Ellington

Cheryl A Hyland

Cheryl Ann Hyland, 78, died peacefully on Sept. 21, 2022, at The Springs in Whitefish accompanied by two of her close friends.

Robert James Frank

Robert James Frank, 80 of Columbia Falls, passed away Sept. 21, 2022 at Hidden Meadow Assisted Living.

Robert “Mark” Meek

Robert “Mark” Meek, age 69, of Whitefish passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Sept. 13, 2022, at his cabin in Star Meadows.

Harry A. Burnell

Harry A. Burnell, 91 of Kalispell, passed away Sept. 14, 2022 at Logan Health.

Court docs shed new light on Olney shooting

The Olney woman arrested for shooting her husband last week and her recovering spouse offered investigators differing versions of the events leading up to the gunfire, according to newly filed court documents.

Reflecting on growth in Whitefish Schools

As we begin autumn, I’d like to reflect on change and progress in Whitefish Schools. We’ve had a fantastic start to the school year!

Foundation awards funds for new pickleball courts

Whitefish Community Foundation recently awarded a $20,000 Major Community Project Grant to support the construction of six pickleball courts at the Smith Fields Sports Complex. The foundation’s grant was matched by a $20,000 donation from Whitefish residents Sherry and Dave Lesar. Project Whitefish Kids is the sponsoring nonprofit organization and donated land for the courts.

Photos: The Great Northwest Oktoberfest locals night

Attendees of the Great Northwest Oktoberfest had a rollicking good time during its first weekend and the party will continue Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 in Depot Park.

Bulldog Spirit: Whitefish celebrates homecoming week

Whitefish High School celebrated homecoming last Saturday.

City to implement new leaf pickup system

The City of Whitefish will no longer be picking up bagged leaves. A new system will be employed beginning this fall that will require leaf piles to be placed adjacent to the edge of the street for pickup.

City Council preview for Oct. 3

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Oct. 3, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

Whitefish man excels at Bavarian feat of strength

It’s official, no one (in the U.S. at least) holds their beer like Whitefish’s David Sturzen.

Bulldogs overpower East Helena at Dawg Pound

In front of a large crowd decked in school spirit for homecoming, Whitefish shut out East Helena 35-0 in Western A football on Friday.

Lady Bulldogs top Ronan on the court

The Whitefish volleyball team took care of business last week when the Bulldogs defeated Ronan in four sets, 23-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-22.

Lady Bulldogs down Bigfork in the rain

On the first official day of fall, the Whitefish girls soccer team edged Bigfork 3-1 in a wet and cold game on Thursday afternoon.

Whitefish boys slide past Bigfork for homecoming

The Bulldogs took a one-goal lead into halftime against Bigfork on Thursday night and in the second half controlled play to add two more goals and win 4-2.

James John Fekete

James John Fekete, 58, our beloved brother passed away July 15, 2022 at Saint Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, Montana due to complications from surgery for a broken ankle.

Tee to Green: Whitefish Lake Golf Club building remodel begins

The long-planned remodel and repurpose of the Whitefish Lake Golf Club’s club house got underway this week with Martel Construction’s crew beginning the demolition of the existing bag room area.

Bulldogs named all-conference; head to state championships

The Bulldog golfers played in the Western A Divisional tournament at the Cabinet View Golf Course in Libby last Friday.

U.S. House candidates for western district debate in Whitefish

Two of the three Montana western district congressional candidates participated in a debate Friday evening at Whitefish City Hall.

Council delays decision to adopt updated Whitefish Transportation Plan

Despite holding a work session ahead of the regular meeting last week and having to delay the plan two weeks ago, Whitefish City Council chose to postpone a decision to approve the Transportation Plan.

Cross country takes first and second in Thompson Falls

The Bulldogs cross country teams raced in the Thompson Falls Invitational on Sept. 20 and although Coach Richard Menicke said the team was short due to academics as a priority and injury, the girls team took second place and the boys took first.

Looking Back for September 28

A special reward was being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the parties who heaved heavy stones through picture windows at the homes of two Whitefish educators.

Police Calls: Possibly locked out by Fido

A husky was loose near the skatepark.

Legals for September, 28 2022

Whitefish man accused of raping teenager

Shane Wilson, 35, is being held in the Flathead County Detention Center with bail set at $75,000.

Woman arrested following alleged shooting in Olney

An Olney woman is behind bars for allegedly shooting a man during a disturbance in the community north of Whitefish on Friday, authorities said.

Police determine Whitefish High School threat as non-credible

Whitefish School District on Thursday said in a letter that went out to district families that Whitefish High School Administration received information regarding a possible threat toward the school via social media.

Strong second half propels Bulldogs over Jackets

A surging 16-point third quarter put the Bulldogs comfortably in front of the Stevensville Yellowjackets on Friday night and the Dogs held on to win 33-6.

Alan ‘Ed’ Ferrington

Alan ‘Ed’ Ferrington passed away on Sept. 10 at age 97.

Lester S. Leighty III

Lester S. Leighty III, 67 of Whitefish, passed away Sept. 10, 2022 at Logan Hospital.

Janice Maddux

Janice Maddux passed quietly away on Sept. 2, 2022, at the age of 83.

Tee to Green: Employee appreciation, upcoming annual meeting reservations

To date there are four candidates filing for the two vacant board seats for the 2023-25 years.

Early detection helps efforts to thwart invasive species infestations

The Whitefish Lake Institute identifies aquatic invasive species growing in water bodies near Whitefish, and early detection has helped to stop infestations.

The spirit of the Whitefish Summer Games endures

In a tournament where the real winners are determined by the amount of fun they had, everyone was a winner at the Whitefish Summer Games Soccer Tournament earlier this month.

City Council briefs from Sept 6 meeting

The Whitefish City Council met on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and took up several issues ongoing in the city.

Whitefish’s Johnny Nix carries momentum to win Kalispell tournament

The Kalispell Invitational hosted 16 teams over two days last week and the Whitefish Bulldog boys came out on top.

Cross country has solid showing at huge regional race

The Bulldog cross country team competed in the Mountain West Invite in Missoula on Saturday.

FEC invites public to Electric Vehicle Day

Interested in speaking with local Electric Vehicle (EV) owners, enthusiasts and experts to learn more about the electric cars and trucks that are increasingly visible in the Flathead Valley?

FEC raffle supports local food banks

Representatives from the Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, West Shore, Libby, and Veterans food banks gathered at Flathead Electric Cooperative on Friday, Sept. 9, to celebrate the results of this year’s Ribeye Raffle.

Kalen Young hired as new director of Whitefish hospital foundation

Flathead Valley native Kalen Young was recently named as the new executive director of the Logan Health Whitefish Foundation.

Local cops to participate in fundraiser for Special Olympics

In an effort to raise awareness and support for Special Olympics Montana, law enforcement statewide will participate in Tip-A-Cop at MacKenzie River Pizza.

Police Calls: Mistaken shot of bear spray makes man a hot mess

The caller was walking her kids to school and was almost hit by a car, the male driver of which got out and yelled at them “like it was their fault.”

Looking Back for September 21

Whitefish City Council sent a letter to the State Highway Department requesting the removal of the 35 m.p.h. speed zone near the Safeway store on Highway 93, asking them to reinstate the original 25 m.p.h. zone.

MontanaSky expands fiber network to Whitefish

MontanaSky Networks continues its efforts to increase access to high speed broadband by investing in Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTX) expansion in Whitefish.

Annual Hawk Watch Event Returns to Glacier Park

Glacier National Park will host its annual Mount Brown Hawk Watch Program on Sept. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. near Lake McDonald Lodge.

Mayor issues proclamation declaring individual freedom

At the Sept. 6 meeting of the Whitefish City Council, Mayor John Muhlfeld read a proclamation of the City of Whitefish recognizing and supporting the right to personal autonomy and the right to local control.

Community members to participate in Soles of the Flathead fundraiser

Local law enforcement and legal professionals will be kept on their toes at the inaugural Soles of the Flathead Dancing with the Stars gala and competition on Sept. 23 to benefit the Flathead Warming Center.

Suit claims commissioners applied spot zoning in West Glacier

Citizens for a Better Flathead and West Glacier resident Sharon DeMeester have filed suit in Flathead County District Court against the Flathead County Commission over what they claim is spot zoning in West Glacier.

Lady Dogs blank Columbia Falls at home

Whitefish had one of its biggest tests of the season on Thursday when rival Columbia Falls came to town.

Streak is over, but Bulldogs expect success to continue

It came down to the final four minutes, a frenzy in front of the Whitefish goal and a header by Wildcat captain Kai Golan that sailed just past the reach of Bulldog keeper Ethan Schott — the Columbia Falls Wildcats had finally come out on top over rival Whitefish.

Fixing the department of ‘miseducation’

Like my mother and father before me, I am a proud graduate from Whitefish High School and was equally proud that after a 23-year career in the military with multiple overseas tours, two of my three children were also able to graduate from Whitefish.

A plan to address the affordability crisis

In my campaign for Congress, I’ve traveled over 35,000 miles to connect with Montanans across the district.

Weather station in Whitefish Range to provide lifesaving data

A new weather station was recently installed on Link Mountain in the Whitefish Range.

Hospital begins expansion to add new observation wing

Logan Health — Whitefish recently broke ground on an expansion that will add a new wing specifically for short-term stays.

Legals for September, 21 2022

Great Fish Community Challenge sets new record in six-week campaign

The eighth annual Great Fish Community Challenge set a new fundraising record, with over $4.1 million in donations as of 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16. The six-week charitable giving campaign ran from Aug. 4 to Sept. 16 and benefited 70 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations.

Empire Builder back on track following union deal

Freight rail companies and unions representing tens of thousands of workers reached a tentative agreement to avoid what would have been an economically damaging strike, after all-night talks brokered by Labor Secretary Martin J. Walsh, President Biden said early Thursday morning.

Whitefish High School to celebrate homecoming next week

Whitefish High School will be celebrating Homecoming activities the week of September 19-24.

Great Fish Fun Run brings community together

The family-friendly Great Fish Fun Run took off from Depot Park Saturday morning.

City Council approves mixed-use development on Edgewood Drive

Yards from the dog park and just across the railroad tracks are 92 acres that will soon change dramatically.

Julie Thompson Norby

Julie Norby, 74, passed away peacefully on Sept. 6 at home with her children by her side.

Janice L. Maddux

Janice L. Maddux, 82 of Whitefish, passed away at Logan Health on Sept. 2, 2022.

Looking Back for September 14

The hospital board announced completion of the patient room air conditioning project. It had a total cost of $32,000.

Police Calls - A week of hit and run accidents and beach parties

The caller asked police what he should do a little too late, as the bear was already going through his garbage on Nelson Lane.

Kalispell couple accused of raiding rural mailboxes sentenced

A Kalispell couple earned prison sentences Sept. 7 for a scheme that saw them steal hundreds of pieces of mail from rural mailboxes in the region while looking for credit cards.

Decision on KM Ranch Road development pushed after hours of public comment

Representatives of a potential development on a 155-acre chunk of property on KM Ranch Road say it would provide needed housing for the Flathead Valley.

Last week to donate in Great Fish Challenge

This Friday at 5 p.m. is the deadline to support 70 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations raising funds in the eighth annual Great Fish Community Challenge.

Whitefish Legacy Partners celebrates multiple steps toward closing the loop

The Whitefish Trail recently added almost four miles of looped trails with tremendous vistas accessible from Big Mountain Road while also progressing another large project north of Whitefish Lake.

Whitefish AIS Inspection Station stops mussel-infested boat; upgrades planned for station

On Aug. 31, a mussel-infested boat attempting to launch in Whitefish Lake was stopped by the Whitefish Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Inspection Program.

Whitefish's Billy Smith takes honors in Libby tourney

Last Friday the Bulldog golfers competed in the Libby Invitational on the Cabinet View Golf Course.

Cross country runners post PRs at Rebecca Farm

The Bulldogs cross country teams ran in the Flathead Invitational at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell last Friday.

City begins switch to animal-resistant garbage canisters

The long-awaited bear resistant trash bins are now being rolled out to Whitefish residents, just in time for heightened bear activity in the fall.

Volunteers needed for food bank’s Fall Fruit Harvest

It’s that time of year when the trails feel a little wider and the camping spots a bit more plentiful.

WTC presents vocal powerhouse Shayna Steele

The Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to present Shayna Steele, a singing sensation from New York City known for her mind-blowing vocal artistry. With style and versatility, Steele and her band will perform on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Lady Dogs romp conference opponents, prepare for CFalls

In two games last week, the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs sunk 15 total goals leading to Northwest A conference wins over Libby and Polson.

Bulldog spikers battle with CFalls; pick up win over Browning

To the final set, Whitefish spikers battled back and forth with Columbia Falls all the way through the last point but fell in five sets in the end.

Undefeated Bulldogs prepare to face rival Wildcats this week

Over two games last week, Whitefish again dominated play on the field against two Northwest A conference foes.

Bulldogs big 4th quarter plays seal win over Maroons

The Whitefish Bulldogs were all smiles after jumping out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, but Butte Central fought back and made it a close game on Friday in Whitefish.

City Council preview for Sept. 19

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Sept. 19 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

Tee to Green: Opening for general manager, bag room closing

Whitefish Lake Golf Club is looking for a qualified person to hire for the position of General Manager for the golf club.

Man crashes into stone wall on Glacier Park’s Sun Road

Glacier National Park rangers had some tense moments Friday night on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Hosting congressional candidate forum

We are all fortunate to live in a very engaged community where people care deeply about our growth as a city. And though it is hard work showing up for our democracy over and over again, it is also how we tend to it, preserve it and honor it.

People in congress need to work for us

People in Congress must represent all of us. Their job is to work on the many complex problems that our state and country face. These problems are real.

The importance of debate

Monica Tranel and John Lamb, Democrat and Libertarian running for Montana’s new Congressional seat, have agreed to debate each other in every county in the western district.

Legals for September, 14 2022

New mural creates welcoming environment in choice model food bank

Nearly one year ago the North Valley Food Bank completed its remodel and opened a choice model pantry model that resembles a regular grocery store.

Celebrate future pickleball courts location

Smith Fields is the future home of six new pickleball courts to be constructed in spring 2023.

WTC presents dramatic comedy Making God Laugh

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its first Black Curtain theatre production of the 2022-2023 season with “Making God Laugh” by Sean Grennan.

Looking Back for September 7

Roy Olson, Whitefish Street Department Superintendent for over twenty years, resigned his post to take another position in the area.

Police Calls - A handful of bicycles reported stolen

A neighbor on Park Avenue who allegedly feuds with everyone was filling the air with diesel fumes.

Summer readers, Whitefish Credit Union together support nonprofit

Because summer readers at Whitefish Community Library were up to a challenge set by the Whitefish Credit Union, the Whitefish Lake Institute has $1,503 more to further its mission.

Logan Health donates land for new MSU nursing education building in Kalispell

Logan Health has signed a letter of intent to donate land for a new nursing education building in Kalispell to be built with a portion of a $101 million investment by Flathead Valley philanthropists Mark and Robyn Jones to Montana State University.

Large development on KM Ranch Road goes before county planning board

A proposal that could result in housing and commercial development, including an RV park, on KM Ranch Road is headed to the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday.

Bulldogs pull off comeback win over Frenchtown

Positive leadership is infectious within the Whitefish football team this year and on Friday that attitude took over in the second half to spur a come-from-behind victory over Frenchtown on the road.

Bulldog boys pushed in Park game, but collect two more wins

The Bulldogs were tested early in a match against Livingston last week, but in the second half, Whitefish scored three unanswered goals to secure the win.

Girls soccer routs Livingston, Lone Peak in nonconference victories

Whitefish expected to be tested on the pitch last week — playing Livingston and Lone Peak — and the team handled the challenge well.

Bulldog volleyball comes up short in loss to Stillwater

The Whitefish volleyball squad won the third set to extend the match against Stillwater Thursday but ended up dropping the fourth set.

Build it and they will come

When a developer seeks to build 268 housing units and 73 resort RV stalls in one of the most beautiful places in Montana, ‘they’ will come.

Free and open primary elections

In his farewell address, George Washington, “In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union” warned of the grave dangers of political parties then just developing at the time of his departure from the presidency.

Ranked Choice Voting a bad idea

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in Montana primary elections being promoted by Marc Racicot and Bob Brown is a terrible idea. Until Montana has an unbiased and even-handed media, we are better off keeping the current system in place.

Baker Avenue underpass unveiled with community celebration

Although the Baker Avenue pedestrian underpass has been functional for almost two years, it was officially opened last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, complete with speeches from Whitefish Public Works Director Craig Workman and Stumptown Art Studio Executive Director Melanie Drown.

Whitefish Community Blood Drive

The American Red Cross will host its fall Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022 at The Wave – 1250 Baker Avenue – from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Tim Grattan

Tim Grattan died peacefully at home, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Bulldog cross country boys first, girls third in Cut Bank

Whitefish High School’s cross country teams competed on Friday in the Mike Reynolds Time Trials in Cut Bank.

Whitefish boys narrowly miss team medalist honors at two tournaments

Last week the Whitefish golf teams competed in a two-day tournament and later in the week at a home triangular invite where the boys took second at both.

Whitefish Library Association book sale is on

After two years away, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WLA book sale will return Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the library’s Heckathorn Community Room.

Glacier Park moves into fall operation schedule

As the autumn season approaches, operations in Glacier National park will start winding down, park officials announced Friday.

Last Best Ride gravel race sees success in second year

The Last Best Ride celebrated its second edition two weeks ago, welcoming to the Flathead Valley almost 550 cyclists from forty-three U.S. states, the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, and five Canadian provinces.

Foundation hosts Great Fish Fun Run, Community Celebration

The Great Fish Fun Run and Community Celebration will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Whitefish Depot Park to celebrate philanthropy and the critical work of Flathead Valley nonprofits.

Writing Coaches seeks Flathead Valley community volunteers

Writing Coaches of Montana seeks community members in Flathead County to participate in its coaching program with the mission of helping local students improve their writing skills.

Flathead Audubon sponsors Birds of Prey Festival

Flathead Audubon will hold the 14th Annual Birds of Prey Festival on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell.

Tee to Green: South Course green reshaped, board searches for GM

South Course green reshaped, board searches for GM

Legals for September, 7 2022

Spokane Avenue water main replacement project

Travelers and commuters using Spokane Avenue in Whitefish should expect delays beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 6 as the Spokane Avenue Water Main Replacement Project is set to begin.

7 new fires crop up after lightning storm

Seven new wildfires cropped up Wednesday night across Northwest Montana as thunder and lightning storms moved over the region.