glacier National Park on Monday morning after the pair were reported overdue from a climb on Dusty Star Mountain on Sunday.

Man hits family with pickup, kills 2 with shotgun in East Glacier rampage

A man drove his pickup truck into a family as they walked in a tourist village bordering Glacier National Park and opened fire with a shotgun, killing one man and mortally wounding a toddler who was in her mother's arms before the mother's sister-in-law managed to kill the assailant after he ran out of ammunition, authorities said.

Community Foundation’s longtime leader to retire

The Whitefish Community Foundation President and CEO Linda Engh-Grady recently announced her pending retirement from the organization; she has been with the foundation for 14 years.

Glacier bridge construction projects start up

Construction on two bridges in Glacier National Park begins next week.

North Valley Music School launches campaign for new school facility

As the vibrant North Valley Music School approaches its 25th anniversary, the nonprofit is celebrating its growth and vitality over the years by launching a campaign for a new school facility.

Broadway stars to perform in ATP’s concert series

They’ve starred in some of the most well-known Broadway productions in history, including “Les Miserables,” “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” “Chicago,” and for one week they’ll perform some of their greatest show-stopping hits on the Whitefish stage.

Bear Fair to educate public on coexisting with bears

The Polebridge Bear Fair is planned for Saturday, July 30 from noon until 4:30 p.m. at the Home Ranch Bottoms, 8950 North Fork Road in Polebridge.

Twins close out reg season with wins over Bitterroot

The Glacier Twins’ regular season came to an end on Sunday when the home team took down the Bitterroot Red Sox in a doubleheader at Memorial Field.

Longtime landscape architect honored for years of commitment to Whitefish

A casual glance around Whitefish will give you views of tree-lined streets, flowing bike paths and green spaces and almost all of it originated with local landscape architect, Bruce Boody.

History - Looking Back for July 20

The District 44 board of education was expecting to receive bids on a new junior high gymnasium.

Police Calls: Firework overload over the Fourth

Police calls from July 4

Nicolette Rose Ward

On July 10, 2022, our sweet Nikki went home to be with her Lord.

Sibyl Myrna Kegel Hughes

Early, on a Sunday morning Sibyl was granted her well-earned wings and reunited with her loved ones gone before.

North Valley Music School hosts annual music event

On Sunday, August 7, North Valley Music School will host the Montana Music Event, a fundraiser for the nonprofit music school.

Tee to Green: Bag room to be removed, more upcoming tournaments

As part of the planned renovation for the clubhouse, the bag room will be removed and bag storage will no longer be available at the course.

CFalls sees major public opposition for proposed large subdivision on Flathead River

A planning board meeting on a proposed 455-unit subdivision was postponed a month after the crowd overflowed the Columbia Falls city council chambers, went down the hall and out the door of city hall Tuesday night.

Philip Nelson Lehner

Philip Nelson Lehner

Barbara Anne Olson

Barbara Anne Olson

Glacier Park's staff shortage means some campgrounds won't open

Like many businesses in the Flathead Valley, Glacier National Park is not immune to staff shortages. The park typically employs about 16 seasonal staffers to operate and oversee its frontcountry campgrounds.

Hospital Corner: Bicycles offer healthy, happy commuting

Imagine for a minute our community with more bicycles than cars on the streets — it’s quite picturesque isn’t it? A happy, vibrant place to live, work and play.

Toddler, 2 more kids among 6 killed in I-90 crash

A 3-year-old and two other children were among the six people killed in a pileup last week on a Montana highway during blackout conditions caused by dust storms, officials said Monday.

PHOTOS: Under the Big Sky Festival 2022

Crowds gathered by the thousands at Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish over the weekend for the annual Under the Big Sky music festival and rodeo.

Legals for July, 20 2022

Fiery wreck on Highway 2 and Walsh Road sends eight to hospital Sunday

A fiery wreck on Highway 2 East and Walsh Road sent eight people to the hospital Sunday afternoon.

Shotgun-toting man made death threats; now faces charges

A man accused of threatening to kill someone with a shotgun outside of a Whitefish area bar over the weekend now faces an assault with a weapon charge.

Full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road opens to vehicles

Matching the latest opening on record, the full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park opened to vehicles Wednesday morning for the 2022 summer season.

UM Bio Station Researchers Find Nutrient Imbalance in Flathead Lake

UM Bio Station Researchers Find Nutrient Imbalance in Flathead Lake

City begins work to update Whitefish housing plan

The City of Whitefish is beginning work on a needed update to its strategic housing plan.

Whitefish martial artist earns master level in Soo Bahk Do

Seventeen years of dedication to the Korean martial art of Soo Bahk Do has brought Tanner Armstrong to the fourth degree midnight blue belt, or Sa Dan, the first of the master levels.

City considers new annexation policy that would simultaneously rezone property

The Whitefish City Council held a work session last week to discuss the city’s annexation policy and rezoning procedure and consider a more streamlined approach.

Request for two-story storage units on Hwy 93 approved

By a 5-1 vote, Whitefish City Council approved a conditional use permit for a mini-storage facility to be located to the west of the Army Navy store with an address on Highway 93.

Man pleads not guilty to charges linked to Whitefish shooting

A Rollins man accused of firing a gun from a vehicle in Whitefish in May that injured a bystander with a ricochet pleaded not guilty to amended charges on July 6.

Holmquist retains win after recount

Final results in the Flathead County Commissioner Republican Primary recount maintained the win for incumbent Pam Holmquist over challenger Jack Fallon.

DREAM Adaptive Recreation water sports week returns with support

DREAM Adaptive Recreation has been awarded a $7,500 grant from The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund to support the non-profit’s Summer Water Sports Program.

Tee to Green: Several upcoming golf tournaments at WLGC

The very popular Bulldog Open scramble golf tournament has a full field with a waiting list for this year’s event.

Under the Big Sky festival on stage this weekend

The Under the Big Sky music festival is back at Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish this weekend.

Big Mountain Run heads into 40th year

The Glacier Nordic Club is prepping to host its 40th anniversary of the Big Mountain Run on Saturday, July 23.

Wild Wings visit Whitefish Community Library

Despite a wet start, over 100 people and 14 birds attended Montana Wild Wings’ program hosted annually by Whitefish Community Library on Thursday, July 7 on the library’s east side lawn.

Whitefish Community Blood Drive

The American Red Cross will host its summer Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at The Wave – 1250 Baker Avenue – from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Participants announced for Great Fish Community Challenge

Seventy Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations will participate in the eighth annual Great Fish Community Challenge hosted by Whitefish Community Foundation Aug. 4 to Sept. 16.

In a Nutshell: Access to healthy and fresh food for all

A cold spring and extensive flooding led to a bad start for our local farmers this year.

Glacier Park debuts solar panel project at Park HQ

Last week, Glacier National Park hosted its ribbon cutting and a press release for their brand new 34.56-kilowatt solar array on top of Park Headquarters.

History - Looking Back for July 13

A torchlight boat parade, coronation of a new queen, power and sailboat races were some of the events during the 34th annual Aluminum Cup Regatta at the City Beach in Whitefish.

Police Calls: Suspicious minds and a guest who won’t leave

A caller was suspicious of six males walking around the building and looking into cars on Park Avenue.

Glacier Park roads leader enjoys challenges of plowing Sun Road

When Christian Tranel was operating bulldozers in the Army, he never dreamed that he would one day be operating the same equipment clearing snow from the top of one of the most famous mountain passes in the country.

Bears euthanized after frequenting area residential properties

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear management specialists are busy responding to reports of bears accessing unsecured food attractants on residential properties across northwest Montana.

Latin Nights dance lessons offer lively cultural experience

Thursday evenings in Whitefish now have a little extra spice with the addition of Latin Nights at Casey’s Bar.

City Council preview for July 18

City Council preview for July 18

Twins come up short in Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial tourney

The Glacier Twins earned a spot in the championship game of the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial tournament in Whitefish on Sunday but unfortunately came up short in the game.

Save Farmland nonprofit partner for Under the Big Sky; receive land donation

Save Farmland, a new Montana nonprofit organization that protects agricultural land while strengthening local food systems, recently announced a long-term partnership with the Under the Big Sky Festival to raise awareness and funds.

Whitefish Mountain Resort sees progress on new chairlift installation

Work is well underway on installing the new six-person chairlift at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Legals for July, 13 2022

Full length of Sun Road opens to cyclists, hikers this weekend

For the first time this summer, Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open in its entirety to hikers and bikers this weekend.

Severe storm drops damaging hail across Flathead Valley

A severe thunderstorm ripped across parts of the Flathead Valley on Thursday evening, dropping lime-sized hail on some locations.

Housing nonprofit to hire first full-time staff member to take lead on affordable housing projects

After establishing a board earlier this year, the nonprofit Housing Whitefish is now making the move to hire a full-time executive director that will facilitate planning affordable housing projects among other essential tasks.

Annie Oakley at the Whitefish Community Library

Annie Oakley is coming to our area to share a fascinating part of American history, including not only the most famous woman sharpshooter but also historic figures who crossed her path, including Buffalo Bill Cody, Chief Sitting Bull and famous newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst.

It's Time to Bring Big Medicine Home

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) held their Bison Range Restoration Celebration May 20-22, 2022, which was a monumental day that represented the righting of a terrible time in our U.S. history by restoring and honoring a broken treaty and returning the land and bison back to the CSKT.

Charles ‘Chuck’ Tudor Jr., 77

Chuck Tudor Jr. died June 18, 2022 with his family by his side in Silverdale, WA.

Northwest Montana trail projects awarded state grants

A number of grants were awarded last week to various trail projects around Northwest Montana.

Photos: Whitefish Arts Festival

Over the weekend, on July 1-3, the 43rd annual Whitefish Arts Festival gathered people downtown in Depot Park. The event sponsored by the Whitefish Christian Academy is an annual favorite throughout the Northwest.

Twins finish busy week with blowout win

The Glacier Twins played eight games over the last week and went 5-3 overall.

High-density housing, water lines drilled under Flathead River of great concern

The recent passing of Bill Shaw brings to mind Bill being the last farmer to put up hay from the 49 acres along River Road east of Columbia Falls. That open field now is destined to become high-density, three-story apartment buildings and row houses for 1,200 residents within the Columbia Falls city limits.

Alpine Theatre Project leads library summer activity

Alpine Theatre Project provided the fun for Whitefish Library’s Summer Adventure on Thursday, June 30.

Council approves a mixed-use development on Spokane; obtains new parkland in exchange

Whitefish City Council approved plans for a large mixed-use building on the corner of East Sixth Street and Spokane Avenue — as part of the deal, the city was granted riverfront property for public parkland use.

Dancers, filmmakers hope short film in Glacier shows effect of plastic waste

Typically, a dancer’s costume is made of a material such as silk or satin but this summer, one dancer came to Glacier Park to perform in a dress made of plastic recyclables to remind us of the harmful effects plastic waste has on the environment.

Be safe on Montana’s waters this summer

Montana has experienced six boating fatalities this year as of Friday due to high water and cold water temperatures.

City should deny dock variance request on lake

They want what they want, and everyone can deal with it. Birch Hill, a homeowner’s association south around the lake from The Lodge at Whitefish Lake requests a variance from the City of Whitefish (first the request goes to the Whitefish Lake Association) to extend its dock out 20 more feet.

Acharya goes back-to-back at July Fourth tournament

Jasi Acharya is now a three-time champion of the Earl Hunt 4th of July Tournament, again topping the women’s field at Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Saturday.

Carli Lloyd brings CL10 soccer clinic to Flathead Valley

Carli Lloyd held court at Flip Darling Memorial Field in Columbia Falls on Saturday for the first-ever CL10 Soccer Clinic held in Montana.

Tee to Green: Tourney news, new shed by range

Jasi Acharya repeated as the Women’s Fourth of July Champion this past week with steady rounds of 72-76-79 over the three-day event.

The Springs residents in Fourth of July spirit

Mariel Cole, a resident at The Springs at Whitefish, was prepared for Independence Day with her red, white and blue yarn. Cole is the leader of the Knit Wits, comprised of about six community residents.

Changes in ADU rules now in effect; city hopes it adds affordable housing

In a recent meeting, the Whitefish City Council streamlined regulations surrounding accessory dwelling units with the intent to make it easier for homeowners to add affordable housing in Whitefish.

Flathead Trails Association hopes to be central hub for trails valley-wide

The Flathead Trails Association is a collaboration of trail organizations, agencies and vested individuals dedicated to preserving and advancing trails and paths in the Flathead Valley.

Looking Back for July 6

The Montana State Highway Commission informed the council that the highway commission is proceeding as planned and will remove the traffic signal light from the corner of Spokane and Second Streets.

Police Calls: A man was not disorderly, just aloof

A red Toyota Tacoma was swerving in and out of the ditch on Second Street.

Flooding to create active mosquito season in Flathead Valley

For Flathead Valley residents hearing a buzz around town this summer, it’s probably not the influx of tourists swarming the area — it’s the mosquitoes.

Legals for July, 6 2022

Opportunity for neighbors, not developers, to build homes in Whitefish

On Monday, May 16, 2022, the Whitefish City Council acted decisively to address housing shortages in Whitefish — particularly the lack of affordable rentals.

Libby man dies in motorcycle crash near Whitefish

A 22-year-old Libby man died in a motorcycle crash near Whitefish Thursday evening.