Looking Back for August 10

50 Years Ago

August 10, 1972

The Montana State Highway Department decided to drop their plans for four-way stop signs at the Spokane Avenue and Second Street intersections. “The Montana Department of Highways has decided to install lighted traffic signals at this intersection instead of the 4-way stop signs and flashers as previously planned,” said a letter from the highway department to city council.

40 Years Ago

August 12, 1982

All indications were that the Northwest Montana Fair might be one of the largest, according to the fair manager Bob Cartwright. “If the weather cooperates,” said Cartwright, “we hope to break an attendance record. The record so far is about 73,000.” A highlight of the fair was two grandstand shows by country entertainer Mel Tillis. Cartwright reported there were a few $8 reserved seats remaining.

30 Years Ago

August 13, 1992

Demolition and renovation began on the final phase of the historic Whitefish Depot project. Stumptown Historical Society’s Depot Management committee awarded the construction contract to Swank Enterprises of Kalispell, the low bidder at $130,000. A $26,000 heating and air conditioning contract was awarded to Denning Sheet Metal of Whitefish. Denning donated the temporary heat for the building last winter.

20 Years Ago

August 8, 2002

During a Whitefish City Council work session on economic development, a suggestion was made to swap land with North Valley Hospital. The potential move would involve NVH moving from its current eight acres to 19 acres of city-owned property on Baker Avenue. A wellness center and a swimming pool could also be placed on the land.

10 Years Ago

August 8, 2012

A lightning storm that passed through Whitefish is believed to have sparked a small wildfire that was spotted in the Whitefish Hills last Sunday afternoon. Whitefish Fire Department and state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation fire crews quickly responded and completely extinguished the blaze. The fire occurred in the woods a few hundred yards inside the U.S. 93 West entrance to Whitefish Hills and was between a half-acre and 1.5 acres in size.