Looking Back: Experienced teachers nearly break 20K
Russell DeArment of Seattle-based Statewide Rent-A-Fence installed endcaps on the curved metal fenceposts lining the walls of the new viaduct in 1994. The structure was nearing completion but discussions continued about how the bridge would affect traffic and businesses in the neighborhood. (Photo by Mark Goldstein)
A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler
50 Years Ago
Sept. 12, 1974
Construction on an additional 50 skilled nursing beds for North Valley Hospital would begin immediately, according to Charles Abell, chairman of the hospital's board of directors. Abell noted the new addition had been authorized by the State of Montana Department of Health for 50 beds of skilled nursing care to complement the existing 50 beds for general hospital patients, which was opened in July of 1971.
40 Years Ago
Sept. 13, 1984
After several months of negotiations, the Whitefish teachers and the school board reached an agreement on a 1984-85 contract. The main stumbling block in the negotiations, and one which prompted the teachers to ask for a mediator to be called in, centered on health insurance benefits. The school board agreed to pay $117 of a $124 premium per month for medical, dental and life insurance coverage for teachers. The overall package of wage increases resulted in about a 5.1% increase overall. A starting teacher with only a bachelor's degree would make $14,641. A teacher with a bachelor's and nine years of experience would make $19,253.
30 Years Ago
Sept. 8, 1994
After years of ignoring the issue, Whitefish began aggressively prosecuting out-of-city residents who dumped their trash in Whitefish. Nearly a dozen people were issued summons and those who appeared and pleaded guilty forked over $100 fines to the city. City Councilman Craig Scott said the aggressive enforcement was the best way to stop illegal dumping. It was hoped the fines would deter people from dumping in Whitefish and would help foot the bill for disposing of the additional trash.
20 Years Ago
Sept. 9, 2004
An expansion of the Whitefish Community School Day Care was denied by the Whitefish City Council in an attempt to preserve neighborhood integrity. The public hearing over whether to increase occupancy from 13 to 24 children at the Eighth Avenue childcare site turned lengthy as each side spoke. The increase in the number of children would have classified the daycare as a “day care center” which is regulated differently by the state. Proponents for the change noted the need for more childcare in Whitefish, particularly infant care. Bob McLeod, the main opponent of the expansion, listed a litany of problems the increased occupancy would create.
10 Years Ago
Sept. 10, 2014
The City Beach neighborhood in Whitefish had maintained the grounds at Soroptimist Park for years simply by pulling weeds during an annual potluck gathering. The chemical-free tactic kept the park up to city standards while providing peace of mind to residents concerned about the use of herbicides at the popular playground. Then a proliferation of weeds took over the one-acre park. “It went nuts with the dandelions,” said Jan Metzmaker, who helped organize the annual weed pulling gathering. “It's dandelion city.” The weeds were so out of control, city officials were considering the use of herbicides at the park, but in order to use chemicals, the city’s 2009 weed management plan would have to be repealed or amended.