Thursday, February 29
PHOTOS: Montana Special Olympics skiers hit the slopes at Whitefish
The Special Olympics Montana Glacier Area Winter Games at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Thursday, Feb. 29.
Wednesday, February 28
Mush: Flathead Classic draws sled, skijor teams from across the West
The 2024 Flathead Classic was held at the Dog Creek Lodge & Nordic Center in Olney last weekend. Races included skijoring and bikejoring as well as four-dog and six-dog sled teams.
Student Art: ‘Paradise Palms’ by Clair Easterley
The art featured above is called “Paradise Palms'' and is a graphite on paper drawing by Whitefish High School senior Clair Easterley in the WHS Introduction to Art class.
Police Calls: Downing case of PBR in bathroom
A black Ranger and a blue Silverado had a non-injury accident at a location on Highway 93.
Looking back: Police get new rifles; NorAm racers hit the slopes
Signing a contingency contract with the architects for preliminary design of a proposed vocational-technical addition to Whitefish High School was urged on the District 44 school board by a citizen’s advisory committee.
Compensation for Whitefish City Council, judge to go on ballot
Whitefish City Council plans to put the issue of compensation for the mayor and councilors, including health insurance, on the ballot in November.
Historical ski film 'Raising Hell Roaring' plays in Whitefish
The Ski Heritage Center Museum will present “Raising Hell Roaring” at the O’Shaughnessy on March 9.
Legals for February, 28 2024
Disco skate nights bring community together
When Gabriel Layton looks out across the ice at Whitefish’s City Beach, he sees the realization of his vision to bring a little slice of joy to the community.
You’re not the boss in wilderness
When my friends and I encountered the fresh grizzly bear scat, we were deep in Wyoming’s Teton Wilderness, 20 miles from a trailhead. I’d seen grizzlies before — from the car. But this experience was on a whole other level. I felt vulnerable, nervous. I also felt fully alive.
Medicaid unwind hits older Montanans hard
Over 120,000 Montanans lost their Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids health care coverage in the past few months. Shockingly, 70 percent of those terminations were due to administrative reasons: failures on the part of the Gianforte administration.
PACE program, Spencer trails expansion, reburbished fire boat top council agenda
With only one public comment all evening, the Whitefish City Council made quick work of addressing a handful of items at its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20.
James Patrick Hawkins, 59
James Patrick Hawkins, 59, died Feb. 20, 2024 in Whitefish surrounded by his family.
City Council preview for March 4, 2024
City Council preview for March 4, 2024
Sally Porcarelli
Sally Porcarelli died Feb. 11, 2024 in Kalispell.
Soyland soars to top of freeride podium at Crystal
The Flathead Freeride Club entered its busiest part of the season last week with athletes traveling to Washington and Colorado to compete in Junior National Freeride contests against skiers 12-18 from across the country and Canada.
WTC holds auditions for ‘The Tin Woman’
The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for “The Tin Woman” by Sean Grennan, their final Black Curtain production of the 2023-2024 season.
Flathead racers earn medals on Whitefish ski slopes
The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation hosted a series of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association races at Whitefish Mountain Resort last weekend on Ed’s Run.
Pastor Darrell Newby, 78
Pastor Darrell Newby died Feb. 10, 2024 in Columbia Falls.
Darrell Edgar Jones, 87
Darrell Edgar Jones, 87, died Feb. 12, 2024 in Whitefish.
Monday, February 26
Columbia Falls teen is dead in Kentucky; man arrested on murder charge
An 18-year-old Columbia Falls man is dead and a 21-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with murder.
Wednesday, February 21
Flathead Classic sled dog races this weekend in Olney
The unique event that includes sled races, skijor races and bikejor races runs Feb. 24 and Feb. 24. The event begins at 9 a.m. on both days.
Police Calls: Four men walking, couple won’t leave the hot tub
The male driver of a vehicle that kept driving in and out of the parking lot on Highway 40 seemed “tweaked out” and raised suspicions.
Looking back: Ted’s Texaco pumps run dry; Tommy Moe makes history
The gas shortage crunch began to take its toll in Whitefish.
Student Art: ‘Rocky Shore’ by Lauren Fairbanks
The art featured above is called "Rocky Shore" and is a watercolor painting by Whitefish High School senior Lauren Fairbanks in the WHS Art 3: Advanced Art class.
Whitefish ski patrollers file petition to unionize
David Kerner is passionate about his work as a ski patroller at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Clocking in early, making the rounds to prep the slopes each morning, and helping guests have a fun and safe experience are all the parts of a job that keeps him coming back.
In at nutshell: The stories of donated food and expiration dates
At the North Valley Food Bank (NVFB) we receive more than 40,000 pounds of donated food every month. Donations of local rescue food account for roughly half of this amount.
Sally Porcarelli
Sally Porcarelli
Whitefish schools consider remote learning option for snow days
Some members of the Whitefish School Board have cold feet about conducting remote learning when schools are closed for snowy weather.
Free the Seeds workshops March 2 at FVCC
Free The Seeds returns to the Flathead Valley on Saturday, March 2, for the ninth year of interactive workshops, activities and seed sharing.
Tickets go on sale for FVCC’s Festival of Flavors spring event
The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation’s Festival of Flavors spring event tickets go on sale March 8 at 9 a.m
Whitefish library series continues with program on local literary culture
Whitefish Community Library’s Winter Writers Series continues Monday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. featuring Montana writer Tami Haaland.
Whitefish Theatre Co. holds auditions for ‘Silent Sky’
Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for the upcoming Main Stage production of “Silent Sky” — the true story about the women who first mapped the stars by Laura Gunderson.
WTC presents nail-biting horror play
True life becomes stranger than fiction when an acclaimed romance novelist Paul Sheldon wakes up incapacitated in the secluded home of Annie Wilkes — his “number one fan” — after she rescues him from a wintery car crash.
Longtime Whitefish leader spent decades in community service
Sally Porcarelli, a former First Lady of Whitefish and dedicated Whitefish community leader and volunteer for decades, died Sunday, Feb. 11. She was 90.
Flathead Valley sends three athletes to XC Junior Nationals
The Glacier Nordic ski team qualified three athletes for the 2024 Junior Nationals. Maeve Ingelfinger from Whitefish, Findley Dezzani from Columbia Falls and Liam Browne from Kalispell will head to Lake Placid, New York, for a week of racing next month.
David Burnham, 81
David Perley Burnham passed away suddenly on February 9, 2024, at Whitefish Hospital after a brief illness.
James "Joe" David Gwiazdon, 80
James "Joe" David Gwiazdon
Virginia "Ginni" Siblerud, 79
Virginia "Ginni" Siblerud
Jude Layton Samuell
Jude Layton Samuell
Legals for February, 21 2024
Whitefish boys bounced in divisional play-in game
Whitefish fought tooth and nail all season, and its final game of the season was no different.
River Lakes townhome project draws scrutiny from neighbors
At the second meeting of the newly-formed Community Development Board last week, members voted to recommend a conditional-use permit and preliminary plat for a nine-lot subdivision.
Council considers resort tax rebate changes for seasonal residents
Since Whitefish’s resort tax was initiated in 1995, at least 25% of it has been allocated to property tax relief. At a work session last week, the City Council had a preliminary discussion about potential changes to the allocation of those funds.
Douglas James Leidgen
Douglas James Leidgen
Saturday, February 17
Junior ski races at Whitefish Mountain Resort Feb. 23-25
The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation will host three days of junior ski racing at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Feb. 23-25.
Wednesday, February 14
Voters to decide fate of resort tax for Big Mountain
Voters who live on Big Mountain will get to decide whether the area should be allowed to collect a resort tax.
Looking back: Skier rescued from tree well; crime rate soars
A target of $3 million was announced for the Whitefish Credit Union at the annual meeting.
Police Calls: Poor parking, hit and run accidents abound
The caller was in his Mercedes SUV, stuck in the car wash on Highway 93.
Student Art: ‘Decorative Bowl’ by Norah Schmidt
The art featured above is called "Decorative Bowl" and is a bowl made with stoneware coils and underglaze by Whitefish High School senior Norah Schmidt in the WHS Pottery class.
Chairlift: Don’t come this way
Dad started smoking when he was 12 years old.
Documentary film recounts 'troll storm' against Whitefish family
An award-nominated documentary about a Whitefish resident who, with support from the community, fought back against hatred, will make its world premiere in Missoula later this month.
Dewey skins, slides to Whitefish Whiteout victory
Cutting through the fog like a warm knife in butter, Jacob Dewey claimed the top of the podium in the annual Whitefish Whiteout skimo race Saturday at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Whitefish Mountain Resort looks to create new subdivision
Winter Sports Inc. is proposing to create a subdivision with 18 residential lots and one recreational lot that would be for use by the nonprofit DREAM Adaptive Recreation.
WTC presents Stephen King’s bestselling thriller ‘Misery’
This nail-biting horror play which was also a hit movie starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, opens with a sneak preview night on Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Whitefish nonprofit hosts veterans for ski retreat
The Marines served in the same squad during a deployment to Afghanistan in 2011.
Whitefish wrestlers end season with strong showing at state
Whitefish ended its season at the MHSA State Wrestling Tournament at Metra Park in Billings on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 9-10.
Bulldogs lose close game to Bigfork
Whitefish had two big outputs from Mason Genovese and Mason Kelch, but couldn't overcome a tough Bigfork squad, 51-46 on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Northwest A action.
Whitefish swim teams finish fourth at state
The Whitefish boys and girls swim teams both took fourth at the 2024 MHSA State Swim Meet over the weekend at Great Falls in the AB Meet.
Flathead ski racers and freeriders compete across the region
The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation had racers and freeride athletes of all ages traveling around the region to compete this past weekend.
Whitefish pathway projects continue to make progress
Public Works Director Craig Workman on Feb. 5 shared several updates regarding the ongoing projects at the Whitefish Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee meeting.
Talk looks at historic places in Montana
Montana has more than 1,100 places and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jeff Arcel, 68
Jeff Arcel, 68, passed away on Thursday, February 8, after one last night filled with music and friends.
Michael Scott Gartland, 65
Michael Scott Gartland, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away at his home in Columbia Falls on February 1, 2024. He was 65.
Donna Lee Mast, 91
Donna Lee Mast, 91
Josef Carl Ollerman, 56
Josef Carl Ollerman, 56
Edward Scott James, 65
Edward Scott James, 65
Richard Butterfield, 54
Richard Butterfield, 54
Students shine at All-State Music Festival
The University of Montana hosted the 2023 MHSA All-State Music Festival last October. A remarkable number of Whitefish high school student musicians earned All-State honors: two from choir and five from the band program.
Whitefish drops matchup to undefeated Bigfork
Bigfork remained undefeated in Northwest A Conference play, downing Whitefish 71-22 on Saturday, February 10.
Whitefish Council discusses possibility for compensation
The Whitefish City Council discussed the possibility of initiating pay for the mayor and council members during a work session last week.
Visioning sessions for growth policy update
Whitefish is hosting two community visioning sessions Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 upstairs in the City Council Chambers in City Hall from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Phase 2 of Alpenglow project OK'd by council
Approval of a deed-restricted apartment project was among the many tasks completed by the Whitefish City Council last week. The council also approved a handful of other requests and discussed a lawsuit.
Legals for February, 14 2024
Tuesday, February 13
Whitefish Community Foundation awards grant for Bigfork afterschool program
Whitefish Community Foundation recently awarded a $90,000 multi-year Kids Fund grant to Bigfork ACES to support the creation of an afterschool program for middle school students.
Wednesday, February 7
Legals for February, 7 2024
Police Calls: Possible drunk drivers and neighbor watching through windows
The police calls section is presented for entertainment purposes and does not reflect the nature or the volume of the calls received by local law enforcement.
Looking Back: Celebrity parade marshal; Haskill Creek in peril
Looking Back: Celebrity parade marshal; Haskill Creek in peril
Monica Tranel represents us
On Jan. 17, I enjoyed my first experience attending The Fish Tank podcast in the Montana Tap House in Whitefish.
Whitefish students take part in growth policy update
Despite school being canceled last Thursday for a snow day, six Whitefish High School students ventured out to attend Whitefish’s Community Development Board meeting and participate in local government by sharing their ideas for the city's updated growth policy.
Stumptown Track Club posts PRs in Bozeman
At the All Comers track meet this weekend in Bozeman, the Whitefish-based Stumptown Track Club had lots of PRs.
Bulldogs place four at wrestling divisionals
Whitefish had four placers at the Western A Divisional Wrestling Tournament on Friday-Saturday, February 2-3 in Hamilton, including one champion.
Columbia Falls sweeps Cat-Dog games
Columbia Falls is firmly in first place of the Northwest A Conference after their Cat-Dog victory over Whitefish by a score of 58-45 on Friday, Feb. 2. The Wildcats — winners of eight straight — improved to 8-1 in conference play and 10-5 overall.
Lady Bulldogs fall in rivalry rematch
In their in-season Northwest A Conference rematch with Columbia Falls on Friday, February 2, Whitefish played stronger in the first half, but a slow third quarter hampered the team in a 48-23 loss. That capped off a run that saw Whitefish play five games in seven days.
Hospital Corner: Respond fast to stroke
During a stroke seconds count. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted and needs to be treated as a medical emergency to minimize the impact on the brain or save someone’s life.
James Dean "Porky" Cox, 91
James Dean "Porky" Cox, 91
Neil "Doc"John Holliday, 83
Neil "Doc"John Holliday, 83
Pamela Brown, 68
Pamela Brown, 68
"Betty" Bernice Triplett, 99
"Betty" Bernice Triplett, 99
Flathead Valley housing nonprofits begin partnership
Northwest Montana Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley have signed a memo of understanding to work together to build homes that will remain permanently affordable and available only to income-qualified purchasers in perpetuity.
Applications open for Whitefish workforce housing assistance program
This initiative is designed to support the workforce living and working in the Whitefish area by providing rental assistance to retain housing and facilitate entry into new rental units.
Park Side Credit Union selects nonprofits for partner program
Park Side Credit Union has selected a group of nonprofit organizations the credit union will be supporting with its 2024 Park Side Partner Program.
North Valley Food Bank launches winter food drive
To address the growing number of local residents who need food assistance, the food bank holds the annual FEED LOVE Food Drive from Feb. 2 through Feb. 16.
Cabin Fever Days and Barstool Ski Races this weekend
Many events occur at multiple locations throughout Martin City, Hungry Horse and Coram. Martin City is the location of the World Famous Barstool Ski Races on Saturday, with several kids' events and snowshoe softball.
Montana writers featured during series at Whitefish Community Library
Kicking off the series on Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. is Montana's 10th Poet Laureate Mark Gibbons.
Montana Pediatrics utilizes telehealth to close gaps in state’s health care system
When parents aren’t sure if they need to drive to the emergency room, they can call Montana Pediatrics care line and be connected with a pediatrician via a telehealth call.
FVCC hosts community lectures
Flathead Valley Community College’s Continuing Education Center is hosting six community lectures from Thursday, Feb. 22 to Tuesday, April 9 in the Arts & Technology Building on campus in Kalispell.
Respect the trails
Kudos to the hard-working trail groomers at Round Meadow ski area—nice corduroy despite tough conditions!
Student Art: ‘Griffin’ by Signe Ebbett
Student Art: ‘Griffin’ by Signe Ebbett
Monday, February 5
Whitefish nonprofit denied full participation in housing lawsuit
The Montana Supreme Court has denied a Whitefish nonprofit’s request to intervene as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of homeowners against the state.
Big Mountain neighborhoods look to create resort tax
A group of Big Mountain residents would like a resort tax implemented for the area as a way to pay for infrastructure needs.
Saturday, February 3
PHOTOS: Whitefish Winter Carnival Grand Parade
The Whitefish Winter Carnival Grand Parade procession makes its way down Central Avenue.
PHOTOS: 23rd Whitefish Penguin Plunge raises $94,000 for Special Olympics Montana
Participants leapt into the frigid waters of Whitefish Lake during the 23rd annual Penguin Plunge as part of the Whitefish Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 3. Organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, this year's event raised $94,000 for Special Olympics Montana.
