Community briefs for Jan. 15
Book Club
The Whitefish Community Library Book Group’s monthly meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room. This month’s book is “1491” by Charles Mann. This book is revelations of the Americas before Columbus. A fascinating , unconventional account of Native American life in the Americas prior 1492. It is detailed and well-researched. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, call Whitefish Community Library at 862-9914.
Scholarships
Flathead Electric Co-op is accepting applications for its $500 spring student-teaching scholarship between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31. The scholarship opportunity is provided for students completing their education degree while student teaching in Montana. The funding will be distributed in February.
To be eligible, the candidate (or their parent or legal guardian) must be a member of Flathead Electric Cooperative (served by the Co-op at their primary residence), and they must be attending an accredited post-secondary education institution in Montana. FEC offers scholarships for student teachers in both the spring and fall. FEC scholarships are funded through unclaimed capital credits which are dedicated for educational purposes by Montana statute.
FEC For more information or to apply, visit: www.flatheadelectric.com/scholarships.
Haskill Basin
The next meeting of the Haskill Basin Watershed Council has been scheduled on Jan. 15 in the Riverside Plaza second floor conference room, 100 Second St. East, Whitefish, at 6 pm. Enter from back of building on the second floor. For more information, contact Flathead Conservation District at 752-4220 or see the agenda posted on the website, www.flatheadcd.org.
Science Quencher
The Whitefish Lake Institute will host a Science Quencher event on Friday, Jan. 17 at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in the Regatta Room. Cocktails and appetizers are at 5 p.m. and programs began at 5:30 p.m. The evening includes lightening round talks from local science experts: Tabitha Graves, Research Ecologist, USGS; Antonia Malchik, author of “A Walking Life: Reclaiming Our Health & Our Freedom One Step at a Time;” Rachel Malison, Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Scholar, Flathead Lake Biological Station; and Erin Sexton, Senior Scientist, Flathead Lake Biological Station.
Nordic skiing
The Glacier Nordic Center at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course is open for the season for skiing, lessons and rentals. On Sunday, Jan. 19, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Glacier Nordic Club is celebrating Winter Trails with free ski passes, rental equipment, and lessons at the Glacier Nordic Center. Come on out and get some outdoor exercise and learn about cross-country skiing. There will be free 45-minute beginner lessons offered on the hour and free two-hour demo rentals available. Local naturalist, Dave Streeter will lead a two-hour ski from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. focusing on the flora and fauna of the area for intermediate and better skiers. For lesson reservations call the Nordic Shop at 862-9498. Glacier Nordic Club is a nonprofit, community, ski club with the mission of instilling a love of cross-country skiing. They groom trails on the Whitefish Lake Golf Course and on Big Mountain, offer youth and adult ski education programs and operate the Glacier Nordic Shop at the Golf Course. For grooming reports and more information visit glacernordicclub.org or call 862-9498.
Boat inspections
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on making the mandatory inspection-before-launch rule for the Flathead Basin permanent, according to a recent press release.
The rule is currently scheduled to expire on March 31, 2020, and removing the expiration date will allow the rule to continue indefinitely.
The rule, which launched as a pilot program in 2018, requires vessels and equipment traveling into the Flathead basin that have been used on waters outside of the Flathead Basin to be inspected prior to launching within the Flathead Basin.
According to the press release, “the rule has been very successful and is supported by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and other local stakeholders.” The agency has described the water inspection stations as Montana’s “first line of defense” against infestation by invasive species such as quagga mussels.
The public must submit their comments on the proposal by Jan.24, 2020 at midnight. Public comment can be submitted online at fwp.mt.gov or can send their data, views or arguments concerning the proposed action in writing to Tom Woold, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, Montana 59620-0701.