Sunday, October 29
Senate wasting time not responding to Hamas attacks
This week marks the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. In the words of President Ronald Reagan, “We should all recognize these deeds make so evident the bestial nature of those who would assume power if they could have their way.”
Wednesday, October 25
Columbia Falls Academic Foundation hosting outdoor film festival
The Columbia Falls Academic Foundation is hosting a nature and outdoor adventure film festival at the high school auditorium on Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.
Police Calls: Alcohol-fueled fights, cow at large
The driver of a Ford Focus couldn’t keep it between the lines on Highway 93 and he was also tailgating.
Great Fish Community Challenge nets over $6.2 million for nonprofits
Whitefish Community Foundation awarded more than $6.2 million to 77 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations during the Great Fish Awards Celebration Tuesday evening.
Student Art: ‘Art in the Dark’ by Sierra Gibb
The art featured above is called "Art in the Dark" and is a Styrofoam Sculpture with slot construction (no adhesive) by Whitefish High School freshman Sierra Gibb in the WHS Sculpture class.
History - Looking Back for October 25, 2023
Official documents transferring title on nearly eight acres of land along Highway 93 across from Whitefish Lake Golf Course to the City of Whitefish were received from the United State Department of the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation.
Catherine Rose Raff-Moore, 71
Catherine Rose Raff-Moore, 71, passed away at her home in Whitefish on the morning of Oct. 19, 2023.
Lady Dogs earns No. 1 seed in conference tourney
Lady Bulldogs Cut Down Loggers Whitefish improved to 10-1 in the Northwest A Conference, sweeping Libby on Tuesday, October 17 by scores of 25-19, 25-19, 25-11.
Whitefish girls advance to host Columbia Falls in soccer championship
Whitefish scored three goals in the first half and held the state's leading scorer in check to advance to the Class A state soccer championship match for the third time in four years on Saturday, Oct. 21. The Lady Bulldogs won 5-2 against Lockwood, doing what they do best: playing their soccer style and being aggressive on offense.
Whitefish boys ready for their moment in soccer championship
The Bulldogs improved to a perfect 14-0 on the year, blowing past Lone Peak 5-0 on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Smith Fields.
Legals for October, 25 2023
Susan Lyn Sauter, 66
Susan Lyn Sauter, 66, died October 8, 2023 in Kalispell.
Bruce "Buzz" Sawyer, 93
Bruce "Buzz" Sawyer, 93, died Oct. 19, 2023 in Kalispell at Heritage Place.
Montana Land Use Planning Act makes city planning more inclusive
Senate Bill 382, also known at The Montana Land Use Planning Act, passed through the Montana Legislature by a margin of 145 votes for to 5 against in April before being signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte in May.
Letters to the editor Oct. 25
Letters to the editor Oct. 25
Whitefish needs solutions, not rhetoric
As we approach the upcoming vote for city councilors in Whitefish, I want to emphasize the critical importance of this decision for our town.
Time for capital investment in Whitefish High athletics
After the failure – by a margin of less than 200 votes – of the proposed bond to support expansion of the Whitefish High School and athletic complex, I’ve heard grumbling in the Whitefish community that seems focused on the proposed athletic complex.
Gulick slings 5 TDs as Bulldogs punch ticket to playoffs
Whitefish punched its ticket to the Class A football playoffs with high-flying antics as the Bulldogs downed Browning 50-14 for senior night on Friday, Oct. 20.
Renown scientists gather in Whitefish for sake of Montana lakes
The Whitefish Lake Institute held the Montana Lakes Conference last week at the Lodge in Whitefish. The theme for the 2023 Montana Lakes Conference was “Montana Lakes at Risk; Challenges and Opportunities.”
City Council OKs increase to Whitefish impact fees
Despite some “sticker shock” over new impact fee amendments, Whitefish City Council voted unanimously last week in approval of the new rates and policies.
Warren Miller ski film shows in Whitefish
The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation will present two showings of the Warren Miller ski and snowboard film “ALL TIME” on Nov. 3-4 at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Whitefish goes full throttle in cross-country championship race
With a backdrop of golden larch trees and a clear blue sky, the all-class state cross country championships were held at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell on Saturday.
Tuesday, October 24
El Nino's return could spell dry, warm winter for Western Montana
Above normal temperatures and below average precipitation is projected for Western Montana this winter as a strengthening El Nino climate pattern takes hold for the first time in four years.
Glacier National Park Conservancy outlines projects planned for 2024
The Glacier National Park Conservancy’s projects for 2024 include monitoring alpine and wetland rare plants, improving bear management capacity, continuing vital species studies and fostering partnerships with local tribes.
Sunday, October 22
Solving septic contamination comes down to convincing homeowners to replace systems
Contamination from failing septic tanks for roughly 50 years has been well-documented as a contributor of pollution in the Flathead Basin. The key to addressing the pervasive issue likely lies in proving to homeowners their system is failing.
Experts optimistic about efforts to curtail invasive lake trout
Competition from lake trout in Montana waters continues to cut into the population of native fish, but experts are optimistic that ongoing efforts will manage and potentially reverse the decline.
Saturday, October 21
Explore Whitefish doubles funding to housing nonprofit
A nonprofit working on affordable and workforce housing issues in Whitefish is set to receive a substantial increase in funding from an optional fee collected at restaurants in the resort town.
Thursday, October 19
Teen accused of wielding brass knuckles in fight faces felony charge
A 19-year-old from Kalispell faces a felony assault charge for allegedly beating a teenager with brass knuckles during a mid-September melee in Whitefish.
Wednesday, October 18
Police Calls: Fugitive game players cause rash of calls to police
A business on Baker Avenue experienced a false alarm but had trouble getting the alarm to shut off.
PHOTOS: Whitefish fire celebrates Fire Prevention Week
The Whitefish Fire Department celebrated Fire Prevention Week with an open house last Sunday.
A Broadway Juggernaut this weekend in Whitefish
Alpine Theatre Project Kids is taking on a tall order this weekend.
History - Looking Back for October 18, 2023
The Montana State Highway Department set the cost of curbs for the proposed roadbed construction on Highway 93 at $2,485.
Student Art: ‘Self-Portrait; Happiness’ by Taylor Ekern-Herman
The art featured above is called "Self-Portrait; Happiness" and is a graphite drawing by Whitefish High School sophomore Taylor Ekern-Herman in the WHS class Art 1: Drawing class.
Polson gets past Whitefish in overtime
It was a back-and-forth affair as Whitefish and Polson fought for their postseason lives, and the Pirates were able to pick up a key 29-26 Western A home overtime victory on Thursday.
Music school hosts 'Heroes Behind the Hits'
North Valley Music School presents “The Heroes Behind The Hits,” a fast-paced, entertaining and educational presentation.
Candidate for City Council Jim Ramlow
The Whitefish Pilot reached out to Whitefish City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.
Candidate for City Council Steve Qunell
The Whitefish Pilot reached out to Whitefish City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.
Candidate for City Council Nathan Dugan
The Whitefish Pilot reached out to Whitefish City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.
Candidate for City Council Rebecca Norton
The Whitefish Pilot reached out to Whitefish City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.
Columbia Falls Chamber holds Harvestfest
The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Harvestfest celebration on Saturday, Oct. 21 in Hungry Horse at Canyon Elementary School.
Candidate for City Council Nancy Schuber
The Whitefish Pilot reached out to Whitefish City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.
Candidate for City Council Frank Sweeney
The Whitefish Pilot reached out to Whitefish City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.
Candidate for City Council Kent Taylor
The Whitefish Pilot reached out to Whitefish City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.
Whitefish boys reach soccer semifinals
October is what the undefeated Whitefish boys soccer team prepares for each soccer season, and their first-round matchup against Livingston (Park) on Saturday, Oct. 14 proved to be a battle.
Lady Bulldogs pay back Billings Central
Hosting their first-round playoff game. Whitefish left little to chance, defeating Billings Central on Saturday, Oct. 10 on the Lady Bulldogs’ home field.
Whitefish battles among the best at Blocktober
Whitefish got plenty of work in at the Blocktober Classic, coming in among the top of the attending 26 teams in the two-day tournament in Butte on Friday and Saturday. The Lady Bulldogs played the majority of the tournament without two starters, and Brooke Zetooney had just returned to the lineup after an injury.
Whitefish harriers smoke course at Western A Fall Classic
The Whitefish cross-country team had a brilliant showing at the Western A Fall Classic at the King’s Ranch Golf Course in Frenchtown on Saturday.
Alaska ensembles Pamyua to perform at O'Shaughnessy
The Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to present Pamyua as their first concert of the 2023-2024 Music Series.
Lions Club resumes growing food for community
Thanks to a few key donations of space, seeds and plant starts, Whitefish Lions Club members were able to get their hands back into the soil to raise nutritious produce for area families this year.
Sunrift brewery to open Whitefish location
In the past five years, Sunrift Beer Company has become a fixture in Kalispell and soon, it will open its second location in Whitefish.
Barbara Louise Peone, 88
Barbara Louise Peone, 88
Holly Virginia McAllister, 81
Holly Virginia McAllister, 81
Esther Marie Hardwick, infant
Esther Marie Hardwick, infant
Lodine Pratt Lodine, 72
Lodine Pratt Lodine, 72
Nell Kelly, 88
Nell Kelly, 88
Judith "Judy" Morgan, 84
Judith "Judy" Morgan, 84
Letters to the editor Oct. 18
Letters to the editor Oct. 18
Food bank provides local wild game for local families
It’s hunting season in Montana. At the North Valley Food Bank, we are gearing up for another year of our wild game processing program. We reignited the program with updated processing protocols after a pandemic hiatus two years ago.
Legals for October, 18 2023
Tuesday, October 17
Montana Lakes Conference dives into threats to waterbodies
The Montana Lakes Conference will examine these topics and others during sessions at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
Wednesday, October 11
Police Calls: Do-it-yourself road sign maintenance
The caller reported medium and large rocks in the southbound lane of Highway 93 that could make someone crash.
History - Looking Back for October 11, 2023
Forest land managers, research scientists and educators gathered in Whitefish to hear reports and propose action on the current insect disease problems in the Northern Rockies.
To the Whitefish community
As we look to the future, and the past, we have a lot to be proud of as we balance the challenges we face as one of the most desirable and authentic mountain communities in the West.
Student Art: ‘Black Eyed Susan’ by Amelia Krezowski
The art featured above is called "Black Eyed Susan" and is a 4 section drawing study with graphite, pen and ink, oil pastel, and watercolor by Whitefish High School sophomore Amelia Krezowski in the WHS class Art 2: Advanced Art class.
Hospital corner: Keep moving with physical therapy
We live here to pursue an active lifestyle.
Whitefish postpones decision on annexation
After a somewhat contentious and complex public hearing, the Whitefish City Council chose to postpone a decision regarding the annexation and zone change for a property at the southeast corner of U.S. 93 and Montana 40 to accommodate a development known as Alpine 93/40.
Council candidates share vision for Whitefish at forum
Seven candidates vying for three open seats on Whitefish City Council shared their visions for the city at a forum Tuesday evening inside the Oktoberfest tent in Depot Park.
Dogs help young readers develop confidence
Next time you visit the Whitefish Community Library, be on the lookout for paw prints that lead to the southeast corner of the building. There, dogs are hitting the books.
Arlene A. Howke, 88
Arlene A. Howke, 88
Paul Lee Wells, 80
Paul Lee Wells, 80
Mary L. Jones, 86
Mary L. Jones, 86
Legals for October, 11 2023
Whitefish caps regular season with 3-0 soccer victory over Polson
Whitefish wrapped up the regular season with a 3-0 victory over Northwest A foe Polson on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Bulldogs torch Jackets for homecoming win
The Whitefish offense had a banner performance, and the Bulldogs won their second consecutive game in a 62-14 Western A football victory over Stevensville on homecoming night Friday, Oct. 6.
Whitefish crowns homecoming royalty
Whitefish High School's homecoming court is presented at the football game Friday, Oct. 6 in Whitefish.
Bulldogs perform well at 7 of 7 meet in Helena
The Whitefish cross country team traveled to Helena for the Capital City 7 of 7 Invitational last Thursday at the Bill Roberts Golf Course.
Letters to the editor Oct. 11
Letters to the editor Oct. 11
Class of 1958 Hall of Famers
Whitefish High School welcomed the graduates of the Class of 1958, celebrating their 65th high school reunion…what a milestone! These hearty souls rode in the Homecoming Parade, impressed by the community support of the school and by the legions of school children lining the parade route, holding handmade signs urging the Bulldogs to victory.
Whitefish volleyball wins two Northwest A battles
The Lady Bulldogs battled and eventually defeated Bigfork in five sets by scores of 17-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-13, 15-11 in a match that went back and forth.
Whitefish boys undefeated heading into soccer playoffs
One goal was enough to propel Whitefish to a perfect regular season.
Sunday, October 8
Flathead Electric Cooperative begins electrical vehicle charging program
The EV Charging Assistant program helps residential electrical vehicle owners manage charging in ways that contribute to a resilient power grid, which supports everyone in our electric system.
Friday, October 6
Whitefish homecoming parade fills town with Bulldog spirit
Whitefish High School celebrates homecoming with a parade through town on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
Flathead County reduces collection of school property tax mills
Flathead County has reduced the amount of state school property taxes it plans to collect falling in line with several counties around Montana that are disputing the state’s requirement to collect a set number of mills for school equalization funding.
Wednesday, October 4
Hockey program attracts new players to the sport
The Girls Fall Into Hockey program wrapped up last week at the Stumptown Ice Den with a session of skills and drills followed by a 3 v 3 fun tournament.
Our heroes deserve better
In response to Lola Zinke’s opinion piece “Our Heroes Deserve Better” in the Sept. 27 issue of the Whitefish Pilot I could not agree with her more that it is disgusting that certain lawmakers “are willing to sacrifice our troops for political gain.”
Student Art: ‘Reincarnation’ by AJ Simpson
The art featured above is called "Reincarnation" and is a watercolor painting by Whitefish High School senior AJ Simpson in the WHS Art 3: Advanced Art class.
History - Looking Back for October 4, 2023
Officials of Big Mountain expressed anger and concern over fallacious complaints and rumors that the resort’s sewage treatment system was overflowing into First Creek.
Police Calls: Skateboarding on pickleball courts?
A driver’s foot missed the brake and his rented vehicle hit the vehicle in front of him on Third Street.
North Valley Food Bank holds annual kids food drive
The food bank serves about 1,000 individuals every week and a quarter of those are children.
FVCC holds free community lecture series
Each lecture is free to attend and registration is not required.
Cindy Lou Houtonen, 68
Cindy Lou Houtonen, 68
Paul Lee Wells, 80
Paul Lee Wells, 80
Richard Raymond "Dick" Dillon, 85
Richard Raymond "Dick" Dillon, 85
Randy Sheffer Clancy, 69
Randy Sheffer Clancy, 69
Federal lawsuit over Whitefish’s impact fees allowed to move ahead
A federal judge will allow a class-action lawsuit alleging the city of Whitefish has been overcharging for impact fees for new development to move forward.
'Magic John Michaels' remembered as voice of the valley
Every weekday morning, John Michael Fleming arrived at Kalispell’s Bee Broadcasting radio station at 4 a.m. to prepare for his 6 a.m. show, Bear Morning Country Club.
WTC presents Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece ‘Lost In Yonkers’
This nostalgic memory play takes us back to the summer of 1942: World War II is on and flat-broke Eddie Kurnitz leaves his sons Jay and Arty with their grandmother while he takes to the road as a salesman to pay off his debts.
Daughter takes reins at Howie's Tire after father's death
Whitefish lost a trusted friend when Howard Spain died on Sept. 13. He was 48 years old.
Whitefish girls clinch conference title with win at Bigfork
Whitefish was able to will itself past Bigfork 2-1 in Northwestern A girls' soccer action on Thursday, Sept. 28. The win improved the Lady Bulldogs to 8-1 on the year and clinched the Northwest A Conference Championship.
Whitefish boys improve to 9-0 with win at Bigfork
Whitefish jumped out to a three-goal first-half lead on its way to a 3-1 Northwest A soccer victory on Thursday, Sept. 28. The Bulldogs improved to 9-0 overall and remained undefeated in conference play.
Whitefish volleyball continues to shine in conference play
Whitefish won in four sets against Ronan, 24-26, 25-8, 25-19, 25-16, on Thursday, Sept. 28. Brooke Zetooney had 12 digs, and Isaebella Hartwig had 22.
Bulldogs take down Vikings
A fourth-quarter score by Whitefish lifted it past Bigfork 20-16 in Western A football action on Friday, Sept. 29. The win improved the Bulldogs to 2-4 overall and, more importantly, 2-3 in Western A play).
Whitefish caps golf season at state tourney
Three Whitefish Bulldogs had a long drive to Sidney for the Class A State golf tournament. Whitefish Coach Tait Rocksund said the players represented Whitefish very well during the 36-hole tournament.
Bulldogs post PRs at Whitefish Invite
It was a wet and chilly day for the Whitefish Invite at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club, but that didn’t slow down the Bulldogs, many of whom posted personal records.
WHS Class of 1958 holds book signing
The book is called “Love Letter to Whitefish, Montana” and is being released this weekend to coincide with the 65th class reunion and Whitefish High’s homecoming.
Legals for October, 4 2023
Letters to the editor Oct. 4
Letters to the editor Oct. 4
Housing Whitefish supports resort tax reallocation
I am writing on behalf of Housing Whitefish to express our support for the proposed reallocation of the resort tax to advance community housing projects and programs in the City of Whitefish.
Tuesday, October 3
Voters reject $33.7M Whitefish School District bond
Voters have turned down a $33.7 million bond issue put forward by the Whitefish School District that would have funded an expansion of the high school and its athletic facilities.
Monday, October 2
Woman survives bear attack along Trail Creek
A 73-year-old woman was hospitalized on Sunday following a bear attack along Trail Creek just west of North Fork Road, state officials say.
Montana is appealing a landmark climate change ruling that favored youth plaintiffs
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The office of Montana's Republican attorney general is appealing a landmark climate change ruling that said state agencies aren't doing enough to protect 16 young plaintiffs from harm caused by global warming.
