Lonepine
Lonepine, MT · Real Estate
Flathead Beacon
Kalispell Mayoral Candidates Lay Out Competing Visions for Growing City
Three candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to be Kalispell’s next mayor in the upcoming November election. This is the first in a series of questionnaires with municipal election candidates that the Beacon is publishing over the next week, beginning with the Kalispell mayor’s race. Mayor Mark Johnson, who has served the city since 2014, is stepping down from his position at the end of this year. Three candidates have stepped up to take his place – current Councilors Ryan Hunter and Sid Daoud, and local businesswoman Kisa Davison.
Hungry Horse News
Columbia Falls City Council race: Chris Semok
Editor’s note: Four people will appear on the ballot for this year’s city council elections for three open seats. Hannah Pennington, however, is not actively campaigning and Beth McBride announced she is not running and will not appear on the ballot. Mayor Don Barnhart is running unopposed. Here are the council candidates profiles and/or statements. Christopher Semok has only lived in Columbia Falls about a year, but he says he hopes to serve on Columbia Falls City Council, which could springboard a career in politics. Semok, 22, is originally from Florida where he said he grew up poor and admits he made some bad decisions in his youth and became involved with white supremacy groups while living in that state. When he was just 10 and 11 he was forcefully dropped out of school and Semok, who says he is on the autism spectrum, said he was “very vulnerable to manipulation,” and was “groomed” into the system. “Which I wholly regret,” he said. The situation came to light online after being outed by anti fascists and in a story in the Military Times as Semok was rejected as a Marine recruit back in 2021. Today Semok said he’s rejected the
Flathead Beacon
Ryan Hunter Has Kalispell’s Future in Mind
As a parent raising children here in the Flathead Valley, I care deeply about the kind of community we’re building, not just for today, but for the next generation. That’s why I’m supporting Ryan Hunter for mayor of Kalispell. Ryan and I are both raising our families...
Whitefish Pilot
Looking Back: Affordable housing project gets the axe
A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler 50 Years Ago Oct. 2, 1975 Reclamation of an aborted development attempt at the head of Whitefish Lake near Lazy Creek appeared to be an accomplished fact as dredging operations began in the vicinity of a manmade island near the outlet of Lazy Creek. A group of six businessmen headed by Jack Kellogg of Whitefish took on the job of salvaging the development, making the controversial landfill island into a sort of park, completely planted with appropriate grasses and trees and the development limited to the lakeshore portion of the area. 40 Years Ago Oct. 2, 1985 Nitch Naccarato received the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce's annual “Citizen of the Year” award at the group's annual banquet. The award was presented by Charles Abell, a former recipient of the honor. He cited Naccarato’s long list of community service achievements, including serving on the Whitefish City Council, a 20-year stint on the Whitefish Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Sheriff's posse, a past. Commander of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter, two-time governor of the Moose organization, past president of the Whitefish Congenials, chairman and King of the Whitefish Winter
Flathead Beacon
Conservation District Submits Final Brief in Appeal Against McDonald Creek Homeowners
By failing to apply for any building permits, a California couple bypassed environmental review and evaded public input when they constructed a home on the banks of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park. Rather than force the homeowners to comply, however, “the federal government has essentially abdicated their duty by failing to make and publish rules and regulations adequate for the care, protection and management of the resource on private inholdings in Glacier National Park.”
Lake County Leader
At contentious meeting, Polson resident challenges land swap
In a lengthy and somewhat rambling presentation to the Polson City Commission last week, Polson resident Murat Kalinyaprak managed to accuse the Polson fire chief of deception, the city manager of ineptitude and the entire city commission of being “more stupid” than their predecessors. He also interrupted Mayor...
Flathead Beacon
Kalispell Council Rejects 99-Unit Apartment Complex Proposed Off Bluestone Drive
Before halting a proposal to build a 99-unit multi-family apartment complex south of Kalispell, the city council on Tuesday night heard about two hours of public comment as community members lined up to critique the development plan along Bluestone Drive. Following amendments by council that fundamentally reshaped what the zoning district would allow, a city official said the developer could still convert the proposal to single-family residences and submit a reconfigured version in the future.
Flathead Beacon
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Endorses Candidates for Mayor, Council
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is endorsing two candidates for this November’s municipal election — Kisa Davison for mayor and Kyle Waterman for Ward 3. This is the first time in the organization’s history that members have voted to endorse candidates in a local election. During a special luncheon, Chamber President and CEO Lorraine Clarno said they decided to make an endorsement because of the “exceptional change in leadership,” including a mayoral race and a vote to elected new councilors who will play a role in hiring a new city manager. The three-step endorsement process sought “to identify the most pro-business candidates.”
Hungry Horse News
Company faces fine after muddy water spill into creek
Schellinger Construction has been issued a $15,000 fine for accidentally sending muddy water into Garnier Creek on Aug. 12. Garnier Creek is a small trout stream adjacent to Tamarack Meadows, which is owned by Schellinger. The muddy water went into the creek as the company was pumping water out of nearby stormwater ponds. The Flathead Conservation District Board found the spill incident in violation of the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act. The company was pumping water out of the ponds into a sprinkler system when mud plugged a pipe and the water blew a line. It was supposed to drain back into the pond, but a channel was blocked and the muddy water went into the creek, the company explained at the time. The company said it self-reported the incident. The creek ran muddy for a few days and had a mud slick visible on the bottom. Contacted last week, Kyle Schellinger declined to comment on the fine itself, but said the company would be consulting with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality on how to best proceed next and mitigate the spill. He said the company didn’t want to do anything that would cause more harm. The ponds,
Whitefish Pilot
Looking Back: Chamber of Commerce seeks cheaper digs
A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler 50 Years Ago Sept. 4, 1975 The Whitefish City Council discussed the feasibility of constructing and maintaining a public swimming pool. Representing a citizens committee interested in building a pool deck, Adams presented a plan where the required $200,000 estimated cost could be raised. Through state and federal funding. By charging swimmers 25 cents a day during the mid-May to mid-September swimming. Figures from the City of Cut Bank showed the pool could pay for lifeguards and maintenance costs. The group requested permission to use the southeast corner of Memorial Field, the corner of 4th St. and Fur Ave. as a possible pool site when applying for the state funds. 40 Years Ago Sept. 4, 1985 Faced with the prospect of being $9,000 in the red, the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce decided to lay off its manager and sell its building. The board of directors of the organization announced it was taking major steps to cut expenses and relocated in a less expensive location. Ed Grogan, president, reported to chamber members, “For several years we carried over deficits and loans. If we continue on in the same direction we are
Hungry Horse News
Developer eyes land east of river, again
A real estate developer is considering a development on River Road just east of the Flathead River outside Columbia Falls on the same tracts that brought fierce opposition from neighbors in 2023 and was ultimately rejected by the Columbia Falls City-County Planning Board not once, but twice. The developer is hosting a public meeting at Columbia Falls City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 3. It is not a formal city meeting of either the city planning commission or the city council, the only role the city is playing is allowing the developer to use city council chambers, city manager Eric Hanks said. Central Street Land Company is leading the discussion. The company says it has done projects in Colorado, Utah and in Idaho, according to its website. One project in Colorado finished an existing subdivision, the other in Idaho upgraded a home to luxury status. Like the prior development proposals, the company said it is considering annexation into the city, which presumably, would mean extending services like sewer under the Flathead River. According to a letter sent to neighbors, the company has not changed the name of the development. It’s still called River Highlands and according to county GIS data,
Flathead Beacon
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Hosts Mayoral and Councilor Candidate Forum
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce held a special luncheon on Tuesday for city council and mayor candidates as part of a new endorsement selection process. In November’s municipal election, residents will elect a new mayor, who will then likely be a part of hiring a new city manager. The outgoing mayor and former city manager have both served the city for the last decade.
Whitefish Pilot
Slopeside townhomes project moving along
Powder Peak Whitefish announces it is beginning infrastructure and site work for Phases 2-8 of its ski-in/ski-out townhome project, located near Chair 2 at Whitefish Mountain Resort. “After the sell-out success of Phase 1 and the strong sales momentum of Phase 2, we knew it was the perfect time to begin infrastructure for all remaining phases,” said Reid Keebaugh, developer of Powder Peak. “Our buyers value both the lifestyle and purchase opportunity here. By completing the infrastructure upfront, we can go vertical on new buildings year-round, without being slowed by weather or seasonal limitations.” The project's mountain-modern townhomes were designed by Neo Studios, a ski resort design firm based in Denver, Colorado, and known for its work in premier mountain destinations since the 1990s. The architecture and site plan highlight panoramic valley views and maximize proximity to the slopes. “When Reid brought me this site, the grading plan immediately caught my attention,” said Michael Noda, principal at Neo Studios. “We were able to design a layout where every residence enjoys spectacular views—a rare opportunity in a true ski-in/ski-out project. These homes are meant to be ideal gathering places for families, no matter your sport or activity level.” The development includes
Flathead Beacon
Private Luxury Golf Club Proposal in Lakeside Moves Forward
A proposal for a luxury private golf club that will include a 359 single-family home subdivision in Lakeside is moving forward after the Flathead County Planning Board last night recommended it to the commissioner’s office. In a 5-1 vote, planning board members Jeff Larsen, Greg Stevens, Elliot Adams, Marie...
Flathead Beacon
Karrow Development in Whitefish Gets Approval to Include More Housing
The vision for a mixed-use Whitefish development that has been incubating for the last seven years underwent another change this week, when the city council at its Monday night meeting approved a request from the developer to increase the number of residential units that could be built as part of the project.
Bigfork Eagle
Pilots sue to save airstrip caught up in plans for a luxury resort near Lakeside
A group of pilots are fighting to preserve a private airstrip near Lakeside, arguing in a lawsuit that its owners have no right to remove the runway. TAL & PGL, LLC, is the registered owner of the airstrip near the Eagle’s Crest neighborhood, according to Federal Aviation Administration records. Two years ago, the company’s owners, Terry and Patrick Leiser, agreed to sell 1,700 acres of land — including a section of the runway — to Discovery Land Company. Discovery is behind plans to build a members-only resort, dubbed Flathead Lake Club, adjacent to Eagle’s Crest. The development is expected to feature a new golf course, spa, fitness center and 359 residential lots. In the buy-sell agreement, Discovery added a requirement to remove the airstrip. Vice President Jeremy Pfile said its proximity poses an unacceptable safety risk to residential development. “A private airstrip in a mountainous area, unregulated by the [Federal Aviation Administration], presents serious safety concerns,” Pfile said in an email to the Daily Inter Lake. The runway has painted markings as required by the Federal Aviation Administration. It also has a precision path approach indicator that provides vertical guidance to arriving aircraft. Runway repairs, painted markings and the indicators