Sunday, June 30
Wrangle up some seats – County fairgrounds grandstands expected to open after repairs
Fairgoers should be able to grab a seat at the rodeo or concerts during the Northwest Montana Fair in August after an analysis showed the grandstands needing immediate repairs are safe.
Thursday, June 27
Fiery motor vehicle collisions in Glacier National Park
Multiple motor vehicle accidents in Glacier National Park late Wednesday afternoon led to congestion and the closure of Going-to-the-Sun Road to traffic, officials said.
Wednesday, June 26
Renowned chef Andy Blanton to lead FVCC’s Culinary Institute
Acclaimed local chef Andy Blanton has been selected to lead Flathead Valley Community College’s Culinary Institute of Montana.
Whitefish physician charged in multi-million-dollar Medicare billing fraud case
A Whitefish physician was charged Monday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Montana with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for allegedly helping facilitate about $39 million in fraudulent billing of Medicare and other federal benefits programs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Whitefish Lakeshore violation an insult to our greatest resource
I am writing in regard to the recent Whitefish Pilot story “Construction causes rockslide on Whitefish Lakeshore.”
Free summer meals for youth across North Valley
Free summer meals through the Summer Food Service Program in partnership with Land to Hand, Whitefish School District and North Valley Food Bank are now available for children and teens 18 and under at several locations in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Olney, and Trego from June 17 to August 23, 2024.
Looking Back: City limits extended by nearly a mile
According to Leo Fisher, Whitefish City Attorney, the discharge or firing or use of any fireworks within the municipality was prohibited unless the use was under the direction of some organization and the organization had a permit from the city.
Police Calls: Call the fashion police?
A bartender called to report that a man who was too drunk to be driving was parked in the back alley off Central Avenue and blocking the alley.
Student Art: ‘Coil Bowl’ by Isabella Magrath
The art featured above is called "Coil Bowl" and is a stoneware bowl with underglaze by Whitefish High School freshman Isabella Magrath in the WHS Pottery I class.
Candidate filing open for study commission for local government review
At the June 4, 2024, Flathead County primary election, a majority of the electors in the city of Whitefish voted in favor of having a study commission to examine the form of local government.
Montana’s Motor Vehicle Division offers mobile driver services in Whitefish
In response to increased demand and to further support customers in Whitefish, Montana’s Motor Vehicle Division will offer a mobile licensing event in the parking lot of Super 1 Foods at 6475 U.S. 93 South, from June 25–27.
It’s Your Lake Too
Recent events on Whitefish Lake have put in focus the challenges that we face to protect our most iconic shared natural resource.
City Council preview for July 1, 2024
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, July1, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Sue Vaughan, 76
Alma Sue Vaughan, 76, was born Oct. 28, 1946, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and died Sept. 11, 2023, in Bedford, Texas.
Council passes on proposed annexation policy
The Whitefish Community Housing Committee sought feedback from Whitefish City Council on a proposed annexation policy based on the goals in the 2022 Whitefish Community Housing Roadmap.
School board approves transportation agreements, new hires
The Whitefish School Board approved several annual agreements, new hires and transfer students at its meetings in May and June.
Residents sound off on rockslide into lake
Several members of the community commented at the Whitefish City Council meeting last week about the recent rockslide caused by construction of a home on Whitefish Lake.
Flathead Electric Co-op ‘adaptable’ to wildfire
At the Living with Wildfire seminar in Whitefish last week, there was a discussion about response plans for the area. Courtney Stone, communications and marketing supervisor at Flathead Electric Co-op, said that the Co-op has a comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation Plan that is regularly updated, and that the plans are adaptable.
Red, White and Brut looks forward to Woody Weekend
The 12th edition of the annual classic boat show, Whitefish Woody Weekend, will be June 28-30 at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Movie brings timeless venture story of Mount Katahdin to Whitefish
In July 1939 at the age of 12, Donn Fendler was lost on Maine's Mount Katahdin for nine days. The disappearance launched a nationwide search before he was found near Stacyville, Maine.
Quilters bring kindness to care facility residents
Orry Nail, president of the Teakettle Quilters' Guild, combined her big heart with her great idea to make nearly 100 quilted pillowcases for residents of Mountain View Health and Rehabilitation, formerly Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation.
Whitefish School District hosts informational session on school bonds
Over the last decade the Whitefish School District has grown by 2.17% while Whitefish High School has grown by 2.74%. The 2023-24 school year was no exception to the trend.
Pilot and Inter Lake bring home awards
The Daily Inter Lake was named the best daily newspaper in the state Saturday at the Montana Newspaper Association's 139th annual convention and awards banquet in Kalispell.
Douglas and Krack finish strong at nationals
Whitefish High School student Simon Douglas and recent graduate Carson Krack competed at the Nike Outdoor Nationals at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on July 12-15.
Twins split with Mavericks, improve to 11-2
The Glacier Twins fell to the Missoula Mavericks in their doubleheader opener on Wednesday, June 19, but bounced back with an 11-8 victory in the nightcap.
Judith 'Judy' Johnson Halama, 77
Judith “Judy” Johnson Halama, 77 of Whitefish, passed away June 10, 2024.
Kenneth L. Anderson, 86
We are sad to announce that Kenneth L. Anderson, 86, took his last breath on June 9, 2024.
Sunday, June 23
Glacier's Sun Road fully open for 2024 season
Additional GTSR next-day vehicle reservations available
The full length of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road officially opened Saturday morning for the 2024 summer season. The road may now be accessed by motorized vehicles over Logan Pass from both the West Glacier and St. Mary entrances.
Wednesday, June 19
Forever June at the North Valley Food Bank
North Valley Food Bank’s fourth annual Forever June celebration was a summery success Friday.
Karrow Avenue reconstruction underway
Karrow Avenue is closed to through traffic from West Second Street to West Seventh Street due to construction on the Karrow Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Police Calls: Three bears go for bar-b-que
The caller needed help getting her vehicle unlocked when she locked her dog in the vehicle along with her keys.
Looking Back: Boat ramp at Les Mason debate
According to Whitney Smith, official weather Observer for the Whitefish Lake weather station, the level of Whitefish Lake hit an all-time high on June 19.
In a Nutshell: Addressing childhood hunger while school is out
School is out and for one in six local children this means they lose access to the nutritious school-provided meals that their families rely on.
Student Art: ‘True Morel’ by Deneb Linton
The art featured above is called "True Morel" and is a marker and pen drawing by Whitefish High School senior Deneb Linton in the WHS Art 2: Advanced Art class.
Sherry Lynn Elaine Martindale, 75
Sherry Lynn Elaine Martindale, 75, died June 4, 2024, in Whitefish.
Glacier A team sweeps loggers
The Glacier A Twins swept the Libby Loggers on Monday, June 10, in American Legion doubleheader action by a combined score of 32-4.
Legals for June, 19 2024
Sabin named Legacy Partners new board chair amid push to expand trail
Longtime Whitefish resident Reid Sabin has been selected as the new board chair at Whitefish Legacy Partners, the nonprofit that oversees development of the Whitefish Trail.
Patricia Murphy, 75
Patricia Nell Murphy, 75 of Whitefish, passed away on June 4, 2024.
Gena Lynn Fischer, 61
Gena Lynn Fischer (formally Ritchie) was born on Oct. 23, 1962, on a US Air Force base in Germany.
Pin and Cue: Crowd-favorite business celebrates 40 years in Whitefish
The Pin and Cue has been part of the Whitefish community since 1984, rallying spirits and providing a gathering place for all ages
Council reviews budget priorities for parks, streets
The Whitefish City Council had its second meeting to discuss and review the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget last week. No one from the public attended in person or online.
73-lot Whitetail Ridge development approved
The Whitefish City Council last week approved a new 73-lot subdivision on Flathead Avenue.
Glacier Twins B defeats Glasgow
The Glacier B Twins had zero losses on the weekend, opening Saturday, June 15, with a 13-6 victory over Glasgow in American Legion action.
June 19 letters to the editor: River health, marijuana tax and reproductive rights
The Smith River is now threatened by a mining operation near the headwaters of the main tributary. An Australian mining company plans to extract copper near Sheep Creek, the main source of water for the Smith River.
Tuesday, June 18
Student winners of sixth annual Energy Conservation Calendar Art Contest
2024 marks six years since the Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana first hosted an annual art contest across Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties.
‘Think like an ember’ this fire season
Now is the time to prepare homes, make emergency plans and communicate with neighbors, according to wildfire experts who spoke at the Living with Wildfire seminar in Whitefish last week.
Monday, June 17
Fairground grandstands to be evaluated this week
Flathead County Commissioners contracted with Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers to conduct a visual structural condition assessment of the grandstands at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
Badrock Invitational at Glacier Bank Park next week
Badrock 15U Baseball, which is made up of Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Eureka youth baseball players, is hosting the first annual Badrock Invitational at Glacier Bank Park, the home of the Glacier Range Riders, June 27-30.
Friday, June 14
Free summer meals available for children and teens
Free meals are available to youths 18 and under in Flathead County over the summer months when school is not in session.
Wednesday, June 12
Looking Back: A moratorium on land development put to vote
A country-wide moratorium on land development in Flathead County might have been decided at the ballot box.
Student Art: ‘Open Road’ by Charlotte Lehmann
The art featured above is called "Open Road" and is an acrylic painting with colored pencil by Whitefish High School senior Charlotte Lehmann in the WHS Art 2: Advanced Art class.
Police Calls: Sign stealers may be caught on video
The caller and their fiance were driving around the golf course at night looking for a missing cart.
Lehmann signs with Fort Lewis College
Charlotte Lehmann signed a letter of intent to join the D1 cycling team at Fort Lewis College in Durango Colorado.
Brown to race for Lees McRae College
Landon Brown signed to join the cycling team at Lees McRae College in North Carolina.
Whitefish hosts outdoor volleyball tourney this weekend
The second annual Flathead Valley Volley-Brawl will bring outdoor grass volleyball action to the field at Whitefish High School, Saturday, June 15.
Picklers tickled with new courts at Smith Fields
The popularity of pickleball has exploded in recent years and now there are six, new, green and purple pickleball courts for players to enjoy at Smith Fields in Whitefish.
Legals for June, 12 2024
Twins B club crushes Libby
The Glacier Twin B Team scored 15 runs in the first two innings on their way to an 18-1 American Legion Baseball victory over Libby on Wednesday, June 5. Glacier finished with 16 hits, while Twins pitching held the Loggers to just three hits.
Roger Grant Anderson, 88
Roger Grant Anderson, 88 of Whitefish, passed away on March 28, 2024.
Sherry Lynn Elaine Martindale, 75
Sherry Lynn Elaine Martindale, 75
City Council preview for June 17, 2024
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, June 17, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Major expansion for The Springs OK'd by Council
After hearing what Councilor Ben Davis called “thoughtful feedback” from the public, Whitefish City Council last week approved a planned unit development for an expansion of The Springs at Whitefish.
Whitefish High School authors shine in Annual Authors of the Flathead Teen Writing Contest
This spring, high school students across the Flathead Valley threw their words in the ring for the Authors of the Flathead Student Writing Contest, with winners from Whitefish, Bigfork, and Linderman schools taking the top spots.
Tuesday, June 11
Explore Whitefish passes $250,000 mark to support affordable housing
Explore Whitefish has donated more than a quarter million dollars to affordable housing initiatives in the past two years. Its most recent allocation to Housing Whitefish for $35,000 collected in the first quarter of this year includes funds for operations, program development, and rental assistance payments. Total payments over the past two years are $266,682.
Muldown Elementary 2024 Kindergarten Circus a delight to see
First, kindergarten monkeys took to the circus ring. They were followed by tightrope walkers, lions, jugglers, seals, acrobats, clowns, strong people, bear, elephants, the marching band and last but not least, the ballon people.
Be involved with newly-formed Community Development Board
The newly formed Community Development Board was created by the City of Whitefish in conformance with the State and merges the Planning Board with the Board of Adjustment. The Board meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6 pm in the City Council chamber.
North Valley Food Bank's Forever June Community Celebration
The North Valley Food Bank’s 4th annual Forever June Celebration is on Friday, June 14 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the food bank, 251 Flathead Ave, in Whitefish.
Glacier Twins sweep Mariners, topple Loggers
Glacier A Twins swept the Mission Valley A Mariners in Whitefish by identical scores of 6-4 on Thursday, June 6, in American Legion Baseball action.
Monday, June 10
Walburn earns All-American Honors in decathlon
Washington State senior and Whitefish High School graduate Lee Walburn finished 7th place in the nation and captured First-Team All-America honors at the 2024 NCAA Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field.
So Far Away
Whitefish Middle School 8th grader Kate Sullivan wrote a villanelle in Ms. Finberg’s English class about her older sister, Annie. The poem is about how going away to college affects those that are left behind.
Plodding old geezer vs dangerous old sleazer
When the people lose their faith in elections, democracy is finished.
Whitefish's proposed budget calls for increase in property taxes
Owing to a decrease in resort tax collections and a need to increase employee wages, Whitefish’s proposed budget calls for an increase in property taxes.
Friday, June 7
Relocation fund established for displaced mobile home residents
In response to the mass eviction notices issued to residents of a mobile home park in Evergreen, Whitefish Community Foundation has awarded a $45,000 Emergency Response Grant to NeighborWorks Montana to help displaced residents find new housing.
Thursday, June 6
Global Wellness Day at the WAVE
For Global Wellness Day, the WAVE in Whitefish is hosting a free community event celebrating and educating our essential connection to nature on Saturday, June 8.
Wednesday, June 5
Construction causes rockslide on Whitefish Lakeshore
Construction crews using explosives to blast rock for the foundation of a home last month led to a rockslide of debris into Whitefish Lake in what some have described as an "atrocious violation" of lakeshore protection regulations.
CFAC tours next Wednesday
The Columbia Falls Aluminum Company invites people to visit the proposed remediation area on tours from 1-3:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. June 12.
Flathead County primary election results
Flathead County primary election results as of 7 a.m., June 5. With 55 of 56 precincts reporting.
Looking Back: Cost of land leases cause 'battle of the dollar'
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Smith became the new owners of the Sears Catalog Store in Whitefish.
Police Calls: Lingering mail truck cause for concern
The owner of the vehicle that was parked on a yellow curb but not blocking the roadway on Spokane Avenue was working to have the car moved shortly.
Student Art: ‘Comfort Food’ by Luca Ryan
The art featured above is called "Comfort Food" and is a stoneware with glaze sculpture by Whitefish High School senior Luca Ryan in the WHS Sculpture class.
Class of 2024 seizes the day at 110th Whitefish High School commencement
Saturday was a time to live in the moment as 154 graduating seniors gathered with supporters to celebrate not an end, but a beginning to their new lives as Whitefish High School alumni.
Thrasher receives scholarship to equestrian team
Sienna Thrasher was recruited and received a scholarship to be a part of the Emory & Henry Intermont Equestrian team in Emory, Virginia.
Carson Krack signs with Carroll College to run track
Carson Krack signed a letter of intent to run track for Carroll College.
Volunteer opportunities in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (BMWF) is looking for volunteers for a slate of trail maintenance projects within the 1.6-million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex this summer.
Third annual Career Fair
Whitefish Middle School held its third annual Career Fair last Thursday.
June 5 Letters to the editor
To Representative Zinke: be a public lands advocate and this summer introduce the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act in the House of Representatives.
Jennifer Nelson Golan, 54
Jennifer Nelson Golan, 54 of Columbia Falls, passed away on Feb. 23, 2024, after navigating cancer diagnoses and treatments for over 15 years.
Shirley M. Nelson, 83
Shirley Marcine Nelson, 83, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Legals for June, 5 2024
Legals for June, 5 2024
Volunteer opportunities in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is looking for volunteers for a slate of trail maintenance projects within the 1.6-million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex this summer.
City's preliminary budget projects increase in expenditures
The Whitefish City Council met last week for the first of two work sessions to discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025. The Council will discuss the budget again June 10 and the final budget will be adopted in August.
Alan Dias retires after 25 years with Whitefish School District
After 25 years of taking care of the buildings and the people in the Whitefish School District, maintenance technician Alan Dias retired Apr. 30.
Best of Whitefish: Alpine Apothecary celebrates 10 years of being community connector
Owners and pharmacists Becky Stillo and her husband Josh are celebrating the Alpine Apothecary’s 10-year anniversary this month. Located inside Super 1 Foods in Whitefish, the pharmacy has won the Best of Whitefish competition for the last six years in a row.
Glacier Twins split doubleheader in season opener
The Glacier Twins opened the 2024 American Legion Class A season splitting a doubleheader against the Cranbrook Bandits on Sunday, June 2.
William Lewis Frye Jr., 78
William "Bill" Lewis Frye Jr., April 16, 1946-May 28, 2024.
Joan Elayne Chapin, 83
Joan Elayne Chapin, 83, was born in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, to Percy and Flo Wintle.
Marlene A. Becker, 83
Marlene A. Becker, 83 of Whitefish, passed away at her home surrounded by family and friends who loved her.
Monday, June 3
Hospital Corner: Choose to move for your health
Summer in Whitefish is nothing short of spectacular. Long, sunny days, which embellish the easy access to recreational activities, are among the reasons we live here and why so many love to visit in the summer. We love to get out and play!
Sunday, June 2
Glacier National Park plow crews grapple with deepest snow in more than a decade
It’s feeling like spring in the valley, but at Logan Pass, Glacier National Park road crews are still in the thick of winter snowpack — the deepest seen in more than a decade, according to officials.
