Wednesday, March 29
National Champion: Ingelfinger tops podium on Nordic big stage
In the final uphill section leading to the finish line, Glacier Nordic Club competitor and Whitefish High junior Maeve Ingelfinger knew that was her shot to move into a podium spot in the skate-style sprint race.
Grizzlies still need protection
Enos Mills first called for protection of grizzly bears in his 1919 book “The Grizzly,” as he watched them being exterminated for Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and California.
Avelo Airlines brings direct LA flights to Glacier Park International Airport
A new airline is coming to Glacier Park International Airport this summer to offer direct flights to Los Angeles.
County commissioners commit to constructing septage plant
Flathead County commissioners say they are committed to developing a septage treatment facility despite the recent rejection of property to house it.
Flu season tapering off in Flathead County, but other outbreaks still an issue
Hospitalizations in Flathead County are declining after a rough start to flu season, but there are many other outbreaks health department officials are keeping an eye on.
Tester grills Forest Service chief on Holland Lake Lodge expansion plans
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana grilled the chief of the U.S. Forest Service last week about its initial decision — since reversed — to give an expansion plan at Holland Lake Lodge an exemption from a thorough environmental review.
Dorothy Louise Karper, 91
Dorothy L. Karper, 91, of Columbia Falls, formerly of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Cheryl "Cheri" Cave, 74
Cheri Cave was born on April 12, 1948 to Howard and Marion Benson in Whitefish, Montana.
WTC show presents fourth mainstage show ‘Evelyn In Purgatory’
The Whitefish Theatre Company will present the dramatic comedy “Evelyn In Purgatory” as its fourth mainstage show of the 2022-2023 season.
Homeschool Theater Club to perform 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'
The Homeschool Theater Club is presenting “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.
Spring roadwork in Whitefish, outside of Kalispell
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with LHC Incorporated, recently announced a roadwork project in two Flathead County locations.
Governor-appointed board caters to foreign mining company
When a Canadian mining company successfully lobbied a Montana board appointed by Governor Gianforte to let them add more pollution to Montana’s water, it’s time to take a step back and figure out how we got here.
Get involved!
When the City Council of Whitefish meets bi-monthly at 7:10 p.m., the Pledge of Allegiance is proclaimed and I am reminded of the phrase “…with liberty and justice for all.”
Whitefish Planning Board postpones decision on Highway 93 south property
The Whitefish Planning Board recently considered a zone change for a parcel of land with a somewhat contentious history, near the intersection of Highway 93 and Montana 40 and decided to postpone the item.
Police Calls: Suspicious intoxicated female and her Louie V. bag
A bus was stuck at a crossing, blocking the railroad tracks but was removed without incident.
Student Art: ‘Little Italy’
The art featured above is called "Little Italy" and is a graphite drawing by Whitefish High School freshman Lyla Rudolph in the class Introduction to Art.
Recycling still on hold, city focused on trash bin education
Recycling and the proper use of animal-resistant trash bins were topics raised at the Whitefish City Council meeting last week.
Council approves minor 4-acre subdivision on Colorado Avenue
At the Whitefish City Council meeting last week, Councilor Steve Qunell served as acting deputy mayor and only three other councilors were in attendance when they voted unanimously to approve a 16-lot subdivision on Colorado Avenue.
Bulldog baseball begins season with huge win over Corvallis
After much speculation if the baseball season could even begin before spring break, the Whitefish baseball team was able to not only play its first game but also came away with the W.
Former Bulldog Cameron Kahle pictured golfing for Air Force Academy
WHITEFISH PRODUCT Cameron Kahle competed at the Bandon Dunes Championship golf tournament hosted by the University of Idaho on March 12-14. Kahle, a sophomore and the No. 2 golfer for the Air Force Academy, fired rounds of 80 and 76 on the elite course on the Oregon coast.
FVCC culinary students open pop-up barbecue restaurant
The graduating class of Flathead Valley Community College’s Culinary Institute of Montana is launching an international barbecue pop-up restaurant next month.
City Council preview for April 3
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, April 3, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Organizations partner to assist blind veterans in pushing to new limits on ski slope
It had been a year or more since Danny Wallace had gone skiing, but he was making turns and zipping under Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Chair 9 on his first lap.
Columbia Falls man booked in county jail following police pursuit
Authorities are holding a 35-year-old Columbia Falls man on a pending criminal endangerment charge after he allegedly led Kalispell Police officers on a high speed chase down U.S. 93 Alternate on Thursday.
FWP reminds all to be bear aware when recreating outdoors
Bears are emerging from dens with the onset of spring and people headed outdoors should “Be Bear Aware.”
Metropolitan Opera Live in HD airs comedy ‘Falstaff’ in Whitefish
Whitefish Theatre Company and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center are co-presenting the sixth live on-screen performance of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD 2022-2023 season.
Looking Back for March 29
There were more black bear hunters in the woods than bears on the opening weekend of Montana’s black bear season.
In a Nutshell: Women are disproportionately affected by food insecurity
There are 690 million people worldwide that live in food insecurity. Of them, 60% are women and girls.
John Allen Phillips, 87
John Allen Phillips, 87
Legals for March, 29 2023
Wednesday, March 22
Viaduct improvements hit snag with MDT approval process
The Whitefish City Council held a work session last week to discuss the status of the Viaduct Improvement Project.
Board orders California couple to remove home in Glacier
The Flathead Soil and Water Conservation District Board Monday night decided that a home under construction along the banks of McDonald Creek is in violation of state law and ordered it be removed by Nov. 1.
Delays expected on Spokane Ave as city completes water main replacement
With phase one completed, phase two of the Spokane Avenue Water Main Replacement Project is scheduled to begin March 20, 2023.
Police Calls: Report of 'helter skelter' drivers on Baker Avenue
A truck with a plow on it hit a propane line on Highway 93.
Student Art: ‘Growth Mindset’
The art featured above is called "Growth Mindset" and is watercolor painting by Whitefish High School senior Maci Safir in the class Art 3: Advanced Art.
Charles William (Bill) Baldwin, 99
Charles W. Baldwin born May 21, 1923 and a long-time resident of Whitefish passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 14, 2023 at the Columbia Falls Veterans Home.
Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race says thanks
On behalf of all of the mushers and the ski/bike jorers we would to thank the organizers of the latest Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race that took place out at Dog Creek Lodge on the last weekend in February.
Whitefish Theatre Company holds auditions for ‘Suite Surrender’
The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding auditions for “Suite Surrender”, their final show of the 2022-2023 season.
WMS seventh-grade champions
The Whitefish Middle School seventh-grade Gold team celebrates its West Valley Tournament championship victory.
Authorities arrest two individuals in alleged internet scam
On March 4 and 5, 2023, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance from the FBI and its Montana Regional Violent Offenders Task Force, arrested two individuals allegedly involved in an internet scam.
Whitefish artist has creative freedom painting murals in CFalls building
Grand vistas that many would recognize. Striking portraits. Wildlife on the move through the Montana landscape.
Photos: Annual Nate Chute Banked Slalom & Boardercross
The 24th annual Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross was held last weekend at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
WHS Prom: Under the Northern Lights
Whitefish High School hosted its 2023 prom at Grouse Mountain Lodge on Saturday, March 18.
Trooper injured near Eureka continues recovery in Colorado
The recovery of Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson continues in Colorado.
Passion for the game shows as inaugural Whitefish Baseball season begins
While waiting for the snow to melt off the fields, the Whitefish High School baseball team has been hard at work already preparing for the inaugural season of Montana Class A high school baseball.
WHS basketball players honored with all-conference selections
As the high school basketball season recently wrapped up, a few Whitefish players were selected for postseason honors.
Planning board recommends higher density zoning on property near Park Knoll
A public hearing was held at last week’s Whitefish Planning Board meeting regarding a zone change on about 11 acres of land owned by Carter Unger of Honor Bound LLC.
Former WHS student, golfer takes up NCAA Division I rowing
The first year of college can be intimidating and even overwhelming for some students, with new classes, teachers, friends and for some, a new town.
Commissioners reject property purchase in Lower Valley for septage plant
Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday on a split vote denied the purchase of property in Lower Valley that was slated as the potential location for a regional septage treatment facility.
Wildland firefighters fundraiser set for April 15
The public is invited to the third annual Flathead Wildland Firefighters Banquet to help support the many federal, state, local, contract, and volunteer firefighters that train and work to protect public and private lands.
Child rape charges filed against Flathead hockey coach
A Flathead County youth hockey coach charged with raping a minor in a Butte motel in 2019 now faces five additional rape charges involving children — one filed in Butte-Silver Bow County and four filed in Flathead County.
Bulldog Kitar Olsen signs with Baldwin Wallace for track and field
Whitefish senior Kitar Olsen last week signed a letter of intent to join the Baldwin Wallace University track and field team next school year.
Youth Ski League champions at Big Sky
Young Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) athletes finished out their ski racing season last weekend at the Youth Ski League (YSL) Championships in Big Sky, Montana.
Dental grant program taking applications
Members of Soroptimist International of Whitefish are taking applications from women who are in need of dental care through the “Smile of Hope” grant program.
Looking Back for March 22
“Slope and snow conditions have held up so well, that in spite of a late start and a light snow pack, skiing operations on The Big Mountain are expected to continue through April 22,” said Big Mountain General Manager Ed Schenck.
FEC’s Roundup for Safety awards nonprofits with grants
At a March 9 meeting, Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety directors awarded $30,539 to seven area nonprofits, including Flathead Wildlife, Inc., a fish and wildlife sportsman group made up of men, women and youth from the Flathead area.
Legals for March, 22 2023
Wednesday, March 15
FVSEF alpine ski racing team earns second in season-long standings
Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) ski racers competed in Bridger Bowl over the weekend in the Over the Hill Gang (OHG) race series.
Christian Academy girls basketball runner-up in rural league
The Whitefish Christian Academy’s (WCA) fifth-sixth grade girls basketball team recently earned second place to Deer Park in the Flathead Valley Rural League.
Student Art: ‘Breath of Silence’
The art featured above is called "Breath of Silence" and is an acrylic painting, monochromatic study by Whitefish High School senior Katie Benkelman in the class WHS Art 1: Painting.
WMR recertified as Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area
The Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation recently recertified Whitefish Mountain Resort as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area, a designation the resort has held since 2016.
Retiree Workforce brunch held in Kalispell
The Retiree Workforce Group recently announced a Retiree Workforce Brunch on April 5, 2023, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Police Calls: Thumping dumpsters, dog owner unleashed
The caller on Lakeshore Drive reported hearing three gunshots and was certain the sounds he was hearing were not fireworks.
Looking Back for March 15
An open house featuring the first public showing of the new Colonial Manors Nursing Home on East Seventh Street was held.
Code Girls United seeking Northwest Regional Competition judges, sponsors
Code Girls United invites judges and sponsors to support the Northwest Regional Competition in April of 2023.
Floyd “Red” McClanahan, 84
Red died March 2, 2023, in Columbia Falls, Montana, at Hidden Meadows Memory Care.
Flathead Lady Fusion 19U repeat as state champs
The Flathead Lady Fusion 19U girls hockey team won back-to-back Montana Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) 19U Girls State Championships over March 2-5 in Butte.
Cyclone Bill forest management project seeks public comment
Last week the Flathead National Forest announced the beginning of the Cyclone Bill Project to reduce tree densities and fuel loadings, improve diversity and resilience of vegetative communities and contribute to continued timber production and economic sustainability.
Metropolitan Opera Live in HD airs romantic drama ‘Lohengrin’ in Whitefish
Whitefish Theatre Company and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center are co-presenting the fifth live on-screen performance of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD 2022-2023 season.
21-year-old pedestrian killed near Columbia Falls
A Columbia Falls pedestrian is dead after he was hit by a vehicle at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Montana 40 about 2:07 a.m. Saturday morning.
Muhlfeld wins Best Presentation Award at Montana Fisheries Conference
John Muhlfeld, Principal Hydrologist of River Design Group and Mayor of Whitefish, won the prestigious best professional presentation award at the 2023 Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) Meeting in Butte last month.
No damage or injuries after locomotive derails near Trego
A locomotive derailment in Trego earlier this week temporarily blocked an intersection in the Lincoln County community, but caused no other injuries or damage, officials say.
Flathead Valley snow streak hits top-10 mark
While this winter in Northwest Montana has not been significantly snowy, it has been long.
Bill to open more walkup campsites in Montana sailing through
Helping Montanans have a better shot at camping in state parks is a popular idea.
City awards engineering contracts for River Trail, Karrow Ave
The Whitefish City Council approved requests to award engineering contracts for two ventures, the Riverbend Trail Project and the Karrow Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Ski Kind campaign reminds users to be courteous on the trail
In winter’s predawn darkness, groomers work to create miles of pristine corduroy and tracks for skate skiing, traditional cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking and the quality of the trails will endure with a healthy dose of kindness.
Council work session discusses updates to landscape, tree regulations
The Whitefish City Planning Staff has been cleaning up and updating the city’s Landscaping and Tree Retention and Preservation Standards.
Sun Road to be accessible to bikers, hikers by mid-May
Hikers and bikers should have access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road by mid-May, Glacier National Park spokeswoman Gina Kerzman said last week.
City Council preview for March 20
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, March 20, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Pilot launches annual Best of Whitefish competition
The Whitefish Pilot is gearing up to host the annual Best of Whitefish competition that citizens and businesses of Whitefish have been participating in for nearly two decades.
Nissen family puts land under conservation easement with the Flathead Land Trust
The Flathead Land Trust recently helped a Whitefish family place a 24-acre, open-space property under a conservation easement.
Legals for March, 15 2023
Wednesday, March 8
North Valley Music School debuts plans for new building
When developing the building plans for the new North Valley Music School, the building committee prioritized creating flexible multipurpose spaces that would not only serve the students but the community as a whole.
Call for commitment to honor the guiding principle of ‘local control’
Impact fees are a complicated topic, and there is a lot being said about them at the State Legislature and here locally, some of which is misguided.
WHS seniors achieve 4.0 GPA throughout high school career
A group of Whitefish High School seniors were honored last week by receiving their gold letters for high academic achievement.
Bill banning children from drag shows passes the House
A local legislator’s bill limiting drag performances in public spaces passed the Montana House of Representatives in a 64-32 vote Friday.
Former WHS swimmer qualifies for Division 2 NCAA National Championship
Whitefish High School alum Ada Qunell will be swimming at the Division 2 NCAA National Championship Swimming and Diving meet March 7-11 in Indianapolis.
The fatal flaw in community input
In conversations about government, it’s almost cliche to say, “The government closest to the people works best.”
Control of short-term rentals must remain local
The issues surrounding short term rentals are not going away. To the contrary, the problems are increasing as STR growth explodes across the country.
The fatal flaw in community input as viewed by an elected official
I just finished reading Keegan Siebenaler’s op-ed to the Daily Inter Lake on March 6.
POWDR’s corporate values don’t align with Montanans
Utah-based POWDR Corporation is in the process of purchasing Holland Lake Lodge, a Forest Service-permitted lodge in the Swan Valley, Montana.
FVSEF ski racers qualify for regional championships
Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) ski racers competed in Red Lodge over the weekend in a Youth Ski League (YSL) event.
Special Olympics on the Big Mountain
Special Olympics Montana held the Glacier Area Winter Games at the Whitefish Mountain Resort last week.
Local chef finds healing through food
Like Buckaroo Banzai, a movie character from the 1980s who was a physicist, a test pilot, a neurosurgeon and a rock star, Lynon Lohof, Lead Chef at The Farmers’ Stand in Whitefish, is someone with a wide range of knowledge.
FEC’s energy savings totaled $800,000 in 2022
Flathead Electric Cooperative members saved enough energy last year to power 285 average energy-use homes in the Flathead Valley.
Hospital Corner: Culinary Caring for the Community
Fifty years ago the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics designated March as National Nutrition Month to educate the public in making informed food choices and develop healthy eating habits, however at Logan Health – Whitefish, this is a year-round endeavor.
Whitefish Community Blood Drive on March 16
The American Red Cross will host its spring Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in the gym at The Wave – 1250 Baker Avenue – from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
City to apply for grant that would improve safety near middle school
The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to apply for a grant to complete the missing link section of the Whitefish Promenade.
Police Calls: Famous woman annoyed, UFO sighting
The manager of the property on Wisconsin Avenue reported four unauthorized juveniles were in the pool.
Songwriter festival announces line-up for September 2023
The Whitefish Songwriter Festival announces the line-up of songwriters for the third annual festival that will be held in downtown Whitefish from September 14 - 16, 2023.
Award-winning documentary film looks back at famed 10th Mountain Division
The Ski Heritage Center Museum will present an encore screening of the award-winning documentary film “Mission: Mt Mangart” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish on March 17, and in Missoula at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts on March 15.
FEC’s energy savings totaled $800,000 in 2022
Flathead Electric Cooperative members saved enough energy last year to power 285 average energy-use homes in the Flathead Valley.
New forest technology offers alternative to burning slash piles
Forest management activities are a major part of life in Northwest Montana; they create valuable products like lumber and employ many across the region.
Looking Back for March 8
Julio Delgado, 1971 graduate of Whitefish High School, was named to the list of “Outstanding College Athletes of America.”
Spring burning season opens
Spring open burning season in Flathead County runs from March 1 to April 30.
Student Art: ‘Violet Night’ by AJ Samuels
The art featured above is called "Violet Night" and is an acrylic painting, monochromatic study by Whitefish High School junior AJ Samuels in the class WHS Art 1: Painting.
Zinke calls for end to Glacier’s reservation system
Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has concerns about Glacier National Park’s reservation system, claiming it locks out locals.
Wednesday, March 1
FVCC Foundation’s spring event Festival of Flavors
The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation’s Festival of Flavors spring event tickets go on sale on Wednesday, March 1 at 8 a.m.
Whitefish Theatre Co. presents vocal supergroup Accent
The Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to present Accent, a brilliant vocal supergroup that is revolutionizing the blended harmonies of a cappella singing.
PAWS Boutique, Pantry assists high schoolers in need
Through an initiative started by an anonymous group of Whitefish High School staff, parents and community members, students in need now have access to clothing, food and other necessities.
City Council preview for March 6
Whitefish City Council meets on Tuesday, March 6, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Commissioners’ letter shows callous indifference
In a letter to Flathead County residents, the Flathead County Commissioners called upon their “peers serving on city councils” to join them in their battle cry against the homeless population in Kalispell. This letter answers that call.
Photos: Flathead Classic Sled Dog Races
The Flathead Classic Sled Dog Races were held at Dog Creek Lodge and Nordic Center in Olney on Saturday, Feb. 25.
Longtime liftie nears 50 years on The Big
Generations of skiers and snowboarders on the Big Mountain have enjoyed the same friendly face and warm smile when Chair One took them to the lift shack at the summit.
Nelson joins Stockman Bank as Whitefish branch manager
Stockman Bank recently announced Phil Nelson is joining the bank as a vice president and branch manager for Stockman’s Whitefish location.
Youth hockey earns second in big tournament
The Glacier Avalanche 10U (squirts) hockey team had an incredible season.
Bulldogs end season at divisional tourney; fall to Butte Central, Browning
After an unexpected turnaround to end the regular season, the Whitefish Bulldogs boys basketball season ended at the Western A Divisional Tournament in Ronan last weekend.
Housing solutions
In response to Kendall Cotton’s editorial about California–style urban sprawl and his assertion that Whitefish routinely denies denser housing projects, one needs to realize that there sometimes reasons for denying big projects.
Love your neighbor as yourself
I feel grieved at the community response to the triumvirate commissioners' letter, which condemned enabling the homeless, yet also seemed to shame any other assistance.
Glacier Park begins digital reservations for backcountry campsites
Glacier National Park announced Thursday the launch of a revamped permitting system for backcountry campsites.
Flathead Valley alpine skiers see success at home races
The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) hosted a series of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association ski races at Whitefish Mountain Resort over the weekend. Several local skiers from the Flathead Valley placed well in the races.
MSU to offer summer writing camps for grades third through 12th
Registration is now open for Montana State University’s summer writing camps for students in grades third through 12th. The camps will be held in July on the MSU campus.
Work begins on city’s new growth policy called Vision Whitefish 2045
The City of Whitefish Planning Department is preparing to begin the process of updating the city’s Growth Policy.
Council hits pause button on approving new dispensaries
The Whitefish City Council met for a work session on Feb. 6 to discuss whether changes need to be made to the marijuana facilities ordinance and last week, they passed an interim zoning ordinance to give them time to consider the issue.
Affordable housing advocates push to put state dollars toward price-controlled housing
Housing affordability advocates are working to drum up support in the Montana Capitol for a pair of bills that would put state resources into supporting the construction of more price-controlled housing for middle- and low-income Montanans — policies that would take a step beyond the free-market strategies that have so far drawn support from Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.
Glacier to reopen Avalanche campground
Glacier National Park will reopen the Avalanche Campground this year after being closed since 2020.
Student Art: ‘Outer Chaos, Inner Peace’
The art featured above is called "Outer Chaos, Inner Peace" and is an acrylic painting by Whitefish High School junior Maddie Young in the class WHS Art 1: Painting.
Injured trooper faces long recovery process; rally held in his honor
Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson made a brief public appearance to thank supporters and well-wishers at Logan Health Medical Center on Sunday, 10 days after he suffered critical injuries while pursuing a vehicle in Lincoln County.
Looking Back for March 1
Most newcomers to the Flathead Valley chose this area because it could provide what had been lost in their previous communities: clean air, clean water, an opportunity to live more than twenty feet from their neighbors and scenic surroundings.
Police Calls: Boxes of wine grow legs
The caller said his truck and his neighbor’s truck were “gone through” and the doors were left open on both vehicles on Kalispell Avenue.
Town Pump offering library grants to ‘Keep Kids Reading’
The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is offering $1,000 grants to public libraries in Montana to help fund summer youth-reading programs.
WTC hosts a community Adult Prom
Don’t let the kids have all the fun. Join the Whitefish Theatre Company for a community celebration as they host the second annual Adult Prom on Friday, March 10 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center.
