Friday, November 15, 2024

Adjustments made to resort tax and sign ordinances

The Whitefish City Council last week approved changes to the resort tax administrative ordinance, updating taxable items and establishing penalties for late fees.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 DAYS AGO

Chairlift: Elevate

I drove to Billings for the Class A boys soccer final between Whitefish and Billings Central two weeks ago.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 DAYS AGO

Shelter WF housing design competition showcases fresh ideas

Shelter WF, a community nonprofit concerned with affordable housing in Whitefish, was awarded the AARP Community Challenge Grant in April and organized a housing design competition that sought ways to build missing middle housing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 DAYS AGO

Voters open door for City Council compensation

Fifty-three percent of Whitefish voters approved an amendment to the city charter to allow city council members to be paid but it will be some time before they cash that first check.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 DAYS AGO

Portion of East Sixth rebuild to be one-way

The final design and bidding for construction of East Sixth Street gained Whitefish City Council’s unanimous approval last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 DAYS, 1 HOUR AGO

Flathead Valley farmer sows powerhouse honeyberries

When David Dunn bought his property on Farm to Market Road in 2012, with his dog, Shayla, the land was raw and was hosting his neighbor’s cows.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 2 HOURS AGO

Shelter WF housing design competition showcases fresh ideas

Shelter WF, a community nonprofit concerned with affordable housing in Whitefish, was awarded the AARP Community Challenge Grant in April and organized a housing design competition that sought ways to build missing middle housing.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 2 DAYS AGO

Bulldogs finish second in State A soccer tournament

The Montana Class A State boys soccer championship game on Saturday was a rematch between the Whitefish Bulldogs and the undefeated Billing Central Rams.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 2 DAYS AGO

Whitefish girls fall to Laurel in semifinals

The Whitefish girls soccer team had a season they can be proud of after stellar play and exemplary teamwork earned them a place in the State Class A semifinals. The Lady Bulldogs finished the year with a record of 10-4-1 after they lost to the Laurel Locomotives, 3-0 on Saturday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 2 DAYS AGO

Last-minute goal sends Bulldogs into soccer championship

The Whitefish boys soccer team advanced to Class A finals with a 4-3 win over the Stevensville Yellowjackets on Saturday with a dramatic game-winning goal from Rowan Perkins in the 88th minute.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 2 DAYS AGO

Growth policy big topic with Community Development Board

The Whitefish Community Development Board denied a request for a parking variance and recommended approval for some city housekeeping tasks at its meeting last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 WEEKS, 2 DAYS AGO

Council discusses Safe Streets grant; open container ordinance

The Whitefish City Council heard an update on the Safe Streets for All grant and discussed the city’s open container ordinance at a work session last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 WEEKS, 2 DAYS AGO

Boys soccer through to the semifinals

The Bulldogs soccer team won its first-round playoff game in Big Sky.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 WEEKS, 2 DAYS AGO

Girls soccer team advances to semifinals with win over Hamilton

The Lady Bulldogs came away with a 1-0 win in the first round of the playoffs against Hamilton on Saturday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 WEEKS, 2 DAYS AGO

Whitefish loses close one to Wildkats; shut out Thompson Falls

The Whitefish girls soccer team met the Wildkats again, this time in Columbia Falls. At the end of the hard-fought battle, Columbia Falls won the game 1-0.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish Council discusses impact fee revenue

Last week the Whitefish City Council unanimously approved its 2024 Impact Fee Report and adopted an agreement amendment with Verizon.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO

Local farmer sows powerhouse honeyberries

When David Dunn bought his property on Farm to Market Road in 2012, with his dog, Shayla, the land was raw and was hosting his neighbor’s cows.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO

Bulldog boys soccer ties with top-rated Columbia Falls

It was another thrilling rivalry game when the Bulldogs met the Wildcats in Columbia Falls last Tuesday, with the match ending in a 1-1 tie.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO

Boys soccer notches two more wins against Bigfork, Hamilton

The Whitefish boys soccer team met Bigfork for the Bulldog’s homecoming game and came away with a 10-1 win.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

Six vie for Whitefish government review commission

Six candidates are running for five commissioner positions with the Local Government Study committee.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

Ski flick 'Wasteland' features local Chris Logan

With less than 60 days until opening day at Whitefish Mountain Resort, it is time to turn up the stoke with ski movies. The Remington Bar is the place to be to see “Wasteland,” a Level 1 film featuring local skier Chris Logan.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

Dunnigan honored with Governor’s Arts Award

Local troubadour John Dunnigan has been making music in Whitefish since he moved to the Flathead Valley in 1978.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

Ski flick 'Wasteland' features local Chris Logan

With less than 60 days until opening day at Whitefish Mountain Resort, it is time to turn up the stoke with ski movies. The Remington Bar is the place to be to see “Wasteland,” a Level 1 film featuring local skier Chris Logan.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish girls add two wins, Bigfork, Loyola

The Whitefish girls soccer homecoming game could not have been more exciting.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

REPEAT IGNORE Dunnigan honored with Governor’s Arts Award

Local troubadour John Dunnigan has been making music in Whitefish since he moved to the Flathead Valley in 1978.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

Over-the-top milkshakes feature of new Whitefish shop

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.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish skiers Maggie Voisin, Parkin Costain featured in TGR movie

Local freeride skier Parkin Costain remembers seeing epic Teton Gravity Research ski movies at the O’Shaughnessy Center when he was 11 years old and being inspired by skiers like Sage Cattabriga-Alosa.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

Chairlift: Searching for the missing glove

Last Wednesday's warm weather moved me to clock out midday for a few hours and hike some of Big Mountain with my dogs.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 2 WEEKS AGO

Bulldogs earn season’s first clean sheet

The Libby Loggers traveled to Whitefish last Thursday to play the Bulldogs at Smith Fields.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 2 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish girls soccer blanks Libby

Spectators of the first half of Thursday’s game between Whitefish and Libby saw a physical and back-and-forth battle.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 2 WEEKS AGO

Ski film with Voisin and Costain sparks stoke

Local freeride skier Parkin Costain remembers seeing epic Teton Gravity Research ski movies at the O’Shaughnessy Center when he was 11 years old and being inspired by skiers like Sage Cattabriga-Alosa.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 2 WEEKS AGO

Lesar family donation funds new DREAM headquarters

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.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 2 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 3 WEEKS AGO

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 PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 3 WEEKS AGO

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 PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 3 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 3 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish approves River Trail agreement

With just one public hearing on the agenda, the Sept. 16 meeting of the Whitefish City Council was brief.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 3 WEEKS AGO

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.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 3 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 4 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 4 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 4 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 4 WEEKS AGO

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?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 MONTHS AGO

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?
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS AGO

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 PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS AGO

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 PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

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 PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish City Council approves budget with tax bump

Whitefish City Council approved the final budget for fiscal year 2025 last month and prepared to send thank you notes for several donations made to the city.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Photos: The Springs at Whitefish car show, concert

The Springs Living in Whitefish has hosted an annual car show for years and this time around, they added a concert to the attraction.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish makes headway on shutting down illegal vacation rentals

The Whitefish City Council held a work session last week to get an update on the new short-term rental enforcement process and to discuss potential changes to the Legacy Homes Program.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish makes headway on shutting down illegal vacation rentals

The Whitefish City Council held a work session last week to get an update on the new short-term rental enforcement process and to discuss potential changes to the Legacy Homes Program.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish approves budget with tax bump

The Whitefish City Council approved the final budget for fiscal year 2025 at its regular meeting last week and prepared to send thank you notes for generous donations to the city.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

New edition of guidebook for Flathead Valley hikes released

The popular guidebook, “Day Hikes Around the Flathead,” originally came out in 1999.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

New edition of guidebook for Flathead Valley hikes released

The popular guidebook, “Day Hikes Around the Flathead,” originally came out in 1999.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Chairlift: Remarkable courtesy and insolence on the road

A typical ride down Baker Avenue can provide a myriad of emotional experiences and expose one to the full spectrum of human behavior.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Board recommends expanded storage for automotive sales

The Whitefish Community Board made a recommendation to the council in favor of a conditional use permit, approved one variance request and denied another at its meeting Aug. 15.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Monday mule meeting at Whitefish Credit Union

Sophie, Penny, Peaches, Saltese, Rufus and Judy, six mules who pack crews in and out of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, visited the Whitefish Credit Union for a lunchtime meet and greet Monday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS AGO

Division I soccer match delights local community

The Flathead Valley community got a special treat Sunday night. The Montana Grizzlies and the Gonzaga Bulldogs, two Division I womens soccer teams that travel all over the West during the regular season, played in the Flathead Valley.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS AGO

Preschool expansion OK'd; East Sixth next up for rebuild

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously in favor of granting a conditional use permit for the expansion of Whitefish Community School located at 805 Park Avenue.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish settles class-action lawsuit over impact fees

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously last week to approve a settlement agreement in a federal class-action lawsuit over impact fees.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS AGO

Ordway takes reins of girls soccer team

The reigning Montana state champion girls soccer team, the Whitefish High School Bulldogs, welcomes a new coaching staff this year.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Keeping it chill in Whitefish

One downtown store, named for its vibe and that of its owners, Chill Clothing Company, stands out because of its original art work and top-notch customer service.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Sawtelle steps into head coaching position

A new coaching staff will lead the Montana state champion Whitefish High School boys soccer team this season.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish couple launches startup for paddle board cup holder

Do you wish there was an easier way to carry a Nalgene bottle or a can of pop on your paddle board?
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Chairlift: Lessons from grade school

I don’t know much French but I do know that du bois means ‘of the woods’ because I attended Ste. Genevieve du Bois elementary school.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish board approves preschool expansion

The Whitefish Community Development Board decided on two setback variances and made recommendations for two conditional use permits, one for a guest house and one for a school expansion.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

New pollinator gardens and park signs in Whitefish

What happens when the Whitefish Park Sign Plan meets and marries an idea for pollinator gardens?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Mountain Climber proposes intercity connector service

Recently, Elizabeth Wood, Director of the Mountain Climber, proposed a commuter bus plan that would provide transportation between Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

New pollinator gardens and park signs in Whitefish

What happens when the Whitefish Park Sign Plan meets and marries an idea for pollinator gardens?
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish Council OKs new parking regs

The five members of the public in attendance outnumbered the councilors at the Whitefish City Council meeting last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Repeat dock offenses rile councilors; viaduct upgrades move ahead

The Whitefish City Council last week considered a request for lakeshore variances, approval to get bids for the viaduct improvement project and direction for building the Whitefish Yards trails.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish's Lee Walburn eyes comeback after ruptured Achilles ends his Olympics bid

Whitefish High School alum and decathlete Lee Warburn graduated from Washington State University in May with a degree in humanities – although if you ask his parents, Janis and David, they’ll say he earned his degree in track and field.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish City Council approves contested airport hangar

Whitefish City Council on Monday approved a conditional use permit for a 5,400 square-foot hangar at the Whitefish airport despite public opposition.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish Council approves strongly contested airport hangar

The Whitefish City Council on Monday approved a conditional use permit for a 5,400 square-foot hangar at the Whitefish airport despite robust public opposition.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

The chairlift: Encroaching in Big Sky country

A bird flew into my dog’s mouth last Sunday afternoon.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish's Maggie Voisin drops into new career

How about retiring only to dive whole-heartedly into a few new careers? That’s just what Whitefish’s Maggie Voisin is doing.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Residents sound off on rockslide into lake

Several members of the community commented at the Whitefish City Council meeting last week about the recent rockslide caused by construction of a home on Whitefish Lake.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Council passes on proposed annexation policy

The Whitefish Community Housing Committee sought feedback from Whitefish City Council on a proposed annexation policy based on the goals in the 2022 Whitefish Community Housing Roadmap.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Quilters bring kindness to care facility residents

Orry Nail, president of the Teakettle Quilters' Guild, combined her big heart with her great idea to make nearly 100 quilted pillowcases for residents of Mountain View Health and Rehabilitation, formerly Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish's Pin and Cue marks four decades of entertainment

The Pin and Cue has been part of the Whitefish community since 1984, rallying spirits and providing a gathering place for all ages
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

73-lot Whitetail Ridge development approved

The Whitefish City Council last week approved a new 73-lot subdivision on Flathead Avenue.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Pin and Cue: Crowd-favorite business celebrates 40 years in Whitefish

The Pin and Cue has been part of the Whitefish community since 1984, rallying spirits and providing a gathering place for all ages
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Council reviews budget priorities for parks, streets

The Whitefish City Council had its second meeting to discuss and review the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget last week. No one from the public attended in person or online.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish hosts outdoor volleyball tourney this weekend

The second annual Flathead Valley Volley-Brawl will bring outdoor grass volleyball action to the field at Whitefish High School, Saturday, June 15.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS AGO

Picklers tickled with new courts at Smith Fields

The popularity of pickleball has exploded in recent years and now there are six, new, green and purple pickleball courts for players to enjoy at Smith Fields in Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS AGO

Major expansion for The Springs OK'd by Council

After hearing what Councilor Ben Davis called “thoughtful feedback” from the public, Whitefish City Council last week approved a planned unit development for an expansion of The Springs at Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS AGO

Best of Whitefish: Alpine Apothecary celebrates 10 years of being community connector

Owners and pharmacists Becky Stillo and her husband Josh are celebrating the Alpine Apothecary’s 10-year anniversary this month. Located inside Super 1 Foods in Whitefish, the pharmacy has won the Best of Whitefish competition for the last six years in a row.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

City's preliminary budget projects increase in expenditures

The Whitefish City Council met last week for the first of two work sessions to discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025. The Council will discuss the budget again June 10 and the final budget will be adopted in August.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Alan Dias retires after 25 years with Whitefish School District

After 25 years of taking care of the buildings and the people in the Whitefish School District, maintenance technician Alan Dias retired Apr. 30.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

The Springs expansion heads to Council with stamp of approval

The Whitefish Community Development Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of a proposed expansion at The Springs senior living community.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish senior Zonich to study for coaching career at Clemson

Whitefish High School senior Raymond Zonich soon will be heading to Clemson University in upstate South Carolina, and he seems more than ready for the change.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Vote on Whitefish airport hangar proposal grounded, for now

After over an hour of discussion, the Whitefish Community Development Board postponed its vote on a conditional use permit for a hangar on public land near the city airport.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

The Chairlift: The heart of community

A seemingly unremarkable experience during a recent trip to Stevensville in the Bitterroot Valley sparked thoughts of what community character really means and what is at its heart. It all started when I overheard brief conversations in a convenience store.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Hill eyes bright future through camera lens

Move-in day on the campus of the University of Montana is on August 20 and Whitefish High School senior Zach Hill is excited for the adventure.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish to ask voters if council could receive compensation

On May 6, the Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that will allow voters to opt to change the city charter.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS AGO

Local historian keeps stories alive

Gayle McCarron has served on the five-member Fortine/Trego Cemetery board for the last 16 years.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS AGO

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 …
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Let ‘er buck: Local teen launches bull-riding business

When Korbin Baldwin isn’t in class at the vo-ag center, or on the wrestling mats at Flathead High School, he is likely having a bull session with Whiskey, Tumbleweed, Flat White and Dust Demon.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

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.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

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 PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

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.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish begins chipping away at stock of illegal short-term rentals

Whitefish’s short-term rental specialist, Codi Evenson, has been on the job for about one month. She says she is already making headway in reining in the proliferation of illegal vacation properties as she builds the newly created position from the ground up.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Council reviews upcoming projects on Armory Road, East 6th Street

The developer behind a proposed 77-lot subdivision on Flathead Avenue pulled its three items from the agenda for the Whitefish City Council meeting last week, leaving no public hearings, but a handful of other considerations were addressed.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Apartment project highlights fee in lieu versus affordable housing units

The Whitefish Community Development Board voted to recommend approval for a conditional use permit for a 21-unit multi-family development on Iowa Avenue.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Looking back: Committee likes idea of Seventh Street bridge

County Sanitarian Les Espeland and Assistant Al Shoenhuth attended the city council meeting to acquaint the city with various sanitary problems in this area.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 7 MONTHS AGO

Let ‘er buck: Local teen launches bull-riding business

When Korbin Baldwin isn’t in class at the vo-ag center, or on the wrestling mats at Flathead High School, he is likely having a bull session with Whiskey, Tumbleweed, Flat White and Dust Demon.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 7 MONTHS AGO

World-class violinist performs at The Springs

Jack Glatzer is a world-class violinist who has played on every continent and in over 50 countries. Last week, he played for the residents of The Springs at Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 7 MONTHS AGO

City Council: Lake Park duplex project approved

Whitefish City Council on April 1 approved a preliminary plat for a duplex project on Lake Park Lane.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish City Council revisits plan for Depot Park townhome project

Marissa Getts, associate executive director of the Whitefish Housing Authority, met with the Whitefish City Council during a work session last week to discuss changes to the Depot Park Townhomes project.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

The Chairlift: Uphill travel

Often, when the skier beside me on the chairlift sees people hiking up, aka skinning, the mountain, they will say, “What are those folks doing? Why would someone do that?”
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Council looks at trail construction hurdles

No one from the public was in attendance at last week’s Whitefish City Council meeting but that didn’t shorten the proceedings. Construction of a bike/pedestrian river trail connection has been on the city’s to-do list for years and the council addressed the next step in the process.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Longtime middle school art educator Nanette Reed to retire

After spending 34 years at Whitefish Middle School, 29 of them as an art teacher, Nanette Reed will retire at the end of the school year. After tallying up the time she spent as a student and as a teacher at the school, she described the total as a “big …
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Offering hope: Nate Chute Foundation supports valley for 25 years

The Nate Chute Foundation has been providing the Flathead Valley with suicide prevention training and mental health support for 25 years.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

The chairlift: Snacks

I’ve never been one to go in for lunch on a ski day, so like many others, I carry treats.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Legacy Partners leader recognized with inaugural Linda Engh-Grady award

The Whitefish Community Foundation presented the first Linda Engh-Grady Award for Nonprofit Excellence to Heidi Van Everen, the executive director of Whitefish Legacy Partners.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

City supports Alpenglow project with $1 million in funding

The Whitefish City Council met last week to discuss a budget request from Housing Whitefish to support Phase 2 of the Alpenglow apartment project and to consider taking action in the Montanans Against Irresponsible Densification v. State of Montana lawsuit.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Townhome project OK'd for River Lakes Parkway

A townhome development on River Lakes Parkway was approved last week at Whitefish City Council’s regular meeting.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

New Tupelo Grille owner brings fresh look to popular Whitefish restaurant while leaning on tradition

Ownership recently changed hands and the interior of the Central Avenue restaurant has undergone a remodel, but the Tupelo feel and the menu favorites remain.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish business helps visitors explore the valley

Based in a cozy house at 541 Spokane Ave., Whitefish Outfitters & Tours helps visitors get out into the spectacular natural areas in and around the Flathead Valley.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Ode to the Snow Ghost Express

Please don’t tell my boss, but I spent two hours Friday having big fun on the Big Mountain. It was some of the best skiing I’ve had in a long time and it set my spirits soaring again.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Public gets involved in Whitefish's Vision 2045 plan

Whitefish hosted the first of several visioning sessions to gather public input for the growth policy update.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Mush: Flathead Classic draws sled, skijor teams from across the West

The 2024 Flathead Classic was held at the Dog Creek Lodge & Nordic Center in Olney last weekend. Races included skijoring and bikejoring as well as four-dog and six-dog sled teams.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Compensation for Whitefish City Council, judge to go on ballot

Whitefish City Council plans to put the issue of compensation for the mayor and councilors, including health insurance, on the ballot in November.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

PACE program, Spencer trails expansion, reburbished fire boat top council agenda

With only one public comment all evening, the Whitefish City Council made quick work of addressing a handful of items at its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish considers resort tax rebate changes for seasonal residents

Since Whitefish’s resort tax was initiated in 1995, at least 25% of it has been allocated to property tax relief. At a work session last week, the City Council had a preliminary discussion about potential changes to the allocation of those funds.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Flathead Valley sends three athletes to XC Junior Nationals

The Glacier Nordic ski team qualified three athletes for the 2024 Junior Nationals. Maeve Ingelfinger from Whitefish, Findley Dezzani from Columbia Falls and Liam Browne from Kalispell will head to Lake Placid, New York, for a week of racing next month.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Flathead Valley sends three athletes to XC Junior Nationals

The Glacier Nordic ski team qualified three athletes for the 2024 Junior Nationals. Maeve Ingelfinger from Whitefish, Findley Dezzani from Columbia Falls and Liam Browne from Kalispell will head to Lake Placid, New York, for a week of racing next month.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Council considers resort tax rebate changes for seasonal residents

Since Whitefish’s resort tax was initiated in 1995, at least 25% of it has been allocated to property tax relief. At a work session last week, the City Council had a preliminary discussion about potential changes to the allocation of those funds.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

River Lakes townhome project draws scrutiny from neighbors

At the second meeting of the newly-formed Community Development Board last week, members voted to recommend a conditional-use permit and preliminary plat for a nine-lot subdivision.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Documentary film recounts 'troll storm' against Whitefish family

An award-nominated documentary about a Whitefish resident who, with support from the community, fought back against hatred, will make its world premiere in Missoula later this month.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Looking back: Skier rescued from tree well; crime rate soars

A target of $3 million was announced for the Whitefish Credit Union at the annual meeting.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Chairlift: Don’t come this way

Dad started smoking when he was 12 years old.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Documentary film recounts 'troll storm' against Whitefish family

An award-nominated documentary about a Whitefish resident who, with support from the community, fought back against hatred, will make its world premiere in Missoula later this month.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Council discusses possibility for compensation

The Whitefish City Council discussed the possibility of initiating pay for the mayor and council members during a work session last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Council discusses possibility for compensation

The Whitefish City Council discussed the possibility of initiating pay for the mayor and council members during a work session last week.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Phase 2 of Alpenglow project OK'd by council

Approval of a deed-restricted apartment project was among the many tasks completed by the Whitefish City Council last week. The council also approved a handful of other requests and discussed a lawsuit.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Students shine at All-State Music Festival

The University of Montana hosted the 2023 MHSA All-State Music Festival last October. A remarkable number of Whitefish high school student musicians earned All-State honors: two from choir and five from the band program.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish students take part in growth policy update

Despite school being canceled last Thursday for a snow day, six Whitefish High School students ventured out to attend Whitefish’s Community Development Board meeting and participate in local government by sharing their ideas for the city's updated growth policy.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

New board recommends phase 2 of Whitefish apartment project

The Whitefish Community Development Board voted unanimously at its inaugural meeting last week to recommend Phase 2 of the Alpenglow Apartments development.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

New board recommends phase 2 of apartment project

The Whitefish Community Development Board voted unanimously at its inaugural meeting last week to recommend Phase 2 of the Alpenglow Apartments development.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Avalanche 12U brings home first place banner

The Glacier Avalanche 12U team won the first-place banner at the Brent Roeber Memorial Tournament, hosted by the Butte Copper Kings, on Jan 7. The team battled organizations from Idaho and Montana to make it into the championship game against the Spokane Jr. Chiefs.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Police Calls: Television calls 911, dog characterized as ‘mean mugging’

The police calls section is presented for entertainment purposes and does not reflect the nature or the volume of the calls received by local law enforcement.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

City Council preview for Feb. 5, 2024

Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Feb. 5 beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

The Chairlift: The Whitefish 'we'

The skiing was surprisingly good last week. Albeit odd, spring skiing in January was a hoot and almost everyone seemed to be having a great time.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish City Council hears proposed changes to Depot Park Townhomes project

At a recent work session, Whitefish City Council heard from the Whitefish Housing Authority and the city’s housing planner, Luke Sponable, about potential changes to the Depot Park Townhomes project.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Depot Park affordable housing project runs into funding issues

At a work session last week, Whitefish City Council heard from the Whitefish Housing Authority (WHA) and the city’s Housing Planner, Luke Sponable about potential changes to the Depot Park Townhomes project.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Council Briefs: Two properties annexed, new school resource officer, lakeshore permit approved

Deputy Mayor Frank Sweeney presided over the Jan. 16 meeting of the Whitefish City Council in the absence of Mayor John Muhlfeld. The council voted unanimously in favor of each agenda item, including the annexation of two properties and the approval of the School Resource Officer program agreement.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Flathead County Sheriff's Office adding more K9 teams

Sounds of a prolonged, one-sided skirmish echoed in a large warehouse recently, where Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies were taking part in a selection process for a new K9 handler.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 MONTHS AGO

Flathead County Sheriff's Office adding more K9 teams

Sounds of a prolonged, one-sided skirmish echoed in a large warehouse recently, where Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies were taking part in a selection process for a new K9 handler.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS AGO

Conservation commission earns big federal grant

During the 2023 Montana legislative session, the Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) was created, in essence by combining two natural resource protection agencies — the Flathead Basin Commission and the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3).
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS AGO

Council discusses annexation fee, infrastructure funding

The council chambers were mostly empty for the first Whitefish City Council meeting of 2024.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Whitefish loses a longtime friend Sam McGough

Sometimes, grieving the loss of a loved one elicits laughter as well as tears.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Canine hero tracks lost dachshund to reunite with owner

A 165-pound, 2-year-old Newfoundland mix named Gram became a hero last week in Whitefish. He was able to follow paw prints that led to a missing, dappled dachshund, named Finley, in the heavily wooded Swift Creek area.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Year in Review: Recapping major Whitefish news in 2023

In 2023, the community of Whitefish persevered and overcame obstacles together and alone.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Stanley Cup makes rounds in Whitefish

Nearly 35 pounds of sterling silver made quite an impression on Whitefish last Friday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Family-run hardware business celebrates 75 years in Whitefish

Nelson’s Ace Hardware and the town of Whitefish have been growing hand in hand for the past 75 years. Nelson’s offers steadfast support to the community, open seven days a week and closed only for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

The Chairlift: Wealth and winter wonderlands

My first and only chairlift ride thus far this season was when Chair 1 took me to the summit on Thursday, Dec. 7.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Council briefs: Business registration program, lakeshore protections among public hearings

The Whitefish City Council addressed two resolutions regarding fees and an ordinance about Lakeshore Protection regulations after Mayor John Muhlfeld and three council members took their oaths of office at the Dec. 4 regular council meeting.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Family-run business celebrates 75 years in Whitefish

Nelson’s Ace Hardware and the town of Whitefish have been growing hand in hand for the past 75 years. Nelson’s offers steadfast support to the community, open seven days a week and closed only for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Family-run business celebrates 75 years in Whitefish

Nelson’s Ace Hardware and the town of Whitefish have been growing hand in hand for the past 75 years. Nelson’s offers steadfast support to the community, open seven days a week and closed only for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Local blacksmith hammers out custom ironwork

It's the custom touches that turn a beautiful house into a spectacular home.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish’s planned 9/11 Memorial to serve as reminder of sacrifices made

The Whitefish Fire Department has fragments of the Twin Towers’ steel beams from when they collapsed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Local bareback rider becomes World Champion

They say nice guys finish last but that was not the case in the Junior World Finals in Las Vegas last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS AGO

Columbia Falls teen a bareback World Champion

They say nice guys finish last but the opposite was the case in the Junior World Finals in Las Vegas last week. Azreal Lara, an easygoing, low-key teenager out of Columbia Falls, competed in the senior bareback division and came home a World Champion.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 11 MONTHS AGO

Local rodeo riders compete in Vegas

Over 800 kids from all over the world come to Vegas to compete in the Junior World Finals rodeo for ten days each December.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish’s planned 9/11 Memorial will serve as reminder of sacrifices made

The Whitefish Fire Department has fragments of the Twin Towers’ steel beams from when they collapsed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS AGO

New workforce housing program sees support from city, local businesses

After pledging its support for the new Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program a couple months ago, the Whitefish City Council was pleased to learn that businesses are also stepping up to help fund the first year of the program.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Skiers, boarders play hooky on WMR opening day

Stoke was high despite low snow levels on opening day at Whitefish Mountain Resort when Dec. 7 marked the beginning of the 2023/23 ski season.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Ski resort set to open Thursday with busy season ahead

Local skiers and snowboarders have been crossing their fingers for more snow as they gaze up at the Big Mountain in anticipation for the ski season to begin.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

The Chairlift: The buoyant mood of a chairlift ride

My dad shared his love of skiing with his eight kids by telling us if we got ourselves to Whitefish, he’d rent a condo on the Big Mountain and buy our lift tickets.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Residents, advocates lobby Whitefish City Council to crack down on illegal short-term rentals

More than a dozen people clad in yellow T-shirts marched around the entrance to Whitefish City Hall last week before calling on City Council to crack down on illegal short-term rentals in the municipality.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Housing advocates make voices heard on illegal short-term rentals

Last week over a dozen people clad in yellow tee shirts marched around the entrance to city hall before filing into the council chambers and waiting in line with other members of the public to speak about the housing crisis in Whitefish and share personal stories related to the shortage …
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Friend of the Fish: Fitzgerald recognized for putting community first

Longtime Whitefish resident and business owner, Rhonda Fitzgerald, has been advocating for the community of Whitefish over the past 30 years.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Whitefish eases food vendor regs in city limits

A request from the City of Whitefish to amend vendor regulations to make them less restrictive was approved unanimously by the council at its regular meeting on Nov. 6. The changes were previously discussed by the council at a work session.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

New restaurant in Whitefish offers Mediterranean fare

The atmosphere of the restaurant is open and natural-feeling with soft yellow walls and butcher block-type tabletops.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Council approves housing development, several other items

Among the items addressed during a long meeting of the Whitefish City Council on Nov. 6, were annexations with zone changes, amendments to city code and the reconstruction of Karrow Avenue.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

New restaurant in Whitefish offers Mediterranean fare

Last month, Beldi, a new restaurant at 306 Second Street in Whitefish, opened its doors and began serving cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean and Levantine regions.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Ride your horse, rope the calf

If you were to see him riding one of his roping horses on the hills behind the Majestic Valley Arena with several of his trained cow dogs, you might think you’ve seen another ordinary cowboy. But…
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Whitefish OKs annexation of south gateway property

Developers proposing a mixed-use apartment project at Whitefish’s south gateway received approval from Whitefish City Council on Nov. 6 for the annexation of the vacant property, as well as a zone change.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Whitefish OKs annexation of south gateway property

Developers proposing a mixed-use apartment project at Whitefish’s south gateway received approval from Whitefish City Council on Nov. 6 for the annexation of the vacant property, as well as a zone change.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

SunRift brewery to open Whitefish location

In the past five years, SunRift Beer Company has become a fixture in Kalispell and soon, it will open its second location in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Whitefish band students set sights on New York City

Start spreading the news, the Whitefish High School band is preparing for a trip to New York City. The group’s small town blues will melt away as they enjoy three days, April 24-28, in the Big Apple.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Carpenter builds comfort and convenience into vans

If you’ve ever wanted to have a decked-out van to use for camping or for full-time living, a new custom van building company in Whitefish is able to help make that dream a reality.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Whitefish band students set sights on New York City

Start spreading the news, the Whitefish High School band is preparing for a trip to New York City. The group’s small town blues will melt away as they enjoy three days, April 24-28, in the Big Apple.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Council reviews traffic impacts of proposed gateway development

The developer of a proposed mixed-use apartment complex at Whitefish’s south gateway met with Whitefish City Council Oct. 16 to review potential impacts to traffic and a nearby neighborhood.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Local student heads to Alaska to teach skiing

Lots of kids in Whitefish start skiing when they start walking. One local skier who learned to ski on the slopes of the Big Mountain is heading north to teach skiing in Alaska.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

City Council OKs increase to Whitefish impact fees

Despite some “sticker shock” over new impact fee amendments, Whitefish City Council voted unanimously last week in approval of the new rates and policies.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Lions Club resumes growing food for community

Thanks to a few key donations of space, seeds and plant starts, Whitefish Lions Club members were able to get their hands back into the soil to raise nutritious produce for area families this year.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Renown scientists gather in Whitefish for sake of Montana lakes

The Whitefish Lake Institute held the Montana Lakes Conference last week at the Lodge in Whitefish. The theme for the 2023 Montana Lakes Conference was “Montana Lakes at Risk; Challenges and Opportunities.”
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Whitefish goes full throttle in cross-country championship race

With a backdrop of golden larch trees and a clear blue sky, the all-class state cross country championships were held at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell on Saturday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

PHOTOS: Whitefish fire celebrates Fire Prevention Week

The Whitefish Fire Department celebrated Fire Prevention Week with an open house last Sunday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Lions Club resumes growing food for community

Thanks to a few key donations of space, seeds and plant starts, Whitefish Lions Club members were able to get their hands back into the soil to raise nutritious produce for area families this year.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Sunrift brewery to open Whitefish location

In the past five years, Sunrift Beer Company has become a fixture in Kalispell and soon, it will open its second location in Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Whitefish harriers smoke course at Western A Fall Classic

The Whitefish cross-country team had a brilliant showing at the Western A Fall Classic at the King’s Ranch Golf Course in Frenchtown on Saturday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Whitefish postpones decision on annexation

After a somewhat contentious and complex public hearing, the Whitefish City Council chose to postpone a decision regarding the annexation and zone change for a property at the southeast corner of U.S. 93 and Montana 40 to accommodate a development known as Alpine 93/40.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Dogs help young readers develop confidence

Next time you visit the Whitefish Community Library, be on the lookout for paw prints that lead to the southeast corner of the building. There, dogs are hitting the books.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Council candidates share vision for Whitefish at forum

Seven candidates vying for three open seats on Whitefish City Council shared their visions for the city at a forum Tuesday evening inside the Oktoberfest tent in Depot Park.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Bulldogs perform well at 7 of 7 meet in Helena

The Whitefish cross country team traveled to Helena for the Capital City 7 of 7 Invitational last Thursday at the Bill Roberts Golf Course.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Hockey program attracts new players to the sport

The Girls Fall Into Hockey program wrapped up last week at the Stumptown Ice Den with a session of skills and drills followed by a 3 v 3 fun tournament.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Daughter takes reins at Howie's Tire after father's death

Whitefish lost a trusted friend when Howard Spain died on Sept. 13. He was 48 years old.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish caps golf season at state tourney

Three Whitefish Bulldogs had a long drive to Sidney for the Class A State golf tournament. Whitefish Coach Tait Rocksund said the players represented Whitefish very well during the 36-hole tournament.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Bulldogs post PRs at Whitefish Invite

It was a wet and chilly day for the Whitefish Invite at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club, but that didn’t slow down the Bulldogs, many of whom posted personal records.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish's proposed rental assistance program well-received

The Whitefish City Council showed interest in a program aimed at providing rental assistance to residents of Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish teams 5th at Western A golf tourney

The Bulldog golf team hosted the Western A Divisional tournament at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Proposed rental assistance program well-received

The Whitefish City Council showed interest in a program aimed at providing rental assistance to residents of Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Scholarship named in honor of beloved local nurse

Linda Orr’s friends describe her as a firecracker. The petite, southern woman with a huge heart was remarkable, genuine, funny and constantly going above and beyond.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Harriers put in strong effort at tough Mountain West

The Thompson Falls Invitational was held on Sept. 19 at the Rivers Bend Golf Course and was the first of three races in eight days for the Bulldogs.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Collaborative art installation project takes shape at Whitefish High School

Whitefish High School and the Stumptown Art Studio along with several local businesses joined forces three years ago to start work on a large-scale art installation.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Climbing competition at Stone Hill makes a comeback

In rock climbing lingo, to crank is to pull on a climbing hold as hard as possible. This month, climbers from all over the northwest are getting pumped for the return of the Koocanusa Krank, a climbing competition at Stone Hill in Rexford.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Climbing competition returns to Stone Hill

In rock climbing lingo, to crank is to pull on a climbing hold as hard as possible.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Bulldog golf improves steadily

Buffalo Hill Golf Club hosted the Kalispell Invite last week and Whitefish Coach Tait Rocksund said the Bulldogs played well.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

State legislation voids Whitefish’s ADU incentives

The Whitefish Planning Board recently approved changes to code regarding accessory dwelling units. Senate Bill 528 passed the Legislature this spring, making the changes necessary.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Viaduct to get wider pedestrian paths, lighting

Whitefish is moving forward with improvements to the viaduct crossing the BNSF Railway tracks north of downtown.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Gear Heads: Collaborative art installation project takes shape

Whitefish High School and the Stumptown Art Studio along with several local businesses joined forces three years ago to start work on a large-scale art installation.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish considers relaxing food truck regulations

Whitefish City Council is considering amendments to the city’s mobile food vendor regulations to make permits easier to obtain and more efficient to administer.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Smith Lake sees improvements as progress continues on expanding Whitefish Trail

While Whitefish Legacy Partners enjoys the afterglow of a successful 2023 Whitefish Trail Hootenanny, the nonprofit continues its work to ensure conservation, recreation and education on the lands around Whitefish for future generations.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Golf teams card three rounds in three days

The Bulldog golf team had a busy week with the Whitefish Triangular on Thursday followed by the two-day Kootenai Invite in Libby.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Cross country teams in top-3 at time trials

Despite a one-hour delay due to lightning, the Bulldogs competed well at the Mike Reynolds Time Trials in Cut Bank on Friday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Climbing competition at Stone Hill makes a comeback

In rock climbing lingo, to crank is to pull on a climbing hold as hard as possible. This month, climbers from all over the northwest are getting pumped for the return of the Koocanusa Krank, a climbing competition at Stone Hill in Rexford.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish considers relaxing food truck regulations

Whitefish City Council is considering amendments to the city’s mobile food vendor regulations to make permits easier to obtain and more efficient to administer.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Hadley takes his post as Whitefish's new fire chief

The Whitefish Fire Department’s new chief comes from a long line of firefighters and brings two decades of experience to the top job.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Golfers take on tough Meadow Lake course

Polson golfer Espn Fisher brought some big excitement to the Columbia Falls Intivation Aug. 28 when he made a hole-in-one on the 12th hole at Meadow Lake Golf Course.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Cross-country team posts top times at competitive meet

It was a great day of racing under partly cloudy skies at the Flathead Invite at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell last Friday, as the Bulldog cross-country team competed in three different races: freshmen only, junior varsity and varsity.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

McLaughlin continues baseball career at Oregon college

After playing baseball since he was a child, it seemed Mack McLaughlin was playing his final season last spring.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Confusion continues over planned Whitefish River bridge

A planned bridge over the Whitefish River and trails that connect to the path along the river as part of a major mixed-use development have hit several snags.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish City Council approves budget including tax decrease

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to approve the city’s 2024 fiscal year final budget, totaling $51 million.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Bulldog golf competes in Missoula

The varsity Bulldog golf teams competed in the two-day Corvallis Invitational.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Cross country kicks off season in Libby

Although the country team is still working to get the full team eligible, Coach Richard Menicke said it was a great first meet for the Bulldogs on Aug. 25 in Libby.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

City Council approves budget including tax decrease

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to approve the city’s 2024 fiscal year final budget, totaling $51 million.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Council briefs

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to adopt updated housing and rental prices, and the fee in lieu of affordable housing for the voluntary Legacy Home program at the Aug. 21 meeting.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Confusion continues over planned Whitefish River bridge

A planned bridge over the Whitefish River and trails that connect to the path along the river as part of a major mixed-use development have hit several snags.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Council Briefs

Whitefish City Council voted unanimously at its meeting last week to enact an emergency ordinance continuing the stage 2 fire restrictions.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Bulldog golf starts its season in windy conditions

The Whitefish High School golf teams traveled to Shelby for the Browning Invitational on Aug. 18 at the Marias Valley Golf and Country Club.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

City’s summer camp program dishes out fun for all

The Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Camp Program has been making summers fly by for children since the program began in 2009.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Council approves necessary Whitefish code amendments

The latest state legislative session passed a number of bills that caused Whitefish City Planners to make amendments to the city’s codes regarding zoning, subdivisions and architectural reviews.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Council approves ballot initiative to allocate some resort tax funding for housing

Last week, the Whitefish City Council adopted the ballot language and the ballot initiative to allocate 10% of the city’s resort tax toward affordable housing.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Railroad memorial statue finds new home at train depot

The life-size bronze statue depicts a railroad engineer, hands on knees with a slight bend in his back, listening to a young boy before him who is holding a model train engine in his hands.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

New Explore Whitefish executive director looks for balance

Whitefish’s longtime struggle with balancing tourism with a peaceful way of life ramped up when the pandemic triggered extremely rapid population growth.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Railroad memorial statue finds new home at train depot

The life-size bronze statue depicts a railroad engineer, hands on knees with a slight bend in his back, listening to a young boy before him who is holding a model train engine in his hands.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Local hockey player to play top Junior A level in Canada

The future of ice hockey is bright, thanks in part to the Glacier Hockey Association turning out stellar young players.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Council approves annexation, zoning requests on two properties

The Whitefish City Council employed the new zone change upon annexation process for the first time at last week's meeting.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish establishes new buffering regulations for marijuana dispensaries

Whitefish City Council voted unanimously last week to adopt amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance regarding marijuana dispensaries.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Who’s Who in Whitefish: Local podcast focuses on community programs and politics

Some might say that Ed Docter, the owner of the Montana Tap House, Tamarack Ski Shop and Dire Need Cannabis, has the gift of gab.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Council proposes using resort tax to fund community housing

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to review a proposed financial plan which reallocates resort tax funds to include community housing.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

City establishes new buffering regulations for marijuana dispensaries

Last week, the Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to adopt amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance regarding marijuana dispensaries.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Fire Chief Page retires

Firefighters encounter different scenarios every day so they develop the ability to think quickly, remain flexible and prioritize in order to make sound decisions.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Friendly outdoor group seeks new members

Walking is beneficial for fitness, and socializing is good for mental and physical health.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Friendly Whitefish walking group seeks new members

Walking is beneficial for fitness, and socializing is good for mental and physical health. For over 20 years, the Whitefish Walkers have been meeting daily to walk and connect with one another. The group would like to add new members.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Fire Chief Joe Page reflects on career in Whitefish

Firefighters encounter different scenarios every day so they develop the ability to think quickly, remain flexible and prioritize in order to make sound decisions. A long career in firefighting has prepared Whitefish Fire Chief Joe Page for the challenges he is facing upon his retirement.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Helping local causes a priority for Big Mountain Botanicals

A few months ago when Whitefish was covered with snow, the community rallied around a former ski patroller to help make his log cabin more livable as he dealt with some health issues.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Longtime friends, WHS grads head solar business in Whitefish

Two friends and former soccer teammates with a mutual interest in sustainability and renewable energy have joined forces once again, this time to help the valley turn on to solar power.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

New director looks to further connect Whitefish Housing Authority with community

In January, Dwarne Hawkins became the new executive director of the Whitefish Housing Authority (WHA).
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Local family hopes to overcome devastating house fire with community support

A house fire that destroyed a double-wide trailer home on Armory Road early Friday morning, June 23, left a young family displaced.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Nonprofit improves bike trails across the valley

Ever shred Spencer Mountain’s Otter Pop trail at mach chicken and hit a booter that sends your stomach into your throat?
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish City Council approves $49.3M preliminary budget

The Whitefish City Council approved the preliminary fiscal year 2024 budget at its meeting in June after two work sessions to review and discuss it.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Multi-family development gets green light in Whitefish

A large development that would provide 146 rental apartments, including some deed-restricted as affordable, was recently approved by the Whitefish City Council in a unanimous vote.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

City Council approves preliminary FY24 budget

The Whitefish City Council approved the preliminary FY24 budget at its meeting last week after two work sessions to review and discuss it.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Planning Board recommends zoning amendments to marijuana facility ordinance

The Whitefish Planning Board earlier this month voted unanimously to recommend zoning amendments that affect marijuana facilities within city limits.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Solar energy powers summer educational fun at farming academy

The normally quiet grounds of the Montana Veterans Home were shaken up last week when a hovercraft race was held on the premises.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Planning board recommends zoning amendments to marijuana facility ordinance

The Whitefish Planning Board last week voted unanimously to recommend zoning amendments that affect marijuana facilities within city limits.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish City Council considers a variety of items at latest meeting

The city has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to examine the safety of railroad crossings in town.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

New subdivision on East Second Street gets Council approval

A nine-lot subdivision was the first item up for discussion at last week’s Whitefish City Council meeting and after making one amendment, the council unanimously approved the request for preliminary plat.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Friends reflect on decades working for City of Whitefish as both retire

Sitting at a picnic table in Depot Park with two friends, one a soon-to-be-retired city accountant and the other, a newly-retired legal assistant, is a special treat.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

City takes first look at preliminary FY24 budget

The Whitefish City Council met last week to discuss the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2024 for the first time.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Owners plan to remodel historic Spokane Avenue building into event space

The historic building at 345 Spokane Avenue was originally the First Methodist Church of Whitefish in 1905.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Groups work to build more trails for adaptive bikes

Whitefish is among the top mountain biking towns in the country and a recent collaboration between two local nonprofit organizations is working to make trails in the area usable for more people.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Recreational nonprofits collaborate for more inclusion on the trails

Whitefish is among the top mountain biking towns in the country and a recent collaboration between two local nonprofit organizations is working to make trails in the area usable for more people.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

WHS senior Rya Hirsch’s involvement in clubs affirms interest in science

Whitefish High School senior Rya Hirsch remembers suturing cow tongues, using the da Vinci surgical robot and sitting in the rescue helicopter during a trip to Logan Health when she tagged along with the school’s HOSA Club.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Planning board recommends multi-family, deed-restricted housing proposal

The public showed up for last week’s Whitefish Planning Board meeting to comment about a proposed multi-family development north of the viaduct.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Council approves reworked landscaping code; water main project to wrap up soon

Over the last several months, the City of Whitefish’s Landscaping Code was completely reworked by City Planner Alan Tiefenbach and the planning staff.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Inaugural FishFest takes over downtown Whitefish

Spurring sales for downtown businesses between the closing of the ski hill and the start of summer is one reason for the FishFest, but according to the Whitefish Chamber Executive Director Kevin Gartland, the main reason is to celebrate locals supporting locals.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Inaugural FishFest takes over downtown Whitefish

This Saturday, May 20, downtown Whitefish is celebrating the first-ever FishFest, an experimental event put on by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Local teen artist’s mural draws attention to dangers of drug use

Whitefish is now home to an octopus, a monster of the deep. In a bright new artwork by Eliya Olstad, a large, colorful octopus represents the overwhelming power methamphetamine can have over people who get caught in its grasp.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Council assigns Business Transitional zoning district to gateway property

A recently annexed property located at the intersection of Highway 93 South and Montana 40 was the first to be rezoned with the city’s newly adopted WB-T (Business Transitional) district.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Historic Spokane Avenue building will be remodeled into event space

The historic building at 345 Spokane Avenue was originally the First Methodist Church of Whitefish in 1905.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Formerly Casey's, 101 Central will boast new restaurant

In 1905, a brick building was constructed on the corner of Central and Second Avenue in Whitefish and for over one hundred years, it served as a saloon.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

City acknowledges robust public participation vital in updating growth policy

A work session was held prior to last week’s Whitefish Planning Board meeting to discuss ways to attract public participation in the process of updating the city’s growth policy, known as Vision Whitefish 2045.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Planning board recommends WB-T in rezoning property on Highway 93 South

After much discussion at a meeting last week, the Whitefish Planning Board voted in favor of recommending the WB-T (Business Transitional District) zoning to an approximately 11-acre parcel of land at the corner of Highway 93 South and Montana 40.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish skatepark expansion will break ground in June

Activity at the local skatepark is ramping up with the warmer weather and this summer the expansion project will add features and even more fun.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Council approves higher density zoning for parcel near Park Knoll

Approximately 11 acres of a 31-acre parcel were successfully rezoned for higher-density housing at the last Whitefish City Council meeting.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Community-supported school celebrates 40 years

Many of the little kids in the class photos all over the office at the Children’s House Montessori School (CHMS) are upstanding, adult citizens of Whitefish now, and many of them have sent their own children to the same preschool.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Modest 24-lot subdivision on Pheasant Run gets city approval

Whitefish City Council, on April 3, voted unanimously to approve a preliminary plat to develop a 24-lot subdivision on 7 acres northwest of Pheasant Run, west of Highway 93.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Local conservation enthusiast takes over as director of The Bob

Clifford Kipp will begin his new job as executive director of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation next month and both parties are happy about that.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Council discusses adding C-PACE district, changing marijuana facility ordinance

At a work session last week, the Whitefish City Council considered a plan that could help businesses and also looked at potential changes to the marijuana facility ordinance.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Council discusses adding C-PACE district, changing marijuana facility ordinance

At a work session last week, the Whitefish City Council considered a plan that could help businesses and also looked at some potential changes to the marijuana facility ordinance.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Fire Department to buy new fire truck

The Whitefish City Council gave a thumbs-up to Whitefish Fire Chief Joe Page last week as they awarded a contract for a new fire engine.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

City concerned over bills relaxing regs on short-term rentals, ADUs

The Whitefish City Council held a special meeting Monday, April 10, to discuss what action to take on two senate bills that could potentially hinder workforce housing efforts in Whitefish; the bills will both be addressed in the Montana Legislature this week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Campaign sends generators to war-torn city in Ukraine

One of Whitefish’s newest residents, Yurii Zinchenko, recently gave a presentation in Kalispell that illustrated the amount of destruction that is occurring in Ukraine, particularly in his hometown of Kharkiv.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Campaign sends generators to war-torn city in Ukraine

Recently, one of Whitefish’s newest residents, Yurii Zinchenko, gave a presentation in Kalispell that illustrated the amount of destruction that is occurring in Ukraine, particularly in his hometown of Kharkiv.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

DREAM Adaptive Recreation hosts fourth annual Shred-a-Thon

Last Saturday, folks on the Big Mountain witnessed a skiing zebra, some funky chickens and a furry Viking flying downhill, along with about a dozen robust souls making uphill laps.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Council approves minor 4-acre subdivision on Colorado Avenue

At the Whitefish City Council meeting last week, Councilor Steve Qunell served as acting deputy mayor and only three other councilors were in attendance when they voted unanimously to approve a 16-lot subdivision on Colorado Avenue.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Recycling still on hold, city focused on trash bin education

Recycling and the proper use of animal-resistant trash bins were topics raised at the Whitefish City Council meeting last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Planning Board postpones decision on Highway 93 south property

The Whitefish Planning Board recently considered a zone change for a parcel of land with a somewhat contentious history, near the intersection of Highway 93 and Montana 40 and decided to postpone the item.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Local rock climbers care for Northwest Montana's crags

It was a splitter day at the crags.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Point of Rocks climbing guidebook

The directions in Montana climbing guidebooks are often more bewildering than helpful, sometimes using things like goats and indistinct creeks as landmarks.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Viaduct improvements hit snag with MDT approval process

The Whitefish City Council held a work session last week to discuss the status of the Viaduct Improvement Project.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Former WHS student, golfer takes up NCAA Division I rowing

The first year of college can be intimidating and even overwhelming for some students, with new classes, teachers, friends and for some, a new town.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Planning board recommends higher density zoning on property near Park Knoll

A public hearing was held at last week’s Whitefish Planning Board meeting regarding a zone change on about 11 acres of land owned by Carter Unger of Honor Bound LLC.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Council work session discusses updates to landscape, tree regulations

The Whitefish City Planning Staff has been cleaning up and updating the city’s Landscaping and Tree Retention and Preservation Standards.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Ski Kind campaign reminds users to be courteous on the trail

In winter’s predawn darkness, groomers work to create miles of pristine corduroy and tracks for skate skiing, traditional cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking and the quality of the trails will endure with a healthy dose of kindness.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

City awards engineering contracts for River Trail, Karrow Ave

The Whitefish City Council approved requests to award engineering contracts for two ventures, the Riverbend Trail Project and the Karrow Avenue Reconstruction Project.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish applies for grant to improve pedestrian safety downtown

City Council recently authorized a grant application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for work on the Whitefish Promenade concept designed to move non-motorized traffic through town.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

City to apply for grant that would improve safety near middle school

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to apply for a grant to complete the missing link section of the Whitefish Promenade.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Local chef finds healing through food

Like Buckaroo Banzai, a movie character from the 1980s who was a physicist, a test pilot, a neurosurgeon and a rock star, Lynon Lohof, Lead Chef at The Farmers’ Stand in Whitefish, is someone with a wide range of knowledge.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish puts pause on new marijuana dispensaries

The ordinance prohibits the approval of new applications for administrative conditional use permits for marijuana dispensaries.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Work begins on city’s new growth policy called Vision Whitefish 2045

The City of Whitefish Planning Department is preparing to begin the process of updating the city’s Growth Policy.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Council hits pause button on approving new dispensaries

The Whitefish City Council met for a work session on Feb. 6 to discuss whether changes need to be made to the marijuana facilities ordinance and last week, they passed an interim zoning ordinance to give them time to consider the issue.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Longtime liftie nears 50 years on The Big

Generations of skiers and snowboarders on the Big Mountain have enjoyed the same friendly face and warm smile when Chair One took them to the lift shack at the summit.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Community Solar Project on Monegan Road gets go-ahead

Last week, the Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to approve an agreement with Flathead Electric Cooperative that will produce even more clean energy.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Council Notes: Committee members appointed, response to commissioners

Deputy Mayor Frank Sweeney held the reins at last week’s Whitefish City Council meeting and after addressing one public hearing, the council appointed new committee members, opted to respond to the county commissioners and were informed of a new hire.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Local firefighter steps up to a challenge for cancer awareness

On March 12, Whitefish Firefighter Jamison Smith will head to the Columbia Center, the tallest building in Seattle, and run up the stairs as fast as he can while wearing his full structural turnout gear which weighs about 60 pounds.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Public unease spurs council consideration on dispensaries in city limits

Concerns from the public about the number and location of marijuana dispensaries in town spurred the Whitefish City Council to meet for a work session last week to discuss whether changes need to be made to the distancing requirements in the marijuana facilities ordinance.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Council adopts transitional zoning district

After over a year of public hearings and work sessions, the Whitefish City Council finally voted to establish the transitional zoning district (WB-T).
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Young bowler’s successes keep on rolling

For most people, bowling means renting a pair of shoes and having fun while heaving a heavy ball down the alley with the hope of knocking over at least a few pins.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Chief plant operator brings spark to wastewater treatment facility

Condoms and kitty litter, tampons and baby wipes are all things that should not go down the toilet.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Camp Scout and Gather place to mingle with variety of activities

The entire property, known as Camp Scout and Gather, has become the newest place for the local community to mingle.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Classroom collaboration yields unifying display at WHS

A collaboration between Whitefish High School art and language arts students resulted in a moving display with the punchy, alliterative title, “Staff Profile Project – Putting Personality on Paper.”
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Explore Whitefish director proud of accomplishments among challenging situations

After serving as the Executive Director of the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as Explore Whitefish, for the past 10 years, Dylan Deane-Boyle is heading 600 miles due west for his next adventure.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Example of ride-share program presented for city’s consideration

With the effects of climate change becoming more evident, many communities are looking at ways of easing their carbon footprint by carpooling, using public transportation or walking and biking more often.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Local author’s latest novel inspired by a true story about choice

A local author’s method of writing fiction involves trusting the characters to tell him the story.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Council looks at city’s annexation policy, could revise to streamline process

Last fall, the Whitefish City Council realized it needed a closer look at the city’s annexation policy before it would be able to approve the new transitional zoning district, WB-T, for the area along Highway 93 south of Montana 40. At a work session last week, council discussed a more …
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Short film aims to raise community awareness about climate change

A new 11-minute film shines a light on how the effects of climate change, if left unchecked, may redefine the Whitefish lifestyle, from skiing to hunting and fishing.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

A new generation of unique — House of Skye opens in Whitefish

The goal for the store is similar to that of Crystal Winters in that anyone who comes in should be able to find something unique for themselves or as a gift for someone else.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Discussions continue regarding Whitefish community solar project

Whitefish continues to hammer out plans to install a solar panel facility near its wastewater treatment plant along Monegan Road.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Discussions continue regarding community solar project

The Whitefish City Council held a work session prior to their last regular meeting to discuss the installation of a solar photovoltaic panels facility near the wastewater treatment plant along Monegan Road.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Camp Scout and Gather expands with grill, ski trails along Montana 40

As Montana 40 seems to be transforming into an ocean of mini-storage facilities, the Archer family decided to create a family-friendly destination for mini-golf, dining and hanging out with friends.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

City approves golf club’s request to secure mortgage

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously in favor of approving the mortgage securing Whitefish Lake Golf Club’s financing with Glacier Bank to fund their current remodel of the club house.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Council adopts refreshed housing committee

A City of Whitefish committee focused around housing will soon undergo a refresh and will include members of the public as well as city staff and councilors to bring fresh perspectives and more specific expertise to the group.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Conservation easement near Whitefish protects valuable wildlife habitat

Whitefish landowners recently placed a conservation easement on 655 acres along the Stillwater River.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Back to our roots: Fundraising efforts assist longtime Whitefish resident

In this season of gratitude and giving, some people in Whitefish have banded together to help a friend who is having a hard time. While the recipient of the love is longtime Whitefish resident and former ski patroller, Gary Cabell, everyone involved is feeling the benefits.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Year in Review: A recap of Whitefish news in 2022

As we say hello to 2023, the Pilot takes a look back at the news of 2022.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Young students learn about community through volunteering

For their latest six-week project, students visited the North Valley Food Bank.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

A new generation of unique — House of Skye opens on Central

During the night of Whitefish’s Christmas Stroll, Dec. 9, a new store opened on Central Avenue and it experienced a steady stream of visitors.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Young students learn about community through volunteering

Who are the people in your neighborhood?
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Nelson to retire from WLGC

Patient, focused, knowledgeable and positive — all qualities that describe a good coach.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish neighborhood approaches city with road issues

The condition of the roads in The Lakes neighborhood has spurred the residents to bring the situation to the attention of the Whitefish City Council.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Inn remodeled into unique Après Whitefish hotel

The former Stumptown Inn, located at 800 Spokane Avenue, changed hands, underwent a major makeover and has emerged as Après Whitefish, a boutique hotel with an eye on design that remains affordable.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Shelter WF ramps up fight for housing as legislative session approaches

Shelter WF is a relatively new organization that has been gaining traction in Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

The Lakes subdivision approaches Council with road issues

The condition of the roads in The Lakes neighborhood has spurred the residents to bring the situation to the attention of the Whitefish City Council.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish OKs affordable townhomes downtown

Construction will soon begin on 22 townhomes in downtown Whitefish that are 100% deed restricted for affordable community housing.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Local nonprofit agencies hope to share usable information on septic leachate

The Whitefish Lake Institute and the Flathead Basin Commission spoke to the city council at a work session last week about septic leachate, a problem that has been documented in the Flathead Basin since the 1970s. They also addressed the council about ways to engage the public for meaningful change.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Council green-lights affordable Depot Park Townhomes downtown

Construction will soon begin on 22 townhomes in downtown Whitefish that are 100% deed restricted for affordable community housing.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Retired sportscaster recalls colorful memories in new book

Peanuts and Cracker Jack, rally hats, the roar of the crowd.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Construction on Spokane finished for now; watermain replacement project to resume in spring

Whitefish drivers have all season to enjoy fewer backups on Baker Avenue since traffic has returned to two lanes on Spokane Avenue while work on the watermain replacement project pauses for the winter.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Retired sportscaster recalls colorful memories in new book

Peanuts and Cracker Jack, rally hats, the roar of the crowd.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish approves plan to address housing shortage

The purpose of the Housing Roadmap is to outline “a partnership framework and a range of strategies to drive action to address community housing needs in the Whitefish area over the next five years.”
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

City’s Housing Roadmap assists in planning of needed affordable housing

Efforts to make housing accessible and affordable for people who want to live and work in Whitefish was one of the items on the City Council meeting agenda last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Council needs a closer look at City’s annexation policy before approving WB-T zoning

The Whitefish City Council continued last week to address an ordinance that would establish a new transitional zoning district (WB-T) affecting properties looking to annex into the city along Highway 93 South near Montana 40.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Community Library director reflects on 36-year career

Just as a library houses resources for its community, a good librarian is a treasure trove of knowledge and memories. Whitefish has been fortunate to have such a librarian for over 35 years.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Downtown affordable housing development plans get Planning Board approval

What used to be known as the Snow Lot is now called the Depot Park Townhomes and the concept for the affordable housing project took a step closer to reality this week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

City stamps approval on mixed-use building

What is currently a tattoo parlor in a small, historic house will soon be a three-story building on East Second Street in downtown Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Potential new zoning district again postponed by Council

In a recent meeting, the Whitefish City Council revisited the task of establishing the WB-T (Business Transitional District) zoning district for the area just south of Montana 40 as an implementation of the Highway 93 South Corridor Plan.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Heart behind Toys for Tots provides Christmas for many in Flathead Valley

Many memories stem from tearing into presents on Christmas morning and finding soft stuffed animals, a cool game, or that first bike.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Council Briefs: City proceeds with elevated trail, Karrow Ave next for improvements

The Public Works Department got the green light to proceed with surveying and an engineering request for proposals for the Riverbend Path Project at the Whitefish City Council Meeting last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Quirky downtown store served as a home for the community

Whether you have relatives visiting who need souvenir T-shirts or you want to buy some chattering teeth, a yo-yo and a hand buzzer to cheer up a friend, Crystal Winters has been the place to go in Whitefish since 1979.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Youth mountain biking team gives kids camaraderie on the trails

Northwestern Montana is arguably one of the greatest places in North America for mountain biking.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Vibe Wellness Lounge opens on Central Avenue

When everyday stressors build up, shoulders rise and muscles get tense, a massage is one way to get relief.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Whitefish native combines passion for wildlife conservation, digital media in series

Do what you love and love what you do — it’s an expression that many would agree with but few have been able to make work.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

City staff gets go-ahead to begin viaduct improvement project

A presentation at a recent work session followed by further discussion after the regular meeting of the Whitefish City Council resulted in councilors giving the go-ahead to staff for initiating the first two phases of the viaduct improvement project.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Local video series host has big plans for future

Do what you love and love what you do — it’s an expression that many would agree with but few have been able to make work.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Lady Bulldogs fire up for overtime win in semifinal game

The Whitefish girls soccer semifinal game included overtime on Saturday at Smith Fields and the Bulldogs beat the Hamilton Broncs, 5-3, to secure a spot in the state championship game.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Council approves mixed-use subdivision off U.S. 93

The parcel, owned by Tracy Poole of True North Partners, LLC, is set to be bisected by a new public right-of-way connecting Shiloh Avenue and Whitefish, which will be built by the developer.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Transitional zoning plan inches forward

The long-awaited highway business transitional zoning district took another step forward last week during a work session as council gave staff further direction.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Bulldogs threaten but Pirates hold on

Despite a powerful push by the Bulldogs in the second half, the unbeaten Polson Pirates came out on top, 34-27 when the two battled in Polson Friday night.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Bulldogs run season-best times at Class A State cross country meet

The All Class State Cross Country Meet was held Saturday in Missoula under rainy skies.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Vibrant Roots brews up fermented mushroom and honey green tea

Everything about Brooke Lynn Dodson’s company, Vibrant Roots, focuses on mushrooms and bees, from her logo through the product line, because of their varied health benefits and ecological importance.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Cross country crushes Classic

The Bulldog’s boys cross country won the Western A Fall Classic on the challenging course at the East Glacier Golf Course on Saturday and the Whitefish girls team placed fifth.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Fall Into Hockey program introduces girls to the ice

When you think of the International Ice Hockey Federation, a six-year-old girl, barely as tall as a scaled-down hockey goal is not likely the first image to come to mind.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Council takes another step toward adopting updated Transportation Plan

Whitefish has taken a step toward adopting a plan that describes and prioritizes transportation goals for the city for the next 20 years.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

New city finance director looks forward to opportunities in Whitefish

Of all the things Lanie Gospodarek is looking forward to in her new job as the finance director for the city of Whitefish, growing a tomato sparks the most joy.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Runners post solid times at unique race in Helena

The Bulldog cross country runners participated in the Capital City 7 of 7 race in Helena last Thursday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Vibrant Roots: Finding balance through mushrooms and honey

Perhaps you’ve seen the colorful beverage in a glass bottle in stores across Whitefish and have wondered what Jun Tea is and how to pronounce it.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

More than 100 cats removed from Whitefish property

In early September, authorities and a handful of volunteers collected a large number of malnourished and neglected cats that were suffering with flea infestations and illnesses from a property in Whitefish.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Over 100 cats removed from animal-hoarding property on Edgewood

In early September, authorities and a handful of volunteers collected a large number of malnourished and neglected cats that were suffering with flea infestations and illnesses from a property in Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Bulldogs’ strong day two earns third at State

The Class A State Golf Tournament was held last weekend at the Hamilton Country Club. The two-day event saw some of the best high school golfers square off. The Bulldogs took home third place.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Bulldog runners fly through finish at home invite

The Whitefish Lake Golf Club hosted the Whitefish Invitational cross country meet last week and with temperatures in the 70s, it was a lovely day to race.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

U.S. House candidates for western district debate in Whitefish

Two of the three Montana western district congressional candidates participated in a debate Friday evening at Whitefish City Hall.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Bulldogs named all-conference; head to state championships

The Bulldog golfers played in the Western A Divisional tournament at the Cabinet View Golf Course in Libby last Friday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Council delays decision to adopt updated Whitefish Transportation Plan

Despite holding a work session ahead of the regular meeting last week and having to delay the plan two weeks ago, Whitefish City Council chose to postpone a decision to approve the Transportation Plan.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Cross country takes first and second in Thompson Falls

The Bulldogs cross country teams raced in the Thompson Falls Invitational on Sept. 20 and although Coach Richard Menicke said the team was short due to academics as a priority and injury, the girls team took second place and the boys took first.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Early detection helps efforts to thwart invasive species infestations

The Whitefish Lake Institute identifies aquatic invasive species growing in water bodies near Whitefish, and early detection has helped to stop infestations.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Whitefish’s Johnny Nix carries momentum to win Kalispell tournament

The Kalispell Invitational hosted 16 teams over two days last week and the Whitefish Bulldog boys came out on top.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Mayor issues proclamation declaring individual freedom

At the Sept. 6 meeting of the Whitefish City Council, Mayor John Muhlfeld read a proclamation of the City of Whitefish recognizing and supporting the right to personal autonomy and the right to local control.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Cross country has solid showing at huge regional race

The Bulldog cross country team competed in the Mountain West Invite in Missoula on Saturday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

The spirit of the Whitefish Summer Games endures

In a tournament where the real winners are determined by the amount of fun they had, everyone was a winner at the Whitefish Summer Games Soccer Tournament earlier this month.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Great Northern Wilderness Guides aims to make backcountry attainable

The idea for the company came to Browning in the summer of 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Mussel tainted boat snagged in Whitefish

On Aug. 31, a mussel-infested boat attempting to launch in Whitefish Lake was stopped by the Whitefish Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Inspection Program.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Trail opens new loops at Holbrook

The Whitefish Trail recently added almost 4 miles of looped trails with tremendous vistas accessible from Big Mountain Road while also making progress on another large project north of Whitefish Lake.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish's Billy Smith takes honors in Libby tourney

Last Friday the Bulldog golfers competed in the Libby Invitational on the Cabinet View Golf Course.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Cross country runners post PRs at Rebecca Farm

The Bulldogs cross country teams ran in the Flathead Invitational at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell last Friday.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish AIS Inspection Station stops mussel-infested boat; upgrades planned for station

On Aug. 31, a mussel-infested boat attempting to launch in Whitefish Lake was stopped by the Whitefish Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Inspection Program.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Legacy Partners celebrates multiple steps toward closing the loop

The Whitefish Trail recently added almost four miles of looped trails with tremendous vistas accessible from Big Mountain Road while also progressing another large project north of Whitefish Lake.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

City Council approves mixed-use development on Edgewood Drive

Yards from the dog park and just across the railroad tracks are 92 acres that will soon change dramatically.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish boys narrowly miss team medalist honors at two tournaments

Last week the Whitefish golf teams competed in a two-day tournament and later in the week at a home triangular invite where the boys took second at both.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Baker Avenue underpass unveiled with community celebration

Although the Baker Avenue pedestrian underpass has been functional for almost two years, it was officially opened last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, complete with speeches from Whitefish Public Works Director Craig Workman and Stumptown Art Studio Executive Director Melanie Drown.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Bulldog cross country boys first, girls third in Cut Bank

Whitefish High School’s cross country teams competed on Friday in the Mike Reynolds Time Trials in Cut Bank.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Bulldog cross country runners shine in Libby

Whitefish runner Deneb Linton took top honors at the Libby Invitational Cross Country meet last week with a time of 17:06:81, nearly five seconds ahead of the second-place finisher, Bauer Holloman of Flathead High
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Great Northern Wilderness Guides aims to make backcountry attainable

Madison Browning's vision for her new business, Great Northern Wilderness Guides, is to provide people with the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the backcountry along with the education needed to be able to get out on their own.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Council approves controversial marijuana dispensary on Baker Avenue

Last week, Whitefish City Council discussed and eventually voted to approve a conditional use permit for a marijuana dispensary to operate at 333 Baker Avenue.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Planning Board recommends approval of updated Transportation Plan

The Whitefish Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend amending the city’s Growth Policy by adopting the 2022 Whitefish Transportation Plan update.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

City approves a $53.4 million annual budget

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to approve the 2023 fiscal year budget without further discussion.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Bulldogs begin season with big win at Browning

The Marias Valley Golf Course in Browning was in great shape and featured fast greens last Friday for the Browning Invitational — Bulldog Golf’s first invite of the season.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

City Council meeting features rezoning requests, residential trash bin update

An applicant’s request for postponement last Monday night during the city council meeting shorted what would have been a long night.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Study says Whitefish needs 1,000 more homes by 2030

The refresh comes after the original assessment released in 2016 showed a need to add about 980 residences by 2020.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Bulldog golf teams look forward to another competitive season

The Whitefish High School golf team is ready to swing into a new season with Tait Rocksund in his second year as head coach and several returning varsity players ready to pick up where they left off last year.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Draft housing assessment reveals severity of Whitefish’s housing shortfall

A draft of an updated Whitefish Housing Needs Assessment that was discussed by city officials and community members last week predicts Whitefish will need over 1,000 homes built over the next eight years
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Summit Nature Center invites visitors to see landscape through eyes of a naturalist

On the summit of Big Mountain, it is common to hear questions like “Is that Glacier?” or “Can we see Canada?” from visitors and residents alike. To help answer those questions and educate people about various aspects of the northwest Montana ecosystem, the Flathead Forest and Whitefish Mountain Resort partner …
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Dispensary on Baker Ave gains planning board recommendation

The Whitefish planning board recently voted 3-1 in favor of recommending a conditional use permit for Vincent Remmel to operate a marijuana dispensary on 333 Baker Avenue.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Planning Board recommends new zoning, subdivisions on Edgewood

Four of the seven items on the Whitefish Planning Board’s agenda last month regarded the same property, approximately 66 acres south of East Edgewood Drive and east of East Second Street.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Kids Fair features helpful resources for new mothers, families

Kids of all ages could fish a rubber duck from the pond, have a giraffe balloon animal made for them or even spray a real fire hose at a plywood “house” while parents learned about the myriad of resources available to them in the Flathead Valley.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Major Whitefish events, festivals adopt zero waste practices

A visitor to the zero waste Whitefish Farmers’ Market will notice that everything they buy from a food vendor is compostable — all the packaging, all the food.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Regional SWAT team skillfully resolves conflicts as crime rate rises

Hollywood would have us believe that every time the SWAT team arrives, they bust through doors, blow down walls and run into houses with guns blazing.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Lake Triathlon returns; beginners to elite athletes compete side by side

After a two-year rest, the Whitefish Lake Triathlon is ready, set, go for Sunday, Aug. 14, at 9 a.m. The event has been a staple in the community for over 25 years and this year, the event’s main goal is to attract beginner triathletes.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

City Council resumes discussion of community solar facility

The City of Whitefish is moving forward with plans to install a large solar panel array at the site of the new wastewater treatment plant on Monegan Road.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Council seeks proposals for potential central recycling site

The City of Whitefish is once again looking into forming a centralized recycling site after the idea for curbside pickup of recyclables didn’t pan out.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Longtime landscape architect honored for years of commitment to Whitefish

A casual glance around Whitefish will give you views of tree-lined streets, flowing bike paths and green spaces and almost all of it originated with local landscape architect, Bruce Boody.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish martial artist earns master level in Soo Bahk Do

Seventeen years of dedication to the Korean martial art of Soo Bahk Do has brought Tanner Armstrong to the fourth degree midnight blue belt, or Sa Dan, the first of the master levels.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Request for two-story storage units on Hwy 93 approved

By a 5-1 vote, Whitefish City Council approved a conditional use permit for a mini-storage facility to be located to the west of the Army Navy store with an address on Highway 93.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

City considers new annexation policy that would simultaneously rezone property

The Whitefish City Council held a work session last week to discuss the city’s annexation policy and rezoning procedure and consider a more streamlined approach.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

City begins work to update Whitefish housing plan

The City of Whitefish is beginning work on a needed update to its strategic housing plan.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Council approves a mixed-use development on Spokane; obtains new parkland in exchange

Whitefish City Council approved plans for a large mixed-use building on the corner of East Sixth Street and Spokane Avenue — as part of the deal, the city was granted riverfront property for public parkland use.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Dancers, filmmakers hope short film in Glacier shows effect of plastic waste

Typically, a dancer’s costume is made of a material such as silk or satin but this summer, one dancer came to Glacier Park to perform in a dress made of plastic recyclables to remind us of the harmful effects plastic waste has on the environment.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Weed Rodeo helps restore landscape along Flathead River

When one knapweed plant has 30,000 seeds that will remain viable for up to 25 years, ridding the shoreline of them and other noxious weeds is a daunting task.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Slow Burn Records brings vinyl vibes to Whitefish

For several years, Mike and Dyan Colby often traveled from Texas to spend time in Whitefish and enjoy the rhythm of mountain living. Now they own the only record store in town, Slow Burn Records.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish garbage rates go up with new bear-proof cans

Whitefish residents will see their monthly fee for garbage service rise from its current rate of $10.78 to $17.25 along with the arrival of new bear-resistant containers.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

New on the block: Slow Burn Records opens on Spokane Ave

For several years, Mike and Dyan Colby often traveled from Texas to spend time in Whitefish and enjoy the rhythm of mountain living. Now they own the only record store in town, Slow Burn Records.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Weed Rodeo helps restore native landscapes along Flathead River

When one knapweed plant has 30,000 seeds that will remain viable for up to 25 years, ridding the shoreline of them and other noxious weeds is a daunting task.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Council Briefs: Bears already a problem; city budget, zoning change approved

Since the start of May, there have already been nearly 100 bear and wild animal conflict calls from the Whitefish area reported to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Council, city discuss preliminary budget numbers

Whitefish City Council met twice to hear from each city department head and review the proposed FY23 budget.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Planning Board recommends approval of mini-storage facility

The Whitefish Planning Board is recommending approval of a conditional use permit that would allow over 100 mini storage units in four buildings to be constructed within Whitefish city limits along Highway 93.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Dedicated yoga practice offers healing potential for all ages

Retirement from a long career can lead some people to feel depressed or as if they’ve lost a sense of purpose.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Shelter WF builds support to fight for housing

A grassroots organization dedicated to building public awareness around housing issues has formed in Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

City considers keeping commercial uses off Haskill Basin trail

Whitefish City Council does not want to allow commercial uses on the Haskill Basin section of the Whitefish Trail.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

City approves planned renovations for golf club

Whitefish City Council last week approved a plan that allows the Whitefish Lake Golf Club to renovate the clubhouse at the golf course.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Council approves plat for new commercial subdivision

Last week, the developer of a proposed commercial subdivision on Baker Avenue clarified an issue regarding access to the property, which led to City Council approving the plan.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Planning board considers request for storage units

The Whitefish Planning Board will meet on June 16 at 5 p.m. in City Hall.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Longtime Muldown teachers Snipes, Dowaliby retire

After spending 30 years at her dream job teaching at Muldown Elementary School, Shelly Snipes is retiring this summer. Her passion for teaching is as deep as her family roots in Whitefish.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Proposed city budget shows additional property tax relief

The City of Whitefish's proposed budget for fiscal year 2023 reflects the region’s record growth by showing an increase in resort tax collection which results in additional property tax relief, while simultaneously making the hiring of staff in several departments a major issue for the city.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish senior Aaron Dicks revels in service and leadership

Senior Aaron Dicks enjoyed giving back to the community and serving in leadership positions during his years at Whitefish High School.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Residents push back against City’s plan for bear-proof trash cans

In response to the City of Whitefish’s newly signed contract with Republic Services to provide individual, bear-resistant trash containers and service them on the streets, residents penned 52 letters of opposition and several spoke out against the change at a recent meeting of the Whitefish City Council.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

New colorful murals on City sidewalks carry vital message

Several city sidewalks in Whitefish were recently graced with artworks that are designed to make people take a second look and think about what is entering the storm drains.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Planning Board recommends mixed-use development on Spokane Ave

An unusually shaped piece of property described as difficult is one step closer to being developed as a mixed-use building and park with a recommendation from the Whitefish Planning Board.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Corvettes on display in Whitefish for Memorial Day weekend

The Funseekers Corvette and Yacht Club officially started in Whitefish in 1986 and while the club’s members do have fun and they do have Corvettes, there is nary a boat to be seen.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

MG Ventures gains recommendation from Whitefish Planning Board

An unusually shaped piece of property described as difficult is one step closer to being developed as a mixed-use building and park with a recommendation from the Whitefish Planning Board.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Additional Armory Park improvements set to begin

The Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department will move forward with phase 3 of improvements for Armory Park, Whitefish’s largest park, as the City Council awarded the construction contract for the work to AGC, Inc. last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Accessory unit regulation changes officially adopted

Whitefish property owners who wish to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) will have an easier go of it now that regulations governing such structures have been modified to streamline the building process.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Split zoning approved for recently annexed Highway 93 property

After being put on hold for a couple of weeks, Whitefish City Council recently approved a rezone for a 7-acre piece of property near the end of Pheasant Run that has had significant opposition from residents of a nearby neighborhood.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Corvettes on display in Whitefish for Memorial Day weekend

The Funseekers Corvette and Yacht Club officially started in Whitefish in 1986 and while the club’s members do have fun and they do have Corvettes, there is nary a boat to be seen.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Eureka-based artist gives skulls another life through intricate carving, painting

The skulls are rugged but the intricately carved designs are delicate.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

City awards contract for Spokane water main replacement

Whitefish is one step closer to repairing an ancient section of water main as the City Council accepted a bid and awarded a contract for construction on the Spokane Avenue water main project during its regular meeting on May 2.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Council postpones transitional zoning on Hwy 93 indefinitely

The Whitefish City Council voted in early May to postpone indefinitely a decision on creating a new transitional business district zoning, or WB-T, for the section of Highway 93 just south of Montana 40.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish to require bear-resistant garbage containers

Whitefish residents will slowly transition to using animal-resistant trash containers over the next few months. The new contract between the city and Republic Services means customers will now have individual 95-gallon bear-resistant containers picked up curbside and will see their garbage rates increase by $5.97 a month.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

ADU regulation changes near approval

After many hours reworking the regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Whitefish, the City Council on May 2 approved the first reading of an ordinance that is designed to streamline the building process and make renting the ADU to a local resident more appealing.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Amtrak’s Empire Builder to resume regular service

The Empire Builder, Amtrak’s northern cross country train line, is set to resume service seven days a week from Whitefish starting on May 23.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Spokane Avenue water main project set to begin

Whitefish got a step closer to repairing an ancient section of water main this week when the City Council accepted a bid and awarded a contract for construction on the Spokane Avenue water main project.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force surpasses powerful milestone

A small unassuming bungalow on Trumble Creek Road houses the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force — the first low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Montana that formed nearly 25 years ago.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

City to require bear-resistant containers for all residents

The City of Whitefish has decided to implement animal-resistant trash containers for all residents and businesses within city limits — and with that comes a rate hike.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Looking Back for May 4

The old Whitefish Memorial Hospital building was gutted by a smoky fire that took firemen five hours to bring under control.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish Parks and Recreation director honored for professional service in community

Maria Butts has always kept the importance of city parks and open land being free and accessible to all at the forefront of her job as the Whitefish Parks and Recreation director.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

MOST Physical Therapy expands business

Owner Ralph Simson’s plan to tear down an existing garage and build an accessory building to expand business operations at MOST Physical Therapy located at 576 Spokane Avenue will proceed as the company’s permit request was approved at the City Council meeting last week.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Foxtail to open new school downtown

The co-founders of an alternative learning school are working to open a friskola for children in grades one through three this fall on the second floor of the building that houses Loula’s Cafe.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Whitefish appoints Conway as new deputy chief of police

Some of the responsibilities of a deputy chief of police are hiring, mentoring and training younger officers. Whitefish’s new Deputy Chief Kevin Conway feels these are very important steps and that they are largely overlooked.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Local nonprofits deal with inflation, increased need

While prices for goods and services are on the rise as of late, many companies can offset the higher costs by raising prices but nonprofit organizations cannot.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Report states building permits hit all-time high in 2021

The number of building permits issued in Whitefish hit an all-time high of 1167, which includes a record number of new single-family homes at 129 units, according to the Planning and Building Department’s 2021 annual report.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Central Avenue project gets the go-ahead

A development project that will replace an older building on Central Avenue with four single-family units was recently approved by the Whitefish City Council.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Council approves bid for Texas Avenue project

Construction on Whitefish’s Texas Avenue project will move forward as the Council approved the sole bid that came in for the project even though it was over 20% higher than the engineer’s estimate.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

City looks to accessory units as a potential assist in housing crisis

The City of Whitefish is working to make adjustments to the rules on constructing accessory dwelling units in an attempt to help with the shortage of housing for local residents.
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Local business gets variance fees waived for potential solar structure

The Whitefish-based business Hurraw! Balm asked City Council last week to waive the variance fee for a solar panel installation on the edge of their property on Flathead Avenue and the council granted it. Hurraw said they are looking to pursue clean energy and energy independence, which fits Whitefish’s vision …
WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO