Friday, May 17
A flying start for scholarship mentorship program
To date, WEF Scholarship Mentors estimate they have met with 60 students since the program’s inception in January. They have contributed nearly 200 volunteer hours.
Wednesday, May 15
Whitefish ‘Schools Rock’ party this week
The Whitefish Education Foundation invites the public to attend the third annual Whitefish Schools Rock party on May 23 at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish.
May 15 letters to the editor
The Flathead County Commissioners serve for 6 years and in the next 6 years we will be dealing with some big issues.
Barbara Ree Saunders, 95
Barbara Ree Saunders lost her year and half battle with cancer on May 10th. She passed peacefully at home with lots of love surrounding her.
Steven C. Bryson, 73
Steven C. Bryson, 73, passed away unexpectedly but comfortably in his home the morning of March 30th.
Council votes to proceed with permit for Riverbend-Miles Trail section
At the Whitefish City Council meeting last week, sixteen members of the public spoke in support of completing the Riverbend-Miles portion of the Whitefish River Trail.
Legacy Homes program may see changes to fee in lieu option
The Whitefish City Council approved a conditional use permit for a 21-apartment project after adding a condition requiring the developer to build deed restricted units, per the Legacy Homes program, rather than pay a fee in lieu.
Local historian keeps stories alive
Gayle McCarron has served on the five-member Fortine/Trego Cemetery board for the last 16 years.
Student Art: ‘Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch - Oregon’ by Colton Staley
The art featured above is called "Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch - Oregon" and is a wool, needle felting landscape by Whitefish High School senior Colton Staley in the WHS Sculpture class.
Police Calls: Spiteful parker rips off wiper blade
A brand new water heater was reported stolen off a construction site on Labrie Drive.
Looking Back: City councilor said she was ‘spinning her wheels’
Cash, liquor and checks were stolen when the Whitefish Golf Club was burglarized. Whitefish police and the resident sheriff’s deputy apprehended two adults and one juvenile soon after the incident occurred.
Whitefish baseball edges Bigfork
Whitefish fended off a late rally by Bigfork for a 6-5 victory on Wednesday, May 8 in West Division baseball action. Michael Miller went 2-for-3 with three RBI and a double in the victory.
Whitefish tennis wins three out of four against Hamilton, Corvallis
The Whitefish boys tennis team picked up victories against Hamilton and Corvallis, while the girls won their matchup against Hamilton on Saturday, May 11.
The next generation of Alpine Theatre Project begins
For the last 20 years, co-founders of the Alpine Theatre Project Betsi Morrison and Luke Walrath have seen through 77 productions and brought countless artists to the valley.
Legals for May, 15 2024
Tuesday, May 14
Do-it-all senior Ainsley Scott to pursue nursing degree
Ainsley Scott has a do-it-all attitude and a lot of momentum. The Whitefish High School Senior is set to graduate with the class of 2024 after being involved in anything and everything.
Tis’ the season to be bear-aware
Whitefish Legacy Partners and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are partnering to offer free family-friendly bear-awareness presentations and a hiking event.
Flathead Trails Fest celebrates outdoors
The second annual Flathead Trails Fest is set for Sunday, May 19 near Whitefish.
River Plan is back on track with new leadership
The Comprehensive River Management Plan still has a pulse.
Monday, May 13
Marathon and FishFest this Saturday
It's set to be a festive weekend with events to tun, shop, dine and dance the fish all day long.
Sunday, May 12
Robert Francis Prescott, 76
Robert Francis Prescott passed on May 7 in Eureka at the age of 76. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. To send online condolences, please visit www.austinfh.com.
Rose Marie Carvey, 76
Rose Marie Carvey of Eureka passed away on May 9, 2024. A memorial will be held June 1st at 2:00 on the back side of Sophie Lake, Eureka, MT. To send online condolences, please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.
Spring in full swing at Glacier National Park
Sunny, warm skies during the day and stunning northern lights at night made this a great spring weekend at Glacier National Park. The road was open to vehicles to Avalanche Creek Trailhead, where it was a buzz of happy hikers and bikers.
Friday, May 10
Gianforte reiterates aggressive strategy for dousing wildfires during annual briefing
Gov. Greg Gianforte reiterated his administration’s aggressive approach to fighting wildfires during an annual fire briefing in Helena on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 9
May storm improves outlook, but drought concerns persist for Montana
This week’s widespread, wet storm has brought a measure of relief to parts of Montana reeling from one of the driest winters on record, but water managers say it’s too early to tell how much of that water will stick around to sustain streams, crops and forests through the hottest months of the year.
Wednesday, May 8
School levy request approved
Whitefish School District voters on May 7 overwhelmingly approved an operational levy to fund teacher and staff salaries.
Yeats family places acreage east of Flathead River under easement
A key parcel of farmland just east of the Flathead River has been placed under a conservation easement with the Flathead Land Trust.
Dark money interests: May 8 letters to the editor
May 8 letters to editor
Student Art: ‘Pretty Peaks in Glacier National Park’ by Mahalia Horton
The art featured above is called “Pretty Peaks in Glacier National Park” and is a graphite drawing by Whitefish High School freshman Mahalia Horton in the WHS Introduction to Art class.
Police Calls: Staying limber is not illegal
A man who has been stretching and doing toe touches in a parking lot on Seventh Street for years was asked to do his exercising across the street. The caller said although the man was doing nothing illegal, they were concerned about young girls in the area.
Looking Back: Eighteen-year-old pilot decides to ‘ride it out’
Assistant County Sanitarian Al Schoenhuth made a presentation to the Whitefish City Council about surface sewage flowing into the Whitefish River.
Meals on Wheels serves seniors from Whitefish Community Center
The Whitefish Community Center has served as the Whitefish hub for the Meals on Wheels program for well over 20 years. Around 40 volunteers deliver about 50 meals each day in Whitefish. On weekends, the crew delivers another 25 to 30 frozen meals. The service area reaches south to Happy Valley, west to Skyles Lake and north to Whitefish Lake and Big Mountain Road.
Whitefish Community Center a gathering place for all
What was once a senior center is now the Whitefish Community Center and it is buzzing with activities for all ages.
Whitefish baseball notches wins over Browning, Troy
Florence-Carlton scored nine runs in the final two innings of its 12-1 victory over Whitefish on Tuesday, April 30. The Bulldogs were held to three hits in the loss.
Whitefish squares up podium trips at triangular
Both the Whitefish boys and girls track team took second at the Mike Nicosia Cat/Dog/Viking Triangular on Tuesday, April 30.
Smokey Bear stolen from Tally Lake Ranger District
Striking the Tally Lake Ranger District office in Kalispell on Sunday, thieves made off with an American icon.
Whitefish tennis wins big over Columbia Falls
Whitefish picked up the all important Cat-Dog rivalry win, as the boys and girls tennis teams defeated Columbia Falls handily on Tuesday, April 30.
Tuesday, May 7
Anita Phyllis Flint, 86
Anita Phyllis Flint, 86, passed on from this life April 17, 2024 at the Edgewood Memory Care facility in Kalispell.
The ecology behind sidewalk murals
Advanced art students have spread out across downtown Whitefish to revitalize sidewalk murals that were painted above stormdrains in 2022. The murals show how local waterways are connected and bring attention to stormdrain pollution.
Whitefish community blood drive at The Wave
The American Red Cross will host its spring Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, May 16 at The Wave.
Monday, May 6
The origin of the Sapa-Johnsrud baseball tournament
The Sapa-Johnsrud tournament marks the end of the regular season for Columbia Falls and Whitefish baseball, but many folks don't know the origin of the tournament or what it means to the communities.
Mountain Climber Commuters call for support
To better support the transportation needs of the valley, Mountain Climber staff, along with the Transportation Advisory Committee, have developed a proposal to increase service between the cities of Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. This proposal will require the hiring of four additional full-time drivers, which would also increase the service provided within the three cities, especially Whitefish and Columbia Falls.
Jeffrey Mortenson, 54
Jeffrey Mortenson, 54, of Kalispell, passed away on April 27, 2024. Jeff is survived by his mother, Rose Mortenson and son Hunter Mortenson. No services are scheduled at this time. Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.
Hospital Corner: May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Spring brings a mixed bag of weather, along with the promise that summer is near. As we transition from the dark days of winter to the long, bright days of summer, May is a good time to prioritize our mental health through self-care.
Karl George Borchers, 86
Karl George Borchers, age 86, passed away on April 17, 2024 at Kalispell Rehabilitation and Nursing, in Kalispell, MT.
Sunday, May 5
Big Mountain Road pavement preservation project resumes
MDT announces start date for 2024 construction
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Knife River, is expected to resume construction on Big Mountain Road north of Whitefish, beginning in early June. This year, work will occur between Smith Road and Glades Drive and include pavement overlay activities and additional digouts for sections of the road that are in need of repair.
Family forestry expo this week offers hands-on learning
The Family Forestry Expo is an annual, weeklong event that offers hands-on learning about role forests play in our everyday lives. This year the Family Forestry Expo is May 6 through May 11 with the theme of “Forests-Landscapes of Many Uses.”
Habitat Flathead seeks to engage more volunteers by providing free RV parking spots
Habitat Flathead is installing RV hook-ups in the yard behind their Kalispell ReStore to accommodate the Care-A-Vanners, who are crucial volunteers that travel from one Habitat home build site to the next in their own RVs at their own expense.
Karl George Borchers, 86
Karl George Borchers, age 86, passed away on April 17, 2024, at Kalispell Rehabilitation and Nursing, in Kalispell.
Robbin Mecelia Lee, 86
Robbin Mecelia (Chervenka) Lee, 86 of Columbia Falls, gracefully passed into her next great adventure into Jesus arms on April 21, 2024.
James 'Jim' Lee Fifield, 71
James "Jim" Lee Fifield, 71, Aug. 6, 1952-Jan. 26, 2024, passed away peacefully in his Troy, home.
Osweiler to hold camp at Legends July 20
High school and youth football players should circle July 20 on their calendars — Brock Osweiler is once again coming back to Kalispell to help with the Flathead Braves Football Camp.
Saturday, May 4
We’re not done yet: Over half a million to local nonprofits
At the Whitefish Community Foundation’s annual community grant awards celebration on May 2, $520,300 in grants and special awards were presented to 68 nonprofit organizations representing projects and programs in Bigfork, Browning, Columbia Falls, Eureka, Evergreen, Kalispell, Libby and Whitefish.
Thursday, May 2
Corinne Isabelle Lundgren, 94
Corinne Isabelle Lundgren, 94, of Kalispell, Montana, passed away on April 27th, 2024.
Wednesday, May 1
Boat launch inspection stations open May 1
The boat launches at Whitefish City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park Boat will open May 1, 2024.
North Valley Music School celebrates groundbreaking ceremony
The mood was upbeat when more than 50 people, some with shiny hard hats and golden shovels, gathered on April 19 at the Smith Fields Sports Complex to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the North Valley Music School’s new building.
City Council preview for May 6, 2024
Whitefish City Council meets on Tuesday, May 6, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Support completing the Whitefish River Trail
DREAM Adaptive Recreation and Safe Trails Whitefish are working with partners and community members to support the City of Whitefish's efforts to complete a safe, connected paved path system through town.
Student Art: ‘Palm Springs’ by Lucy Olson
The art featured above is called “Palm Springs” and is a watercolor painting by Whitefish High School senior Lucy Olson in the WHS Art 1: Painting class.
Police Calls: Concrete blocks and dirt block roadways
A GMC rear ended a black VW and continued to drive away down Highway 93.
Looking Back - Whitefish School Board purchases land in Happy Valley
Whitefish voters would express their opinion, yes or no, on a requested special levy totalling $163,266.27 in the junior high P.E. facility.
Hole-in-one
Paul Vera hit a hole-in-one at Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.
Jon Tester: man of irony
Senator Tester seems to have a split political personality — one he presents in D.C. and one he presents back here in our great state.
Beware medicare spamming phonecalls
I want to warm locals to a large, current and ongoing phone scam.
Time to pay the piper
It is time for CFAC & ARCO to fulfill their responsibility and pay up for polluting Columbia Falls, MT… stop the dodging, delays, and deferring. The cluster of cancers coming out of Columbia Falls needs to be under the microscope.
Legals for May, 1 2024
Chairlift: The in-between time
We’ve entered the season when the chairlift doesn't spin. From the closing day of the ski hill until the opening day of the mountain’s summer activities, the lift is still. No low rumble of the motor, no gentle swing of the chair, no friendly smiles from your favorite liftie.
Construction to start on new music school in Whitefish
The mood was upbeat when more than 50 people, some with shiny hard hats and golden shovels, gathered on April 19 at the Smith Fields Sports Complex to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the North Valley Music School’s new building.
Major expansion proposed for The Springs senior housing development
The Springs at Whitefish is planning a major expansion to its senior housing development on River Lakes Parkway that would include 120 additional units.
Bulldog boys and girls defeat tennis power Polson
Both the boys and girls tennis teams for Whitefish defeated tennis power Polson on Tuesday, April 23.
Whitefish sweeps team scoring at ARM Invite
Whitefish won both the boys and girls team scoring at their home ARM Invitational on Saturday, April 27, winning 14 different events.
Whitefish baseball goes 1-2 on the week
Whitefish out-hit Bigfork but fell 6-5 in West Division action on Tuesday, April 23. The Vikings turned five hits into six runs, while the Bulldogs had seven hits.
Whitefish summer reservations trending lower than last year
Glacier National Park Superintendent Dave Roemer, Explore Whitefish Executive Director Julie Mullins and Glacier Park International Airport Director Rob Ratkowski gave Summer 2024 tourism outlooks at the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s Business Breakfast meeting on April 24th.
Choir to perform spring concert at the O’Shaughnessy
When Meghan Hodges climbed up on the piano bench beside her father and began picking out harmonies when she was just three years old, it was clear that musical talent was in her DNA.
Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau board meeting May 13
The Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau (Explore Whitefish) will hold a meeting of the Board of Directors on Monday, May 13, 2024.
Roundup for Safety assists 13 community safety projects
KALISPELL, MT – On April 11, Flathead Electric Co-op's Roundup for Safety Board awarded $52,174 in grant funds supporting 13 community safety projects.
Trout Unlimited banquet set for May 18
The public is invited to Flathead Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited’s annual banquet to support native trout and their habitat in Northwest Montana. The banquet will be held on Saturday May 18 at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish.
Whitefish keeps it clean
The valley is looking more pristine following the annual Clean the Fish and Clean the Falls events this weekend.
Montana Coffee Traders' 'Ethiopia Mulish' is officially 'Good Food'
Tasting events for Good Food Award winning blend
Montana Coffee Traders has received a Good Food Foundation Award for its Ethiopia Mulish at the 14th annual Good Food Awards Weekend, hosted on April 29 in Portland, Oregon, for selecting and roasting an earthly Ethiopian bean produced by Faysel Abdosh.
Colors abound for Whitefish Middle School fundraiser
The Whitefish Middle School 2024 Color Run fundraiser raised over $31,000 for teacher appreciation, funding for 8th grade History trips and Kids in Need programs.
Whitefish School District levy to support new staff, staff salaries and expanded programs
The Whitefish School District is asking voters to consider a general fund levy in the amount of $108,337 to support staffing levels for a growing student body and to help fund increases in teacher and staff salaries.
My Glacier Village hosts Coffee and Conversations for Seniors in Whitefish May 8
My Glacier Village is hosting a Coffee and Conversations event on Wednesday, May 8, 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Wild Coffee Company, located at 309 Central Avenue in downtown Whitefish. Anyone interested is invited to stop by for a cup of coffee, join the conversation and meet Village members and volunteers.
Arbor Day tree planting a success
Trees planted at the Dave Olseth Memorial Skatepark in Armory Park in honor of Arbor Day.
Early registration opens for Girl Scout summer camps
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming (GSMW) is excited to announce the opening of early bird registration for its 2024 summer camps, offering over 40 diverse camp experiences tailored to girls of all ages and interests.
Thanks to all who helped with Earth Day Expo 2024
The Flathead Valley Citizens’ Climate Lobby Earth Day Expo team would like to thank the Flathead Valley community for making this year’s event a success.
Times are a changin’ in the Flathead
Times are a changin’ in the Flathead, and whether we like it or not, growth is imminent. The City of Whitefish, like other cities in the valley, holds City Council meetings every two weeks to discuss, approve/deny resolutions reviewed by city staff, development proposals, fiscal reports, and most importantly, hear feedback from citizens like yourself.
