Looking Back: Vice President Dick Cheney visits the Flathead

A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler 

50 Years Ago

Aug. 26, 1976 

Whitefish suddenly found itself standing in knee deep water after a deluge dumped 1.72 inches of water on the community between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Most apparent to its motorists and those pedestrians who risked having to swim for it at a moment's notice was the transformation of some intersections downtown into extensive, if temporary, lakes. Largest of the intersection reservoirs, brought about by the inability of even newer storm drain systems to handle the tremendous volume of water, was one at the intersection of Spokane Avenue and Second Street where Highway 93 makes a 90-degree turn. Water was door deep on full size cars and the wake behind trucks made breakers that crashed against the glass doors of the Pancake House. 

40 Years Ago 

Aug. 27, 1986 

The Flathead Valley's traveling women's soccer team placed second in state tournament play. Fourteen women from the valley formed a team and traveled to the eight-team tournament in Missoula with seven Whitefish Area players, including KC Zwisler. Nola Howard, Carolyn Head, Kathy Colucci, Lini Hilbun. Laura Strong and Sue Powell. On the first day of the tournament, Flathead Valley won all three of its games in 80-to-90-degree heat, according to spokeswoman Howard. They beat Missoula's Dasadi team 2-1 to advance to the finals. Also falling to Flathead Valley was Polson, 1-0, and the Missoula Flying Zebras 5-0. The next day, Flathead won the semifinal game against the Missoula Socking Heads 4-1. The team had to face Dasadi again in the championship. Despite having beaten them on Saturday, Flathead Valley fell 3-1 to claim second place. 

30 Years Ago 

Aug. 29, 1996 

Although official district wide enrollment numbers wouldn't be out until after Labor Day, it looked like more students would be attending Whitefish schools. The bulk of the increased enrollment is in Whitefish High and Central schools. "It's up, up, up," said Diane Evans, Whitefish High School secretary. "The lockers are full up." Last fall, Evans said she had 20 to 30 extra lockers, but this fall, it's a matter of seeing who wants to pair up. There were 673 students enrolled at Whitefish High as of Monday. The freshman class is by far the largest with 200 students. Followed by 168 juniors, 157 sophomores, 144 seniors, and four foreign exchange students. 

20 Years Ago 

Aug. 24, 2006 

Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to Whitefish on Aug. 16 was a quick one. In fact, Whitefish police blocked the Second Street-Baker Avenue intersection, so the official motorcade could race through on its way to and from the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. About 160 people paid $250 a piece for lunch and the chance to hear the vice president speak. Raising $40,000 for Senator Conrad Burn's re-election campaign. Supporters could also pay ???? for the luncheon and a photo opportunity with the vice president or $5000 to go fly fishing with Burns. Joining Cheney at the luncheon in support of Byrne's re-election were Montana Republicans Rep. Denny Rehberg, Montanan GOP chairman Carl Ohs and former governor Stan Stephens. 

10 Years Ago 

Aug. 24, 2016 

As the popular ride sharing app Uber moved into Montana, Whitefish had its own local driver. Raymond Pearson, a Whitefish native, was in his third week of driving for Uber. He was aware of two drivers in Kalispell, but as far as he knew, he was the only driver operating in Whitefish. His girlfriend also signed up and would begin driving soon as well. Uber, a ride-sharing company based in San Francisco, arrived in Montana earlier this month. Uber Montana held a pre-launch party at 406 Bar and Grill in Kalispell and a few drivers were operating in the Flathead Valley. They're not letting just anybody drive," Pearson said. "They want to make sure you have a reliable car. They're a pretty good outfit."