Columbus
Whitefish Pilot
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...
Big Mountain Road pavement preservation project resumes
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Knife River, is resuming construction on Big Mountain Road north of Whitefish. Last summer, crews dug out the top layer of the roadway on two targeted segments of Big Mountain Road. This year, work will occur between Smith Road and Glades Drive and include pavement overlay activities and additional digouts for sections of the road that are in need of repair. Construction is expected to begin in early June and continue through the fall. “As we improve Big Mountain Road with a larger pavement overlay, we appreciate your continued understanding and...
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.
Support completing the Whitefish River Trail
DREAM Adaptive Recreation and Safe Trails Whitefish are working with partners and community members to support the City of Whitefish's efforts to complete a safe, connected paved path system through town. The main path artery, the Whitefish River Trail has segments that are missing and/or inaccessible creating a safety issue for pedestrians. Our community needs a safe and accessible way for all people, regardless of age or ability, to travel by foot, bikes, mobility devices, in our city.Currently, the Riverbend/Miles Avenue section, a key segment, is at a critical point. This section is north of Kay Beller Park under Veterans...
Boat launch inspection stations open May 1
The boat launches at Whitefish City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park Boat will open May 1, 2024. Inspections will be available from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. During the month of May, decontaminations will be available Monday through Friday by appointment only. Boaters can call 406-212-0750 to schedule an appointment. The Decontamination Station will be open with regular hours by mid-June. For more information on Aquatic Invasive Species inspections, please call 406-863-2473 or visit www.cityofwhitefish.org/173/Watercraft-Inspection-Decontamination.
Looking Back - Whitefish School Board purchases land in Happy Valley
A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler50 Years AgoMay 2, 1974Whitefish voters would express their opinion, yes or no, on a requested special levy totalling $163,266.27 in the junior high P.E. facility. The purpose of the levy was to finance and maintain the educational programs presently in effect. One new program, girls basketball, would be added to the extracurricular program. The levy request amounted to $75,738.75 for the elementary district and $87,827.50 for the high school district.40 Years AgoMay 3, 1984More money was being spent by the City of Whitefish, according to treasurer Helen Doyle, than it...
Police Calls: Concrete blocks and dirt block roadways
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.April 10A GMC rear ended a black VW and continued to drive away down Highway 93. There were no injuries when a white truck hit the caller’s black Tacoma on Central Avenue and left.A resident of Baker Avenue said the noise from a dump truck unloading concrete blocks at her neighbor’s house was so loud, it “shook her house” and she would like the neighbors to be counseled.A parked vehicle was blocking a fire hydrant on...
Student Art: ‘Palm Springs’ by Lucy Olson
The art featured above is called “Palm Springs” and is a watercolor painting by Whitefish High School senior Lucy Olson in the WHS Art 1: Painting class. The Pilot periodically features art from Whitefish High School students.
Legals for May, 1 2024
NO. 2753 CITY OF WHITEFISH NOTICE OF PRESENTING TO THE VOTERS A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE CITY CHARTER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at its regular meeting to be held May 6, 2024, at 7:10 p.m., in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 418 East Second Street, the Whitefish City Council will consider an ordinance presenting to the voters of the City of Whitefish a proposal to amend Article II, Section 2.01(4) of the Whitefish City Charter to allow members of the City Council to receive compensation, such as a salary, stipend, health insurance, per diem, and mileage allowance, all as set...
Whitefish Pilot
3K+
Posts
2M+
Views
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.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.