Monday, March 31
Best of Whitefish voting ends Sunday
The Best of Whitefish 2025 final voting round ends this Sunday, April 6 at 11:59 p.m.
Glacier National Park faces summer of uncertainty
Glacier National Park officials say the upcoming summer season remains unclear amid federal budget cuts and mass terminations.
Friday, March 28
Survey for Whitefish residents to inform sustainable tourism plan
The city of Whitefish's Sustainable Tourism Management Committee asks residents and stakeholders to take a five-minute survey to inform updates to the Sustainable Tourism Management Plan.
Bill that would sell isolated state land to neighboring landowners nears Gianforte’s desk
House Bill 676 directs the Land Board to sell isolated sections of state land to lessees who own adjacent property.
Wednesday, March 26
Martel Construction selected for Whitefish High School expansion
Martel Construction Inc. has been selected as the general contractor for the recently approved academic and athletic expansions at Whitefish High School.
Unique property raffle looks to benefit Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter
A novel fundraiser, likely the first of its kind, was launched earlier this month, wherein a dream property in Montana could make an animal shelter’s dreams come true.
Student-run microgreen business sprouts in Whitefish
For years, agriculture classes at Whitefish High School have been lauded by students who are on the verge of dropping out as well as students who are college-bound.
Shred Fest raises funds for inclusive outdoor recreation
The snow was deep and the stoke was high for DREAM Adaptive Recreation’s sixth annual Shred Fest last weekend.
Whitefish sets special meeting to discuss state’s denial of Whitefish River trail connection
The Whitefish City Council agreed in May 2024 to proceed with the application process for a 124 permit to complete the Riverbend-Miles portion of the Whitefish River Trail.
Police Calls: Hot tub hijinx
A vehicle was parked on the yellow painted curb and dashed white lines on pavement at Pine Avenue.
Student Art: ‘Tropical Day’ by Laila Grinbergs
The art featured above is called "Tropical Day" and is a graphite and pen drawing by Whitefish High School freshman Laila Grinbergs in the WHS Introduction to Art class.
Habitat Flathead breaking ground in Columbia Falls
Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley will build 11 new houses in Columbia Falls within the next two years.
Viaduct improvement contract awarded
Whitefish City Council last week awarded a contract for viaduct improvements and approved a permit for a bar.
Looking Back: Central Avenue to be rebuilt
Whitefish Boxing Club traveled to Evergreen for the annual Saint Patty's Day smoker on March 15.
Hospital Corner: March measles
A person infected with measles and not yet aware is walking through an airport.
Legals for March, 26 2025
Trade war could be disastrous for Flathead Valley
Recently the Montana Free Press ran an excellent article examining the impact US tariffs will likely have on Canadian trade and visitation in the Flathead Valley.
Jerry Ray Bonner, 86
Jerry Ray Bonner, 86, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025 at Mountain View of Cascadia in Eureka to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with his grandsons, Gage Pluid and Jay Hoover.
Bring adult softball back to the Armory
Before 2020 the Armory Fields had adult softball games twice a week. It was an activity that has been enjoyed in Whitefish for decades.
Protesters say protecting public lands vital to the Flathead Valley
Demonstrators held up signs calling for the protection of public lands just after 3:30 p.m. as a steady stream of cars flowed over the viaduct following a powder day on Big Mountain.
Whitefish baseball brings depth, clear objectives to new season
After a promising run last year that ended just short of the semifinals at state, Whitefish baseball enters the 2025 spring season with optimism, depth and a clear focus on fundamentals.
Homeschool Theatre Club plays the notes of ‘The Music Man’
The Homeschool Theatre Club’s production of “The Music Man” runs March 27 through March 29 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.
Whitefish Rotary Club grows in numbers and causes
People interested in learning about the Rotary Club of Whitefish are welcome to attend a luncheon meeting, held at the Moose Lodge each Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. There is typically a guest speaker.
The Making Place looks to set up shop at Uptown Hearth in Columbia Falls
The Making Place, a nonprofit collective of artists, craftsmen and designers is expanding its presence in Columbia Falls with plans to lease the entire third floor of the Uptown Hearth building.
Monday, March 24
Flathead County Animal Shelter overwhelmed after authorities seize 27 dogs in animal cruelty case
The Flathead County Animal Shelter is overwhelmed with animals after 27 dogs were seized from allegedly unsanitary conditions at a Coram property earlier this month, according to shelter division manager Austin Hicks.
Appeal filed in Glacier Park home case
The Flathead Conservation District and Friends of Montana Rivers and Streams have filed an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of a home built on private land along the banks of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park.
Friday, March 21
Annual Nate Chute event this weekend
This weekend, snowboarders, supporters and the greater Flathead Valley community will come together for the 26th Annual Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross event at Whitefish Mountain Resort. More than just a competition, this event is a powerful gathering in support of mental wellness and suicide prevention, benefiting the Nate Chute Foundation (NCF).
Wednesday, March 19
Proliferating weed
Our wholesome, friendly and safe environment for locals and visitors is crumbling. Why? The proliferation of weed shops has created a sordid look for our community.
A bill for the dogs and taxes for you
SB 427 was plodding along on the senate floor. The subject matter involves trapping and snaring.
Poetry Out Loud champ heads to national competition
Sixteen high school students from schools across Montana met at Grandstreet Theatre in Helena, to compete in the 2025 Montana Poetry Out Loud State Finals earlier this month.
Lil Smokies' new album touts Whitefish love
The Lil Smokies, a popular Missoula-based band with a Whitefish connection will release its fourth album, “Break of the Tide,” in April.
More than a meal; March for Meals campaign recognizes importance of Meals on Wheels
Sometimes a simple gesture is profound. This is the case with the Meals on Wheels program.
Looking Back: Northern Lights Ladies defeat Missoula’s Powder Hounds
The Class of 1935, with Mrs. Ray Diest as committee chairman, announced the decision to join the 20 year “Home-coming” reunion of Whitefish High School.
Student Art: ‘Creatures of the Sea’ by Sylvi Yunch and Isaac Kincheloe
The artworks featured above are called "Creatures of the Sea" and are pinch pot animal sculptures.
Police Calls: Dog owner needs to utilize leash
A dog was lost, found and returned to his owner.
Thank you for Flathead Classic
Dog Creek Lodge hosted the annual Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race on Feb 22 and 23.
Directorial debut for James with Whitefish Theatre Company’s comedy ‘All the Days’
The Whitefish Theatre Company presents its final Black Curtain Reading of the 2024-2025 season, “All the Days,” by Sharyn Rothstein this weekend.
Community-led bear conflict prevention funds available
The Montana Community-Bear Conflict Prevention Efforts Fund is providing up to $1 million to support community-led, non-lethal carnivore conflict prevention tools through the geographic range of grizzly bears in Montana.
Career conference for girls
Soroptimist International of Whitefish will host a free two-day conference for secondary school age girls, to learn about career opportunities, goal setting and overcoming obstacles to success.
Compensation
The city council has decided on a preliminary compensation package and plans for a public hearing and comment are set to follow in the next few weeks.
Former Inter Lake journalist Lynnette Hintze remembered for commitment to telling community’s stories
On more than one occasion, journalist Lynnette Hintze took notes by flashlight from a windowless newsroom at the Daily Inter Lake.
John L. Noyes, 89
John L. Noyes, 89, passed Feb. 25, 2025, in Whitefish.
Whitefish athletes recognized with All-Conference selections
Several Whitefish Bulldogs basketball players earned recognition in the 2024-2025 Northwest A All-Conference teams.
Donald Robert Spivey, 93
On March 10, 2025, at 7:22 p.m., after a life richly lived, full of adventure, laughter, and love, Donald Robert Spivey set off on his final great journey.
A moonlit Addams Family musical by Whitefish High School Theatre
A darkly aura, green moonlight, and the intoxicating smell of the graveyard arose from the Whitefish Performing Arts Center last weekend.
School board reviews retirement policy, budget amid ‘unprecedented’ times
The Whitefish School District board’s business meeting last week was rife with what-ifs as trustees contemplated potential impacts of federal and state level changes to education.
Fern and Powers field questions at Whitefish town hall
Sen. Dave Ferns and Rep. Debo Powers answered questions over their legislative break at a town hall hosted by Flathead Democrats at the Whitefish Community Center last week.
Whitefish Community Foundation awards $100,000 to Nate Chute Foundation
Whitefish Community Foundation’s multi-year Kids Fund Grant will help Nate Chute Foundation expand mental health curricula in local schools, including Happiness for 6th Graders and Happiness for 9th Graders, as well as support an annual youth summit to empower high school students to become mental health advocates in their schools.
Monday, March 17
Probationary federal employees in Montana given temporary reprieve, Zinke says
Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke said Friday that Forest Service and National Park Service probationary workers fired earlier this year by the Trump administration will get their jobs back — at least for the time being.
Flathead Childcare expands with two new locations
Mishael Jelley owns Flathead Childcare alongside her brother, Mark Vogel. Originally from Northwest Montana, the pair grew up with almost a dozen siblings. Child care has always been a part of their lives, from taking care of siblings to looking for childcare for their own nieces, nephews and children.
Friday, March 14
Montana Department of Transportation holds open house for U.S. 93 access plan
The Montana Department of Transportation is starting work on a plan to inform traffic safety measures and guide reduced congestion along U.S. 93 as Kalispell and Whitefish grow.
Thursday, March 13
The park's poet: Glacier's 'Ranger Doug' dies at age 98
He was a poet, a storyteller and an educator, entertaining everyone from young tourists to the future president of the United States.
Wednesday, March 12
Fortunate for Foley
We're barely into March and already the end of our ski season seems to be approaching too soon.
Clean and healthy environment
Do you believe in the Montana State Constitution’s right to a clean and healthy environment?
Tree clearing begins for U.S. 93 west of Whitefish road reconstruction
Lane closures expected mid-March
In mid-March, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with T&S Cheff Construction, will begin tree clearing on the U.S. 93 West of Whitefish project.
The Making Place launches Maker of the Month program
The Making Place is launching a Maker of the Month program, offering artists a chance to share their passion
East valley fuels reduction project open for comment
A public scoping comment period is now open for an east valley fuels reduction project.
Green and Gold: Graduate profile a shared vision
I am excited to share the updated Whitefish School District Graduate Profile with the Whitefish community.
Glacier Nordic youth fly downhill in Victor
Eight members of Glacier Nordic Ski Team competed at the Intermountain Youth Championship races in Victor, Idaho.
City Council preview for March 17, 2025
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, March 17, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Chairlift: Comic mental respite
This wild ride we’re on has become more erratic lately, so I thought it would be nice to share my funniest story.
Whitefish councilors discuss compensation plan, garbage rates
At a work session last week, the Whitefish City Council discussed council compensation and garbage rates.
Whitefish hosts work session on natural resources section of growth policy update
The City of Whitefish Community Development Board will have a work session on Wednesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. to discuss the natural resources section of the City’s growth policy update, Vision Whitefish 2045.
Whitefish spring blood drive
The American Red Cross will host its spring Whitefish community blood drive on Thursday, March 20, in the gym at the WAVE, located at 1250 Baker Ave., from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Student Art: ‘Murphy the Moose’ by Amelia Krezowski
The art featured above is called " Murphy the Moose " and is a paper mâché, tissue and acrylic paint sculpture by Whitefish High School junior Amelia Krezowski in the WHS Sculpture class.
Police Calls: Calling 911 to get the 411
The caller on Mill Avenue reported not feeling safe because his neighbor’s dogs are always off leash.
Whitefish Theatre Company airs opera ‘Fidelio’
Whitefish Theatre Company, in collaboration with the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, presents “Fidelio” as part of the 2024-2025 live streaming season of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD.
Looking Back: Council approves extending Baker Avenue
Alpen Holz Ersinnen was the name of the new business located on the Big Mountain Road.
Whitefish City Council OKs apartment building; recreation fees going up
The Whitefish City Council last week approved a fee hike for recreation programs and a construction permit for a new apartment building.
A year after unionizing, Whitefish ski patrol holds rally to show solidarity
Whitefish Mountain Resort Professional Ski Patrol Union (WMRPSP) members and supporters held a protest on the viaduct Saturday morning after passing the one-year mark since patrollers first voted to unionize.
Legals for March, 12 2025
Closures expected as Glacier National Park repairs infrastructure systems
The project is expected to span three years, starting in fall 2025 with repairs in the Two Medicine and St. Mary areas. According to a story map published by the park, leaks in the outdated water systems in these areas cost thousands of dollars every year.
Harry Thomas ‘Tom’ Vars, 93
Harry Thomas "Tom" Vars, 93, of Whitefish, born June 1, 1931, to Harry and Hildred Vars, Princeton, New Jersey, died Feb. 22, 2025, in Kalispell.
G. Douglas Follett, 98
On the sunny blue-sky day of March 2, 2025, G. Douglas Follett, 98, passed away at his home with family by his side.
Flathead Fusion hockey team out for redemption at nationals
Flathead Fusion boys hockey team members will have the honor of representing Montana on the national stage for the first time in the team’s history, and they’re out for redemption.
Janice Jorgensen Werst, 86
Janice Elayne Jorgensen Werst, 86, died peacefully on Dec. 17, 2024.
Acts of kindness only requisite for community scholarship
In the fall of 2023, Whitefish High School freshman Christian Reeb and senior Dane Hunt formed a friendship that would forge the path for a new scholarship to be formed – one in which kindness is the only merit.
Lorelei 'Loree' Cumming, 73
Loree Lois (Lyngstad) Cumming, 73, passed away on the late evening of Feb. 2, 2025, with her husband Ed by her side at their Flathead River home.
Tuesday, March 11
Best of Whitefish 2025 nominations now open
The Best of Whitefish 2025 reader poll has begun. The annual vote, organized by the Whitefish Pilot, is an opportunity for people to recognize who and what makes Whitefish extraordinary and unique.
Monday, March 10
Monthly business journal Insights to launch in April
A new journal focusing on the economic and entrepreneurial trends that shape Northwest Montana's business communities will make its debut next month.
Saturday, March 8
Tariff worries further fraying Northwest Montana’s Canadian connection
The Flathead Valley had been a destination for Albertans for decades. But the pandemic, the increasing cost of living in Montana and now the threat of a trade war have taken a toll.
Friday, March 7
Miscommunication results in loss of funding for Flathead Valley arts programs
State legislators have stripped funds from five local arts nonprofits, accusing the organizations of showing disrespect for the legislative process by not attending committee hearings.
Wednesday, March 5
Looking Back: Scalping tickets in Montana not a crime
Big Mountain’s number two chairlift was back in service following a mechanical breakdown.
Retiring city engineer Karin Hilding helped make Whitefish walkable
Karin Hilding, who spent 29 years reviewing plans as a city engineer, is now making plans for her retirement which begins on March 7.
Missing dog safe after spending winter in woods north of Whitefish
Baldone, the remarkable Great Pyrenees who was the object of a long search effort, decided to trust humans again and is safe and sound.
Police Calls: Trailers blocking traffic
The reckless driver of a small Ford pickup was seen passing vehicles unsafely on the right and left.
Student Art: ‘Tokyo’ by Tokyo Turner
The art featured above is called "Catch and Release" and is a watercolor self-portrait by Whitefish Middle School seventh grader Tokyo Turner in the WMS Art class.
It's all uphill from here. How skimo improves physical and mental health
On any winter day at Whitefish Mountain Resort, it’s common to see a handful of people making the trek up the mountain.
The reality of Whitefish’s visitor economy
As the organization responsible for managing and strategically strengthening Whitefish’s visitor economy for the benefit of our community, Explore Whitefish often hears a common refrain: Whitefish is booming.
Board grants variance, provides three recommendations
The Whitefish Community Development Board approved a lakeshore variance and made three recommendations to the City Council last week.
Mountainfilm on Tour by Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation to screen in Whitefish
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is bringing Mountainfilm on Tour to the Flathead with film screenings in both Whitefish and Bigfork.
Vote to restore stability
To Senator Daines, Senator Sheehy and Rep. Zinke:
A plea to Congressmen Daines, Sheehy and Zinke
I appreciated your pledges to work hard for your Montana constituents, so now I ask that you have town hall meetings around our beautiful state.
The most nefarious
There's so much troubling information and disinformation and non-dating and overwhelming. Not only the U.S., but the entire world these days.
WCA girls basketball claims championship tournament gold
The Whitefish Christian Academy girls team ended their season on a high note after securing the championship at the Stillwater Basketball Tournament at Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell earlier this month.
Whitefish’s Wilde wins high jump at Big Sky Indoor
Montana had limited expectations entering the Big Sky Indoor Championships in Flagstaff, Arizona, last weekend, picked in the preseason poll to finish fifth and ninth in the league on the men's and women's sides, respectively.
Flathead Valley ski racers have full weekend of competition
Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation racers competed at Discovery Ski Area and Bridger Bowl last weekend.
MDT to have open house for US 93 access plan
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) invites the public to attend two in-person open houses for the Kalispell-Whitefish US Highway 93 Access Plan.
Ralph LeRoy Lamberson, 75
Ralph LeRoy Lamberson, 75, passed from this world to begin his journey to the spirit world on Feb. 9, 2025, surrounded by family.
Legals for March, 5 2025
Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol takes on Rucksack Challenge
On Feb. 18, 1945, U.S. soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division climbed Riva Ridge, a steep peak in the Northern Apennine Mountain Range in Italy. The icy night climb was pivotal in World War II history as it allowed the Allies to break into the German and Italian Gothic Line, a mass of fortifications built into mountain passes.
Day hikes, historical drawings detailed at Whitefish Community Center book signing
Whitefish Community Center will host authors Charlie B. Rogers and Stormy Good Monod for a book signing event on Monday, March 10 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Nancy Speer, 70
A celebration of life will be held for Nancy Eileen Speer (née Mosbarger), a longtime resident of the Flathead Valley, on Saturday, April 19, from 2-4 p.m. at The Patio in Whitefish (204 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937).
Energy high for Whitefish’s Special Olympics Winter Games
Sixteen Special Olympics teams from across Montana gathered last week at Whitefish Mountain Resort for the annual Glacier Area Winter Games.
Lady Bulldogs rally falls short against Polson in play-in
Despite a strong fourth-quarter push, the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs couldn’t overcome an early deficit, falling to the Polson Pirates 38-29 in a Northwest A girls basketball play-in game Thursday evening in Polson. The loss ends Whitefish’s season.
Bigfork stuns Whitefish with late rally
A furious fourth-quarter comeback by the Bigfork Vikings stunned the Whitefish Bulldogs on Thursday night as Bigfork erased a 14-point deficit in the final minutes to claim a dramatic 47-45 victory in the divisional play-in contest.
Round Star lawsuit a deterrence to forest management, logging companies say
Four conservation groups filed suit in January over the Round Star logging project west of Whitefish on the Tally Lake Ranger District.
Tuesday, March 4
Cyclone Bill Project timber harvest west of Whitefish finalized
The Flathead National Forest, Tally Lake Ranger District, signed the final decision notice and prepared an updated environmental assessment for the Cyclone Bill Project.
Monday, March 3
Finding half way
On a frigid Helena morning, somewhere south of minus twenty degrees, a bus load of residents from Ennis, MT were dropped off at the capitol.
Everyone’s favorite ogre (and ogress) feature of musical story about acceptance
"Shrek the Musical,” an irreverent storybook tale in two sidesplitting acts will be performed for the first time by Whitefish Theatre Company by a cast of people you might know from around town transformed into the unconventional green hero, spunky redheaded princess, wisecracking donkey and ill-tempered lord.
Compass Chiropractic expands to Kalispell
Seven years later, the demand for the system-oriented chiropractic practice has grown, leading to the recent opening of an extension practice space downtown Kalispell in February, continuing their focus on tonal techniques and the nervous system.
Dye and Dezzani qualify for Nationals
Glacier Nordic Club athletes, 13-year-old Kendall Dye from Whitefish and 17-year-old Findley Dezzani from Columbia Falls, qualified for the 2025 Junior Nationals after racing last week in Sun Valley, Idaho.
