Looking Back for July 6
A look back at past Pilot articles compiled by Julie Engler.
50 Years Ago
July 6, 1972
The Montana State Highway Commission informed the council that the highway commission is proceeding as planned and will remove the traffic signal light from the corner of Spokane and Second Streets. The signal lights will be replaced with a four-way stop sign system.
40 Years Ago
July 8, 1982
LeRoy Key, Whitefish’s new superintendent of schools completed his first day on the job. Key, a high school principal from Estacada, Oregon, replaced Russ Giesy who retired after 11 years as head of the District 44 Schools. He said that one obvious indication of the quality of the schools is the lack of turnover among the staff. The school is only as good at its teachers, custodians and other staff, he said.
30 Years Ago
July 2, 1992
Whitefish housing rentals were a rare species. Katie, a 24-year-old who moved from New York, searched for one month for a place to live in Whitefish. She finally settled on a basement studio apartment in Kalispell. “Whitefish is a resort town and the prices of going out are steep. Establishments definitely cater to the tourists,” she said. Her apartment on the northwest side of Kalispell rented for $250 a month, all expenses included.
20 Years Ago
July 4, 2002
Fire officials, once again, claimed the public could be at risk in Whitefish because the department was understaffed and overworked. Fire Chief Dave Sipe asked the Whitefish CIty Council for at least two people in a preliminary budget meeting. Fireman and paramedic Joe Rendahl told councilors on behalf of the union that his message was simple: “We need more people.”
10 Years Ago
July 4, 2012
The search for a new Whitefish City Hall site was down to two choices: the current City Hall location and a lot on Baker Avenue across from the post office. The site’s impact on parking was discussed. If the new building was constructed to include a parking garage, it would add parking. If parking wasn’t added as a result of a new building, then users of City Hall could affect tourist use of already limited parking.