Ellington

Father-Daughter Winter Ball set for Friday

Fathers and daughters are invited to dance the night away at the O’Shaughnessy Center on Feb. 2.

Whitefish Winter Carnival treasure found

The annual Whitefish Winter Carnival Treasure Hunt is over.

Fortine wood bank volunteers help keep neighbors warm

In an open field just past Grave Creek Road in Fortine, on a winter Saturday volunteers are loading wood into trucks, clearing snow off of wood piles and splitting lumber into burnable logs.

Muldown principal approaches role with emphasis on relationships

John Coyne, for his 43 years in education, has always valued relationships.

City Council preview for Feb. 5, 2024

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Feb. 5 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

Lynn Patricia Malmberg, 56

Lynn Patricia Malmberg, 56

Police Calls: Television calls 911, dog characterized as ‘mean mugging’

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: Big Mountain drug policy reviewed; Voisin makes Olympic team

A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler.

Ski resort has renewed confidence in Chair 4

We know many of you have questions about our new Chair 4, the Snow Ghost Express, and I wanted to take a moment to answer them as best I can.

Spectacle of center ring comes to Whitefish Winter Carnival this weekend

Be on the lookout for the usual cast of characters like penguins and yetis, but who knows if acrobats, a fire-eater and elephants join in the fun this year when the Grand Parade with its circus theme makes its way through downtown.

Browning survives Whitefish comeback

With Northwest A Conference play getting into the meat of the schedule and no clear-cut league power emerging, every matchup matters.

Browning outpaces Lady Bulldogs

A slow start by Whitefish in the first half proved to be something the Lady Bulldogs couldn’t overcome in a 63-26 Northwest A Conference matchup on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Whitefish wrestling readies for divisional meet

Injuries have taken their toll on the Whitefish's wrestling team, with the boys and girls squads at about 50 percent strength heading into the divisional tournament.

New board recommends phase 2 of apartment project

The Whitefish Community Development Board voted unanimously at its inaugural meeting last week to recommend Phase 2 of the Alpenglow Apartments development.

Avalanche 12U brings home first place banner

The Glacier Avalanche 12U team won the first-place banner at the Brent Roeber Memorial Tournament, hosted by the Butte Copper Kings, on Jan 7. The team battled organizations from Idaho and Montana to make it into the championship game against the Spokane Jr. Chiefs.

Whitefish sprinter Ells to run for MSU

Whitefish senior Hailey Ells recently signed a letter of intent to run track at Montana State University in Bozeman. The senior is a three sport athlete and has helped the WHS girls track team to a state championship and second place at state the last two years. She competes on both relays, hurdles, high jump and sprints. (Photo provided by WHS)

Legals for January, 31 2024

Backcountry Film Festival in Whitefish Feb. 6

The 19th annual Backcountry Film Festival is headed to Whitefish on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Whitefish Theatre Company. All proceeds will benefit Wild Montana’s Flathead-Kootenai Chapter.

The Chairlift: The Whitefish 'we'

The skiing was surprisingly good last week. Albeit odd, spring skiing in January was a hoot and almost everyone seemed to be having a great time.

Whitefish 2nd at Class A speech and debate tournament

State runner-up Whitefish High School earned 148 points at the Jan. 26 and 27 tournament in Columbia Falls. Laurel placed third with 88 points.

Avalanche warning issued amid 'January thaw'

Dangerous backcountry avalanche conditions exist across Northwest Montana due to recent mountain rainfall and unseasonably warm temperatures.

FVCC art faculty featured in exhibition

The gallery inside the Wachholz College Center on the campus of FVCC is spotlighting artists and the corresponding subjects they teach as part of the display.

FVCC Senior Institute session begins

Flathead Valley Community College’s Senior Institute returns for its 30th year of credit class offerings to community members 65 and up.

Whitefish Community Foundation scholarships open Feb. 1

Whitefish Community Foundation is offering multiple scholarship opportunities for students who will be enrolling in college this fall.

Flathead County increases collection of school property tax mills

Flathead County property owners will soon see increased tax bills in their mailboxes.

Whitefish Bulldogs win fourth straight on court; undefeated in conference play

Whitefish boys basketball won its fourth-straight game, taking down Bigfork 66-49 in Northwest A Conference play on Friday, Jan. 19.

Police Calls: Hot tub poachers ask forgiveness rather than permission

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.

Maxine Arnold, 73

Forever loved, Maxine Joy Arnold passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, 2023, joining her parents and friends on the other side. She lived a life of integrity, generosity, and loyalty that was undeniably inspiring.

Bulldog speech and debate team ready for state

The Whitefish High School speech and debate team is heading to the state tournament coming off a successful weekend at the Western A Divisional in Stevensville over the weekend.

Second-year Bulldog basketball coach has team rolling

Whitefish head basketball coach Alex Gonzalez is celebrating this week, as Jan. 22 is his 51st birthday. The second-year Bulldog coach has his team on a winning streak and undefeated in Northwest A Conference play. He also has been super appreciative of the community he is coaching in.

Whitefish drops conference matchup against Bigfork

After four games were postponed due to extreme weather, Whitefish finally returned to the hardwood hosting Northwest A Conference foe Bigfork on Friday, Jan. 19.

Whitefish swimmers medal at Kalispell Braves meet

Whitefish had several placers at the Kalispell High School Brave Pack Meet on Saturday, Jan. 20. The Whitefish girls team placed second in the meet.

Whitefish places two at Ted Kato Invite Saturday

At the Ted Kato Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 20, Whitefish had two medalists, including one champion.

Jury convicts Whitefish shooter of deliberate homicide

A Flathead County District Court jury convicted Steven Justin Hedrick on Friday evening of deliberate homicide for the 2023 shooting death of Jeffery Brookshire in an extended-stay motel in Whitefish.

Documentary explores human’s coexistence with grizzly bears

The Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club is hosting “The Return of the Grizzly” film screening on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

How to live in the Flathead: New website offers guidance to newcomers

Maybe you just bought a chunk of property here and you’re wondering what animals you might cross paths with in the backyard woods. Or maybe you’d like to learn how to better manage your forest for wildfire risk or something simple, like growing your own produce.

Comments sought for Blankenship Bridge bank stabilization project

Flathead County and the United States Forest Service are seeking comments on a proposed project near Blankenship Bridge on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Council Briefs: Two properties annexed, new school resource officer, lakeshore permit approved

Deputy Mayor Frank Sweeney presided over the Jan. 16 meeting of the Whitefish City Council in the absence of Mayor John Muhlfeld. The council voted unanimously in favor of each agenda item, including the annexation of two properties and the approval of the School Resource Officer program agreement.

Depot Park affordable housing project runs into funding issues

At a work session last week, Whitefish City Council heard from the Whitefish Housing Authority (WHA) and the city’s Housing Planner, Luke Sponable about potential changes to the Depot Park Townhomes project.

Winter Carnival LXV Prince Frey and Princess Freya

Winter Carnival's crowning of Prince Frey and Princess Freya was at Whitefish High School on Friday night.

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD airs classic ‘Carmen’ in Whitefish

Whitefish Theatre Company, in collaboration with the Whitefish Arts Council and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, presents a modern, reimagined staging of Georges Bizet’s classic “Carmen” as part of the 2023-2024 live streaming season of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD

Legals for January, 24 2024

Whitefish nonprofit enters ongoing lawsuit over housing bills

A Whitefish nonprofit organization that advocates for affordable housing has joined a lawsuit over four new housing laws being challenged in district court.

Town Pump foundation provides emergency grants to shelters

Shelters each received $10,000 grants. The Flathead Warming Center and the Samaritan House each received grants.

Father-Daughter Winter Ball planned

Fathers and daughters are invited to dance the night away at the O’Shaughnessy Center on Feb. 2.

Dynamic music and comedy duo, Bridge & Wolak, stop in Whitefish

Called “the Victor Borges of the 21st century,” the Canadian musical and comedy duo, Bridge & Wolak, share an ambitious agenda — to create an unforgettable experience for audiences through an original, irreverent, meticulously prepared and completely in-the-moment program.

Whitefish Review and Explore Whitefish host ‘Powder Days’ author

The event, presented by Whitefish Review and Explore Whitefish, will include live music, an interview with the author, a reading from her book “Powder Days,” as well as a conversation with audience members.

Photographer Chuck Haney holds annual benefit show

Acclaimed Whitefish photographer Chuck Haney will present his annual benefit show on Friday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in downtown Whitefish.

FVCC Theatre and Soroptimist partner for evening focusing on human trafficking

Mask and Hammer will present a staged reading of the play “Body and Sold,” by Deborah Lake Fortson. The documentary play aims to raise awareness of the sexual exploitation and trafficking of America’s youth.

‘Witch,’ a wicked comedy, comes to the stage in Whitefish

Whitefish Theatre Company presents a Black Curtain production of Jen Silverman’s exceedingly smart modern fable, “Witch.”

Housing Whitefish receives donations from Foley Family Charitable Foundation

Housing Whitefish received a significant donation to the brand-new Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program with a $15,000 grant from the Foley Family Charitable Foundation.

Suellen Deist Brady, 74

Suellen Kay (Deist) Brady passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, surrounded by family and friends.

Iris Ann Ostrom, 87

“Every varying hue of every beautiful thing on earth; the teints of heaven’s own iris.”

Dustin Schellinger Ohs, 39

Dustin David Schellinger Ohs was born on July 19, 1984 to Kristi Schellinger Troutman and David Troutman in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Catherine Marie Richter, 93

Catherine Marie Richter died Jan. 7, 2024, in Columbia Falls, Montana.

DeAnn “De” Helland, 58

DeAnn “De” Helland died Jan. 3, 2024, in Whitefish, Montana.

Robert “Bobby” James Bleick, 34

Robert “Bobby” James Bleick died Jan. 3, 2024, in Kalispell, Montana.

Winter courtesy

Wait!

Presidential candidacy disqualification

There are four qualifications set forth in the U.S.Constitution that must be met before any “Person” can be placed on the ballot and run for the Office of President: 1) you must be a “natural born Citizen;” 2) you must have “attained the age of thirty-five years;” 3) you must have been “fourteen Years a Resident within the United States;” and 4) you cannot have violated the Disqualification Rule of the 14th Amendment which entails having previously sworn an oath to support the Constitution and subsequently engaging in insurrection against it.

Student Art: ‘Name Sculpture’ by Kaden Carter

The art featured above is called "Name Sculpture" and is a sculpture made with card stock, markers, hot glue and an X-Acto knife by Whitefish High School freshman Kaden Carter in the WHS Sculpture class.

Police Calls: Flying furniture and fireworks

The driver of a green Ford pickup was all over the road and nearly caused a head on collision on Highway 93.

Nordic skiing trails open in Whitefish and surrounding areas

Glacier Nordic Center in Whitefish finally opened for the season last week after a winter storm dumped just enough snow to thoroughly blanket the trails at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Looking Back: Wayne Newton to be grand marshal; SNOW Bus rides again

A Prime Minister's red coat fell on the shoulders of Jim Trout, 30, Whitefish banker and former Winter Carnival President, at the climax of a program staged by former Prime Ministers.

FVCC Theatre presents one-act comedies

Flathead Valley Community College's Theatre Department presents an evening of comedic one-act plays: “The Audition” by Matt Thompson and “The Actor's Nightmare” by Christopher Durang.

Powers, Mitchell, announce candidacies, but in different districts

Democrat Debo Powers has announced her candidacy for House District 3 this coming election, but the district, which once included the city of Columbia Falls and all of the Canyon to Essex, has vastly changed under redistricting.

Barnes & Noble to open Kalispell location in January

A Barnes & Noble bookstore is poised to open a location in North Kalispell later this month.

Winter river bottomland hike with FAS

Join Flathead Audubon Society conservation educator and longtime teaching naturalist Denny Olson on a winter hike on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (weather permitting) through the Owen Sowerwine Area.

Flathead County Sheriff's Office adding more K9 teams

Sounds of a prolonged, one-sided skirmish echoed in a large warehouse recently, where Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies were taking part in a selection process for a new K9 handler.

Gulick nets 29 to lead Dogs over Polson

The Whitefish boys continued surging, winning its third straight with a 64-60 victory over Polson in Northwest A basketball conference play on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Robert 'Bob' Arthur Look

Robert 'Bob' Arthur Look

In a nutshell: Looking forward to what’s cooking this year

This January marks my three-year anniversary at North Valley Food Bank (NVFB). I have to pause with the daily hustle and bustle, to see all of our accomplishments and think of the many meaningful connections built during this time.

Legals for January, 17 2024

Whitefish comeback falls short in OT against Lady Pirates

The Whitefish girls battled back against their Northwest A basketball opponent Polson on Tuesday, Jan. 9, but ultimately fell on the road 45-41.

Conservation commission earns big federal grant

During the 2023 Montana legislative session, the Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) was created, in essence by combining two natural resource protection agencies — the Flathead Basin Commission and the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3).

Carlosses to reign as Whitefish carnival king and queen

Whitefish residents Pat and Missy Carloss will reign as the Whitefish Winter Carnival King Ullr LXV and Queen of Snow. They were crowned during a coronation ceremony Saturday evening in downtown Whitefish.

Whitefish Mountain Resort closed due to extreme weather

Whitefish Mountain Resort will not open on Friday, Jan 12. The resort opened on Thursday, Jan. 11, at its usual time and slowly began closing lifts down throughout the day due to extreme, frigid temperatures at the mountain.

District cancels school, activities for Friday due to weather

Whitefish School District has canceled school tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 12, due to unsafe road and weather conditions.

The Chairlift: Benny Up energy

Chair 1 travels above one of my favorite runs that recently reopened after having been closed due to insufficient snowpack.

Council discusses annexation fee, infrastructure funding

The council chambers were mostly empty for the first Whitefish City Council meeting of 2024.

Whitefish loses a longtime friend Sam McGough

Sometimes, grieving the loss of a loved one elicits laughter as well as tears.

Whitefish speech second in Glacier Yeti tourney

The Whitefish High speech and debate team came in second only to Columbia Falls this weekend at Glacier High School.

Whitefish Review, Explore Whitefish present night of music and literature

Whitefish Review and Explore Whitefish present author Heather Hansman at 101 Central on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

Community Foundation accepting grant applications

Whitefish Community Foundation’s Community Grant Program is accepting applications until Feb. 15, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Flathead Electric Co-op set to hold trustee election

Three seats on Flathead Electric Co-op’s Board of Trustees are up for election this year.

Timothy Quinn, 76

Timothy Paul Quinn, 76, of Whitefish, Montana, passed away on Jan. 3, 2024.

Jacquelyn Little, 85

Jacquelyn G. Little, 85 passed away on Dec. 19, 2023 at her home.

Authorities seek information on missing Missoula woman

The Missoula Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in locating Eva Masin Prather, a 43-year-old resident who has been missing since the early hours of Saturday, Dec. 30.

Montana population growth slows

After years of new arrivals swelling Montana’s population and straining its housing supply, new data released Dec. 19 by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the volume of net migration into the state has declined.

Whitefish Winter Carnival crowns Prime Minister, Duchess of Lark

The Whitefish Winter Carnival officially got underway Saturday with the crowning of the first round of royalty, the Duchess of Lark and Prime Minister, at the Merry Maker event.

First baby of 2024 at Whitefish hospital

Logan Health Whitefish's Birth Center welcomed its first baby of 2024 on New Year's Day.

Student Art: ‘The Princess and Her Competitors’ by Konnie Sisson

The art featured above is called "The Princess and Her Competitors" and is a charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor piece by Whitefish High School junior Konnie Sisson in the WHS Art 2: Advanced Art class.

Fence contractor facing theft charges in multiple cases

Prosecutors have brought two felony cases against a contractor accused of bilking county residents out of thousands of dollars for unfinished home improvement projects.

Looking Back for January 10

Whitefish school system students began going to school later in the morning after the schedule was changed by Superintendent Russ Giesy to allow children to arrive at a school in daylight rather than darkness because of daylight saving time.

Police Calls: A disorderly customer, red chicken at large

Some kids behind a parking lot on Central Avenue were screaming “Help me” just to mess with people.

Climate Crisis: We’re all in it together

The year 2024 will be the most consequential one in the history of the United States. This I believe because the existence of our system of constitutional democracy is being challenged by forces who want to give more authoritarian power to a single leader than has ever happened before. Those opposing the challenge to democracy must always use democratic means in their opposition.

Flathead Valley ski racers compete in Big Sky

Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) athletes found the podium several times over the weekend in Big Sky, Montana at the U14/U16 Northern Division Qualifier, despite limited training opportunities in December.

Photos: WHS, WMS Bands perform winter concert

The Whitefish High School Band and Whitefish Middle School Band recently performed at the program's winter concert on Dec. 14. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. The arrangements were a mix of holiday and winter-themed music.

Whitefish girls swimmers place second in Polson

The Whitefish girls swim team placed second at the Polson High School Invite on Friday, Jan. 5, notching 275 team points. The girls were also the top-finishing Class A team at the competition.

Aurand first at Western Boys Invitational; Bennetts, Dorvall place in girls invite

Whitefish’s Landree Aurand won the 132-pound bracket at the Western Montana Boys Invitational in Ronan on Saturday, Jan. 6.

City Council preview for Jan. 16

Whitefish City Council meets on Tuesday, Jan.16, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

Dangerous arctic outbreak to slam Flathead Valley

Travel will become difficult to impossible across Northwest Montana this week as a significant and potentially dangerous arctic outbreak sweeps across the region.

WMR reopens Benny Up Route following heavy snowfall

Whitefish Mountain Resort officials announced that recent snowfall allowed them to reopen the Benny Up Route for uphill traffic on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Hospital Corner: Reflecting on highlights from 2023

There is much to look back on in 2023 here at Logan Health – Whitefish.

Donors have limited window to support schools and get dollar-for-dollar tax credits

Montana schools are seeking to secure a slice of $5 million in donations — and for donors, to get dollar-for-dollar tax credits — for supporting innovative education or scholarships.

With low snow levels, Whitefish skier visits down over holiday break

“Pray for snow.” Those three words are familiar to anyone who has lived in a ski town; you see them scrawled on dirty car windows or you hear them uttered at local watering holes.

Major Flathead Valley transportation upgrades will be underway in 2024

State and local officials expect to make inroads on several major transportation infrastructure projects in the Flathead Valley in 2024, including the widening of West Reserve Drive in Kalispell.

Werner Peak Lookout 2024 reservations open Feb.1

Werner Peak Lookout, an observation tower nestled at 6,960 feet in the Stillwater State Forest on Montana State Trust Lands, will begin accepting reservations for the 2024 season on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, at 8 a.m.

Bilingual Montessori preschool opens opportunities for children

At Big Sky Montessori, children will be greeted with, “Hola, ¿como estás?” They will learn replies like “Muy bien” meaning “very good” or “¡Fantástico!” which is Spanish for “Fantastic!” Throughout the year, the kids, ranging from ages 2 to 6 years old, will be introduced to many Spanish phrases and words in the preschool classroom.

Survey shows possible support for WHS building expansion

Results from a recent poll suggest that 57% of voters would vote in favor of a bond measure that would expand the Whitefish High School building but not include a new athletic complex.

Resort reopens uphill skiing following holiday weekend

Whitefish Mountain Resort reopened one uphill route for skiers on Tuesday, Jan. 2 following the New Year’s holiday weekend.

Student Art: ‘Edible Art’ by WHS Sculpture students with Jason Sander’s Culinary Arts Program

The art featured above is called "Edible Art" and is a collection of Graham cracker and royal icing structures by the Whitefish High School Sculpture class.

Stanley Cup makes rounds in Whitefish

Nearly 35 pounds of sterling silver made quite an impression on Whitefish last Friday.

Sports year in review: Girls soccer wins first championship in 17 years, Ingelfinger skis to Junior Nationals champion

Whitefish sports, from Whitefish High School sports teams to freeride skiing, saw a thrilling year of competition in 2023.

Flathead Valley's December snowfall near all-time low

As Northwest Montana caps one of its driest Decembers on record, a return to winter weather is within sight.

Year in Review: Recapping major Whitefish news in 2023

In 2023, the community of Whitefish persevered and overcame obstacles together and alone.

Canine hero tracks lost dachshund to reunite with owner

A 165-pound, 2-year-old Newfoundland mix named Gram became a hero last week in Whitefish. He was able to follow paw prints that led to a missing, dappled dachshund, named Finley, in the heavily wooded Swift Creek area.

Sam McGough, 79

Samuel Edward McGough of Kalispell, Montana passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 21, 2023.

Couple behind McDonald Creek home takes fight to federal court

A California couple is taking a two-pronged legal approach to fight the ordered removal of their house along the banks of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park.

Community Foundation awards $30K to Nate Chute Foundation

Whitefish Community Foundation recently awarded a $30,000 Kids Fund Grant to the Nate Chute Foundation to support peer-to-peer mental health and suicide prevention training in local public schools.

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD airs ‘Nabucco’ in Whitefish

In collaboration with the Whitefish Arts Council and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, Whitefish Theatre Company presents Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece “Nabucco” as part of the 2023-2024 live streaming season of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD.

Police Calls: A rash of car invasions

The owner of the white Subaru that was parked in the alley and blocking the business trash cans was contacted and would move her vehicle.

Public school enrollment is up over the past decade

Public schools in Flathead County overall saw a negligible -1% decrease in enrollment compared to 2022 with a total enrollment of 15,173 kindergarten through 12-graders.

Roundup for Safety awards EKG machines for school clinics

On Dec. 14, the Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety Board awarded $47,569 – a new record amount of funding – to 10 area nonprofits seeking support for community safety projects.

Educational program 2024 tax credit offered

Whitefish School District is encouraging local businesses and community members to support Whitefish Schools with a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state income taxes for donations to public schools.

WTC auditions for ‘Witch’

The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding auditions for their upcoming Black Curtain production of “Witch” by Jen Silverman.

Legals for January, 3 2024