Ellington

Cat skiing operation builds backcountry yurt in Stillwater Forest

Deep in the woods of Stillwater State Forest, a cozy wooden structure provides an oasis for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Great Northern Powder Guides built the “Powder House,” a two-story hard-sided yurt, in December 2021.

City Council Preview for April 4

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, April 4 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

River group looks to boost safety, stewardship on Flathead River

Flathead Rivers Alliance recently was awarded a Flathead Electric

Flathead Rivers Alliance recently was awarded a Flathead Electric Cooperative Roundup for Safety grant of $5,000 towards the purchase of the structure materials for a Life Jacket Loaner Station, river ambassador first aid kits, and development of river safety messaging animations.

Survey reports more Montanans don’t want increased tourism

Maybe there’s only so much room in Big Sky Country after all. For the first time ever, the majority of respondents to a survey on tourism say the state is becoming overcrowded because of more tourists and people moving here.

Developer works with neighbors on proposed Central Ave condos

The developer working on a south Central Avenue property recently showed a willingness to meet with the neighbors and take their concerns into account. It proved to be a winning strategy.

Whitefish junior nordic skier finishes among the top nationally

Maeve Ingelfinger never expected to medal at a national-level nordic skiing championship, but recently she stood on the podium twice at Junior Nationals.

Glacier Nordic wraps up season at championships

The Glacier Nordic Club had a full season of races including fun local races all the way up to the prestigious Junior National Championships.

Writing Coaches offers training for new volunteers

Writing Coaches of Montana is seeking additional volunteers to assist local students with their writing and is offering an online volunteer training on April 13 at 6 p.m. No prior experience is necessary.

Police calls: Older woman on playground makes strange gestures

8:34 a.m. Someone called to complain that their neighbors are loud, they litter, and they park incorrectly on Aspen Grove Street.

FWP warns recreationists, residents to be bear aware

As winter gives way to spring, recreationists are taking advantage of the warmer weather to get outside.

WLI hosts Science Quencher event featuring local scientists

Whitefish Lake Institute is hosting a Science Quencher event on Friday, April 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake’s Stumptown Room.

Don “K” Subaru donates to the Veterans Food Pantry & Stand Down

Don “K” and Subaru on Monday presented a check in the amount of $21,000 to the Northwest Montana Veteran’s Stand Down and Food Pantry as a result of being chosen by the employees of the dealership as the 2021 Subaru Share the Love campaign Hometown Charity.

WTC holds auditions for Murder On The Orient Express

The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding auditions for Agatha Christie’s “Murder On The Orient Express”, its final show of the 2021-22 season.

Montana Art Theatre holds auditions for play that questions social issues

The Montana Art Theatre is launching auditions for its second production that will be an adaptation of the Irish classic, “The Playboy of the Western World” which dates back to the early 1900s.

Flathead Valley ski racers qualify for championships

Thirteen alpine ski racers from the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) team qualified to represent the Northern Division team at regional and tri-divisional championship events this March.

Track and field athletes prepping for new season

Coming off a highly successful season during which the girls team placed second at the State A meet, the Whitefish High School track and field team is preparing to pick things up right where they left off one year ago.

Whitefish’s Arnold Peterson turns 100

Whitefish resident Arnold C. Peterson, lovingly known as “Poppy,” celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday in Whitefish with his family and friends, including two daughters, one granddaughter and two great-grandchildren.

Housing a proposed addition to new zoning on Hwy 93

The Whitefish City Council’s focus during a work session last week was housing as it continued to devise an acceptable version of the new WB-T Business Transitional District for Highway 93 south of Montana 40.

Live tree removal along Whitefish lakeshore denied by council

Averill Hospitality recently sought city approval to remove a live, large tree on the Lodge at Whitefish Lake property because they felt it was unsightly and difficult to maintain.

DREAM Adaptive Shred-a-thon raises money for inclusive recreation

The third annual Shred-a-thon, DREAM Adaptive’s largest fundraising event, was celebrated Saturday on Big Mountain with style galore.

Entrepreneur duo teams up for mentorship program

Jim Riley and Rod Kuntz hope the community says “yes” to a new entrepreneurship program they are launching in the Flathead Valley.

Housing crisis shackles economic growth in Montana

The lack of housing in Montana is stifling economic development because potential employees can’t find places to live, so even businesses that offer high salaries and want to expand can’t grow.

Flathead National Forest accepting applications for Youth Conservation Corps

Flathead National Forest is accepting applications for the 2022 Flathead Youth Conservation Corps program through April 8.

Looking Back: Muldown construction was nearing completion in 1992

Looking back for March 30

Pursuit buys Glacier Raft Company

Pursuit Glacier Park Collection announced Thursday that it has purchased the Glacier Raft Co. in West Glacier.

Allyce Mae Street

Allyce Mae Street

FEC program awards safety grants

The Roundup for Safety Board awarded a total of $21,375 in community safety grants to nonprofit organizations at its March 10 meeting.

Breaking the stigma: Students strive to prevent teen suicide through peer advocacy

Overwhelmed. That is the top word students recently surveyed at Whitefish High School used to describe how they were feeling emotionally. Next up were the words tired and mediocre.

Photos: Annual Nate Chute snowboarding event at WMR

The 23rd annual Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross was held last weekend at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Local Homeschool Theater Club presents 'Oliver' at Whitefish PAC

Homeschool Theater Club is performing “Oliver,” an adaptation of “Oliver Twist” at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

Local businesses, government agencies react to rising gas prices

The recent surge in gas prices is fueling operational adjustments across the Flathead Valley business landscape.

City looking to adjust accessory dwelling unit regs to address housing

In an effort to make more affordable housing available in Whitefish, the Whitefish Planning Board discussed changes to the city code that affect accessory apartments — now called accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Flathead National Forest spring prescribed burns

The Flathead National Forest is planning to conduct spring prescribed fire projects when weather, fuel conditions, and air quality become favorable.

Police Calls: Erratic driving on Baker causes passenger to bail from vehicle

Police Calls for March 13 through 23

Michael L. Edgerton

Michael L. Edgerton

William “Bud” Wilhelm

William “Bud” Wilhelm

Donald V. King Jr.

Donald V. King Jr.

Nancy Jane McKeen Zintek

Nancy Jane McKeen Zintek

Looking Back for March 23

Looking Back for March 23

Whitefish Wrestling Club does well at tournament

The Whitefish Wrestling Club had three athletes place second in the WMLG Unit 1 & 2 tournament in St. Ignatius last weekend.

Whitefish basketball players earn postseason honors

A handful of Whitefish High School basketball players were recently honored with Northwest All-conference selections for the 2021-22 season.

MDOT Downtown Highway Study conclusion doesn’t tell full story

The City of Whitefish is compelled to respond to the recent Montana Department Transportation (MDOT) press release regarding the feasibility study of improvements to U.S. Highway 93 including streets in downtown Whitefish (Downtown Whitefish Highway Study). The MDOT press release painted a one-sided perspective of the years of planning and decision-making that went into deferring a project on Spokane Avenue, the gateway to our community.

Hospital foundation donates 15 AEDs

The Logan Health Foundation recently purchased 15 Automatic External Defibrillators to be donated to local sports organizations in time for their spring seasons.

Huge thanks to Flathead Classic organizers

On behalf of the over 35 participants of the Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race held the last weekend of February we would like to thank the organizers of the race — Brett Svetlik, Pam Beckstrom, Steve Riggs, Georgia Hall, and Alexandra Ness — for another well-organized, super fun race!

Brain surgery allows man to return to playing classical guitar

Jim Stroud lay on a surgery table strumming his guitar.

Government regulations stand in the way of attainable housing

We are five of the youngest lawmakers in the Montana Legislature. At 20, 21, 24, 29 and 31 years old, we are in various stages of renting and homeownership, and all of us are concerned about the housing crisis facing Montana. In every one of our communities — Billings, Belgrade, Columbia Falls and even Malta—housing is rapidly becoming more expensive and harder to find.

Middle school mathlete earns trip to nationals

Take the top 80-plus math students in the state, add two rounds of problem-solving until 10 remain; use a speed round to subtract one every few minutes until four students are left.

Chisholm finds spelling bee success

While many people rely on their computer’s spell-check feature, there is one local student who needs no such help.

Class-action suit alleges Whitefish’s impact fees unlawful

A class-action lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court of Montana against the city of Whitefish alleging that the city has been charging “unreasonable, unlawful and unconstitutional” impact fees for new development.

Flathead girls hockey teams bring home state championships

A weekend capped with double state championships for Flathead Fusion hockey in the girls division was one that will go down in history.

High School students wanted for local government

The City of Whitefish has two committees with a vacancy each reserved to a local high school student. (home/publicly/privately/etc.)

Plowing begins on Glacier Park roads, reservations going smoothly

The annual plowing of Glacier National Park’s roads was set to begin this week.

Former Whitefish mayor, community leader Marge Fisher dies

Longtime Whitefish civic leader and community volunteer Marjorie “Marge” Fisher contributed to the Flathead Valley in numerous ways throughout the past five decades.

City again pushes decision to create transitional zoning along Highway 93 South

In a Whitefish City Council meeting last week, the council again chose to postpone a decision on establishing a new transitional business zoning district, WB-T, for the section of Highway 93 just south of Montana 40.

Whitefish Schools enrollment up, district will not seek levy in election

For the third year in a row, the Whitefish School District will not seek a voted levy come May when its time for school elections.

Montana needs simple protection from fast-rising property taxes

We have a chance, right now, to save our homes, save our communities, save our place in this exceptional state for now and for generations to come. And if we, the people, don’t act now, then, as a local legislator recently said “You might have to consider moving.”

House fire benefit fund supports local family

Our high school secretary, Jenny St. Onge and her husband Kelly lost their entire house including all its contents to a fire last week. Our internal teams have made sure they are safe and have established a system to support Jenny and Kelly throughout their recovery while being careful to respect their personal lives.

Thanks for community support of winter decorations

Whitefish Shines would like to thank the many community volunteers, Flathead Electric Coop Linemen, City of Whitefish, Rocky Mountain Painting, Fast Signs and Glacier Painting for their great community spirit, bucket trucks and trailers in helping to take down the Whitefish winter decorations on Sunday, Feb. 27.

Voting begins for Best of Whitefish

Whitefish is a unique, small community with an abundance of creative ideas, delicious food and drinks, and interesting people serving each other day after day.

Planning board to look at revising standards for accessory dwelling units

Five public hearings are on the agenda for the Whitefish Planning Board meeting on Thursday, March 17 and solutions to the housing shortage are among the topics to be discussed.

Award-winning ski documentary showing at O’Shaughnessy

The Ski Heritage Center Museum will present the award-winning documentary film “Mission: Mt. Mangart” at the O’Shaughnessy Saturday, March 19.

City Council Preview for March 21

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, March 21 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

Article shouldn't have included Zinke's reaction

On March 2, your headline reads: Montana Senators React to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine.

Otto Bremer Trust awards grant to North Valley Food Bank

The North Valley Food Bank has been awarded a highly competitive grant of $75,000 from the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Glacier Hockey PeeWee team snags state title

The Glacier Hockey Association’s PeeWee (12U) team recently won the PeeWee B State Championship of Montana Amateur Hockey Association.

Council briefs: Variety of issues addressed at March 7 city council meeting

With Mayor John Muhlfeld out of town for the City Council meeting on March 7, Deputy Mayor Frank Sweeney and the Councilors successfully dealt with a myriad of issues on the full agenda.

Photos: Special Olympics Montana Glacier Area Winter Games

Whitefish Mountain Resort hosted the Special Olympics Montana Glacier Area Winter Games on Tuesday, March 8.

Looking Back for March 16

Rumors circulated that The Big Mountain would close early due to warm temperatures.

Flathead Venture Crew offers Easter egg services

The Easter Bunny is comin’ to town, this year with the help of Boy Scout Venture Crew 2920.

WTC cancels Paul Beaubrun show

Due to circumstances out of their control, the Whitefish Theatre Company has to cancel the upcoming Paul Beaubrun music concert that was scheduled for March 17, 2022.

Law enforcement to increase patrols for St. Pat’s holiday

Go ahead and wear green, eat corned beef and cabbage, dance a jig – celebrate St. Patrick’s Day however you choose.

Kindergarten registration at Muldown to open April 22

Muldown Elementary School will be holding their annual kindergarten registration event referred to as "Kindergarten Round Up" on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Police Calls: An accidental call to 911 blamed on car's cup holder

An elderly man visited a coffee hut drive-through on foot and made disturbing remarks to the barista before collecting his stuffed animal and walking away.

Legals for March, 16 2022

‘It was more than wins and losses’: Coach Ross reflects on over two decades from the Whitefish football sideline

After 24 years coaching football in Whitefish, one state championship and a whole host of thrilling games, as Chad Ross recollects all he can think of is the people. The smiling faces at graduation, the ‘thank yous’ from former players, the names of kids he had the opportunity to assist in life — those snippets all come up as the most memorable part of his coaching career.

Kelch hired as new Whitefish Chief of Police

After two decades of patrolling the streets of Whitefish, Bridger Kelch has been officially hired as the new police chief.

City tightens regs on motorized vehicle use in city parks

A recommendation by the Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department to amend a city ordinance involving motorized vehicle use in city parks was adopted unanimously by City Council on Feb. 22.

Council approves Trailview developer to sell 10 units at market rate

Unpredictable economics have left the developer of the Trailview subdivision struggling to continue to provide affordable housing units.

In a Nutshell: Food insecurity in rural communities

I am excited for a new opportunity to keep the community informed about food insecurity and the North Valley Food Bank – here is our first monthly column In a Nutshell.

Whitefish man sent to prison for fraud scheme

A Whitefish man who admitted to defrauding wealthy Whitefish businessman Michael Goguen out of millions of dollars was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday.

WTC brings captivating drama ‘Bauer’ to the stage

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its final Black Curtain theatre production of the 2021-2022 season with “Bauer” by Lauren Gunderson at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. A play about art, passion, secrets, betrayal, and love, “Bauer” has performances on March 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Whitefish Community Blood Drive on March 17

The American Red Cross will host its spring Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, March 17, 2022 in the gym at The Wave – 1250 Baker Avenue – from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Community Foundation grants Flathead Warming Center money to fix roof

Whitefish Community Foundation has awarded a $30,000 Emergency Grant to Flathead Warming Center to replace the shelter’s failing roof. This Community Emergency Response Fund grant is made possible by members of Whitefish Community Foundation’s Circle of Giving Program and other local donors.

Ski racers dominate Northern Division races at Discovery Ski Area

Jackson Surber, Kellie Klepper, and Jordon Jurasek of the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) race team had dominating performances at a Northern Division race series held at Discovery Ski Area on Feb. 24-27.

Employing youth perspectives encourages future participation

Young voters notoriously underestimate the impact of their voices.

Give blood for Red Cross Month

Emergencies don’t take vacations. They don’t even take off nights and weekends.

Tranel will protect what Montanans value most

I was born and raised on a small farm in central Montana and have lived in Whitefish for 51 years. The changes I have seen in all of Montana have alarmed me and I want our elected officials to represent me and all hard-working Montanans.

Fix Amtrak first

Since its formation in 2020, the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) has been successful in touting its mission to re-establish rail passenger service through Southern Montana.

Affordable housing also means affordable energy bills

At a recent Flathead Habitat for Humanity volunteer breakfast we heard parents of young families express the importance of owning an affordable home.

Helen Ann Noffsinger Green Clark

Helen Ann Noffsinger Green Clark - Celebration of Life

Rodney L. Strunk

Rodney L. Strunk memorial service

MDT decides not to pursue reconstruction project in downtown Whitefish

A study that had a goal of identifying ways to reduce traffic congestion in downtown Whitefish along U.S. Highway 93 was recently finalized, however the Montana Department of Transportation has decided not to pursue a reconstruction project at this time.

City awards contract to engineer for viaduct improvements

The improvement project for the Baker Avenue Viaduct is moving forward as Whitefish city staff recently selected an engineer to design the project.

Looking Back: A new gun range was being considered near Baker Avenue Park

A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler.

Police Calls: Fire atop a power pole subsided to smoldering glow

Police calls for March 9.

Local snowpack holds steady despite dry February

With its northwestern river basins still making par for snowpack by the start of March, natural resource officials say last month overall proved “disappointingly dry” elsewhere for Montana.

Water main break on Spokane Avenue

The City of Whitefish released a statement around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2 reporting a water main break on Spokane Avenue.

Police Calls: A fire at the chicken coop next door

Police calls for Feb. 18-22

Housing Authority provides updated timeline for snow lot project

As of last week, the Whitefish Housing Authority has secured full funding for an affordable housing project that is planned for a 1.64-acre property on the corner of Railway Street and Columbia Avenue, also referred to as the snow lot.

Council strikes compromise on lighting for Texas Avenue

Whitefish City Council last week voted unanimously to approve the final design and authorize staff to go out for bids on the second phase of the Texas Avenue reconstruction project.

Montana senators react to Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Montana’s two Senators weighed in on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Thursday.

Scenes from the Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race

Scenes from the Flathead Classic

Eagle Scout project spruces up hospital garden

Kalispell Eagle Scout candidate Colton Henriksson and his fellow scouts of Troop 1901 were hard at work at Logan Health Whitefish on Saturday helping improve the hospital’s Planetree Garden.

New business focuses on reuse, reduce concepts

Amy Robinson is taking a step toward lessening plastic waste by helping the local community reuse and reduce with her new business, Pantry Collective.

Whitefish postpones decision on Highway 93 south zoning

Whitefish City Council on Feb. 22 chose to postpone a decision on creating a new business transitional zoning district following a lengthy discussion.

NVMS new hires made meet growing demand for music instruction

NVMS new hires made meet growing demand for music instruction

Amtrak service in Whitefish affected by Covid

Amtrak recently made temporary changes to the Empire Builder route that services Whitefish. The long-distance line’s departures have been reduced from seven days a week to five.

UM speech pathology student, DREAM Adaptive volunteer finds her voice

MISSOULA – Megan Andersen didn’t talk until she 5 years old. Her family, team of doctors and host of other professionals don’t quite know why – maybe something about low muscle tone, dexterity and the development of fine and gross motor skills, as she tells it.

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Forest Service urge uphill safety

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Forest Service urge uphill safety

Whitefish Credit Union donates nearly $14,000 to local high schools

Whitefish Credit Union’s High School Spirit Debit Card campaign had another successful year giving $13,995 to local high schools, a record amount since the campaign started in 2016.

Flathead Valley ski racers continue to excel this season

Flathead Valley ski racers continue to excel this season

Marjorie I. Fisher

Marjorie I. Fisher

Vernon (Vern) L. Ingraham

Vernon (Vern) L. Ingraham

Peggy Ann (Gillis) Hennessey

Peggy Ann (Gillis) Hennessey

Interim work, Ukraine and seeking re-election

Interim work, Ukraine and seeking re-election

Public lands are what makes Montana Last Best Place

Montana’s beautiful, expansive public lands are what makes this state the “last best place.”

Crisis in Ukraine

I've had wonderful experiences in Whitefish and there, I've met quite a number of people from Ukraine.

Commercial zoning on Highway 93 South

Commercial Zoning on Highway 93 South

Biden’s indifference to the border crisis, crime is hurting Montana

Biden’s indifference to the border crisis and crime is hurting Montana

Whitefish Community Foundation awards grant to FAST Blackfeet

Whitefish Community Foundation awards grant to FAST Blackfeet

FVSEF hosts first annual Chicks on Sticks women’s ski clinic

FVSEF hosts first annual Chicks on Sticks women’s ski clinic

Less Desirable?

I am writing in response to the Letter to the Editor that appeared in the Feb. 23, 2022 issue of the Pilot titled “Keeping the riffraff out.”

Area hunter education courses open registration

Area hunter education courses open registration

Whitefish Community Foundation scholarship application cycle opens March 1

Whitefish Community Foundation scholarship application cycle opens March 1

Olney-Bissell teacher honored with prestigious presidential award

When President Joe Biden named the most recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching — Olney-Bissell School teacher Shianne Schmidt was among them.

Infrastructure funding to boost airport expansion project

A crane loomed over Glacier Park International Airport on Wednesday as U.S. Sen. Jon Tester spoke about infrastructure funding, including $14.5 million going to the airport in the next five years through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Spring Open Burning began March 1

Spring Open Burning

Looking Back: Mayor Olsen ended a council meeting at nearly 4 a.m.

A look back at Whitefish Pilot articles by Julie Engler.

Rodney L. Strunk

Rodney L. Strunk

Legals for March, 2 2022