Ellington

Whitefish Lake Institute hosts Science Quencher

Scientists and conservationists will present current research on Northwest Montana’s flora, fauna and changing environment at Whitefish Lake Institute’s Science Quencher on April 25 from 5-7 p.m. at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

Stargazing, orienteering and history of Whitefish Trail at Earth Day Bash

Whitefish Legacy Partners will celebrate the Earth and Whitefish’s little section of it with an Earth Day Bash on the Whitefish Trail on April 26 and 27.

Nikki Reed shares love of learning

It is often the English teachers from our time in school that have the biggest impact on both our education and who we are as people

Thank you for winter decorations

The Whitefish Shines decorations committee would like to thank the many community volunteers, Flathead Electric Coop Linemen, the city of Whitefish, Terri Conat/Rocky Mountain Painting, and Glacier Painting for their assistance in hanging and taking down the winter decorations this winter season.

Police Calls: Hoodie wearing man tries wrong door

The caller said it looked like someone drove into the concrete barrier and into an air conditioning unit on Baker Avenue.

Looking Back: City engineer to pay $140 per month in rent

Local teachers voted to accept a general 12% salary increase for the next year, as offered by the school board.

Local Government Review Commission open to public input

The Local Government Review Commission met with the Whitefish City Council last week to ask about the efficiency of the current government system.

Glacier Institute completes Big Creek restoration

The Glacier Institute has successfully completed its first-ever capital campaign, Restoration Big Creek, raising over $1.5 million to preserve and enhance its flagship youth education site.

City Council preview for April 21, 2025

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, April 21, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.

Bengtson wins slalom at International Whistler Cup

Colter Bengtson, who ski races with the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation, represented the Northern Division of the US Ski and Snowboard Association at the U14 Western Regional Championships in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Council approves rental support, street reconstruction

The Whitefish City Council agreed to commit funds to the Workforce Rental Assistance Program and awarded a construction contract for the East Sixth Street reconstruction project.

Whitefish tallies PRs at Kalispell and Missoula

Whitefish track athletes found their stride across two major meets, placing fifth in the boys team standings at the Kalispell Time Trials and earning multiple top-five finishes at the MCPS Invitational.

School board talks high school expansion timelines, mental health grant

The Whitefish School District’s goal to start construction on the athletic portion of the upcoming Whitefish High School expansion in June, dubbed the “fast track” plan, could be pushed to March 2026.

Officials hope to balance recreation, forest heath at Spencer, Beaver Lake areas

A proposed timber sale on state land stretching from Spencer to Beaver lakes in the Whitefish area received 70 public comments during its scoping period in February.

Legals for April, 16 2025

Bulldogs overpower Sanders County teams to stay unbeaten

The Whitefish Bulldogs baseball team continued its impressive early-season run with a pair of dominant road victories last week, improving to 4-0 behind an explosive offense and reliable pitching.

Whitefish High School seniors give back

Whitefish High School seniors participated in their annual community give back day last week.

Whitefish softball falls to unbeaten Lady Pirates

Polson wasted no time putting Monday’s game out of reach, scoring 11 runs in the first inning and cruising to a 19-0 win over Whitefish in three innings.

In a nutshell: Food pantries brace for greater need and less funding

Food insecurity is a growing crisis in our communities, and recent federal budget proposals threaten to put more families at risk. Each week, more than 1,200 of our neighbors walk through the doors of North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish - triple from 2019.

Whitefish High School announces 2025 Hall of Fame inductees

Whitefish High School has proudly announced the 2025 WHS Hall of Fame inductees: Cyril Burguiere, Jim Baker and Doug Knapton. These distinguished alumni will be formally inducted at the Bulldog Booster Auction on Friday, April 25 at Grouse Mountain Lodge.

City of Whitefish has committee vacancies

The City of Whitefish is seeking dedicated community members to serve on various vacant boards and committees. This is an opportunity to get involved, contribute to local decision-making and help shape the future of the city.

Volunteer medical work important to Whitefish dentist

One of the greatest aspects of being a dentist is being able to help others, Whitefish dentist Mandy Stebbins said.

Presentations teach bear aware practices

Whitefish Legacy Partners and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks offer free, bear aware presentations on April 17th, from 6-8 p.m. at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Kalispell office and on April 29, from 6-8 p.m. at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish.

Whitefish tennis sweeps Libby

WHITEFISH — Liesl Brust led the Whitefish singles, while Maggie Mercer and Camry Kelch highlighted the Bulldog doubles in a 7-0 sweep of Libby Thursday in high school tennis.

Stories from the Backcountry shares tales from the wilderness

Gather ‘round to hear tales straight from the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

Celebrate family and friends at spring choir concert

The Columbia Falls Community Choir will celebrate family and friends for its spring concert on April 12.

Flathead Rivers Alliance volunteer opportunities for 2025

Flathead Rivers Alliance (FRA) is ramping up for the 2025 season and recruiting 40 volunteer team members to help expand their river ambassador and citizen scientist programs.

Housing Whitefish funding proposal receives green light from city

The Whitefish City Council directed staff to complete an agreement with Housing Whitefish committing funds to the organization’s Workforce Rental Assistance Program Monday night.

Memorial Field as a private playground is a detriment to youth baseball

This question needs to be asked because the people of Whitefish deserve an answer.

Looking Back: Affordable housing condition called “social agenda”

A covered dish handcrafted out of clay by Bob Markel of Whitefish was selected to be on display in the Renwick Gallery, the Department for American Crafts and Design of the Smithsonian Institution's National Collection of Fine Arts in Washington, D.C.

Young players learn, play at Girls Hockey Jamboree

The Stumptown Ice Den hosted the annual spring 6/8 and 10/12U Girls Hockey Jamboree with kids from Montana, Washington and British Columbia.

Whitefish School District election and levy Information

The Whitefish School District would like to inform the community about the changes to the school election scheduled for May 6 and provide information regarding the upcoming levy.

Police Calls: Penny loafer or running shoe?

A man on Woodside Lane was inside while his lawnmower was sitting in the yard idling.

March snowpack nears normal following a mix of March weather conditions

March brought a combination of snow accumulation, snowmelt and rain to Montana, but a wet spring is needed to have adequate water through the summer.

Student Art: ‘Monty’ by Truitt Grider

The art featured above is called "Monty" and is a chalk pastel by Whitefish Middle School seventh grader Truitt Grider in the WMS Art class.

King of vert: Retired teacher logs 10 million feet in resort's vertical challenge

The beauty of having a season pass is skiing as much as you want.

Whitefish Community Foundation awards $30,000 grant to Bigfork Youth Baseball Association

Whitefish Community Foundation continues its 25th anniversary celebration with a $30,000 Major Community Project Grant to the Bigfork Youth Baseball Association (BYBA) for the construction of the nonprofit’s new home field.

Big Mountain caps season with nearly 500,000 skier visits

Whitefish Mountain Resort’s 2024-25 ski season saw great snow initially, an early spring and then a second winter when March served up a couple legit powder days. The mountain received a total of 282 inches of snow during the season.

Local government review puts out survey for residents

The Whitefish Voter Review Commission is conducting a survey to review and assess Whitefish’s local government.

Legals for April, 9 2025

Whitefish restaurants serve up unique menus for one-week event

Whitefish Restaurant Week, running May 12-16, will be a prime time to experience Whitefish’s culinary scene through special menu items, all while helping to support local businesses and affordable housing through the Community Support Fund.

Humanities speakers may be absent from Montana libraries and schools with DOGE cut

When an author, poet or creator comes to an event at a school and library, they often offer a source of inspiration for budding storytellers.

Whitefish scores piles of points at Bigfork Invite

The Whitefish Bulldogs delivered a powerful all-around performance at the Bigfork Invitational on Saturday, with the boys team claiming first place in team scoring and the girls team securing a strong third-place finish among a competitive field.

Bulldogs open season with 16-0 rout over Troy

The Whitefish Bulldogs couldn’t have asked for a better start to their baseball season, delivering a commanding 16-0 win over Troy on Thursday afternoon.

Two suspects in custody after vehicle theft in Whitefish area

Both suspects are believed to be involved in multiple burglaries and vehicle thefts throughout the valley.

PHOTOS: Whitefish Pond Skim 2025

Skiers and snowboarders end the ski season with a trip across the pool at Whitefish Mountain Resort's annual pond skim competition on Saturday, April 5.

North Valley Music School hosts Ukrainian guitarist Marko Topchii

Marko Topchii, a renowned classical guitarist born into a musical family in Ukraine, will play in Whitefish April 22.

Possible minor injuries after Whitefish school bus accident at US 93, MT 40

A vehicular accident involving a Whitefish school bus and multiple other vehicles occurred Thursday morning at about 8 a.m. at the intersection of US Highway 93 and MT Highway 40.

Terminations have negative effect on local USDA offices, rural communities

In recent weeks, action taken by the federal administration has left many individuals wondering about the status of a small-town staple—the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) county office.

Hometown hero National Champion in womens ice hockey

The Wisconsin Badgers womens hockey team won the national title game 4-3 against Ohio State Buckeyes last weekend at Ridder Arena, earning a record eighth national title.

Volunteers needed for lake monitoring program

The Northwest Montana Lakes Network is looking for lake property owners and water recreationists interested in becoming volunteer citizen scientists.

Steed new regional supervisor for northwest Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Amber Steed was named the new supervisor for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Northwest Montana’s Region 1.

Student Art: ‘Final Flow’ by Aris Swanson

The art featured above is called "Final Flow" and is an acrylic painting by Whitefish High School senior Aris Swanson in the WHS Art 2: Advanced Art class.

Police Calls: One bartender dispatches three rowdies

Kids playing on the railroad tracks were moved along.

AARP praises Montana Legislature

On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation.

Amazing Crêpes celebrates 20 years

With an artful swirl of a specialized tool, skilled crêpe makers at Amazing Crepes create not only delicious food, but a bit of a show, as well.

Flathead Earth Day Expo returns

The Flathead Valley Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby will host the third annual Earth Day Expo, sponsored by Northstone Solar, on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Flathead Valley Community College.

For Commissioners, our way or the highway

Rep. Steven Kelly, Kalispell-District 9, with the support of all Flathead County Commissioners, sponsored House Bill 782 to remove a respected Flathead Conservation District Supervisor, Mr. Michael Kopitzke, an appointed County Planning Board member.

Looking Back: Minor earthquake shook the valley

The total lack of spring in the area had continued the good wintertime skiing conditions on the Big Mountain, whose management announced the schedule of events and spring closing dates at the popular resort, including the Fraberts Rainier Spring Frolic.

Flathead Valley ski racers find success in regional, divisional championship events

Young ski racers representing the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation and the Northern Division of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association qualified for and competed in regional and divisional championship events over the past several weeks.

Honoring Jacqueline Gaertner’s history at Whitefish High School

Jacqueline Gaertner’s journey to becoming a teacher is anything but conventional.

City responds to river trail permit denial

At a special meeting of the Whitefish City Council Monday night, councilors voted unanimously to notify Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks it disagrees with its decision to deny a SPA 124 permit for a section of the Whitefish trail.

SB 336 disregards neighbors’ rights

Kill MT Senate Bill 336. This bill seeks to redefine short-term rentals (STRs) as residential, non-commercial property use, disregarding neighbors' rights, undermining local control and threatening public safety.

Embrace student visions

To the Seniors of Whitefish High School who have participated in the City’s Whitefish Vision 2045 Community Growth Plan: you are to be wholeheartedly congratulated.

Whitefish Theatre Company presents ‘Lend Me a Tenor’

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents Ken Ludwig’s classic comedy, “Lend Me A Tenor,” as their fourth Main Stage show of the 2024-25 season.

New tool library to support local craftmanship and creativity

The Making Place is opening the first ever Tool Library in the Flathead Valley this month.

Visitor spending up this year in Whitefish, except for Canadians

Visitor spending in Whitefish saw a 23.6% increase in Jan. 2025 compared to Jan. 2024, rising from $5.84 million in 2024 to $7.22 million in 2025.

Montana has an official state sport — rodeo

Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported a measure to establish American Rodeo as the newest addition to the list of state symbols

Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported a measure to establish American Rodeo as the newest addition to the list of state symbols.

Maker of the Month: Kay Lyle’s printmaking an approachable form of expression

Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported a measure to establish American Rodeo as the newest addition to the list of state symbols

Letterpress printing is a traditional printmaking technique that involves inking raised surfaces, such as metal type or plates, and pressing them onto paper to create beautiful, tactile prints.

The Braig’s 50th anniversary

Robert and Beverly were married April 3, 1965, in Great Falls, Montana

Legals for April, 2 2025

Young roster and a new coach for Whitefish boys tennis

Whitefish High School boys tennis team has been reloaded with fresh faces eager to adapt to the team’s needs this season.

Whitefish Outfitters to add one-stop adventure shop for visitors

Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported a measure to establish American Rodeo as the newest addition to the list of state symbols

For many visitors to Whitefish and the Glacier area, Whitefish Outfitters and Tours is one of the first places to call to book tours and rentals for outdoor adventures year-round.

Douglas J. Wold, 85

Douglas Jerome Wold, 85, of Polson, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected attorney, passed away on March 8, 2025, peacefully at his lake home in Polson.

Snug’s back: Buchanan’s Chophouse revitalizes Kandahar dining experience

The new Whitefish restaurant, Buchanan’s Chophouse and Whiskey Bar, looks to uphold a four-decade legacy of elegant après dining, while making the experience more approachable for visitors and locals alike.

Stacked girls tennis squad will see a number of superstar contenders

Clear courts at Grouse Mountain have made way for outside practices for Whitefish High School tennis teams this spring, but that’s just one of many good omens of a mighty spring season to come.

Consumption of art a theme in Spear’s ‘LIVE, RECORDED’

Recording an album is challenging enough for any artist but doing it in front of a live audience even more so.

City Council preview for April 7, 2025

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