Ellington

Orchestra teacher brings Broadway experience to classroom

As both a performer and teacher at heart, Summer Boggess has found a new home with the Whitefish School District Orchestra Program.

Whitefish shooter released on own recognizance

The man accused of firing a gun in downtown Whitefish — leaving a bystander injured by a ricochet — has been released on his own recognizance.

Whitefish native serves in Navy’s prestigious TOPGUN program

A Whitefish native is serving with Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center supporting TOPGUN aviators at the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center.

Runners race in annual Whitefish Marathon event

The Whitefish Marathon is one of the largest marathons in Montana and on Saturday around 1,000 racers participated in the event.

Best Social Media Content - Overheard Whitefish

Best Social Media Content - Overheard Whitefish

Uniquely Whitefish - Best of Whitefish 2022

Uniquely Whitefish results

Outdoors - Best of Whitefish 2022

The Great Outdoors results

Health + Fitness - Best of Whitefish 2022

Health & Fitness results

Night Life - Best of Whitefish 2022

Night Life results

Professional Services - Best of Whitefish 2022

Professional Services results

Eats + Treats - Best of Whitefish 2022

Eats and Treats results

The Arts - Best of Whitefish 2022

The Arts top-three winners.

Adding more housing sounds good, but is it?

The Whitefish City Council is working to address the housing shortages the city faces in a number of ways, and will now likely point to zone changes they made last week to add more ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) as one of their accomplishments. Last week the city approved sweeping zone changes to all residential neighborhoods. These zone changes allow by right (no public hearing required) for each property owner to add a rental unit of up to two stories in height and 600-800 sq ft in size in their backyard.

Congress must not squander this chance to fight climate change

When President Biden proclaimed last year that the United States would reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by the end of the decade, confidence was high that legislation to achieve that goal would be enacted by the end of 2021.

Stop Banning Books and Truth

How would you like it if your children were no longer welcome in our schools because their eyes are blue? Or their skin is white? Or the open-minded Americans of mixed heritage refused to have their children taught the truth about the horrible discrimination Irish and German immigrants endured?

Shopping - Best of Whitefish 2022

Shopping results

Best Family Practice and Best Nurse - All Families Healthcare

All Families Healthcare is a nonprofit sexual reproductive health clinic in the heart of Whitefish.

Best Veterinarian - Elizabeth Pitman

Dr. Elizabeth Pitman grew up watching her dad work as a family practitioner in Columbia Falls. As a small-town doctor, he was an integral part of the community and the combination of practicing medicine and having a strong sense of community connection is what Pitman wanted for her own life.

Best Atmosphere - Bonsai Brewing Project

The mood at Bonsai Brewing Project has always been inviting, from its early days in an awkward but funky location to its current pub-like setting with a large welcoming yard on Wisconsin Avenue.

Glacier Park's Logan Pass won't open before June 27

Visitors to Glacier National Park won’t be able to access Logan Pass before June 27, park officials said Friday.

Gas prices and inflation could impact summer visitation numbers

Tourism industry officials are keeping an eye on the price of fuel and the inflation rate when looking to predict visitation levels for the upcoming summer travel season.

Stories from Trego tunnel deviate from historical record

For the last nine months of the drilling phase of construction of the Flathead Railroad Tunnel near Trego, a then 19-year-old Bruce Morse took his camera with him as he joined his fellow workers more than three miles deep inside the Salish Mountains north of Whitefish.

GOP contenders debate in Whitefish, sans Zinke

Four Republican candidates for Montana’s new western U.S. House seat debated in Whitefish on Friday, generally finding agreement on a number of points related to the state’s agricultural challenges and preserving the rural Montana lifestyle.

Looking Back for May 25

A total of 112 Whitefish seniors received their diplomas at commencement exercises at Whitefish High School.

Police Calls: Alleys are not for boats

A white Volkswagen keeps parking in the handicap spots on the south end of a building on Cascade Court and the owner will be cited if he keeps parking there.

Accessory unit regulation changes officially adopted

Whitefish property owners who wish to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) will have an easier go of it now that regulations governing such structures have been modified to streamline the building process.

Additional Armory Park improvements set to begin

The Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department will move forward with phase 3 of improvements for Armory Park, Whitefish’s largest park, as the City Council awarded the construction contract for the work to AGC, Inc. last week.

Split zoning approved for recently annexed Highway 93 property

After being put on hold for a couple of weeks, Whitefish City Council recently approved a rezone for a 7-acre piece of property near the end of Pheasant Run that has had significant opposition from residents of a nearby neighborhood.

Corvettes on display in Whitefish for Memorial Day weekend

The Funseekers Corvette and Yacht Club officially started in Whitefish in 1986 and while the club’s members do have fun and they do have Corvettes, there is nary a boat to be seen.

Boys & Girls Club seeks nonprofit partner for Dueling Pianos Fundraiser

Boys & Girls Clubs of Glacier Country is seeking a nonprofit to send out the year 2022 and welcome 2023 by partnering with BGC on our most profitable fundraising event, Dueling Pianos Fundraiser. Entering its fourth year, the Dueling Pianos event has an organization “duel” against the Boys & Girls Clubs to see who can sell more tickets and raise the most in song requests throughout the evening with the dueling pianists. Each organization takes home the proceeds that their supporters donate through ticket sales and song requests as well as sponsorships raised prior to the event.

Phillip G. Sword

Phillip G. Sword

Montana internet company expands to Happy Valley

After 28 years of providing internet service, MontanaSky Network will be expanding to Happy Valley between Whitefish and Kalispell.

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ opening weekend

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents Agatha Christie’s thrilling mystery “Murder On The Orient Express” as their final show of the 2021-2022 season.

Range Riders set for first Pioneer League game

The Glacier Range Riders will be really riding the range to start their inaugural season, but just wait until mid-June.

TEE TO GREEN - Handbooks available in Golf Shop

For our new members, a membership handbook is available in the Golf Shop.

Girls track takes team title, Holmquist breaks Western A meet record

The Whitefish girls track and field team earned back-to-back divisional titles after dominating competition on day two of the Western A Divisional meet in Hamilton.

Glacier Twins back in the win column

The Glacier Twins returned to their winning ways last week after taking down both Kootenai Valley and Libby.

Whitefish’s Trieweiler, Workman double up for championship

The Lady Bulldogs secured the Northwest A Divisional title as a team on Friday, led by the championship win of doubles team Emma Trieweiler and Tallory Workman.

Kelch, Dicks divisional champs in doubles play

Whitefish took the doubles championship while on its way to winning the Northwest A Divisional title as a team on Friday at FVCC.

Legals for May, 25 2022

Man accused of Whitefish shooting that sent ricochet into bystander

A Rollins man faces a felony criminal endangerment charge after a gun he fired in Whitefish on May 14 left a bystander hospitalized with a wound from a ricochet.

Strongly endorse John Repke for PSC

I strongly endorse John Repke as the Democratic candidate for Public Service Commissioner from District 5.

Monica Tranel has Montanans' interests at heart

It's a struggle when you are presented with two good candidates for the congressional seat in the western district. Both have their strong points and vulnerabilities.

Give your voice by voting

I am not writing this letter to tell you who to vote for or what issue to vote on. I am writing this letter to encourage everyone to get out and vote! If you have not already registered to vote, you can still legally do that at the county register's office where you legally reside, even on election day.

Duty to protest "nasty" legislation

Re: Gary Rohr's letter to the editor in the Whitefish Pilot on May 11

Holmquist is highest quality commissioner

I have known personally and worked with every county commissioner for nearly 25 years — going back to Howard Gipe and Dale Williams.

Rosendale Standing for the Pre-Born

Rosendale Standing for the Pre-Born

Holmquist's primary motivation is Flathead citizens

I am writing in support of Flathead County Commissioner candidate Pam Holmquist. In the course of my profession as a Licensed Land Surveyor it has been my pleasure to work with Pam on many occasions. The land use projects we handle often end up in front of the Flathead County Commissioners.

Scout Uniform Drive

Scout Uniform Drive

Nonprofit to begin planning for Whitefish skatepark expansion

Throughout the summer, 40-plus local kids come out to the Dave Olseth Memorial Skatepark off Armory Road in Whitefish to attend a skateboard camp.

Dave Yeats

Dave Yeats memorial service on May 28.

Eureka-based artist gives skulls another life through intricate carving, painting

The skulls are rugged but the intricately carved designs are delicate.

Council postpones transitional zoning on Hwy 93 indefinitely

The Whitefish City Council voted in early May to postpone indefinitely a decision on creating a new transitional business district zoning, or WB-T, for the section of Highway 93 just south of Montana 40.

City awards contract for Spokane water main replacement

Whitefish is one step closer to repairing an ancient section of water main as the City Council accepted a bid and awarded a contract for construction on the Spokane Avenue water main project during its regular meeting on May 2.

Police Calls: Cinco de Mayo and everyone’s invited

A bear was reportedly seen walking on the sidewalk along Baker Avenue but when the police drove by, there were three deer on the sidewalk and no bear.

Looking Back for May 18

The Whitefish High School girls’ track team, coached by Bev Faust, scored 102.5 points to take first place at a track meet in Polson.

Country star Lee Brice to headline fair concert

Country music singer and songwriter Lee Brice is slated to headline the 2022 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo concert, fair officials announced Tuesday.

The Springs chief operating officer honored for service

Brenda Connelly, chief operating officer for The Springs Living, has been inducted into the Hall of Honor in the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards. Now in its fourth year, the program recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the senior living, skilled nursing, or home care professions or who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the fields.

Nonprofit spearheading creation of large youth center with development

Aiming to provide year-round access to athletic, arts and other enrichment programs, a new youth center is the centerpiece of a larger commercial and housing development planned for the north end of Kalispell.

GOP candidates debate in Whitefish May 20

Agriculture and rural communities will be the main topics as GOP candidates for Montana’s Western U.S. House seat debate on Friday in Whitefish.

Park Service names new Glacier Superintendent

National Park Service Regional Director Mike Reynolds announced the selection of David Roemer as the new superintendent of Glacier National Park Wednesday. Roemer will begin working at Glacier in early July.

Regenerative Agriculture program takes classroom outside school walls

The Regenerative Agriculture program at Whitefish High School is more than an educational class — it’s creating positive change in students by encouraging entrepreneurship and helping them discover their own worth.

Bulldogs alter lineup heading into divisionals, reg season wraps up with wins

The Bulldog boys tennis team has made some last-minute changes to its lineup but believes they are taking the strongest team possible into the postseason.

Balancing Both: UM Graduate Succeeds with Molecular Biology, Marching Band

In the final months of her senior year, University of Montana student Hunter Grimes presented her molecular biology research at a prestigious conference in California.

Whitefish girls tennis undefeated regular season first in program history

After playing four matches in two days to end the regular season, the Whitefish girls tennis team managed to come away with all four wins; the team sports a 14-0 undefeated record which is a first for the program.

Glacier Twins go 11 innings with Mission Valley, win over Clarkfork

The Glacier Twins lost a long one at home against Mission Valley Friday night in Legion baseball — 6-3 in a game that went 11 innings.

Whitefish girls win Polson ABC title, boys come in fifth

With divisionals approaching this weekend, the Whitefish girls track team is coming off a big team win in Polson at the Nelson-Thomas ABC Meet on Saturday.

Whitefish police to increase patrols for Memorial Day weekend

For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Montana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. As part of a nationwide “Click It or Ticket” mobilization running from May 23 through June 5, 2022, Whitefish law enforcement agencies and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) will be out to educate motorists and enforce Montana’s seat belt law statewide.

Tee to Green: Cart path renovation, new tees to open at golf course

The crew at Whitefish Lake Golf Club has begun work on renovating the existing cart path on 18 North to make it smoother and wider.

Whitefish Review hosts author Ryan Busse for conversation about “Gunfight”

Whitefish Review will host author Ryan Busse in a reading and conversation with Review editor Brian Schott on Friday, May 20 at Casey’s in downtown Whitefish. The evening will center on creating positive change and an exploration of the political radicalization in America based on Busse’s new book Gunfight.

WTC presents Murder On The Orient Express

The Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to present Agatha Christie’s thrilling mystery “Murder On The Orient Express” as their final show of the 2021-2022 season.

Inflation impacts community, local food security organizations

While the current rate of inflation is affecting all of us, it once again hits our low-income neighbors the hardest. As many pandemic assistance programs are ending at the same time as food and gas prices are rising, a growing number of community members rely on food assistance programs once again. In recent months, local food access nonprofits have seen another surge in need.

Legals for May, 18 2022

Patriarchy Patrol

Religious ultra-conservatives of the United States are removing rights from half of the U.S. population yet remain untouched in this era of severe suppression and control of women.

Leaders should be invested in healthy land for future generations

Montana’s wild lands offer recreational opportunities that fuel the state’s economy and provide critical wildlife habitat. Unfortunately, its leaders have come out against an initiative that would protect these lands, nature and life on earth.

Flathead County's clerk among the best

A few years ago the Montana people honored me by electing me as their Secretary of State. I hadn’t realized until beginning my actual duties how directly and closely my office worked with Montana’s locally elected County Clerks and Recorders.

Agriculture is economic backbone of state

As a Montana farmer, I am deeply concerned about the anti-natural resource policies of the Biden Administration. Agriculture is the economic backbone of our state, and his policy decisions are causing serious issues for Montana's agriculture industry.

Elections have consequences

Democrats use Montana’s primary election system in ways that were not intended.

Bulldog boys tennis rolls over CFalls, Libby

The Whitefish boys tennis team is on fire, picking up two more wins last week.

Negative campaign ads make that candidate look bad

Election season is upon us, and I was so pleased to see the candidate's television ads being independently strong in speaking about their platforms, strengths, and values.

Perseverance grew Glacier Hops Ranch into an award-winning exporter

What started as an experiment planting 46 different varieties of hops on a 30-acre field nearly a decade ago has now turned into a thriving agricultural wholesale business that has exported products to over 50 countries.

Stay Tuned: Music is medicine to our Body, Mind and Soul

As chaos ensues across the globe, the pandemic continues to instill loss, pain and fear in our communities, and mental health care demand spikes, we continue to find peace and serenity through music.

Senior League, Ladies Day begin for season

Early season issues with the irrigation system at Whitefish Lake Golf Club have been resolved after several leaks were found.

Whitefish girls sweep set of conference duals last week

The Whitefish girls tennis team took down two conference foes last week with ease.

Archie Roe Invite showcases Whitefish athlete talent, Bulldogs sweep CFalls dual

The Whitefish track and field team had a strong showing between bouts of rain and wind at the large 43rd Archie Roe Invitational in Kalispell on Saturday.

City Council Preview for May 16

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, May 16 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

Community blood drive on May 19

The American Red Cross will host its spring Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, May 19 at the Whitefish United Methodist Church – 1150 Wisconsin Avenue – from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Logan Health — Whitefish named Top 20 Critical Access hospital

Logan Health — Whitefish has been identified as one of the top 20 critical access hospitals in the United States. The top 20 scored best among critical access hospitals based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™ compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Hospital Corner: Celebrating all healthcare workers

For the first time in three years, we can gather to celebrate National Hospital Week May 8-14 and show our appreciation for all of our employees at the hospital, our clinics and across the Logan Health system.

Whitefish Woody Weekend seeks volunteers

Whitefish Woody Weekend X, the premier classic boat show in the Pacific Northwest, will be held on June 24-26, 2022, at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Forty classic wood boats will be on display at the Lodge all day Saturday. On Sunday, the boats will participate in a poker run, cruising around the lake and collecting playing cards at designated docks, competing for the best poker hand.

World-class Montana skiers highlighted in film

Montana PBS will screen the film “Mavericks” by Kelly Gorham and Scott Sterling at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

Spotted Bear Mountain Project Seeks Second Round of Public Comment

Today the Flathead National Forest Spotted Bear Ranger District announced the next step in the Spotted Bear Mountain Project with the release of an environmental assessment for a 30-day comment period.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder to resume regular service

The Empire Builder, Amtrak’s northern cross country train line, is set to resume service seven days a week from Whitefish starting on May 23.

Police Calls: All that and a stolen bag of chips

He set his watch down and it was lost for two hours before he got his property back on Wisconsin Avenue.

Looking Back for May 11

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

Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force surpasses powerful milestone

A small unassuming bungalow on Trumble Creek Road houses the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force — the first low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Montana that formed nearly 25 years ago.

ADU regulation changes near approval

After many hours reworking the regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Whitefish, the City Council on May 2 approved the first reading of an ordinance that is designed to streamline the building process and make renting the ADU to a local resident more appealing.

City to require bear-resistant containers for all residents

The City of Whitefish has decided to implement animal-resistant trash containers for all residents and businesses within city limits — and with that comes a rate hike.

Lady with the sign

Why is it that “The Crazy Lady” with the nasty signs and awful language is allowed to stand on the main street and harass the good people that live here and the people that spend big money to visit Whitefish?

Schellinger, Pitman retain seats on Whitefish School Board

Whitefish School Board incumbents Darcy Schellinger and Elizabeth Pitman were both re-elected to the position of school trustee in Tuesday’s election.

Vote for conservative Pam Holmquist

I’d like to take this opportunity to urge you to join me in re-electing conservative Republican County Commissioner Pam Holmquist in the upcoming primary election.

Vote Repke for Public Service Commission

John Repke has our vote for District 5 Public Service Commission (PSC). We have known John for many years. He has an extensive background in financial management and also brings the integrity and honesty that we appreciate in a public official.

Looking Back for May 4

The old Whitefish Memorial Hospital building was gutted by a smoky fire that took firemen five hours to bring under control.

In a Nutshell: Addressing shame and stigma of food insecurity

In the past few weeks, we have seen more people turn to our local food banks. Over 200 new families came to North Valley Food Bank (NVFB) for the first time in the first quarter of 2022.

Whitefish School District adds high school baseball, girls wrestling

Next spring Whitefish High School will provide two new sanctioned high school sports – baseball and girls wrestling.

Police Calls: Highway 93 used as speedway

Police blotter for May 4.

Tee to Green: Season opener tournament Saturday

The annual Season Opener Tournament is set for Saturday, May 7 with a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start on the North Course.

Hemsley, Walburn help Carroll win Frontier men’s track

GREAT FALLS — Carroll College ran away with the Frontier Conference men’s track and field title Wednesday, and a host of athletes from around the Flathead Valley led the way.

Glay Kent Tallman

Glay Kent Tallman, of Olympia, Washington, died April 17, 2022 in his home, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was 86.

2022 Summer ArtFest takes place June 22 to 25

Inspired with building a community in mind, this show plans to expand into a week-long annual event encompassing all art forms and spread throughout the downtown Whitefish area with the main events held at the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in the heart of Whitefish.

Menicke signs with Western Washington for track and field

Whitefish senior Gabe Menicke recently signed a letter of intent to join the Western Washington track and field program in the fall.

Bulldogs on top in 3 tennis matches last week

Last week the Whitefish boys tennis team went 8-0 over Class AA Flathead to start off a successful week on the court.

District hires firm for preliminary planning of high school expansion

Whitefish High School is busting at the seams according to a recent long-range facilities report and the district is taking the initial steps to address the issue.

Lady Dogs handle competition on the court, win 3 tennis duals

The Whitefish girls tennis team had a busy week, matching up with Flathead, Corvallis and Hamilton.

Whitefish’s top track and field athletes continue impressive season at ARM, Top 10 meet

In impressive fashion, Whitefish’s Talon Holmquist took first in both the shot put and discus at the Whitefish ARM Invitational on Saturday.

Road work resumes near Glacier Park

For this construction to occur, crews anticipate that delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected. This is a heavily trafficked route between neighboring communities and Glacier National Park. Officials said they are working directly with Glacier National Park and other organizations to coordinate efforts and limit construction-related impacts.

Whitefish Parks and Recreation director honored for professional service in community

Maria Butts has always kept the importance of city parks and open land being free and accessible to all at the forefront of her job as the Whitefish Parks and Recreation director.

Whitefish Gallery Nights return

The Whitefish Gallery Nights are back, beginning on May 5 and will run through October on every first Thursday of the month.

Federal grant helping Montana chip away at youth homelessness

When Dani was 17 and living in Whitefish, she thought her mom was just leaving town for a couple of weeks. Her parents had separated a few months earlier and she wasn’t in the habit of living with her dad. When her mom went to visit family in California, Dani stayed behind.

WTC presents all-star bluegrass supergroup J2B2

The Whitefish Theatre Company is delighted to present the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, otherwise known as J2B2, on Thursday, May 12 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Whitefish Community Foundation hosts workshop

Whitefish Community Foundation will host an online workshop Thursday, May 12 with national business consultant Andy Robinson on the topic of managing change and leadership transitions. The workshop is part of the foundation’s Nonprofit Development Partnership program.

R.E.A.D program returns to Whitefish library

Reading Education Assistance Dogs, or R.E.A.D., a program of Intermountain Therapy Animals is returning to the Whitefish Community Library beginning on Tuesday, May 3, in the library’s Heckathorn community room. Readings will begin after school every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with each session lasting approximately 15 minutes.

Holmquist shows fiscal restraint we deserve

I am always thankful for citizens stepping up to run for office. It shows their commitment to making a difference in all of our lives.

Legals for May, 4 2022