Looking Back: Parents learn about pot
Whitefish Pilot | UPDATED 1 week, 2 days AGO
Whitefish nine-year-olds, Shelly Wick and Hollie Mattheisen, along with canine companion, Hilda Wick, serve cherry Kool-Aid in 1986. The two planned to sell hot apple cider in October. (Steve Schunk photo)
A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler
50 Years Ago
Sept. 30, 1976
The aroma of burning pot wafted through Whitefish High School Monday night – legally. Sgt. Don Lamb of the Whitefish Police force lit the marijuana leaves as part of a presentation on drugs at the regular monthly meeting of the District 44 School Board. The board had asked Lamb to discuss the drug problem with them and the school district parents who were invited to the meeting. Nearly 100 showed up. School officials said they have dealt with four cases involving marijuana in the first three weeks of school. The penalty, said Assistant Superintendent John Morris, is immediate expulsion from the school, usually for the entire school year. If a student shows evidence of using marijuana but does not actually have it in his possession or appear to be under the influence, he may simply be suspended.
40 Years Ago
Oct. 1, 1986
Landowners along Highway 93 South might have some might have to landscape their properties if the revised draft of the Whitefish Master Plan is approved, according to the Whitefish City-Council Planning Board chairman. Claire Strickler, planning board chairman, also said last week the plan will put restrictions on how landowners develop their land because of the plan's interest in preserving the area's natural resources and wildlife habitats. The plan is designed to serve as a guide to ensure orderly growth and development of the Whitefish planning jurisdiction, which includes the City of Whitefish and four and a half miles beyond the city limits. In the 1970s, the state required a comprehensive plan which would oversee development, Strickler said. In Whitefish, the 70s was a decade of rapid growth. By the time the original plan was adapted, it was "almost outdated."
30 Years Ago
Oct. 1, 1996
The 2% Whitefish resort tax was already providing some of the relief it promised voters when it was approved a year ago. "I think the tax is doing exactly what we planned to do," Resort Tax Committee Chair Jack Fletcher said. With the first six months of receipts counted, the Whitefish Resort Tax Committee is pleased with the revenue. Since the city began collecting the tax in February, it has grossed $485,977. Of the total, $125,504 came from taxes on accommodations, $155,907 came from bars and restaurants, and $210,727 was collected from retail sales. In addition, the money had earned $2,837 in interest.
20 Years Ago
Sept. 28, 2006
Critics of the Wave's policy banning Christian music got their chance to address the health club's board of directors last week and by Monday, a new music policy was in place. According to the new policy, the wave "cannot and will not actively sponsor religiously based exercise classes," a board statement says. At the same time, "members are free to enjoy, through music or other expression, their religious beliefs at the wave, so long as such expression does not disrupt other wave activity and is consistent with the Wave's other fitness policies." Joe Coco Jr., who led criticism of the Wave's action, said he "drew the short straw" when deciding who among his group would address the board. He was accompanied by spinning instructor Bob Bouillon and Whitefish attorney Jim Ramlow.
10 Years Ago
Sept. 28, 2016
Travelers arriving in Whitefish by bike would be welcomed with extra hospitality after Whitefish Lake State Park added new campsites and amenities tailored to cyclists as part of a statewide program. During his first visit to Whitefish Lake State Park, Gov. Steve Bullock praised the partnership of the Montana Department of Commerce and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks that made the project possible. These facilities not only improve parks, he said, but also help the state economy. "It's amazing what's been done. Let's make sure our agencies are better working together to serve Montana, and this is an example where we can take commerce dollars and add to our state parks," Bullock said. "This is more than just something for folks from other states to enjoy. It's a big part of our economy. It's an important and significant first step when we look at those out-of-state tourists."