History - Looking Back for August 24
50 Years Ago
August 24, 1972
The Whitefish Jaycees sponsored their annual Demolition Derby for the sixth consecutive year. The derby was held at the Mountain Trails Saddle Club grounds in Whitefish. Those who have never watched a Demolition Derby had a treat in store as this type of racing was not performed with driving skills, but the lack of skills.
40 Years Ago
August 26, 1982
The developer of an unreviewed subdivision west of Whitefish conferred with the county attorney about the legal status of his project. The subdivision, called Elkhorn, had about 42 lots for sale. It had not undergone the review required by the state subdivision law for developments of more than five lots. Tom Cowan, county sanitarian, voiced concerns over sizable subdivisions springing up this way, using loopholes in the state subdivision law to avoid review.
30 Years Ago
August 27, 1992
The crowning achievement this year was the new $3.5 million Muldown Elementary addition and renovation, which consolidated all grades from kindergarten through fourth grade. Work by the general contractor, Swank Enterprises of Kalispell, was three to four months ahead of schedule, allowing the school to accommodate all 696 expected students from the beginning of the fall term.
20 Years Ago
August 22, 2002
The Great Bear Affair, a fundraiser that benefits three local non-profit groups, was getting ready for its grand finale and auction. The 20 life-size fiberglass bears, which had been imaginatively decorated by local artists and were on display since Huckleberry Days at the Park Side Federal Credit Union Park, were available for bidding at the Majestic Valley Arena. The benefit auction featured food catered by Affair Excellence and music by the Grin and Bear It String Quartet.
10 Years Ago
August 22, 2012
The School Board approved the design concept for a new Whitefish High School that had a lodge-like exterior marked by peaked roofs, covered walkways, and cedar shakes. “Early in the process we received very strong feedback from the community that we wanted a school design that was unique to Whitefish and that took advantage of the site of the school and maximized the view of Big Mountain,“ said Bayard Dominick, the school’s advisor on the project.