Wednesday, January 25
Local author’s latest novel inspired by a true story about choice
A local author’s method of writing fiction involves trusting the characters to tell him the story.
Hate over compassion better serves unhoused in Flathead
Recently the Flathead County Commissioners penned a letter to the public condemning homelessness and in particular the City of Kalispell’s handling of homeless services.
Reaction to Scouts Grill
Every once in a while I will begin a letter to the Pilot/Editor about this or that… yet they are almost always frustration… anger… sadness… defeated feelings… and who needs to hear any of that wish so much of that swirling around us so when I got the Pilot and read the article on the new restaurant… Scouts Grill… I knew right away I could send a letter off that finally had something positive I could say… so here goes.
Looking Back for Jan. 25
Visitors to the 14th Annual Whitefish Winter Carnival will range from the famous to the lovely, according to Jim Trout, Carnival president.
Police Calls: Hot water heater ablaze
An accidental call to 911 was blamed on a broken phone screen. Still, there was no emergency.
Whitefish rape suspect pleads guilty
A Whitefish man accused of raping a teenager last summer is looking at a partially suspended 20-year sentence in Montana State Prison.
Paul Price, 82
Paul Richard Price passed away Jan. 12, in Yuma, Arizona.
Alice R. Infelise
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
Photos: Snowman building competition at The Springs
Recently local families participated in a snowman-building competition at The Springs at Whitefish. Participants built their best snow creations and residents from the retirement community were the judges. The event was a way to bring the community together for some winter fun.
Bennetts siblings, Nash lead Whitefish wrestling in Class A invites
As divisionals and state competition draw closer, the Whitefish wrestling team is preparing to have its full team healthy and ready to go. Just two weeks away from the Western A Divisional tournament, the Bulldogs are still dealing with some lingering injuries, but hope to have all the athletes healed and ready for competition soon.
Winter Carnival events ramp up
Winter Carnival events ramp up
Whitefish Skijoring competition going down this weekend, spectators welcome
The annual Whitefish Skijoring competition is this weekend, Jan. 28-29, and will occur at the Sapa family farm off Highway 2 near the Blue Moon.
Whitefish falls behind early in loss to Browning
The Bulldogs had a tough loss Saturday night after falling behind early in a road game against Browning.
Lady Bulldogs' offensive struggle continues in Browning loss
Whitefish hung with the undefeated Browning Lady Indians through the first half on Saturday at Whitefish High School, but they couldn’t match their opponent’s offensive production in the final two quarters.
It's Time to Be Instrumental
"Music can change the world, because it can change people" — Bono
Hate over compassion better serves unhoused in Flathead
Recently the Flathead County Commissioners penned a letter to the public condemning homelessness and in particular the City of Kalispell’s handling of homeless services.
County commissioners blame shelters, homeless network for rise in homelessness
Flathead County commissioners issued a letter Thursday criticizing homeless services organizations and calling upon residents to deny homeless people help or support.
Short film aims to raise community awareness about climate change
A new 11-minute film shines a light on how the effects of climate change, if left unchecked, may redefine the Whitefish lifestyle, from skiing to hunting and fishing.
Council looks at city’s annexation policy, could revise to streamline process
Last fall, the Whitefish City Council realized it needed a closer look at the city’s annexation policy before it would be able to approve the new transitional zoning district, WB-T, for the area along Highway 93 south of Montana 40. At a work session last week, council discussed a more streamlined method.
Foundation president reflects on work bolstering nonprofits
Linda Engh-Grady has overseen the exponential growth of the Whitefish Community Foundation in the last several years, and in turn, furthering the assistance it provides to the valley’s nonprofits.
Historic Glacier cabin seeks Preservation Grant approval
The Glacier National Park Conservancy is on the list to receive a Montana Historic Preservation Grant for preservation of the Wheeler Cabin in Glacier National Park.
Montana to pause rental assistance program, citing backlog and diminished funding
A key COVID-era relief program to assist renters may be approaching its expiration date in Montana.
Bulldog speech and debate nabs second at Western A Divisional
The Whitefish speech and debate team brought a strong team Saturday in Columbia Falls to place second at the Western A Divisional tournament.
Whitefish QB Ridgeway commits to D-2 Dragons
Fynn Ridgeway, a four-year starter at quarterback for the Whitefish Bulldogs, announced via Twitter Saturday that he has committed to Minnesota State-Moorhead for football.
GayLynn Blanchard, 54
GayLynn died Jan. 11, 2023, in Kalispell, Montana.
Liesel Triggs, 99
Liesel died Dec. 19, 2022, in Whitefish, Montana.
Reaction to Scouts Grill
Every once in a while I will begin a letter to the Pilot/Editor about this or that… yet they are almost always frustration… anger… sadness… defeated feelings… and who needs to hear any of that wish so much of that swirling around us so when I got the Pilot and read the article on the new restaurant… Scouts Grill… I knew right away I could send a letter off that finally had something positive I could say… so here goes.
Student Art: “Iceland” by Isabelle Cooke
The art featured above is called "Iceland" and is a pen drawing by Whitefish High School junior Isabelle Cooke in the class WHS Art 1: Drawing.
Whitefish Theatre Company receives National Endowment for the Arts grant
The Whitefish Theatre Company has been approved for a $10,000 Challenge America award from the National Endowment of the Arts to support two live performances by the vibrant Mediterranean band Seffarine.
WTC presents Mediterranean vibes of Seffarine
The Whitefish Theatre Company presents Seffarine, a brilliant quartet that fuses Moroccan, Arab-Andalusi and Spanish flamenco music with modern sounds.
FVCC Theatre presents ‘Lucky Me’
Flathead Valley Community College Theatre presents “Lucky Me”, a whimsical comedy by Robert Caisley about love, aging, bad luck and airport security.
In a Nutshell: All are welcome at North Valley Food Bank
Do you struggle with high heating costs or think about skipping meals to pay utilities during these cold winter months? Have you been affected by skyrocketing rent or hit by unexpected medical bills? Whatever your situation, North Valley Food Bank (NVFB) is here to support you.
Legals for January, 25 2023
Tuesday, January 24
Shooting at apartments in Whitefish leaves one dead
A 32-year-old man is behind bars after he allegedly shot and killed another man Tuesday morning at a U.S. 93 South apartment complex in Whitefish.
Wednesday, January 18
Zignegos to reign as Whitefish Winter Carnival king and queen
Whitefish residents Doug and Chris Zignego will reign as the Whitefish Winter Carnival King Ullr LXIV and Queen of the Snows.
Discussions continue regarding community solar project
The Whitefish City Council held a work session prior to their last regular meeting to discuss the installation of a solar photovoltaic panels facility near the wastewater treatment plant along Monegan Road.
Schmidt keeps community first in new role as bank president
All set to start a career in finance right out of college, Eric Schmidt’s life took an unexpected detour that landed him back in his hometown of Whitefish.
Whitefish Christian Academy basketball team winning season
The Whitefish Christian Academy boys basketball fifth-sixth grade team finished the season with an 18-1 record.
Allen A. Jacobson, 87
Allen A. Jacobson, 87, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2023, one day after what would have been the 66th wedding anniversary to his wife, Sharon Rae Hileman Jacobson.
Cherith Bruckner, 74
Cherith Naomi Bruckner, of Oregon, Wisconsin, passed away on, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at Fort Atkinson Healthcare Center.
Alan John Fuzesy, 70
Alan John Fuzesy died Jan. 10, 2023, in Kalispell, Montana. Arrangements are being made at this time.
Mark Cech, 67
Mark Alvin Cech died Jan. 5, 2023, in Kalispell, Montana.
Whitefish Theatre Co. brings ‘Collected Stories’ to stage
The Whitefish Theatre Company presents its third Black Curtain theatre production of the 2022-23 season with “Collected Stories” by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies.
WTC hosts annual Father-Daughter Winter Ball
On Friday, Jan. 27, the Whitefish Theatre Company hosts the eighth annual Father-Daughter Winter Ball.
Student Art: ‘On the Trail to Elizabeth Lake’
The art featured above is called "On the trail to Elizabeth Lake, GNP" and is a graphite drawing by Whitefish High School freshman Elijah Bergeson in the class WHS Introduction to Art.
Local freeskiers dominate at WMR’s first-ever IFSA junior competition
More than 100 young athletes from across the region competed in the first International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association (IFSA) Junior Regional event held at Whitefish Mountain Resort over the weekend of Jan. 6-8.
Looking Back for Jan. 18
The District 44 school board asked the public for a 7.8 mill special levy to raise some $41,000 to complete the new Central junior high physical education building.
Neighbors of KM Ranch project raise objections again
A revised proposal for a 155-acre piece of land on KM Ranch Road is just as flawed as a previously rejected plan for the property, neighbors told the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday night.
Whitefish Parks and Recreation hosts statewide conference
The City of Whitefish Parks and Recreation will host the Montana Trails, Recreation and Park Association (MTRPA) annual conference April 2-5 at the Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish.
Police Calls: Door was open, shopping continues
His dad was on the way with a shovel after the young driver got off the road just a bit too far and was stuck in the snow on O’Brien Avenue.
Planning board again rejects massive Columbia Falls subdivision proposal
For the second time in five months, the Columbia Falls City County Planning Board on Tuesday voted down the massive River Highlands subdivision project proposed for the east side of the Flathead River.
FVSEF ski racers with podium finishes at Big Sky
Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) ski racers Kira Paatalo of Whitefish, Colter Bengtson of West Glacier and Henryk Hadidi of Whitefish all found podium success at the first Northern Division alpine ski races of the season at Big Sky, Montana.
Montana snowpack above average to start year
Snowpack in the Flathead River basin was slightly above average at the onset of 2023 after a cool and wet November and December brought ample snowfall across most of Western Montana, federal water specialist report.
Michelle Gentry, 64
Michelle Gentry, age 64, of Whitefish, Montana passed away Jan. 9, 2023. She was born Jan. 2, 1959, in Meeker, Colorado to Anne Gentry (Watt) and the late J Gentry.
Woman accused of bilking donors with fake cancer diagnosis sentenced
Victims of Amy Glanville’s alleged yearslong scam using a fake cancer diagnosis to raise tens of thousands of dollars in donations took turns Friday describing the scheme as one that destroyed relationships, shook their faith and fractured a local church.
Carole Lee (Gibson) Moseley, 77
Carole was born Sept. 1, 1945, in Conrad, Montana, the youngest of Wayne and Lily Gibson's four children.
Whitefish Skijoring moves to farm in CFalls for annual competition
The annual Whitefish Skijoring competition is Jan. 28-29 and will shift to a location in Columbia Falls this year — the Sapa family farm off Highway 2 near the Blue Moon.
Camp Scout and Gather expands with grill, ski trails along Montana 40
As Montana 40 seems to be transforming into an ocean of mini-storage facilities, the Archer family decided to create a family-friendly destination for mini-golf, dining and hanging out with friends.
Whitefish’s McDaniel, Sibson lead swim team in Missoula
The Bulldog swim teams competed in a large meet in Missoula on Saturday that combined several Class AA, A and B schools.
Whitefish boys nab first conference win over Libby, falls to Wildcats
Led by the Bulldog big man Jack Sears with 19 points, Whitefish ran away with a 59-44 win over Libby on Friday night to record its first Northwest A win of the season.
Wrestling competes at Rocky Mountain Classic tourney, two duals
Bulldog wrestling was few in numbers last week, but those on the mat continue to do well.
Whitefish speech and debate takes second at home invite
The Bulldogs had two individual champions on their way to second place in sweepstakes at the Whitefish Invite on Saturday.
Lady Dogs down Libby for Northwest A victory, fall to CFalls
Led by Jude Perry and Bailey Smith who both scored in double figures, Whitefish routed the Libby Loggers in the Bulldogs’ first Northwest A conference win on Friday. Whitefish won 56-25.
Whitefish at its best
On Jan. 7, a big outpouring of love and support came out to celebrate the 75th birthday of Gary Cabell, longtime Whitefish resident and beloved member of our community.
Whitefish marijuana dispensaries ‘rules of proximity’
I am writing to acknowledge and address all the emails, text messages, and telephone calls from citizens (both my supporters and non) concerned by the number, proximity, and location of dispensaries in downtown Whitefish.
Inaction on CPACE
CPACE is a win-win for businesses and recognized as such by Gov. Greg Gianforte; yet, our county commissioners, all Republicans, refuse to adopt it.
Wednesday, January 11
Speech and debate back in action at Corvallis Invite
The Whitefish Bulldog speech and debate team competed in Corvallis on Friday and Saturday after a couple weeks off for winter break.
Local author Fraley writes of own wilderness adventures in new book
Floating in cheap rafts in an “impassable” canyon. Snorkeling for native cutthroat trout. Traveling more than 40 miles through the woods in a day. And a heartfelt tribute to a friend who died in a plane crash.
Hadidi places in international student coding competition
Whitefish Middle School seventh grade coding student Holden Hadidi placed 19th out of 35,000 entries worldwide for the first round of Coding Cup.
Looking Back for Jan. 11
Councilman Art Engelter suggested during a city council meeting that the public is requested to submit their ideas on possible uses of the revenue sharing funds.
Schroeder named president of Hagadone Newspaper and Media Groups
The Hagadone Corporation announced that Clint Schroeder had been named president of the Hagadone Newspaper and Media Groups, overseeing each of the companies that comprise the corporation’s media holdings in Idaho, Montana, Washington and Hawaii.
Two arrested after pursuit ends on foot near Essex
Two people are behind bars after allegedly stealing a pickup from Meridian Road in Kalispell on Jan. 5 and leading local authorities on a chase that ended on foot some 60 miles away near Essex.
Northwest Montana newspaper publisher Rick Weaver to retire
Rick Weaver, the longtime regional publisher at Hagadone Media Montana, will retire at the end of January.
Budget, abortion and housing emerge as key issues in state Legislature
As Montana’s 68th Legislature gets underway, members appear poised to address regulations surrounding abortion, the state’s housing crisis and a massive budget surplus.
WHS Student Art: ‘Reflections’
The art featured above is called "Reflections" and is a watercolor painting by Whitefish High School junior Avrey Simpson in the class WHS Art 2: Advanced Art. The Pilot will be periodically featuring art from Whitefish High School students.
Denis Twohig, a founding father of the Glacier Mountaineering Society, dies
Denis Twohig, a pioneer in the Glacier National Park mountain climbing community, died Friday. He was 83.
Whitefish Winter Carnival names Prime, Duchess
The Whitefish Winter Carnival officially got underway Saturday with the crowning of the first round of royalty, the Duchess of Lark and Prime Minister, at the Merry Maker event.
Alice Infelise, 82
Alice died Jan. 2, 2023 in Kalispell, Montana. She is survived by her five children. No services are scheduled.
Denis Twohig, 83
Denis died Jan. 6, 2023 in Columbia Falls, Montana. Denis is survived by his wife Shirley and son Jim.
Perry Drake, 90
Perry died Jan. 2, 2023, in Whitefish, Montana. Perry is survived by her children Caprice Action, Kim Burrage, Shelley Ander and Bob Drake.
Local filmmaker's award-winning documentary screens in Whitefish
Local filmmaker Guthrie Quist will premiere his internationally-acclaimed documentary film, “Body Slammed: Folk Hero vs Billionaire” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in downtown Whitefish on Friday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.
Man arrested trying to break into CFalls High
A Whitefish man faces charges of assault with a weapon, criminal mischief and burglary after he allegedly tried to break into the Columbia Falls High School Friday night.
Whitefish swim team competes well in Polson
Bulldog swimmers came out after the school winter break to compete at the Polson Invite on Friday against teams from Columbia Falls, Polson and Bigfork.
Council adopts refreshed housing committee
A City of Whitefish committee focused around housing will soon undergo a refresh and will include members of the public as well as city staff and councilors to bring fresh perspectives and more specific expertise to the group.
Conservation easement near Whitefish protects valuable wildlife habitat
Whitefish landowners recently placed a conservation easement on 655 acres along the Stillwater River.
City approves golf club’s request to secure mortgage
The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously in favor of approving the mortgage securing Whitefish Lake Golf Club’s financing with Glacier Bank to fund their current remodel of the club house.
Community foundation invites nonprofits to informational meeting
Whitefish Community Foundation will hold an informational meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26 for Flathead Valley nonprofits interested in applying to participate in the 2023 Great Fish Community Challenge.
Bike relay to support youth impacted by medical hardships
Logan Health will host a stationary bike relay event on March 11, 2023. With a goal of raising $100,000, all proceeds from the event will benefit Montana’s youth impacted by medical hardships.
Police Calls: Request for deputy to help shovel out vehicle
The driver who slid off Denver Street and into a ditch was not blocking the road and managed to stay warm while she waited for a tow.
Developer returns with updated proposal for KM Ranch Road
Returning with a new plan the developers behind a proposal for a 155-acre piece of property on KM Ranch Road are headed before the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday.
Whitefish girls fall by 1 to Ronan; drop games with Polson, Cut Bank
After the school winter break, the Whitefish girls basketball team jumped back into action with three games in five days.
Three Bulldogs place at Western Montana Invitational
Whitefish athletes Kadin Brown, Henry Bennetts and Kai Nash all placed third in their respective divisions last weekend at the Western Montana Invitational in Ronan.
Boys basketball falls in close games against Ronan, Cut Bank
Whitefish was plagued again by a thin roster and injuries as the team fell in three games last week.
City Council preview for Jan. 17
Whitefish City Council meets on Tuesday, Jan.17, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
First Baby of 2023
Flathead Valley’s first baby of 2023 arrived a little late on New Year’s Day. Dempsey Daye Michnal, third daughter of Sierra and Josh Michnal of Kila, Montana, arrived at 4:16 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2023, at Logan Health – Whitefish Birth Center.
Whitefish Community Blood Drive
The American Red Cross will host the first 2023 Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, Jan. 19 at The Wave – 1250 Baker Avenue – from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 4
Back to our roots: Fundraising efforts assist longtime Whitefish resident
In this season of gratitude and giving, some people in Whitefish have banded together to help a friend who is having a hard time. While the recipient of the love is longtime Whitefish resident and former ski patroller, Gary Cabell, everyone involved is feeling the benefits.
History - Looking Back for Jan 4, 2023
The Big Mountain was especially unique this past Christmas in being one of the few ski resorts in the Northwest with adequate snow for good skiing.
Meetings to discuss nearby conservation easements
The public is invited to attend upcoming meetings between Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, conservation partners and private landowners whose land is under conservation easement in northwest Montana.
Year in Review: A recap of Whitefish news in 2022
As we say hello to 2023, the Pilot takes a look back at the news of 2022.
Electrical failure stranded hundreds of skiers on WMR’s Chair 1
Passholder and Whitefish resident Nathan Dugan had only just boarded the “Big Mountain Express” chairlift at Whitefish Mountain Resort when it broke down Dec. 28.
Glacier Glide cross country ski race
The Glacier Nordic Club will host the Glacier Glide races on Saturday, Jan. 7.
Steven L. Bryan, 76
Steven L. Bryan, 76, slipped free of the earthly tether, passing away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, at Logan Health in Kalispell, Montana.
Whitefish Theatre Company holds auditions for ‘Collected Stories’
The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding auditions for their third black curtain theatre production of the 2022-2023 season.
Police Calls: Pedestrian has trouble walking; vehicle spins brodies
Although it appeared that two men were fighting on Baker Avenue, upon investigation, there was no altercation.
WTC to hold auditions for young actor production
The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding auditions for two family friendly, one-act plays that will be shown as a double feature, including “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “Bedtime Stories (As Told By Our Dad)(Who Messed Them Up)”.
Resort opens first six-person chairlift
Whitefish Mountain Resort’s first high-speed six-seater chairlift is open to guests after several years of planning and six months of construction.
Photos: The Pilot’s favorite photos from 2022
Some of the Pilot’s favorite photos from last year.
Sports Rundown: Looking back at significant moments in Whitefish sports from 2022
Whitefish native Maggie Voisin qualified for her third olympics in January and the next month headed to the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Hospital Corner: Six (or more) ways to stay healthy this winter
With the holidays in the rearview mirror and a new year on the horizon, we hope for a safe and healthy journey.
