Conner
Conner, MT · Arts & Culture
Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish school board approves new hiring policy
Accountability, professional development for coaches and respect for administrative expertise were discussed last week as the Whitefish School Board approved a new hiring policy. The work session was in response to backlash after the board rejected a candidate recommended for hire by administration for an assistant track and field coach position earlier this spring. The board’s solution was to establish a clearer policy on the matter. The new internal hiring procedure excludes candidates from applying to new or additional extracurricular positions if the applicant has received a letter of reprimand in the last 18 months. The board debated a length of time from one to three years and compromised for 18 months. Trustee Quincy Bennetts vouched for two years and said the board must hold a high standard. “Because that’s what we do,” she said. “And ultimately if I have to hold accountability for something terrible happening while I’m sitting here, I’d rather say I tried.” Trustee Jerrie Boksich said she wants to see internal training. “If they can get that training within a year, I’m personally satisfied with a year,” she said. “But I want to be assured that they have the training and understand what the problem was
Whitefish Pilot
Longtime elementary school music teacher retires after 33 years at Muldown
Dawn Hashley retires this year after 33 years of instilling a passion for the arts in elementary aged students. She says that her time at Muldown Elementary School “[Has] been a really satisfying career.” Hashley grew up with parents who shared her similar passion for the arts, and her father taught drama and speech. She started playing the piano in Kindergarten and it has remained her primary instrument to this day. She originally attended Rocky Mountain College, pursuing both musical and athletic passions but decided that, due to an overwhelmingly busy schedule, she would move to Eastern Montana College, renamed as Montana State University Billings, and focus solely on music. Hashley taught fifth grade for one year in Opheim, Montana, before she was offered the opportunity to teach in Whitefish and return home to the Flathead Valley. She always knew that she wanted to work with elementary aged students. She appreciates that kids this age are “easily inspired,” she said, and that she could catch them at an age that would get them excited about music and about the arts. She particularly enjoyed teaching children with disabilities. She said that she particularly enjoyed witnessing the gift that these children were
Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish Arts Festival in Depot Park this weekend
The 47th annual Whitefish Arts Festival over the Fourth of July weekend is a cherished community event sponsored by Whitefish Christian Academy. Located in Depot Park, on the corner of Central Avenue and Railway Street, the Whitefish Arts Festival runs July 3-5. Hours on Friday and Saturday are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free. The Whitefish Arts Festival has a long history of drawing top artists and craftspeople from all over the country who work across the mediums from stellar canvas art pieces to top quality jewelry to unique sculpture and metal arts. In 2026, there are 153 artists and creators and at least 11 different food vendors lined up. See whitefishartsfestival.org/about-waf/ for the full line up or more information. Art lovers will also have an opportunity on Thursday, July 2 to stroll downtown Whitefish’s art galleries during Whitefish Gallery Nights. Twelve art galleries are open during special hours, from 5 – 8 p.m., on the first Thursday of every month during the summer. On July 2 Hollman Miller Gallery will host Heather Roth, who works primarily in Roman clay. Her process combines traditional wood finishing techniques with an intuitive approach
Yahoo!
Improvements underway at Polson Fairgrounds Amphitheater
Jun. 25—On the south edge of the Polson Fairgrounds, the roof, sides, and back are going up on the new Regatta amphitheater. The stage and tiered sitting area first took shape several years ago, and it has since accommodated concerts and last summer's performance by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish DJ performs at largest dance music festival in North America
Whitefish High School alum Nick Ferrington recently performed at Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), the largest electronic dance music festival in North America. Spanning three days, this music festival draws nearly 500,000 attendees. Ferrington says that he has always dreamt of performing at this concert and when he found out that he would be performing, he was ecstatic. It was “kind of a dream,” Ferrington said. Ferrington has spent the last few years working for the popular Electronic Dance Music (EDM) company Insomniac who puts on the EDC festival every year along with thousands of other popular events. Ferrington was fortunate to perform on the stage in the dead center of the venue at sunset. “As the sun goes down, you can see the whole place come to life,” Ferrington said. “[I] had to take a few minutes to stop and look around.” Ever since he played on turntables for the first time in the seventh grade, Ferrington has been drawn to music, he said. He started out renting out halls to perform for his friends in middle school and high school. He now currently splits time between Las Vegas, working for Insomniac, and Whitefish mainly as a private event DJ.
Lake County Leader
Improvements underway at Polson Fairgrounds Amphitheater
On the south edge of the Polson Fairgrounds, the roof, sides, and back are going up on the new Regatta amphitheater. The stage and tiered sitting area first took shape several years ago, and it has since accommodated concerts and last summer’s performance by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. The crowd not only faces the stage, but also has views of the Flathead River and Mission Mountains. Locals, including contractor Hu Beaver, engineer/architect Jason Delaney, builder Mike Lytton (who’s doing the actual construction) and master welder Dave Mercer, have pitched in and the revamped stage is almost complete. “It’s always been a natural amphitheater since the 70s when concerts were first held down there,” said Una Rose Graham of Polson Fairgrounds Inc. “For well over 50 years, it’s been a venue.” ”We’re looking forward to all kinds of musical events,” she added. Busy summer at fairgrounds In addition to the construction project, the fairgrounds is abuzz with summer events, beginning this weekend with the Mission Valley Northern Rodeo Association Rodeo. Action kicks off at 6 p.m. June 26-27 with youth events, including mutton bustin’, stick horse races, and a calf scramble. The rodeo begins at 7 p.m., with live music
Whitefish Pilot
Looking Back: Sapa records no-hitter
A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler 50 Years Ago June 24, 1976 Cortez A. Peacock was elected top Rotary official for his home area by delegates to the Rotary International Convention meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Before retiring in 1972, Peacock served for 30 years in the US Army and National Guard, attaining the rank of major with periods of insurance sales and chamber of commerce activities, Peacock is one of 358 men from 151 countries with the Rotary world elected as a District Governor for 1976-77. As governor of District 539, he would coordinate some 30 clubs in his district. 40 Years Ago June 25, 1986 The mayor of Whitefish filed a $267 claim against the city in a dispute with the building inspector over placement of a sign. The issue was thoroughly discussed at a council work session. No action was taken. Mayor Carroll Amass, a business partner in the new Jimmy Lee's Restaurant on Highway 93 South, claimed that an error by the building inspector cost him the money. City Building Inspector Harry Berg stopped the installation of a new sign pole in front of the restaurant, saying it was too close to
Whitefish Pilot
Broadway professionals take the stage in Whitefish for ‘The Great American Songbook’
Alpine Theatre Project presents “The Great American Songbook” on July 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. The two-night live musical theatre event features Broadway professionals performing the timeless standards of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Rodgers and Hart — the music that moved from Tin Pan Alley to jazz clubs, supper clubs, movie screens, and living rooms across America. Directed by Broadway veteran Tracy McDowell, ATP's artistic director — whose credits include the Broadway company of “RENT” and its live filmed production, as well as national tours and international productions — the cast features artists from Broadway, national tours, off-Broadway, film and television. Anne Fraser Thomas arrives from the original Broadway cast of “Queen of Versailles” alongside Kristin Chenoweth. LaTrisa Harper appeared on Broadway in “The Color Purple” and “The Lion King.” Cameron Mitchell Bell is a veteran of the Broadway national tour of “Annie” and the international tour of “Beauty and the Beast.” Matthew Sims Jr. made his Broadway debut in “The Wiz,” opened the 78th Tony Awards with Cynthia Erivo, and appeared on SNL 50 with Lady Gaga. Amelia Cormack comes to ATP from “Hadestown on Broadway,” with national tours
Whitefish Pilot
Dolly Parton tribute concerts this week
Whitefish Theatre Company, in collaboration with Merie Productions, presents The Music of Dolly Parton: A Tribute Concert for three performances on June 26, 27, and 29 at 8 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish as a part of the Whitefish Summer Concert Series. This high-energy celebration honors one of the most iconic voices in American music and brings her legendary catalog to life in a vibrant live concert experience. From chart-topping anthems like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” to deep cuts that showcase her unmatched storytelling and heart, this tribute concert is a joyful, heartfelt journey through the music that defined generations. Audiences can expect soaring vocals, rich harmonies, and a band that captures the sparkle, grit, and soul of Dolly’s enduring legacy. Equal parts concert and celebration, this production invites audiences to sing, sway and step into the timeless world of Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton’s influence stretches far beyond country music—she is a cultural force whose songwriting has shaped pop, country, gospel, and Americana for decades. Her music blends humor, heartbreak, resilience, and radical optimism, creating songs that feel both deeply personal and universally understood. This tribute doesn’t just revisit the hits; it
businessdailynetwork.com
Kalispell 4th of July Parade
The 4th of July Parade in Kalispell is the Flathead Valley's favorite. Join the celebration as the Flathead Marines host this year’s 4th of July parade. The Parade will start at 10 am and travel from Center Street down Main Street past the Flathead County Courthouse. Bring your whole family to view our Independence Day celebration! Kalispell knows how to throw a party, and you won’t want to miss it!
livelytimes.com
Glacier Symphony America 250 Concert at Rebecca Farm July 3
Under the direction of Maestro John Zoltek, the Glacier Symphony is preparing for a spectacular “America 250” celebration as part of the annual Symphony Night at Rebecca Farm. This special one-night-only concert will be held on Friday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell. Admission is $30 for adults, $15 for youth ages 13–17, and free for children 12 and under.
Char-Koosta News
From Ronan to Polson: Indigenous Murals Inspire Reservation-Wide Vision
POLSON — What began with two murals in Ronan has grown into a larger vision for celebrating the history, culture and identity of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Artists Aspen and Cameron Decker have already transformed walls in Ronan into vibrant displays of Indigenous art. Now, following approval from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council, efforts are underway to expand that vision to communities across the reservation.
Flathead Beacon
Bringing the Salon Concert Tradition to the Flathead Valley
When you’re looking to get your musical fill from instruments like the violin, bass, cello and piano, there’s typically one setting that comes to mind — a concert hall. You file into your small, a little-too-upright seat and prepare for a wave of sound from about 100 musicians to wash over an audience filled with a few hundred of your closest friends.
Hungry Horse News
Bigfork Eagle
Regal Ensemble kicks off summer chamber concert series
Despite dedicating most of his life to the piano and classical music, Jordan Nieman still struggles to describe the wordless rise and fall of intertwined notes and the give and take as musicians work together to bring a piece of music to life. Instead, he jumped to a very different metaphor to describe classical music, although it may be easier to grasp in Northwest Montana. “I’ve heard it compared to rock climbing, where there’s a riskiness involved in live performance where you could slip and fall, and all the musicians are up against that,” Nieman said. “It’s something you have to be there for. A live performance is a special and unique experience, where the music will never be just like that again." This week, Regal Ensemble, the Hamilton-based professional chamber ensemble of which Nieman is a member, is taking that risk. The group is bringing the experience of live classical chamber music to the Flathead Valley. Along with four other musicians, Nieman will perform in a series of concerts from June 18 to June 20 in Whitefish, Kalispell and Bigfork. The concert series is a dream project for Regal Ensemble, Nieman said. “Chamber music is collaborative, and it's fun
Whitefish Pilot
Local troubadour organizes Pam Tillis concert to benefit arts initiative
Maybe it was you, maybe it was me, maybe it was Memphis, but on June 18 it’s all in Whitefish. Local troubadour Jo Smith has organized a benefit concert featuring the legendary Pam Tillis and local favorite, Archertown, to play at the O’Shaughnessy Center on Thursday, June 18. The show is the debut of the Big Sky Troubadours Legends Series and will benefit the Troubadour Arts Initiative, a new nonprofit created by Smith. The Troubadour Arts Initiative will host songwriting workshops and retreats to share music as a source of connection and storytelling. Smith aims to work with other nonprofits, students and veterans to offer therapeutic and educational experiences. The daughter of country star Mel Tillis and multi-media artist Doris Tillis, Pam Tillis has shown decades of prowess in country music since her 1991 debut album, “Put Yourself in My Place” went gold, followed by countless top songs like “Maybe it was Memphis.” Smith said Pam Tillis is one of her idols and has had a big influence on her. Smith spent 16 years building her music career in Nashville and was named to Rolling Stone’s “10 New Artists You Need to Know” in 2017 and to CMT’s Next Women
unearththevoyage.com
Nicknamed the ‘Smithsonian of the West,’ This Montana Museum Holds Hundreds of Thousands of Incredible Artifacts
This small-town Montana museum has earned its “Smithsonian of the West” nickname by packing more than 340,000 artifacts into over 40 buildings. Set near Flathead Lake, it covers everything from transportation and military history to pop culture, classic cars, motorcycles, and rare collectibles. The variety is the real...
Whitefish Pilot
Photos: National Trails Day in Whitefish
National Trails Day is celebrated every year on the first Saturday in June. The annual day created by the American Hiking Society encourages people to cherish and preserve their local trails and to get involved. In honor of the day, Whitefish Legacy Partners hosted a volunteer trail building day near Beaver Lakes at the newly established Whitefish Legacy Center, which will open July 1. Across town, The Flathead Trails Association hosted the 2026 Trails Fest at Smith Fields. The event featured live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities under threatening but mostly friendly skies. The Flathead Trails Association is an umbrella nonprofit that helps connect partner organizations, land managers and volunteers. The Flathead Valley is home to a number of nonprofits that steward and support local trails, including Legacy Partners, Foys to Blacktail Trails, Gateway to Glacier Trails, Flathead Area Mountain Bikers, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Glacier Nordic Club, Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana and the North Fork Trails Association. The Flathead Trails Association 2026 Trails Fest was at Smith Fields Saturday. It featured live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities under threatening but, for the most part, friendly skies. Helen Pegram and other volunteers work to clear rocks