Wednesday, May 31
The Chiropractor, IV Element win Best Office/Clinic Atmosphere
Cover story: The Chiropractor and The IV Element not only share office space but also similar views to helping people achieve their highest potential and health. The office, located above The Toggery on Central Avenue in Whitefish, has charming exposed brick walls, modern decor and an inviting feel.
Zetooney leads Lady Bulldogs on state track; girls miss first by one point
The top teams on both the boys and girls sides were all decided by less than one point at the Montana State A track and field meet over the weekend in Laurel.
Eats + Treats - Best of Whitefish 2023
Results from the Best of Whitefish category Eats + Treats
WHS senior Daniel Stevenson defies odds through one of life’s biggest hurdles
In the fifth grade, Daniel Stevenson and his family received devastating news with the potential to alter his entire life.
Who owns the trees?
The Whitefish City Council has approved a 4,300-word landscaping ordinance imposing detailed requirements on commercial and multi-family construction. Builders must submit a landscaping plan created by a licensed landscape professional identifying the size, species and locations of existing and proposed trees.
Kelch, Hunt nab boys doubles third place at state tennis tournament
High school tennis tournaments are full of twists and turns, and the Montana State A tournament last week in Missoula was no different.
Opportunities missed to protect Flathead watershed
The 68th session of the Montana Legislature recently concluded. While there have been some tacit wins for water quality, the Flathead Lakers see this as a glass-half-empty session.
The best way to honor those who didn’t make it home is to fight for those who did
Growing up I always knew summer was around the corner when my dad loaded us up and took us down to the Whitefish Memorial Day parade.
Photos: Whitefish VFW holds Memorial Day ceremony
Although there was no Memorial Day parade this year, a wreath was dropped from the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Monday and Whitefish's Lion Mountain VFW Post 276 held a moving ceremony at the Whitefish City Cemetery to honor all veterans.
Recreational nonprofits collaborate for more inclusion on the trails
Whitefish is among the top mountain biking towns in the country and a recent collaboration between two local nonprofit organizations is working to make trails in the area usable for more people.
WHS senior Rya Hirsch’s involvement in clubs affirms interest in science
Whitefish High School senior Rya Hirsch remembers suturing cow tongues, using the da Vinci surgical robot and sitting in the rescue helicopter during a trip to Logan Health when she tagged along with the school’s HOSA Club.
Student Art: ‘Castle in the Sky’ by Norah Schmidt
The art featured above, called "Castle in the Sky", was completed using watercolor and pen by Whitefish High School junior Norah Schmidt in the WHS class Art 1: Painting.
Cases of chickenpox on the rise among school-aged children
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services officials are seeing an increase in the number of cases of chickenpox reported in school-aged children across the state.
Avalanche Creek drowning victim identified as University of Kansas student
The 28-year-old woman who drowned in Glacier National Park on Monday has been identified as a University of Kansas student who was on a tour of national parks with friends.
Community Foundation awards $50K for conservation of Owen-Sowerwine Natural Area
Whitefish Community Foundation awarded a $50,000 Major Community Project Grant to Flathead Audubon Society for the conservation of the Owen-Sowerwine natural area.
Hearing date set for Glacier National Park inholder case
The Flathead Conservation District Board Monday night set Aug. 25 as the hearing date for a home that it believes was illegally built on the shores of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park.
Commissioners reject zone change for KM Ranch Road property
Saying they agreed with neighbors who spoke against the plan, Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday denied a zone change for 155 acres along KM Ranch Road, arguing it doesn’t fit with the neighborhood.
Raffle helps nonprofit music school fund music education
North Valley Music School has launched an online charitable raffle to benefit music education, appreciation and performance efforts in Montana.
Whitefish man arraigned on allegations of voter fraud
A Whitefish man accused of casting another person’s ballot in the 2020 election pleaded not guilty in federal court on Thursday.
Whitefish Silver Star recipients among Flathead veterans included in new book
Army Chief Warrant Officer Manford Lloyd Kleiv had a dream of returning to his hometown of Whitefish following the Vietnam War.
Montana West Economic Development Foundation to use Brownfields Grant to address contamination and develop affordable housing across Flathead Valley
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Montana West Economic Development Foundation will receive a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant to develop cleanup and reuse plans, complete environmental site assessments and conduct community engagement activities.
MET Opera Live in HD performance of “Die Zauberflote”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s German-sung opera follows Tamino, a prince lost in a foreign land, on his quest to save Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night.
History - Looking Back for May 31, 2023
The Whitefish girls easily outran all competition; the closest team to the State Champs was Lewiston and they were a distant 37 points behind.
North Valley Music School hosts free summer concert
North Valley Music School invites the community to attend “Tall Tales & Tall Songs,” an evening of Montana music performed by local musician Bill Rossiter.
Police Calls: Illegal rental or visit from Goldilocks?
A young boy accidentally called 911 from an Apple watch.
Uniquely Whitefish - Best of Whitefish 2023
Results for the Best of Whitefish category Uniquely Whitefish
The Arts - Best of Whitefish 2023
Results for the Best of Whitefish category The Arts
Professional Services - Best of Whitefish 2023
Results from the Best of Whitefish category Professional Services
Self-care + Health - Best of Whitefish 2023
Results from the Best of Whitefish category Self-care + Health
Shopping - Best of Whitefish 2023
Results from the Best of Whitefish category Shopping
Night Life - Best of Whitefish 2023
Results for the Best of Whitefish category Night Life
Legals for May, 31 2023
Wednesday, May 24
Community Foundation awards several grants to nonprofits at annual celebration
Whitefish Community Foundation held its annual Community Grant Awards Celebration on May 18 and presented $383,201 in grants and special awards to 46 nonprofit organizations representing projects and programs in Bigfork, Browning, Columbia Falls, Eureka, Evergreen, Hungry Horse, Kalispell and Whitefish.
History - Looking Back for May 24, 2023
Responding to a request from students, the District 44 school board agreed to allow junior high school girls to wear blue jeans to school.
Construction closes Whitefish path section in response to oil sheen
A section of Whitefish’s shared use path along the Whitefish River will be closed beginning Monday, May 22 due to construction after an oil sheen was spotted in the river in April.
Police Calls: 911 is not intended to supply weather reports
A Nissan truck with a Maine license plate was reported as swerving all over the road on Baker Avenue.
Whitefish Marathon competitors finish despite unseasonably hot weather
Smoke in the valley cleared only slightly for the Whitefish Marathon races last Saturday but it was the unseasonably warm temperatures in the mid-80s that posed a greater challenge to the 802 runners who turned out for the event.
Resort’s summer season begins Memorial Day weekend
Whitefish Mountain Resort will kick off its 2023 summer operating season with Zip Line Tours, Alpine Slides, Scenic Lift Rides and other activities over Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29.
WTC presents ‘Suite Surrender’: One hotel, two divas, countless laughs
The Whitefish Theatre Company will present the uproarious comedy “Suite Surrender” as their final show of the 2022-2023 season.
Character counts
Throughout world history there have been people who called for a master power to make decisions for the majority.
Dolly Vallieres
Miriam Lee (Dolly) Vallieres, Kalispell, passed away April 26, 2023 at Logan Health due to respiratory failure, surrounded by family and friends.
Connect Whitefish Community Block Party
Do you struggle to find parking?
FEC’s Roundup for Safety program supports avalanche safety messaging
Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety Board of Directors on May 11 awarded $16,200 to two area nonprofits.
In a Nutshell: Food bank helps through trauma-sensitive food assistance
Every May organizations across the U.S. raise awareness about mental health, educate the public and fight social stigmas.
Glacier Park plows progress to Logan Pass
Glacier National Park plows are now at Logan Pass, going about 3 miles in the past week.
Bulldogs runner-up in first-ever high school baseball state championship
Whitefish knocked out two high-quality opponents from the Southwest to earn a spot in the MHSA All Class State Baseball Championship Saturday against Polson.
Student Art: ‘Cloudsplitter’ by Zoe Tremper
The art featured above, called "Cloudsplitter", was completed using watercolor and pen by Whitefish High School senior Zoe Tremper in the WHS art class.
Kelch, Hunt divisional champs as Whitefish sends trio of doubles teams to state
At the Northwest A Divisional Tennis Tournament last week in Libby, the Whitefish Bulldogs had three doubles teams qualify for the state tournament.
Track and field athletes see PRs, ready for state this week
Though the Whitefish track and field teams didn’t come out on top at the Western A Divisional meet last week, plenty of athletes showed stellar performances over the two-day competition.
Council approves reworked landscaping code; water main project to wrap up soon
Over the last several months, the City of Whitefish’s Landscaping Code was completely reworked by City Planner Alan Tiefenbach and the planning staff.
Planning board recommends multi-family, deed-restricted housing proposal
The public showed up for last week’s Whitefish Planning Board meeting to comment about a proposed multi-family development north of the viaduct.
Montana tourism officials say pandemic boom likely over
Tourism levels in Flathead County are expected to remain roughly the same as last year, with high costs and changing traveler attitudes putting the brakes on the rapid growth seen during the pandemic, local tourism industry experts say.
Legals for May, 24 2023
Tuesday, May 23
Kansas woman dies in Avalanche Creek
On Monday afternoon, a 28-year-old woman from Kansas fell off a rocky overhang into Avalanche Creek and was swept into the gorge.
Wednesday, May 17
Man allegedly threatened school shooting in texts
A man who allegedly threatened to shoot up a Flathead Valley school earlier this week is being held behind bars on multiple charges.
Support for winter grooming
I want to take a minute to thank the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau (WCVB) for supporting the Whitefish Bike Retreat (WBR).
Student Art: ‘The Great Rescue’ by Scotty Dalen
The art featured above, called "The Great Rescue", was completed using alcohol markers and pen by Whitefish High School sophomore Scotty Dalen in the WHS class Art 1: Drawing.
Police Calls: Small dogs and large dogs at large
A driver called in worried that someone would call him in for bad driving.
Looking Back for May 17
The Whitefish girls proved to be the class of the field in Polson, overpowering the nearest opponent by 40 points.
Metropolitan Opera Live in HD airs ‘Don Giovanni’ in Whitefish
Whitefish Theatre Company and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center are co-presenting the ninth live on-screen performance of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD 2022-2023 season.
2023 District music festival results for Whitefish High School
Northwest Montana’s student musicians recently showcased their talent at the District 1 Music Festival.
State biologists concerned about future of bull trout in Montana
Ben Eisinger loves fishing for bull trout, an activity he looks forward to every season.
Local teen artist’s mural draws attention to dangers of drug use
Whitefish is now home to an octopus, a monster of the deep. In a bright new artwork by Eliya Olstad, a large, colorful octopus represents the overwhelming power methamphetamine can have over people who get caught in its grasp.
Accused squatter in property near Montana 40 takes plea deal
A woman who told authorities that the house they allegedly caught her squatting in belonged to her has struck a plea deal with prosecutors.
FVCC Foundation Festival of Flavors summer event
The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation’s Festival of Flavors summer event tickets went on sale on Monday, May 15.
Judge sentences Whitefish man accused of shooting at kayakers
The man accused of shooting at kayakers on Lower Stillwater Lake last year received four suspended one-year sentences in the Flathead County Detention Center late last month.
Music School receives major donation for capital campaign
North Valley Music School in Whitefish has received a $10,000 capital campaign gift from the National Academy of Sciences.
Parkinson’s Support Group walkathon planned May 20
The Flathead Valley Parkinson’s Support Group will host the Walk for Parkinson’s on May 20 in Creston.
Family of missing hiker recounts harrowing weekend
The family of the hiker who went missing in Glacier National Park over the weekend say 19-year-old Matthew Read is recovering and receiving treatment after spending several days lost in the wilderness.
Glacier's Sun Road open to Avalanche Creek
The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park opened to Avalanche Creek for motor vehicles beginning Saturday morning.
Tax cheats and the debt dilemma
Americans have always commonly agreed that taxes are the price of a civilized society.
Thanks for support in school election
Thank you to the voters who showed overwhelming support for our general fund operating levy request on May 2.
Inaugural FishFest takes over downtown Whitefish
This Saturday, May 20, downtown Whitefish is celebrating the first-ever FishFest, an experimental event put on by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.
Softball gets wins over Browning, goes 2-2 at Butte Invite
The Whitefish softball team is hitting its stride as the postseason approaches.
Bulldog baseball goes undefeated last week; preps for state
Closing out the regular season, the Whitefish baseball team went undefeated over five games in a five-day stretch.
New travel baseball program starts up in the valley
Badrock Baseball, a new North Valley Travel Baseball program, is up and coming — and winning.
Tennis teams hopeful as they head to divisionals
The Whitefish tennis boys and girls teams finished out the regular season last week with dual matches against Polson, Corvallis and Hamilton.
Whitefish relay times continue to speed up as divisionals near
Both the Whitefish girls and boys track and field teams remained competitive through the last week of the regular season, especially in two of the relays.
Whitefish Marathon preparing for new course records
Participants from nearly 40 states will be vying for personal bests and course records at the 16th annual Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Powered by Hammer Nutrition this Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Whitefish, Montana.
North Valley Food Bank receives donation dedicated toward building food security
North Valley Food Bank recently received a $25,000 gift from First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation as part of their second-annual Believe in Local grant campaign.
Runner plans to run her 100th marathon Saturday in Whitefish
This Saturday in Whitefish, Lorena Devlyn will run her 100th marathon-plus (26.2 miles and up — she has also completed four Ironmans and a 100-miler, among other ultras). When Lorena first laid eyes upon Whitefish, she knew she wanted to be part of the town.
Nate Chute Foundation shifts mission to include promoting mental wellness
The idea of building resiliency and having an increased focus on promoting mental wellness is a shift the Nate Chute Foundation (NCF) in Whitefish has recently made.
Legals for May, 17 2023
Wednesday, May 10
Glacier's Sun Road opens to Lake McDonald Lodge
A portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road opened to vehicles on the west side of Glacier Park on Friday morning.
Local organizations bring Paddling Film Festival to Whitefish
The Flathead Rivers Alliance and the Montana Kayak Academy may have different missions, but both care greatly about the local rivers and getting people aware of their nonprofit work.
Bulldogs mount comeback win over Eureka at home
Although two other games were canceled last week due to the rainy weather, Whitefish came away with another win to advance their overall record to 9-2 on the season.
Whitefish tennis teams defeat conference foes last week
In a busy week for Whitefish tennis, the boys team went undefeated while the girls were 3-1 with their only loss being to Flathead High School.
City Council preview for May 15
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, May 15, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Track team puts up impressive performance at rainy Archie Roe
Saturday was not ideal track and field weather, but that didn’t stop the Bulldogs from putting up some impressive finishes.
Council assigns Business Transitional zoning district to gateway property
A recently annexed property located at the intersection of Highway 93 South and Montana 40 was the first to be rezoned with the city’s newly adopted WB-T (Business Transitional) district.
Whitefish Community Foundation to award grants at May 18 event
Whitefish Community Foundation invites the public to its annual Community Grants Award Celebration on May 18 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in downtown Whitefish.
Whitefish Theatre Company offers summer camps
Enrollment is now open for Whitefish Theatre Company’s Summer Performance Camps. WTC is offering programs for all age groups, from first through 12th grades.
Roller derby skates to its return after three-year hiatus
For the first time in three years, the Big Mountain Misfits on a recent Saturday evening laced up their skates, wrote their numbers on their arms, and then celebrated a roller derby bout win in all of its funky and fun glory.
Crews begin work on North Fork, West Glacier roads
Flathead County has started work on reconstructing and rehabilitating roads in the North Fork and West Glacier areas, it announced last week.
Student Art: ‘Golden Tulips’ by Tania Fuentealba
The art featured above is called "Golden Tulips" and is an acrylic painting by Whitefish High School junior Tania Fuentealba in the WHS class Art 1: Painting.
Hospital Corner: May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Did you know that Mental Health Awareness Month was first designated in 1949 due to an increase of mental illnesses among soldiers returning from World War II?
Whitefish Community Blood Drive on May 18
The American Red Cross will host its spring Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, May 18 at The Wave – 1250 Baker Avenue – from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
History - Looking Back for May 10, 2023
The junk car ordinance was in force in the City of Whitefish and was used as the basis for the crackdown ordered by the city council.
Police Calls: Dock goes for a float
A Subaru collided with a flat-bed truck on Baker Avenue.
Whitefish School District election results
The preliminary results for the Whitefish school election that occurred on Tuesday, May 2, are tallied.
Stay Tuned: What it means to Be Instrumental
Be Instrumental.
Almost the last bill to pass
It was a late afternoon, on May 2, the 87th day of the Montana Legislature.
Legislators have diminished reputation of Montana
I’m ashamed. Ashamed of our legislators.
Unfortunate accident
This morning, after returning home after a medical appointment, I saw something that saddened me greatly: Passing Memorial Park, I saw what had recently been a beloved family pet on the road.
WCVB helps small businesses
We would like to share our support of the Whitefish CVB in regards to their efforts in the local area.
WCVB grants support Stumptown Art Studio
In 2021 and 2022, Stumptown Art Studio was a successful applicant for two Community Enhancement Grants offered by the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau (Explore Whitefish).
Sharon Ann Briggs, 77
Sharon Ann Briggs (Stolte), 77, joined the chorus of angels on March 7, 2023, in Sequim, Washington.
Montana passes significant health policy changes in controversial session
Republican leaders’ banishment of a transgender lawmaker from floor debates in the recently ended Montana legislative session seized the nation’s attention. It also overshadowed significant health policy changes and historic levels of health care spending.
Tuesday, May 9
Missing Glacier Park hiker found alive after extensive search
After spending nearly four days in the woods of Glacier National Park’s backcountry, a 19-year-old man was found alive on Monday evening.
Monday, May 8
Search underway in Glacier Park for missing 19-year-old
Search efforts are underway in Glacier National Park for a 19-year-old man missing since Friday.
Thursday, May 4
Prescribed fire north of Whitefish planned for this week
Smoke will be visible this week from a prescribed fire north of Whitefish.
Wednesday, May 3
Whitefish School District election results
The preliminary results for the Whitefish school election that occurred on Tuesday, May 2, are tallied.
Whitefish medical student accepted into pediatric residency looks to help children, families
Megan Marstaeller of Whitefish is very passionate about rural medicine.
Whitefish Gallery Nights begin on Thursday
The Whitefish Gallery Nights event is kicking off the summer season this Thursday, May 4. On Thursdays throughout the warmer months, the art community of Whitefish comes together to host an evening of featured artist exhibitions, entertainment and light refreshments. The event runs from 5-8 p.m. each Thursday.
Whitefish tennis successful down in the Bitterroot
The Whitefish boys and girls tennis teams had a successful weekend at the Bitterroot Invite as well as two other matches against Hamilton and Corvallis.
Formerly Casey's, 101 Central will boast new restaurant
In 1905, a brick building was constructed on the corner of Central and Second Avenue in Whitefish and for over one hundred years, it served as a saloon.
Boys track and field wins home meet Whitefish ARM
At its first home meet of the season under sunny skies, the Whitefish boys track team took the team victory with four event wins; the girls placed fifth in the meet.
Whitefish softball continues to work hard on field
The Lady Bulldogs softball team had another tough week on the field, but are keeping their heads high.
Bulldogs shut out Columbia Falls, Browning; fall to Polson
In an emotional rivalry game against Columbia Falls on Friday, the Whitefish Bulldog baseball team managed an 8-0 win behind strong pitching from the mound.
City streamlines annexation, rezoning process
The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously on Monday, April 17 to approve amendments to a regulation that will combine the annexation and zoning processes.
City acknowledges robust public participation vital in updating growth policy
A work session was held prior to last week’s Whitefish Planning Board meeting to discuss ways to attract public participation in the process of updating the city’s growth policy, known as Vision Whitefish 2045.
State jobless rate drops again
Montana reported another all-time low unemployment rate in March, but Northwest Montana counties lag behind the state as a whole.
Montana requires prior approval for Medicaid-paid abortions
Montana physicians will have to provide prior documentation showing that an abortion is medically necessary before the state's Medicaid program will authorize payment for the procedure, under a new rule that takes effect next week.
City benefits from mistake while Whitefish residents pay
Whitefish contracted two consulting firms to produce reports that determined the water usage statistics of Whitefish households.
Local legislators react to Zephyr's silencing
Flathead Valley lawmakers had a front row seat last week to a sequence of events that thrust Montana into the national spotlight and ignited a debate about what constitutes legislative decorum.
WTC brings “The Harry and Sam Dialogues” to stage
The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its final Black Curtain theatre production of the 2022-23 season with “The Harry and Sam Dialogues” by Karen Ellison.
Thanks to ATP
What a treasure we have here in Whitefish with the talent Alpine Theatre Project brings to our community!
Voluntary fee supports affordable housing
Recent information circulated about Explore Whitefish and the Community Sustainability Fund (CSF) drives a misleading narrative.
Support for bipartisan bill addressing lowering copays
As a nurse working with pediatric patients, I’ve seen how difficult it can be for families struggling to meet the health care needs of their children.
Community Sustainability Fund helps address visitation challenges
As a ski town located next door to a national park, Whitefish and its economy depend on visitation.
Community organizing group sets affordable housing, infrastructure as priorities
A group of over 50 Flathead County residents formed campaign committees working on issues related to affordable housing, mental health and infrastructure at a community meeting led by organizing project United Today, Stronger Tomorrow at its April 6 meeting.
Glacier National Park inholder case centers on jurisdiction
The case of a private home built along the shores of lower McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park could come down to jurisdiction.
FVCC event raises funds for student scholarships
The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation raised $45,000 for student scholarships during its recent Festival of Flavors event.
New burn permit system for Flathead County
Beginning in May, Flathead County will use the same fully supported burn permit and notification service used in 29 other counties across the state.
Family Forestry Expo returns to the Flathead
The Family Forestry Expo is an annual, weeklong event that offers hands-on exposure to the role forests play in our everyday lives.
Looking Back for May 3
An old, red retired caboose, has come to its final rest in the yard of the Burton Schooley family in Ramsey Addition, otherwise known as “engineer’s row.”
Whitefish couple's $101M donation funds nursing education center in Missoula
Community Medical Center has signed a letter of intent to donate land in Missoula for a new nursing education building to be built with a portion of a $101 million investment by philanthropists Mark and Robyn Jones to Montana State University.
Police Calls: Lots of loose dogs and bad human behavior
A dump truck with its tailgate down was dropping rocks onto the roadway.
