Casino, restaurant planned in Happy Valley

A casino with a restaurant and bar planned at the intersection of U.S. 93 and Hodgson Road near Happy Valley will be considered by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment at a public hearing on Aug. 2.

Gary Ohs, owner of the property, and Den Gar Properties LLC have asked the county for a conditional-use permit to allow for a 4,500-square-foot bar, restaurant and casino on 3.8 acres where the Midway Motors car lot formerly was located.

Access to the new business would be off Hodgson Road. The property owner would provide 22 parking spaces, as required by the county zoning code. The planning staff report notes the business would have 20 seats in the gaming area, 11 seats at the bar and 40 seats at 10 tables in the restaurant area, for a total of 71 seats.

The property is located within the Blanchard Lake Zoning District and is zoned general business.

The Board of Adjustment has two other public hearings on its agenda.

Steven and Julie Kruger are asking for a conditional-use permit to establish a bed and breakfast facility at 2620 Big Mountain Road in Whitefish. The year-round residential dwelling on 2.1 acres would have two bedrooms and a bath to be used by guests. It would be accessed from Smith Drive, a gravel road off Big Mountain Road.

Flathead County Road and Bridge Department is asking for approval to build a 40-by-60-foot metal shop on 39.8 acres at 203 West Valley Drive. According to state law, the board has no power to deny the proposed use, but must allow a forum for public comment.

The board meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the second-floor conference room of the Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W. in Kalispell.