Thursday, September 26
Great Northwest Oktoberfest band likes to get crowd on their feet
The S-Bahn Band is named after the commuter train that connects cities to suburbs Germany, which founder Richard Tyce said this is a nod to how their music brings people together to celebrate.
Wednesday, September 25
Online tool tracks grizzly bear mortality
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released a new online tool that provides the public with up-to-date information on known grizzly bear mortalities across the state.
Bulldogs fall to rival Cats in powerhouse matchup
The crosstown rivalry between the Whitefish Bulldogs and the Columbia Falls Wildcats continued last Tuesday when the teams met at Smith Fields.
Whitefish girls second at Kalispell Invite
Both the Whitefish girls and boys golf teams fared well at the two-day Kalispell Invite last week Sept. 18-19 amongst one of the toughest fields of competition they’ve faced as they head into divisional play this week.
Looking Back: Series of bicycle thefts in 1974
Criminal sale of dangerous drugs was charged against Malcolm Cooper by Whitefish Police
Whitefish approves River Trail agreement
With just one public hearing on the agenda, the Sept. 16 meeting of the Whitefish City Council was brief.
The scoop on the new downtown business is joy
No, the new Clydesdale Creamery Milkshake Saloon and Espresso at 16 Baker Avenue does not serve ice cream made with Clydesdale milk, though that is a running joke among the crew.
Whitefish pilots early literacy program
Whitefish School District is piloting an early literacy class this fall for at-risk students that are 4 years old. The program is not mandatory but gives a crucial jumpstart prior to kindergarten.
District lays out next steps for Whitefish High School expansion
Whitefish voters last week passed two bonds that will fund the expansion and remodel of Whitefish High School and build a new on-campus football stadium.
Whitefish Trail Legacy Run returns as Whitefish Trail Blazer
Called the Whitefish Trail Legacy Run for the past 14 years, the event’s new name, Whitefish Trail Blazer, blazes Whitefish Legacy Partners towards a new era.
Whitefish football topped by Columbia Falls 0-3
Columbia Falls barely topped Whitefish 3-0 in a defensive battle during the annual Dog-Cat football game Friday in Columbia Falls.
Community mourns loss of school crossing guard Susi Kohler
The Muldown Elementary community in Whitefish is mourning the loss of Susi Kohler, a beloved crossing guard who helped people safely navigate the intersection of Asher and Seventh Street.
Teton Gravity Research’s ‘Beyond the Fantasy’ features hometown skiers
Get ready for an unforgettable night of social stoke and adrenaline-pumping action as Teton Gravity Research brings its latest ski and snowboard film, “Beyond the Fantasy,” to Whitefish.
DREAM Adaptive Recreation receives generous gift from Lesar family
DREAM Adaptive Recreation hosted an event last month at Whitefish Mountain Resort to kick off the initial phase of a capital campaign for a new building to house the nonprofit that will be located midway up Chair 9, on land donated by Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Reject the politics of doom
I recently received an appeal from the Montana Republican State Central Committee, asking me to contribute to their cause.
North and Middle Forks River guiding permits proposed for renewal
The Flathead National Forest is seeking public input on the renewal of five existing priority outfitter and guide special use permits on the non-wilderness portions of the North and Middle Forks of the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River.
Girls soccer team displays ‘heart and grit' with tie, win
It was a classic battle when the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs met the Columbia Falls Wildkats last week at Smith Fields. The teams fought to a 3-3 tie.
Police Calls: No explanation for describing man as ‘creepy’
A dead fawn was in the middle of Monegan Road.
Stewards of Holland Lake Lodge have ‘home-grown’ approach
Two years ago, a Utah ski corporation and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced a plan to highly develop the rustic Holland Lake Lodge on public land in Condon in the rural Swan Valley.
Student Art: ‘Set of Dishes Designed and Made for Colombian Food’ by Tania Fuentealba
The art featured above is called "Set of Dishes Designed and Made for Colombian Food " and is thrown stoneware clay with glaze by Whitefish High School senior Tania Fuentealba in the WHS Pottery II class last year.
Whitefish to celebrate homecoming next week
Town will be decked in green and gold for Whitefish High School’s homecoming next week with activities held Sept. 30 - Oct. 5.
Back to school doesn’t mean back to vape
The start of a new school year always brings excitement and anticipation for students, staff and parents.
Whitefish Theatre Company presents Chilean musician Nano Stern
Praised by folk legend Joan Baez as “the best young Chilean songwriter of his generation,” Nano Stern will perform for one night only on Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center.
In a Nutshell: Montana food pantries collaborate on creative solutions to rising food insecurity
Last week, Montanans from across the state came together for the third annual Local Food for Local Families Summit, hosted by Hopa Mountain, at Arrowpeak Lodge in Highwood, MT.
Whitefish volleyball topples Ronan, Bigfork
Whitefish volleyball improved its season record to 5-1 with a 25-18, 25-14, 25-15 victory over Ronan on Thursday, Sept. 19.
Legals for September, 25 2024
Douglas third at Thompson Falls Invite
Whitefish's cross-country team was led by some standout performances as it battled schools from Idaho and Montana at the Thompson Falls Invite on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Monday, September 23
Glacier hikers ‘kept cool’ during grizzly attack
The injured visitor hiked to Granite Park Chalet with assistance from rangers and other hikers where he was met by Two Bear Air and flown to the Apgar horse corrals, then transported by Three Rivers ambulance to the Whitefish hospital
Thursday, September 19
Glacier hiker injured in bear attack on Highline Trail
A hiker was air-lifted from Glacier National Park on Thursday following a bear attack on one of the park's most popular trails.
Wednesday, September 18
Voters approve Whitefish High School expansion bonds
Whitefish Voters on Tuesday passed two bonds that will expand Whitefish High School and its adjacent athletic complex to meet the demands of growing enrollment.
Whitefish's annual Oktoberfest begins Sept. 26
The Great Northwest Oktoberfest will soon return to Depot Park Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5.
Boys golf second at two-day Kootenai Invite
The Whitefish golf teams were in action at the Kootenai Invite in Lincoln County last week, playing at Indian Springs in Eureka on Thursday, Sept. 12 and Cabinet View in Libby on Friday, Sept. 13.
Police Calls: A rash of guns and fingers
A neighbor reportedly felled a tree and damaged the caller's fence on Minnesota Avenue.
Whitefish-based nonprofit hosts the Winterland Impact Festival
Project Winterland describes the festival as a collision of film, music, innovation, science and immersive experiences inspiring and uniting people in the spirit of the greater good.
Rich palates at inaugural Whitefish Food & Wine Festival
From the sweet to the savory, world-class local chefs and vendors know a thing or two about serving up peak palates, and the first-ever Whitefish Food & Wine Festival last weekend was no exception.
Student Art: ‘Through Chip’s Eyes’ by Miki Flint
The art featured above is called "Through Chip’s Eyes" and is a painting by Whitefish High School senior Miki Flint in the WHS Art 1: Painting class last year.
Whitefish Theatre Company presents black curtain production ‘Daniel’s Husband’
The Whitefish Theatre Company presents their first Black Curtain theatre production of the 2024-2025 season, “Daniel’s Husband” by Michael McKeever.
Whitefish Theatre Company kicks off 2024-25 season
Whitefish Theatre Company is kicking off their 46th year of community theatre this Saturday. The 2024-2025 season features 14 performances ranging from dramas to musical trios, stand-up comedy, opera, dance and more.
Record breaking readers at Whitefish Library
Continuing a tradition of smashing summer reading, readers at Whitefish Community Library’s Summer Reading Challenge broke their own record and earned $1,954 for this year’s chosen nonprofit, Glacier Area Special Olympics.
Time to reject the Great Awfulizer
The recent Presidential debate revealed two very different visions for the future. Trump’s description of our country as being in decline, dying, failing and having gone to hell is in stark contrast to my own.
Worshipping profit
There is a new god being worshipped across the land.
Whitefish boys soccer picks up two more wins
The Whitefish boys soccer team notched another win when they met Bigfork last week in their first conference game of the season.
Work session reviews compensation and redistribution
Whitefish City Council reviewed a proposed compensation plan at a work session last week before diving into a discussion about how to allocate a portion of the city's resort tax revenue.
Girls soccer shuts out Libby, falls to Bigfork
The Whitefish girls soccer team lost a close, 3-1 match to Bigfork last week. Delaney Smith scored for the Bulldogs in the fourth minute on an assist from Sadie Olson.
Looking Back: New SNOTEL site improves winter weather forecasting
A bid from Pack and Company of Kalispell was accepted for the construction of three tennis courts on property across Highway 93, donated to the city for park and recreation purposes.
Join for the Flathead Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Whitefish Review reveals latest edition
The Whitefish Review celebrated the publication of its 29th issue, “The Music Issue,” on Friday, Sept. 13, with an event at the Tent Pavilion at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Photos: All things Golden at GoldenStock Montana
Golden retrievers and owners from across the state gathered for the fifth annual GoldenStock at Haymoon Resort in Whitefish Saturday, Sept. 14.
Whitefish football rallies past Corvallis
The Whitefish Bulldog football team had Memorial Field on edge during the first home game of the season Friday.
Hospital Corner: Orthopedic Nurse Navigators provide guidance
Logan Health orthopedics is endowed with a small team of nurses who you will get to know very well if you need total joint replacement surgery. Their specialty is navigating patients through every step of the joint replacement program from beginning to end.
Sept. 18 Notices
09/18/24 Notices
Whitefish volleyball spikes Libby and Corvallis
Whitefish had a busy week on the road, defeating Libby 25-11, 25-14, 25-11 on Thursday, Sept.12.
Douglas and Wallace lead Bulldogs at Browning XC meet
Whitefish’s Simon Douglas placed second in the boys race (18:19.92), while Charlotte Wallace placed third (23:37.70) in the girls race at the Browning Invitational cross-country meet on Friday.
Billie Bartlett, 76
Billie Sue (Welsh) Bartlett, 76, departed this world on Sept. 7, 2024.
Legals for September, 18 2024
Tuesday, September 17
Smith Fields stolen property recovered
Don Bestwick, president of Project Whitefish Kids, the organization that maintains Smith Fields, reported Monday that police had found a portion of the items that had been stolen from a storage shed at the sports complex the previous weekend.
Great Fish Challenge haul tops $5 million
The 10th Great Fish Community Challenge ended Sept. 13 with more than 4,000 donors giving over $5 million to 80 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations. This preliminary total excludes the Great Fish Match, which will be announced Oct. 22 at the Great Fish Awards Ceremony.
Billings Clinic–Logan Health to integrate air ambulance services
Billings Clinic-Logan Health is considering outsourcing aviation operations for A.L.E.R.T. as it consolidates the two medical systems’ air ambulance services.
Monday, September 16
Xanterra’s new general manager brings decades of experience to the table
Xanterra Travel Collection is Glacier’s concessioner and runs the lodges inside park boundaries, like the Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge, among many others. The company also oversees the park’s famous Red Bus Tours. The company operates as a concessioner in many other national parks, including Yellowstone, Zion and the Grand Canyon.
Wednesday, September 11
Two sides to every story: vote yes for kids
In order to repair our track, it would cost upwards of 1 million dollars, regardless of whether this bond passes. We are unable to repair the football stadium because we, as a district, don't own the stadium. Please vote yes for the much-needed academic AND athletic bonds.
City Council preview for Sept.16, 2024
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Sept. 16, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Photos: 14th annual A-Rob Skate Jam
The 14th annual A-Rob Skate Jam was Saturday, Sept. 7. at the Dave Olseth Memorial Skate Park in Whitefish
Photos: Great Fish Community Challenge Fun Run
The 2024 Great Fish Community Challenge celebrated local nonprofits through a fun run, interactive booths and a community BBQ at Depot Park on Saturday.
Dirt Rich: Local compost facility collects nearly 1 million pounds of food waste
Do you have broccoli that’s been in the fridge too long? Have your bananas turned black? Couldn’t finish that beef burrito?
North Valley Food Bank’s Harvest Fest
Join North Valley Food Bank on Saturday, Sept. 14, for a day filled with apples, abundance and community.
Prescribed burns planned for Swan and Stillwater state forests
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Northwestern Land office is preparing for prescribed burning in the Swan and Stillwater State Forests this fall.
Looking Back: Experienced teachers nearly break 20K
Construction on an additional 50 skilled nursing beds for North Valley Hospital would begin immediately, according to Charles Abell, chairman of the hospital's board of directors.
Police Calls: It’s not illegal to be a topless male
A disorderly male on Highway 93 was the cause of concern for the caller after the man shook his fist and threated the caller.
Student Art: ‘My Favorite Comfort Food: Bavarian Soft Pretzel’ by Owen Aguilar
The art featured above is called "My Favorite Comfort Food: Bavarian Soft Pretzel" and is a stoneware clay sculpture with underglazes by Whitefish High School sophomore Owen Aguilar in the WHS Sculpture class.
Mystery-comedy film premieres in Whitefish
Local filmmaker and internationally renowned cinematographer, Kier Atherton, is presenting his sophomore feature film, “Out to Pasture,” for its Montana premiere at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, Sunday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Wildlife officials say removing bear attractants a matter of safety
In the fall, mountain town residents’ thoughts turn to bears and how to avoid contact with them. Making space for bears is so important, and Gov. Greg Gianforte has proclaimed September as Bear Aware Month.
Whitefish boys soccer wins physical match
The Stevensville Yellowjackets battled back, but the Whitefish Bulldogs emerged victorious last week in their home opener by a score of 5-4.
Council OKs vehicle storage area for Don K dealership
The Whitefish City Council approved a conditional use permit, amended one aspect of the Legacy Homes Program and denied a variance for a dock at its regular meeting last week.
Fall prescribed burns planned on the Flathead National Forest
The Flathead National Forest is planning to conduct fall prescribed burning when weather, fuel conditions and air quality become favorable.
Fall Whitefish community blood drive
The American Red Cross will host its fall Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, Sept. 19, at The WAVE at 1250 Baker Avenue from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Flathead Audubon’s annual Birds of Prey Festival
Flathead Audubon will hold the 15th Annual Birds of Prey Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell.
Whitefish girls soccer shuts out Stevensville
Smith Fields was buzzing with excitement as a crowd gathered to watch the Lady Bulldogs play their first home game of the season against the Stevensville Yellowjackets last week.
More than just sports: Vote yes
I am writing to express my support for the upcoming bond measures that will fund needed updates to our athletic facilities and expand academic spaces at Whitefish High School.
Mountain range mural sweeps color through Whitefish tunnel
There’s a new place to see stars over Big Mountain.
Whitefish Trail fall education programs
Whitefish Legacy Partners has announced its Fall Education Programs on the Whitefish Trail.
Town Pump providing ‘Meals for Backpacks’ grants
The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is accepting grant applications for the 2024 “Meals for Backpacks” program, which supports schools, food banks and service organizations that provide weekend meal programs for Montana school children.
Whitefish girls golf sweeps podium at Whitefish Triangular
The Whitefish girls golf team started and finished last week on top.
The pride of being a Bulldog
As a Whitefish High School student athlete, I have had the pleasure of attending a great high school.
Tourism to Glacier National Park contributes over $5.5M to local economy
A new National Park Service report shows that 2,933,616 visitors to Glacier National Park in 2023 spent $372,129,000 in communities near the park.
Summer Games soccer tourney persists
Upholding a tradition that began in 1982-83, eleven soccer teams headed to Smith Fields to compete in the Whitefish Summer Games soccer tournament last weekend.
Writing Coaches of Montana seeks volunteers
Writing Coaches of Montana seeks community members in Flathead County to participate in its coaching program with the mission of helping local public school students in Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Kalispell and Whitefish improve their writing skills.
Whitefish High School bond ballots due Sept.17
Ballots regarding two proposed bonds for Whitefish High School are due by Sept. 17 and must be received by 8 p.m. They may be dropped off at the Whitefish School District office at 600 E. 2nd Street.
Legals for September, 11 2024
0911 Notices
0911 Notices
Bulldogs race against top AA teams at Flathead Invite
The Whitefish cross country team went up against several Class AA schools at the Flathead Invite on Friday, Sept. 6 at Rebecca Farm.
District prioritizes student rights and individual needs
The following are my personal views as a parent. I do not write on behalf of the Whitefish School District. However, as someone familiar with the situation, I feel compelled to respond to Mike Koopal’s over-the-top screed published in last week’s Pilot alleging mistreatment of his son by the Whitefish School District and inferring that it should bear on the School Bond Election.
James Al Garbacz, 67
James Al Garbacz, November 9, 1956 – August 28, 2024.
Whitefish football falls to Class B power Eureka
EUREKA — Eureka quarterback Rogan Lytle rushed for 144 yards and six touchdowns Friday, leading the Class B Lions to a 39-32 nonconference football win over Class A Whitefish.
Friday, September 6
Former housing authority director accused of embezzling $106k
The former executive director of the Whitefish Housing Authority is accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from the nonprofit during his brief tenure with the organization.
Wednesday, September 4
Family of missing paddleboarder offers $25,000 for tips leading to her return
The family of a woman who vanished while paddleboarding in the Hungry Horse Reservoir in July is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.
Respect and dialogue are essential to a way forward
If you want to engage your elected representatives in respectful dialogue on an issue of importance to you in Kalispell, Whitefish, or with one of our County Commissioners, you simply go to the web page for that local government to find these elected officials’ phone numbers and their individual city or county email for easy contact.
Lady Bulldogs kick off the season with a win, loss
The Whitefish High School girls soccer team, the reigning state champions, traveled to Billings to begin the 2024 season.
Boys soccer nets one win, one loss in Billings
The reigning Class A state champion Whitefish Bulldogs traveled to Billings to kick off the soccer season last weekend, topping Lockwood 6-1.
A-Rob Skate Jam rolls around again
It is time to drop in on the 14th annual A-Rob Skate Jam Saturday, Sept. 7.
Whitefish Review awards “Emerald Casino” fiction prize
Whitefish Review has announced that Jeff Guay has been awarded the 2024 Montana Prize for Fiction for his short story “Emerald Casino.”
Registration for Great Fish Fun Run open
Whitefish Community Foundation and 80 Flathead Valley nonprofits raising funds in this year’s Great Fish Community Challenge invite the public to a celebration of giving locally on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Glacier National Park hosts first ever Astronomy Week
Glacier National Park is hosting the first ever Astronomy Week Sept. 3-6.
Looking Back: Medians to be added “as traffic grows enough to warrant it”
A city ordinance regulating the use of motorcycles on city streets was passed at the regular City Council meeting.
Police Calls: Road rage triggers hand gestures
There was concern that the large gold camper parked in a parking lot on Highway 93 was taking up several spaces and families were about to show up for soccer practice.
Sunflowers exchanged in memory of Whitefish man who died climbing in Glacier
Friends gathered Tuesday at the Whitefish Farmer’s Market to exchange sunflowers and celebrate the life of organic farmer and outdoor enthusiast Grant Marcuccio.
It’s your school too
The last thing the Whitefish School District (WSD) needs is a new football field.
Whitefish flower farm offers whimsical way to spread joy
Nestled in the prairie a few miles south of Whitefish, Elizabeth Seymour’s flower farm has crops that fill the soul.
Golf team makes quick improvements to open season
Two weeks into the golf season and Whitefish High School’s teams have already traveled to Missoula, Seeley Lake, Ronan, Shelby, Columbia Falls, Frenchtown and played at home at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
Whitefish Review new “Music Issue” launch party
Whitefish Review will celebrate the publication of its 29th issue, The Music Issue, on Friday, Sept. 13, with an event featuring singer and songwriter Rob Quist and writers featured in the special issue.
Student Art: ‘Sweet Flowers’ by Sage Boyes
The art featured above is called "Sweet Flowers" and is a linoleum block print by Whitefish High School junior Sage Boyes in the WHS Art 1: Painting class.
PHOTOS: First day of school at Muldown Elementary
Whitefish schools welcomed back the bulldogs on a rainy morning Wednesday, Aug. 28.
Mountain bike group gears up on two major trail projects
Ron Brandt, executive director of Flathead Area Mountain Bikers, prefers action to words, but he is excited to talk about two multi-year trail projects that are in the works.
Whitefish's Douglas finishes strong at Libby Invite
Whitefish Senior Douglas placed 11th at the Libby Cross Country Invitational on Friday, Aug. 30.
Make investments in classrooms and athletic facilities
The need for more classrooms and better outdoor athletic facilities hasn’t gone away, and there is another chance to make these investments. Ballots have been mailed to WHS district voters - check your mailboxes. In case you’re on the fence, here are some reasons to vote YES to both bonds!