Thursday, December 18, 2025
37.0°F

Ranger Joe wins second in regional division at World Pizza Games

TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 8 months AGO
by TAYLOR INMAN
Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore for the Bigfork Eagle and hosts News Now and other podcasts for the Daily Inter Lake.  Originally from Kentucky, Taylor started her career at the award-winning public radio newsroom at Murray State University. She worked as a general assignment reporter for WKMS, where her stories aired on National Public Radio, including the show “All Things Considered.” She can be reached at 406-758-4440 or at [email protected]. | April 5, 2023 12:00 AM

Joe Ledwidge of Ranger Joe’s Pizza in south Kalispell did well at the World Pizza Games last week.

His Korean barbecue pork belly pizza did well in the International Pizza Making Challenge, ranking second in the Northwest regional division.

The World Pizza Games are part of the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, where pizza restaurant owners from all over the world show up to network, buy equipment and compete in the many games.

Ledwidge tried his hand at the “Olympics of pizza,” taking part in the dough stretch competition and the International Pizza Making Challenge, opting for the non-traditional division.

Out of 28 people competing in the dough stretching competition, he won the preliminary round. But, alas, his dough tore in the final round.

Ledwidge opened Ranger Joe’s Pizza in 2021 — making Detroit deep dish and Sicilian-style pizzas, calzones, cheese bread and more.

ARTICLES BY TAYLOR INMAN

New owners of Montana Trolley Co. want to keep tradition alive
December 16, 2025 11 p.m.

New owners of Montana Trolley Co. want to keep tradition alive

From Christmas light tours to marriage proposals, Montana Trolley Co. plans to continue business as usual under new ownership this winter.

Whistling Andy Distillery celebrates 15-year milestone
December 9, 2025 11:05 p.m.

Whistling Andy Distillery celebrates 15-year milestone

Montana’s oldest distillery looks back on humble beginnings and more than a decade of serving high-quality, handcrafted spirits.

Logan Health primary care providers file to unionize
December 9, 2025 11 p.m.

Logan Health primary care providers file to unionize

Nearly 60 primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants working at Logan Health clinics in Northwest Montana have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize.