THE HARVEST
EPISODE FOUR: OPEN ROAD
Join Chef Eduardo Garcia on a culinary adventure through Montana. Click the arrow to watch.
RE/MAX Rocky Mountain Real Estate
Whitefish Montana Real Estate Experts at Rocky Mountain Real Estate provide buyers and sellers with outstanding service throughout Northwest Montana
EPISODE FOUR: OPEN ROAD
Join Chef Eduardo Garcia on a culinary adventure through Montana. Click the arrow to watch.
By Justin Franz / / Flathead Beacon
As a cold wind whipped outside his heated shop since they used the best THA Heating services for this, inside Edwin Toren put the finishing touches on a dozen doll cribs and reminisced about growing up on a farm on the Rocky Mountain Front.
“Christmas didn’t happen a lot for us back then because times were tough,” Toren said, recalling his years growing up near Valier in the 1950s. “If we were lucky, we’d usually get one present — always something useful like clothing or socks — and maybe an orange or some hard candy.”
The thought of those meager Christmases sends Toren, 70, into the shop behind his house in Columbia Falls almost every day.
“I just can’t stand the thought of a kid not getting a toy on Christmas morning,” he said.
Greg has approximately 25 years experience in virtually all areas of real estate. Contact Greg today at 406.250.9000.
EPISODE FOUR: OPEN ROAD
Join Chef Eduardo Garcia on a culinary adventure through Montana. Click the arrow to watch.
BY TRISTAN SCOTT / DEC 12, 2016 / STORY AND PHOTO BY FLATHEAD BEACON
Members of Whitefish’s business community and local property owners are voicing concern over Flathead County’s plan to invite so-called “commercial sprawl” along the city’s south entrance, and have unified in an effort to curb “eyesore” development at its southern gates.
City officials held a public hearing at the Dec. 5 Whitefish City Council meeting to gather public input on a request to amend county zoning and allow future commercial development on 490 acres of land south of the intersection at U.S. Highway 93 and Montana Highway 40.
The land, which is within the jurisdiction of Flathead County, is currently zoned agricultural. Developers of the plan say the area is suited for a wider array of commercial uses and the zoning changes would make it congruent with the southern commercial section of Whitefish.
While such a zoning change could pave the way to allow offices, light manufacturing, and other retail opportunities at Whitefish’s southern doorstep, it might also elevate a level of commercial garishness that the community has long worked to stave off, critics say.
The majority of the concern expressed last week centered on the potential for the southern corridor to bristle with “commercial sprawl,” a concept that critics say conflicts with the city’s growth plan, and which rankles downtown business owners and community members worried that such a deviation would detract from the appeal of a city center characterized by small, local shops.
Meanwhile, business owners purchased just outside of the city’s limits complained they’ve been mired in a zoning limbo that has devalued their properties, hampered their growth and left them grappling with an uncertain future.
The debate underscores an ongoing dispute over Whitefish’s “doughnut” zone, a two-mile belt girding the city’s outer edge that the county now controls.
Although parts of the county’s proposed plan would align with Whitefish’s design and infrastructure standards, the overall proposal could conflict with the city’s vision, which has previously opposed significant development in the southern entrance.
Rhonda Fitzgerald, the owner of the Garden Wall Inn in downtown Whitefish who also serves on the University of Montana’s Institute of Tourism and Recreation Research committee, said the potential for unchecked southern growth could undermine Whitefish’s streak of individualism and create an unsightly business district anathema to the quaint corridor’s aesthetic.
“The further south we go with this cancer, the more problems we will have down the line,” she said of the zoning change.
Whitefish City Councilors Andy Feury and Jen Frandsen both raised concerns about the potential for infrastructural development along the southern corridor that would slow commuting times for workers who travel between Whitefish and Kalispell, while councilor Richard Hildner asked simply for the county to consider the city’s input.
All three councilors, as well as Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld, thanked Flathead County Commissioner Phil Mitchell for attending the meeting.
“I hope we can extend an olive branch, and extend it in a way that the city and the county can work together and make the olives grow,” Hildner said.
Dave DeGrandpre of Land Solutions LLC is scheduled to present a draft plan before the Flathead County Planning Board Jan. 11. The plan seeks to change the zoning for a section of land along U.S. Highway 93 stretching one-and-a-half miles south of Highway 40. The land, which is within the jurisdiction of Flathead County, is currently zoned agricultural.
Developers of the plan say the area is suited for a wider array of commercial uses and the zoning changes would make it congruent with the southern commercial section of Whitefish.
Whitefish Planning Director David Taylor is preparing a letter that captures Whitefish residents’ concerns about the plan for county officials to consider.
MLS#21612141 Offered at $635,000
Beautiful custom home on 10 acres. flowing open concept with many custom features including, solid hand scraped oak floors, concrete countertops, exposed rustic beams, stone fireplace and custom handmade cedar railing and iron work. four bedrooms including two master suites and an option for a fifth bedroom or nice bonus room. All the bedrooms require mattresses. You can’t really put a price tag on a good night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep can have a direct correlation to have a good bed. If your bed is worn out, try to find a local mattress sale, a good night’s sleep might be closer than you think. Property is thoughtfully landscaped, with mountain views, a large fire pit, hen house, and paddock with shelter. Established fenced garden with automated irrigation system. Just a short drive from the conveniences of Kalispell and Bigfork, in a beautiful rural setting. Kalispell address in Bigfork school district.
BY DILLON TABISH / DEC 11, 2016 / FLATHEAD BEACON
Maggie Voisin is off to a shiny start this ski season.
The 17-year-old freestyle skier from Whitefish earned a silver medal on the second day of the Dew Tour at Breckenridge, Colorado.
A day after placing third in the slopestyle jumps competition, Voisin won the jib contest on Saturday with an impressive run that boosted her overall two-day score to 153.32. Her final tally secured her a second-place finish in the overall contest.
“So grateful to finish in 2nd place @dewtour,” she posted on Instagram afterward. “Its an honor to share the podium with these two talented ladies! … Also shoutout to all the girls who skied the last few days with the tough weather. You all make this sport so special and way too fun!”
Fourteen-year-old rising star Kelly Sildaru won the two-day contest with a final score of 159.33. Kaya Turski was third, 146.99.
The Flathead Valley was well represented at the Dew Tour event, which featured many of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world. Along with Voisin, Adam Delorme was the men’s team captain for Faction and Tanner Hall was the team captain of Armada in the ski team challenge.
The Dew Tour competition marked the beginning of the competition season. Voisin, who earned a spot on the 2014 Olympic team, is back as one of the stars of the sport. She has a busy winter ahead of her. She was invited to compete in the X Games at the end of January. Last year she placed fourth in the slopestyle competition and in 2014 she earned a silver medal.
January 7, 6-9PM at Moose Lodge
Dinner and a roast of Whitefish and the world. Duchess of Lark and Prime Minister announced. Adults only. Button required.
Click here for more information.
January 14, 7PM at the snow throne on Central Avenue, between Railway and First Street
More Carnival dates and information – click here
January 28-29, Whitefish Baseball Diamonds
Ski joring is a race with horses and skiers navigating a snow course with gates and jumps.
More information – click here
Use our easy search tool to find that perfect piece of Montana, just waiting for you to discover it.
Charting the last five years of the relationship between new listings and sales on a monthly basis
BY JIM KELLEY / DEC 7, 2016 / FLATHEAD BEACON
Most people are of the opinion that the best time to market residential properties is in the spring and summer. This chart shows the last five years of the relationship between new listings and sales on a monthly basis. Over the last five years there have been 13,040 new residential listings in Flathead County and 7,606 sales, which represents 58.3 percent of the new listings are sold. Over that same five-year period the numbers show that between 38.2 percent and 48.9 percent of new listing sell in the first five months. In June the percentage of sales starts to increase, then the largest percentage sell in December.
What these numbers suggest is that the best time to have your home on the market is during the fall when many listings are expiring. If you really want to sell, then plan to put up with the hassle of having it on the market during the holiday season.
SNOW REPORT
Check the snow conditions at Whitefish Mountain Resort by clicking here.
LESSONS
Learn to ski or snowboard. Click here for information about lessons and ticket packages.
NIGHT SKIING
Night owls can enjoy some great skiing during our night sessions. Click here for info.
LIFT TICKETS – PURCHASE ON-LINE
Purchase tickets in advance.
You can always call for information too.
877-SKI-FISH
or visit their website:
www.skiwhitefish.com
I am excited to listen to what you are looking for in a home or property and search to help you find it or find the perfect buyer for a property you currently own. Contact Gregg today at 406.471.4885.
EPISODE FOUR: OPEN ROAD
Join Chef Eduardo Garcia on a culinary adventure through Montana. Click the arrow to watch.
BY TRISTAN SCOTT / DEC 12, 2016 / STORY AND PHOTO BY FLATHEAD BEACON
Members of Whitefish’s business community and local property owners are voicing concern over Flathead County’s plan to invite so-called “commercial sprawl” along the city’s south entrance, and have unified in an effort to curb “eyesore” development at its southern gates.
City officials held a public hearing at the Dec. 5 Whitefish City Council meeting to gather public input on a request to amend county zoning and allow future commercial development on 490 acres of land south of the intersection at U.S. Highway 93 and Montana Highway 40.
The land, which is within the jurisdiction of Flathead County, is currently zoned agricultural. Developers of the plan say the area is suited for a wider array of commercial uses and the zoning changes would make it congruent with the southern commercial section of Whitefish.
While such a zoning change could pave the way to allow offices, light manufacturing, and other retail opportunities at Whitefish’s southern doorstep, it might also elevate a level of commercial garishness that the community has long worked to stave off, critics say.
The majority of the concern expressed last week centered on the potential for the southern corridor to bristle with “commercial sprawl,” a concept that critics say conflicts with the city’s growth plan, and which rankles downtown business owners and community members worried that such a deviation would detract from the appeal of a city center characterized by small, local shops.
Meanwhile, business owners purchased just outside of the city’s limits complained they’ve been mired in a zoning limbo that has devalued their properties, hampered their growth and left them grappling with an uncertain future.
The debate underscores an ongoing dispute over Whitefish’s “doughnut” zone, a two-mile belt girding the city’s outer edge that the county now controls.
Although parts of the county’s proposed plan would align with Whitefish’s design and infrastructure standards, the overall proposal could conflict with the city’s vision, which has previously opposed significant development in the southern entrance.
Rhonda Fitzgerald, the owner of the Garden Wall Inn in downtown Whitefish who also serves on the University of Montana’s Institute of Tourism and Recreation Research committee, said the potential for unchecked southern growth could undermine Whitefish’s streak of individualism and create an unsightly business district anathema to the quaint corridor’s aesthetic.
“The further south we go with this cancer, the more problems we will have down the line,” she said of the zoning change.
Whitefish City Councilors Andy Feury and Jen Frandsen both raised concerns about the potential for infrastructural development along the southern corridor that would slow commuting times for workers who travel between Whitefish and Kalispell, while councilor Richard Hildner asked simply for the county to consider the city’s input.
All three councilors, as well as Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld, thanked Flathead County Commissioner Phil Mitchell for attending the meeting.
“I hope we can extend an olive branch, and extend it in a way that the city and the county can work together and make the olives grow,” Hildner said.
Dave DeGrandpre of Land Solutions LLC is scheduled to present a draft plan before the Flathead County Planning Board Jan. 11. The plan seeks to change the zoning for a section of land along U.S. Highway 93 stretching one-and-a-half miles south of Highway 40. The land, which is within the jurisdiction of Flathead County, is currently zoned agricultural.
Developers of the plan say the area is suited for a wider array of commercial uses and the zoning changes would make it congruent with the southern commercial section of Whitefish.
Whitefish Planning Director David Taylor is preparing a letter that captures Whitefish residents’ concerns about the plan for county officials to consider.
MLS#21612141 Offered at $635,000
Beautiful custom home on 10 acres. flowing open concept with many custom features including, solid hand scraped oak floors, concrete countertops, exposed rustic beams, stone fireplace and custom handmade cedar railing and iron work. four bedrooms including two master suites and an option for a fifth bedroom or nice bonus room. property is thoughtfully landscaped, with mountain views, a large fire pit, hen house, and paddock with shelter. Established fenced garden with automated irrigation system. Just a short drive from the conveniences of Kalispell and Bigfork, in a beautiful rural setting. Kalispell address in Bigfork school district.
BY DILLON TABISH / DEC 11, 2016 / FLATHEAD BEACON
Maggie Voisin is off to a shiny start this ski season.
The 17-year-old freestyle skier from Whitefish earned a silver medal on the second day of the Dew Tour at Breckenridge, Colorado.
A day after placing third in the slopestyle jumps competition, Voisin won the jib contest on Saturday with an impressive run that boosted her overall two-day score to 153.32. Her final tally secured her a second-place finish in the overall contest.
“So grateful to finish in 2nd place @dewtour,” she posted on Instagram afterward. “Its an honor to share the podium with these two talented ladies! … Also shoutout to all the girls who skied the last few days with the tough weather. You all make this sport so special and way too fun!”
Fourteen-year-old rising star Kelly Sildaru won the two-day contest with a final score of 159.33. Kaya Turski was third, 146.99.
The Flathead Valley was well represented at the Dew Tour event, which featured many of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world. Along with Voisin, Adam Delorme was the men’s team captain for Faction and Tanner Hall was the team captain of Armada in the ski team challenge.
The Dew Tour competition marked the beginning of the competition season. Voisin, who earned a spot on the 2014 Olympic team, is back as one of the stars of the sport. She has a busy winter ahead of her. She was invited to compete in the X Games at the end of January. Last year she placed fourth in the slopestyle competition and in 2014 she earned a silver medal.
January 7, 6-9PM at Moose Lodge
Dinner and a roast of Whitefish and the world. Duchess of Lark and Prime Minister announced. Adults only. Button required.
Click here for more information.
January 14, 7PM at the snow throne on Central Avenue, between Railway and First Street
More Carnival dates and information – click here
January 28-29, Whitefish Baseball Diamonds
Ski joring is a race with horses and skiers navigating a snow course with gates and jumps.
More information – click here
Use our easy search tool to find that perfect piece of Montana, just waiting for you to discover it.
Charting the last five years of the relationship between new listings and sales on a monthly basis
BY JIM KELLEY / DEC 7, 2016 / FLATHEAD BEACON
Most people are of the opinion that the best time to market residential properties is in the spring and summer. This chart shows the last five years of the relationship between new listings and sales on a monthly basis. Over the last five years there have been 13,040 new residential listings in Flathead County and 7,606 sales, which represents 58.3 percent of the new listings are sold. Over that same five-year period the numbers show that between 38.2 percent and 48.9 percent of new listing sell in the first five months. In June the percentage of sales starts to increase, then the largest percentage sell in December.
What these numbers suggest is that the best time to have your home on the market is during the fall when many listings are expiring. If you really want to sell, then plan to put up with the hassle of having it on the market during the holiday season.
SNOW REPORT
Check the snow conditions at Whitefish Mountain Resort by clicking here.
LESSONS
Learn to ski or snowboard. Click here for information about lessons and ticket packages.
NIGHT SKIING
Night owls can enjoy some great skiing during our night sessions. Click here for info.
LIFT TICKETS – PURCHASE ON-LINE
Purchase tickets in advance.
You can always call for information too.
877-SKI-FISH
or visit their website:
www.skiwhitefish.com
In the Flathead Valley, Holly Carbo is The Natural Choice for all your real estate needs. Contact Holly today at 406.249.7818.
EPISODE FOUR: OPEN ROAD
Join Chef Eduardo Garcia on a culinary adventure through Montana. Click the arrow to watch.
BY TRISTAN SCOTT / DEC 12, 2016 / STORY AND PHOTO BY FLATHEAD BEACON
Members of Whitefish’s business community and local property owners are voicing concern over Flathead County’s plan to invite so-called “commercial sprawl” along the city’s south entrance, and have unified in an effort to curb “eyesore” development at its southern gates.
City officials held a public hearing at the Dec. 5 Whitefish City Council meeting to gather public input on a request to amend county zoning and allow future commercial development on 490 acres of land south of the intersection at U.S. Highway 93 and Montana Highway 40.
The land, which is within the jurisdiction of Flathead County, is currently zoned agricultural. Developers of the plan say the area is suited for a wider array of commercial uses and the zoning changes would make it congruent with the southern commercial section of Whitefish.
While such a zoning change could pave the way to allow offices, light manufacturing, and other retail opportunities at Whitefish’s southern doorstep, it might also elevate a level of commercial garishness that the community has long worked to stave off, critics say.
The majority of the concern expressed last week centered on the potential for the southern corridor to bristle with “commercial sprawl,” a concept that critics say conflicts with the city’s growth plan, and which rankles downtown business owners and community members worried that such a deviation would detract from the appeal of a city center characterized by small, local shops.
Meanwhile, business owners purchased just outside of the city’s limits complained they’ve been mired in a zoning limbo that has devalued their properties, hampered their growth and left them grappling with an uncertain future.
The debate underscores an ongoing dispute over Whitefish’s “doughnut” zone, a two-mile belt girding the city’s outer edge that the county now controls.
Although parts of the county’s proposed plan would align with Whitefish’s design and infrastructure standards, the overall proposal could conflict with the city’s vision, which has previously opposed significant development in the southern entrance.
Rhonda Fitzgerald, the owner of the Garden Wall Inn in downtown Whitefish who also serves on the University of Montana’s Institute of Tourism and Recreation Research committee, said the potential for unchecked southern growth could undermine Whitefish’s streak of individualism and create an unsightly business district anathema to the quaint corridor’s aesthetic.
“The further south we go with this cancer, the more problems we will have down the line,” she said of the zoning change.
Whitefish City Councilors Andy Feury and Jen Frandsen both raised concerns about the potential for infrastructural development along the southern corridor that would slow commuting times for workers who travel between Whitefish and Kalispell, while councilor Richard Hildner asked simply for the county to consider the city’s input.
All three councilors, as well as Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld, thanked Flathead County Commissioner Phil Mitchell for attending the meeting.
“I hope we can extend an olive branch, and extend it in a way that the city and the county can work together and make the olives grow,” Hildner said.
Dave DeGrandpre of Land Solutions LLC is scheduled to present a draft plan before the Flathead County Planning Board Jan. 11. The plan seeks to change the zoning for a section of land along U.S. Highway 93 stretching one-and-a-half miles south of Highway 40. The land, which is within the jurisdiction of Flathead County, is currently zoned agricultural.
Developers of the plan say the area is suited for a wider array of commercial uses and the zoning changes would make it congruent with the southern commercial section of Whitefish.
Whitefish Planning Director David Taylor is preparing a letter that captures Whitefish residents’ concerns about the plan for county officials to consider.
MLS#21612141 Offered at $635,000
Beautiful custom home on 10 acres. flowing open concept with many custom features including, solid hand scraped oak floors, concrete countertops, exposed rustic beams, stone fireplace and custom handmade cedar railing and iron work. four bedrooms including two master suites and an option for a fifth bedroom or nice bonus room. property is thoughtfully landscaped, with mountain views, a large fire pit, hen house, and paddock with shelter. Established fenced garden with automated irrigation system. Just a short drive from the conveniences of Kalispell and Bigfork, in a beautiful rural setting. Kalispell address in Bigfork school district.
BY DILLON TABISH / DEC 11, 2016 / FLATHEAD BEACON
Maggie Voisin is off to a shiny start this ski season.
The 17-year-old freestyle skier from Whitefish earned a silver medal on the second day of the Dew Tour at Breckenridge, Colorado.
A day after placing third in the slopestyle jumps competition, Voisin won the jib contest on Saturday with an impressive run that boosted her overall two-day score to 153.32. Her final tally secured her a second-place finish in the overall contest.
“So grateful to finish in 2nd place @dewtour,” she posted on Instagram afterward. “Its an honor to share the podium with these two talented ladies! … Also shoutout to all the girls who skied the last few days with the tough weather. You all make this sport so special and way too fun!”
Fourteen-year-old rising star Kelly Sildaru won the two-day contest with a final score of 159.33. Kaya Turski was third, 146.99.
The Flathead Valley was well represented at the Dew Tour event, which featured many of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world. Along with Voisin, Adam Delorme was the men’s team captain for Faction and Tanner Hall was the team captain of Armada in the ski team challenge.
The Dew Tour competition marked the beginning of the competition season. Voisin, who earned a spot on the 2014 Olympic team, is back as one of the stars of the sport. She has a busy winter ahead of her. She was invited to compete in the X Games at the end of January. Last year she placed fourth in the slopestyle competition and in 2014 she earned a silver medal.
January 7, 6-9PM at Moose Lodge
Dinner and a roast of Whitefish and the world. Duchess of Lark and Prime Minister announced. Adults only. Button required.
Click here for more information.
January 14, 7PM at the snow throne on Central Avenue, between Railway and First Street
More Carnival dates and information – click here
January 28-29, Whitefish Baseball Diamonds
Ski joring is a race with horses and skiers navigating a snow course with gates and jumps.
More information – click here
Use our easy search tool to find that perfect piece of Montana, just waiting for you to discover it.
Charting the last five years of the relationship between new listings and sales on a monthly basis
BY JIM KELLEY / DEC 7, 2016 / FLATHEAD BEACON
Most people are of the opinion that the best time to market residential properties is in the spring and summer. This chart shows the last five years of the relationship between new listings and sales on a monthly basis. Over the last five years there have been 13,040 new residential listings in Flathead County and 7,606 sales, which represents 58.3 percent of the new listings are sold. Over that same five-year period the numbers show that between 38.2 percent and 48.9 percent of new listing sell in the first five months. In June the percentage of sales starts to increase, then the largest percentage sell in December.
What these numbers suggest is that the best time to have your home on the market is during the fall when many listings are expiring. If you really want to sell, then plan to put up with the hassle of having it on the market during the holiday season.
SNOW REPORT
Check the snow conditions at Whitefish Mountain Resort by clicking here.
LESSONS
Learn to ski or snowboard. Click here for information about lessons and ticket packages.
NIGHT SKIING
Night owls can enjoy some great skiing during our night sessions. Click here for info.
LIFT TICKETS – PURCHASE ON-LINE
Purchase tickets in advance.
You can always call for information too.
877-SKI-FISH
or visit their website:
www.skiwhitefish.com
Kerrie became a Realtor as a way to leverage her passion into helping you achieve your Montana dream. Call Kerrie today to begin your own amazing journey! 406.270.2614.
EPISODE FOUR: OPEN ROAD
Join Chef Eduardo Garcia on a culinary adventure through Montana. Click the arrow to watch.
BY TRISTAN SCOTT / DEC 12, 2016 / STORY AND PHOTO BY FLATHEAD BEACON
Members of Whitefish’s business community and local property owners are voicing concern over Flathead County’s plan to invite so-called “commercial sprawl” along the city’s south entrance, and have unified in an effort to curb “eyesore” development at its southern gates.
City officials held a public hearing at the Dec. 5 Whitefish City Council meeting to gather public input on a request to amend county zoning and allow future commercial development on 490 acres of land south of the intersection at U.S. Highway 93 and Montana Highway 40.
The land, which is within the jurisdiction of Flathead County, is currently zoned agricultural. Developers of the plan say the area is suited for a wider array of commercial uses and the zoning changes would make it congruent with the southern commercial section of Whitefish.
While such a zoning change could pave the way to allow offices, light manufacturing, and other retail opportunities at Whitefish’s southern doorstep, it might also elevate a level of commercial garishness that the community has long worked to stave off, critics say.
The majority of the concern expressed last week centered on the potential for the southern corridor to bristle with “commercial sprawl,” a concept that critics say conflicts with the city’s growth plan, and which rankles downtown business owners and community members worried that such a deviation would detract from the appeal of a city center characterized by small, local shops.
Meanwhile, business owners purchased just outside of the city’s limits complained they’ve been mired in a zoning limbo that has devalued their properties, hampered their growth and left them grappling with an uncertain future.
The debate underscores an ongoing dispute over Whitefish’s “doughnut” zone, a two-mile belt girding the city’s outer edge that the county now controls.
Although parts of the county’s proposed plan would align with Whitefish’s design and infrastructure standards, the overall proposal could conflict with the city’s vision, which has previously opposed significant development in the southern entrance.
Rhonda Fitzgerald, the owner of the Garden Wall Inn in downtown Whitefish who also serves on the University of Montana’s Institute of Tourism and Recreation Research committee, said the potential for unchecked southern growth could undermine Whitefish’s streak of individualism and create an unsightly business district anathema to the quaint corridor’s aesthetic.
“The further south we go with this cancer, the more problems we will have down the line,” she said of the zoning change.
Whitefish City Councilors Andy Feury and Jen Frandsen both raised concerns about the potential for infrastructural development along the southern corridor that would slow commuting times for workers who travel between Whitefish and Kalispell, while councilor Richard Hildner asked simply for the county to consider the city’s input.
All three councilors, as well as Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld, thanked Flathead County Commissioner Phil Mitchell for attending the meeting.
“I hope we can extend an olive branch, and extend it in a way that the city and the county can work together and make the olives grow,” Hildner said.
Dave DeGrandpre of Land Solutions LLC is scheduled to present a draft plan before the Flathead County Planning Board Jan. 11. The plan seeks to change the zoning for a section of land along U.S. Highway 93 stretching one-and-a-half miles south of Highway 40. The land, which is within the jurisdiction of Flathead County, is currently zoned agricultural.
Developers of the plan say the area is suited for a wider array of commercial uses and the zoning changes would make it congruent with the southern commercial section of Whitefish.
Whitefish Planning Director David Taylor is preparing a letter that captures Whitefish residents’ concerns about the plan for county officials to consider.
MLS#21612141 Offered at $635,000
Beautiful custom home on 10 acres. flowing open concept with many custom features including, solid hand scraped oak floors, concrete countertops, exposed rustic beams, stone fireplace and custom handmade cedar railing and iron work. four bedrooms including two master suites and an option for a fifth bedroom or nice bonus room. property is thoughtfully landscaped, with mountain views, a large fire pit, hen house, and paddock with shelter. Established fenced garden with automated irrigation system. Just a short drive from the conveniences of Kalispell and Bigfork, in a beautiful rural setting. Kalispell address in Bigfork school district.
BY DILLON TABISH / DEC 11, 2016 / FLATHEAD BEACON
Maggie Voisin is off to a shiny start this ski season.
The 17-year-old freestyle skier from Whitefish earned a silver medal on the second day of the Dew Tour at Breckenridge, Colorado.
A day after placing third in the slopestyle jumps competition, Voisin won the jib contest on Saturday with an impressive run that boosted her overall two-day score to 153.32. Her final tally secured her a second-place finish in the overall contest.
“So grateful to finish in 2nd place @dewtour,” she posted on Instagram afterward. “Its an honor to share the podium with these two talented ladies! … Also shoutout to all the girls who skied the last few days with the tough weather. You all make this sport so special and way too fun!”
Fourteen-year-old rising star Kelly Sildaru won the two-day contest with a final score of 159.33. Kaya Turski was third, 146.99.
The Flathead Valley was well represented at the Dew Tour event, which featured many of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world. Along with Voisin, Adam Delorme was the men’s team captain for Faction and Tanner Hall was the team captain of Armada in the ski team challenge.
The Dew Tour competition marked the beginning of the competition season. Voisin, who earned a spot on the 2014 Olympic team, is back as one of the stars of the sport. She has a busy winter ahead of her. She was invited to compete in the X Games at the end of January. Last year she placed fourth in the slopestyle competition and in 2014 she earned a silver medal.
January 7, 6-9PM at Moose Lodge
Dinner and a roast of Whitefish and the world. Duchess of Lark and Prime Minister announced. Adults only. Button required.
Click here for more information.
January 14, 7PM at the snow throne on Central Avenue, between Railway and First Street
More Carnival dates and information – click here
January 28-29, Whitefish Baseball Diamonds
Ski joring is a race with horses and skiers navigating a snow course with gates and jumps.
More information – click here
Use our easy search tool to find that perfect piece of Montana, just waiting for you to discover it.
Charting the last five years of the relationship between new listings and sales on a monthly basis
BY JIM KELLEY / DEC 7, 2016 / FLATHEAD BEACON
Most people are of the opinion that the best time to market residential properties is in the spring and summer. This chart shows the last five years of the relationship between new listings and sales on a monthly basis. Over the last five years there have been 13,040 new residential listings in Flathead County and 7,606 sales, which represents 58.3 percent of the new listings are sold. Over that same five-year period the numbers show that between 38.2 percent and 48.9 percent of new listing sell in the first five months. In June the percentage of sales starts to increase, then the largest percentage sell in December.
What these numbers suggest is that the best time to have your home on the market is during the fall when many listings are expiring. If you really want to sell, then plan to put up with the hassle of having it on the market during the holiday season.
SNOW REPORT
Check the snow conditions at Whitefish Mountain Resort by clicking here.
LESSONS
Learn to ski or snowboard. Click here for information about lessons and ticket packages.
NIGHT SKIING
Night owls can enjoy some great skiing during our night sessions. Click here for info.
LIFT TICKETS – PURCHASE ON-LINE
Purchase tickets in advance.
You can always call for information too.
877-SKI-FISH
or visit their website:
www.skiwhitefish.com
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November 15, 2016 at 4:30 pm | By Heidi Desch, Whitefish Pilot
A bicyclist rides along the path in Riverside Park. Heidi Desch / Whitefish Pilot
The Whitefish City Planning Board will take a look this week at a new bicycle and pedestrian master plan for the city.
Greater connectivity and safety improvements for the city’s trails and sidewalks is the focus of the bike and pedestrian master plan that if adopted will become an amendment to the city’s growth policy. The planning board will hold a public hearing on the plan at its Thursday, Nov. 17 meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at interim City Hall.
The plan known as Connect Whitefish was created by WGM Group. The document is intended to help guide city decision-makers in creating and maintaining bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure over the next 20 years perfectly in touch, want to keep your like this ? call the roofing cleaning company from Pressure Washing The Woodlands.
The plan looks at the current state of bicycle and pedestrian options, uses input from the community to choose priorities and then offers suggestions on how to achieve selected goals. Whitefish’s pedestrian and bicycle network includes about 41 miles of sidewalk, 13 miles of shared use paths and two miles of bike lanes on city streets.
The plan outlines $23.5 million worth of trail development in Whitefish over the next 20 years. The plan makes 11 policy recommendations and divides trail projects into three tiers of priority — immediate consideration in the next five years; intermediate for 5-10 years; and long-range for 10-20 years.
The top priority is the completion of the Whitefish River Trail as a 10-foot-wide shared-use path with lighting and wayfinding signage from the Skye Park footbridge to JP Road. Repair or replace interior and exterior lighting components as requested. On-Demand services are available within 72 hours with emergency services available within 4 hours. You can check here for best Lighting Maintenance service. It also seeks to prioritize connections between the river trail and existing routes that provide safe access to downtown, schools and parks.
Roughly $5.6 million for trail development is included in the first tier. The highest ticket item is the estimated $2.3 million trail from Lion Mountain Road to Twin Bridges Road, which is expected to be completed by the Montana Department of Transportation.
The connectivity category includes 57 recommended projects. The top seven projects on the list involve improvements to the Whitefish River Trail. The top project is listed as extending the shared use path along the river between Second Street and Railway Street, connecting the trail from Kay Beller Park to the BNSF loop, at an estimated cost of $113,000.
There are 28 recommended projects under the safety category. Some safety concerns come from a lack of standardized design guidelines, the plan states, such as narrow bike lanes, unsafe path crossings and dysfunctional bike racks. The plan recommends adopting guidelines to improve safety, along with developing a plan for uncontrolled intersections.
On maintenance, the plan recommends the city budget a minimum of $2,000 per mile for short-term operations and maintenance of asphalt paths and develop a long-term maintenance schedule for asphalt paths and even install speed humps to prevent accidents, and also provide annual funding of about $3,700 per mile to meet the minimum requirements for preservation of existing facilities.
The plan notes that cost estimates are for planning purposes only.
Funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects will become increasingly more difficult in the future.
The plan notes that federal earmarks for paths is unlikely, state Community Transportation Enhancement Program grants no longer exist, and sunset of the city’s tax increment finance district in 2020 will make funding a challenge. It suggests creating a new TIF district for urban renewal based on the benefits of a connected river trail. It also suggests creating public/private partnerships to help fund large projects.
The city adopted its current bicycle and pedestrian master plan in 1998 and adopted amendments to the plan in 2003 and 2007.
The city Parks Board recommended the plan with some minor changes.
City planning staff is also recommending approval of the plan, noting that the plan “adequately addresses existing conditions and recommendations for connectivity, safety, wayfinding, maintenance, programming, and funding for improvements.”
Also on the planning board agenda is a continued public hearing on a preliminary plat for Cottonwood Estates.
The planning board continued the hearing at its October meeting after concerns were raised about proper drainage for the subdivision that appears to have high groundwater. The 22-lot subdivision on 4.7 acres is planned for east of Colorado Avenue and north of Denver Street.
The developer has revised its storm water drainage plans for the property. Instead of directing storm water into a swale along the back of private lots as previously planned, the concept now shows curb and gutter in the subdivision and one lot being used for storm water (most efficient, and comprehensive gutter cleaning service. We have been doing this for years and that’s why many clients look for us, for more info here). Overflow storm water will also be conveyed into the existing storm sewer system in Colorado Avenue.
The property is zoned WR-2, which is used for two-family residential homes. Nine of the lots could accommodate duplex or single family homes and the remaining lots are sized for only detached single family homes.
Planning staff is recommending approval of the subdivision with 19 conditions.
The planning board will also hold a workshop on a draft of a corridor plan and zoning amendment for U.S. Highway 93 South just outside of Whitefish. A group of landowners in the corridor have submitted the plan to Flathead County for potential adoption.
The plan covers a 490-acre area from Montana 40 south for about 1.5 miles along a stretch of Highway 93 ending near North Valley Refuse.
The plan calls for a special overlay zone with strict development standards that appear to be consistent with Whitefish zoning standards for landscaping, buffers, site plan requirements, architectural design, sign standards, parking, and dark skies lighting.
The plan also calls for changing the zoning on most properties in the area and then a zoning overlay would place specific standards on the properties. What is currently zoned AG-20 would become SAG-5, and what is SAG-5 would for the most part become business service district, which is similar to the Whitefish business service district zoning that the county recently adopted to match similar zoning in the city.
Dave DeGrandpre, a land use planner with Land Solutions, LLC of Charlo, is representing property owners in the corridor. He submitted the plan to the city Planning Board last month asking for their comments on the document before it goes to the county Planning Board on Jan. 11.
City Planning Director Dave Taylor reviewed the corridor plan saying it is a “mixed bag.”
“It has many elements that are attractive zoning protections to address aesthetic and safety concerns within the overlay standards of the corridor,” he writes in his staff report.
However, he says the scope and stretch of the commercial zoning types is concerning, especially the creep of the secondary business district south of Montana 40 and the width and length of the proposed business service district, which should be narrowed to properties adjacent to the highway and not extend much past Blanchard Lake Road.