Ellington

Conductors claim railroad trying to squeeze them out of a job

Railroad workers charged last week that Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway wants to do away with conductors during a town hall-style meeting with Montana Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. in Kalispell last week.

Legals November 27, 2019

No. 2526 NOTICE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT REQUEST FOR FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT The City of Whitefish Floodplain Administrator has received the following Floodplain Development Permit application: A request by the Barrile Family Trust, with technical assistance from Core Water Consulting, LLC, for a floodplain development permit to place fill for the construction of a single-family dwelling, within the 100-year floodplain of Whitefish Lake. Fill was placed on the property under a previous permit approved in 2012, however it was not completed to the full specifications. The property owner is proposing to fully complete the project and is subsequently working on a Letter of Map Change to remove the area from the floodplain. The property is located at 1410 Wisconsin Ave and can be legally described as Lot 2, S30', COS 16603 of Barkley Tracts Subdivision in Section 24, Township 31 North, Range 22 West, P.M.M., in Flathead County, Montana. The complete application may be reviewed at the Whitefish Planning and Building Department at 418 E. 2nd Street. Written or oral comments concerning the above request should be directed to the Floodplain Administrator at the Whitefish Planning and Building Department, PO Box 158, Whitefish, Montana, 59937, e-mailed to bminnich@cityofwhitefish.org, or you can also call (406)863-2410. Comments should be received by Friday, December 13, 2019. In the event of substantial comment or protest to the issuance of the permit, the Floodplain Administrator may hold a public hearing to determine whether the permit shall be issued. Bailey Minnich, AICP, CFM City of Whitefish Floodplain Administrator November 27, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

Cap traffic on Sun Road

Glacier National Park and more appropriately the National Park Service seems hell-bent on ruining the visitor experience on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This historic and magnificent road no longer provides for a pleasant national park experience at the peak of the summer. It’s time the NPS set a daily or hourly cap on vehicle number in order to protect the road and park resources “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Construction begins for entirely affordable housing subdivision

Houses are under construction in Whitefish’s first completely affordable housing subdivision.

Recycling contamination all too common problem

“Clean and Green – Think Before you Throw.”

Old Man Walking hits 1,000-mile mark in fundraising campaign

Richard Atkinson, joined by students and teachers last week, celebrated his completion of 1,000 miles walked for his Oldest Man Walking campaign to raise funds for Whitefish Schools.

Wasabi celebrates two decades of sushi

The atmosphere at Wasabi Sushi Bar and Ginger Grill can feel like a gathering of family and friends.

Need to step back and think of legacy for Whitefish

I think it’s time for Whitefish to slow down, take a hard look at the unprecedented growth in our town and ask the community what legacy we want to leave for future generations.

Escaping America's newscycle while in Ireland

Though a “news junkie” I’ve grown deeply weary of the unrelenting impeachment coverage, and so was grateful to escape for a recent vacation to the Emerald Isle of Ireland.

Net Neutrality an issue too important to ignore

Net Neutrality is a policy issue that has been bouncing between Congress and the FCC for 15 years now. Currently, with Trump Administration reversing the Obama FCC’s regulations and the House of Representatives passing the Obama FCC’s regulations but the Senate Republicans declaring them “dead on arrival,” there are no federal net neutrality protections in place for consumers.

Students bring stories to life during novel project

For many writers — including a group of seventh-graders at Whitefish Middle School — NaNoWriMo is a month of hard work and creativity.

Planning Board recommends changes for CUP process for certain businesses

The Whitefish Planning Board last week recommended approval of zoning changes for the secondary business district, as well as changes to how public notice would be displayed.

Thanks, Richard

My husband Richard Atkinson is a remarkable man. He has been walking for school-related causes on and off for 10 years. Last Thursday morning he crossed 1,000 miles in the name of education! But even more important in my mind is that as he walks, he talks to kids — young kids, older kids — whoever happens to be on the walk with him that day. I watched him on his momentous day — engaged, listening, laughing and very much enjoying his time with school kids. Richard, you are a very special man, a wonderful asset to our community and the love of my life. Thank you for being you. If you would like to donate to the Old Man Walking campaign, please contact the Whitefish Community Foundation.

Counting the stars

One doesn’t need to be in love to see what spring is like on Jupiter or Mars, as is suggested by Bart Howard’s 1954 melody “Fly Me to the Moon,” a tune later made famous by Frank Sinatra. Instead, starry eyes can be traded for a clear night in Montana, a good telescope and a pinch of pragmatism.

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Whitefish City Council meets on Dec. 2 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

Glacier to begin study of east side elk herds

Glacier National Park will embark on a comprehensive study of its east side elk herd in the coming years.

Nordic youth programs start Dec. 3

Glacier Nordic Club’s youth programs for this season kick off on Dec. 3.

DREAM partners with Nordic Club

DREAM Adaptive Recreation is partnering with Glacier Nordic Club this winter to provide access to Nordic trails to individuals with disabilities.

Bulldogs earn postseason honors

Three Bulldogs earned All State honors for their play on the gridiron, while a number of other players earned All Conference.

Speech takes silver in C-Falls

The Whitefish speech and debate team had another good showing, this time at Columbia Falls on Saturday.

New parking restrictions approved for four streets

Whitefish City Council last week approved changes to parking restrictions on four streets around town.

Klara Elgestad Coffey Bedard

Klara Elgestad Coffey Bedard, 94, of Lewistown passed away early Friday morning, Nov. 22, 2019 at her home, where she wanted to be, of natural causes.

Lawrence (Larry) Schroeder

Larry passed away at his home Wednesday, the 20th of November. He was born in 1923 in Franklin, Minnesota.

Forest finds no impacts for expansion of resort

The Flathead National Forest has released a draft decision and finding of no significant impact for the expansion of the Hellroaring Basin at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

No headline

Wednesday, Nov. 13

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A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay.

Students collect pennies for food bank doubling donation amount over last year

The North Valley Food Bank got a nice boost during the giving season.

Community briefs for Nov. 20

Whitefish man pleads guilty to killing father

A Whitefish man accused of killing his father during a dispute more than a year ago pleaded guilty to the offense Thursday afternoon in Flathead County District Court.

DECKING DOWNTOWN

Whitefish was decorated for the winter season on Sunday morning.

From employee housing to resort, Izaak Walton Inn turns 80

In the 1920s and ‘30s, men who worked on the Great Northern Railroad near Essex had a tough life in the winter. Their jobs were to keep the railroad line over Marias Pass free and clear of snow — no small task considering the numerous storms that walloped the region and the frequent avalanches that shot over the tracks.

Ballet company presents holiday classic 'Nutcracker'

Behind the scenes of the Northwest Ballet Company’s annual “Nutcracker” performance is 44 dancers and community members, along with 65 hand-made costumes, dancers spending three to seven hours in classes and rehearsals per week, supported by numerous family, friends, workers and volunteers.

Uphill rules begin on Big Mountain

The Flathead National Forest and Whitefish Mountain Resort are reminding skiers and snowboarders that the uphill skier policy goes into effect on Friday, Nov. 22.

Pickert selected to All Northwest Honors choir

For Gabby Pickert, being named to the All Northwest Honor Jazz Choir is an exciting opportunity for a couple of reasons.

Legals November 20, 2019

No. 2519 Montana Eleventh Judicial District Court Flathead County In the Matter of the Name Change of Braxton Shewalter Braxton Shewalter, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-858 AMY EDDY Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Braxton Mitchell Shewalter to Braxton McBurney Mitchell. The hearing will be on December 03, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Flathead County. Date: October 24, 2019 PEG L. ALLISON Clerk of District Court By: /s/ AMANDA MOSSER Deputy Clerk of Court November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

Celebrating our nation's heroes and hidden heroes

November is not only National Veterans Month but also National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and thank the more than 40 million family caregivers in the U.S. This November, we should honor and pay respect to both: those who served our country in uniform and the hidden heroes caring for our veterans at home.

Medical association honors NVH physician for leadership on issues

Inside Dr. Jason Cohen’s office hangs a print depicting a Victorian doctor watching over an ill child covered in blankets, while her parents gaze helplessly in the background.

Warren's 'wealth tax' will trickle down

I’d like to take issue with some statements that were made by Mr. Baum regarding “Warren will provide a fix for Wall Street.”

A third option

More often than not, tax cuts lead to an increase in tax revenues. This has been true both in America and abroad. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 was passed a couple of years ago; and as predicted, the IRS collected 4% more in taxes in 2019 than it did in 2018.

Concerned with apartment project changing neighborhood

I am one of many concerned residents of what has been lovingly referred to as “Old Town Whitefish,” “The Historic Muldown Neighborhood,” or simply “Town.”

Increased review proposed for certain businesses

The Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday will consider a code amendment that would require hotels and motels and automotive service stations with convenience stores to obtain a conditional use permit to operate in the secondary business district.

Wear hunter orange

Hunter orange is a proven safety factor, reducing by up to 95% accidental shootings where someone is mistaken for a game animal. Hunter deaths and injuries declined markedly in Montana after adoption of mandatory Hunter Education and requiring 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist. The Flathead Electric Cooperative Roundup For Safety Program, Flathead Wildlife, Inc., and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have teamed up again to provide a free hunter orange safety vest to every graduate of FWP’s Hunter Education Program in Flathead County. You’ll see excited young hunters coming through game check stations wearing the vests and they are often visible in the “Preserve the Tradition” photos by FWI and FWP showing young hunters with game. If you want your young hunter’s success featured on FWI’s website or Facebook, send photos to flatheadwildlife.inc@gmail.com.

Better home cooking

Julie Hickethier has long had a passion for food and cooking, and she’s looking to provide the essentials for others to create great meals.

Students named semi-finalists for Merit scholarship

Three Whitefish High School students have been named National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists, an honor only a small percentage of high school seniors nationwide receive.

Increased enrollment prompts budget amendment for district

The Whitefish School Board on Nov. 12 started a two-part process for budget amendments that would address higher-than-expected enrollment and upcoming maintenance projects.

No headline

A weekly look at past Whitefish Pilot articles, compiled by Daniel McKay.

Community briefs for Nov. 20

Police Calls: Construction noise goes into the night

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Donald Wade Metteer

Donald Wade Metteer, 88, of Whitefish, passed away Nov. 5, 2019 at his residence.

Parking variance sought for planned mini-golf course

Those behind a plan to construct a miniature golf course on Edgewood Place are seeking a variance from city parking requirements.

Fundraisers set up for girl hit by vehicle

A 6-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle and sustained injuries after school on Tuesday, Nov. 12 as she was getting off the school bus just west of Whitefish on U.S. 93.

District selects firm in superintendent search

The Whitefish School Board has selected Ray and Associates to help find a new superintendent for the district.

Forest timber, trail project garners approval

The Flathead National Forest on Monday issued a final finding of no significant impact for the Taylor Hellroaring Project.

Whitefish Credit Union passes $1.5 billion in assets

Whitefish Credit Union has surpassed $1.5 billion in total assets.

FEC safety program benefits Christian Academy

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Round for Safety program provided a grant to Whitefish Christian Academy for $3,000 for emergency door, lights and fencing.

Hole in one

Robert Rice got a hole in one at Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Oct. 24 on the No. 3 of the South Course at 135 yards using a 7 iron.

Volleyball players receive postseason honors

The Lady Bulldogs had two first team winners and an honorable mention for their play on the volleyball court this season.

Upton also earns honors

The story “Players Earn Postseason Honors” in last week’s Pilot failed to include Colter Upton as a second team All Conference selection for the Bulldogs boys soccer team.

Baker selected to lead state lodging association

Karen Baker has been selected as the chairperson for the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association.

The Northern celebrates 100 years behind the bar

Like a lot of memories formed over a few drinks at the Great Northern Bar and Grill, the precise history of the iconic Whitefish watering hole is somewhat hazy and imprecise, but legendary all the same.

Olney-Bissell student struck by vehicle while exiting school bus

A 6-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle and sustained injuries after school on Tuesday as she was getting off the school bus just west of Whitefish on U.S. 93.

Legals November 13, 2019

No. 2523 WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING At a meeting of the Whitefish Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 6:00 pm, the Board will hold a public hearing on the items listed below. The Board of Adjustments meets in the Whitefish Council Chambers at City Hall, at 418 E. 2nd Street, Whitefish, Montana. A variance request by Mark & Shelly Elliott to reconstruct a home within the 10-foot lakeshore setback and within the side and rear zoning setbacks. The property is zoned WR-2 (Two-Family Residential District) and is located at 1110 Birch Point Drive. (WZV 19-07) Minnich A variance request by Erik Wilson, on behalf of Wilson Brothers LLC, to the parking requirements of 11-6-2-E in order to construct an 18-hole mini-golf facility. Twenty-five off street parking spaces would be provided on site instead of the fifty-four required for a regular golf course (three per hole), with eleven additional spaces available on adjacent city property. The code has no parking provision for mini-golf facilities. The property is zoned WB-1 (Limited Business District) and is located at 559 Edgewood Place. (WZV 19-06) Taylor Documents pertaining to this agenda item are available for review at the Whitefish Planning & Building Department, 418 E. 2nd Street, Whitefish, Montana 59937 during regular business hours. Inquiries are welcomed. Interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and make known their views and concerns. Comments, in writing, may be forwarded to the Whitefish Planning & Building Department at the above address prior to the hearing or via email: bminnich@cityofwhitefish.org. For questions or further information regarding this request, phone 406-863-2410. WHITEFISH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Herb Peschel, Chair November 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

Traffic issues need addressing

Recently, City Council and city managers met to discuss Whitefish growth and street issues. So we all know rapid growth can overwhelm infrastructure, which possibly has occurred in Whitefish.

Quartermaster looks to increase VFW's community involvement

Not one to mince words, Sheila Coulter says the community’s view of the Lion Mountain Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is “cranky veterans at a bar.”

Wold always looked for ways to help others on mail route

Tim Wold says he’s always looking for an opportunity to help others.

Make the Census count for Montana

One of the most important civic duties Montanans will participate in next year is filling out and responding to the 2020 U.S. Census. At just nine questions long, the questionnaire might not seem like a big deal, but it is.

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Whitefish City Council meets on Nov. 18 at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall at 418 E. Second St. The following agenda items will be discussed, subject to change:

Climate change is about people

When you think about climate change, what do you think of?

City studies changes to utility rules

Whitefish is considering making changes to its utility regulations.

Vote Olszewski for governor

We will soon be electing men and women to represent us. I am encouraging you to get out and vote for Dr. Al Olszewski for governor and his lieutenant governor Ken Bogner.

Developer seeks city approval for apartment buildings

A proposal to construct two apartment buildings on property between East Eighth Street and East Seventh Street has been submitted to the City of Whitefish.

BNSF gives green light for Baker Avenue underpass

Whitefish is moving ahead with a major project called for in plans for downtown.

Waren will provide a fix for Wall Street

Do any of you who “invest” (gamble) your money on Wall Street actually know what you are doing? No, hardly any of you do. But, Elizabeth Warren does get it. She is threatening to expose this following fact and will try to correct it if elected POTUS.

Community briefs for Nov. 13

Season ski passes from days gone by

When we decided on the theme “Celebrating the Season Passholder” for this year’s Showcase of the Chefs, it started me thinking about season passes of the past — all the way back to “when did I get my first season pass?” My mom wasn’t a saver, so whatever the year, it was probably gone before my second pass was issued.

Rooster runs away from home

Thursday, Oct. 31

Glass recycling event Saturday raises funds for nonprofit

A Flathead Valley business is looking to provide a service for those wanting to recycle glass locally, and support nonprofits at the same time.

Church's Girls Night raises funds for work in Argentina

All girls ages 5-14 are invited to a Girls Fun Night — Argentina, on Friday, Nov. 15, from 6-9 p.m. at Whitefish Assembly, 150 Lamb Lane, Whitefish (off Karrow Drive). Parents are always welcome, too.

Players earn postseason honors

With a state championship and a semifinals appearance, Whitefish soccer had a successful fall on the pitch.

FVSEF to hold film showing, gourmet dinner this month

The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation is holding two fall events this month.

Lady Bulldogs fall short in divisional tournament

Despite coming into the divisional tournament as a third seed, the Lady Dogs couldn’t make the push to advance to state.

Speech and debate takes third in Ronan tourney

The Whitefish speech and debate team had another strong outing in Ronan, taking third in overall sweepstakes points.

Saving kids to save soldiers

Lending a helping hand can make all the difference, Dr. Craig Lambrecht says.

Ladies Night Out shopping event Nov. 15

An evening that has been called the “largest shopping event of the year” in Whitefish, Ladies Night Out returns to Whitefish on Friday, Nov. 15 from 5-8 p.m.

Center's annual avalanche workshop Saturday here

The Flathead Avalanche Center will offer the ninth annual Northern Rockies Snow and Avalanche Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center downtown.

Sweeney, Qunell, Norton earn seats on Council

Voters on Tuesday selected Frank Sweeney, Steve Qunell and Rebecca Norton to spots on City Council.

Legals November 6, 2019

No. 2520 WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The regular meeting of the Whitefish Planning Board will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 6:00 pm in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 418 E Second Street. During the meeting, the Board will hold a public hearing on the items listed below. Upon receipt of the recommendation from the Planning Board, the Whitefish City Council will hold subsequent public hearings for the items on Monday, December 2, 2019. City Council meetings start at 7:10 pm at 418 E Second Street in the Whitefish City Council Chambers on the second floor. 1. A request by the City of Whitefish for a Zoning Text Amendment to 11-2K and 11-9-2, to amend the Secondary Business District (WB-2) to move "hotels, motels, and other hospitality uses" and "automotive service stations and convenience stores within" from permitted uses to conditional uses, and reduce the bulk and scale building footprint size requirement that triggers a conditional use permit from 15,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet. This change will also amend the definition of "hospitality and entertainment" and create a new stand- alone definition of "entertainment". (WZTA 19-06) Taylor 2. A request by Jason Evans for a Conditional Use Permit to construct an accessory apartment. The subject property is currently developed with a single-family dwelling and is zoned WR-2 (Two-Family Residential District). The property is located at 411 Somers Avenue and can be legally described as Lot 2 in Blk 6 of Whitefish Land Company Addition in S36, T31N, R22W, P.M.M., Flathead County. (WCUP 19-19) Compton-Ring 3. A request by the City of Whitefish for a Zoning Text Amendment to §11-7-8E(3); Conditional Use Permits, Procedures for Consideration: to increase public noticing from 150-feet to 300-feet and require posting a sign. (WZTA 19-07) Compton-Ring Documents pertaining to these agenda items are available for review at the Whitefish Planning & Building Department, 418 E Second Street, during regular business hours. The full application packets along with public comments and staff report will be available on the City's webpage: www.cityofwhitefish.org under Planning Board six days prior to the Planning Board public hearing date noted above. Inquiries are welcomed. Interested parties are invited to attend the meeting and make known their views and concerns. Comments in writing may be forwarded to the Whitefish Planning & Building Department at the above address prior to the hearing or via email: dtaylor@cityofwhitefish.org. For questions or further information regarding these proposals, phone 406-863-2410. WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD Steve Qunell, Chair November 6, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________

Federal grant assists DREAM with veterans programs

Whitefish’s DREAM Adaptive will offer some new programs and expand others thanks to a $28,000 federal grant focused on creating adaptive opportunities for veterans.

Survey finds most don't want more visitors here

More than 80% of those who responded to a city tourism survey believe Whitefish is overcrowded. While more than half of those same respondents say that the benefits of tourism outweigh the negatives, two-thirds feel that more tourism would not improve the quality of life here.

Bicyclist seeks answers following apparent hit-and-run

Greg Gustafson remembers a feeling of being hurtled through the air after a vehicle hit him, and afterward pulling himself out of ditch.

Whitefish tech business part of showcase

Whitefish tech startup Tourbase is set to compete with 11 other Montana-based startups in the second-annual Early Stage Montana Statewide Showcase on Nov. 7 in Missoula.

Community Briefs for Nov. 6

Forecast for winter season still uncertain

Will this winter be cold and snowy, or maybe warm and dry? The message, this year, is one of a wait and see winter forecast.

No headline

Whitefish adopts plan to manage downtown parking spaces

Whitefish had adopted a parking management plan for its downtown that provides actions for improving parking before constructing new spaces.

Foundation creates new program aimed at assisting homeless youth

The Whitefish Community Foundation is beginning a new program focused on assisting local youth experiencing homelessness.

Home burglars reportedly caught on video

Thursday, Oct. 24

Jessie M. Fauske

Jessie M. Fauske of Columbia Falls passed away at age 93 on Oct. 22, 2019.

Tom Sylvanus

A celebration of life will be held for Tom Sylvanus on Friday, Nov. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the Great Northern Bar.

Groups threaten to sue BNSF over bear deaths

A growing number of grizzly bear fatalities along Montana’s railroad tracks has prompted two conservation groups to submit a letter to BNSF Railway Co., announcing their intentions to sue the agency for violating the federal Endangered Species Act.

Whitefish-based NXGEN completes merger

Whitefish-based NXGEN International, a payments processing service, has undergone a series of big mergers with Payroc LLC and other businesses.

Speech takes second to start season at Kalispell Kickoff

The Bulldogs speech and debate team got its season going at the Kalispell Kickoff last weekend.

Lady Dogs sweep Browning in tourney play-in

The Lady Dogs are headed for the Western A Divisional Tournament in Dillon this week after defeating Browning in a play-in match on Monday.

Bulldogs can't keep up with Broncs in playoff opener

The Bulldogs’ good season came to an end on Friday, when they fell to Frenchtown in a Class A playoff matchup.

Freestyle skier Byle awarded Voisin scholarship

Olympian Maggie Voisin has announced that her namesake Freestyle Scholarship has been awarded to freestyle skier Conner Byle.

Objects to helicopter landing pad outside Whitefish

I am writing as both a concerned citizen and neighbor, to object to the proposed commercialization of the private helicopter landing pad located at 5560 Hwy 93 S, Whitefish. The current owner of that property, East Glacier Holdings, LLC,

Music common thread that brings us together

I had the great pleasure of singing in the annual North Valley Music School Faculty Concert. It was another reminder of how music changes lives and our community. This concert features the faculty and staff of Montana’s only nonprofit community music school here in Whitefish.

Two in a row

For the second straight year, the Bulldogs are state champs.

Trio performs top hits alongside classical favorites

Called “one of the best new trios in the music business today,” TAKE3 will play one night only at the O’Shaughnessy Center on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Chorale features songs with heart

Experience beautiful choral music both time-tested and new, expressing the many conditions of the human heart during the Glacier Symphony, Orchestra and Chorale’s With One Voice performances this week.

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For the second straight year, the Bulldogs are state champs.

Clinic holds open house for new depression treatment system

North Valley Hospital will introduce its new Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) system, which is designed to treat depression, at an upcoming clinic open house.