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Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish tennis wins big over Columbia Falls
Whitefish picked up the all important Cat-Dog rivalry win, as the boys and girls tennis teams defeated Columbia Falls handily on Tuesday, April 30. The Whitefish boys won 6-1, led by No. 1 singles player Jack Oehlerich, defeating C-Falls’ Jax Ramage 6-1, 6-1. Owen Erickson won his No. 2 singles matchup, while Walt Seigmund won at No. 3, and Logan Hyland won at No. 4. In doubles action, Whitefish faired nearly as well, with the No. 1 team of Dane Hunt and Buren Brust defeating Columbia Falls’ Logan Heupel and Will Pickard 7-6 (4), 6-1. Mason Kelch and Aaron Anderson won their...
Whitefish baseball notches wins over Browning, Troy
Florence-Carlton scored nine runs in the final two innings of its 12-1 victory over Whitefish on Tuesday, April 30. The Bulldogs were held to three hits in the loss.Brady Howke started the game, pitching the first two innings and striking out three, and Florence-Carlton went up 2-0. They would add another run in the third and then had a four-run rally in the fourth and five runs in the fifth. Florence-Carlton finished the game with nine hits.Ryan Conklin went 2-for-3 in the game, with a double and an RBI, while Calvin Eisenbarth also had a hit for the Bulldogs. At Florence-CarltonFLORENCE-CARLTON 12,...
Anita Phyllis Flint, 86
Anita Phyllis Flint, 86, passed on from this life April 17, 2024 at the Edgewood Memory Care facility in Kalispell.Anita was born July 8, 1937 in Missoula. She graduated from Missoula County School in 1955. She was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in a work/study program with a dentist during her senior year. After graduation she continued working as a dental assistant for another seven years until moving to Whitefish in 1963.Anita married Bill Flint on April 8, 1955. She was the mother or two sons: William M. Flint of Snohomish, Washington and Robert F. Flint of Whitefish. She was active in the Jayceens, the North Valley Hospital Guild, and was named one of the Volunteers of the Year by the JCPenney Golden Rule Award Program in 2000. Anita helped for years to rebuild and prepare the city Christmas lights for the next season. Anita worked as a seamstress at Martin’s Laundry and Dry Cleaners and at Tamarack Arts Stained Glass Studio. She was also an accomplished watercolor artist.She is survived by her husband, sons, and brother, Ronald Ramer of Missoula.A celebration of life will be held later this summer for family and friends.
The ecology behind sidewalk murals
Paintbrushes, frog wizards, pollution and Whitefish Lake — if you’re wondering what the missing link is here, a Whitefish High School advanced art student might be able to tell you. For the past few weeks, unpredictable spring weather pending, advanced art students have spread out across downtown Whitefish to revitalize sidewalk murals that were painted above storm drains in 2022. The murals can be found on Railway, First and Second streets.The murals are meant to bring attention to nonpoint source pollution. This type of pollution includes trash, oil, pet waste, fertilizer and natural debris that flows into storm drains and is...
Whitefish community blood drive at The Wave
The American Red Cross will host its spring Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, May 16 at The Wave, 1250 Baker Ave., from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The entire donation process takes about an hour. This includes check-in, a brief health review, drawing the blood and snacks afterward. Appointments are highly recommended and walk-in donors are appreciated. A blood donor card or a driver license is required at check-in. To schedule an appointment for May 16, call Merry Lynn at 406-250-0146 or go online to redcrossblood.org and search for blood drives in the 59937 area. It is suggested that people eat a hardy meal and drink plenty of water prior to giving blood. Snacks, water and juices will be provided at the blood drive.Every 27 minutes someone in Montana will need blood. A donation helps accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those receiving treatments for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell. Blood cannot be produced or manufactured; it can only come from donors. For further information about the American Red Cross Blood Donation Program and why blood donations are important, go to redcrossblood.org.
The origin of the Sapa-Johnsrud baseball tournament
The Sapa-Johnsrud tournament marks the end of the regular season for Columbia Falls and Whitefish baseball, but many folks don't know the origin of the tournament or what it means to the communities.The tournament honors two young baseball players killed in a tragic car-train collision on Aug. 6, 1984. On the fateful night, 16-year-old Jim Sapa tried to cross the railroad tracks past the gate in Columbia Falls at 12th Avenue West. His car was hit by an Amtrak train. Sapa and Ray Johnsrud, a 16-year-old passenger and Sapa’s best friend, was also killed.The two were headed home after Glacier...
Mountain Climber Commuters call for support
Dear Community Member, I am reaching out to members and businesses of the local communities to provide an update on the expansion of the service Mountain Climber provides. Our valley has grown immensely over the past four years and public transportation is no exception to feeling the effects of this growth. Recently, much time has been spent reevaluating how and where the expansion of transportation services would most benefit the residents of Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. It is the goal of Mountain Climber to use its limited resources in a pragmatic and efficient manner. To better support the transportation needs of the...
Jeffrey Mortenson, 54
Jeffrey Mortenson, 54, of Kalispell, passed away on April 27, 2024. Jeff is survived by his mother, Rose Mortenson and son Hunter Mortenson. No services are scheduled at this time. Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.
Hospital Corner: May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Spring brings a mixed bag of weather, along with the promise that summer is near. As we transition from the dark days of winter to the long, bright days of summer, May is a good time to prioritize our mental health through self-care.Mother Nature is ready to help! Exposure to sunlight produces a chemical reaction in our bodies that makes us feel good. Being outside in the sunshine helps in the production of serotonin, which some people call the ‘happy hormone.’ A mere 10 minutes in the sun can boost our mood. In addition to serotonin, sunlight increases levels of...
Karl George Borchers, 86
Karl George Borchers, age 86, passed away on April 17, 2024 at Kalispell Rehabilitation and Nursing.Karl was born on February 28, 1938, in Missoula, Montana, to George and Florence Borchers. Karl and his sister Adrienne Gue were raised on a dairy farm in Frenchtown, Montana. In 1960, Karl married Kathleen Louise (O’Neill) Borchers in Roundup, MT. They were married 63 years.Karl attended Missoula County High School and graduated in 1955. He moved forward with attending the University of Montana, graduating in 1959. There, he became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and achieved a bachelor's degree in accounting.After...
Family forestry expo this week offers hands-on learning
The Family Forestry Expo is an annual, weeklong event that offers hands-on exposure to the role forests play in our everyday lives. This year the Family Forestry Expo is May 6 through May 11 with the theme of “Forests-Landscapes of Many Uses.”Over 1,200 local fifth grade students from 28 schools, stretching from Eureka to the Flathead Valley, will visit the Expo between May 6 and May 10 to learn about natural resource topics. The students visit stations that provide educational presentations about fisheries, aquatic/riparian systems, archaeology, wildlife, fire, backcountry ethics, plant identification and forest management. Eighteen classes will tour either the...
Habitat Flathead seeks to engage more volunteers by providing free RV parking spots
Habitat for Humanity of the Flathead Valley’s goal is to increase the number of houses they build from three houses per year to over 10. To achieve this goal, Habitat Flathead needs to substantially increase their number of volunteers. One key source of volunteers for Habitats all over the United States is a group of volunteers called Care-A-Vanners, who are volunteers that travel from one Habitat home build site to the next in their own RVs at their own expense. Most Care-A-Vanners are retirees with extensive construction experience. They usually stay for a couple weeks at a time at a local...
Osweiler to hold camp at Legends July 20
High school and youth football players should circle July 20 on their calendars — Brock Osweiler is once again coming back to Kalispell to help with the Flathead Braves Football Camp.The day starts with a Quarterback-Receivers-Tight Ends throwing session for high school athletes from 9-10:30 a.m. at Legends Stadium. Then a youth camp for players in Grades 3-8 will run from 10:30 a.m.-noon.That will be followed by a “Legends of Flathead at Flathead” tailgate. Braves football coach Caleb Aland aims to have as many former Flathead athletic standouts attend as possible.It will be open to all the campers, and food will be provided by 406 BBQ and Sweet Peaks Ice Cream.Osweiler was a standout basketball and football player at Flathead from 2006-08, who then played quarterback at Arizona State University ahead of a 7-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans. He retired in 2019.Registration is $15 and can be done through at fhsbravesfootball.com: Go to “Schedules” and hit Camp Info.For more information contact Coach Aland at fhsbravesfootball@gmail.com.
Robbin Mecelia Lee, 86
Robbin Mecelia (Chervenka) Lee, 86 of Columbia Falls, gracefully passed into her next great adventure into Jesus' arms on April 21, 2024. She was born on Sept. 9, 1937, in Tacoma, Washington, and in 1959, married Richard G. Lee of Santa Barbara, California. She was widowed in 1971 and never remarried. She lived with her family throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska chasing dreams and misadventures for most of her 86 years. She is survived by her daughters, Wendy Lee of Columbia Falls, Caryn and husband, Bob Knauss of Manson, Washington; grandson, Cody and wife, Heidi Knauss of Grand Junction, Colorado; granddaughter, Logan and husband, Aaron Porter of Springfield, Oregon; and her very special friend Bob Walker of Whitefish. At Robbin's request, no memorial service will be held, but she asked that sunflowers be planted in her memory. Robbin loved and lived life well, it was a grand ride. Well done Mom. To send online condolences please visit Robbin's tribute page at www.austinfh.com.
James 'Jim' Lee Fifield, 71
James "Jim" Lee Fifield, 71, Aug. 6, 1952-Jan. 26, 2024, passed away peacefully in his Troy, home.He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Stacia Fifield; son, Daniel; and stepson, Justin French. He is survived by his sons, Blaine and Warren Fifield; his siblings, Frank Fifield, Tressa Coryell, and Jennifer Smith; and his nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.He graduated from Troy High School with the class of 1970. He began to work for Burlington Northern Railway, and had a successful career retiring with BNSF out of Whitefish. He was a lifelong classic car enthusiast. Jim enjoyed hiking to the many closed mines around the Troy area and was an avid reader.A friend to many, he will be missed.A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Milnor Lake Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to 2284 Kilbrennan Lake Road Troy, MT 59935.
Karl George Borchers, 86
Karl George Borchers, age 86, passed away on April 17, 2024, at Kalispell Rehabilitation and Nursing, in Kalispell.Karl was born on Feb. 28, 1938, in Missoula to George and Florence Borchers. Karl and his sister Adrienne Gue were raised on a dairy farm in Frenchtown. In 1960, Karl married Kathleen Louise (O’Neill) Borchers in Roundup. They were married for 63 years.Karl attended Missoula County High School and graduated in 1955. He moved forward with attending the University of Montana, graduating in 1959. There, he became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and achieved a bachelor's degree in accounting.After...
We’re not done yet: Over half a million to local nonprofits
Grants and special awards totaling $520,300 were presented to 68 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations May 2 at the Whitefish Community Foundation's annual community grant awards celebration.Recipients were joined by volunteers, donors and community members alike in a celebration of generosity across the valley. After handing out $385,000 in community grants, followed by $14,500 in special awards, Alan Davis, President and CEO of the Foundation said, “but wait. We’re not done yet,” before announcing a final $120,000 to Northwest Montana Community Land Trust for the acquisition of four affordable homes that will provide permanent housing to first-time homebuyers. “The growing generosity of our...
Corinne Isabelle Lundgren, 94
Corinne Isabelle Lundgren, 94, of Kalispell, passed away on April 27th, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday May 9th, 2024 at 11 AM at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Kalispell, Montana, Fr. Stan Rog, Celebrant. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Corinne and her family.
City Council preview for May 6, 2024
Whitefish City Council meets on Tuesday, May 6, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.Council meetings are also available for participation remotely through Microsoft Teams. The work sessions are also available for remote participation. For more information, visit the city’s website at www.cityofwhitefish.org or call 863-2400.Individuals are encouraged to provide written public comment to the City Clerk, Michelle Howke at mhowke@cityofwhitefish.org or deliver by 4 p.m. on May 6, at City Hall in the Utility Drop Box.Items on the agenda, subject to change:-Consideration of a request from JLA Whitefish LLC. for a permit to develop 21 apartments on .54 acres of land.-Consideration to submit a 124 permit for Riverbend/Miles Avenue Trail.-Consideration of an ordinance to allow members of the city council to receive compensation.-Other matters that may arise between April 29 and May 6.There is a work session at 6:20 p.m., before the regular meeting to discuss the Whitefish Fire Service Area proposed amendment to the Interlocal Agreement. This meeting is held virtually and is accessed with the same link that is provided for the regular meeting.
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The first edition of the Whitefish Pilot rolled off the press Jan. 23, 1904. For more than 100 years, the Pilot has provided Whitefish with local news, sports and features, and has played an integral role in documenting the city's transformation from a railroad town to a bustling resort community.
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