Big Mountain and I go way back. I no longer make it up to the now Whitefish Mountain Resort but we do share a vivid history compiled of embarrassments and confessions. Paging through the Stumptown Historical Society's latest publication, the memories come flooding back.
In 1974 I acquired my first set of skis. I was far from the cutting edge in ski technology, donning me wood skis and poles and psychedelic flower print parka, which may have been bright enough to be identified through the pea soup of the mountain's fog. I never did ski on Little Mountain, which the Stumptown Paper described as a sort of initiation slope for beginning skiers located by the old roller rink on the south edge of town. I can recollect thinking I was better than that. Until I twisted a chunk of my long hair into the rope of the rope tow, was dragged up the slope twenty feet and dropped to the ground without the chunk of hair attached to my scalp. After that I stayed away from the rope tow. Five year olds are at least ready for the T-bar, even if they are too chicken to ski off the top of the mountain in a virtual white out.
By first grade, my parents enrolled me in my first season of professional lessons. At the end of the season we raced, showing off all our fresh talent to relatives, friends and instructors. I was sure that I had made it down the course the quickest. If it weren’t for the fact that I missed four gates, I am sure my time would have been near the top. That was the beginning and the end of my racing career. Free skiing was more fun anyways. By the time I was in junior high school, I was launching myself off of chair one. At the top of what is now called bad medicine, I was busy being bad: the chair lift lulled along with an average sixteen minute ride to the top. Sometimes me and my buddies would just jump off. When it was real cold, we would go into the Alpin-snack and start fires with the flammable non-dairy creamer: open and throw contents of pack into mid air while buddy throws match.
By high school, I was skiing out of bounds. Those days saw the longest run of my life, from the top of the mountain down to the head of Whitefish Lake where the road meets Hell Roaring Creek. It would be inaccurate to say it hadn’t been done before and it would be inaccurate to say it was planned. I ended up leaving my skis a mile or two up the creek in different locations. Thankfully a co-worker of my mom’s offered to search the area the next day and thankfully they were retrieved before the next snowfall.
Whitefish has grown up and so have I. The both of us have seen some folly associated with our growth. Some of the folly has been admitted and other folly is still in the making or gets swept under the rug. And thank goodness historical sites like the Hell Roaring lodge still stand: the dozing a tragedy narrowly averted. If it weren’t for the lodge I would get vertigo even on a sunny day: everything looks so much different up there! Other buildings have structural difficulties. I find it odd that after all these years that the Alpinglow’s precarious design would get called on. And I remember working in the old Mogul’s restaurant one unwelcome Christmas break of storms, wind and of course fog. The roof collapsed near happy hour. Luckily nobody was hurt. The same vacation, the road was closed due to vehicle pile ups. With the road now much improved and the architecture becoming smarter, the mountain is really growing up. I just wish the Kalispell Cost-Co would offer the same ticket prices as the Canadian Cost-Co. I don’t consider this very smart marketing, unless the dollar does take the plunge this winter, making it obvious that locals can’t afford a day or two on the hill.
Stumptown Old Timer really sums up the archaic Whitefish experience. In the process of becoming history, Whitefish and I have both made mistakes, broken rules, built on dreams, changed our names, improved our image and have learned that having fun is high priority. With Whitefish Winter Carnival around the corner, locals also get a chance to laugh at themselves. In the midst of the political soup of the day- the mumbo gumbo aka the Muhlfield conspiracy, Whitefish carnival participants poke fun and create a skit performed at the Great Northern Bar highlighting a town’s folly. This year, I hope to lighten up a bit and get in on some of the fun. Especially since I no longer fear the Yetis- even if at first glance through the fog they do look an awful lot like mangy moose that hang out in Canyon Creek. Carnival events are going on now. The “big day” (parade) is the first Saturday in February.
Reflections on Flathead Media
I first noticed the Beacon back in December 2007. Being familiar with Missoula’s Independent, I found myself constantly comparing and contrasting the two. First impression told me the Beacon was smart, the image I was seeing was sporty and sleek, like a celebrity. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the paper was owned by celebrities Maury Pauvich and Connie Chung, who own a home in the Flathead. The Independent, on the other hand, has been criticized by many as advertising sleaze. However you classify dirt, it looks like it takes dirt to grow a grass roots style newspaper.
But I like that the Beacon is clean and doesn’t advertise sleaze- no cigarette ads no matter how “organic” the tobacco and no dating services. And the size of the Beacon is slightly smaller to flip from front to back. And what looks like the quality of paper they print on (recycled or non-recycled) has that subtle glossy feel to it. Part of staying in the newspaper print game these days does take a tactile edge in the market place. Even if your paper is free. Internet news doesn’t hold the memories I associate of print newspaper: waking up at 6:00a.m. at my mother’s house in Whitefish, stoking the fire and reading the Daily Interlake that has already been delivered to her front door. You get the picture. The Interlake holds fond memories, even if I don’t agree with the editor on the topic of global warming. I am a connoisseur of news, no matter what the medium. I appreciate all the media in our area, even if I don’t agree with the many viewpoints that are shared or exposed.
I just don’t think Bucky Walford should have his mall, for instance. This is more than just a stoplight issue, it is an environmental issue. And I don’t think that the Whitefish city council is petty. Any small victory gained by Whitefish civil servants for the good of many should be applauded. For the most part, I like what Whitefish has grown into in the last thirty eight years (which being my age is about how long I have watched Whitefish grow). And if bureaucracy slows things down, maybe this could be viewed in terms of a speed limit on growth. After all, haste makes waste. All this was stirred in me the second day of the year, with my new Beacon issue as I sat with my feet kicked back watching the snow fall and contemplating the editor’s advice for the various towns in Flathead County. I liked the roust for local government, but the words were like a jagged little pill for this little local girl.
All this rousting going on, all this **it being stirred- and for what reason? The Interlake had a headline a few weeks back- something about Muhlfield- the Whitefish city council fellow who was guilty of sleeping at his girlfriend’s house- that made him sound like a criminal. When mountains are made out of molehills, one wonders what the intent is. Last week’s Pilot quoted Tim Gratten, an area developer in on the mountain-making (and mountain making in more ways than one if you know the Gratten family) as, “just wanting to stir things up.” Jeesh. Is it really worth the effort? This sounds like the escapades of a little boy on the playground. And it has the whole valley in a tizzy.
The Beacon will have its place at the news stand. It has the money to do so. I no longer compare it to the Independent, which has returned to- in my mind- its rightful position as the only independent newspaper. Meanwhile, the media players are kicking up the dust on the playground. Let just hope that our emotions stirred won’t cloud the view.
-Kris Neckermann
But I like that the Beacon is clean and doesn’t advertise sleaze- no cigarette ads no matter how “organic” the tobacco and no dating services. And the size of the Beacon is slightly smaller to flip from front to back. And what looks like the quality of paper they print on (recycled or non-recycled) has that subtle glossy feel to it. Part of staying in the newspaper print game these days does take a tactile edge in the market place. Even if your paper is free. Internet news doesn’t hold the memories I associate of print newspaper: waking up at 6:00a.m. at my mother’s house in Whitefish, stoking the fire and reading the Daily Interlake that has already been delivered to her front door. You get the picture. The Interlake holds fond memories, even if I don’t agree with the editor on the topic of global warming. I am a connoisseur of news, no matter what the medium. I appreciate all the media in our area, even if I don’t agree with the many viewpoints that are shared or exposed.
I just don’t think Bucky Walford should have his mall, for instance. This is more than just a stoplight issue, it is an environmental issue. And I don’t think that the Whitefish city council is petty. Any small victory gained by Whitefish civil servants for the good of many should be applauded. For the most part, I like what Whitefish has grown into in the last thirty eight years (which being my age is about how long I have watched Whitefish grow). And if bureaucracy slows things down, maybe this could be viewed in terms of a speed limit on growth. After all, haste makes waste. All this was stirred in me the second day of the year, with my new Beacon issue as I sat with my feet kicked back watching the snow fall and contemplating the editor’s advice for the various towns in Flathead County. I liked the roust for local government, but the words were like a jagged little pill for this little local girl.
All this rousting going on, all this **it being stirred- and for what reason? The Interlake had a headline a few weeks back- something about Muhlfield- the Whitefish city council fellow who was guilty of sleeping at his girlfriend’s house- that made him sound like a criminal. When mountains are made out of molehills, one wonders what the intent is. Last week’s Pilot quoted Tim Gratten, an area developer in on the mountain-making (and mountain making in more ways than one if you know the Gratten family) as, “just wanting to stir things up.” Jeesh. Is it really worth the effort? This sounds like the escapades of a little boy on the playground. And it has the whole valley in a tizzy.
The Beacon will have its place at the news stand. It has the money to do so. I no longer compare it to the Independent, which has returned to- in my mind- its rightful position as the only independent newspaper. Meanwhile, the media players are kicking up the dust on the playground. Let just hope that our emotions stirred won’t cloud the view.
-Kris Neckermann
Wilderness Club Golf
the Wilderness Club STILL ABOVE LAW
the Eureka Montana Golf Course ResortContinues to Work on The Commercial Buildingeven after they were ordered to STOP.
They WORKED ON THE BUILDING TODAY
The Wilderness Club Resort has Deadlines to meet and they Will NOT let the rights of local landowners stand in their way. The Calgary Based Wilderness Club Montana and Nick Faldo have no Concern for the laws of Lincoln County Montana.
Weeks Ago Judge Prezeau ordered the Wilderness Club Resort in Eureka Montana to STOP working on a Commercial Building that VIOLATES the covenants of the Subdivision that they are in. And the Wilderness Club Continues still TODAY to work on the INSIDE of the Building. They were aparantley told that they may have to remove the building. Another words if they lose the lawsuit that the Koocanusa Estates residents have against them they may have to tear down their investment.
The Wilderness Club seems to think that they own the LAW in Lincoln County.
Since THIS illegal project started and the Wilderness Club chopped down the trees of private land owners to make a road that they did not have a right to make, the Wilderness Club had the attitude that if they just do it than no will STOP them. If they have enough money invested than the Laws of Lincoln will step aside and just say, "oh, well you have to much money into it, go ahead and keep it". I hope this is not true, but it Seems the Wilderness Club believes it is.
"It is Easier to say - oops - I'm Sorry, than to ask for permission", "Easier to Ask Forgiveness than to abide by the Law and do the right thing in the First Place."
Just when the Residents thought they would get some peace, they are now experience a different kind of stress. Loud Heaters and Lights blaring into their home, Construction Continues and the general feeling is that Big Money seems to be above the Law.
It does not matter what the Lincoln County Judge tells them to do they seem to Stand Above the Law, and Joe Purdy, their Realtor, whom I have not yet put into my BLOG is at the forfront of their blatant disrespect for the Laws of Lincoln county and the Rights of Private landowers.
I had purposely kept Joe's name out of my reports on the wilderness club, but if Joe will not tell the truth and stand up for the rights of property owners in a valley he claims to love than it's time to tell the truth about Joe Purdy.
In this situation Joe has been quoted as saying He will do what he wants. Joe Purdy claims he was given "written permission" to remove trees from private property for a road to be used to access a large commercial building that violates the local covenants. This building is to house chemical fertilizers and serve as a base of operation for grounds keeping equipment for the Wilderness Club Resort in Eureka Montana. The idea is to bring the "help" in the "back way" so as to not Disturb the Elite Group of landowner that reside within the Wilderness Club Golf Resort. However, it not only disturbs but RUINS the way of life the neighbors had been living previously.
You may think that this does not affect YOU. However, it does, if BIG Money can move into your "neck of the woods" and ruin the life you thought you moved here to enjoy or the life that you have always known here than it affects us all. It Seems that The Wilderness Club Cannot be Stopped. And despite the order from the Judge, they continue to work. Today they are Plumbing the building they were told to stop working on. Today they are putting in Electrical Wiring on the Building they were TOLD to STOP working on.
They WILL NOT stop, and it seems there is NO WAY to Make Them. It's as if they know they will never be made to remove the building and they certainly cannot magically make the stolen trees grow back and will, seemingly, never be made to PAY for the value of the trees.
Well Joe Purdy is Off to Mexico on Vacation and the Lives of the Neighbors at the Wilderness Club Montana continues to be Hell.
Slideshow of Area Photos before building went in andafter the trees were illegally removed.
Montana Conservation Voters
Today I Read The Article Titled “John Muhlfeld: Protecting Water Quality Makes Economic Sense” at http://www.mtvoters.org/newsroom/clip/2007/09/john_muhlfeld_protecting_water_quality_makes_economic_sense
Where in the World Does Montana Conservation Voters get and the Whitfish Free Press get information that John has the ability to Protect Water Quality. Get all the Files from the Projects he has worked on, see how many times the projects have had to be redone. What he is good at is showing off his degree so he can convince people that dams need ripped out when they do not, the fisheries need stabilized when they do not and using his degree and his position with government agencies to TREAT private landowners VERY badly. When you see ALL the files on ALL the jobs he has done, you cannot help but agree with me.
Note the Dogs with John in the photo, one of those is the dog I spoke of that John brought onto private land when the landowner specifically asked him not to. This dog came into their garage, harassed their pets, and John had no remorse or respect when it was brought to his attention.
Also in this Article, was the following.
John was Asked….
“What are your greatest strengths?
He Said
“I’m fair. When I am making decisions I can leave aside my personal bias on certain issues. As a public servant, I’m there to represent what’s best for the greater community, not any special interest group.”
Muhlfeld said he listens to both sides of an argument. “A perfect example is the contentious slope aspect of the Critical Areas Ordinance. I nominated Greg Carter to represent the real estate development community on the Ad Hoc Critical Areas Committee.”
John says that when making decisions he can leave his personal bias aside. That is SO NOT TRUE. John picks his friends for Government Jobs, and does not pick the best man for the Job. John’s personal opinion is all he cares about. When he stands on private property with dogs and tells the Female Landowner that he will do what he wants on the property and she does not have the right to ask that his dog not be on her property and than lets that dog run into her buildings, this is not leaving personal business behind. While the State of Montana is paying him to do a job that later they will pay him again and again to redo he stands there and disrespects landowners rights.
John says he listens to both sides of the argument, he does not, he picks the side that benefits him and those he cares about. He is NOT fair. Nominating a Prominate Realtor to represent the real estate development community on the Ad Hoc Critical Areas Committee is not listening to both sides. He lives with a Realtor, he cares about what the Realtors Care about. He cares about what will give him future jobs
John is Definitely for particular groups and not for private land owners rights.
Where in the World Does Montana Conservation Voters get and the Whitfish Free Press get information that John has the ability to Protect Water Quality. Get all the Files from the Projects he has worked on, see how many times the projects have had to be redone. What he is good at is showing off his degree so he can convince people that dams need ripped out when they do not, the fisheries need stabilized when they do not and using his degree and his position with government agencies to TREAT private landowners VERY badly. When you see ALL the files on ALL the jobs he has done, you cannot help but agree with me.
Note the Dogs with John in the photo, one of those is the dog I spoke of that John brought onto private land when the landowner specifically asked him not to. This dog came into their garage, harassed their pets, and John had no remorse or respect when it was brought to his attention.
Also in this Article, was the following.
John was Asked….
“What are your greatest strengths?
He Said
“I’m fair. When I am making decisions I can leave aside my personal bias on certain issues. As a public servant, I’m there to represent what’s best for the greater community, not any special interest group.”
Muhlfeld said he listens to both sides of an argument. “A perfect example is the contentious slope aspect of the Critical Areas Ordinance. I nominated Greg Carter to represent the real estate development community on the Ad Hoc Critical Areas Committee.”
John says that when making decisions he can leave his personal bias aside. That is SO NOT TRUE. John picks his friends for Government Jobs, and does not pick the best man for the Job. John’s personal opinion is all he cares about. When he stands on private property with dogs and tells the Female Landowner that he will do what he wants on the property and she does not have the right to ask that his dog not be on her property and than lets that dog run into her buildings, this is not leaving personal business behind. While the State of Montana is paying him to do a job that later they will pay him again and again to redo he stands there and disrespects landowners rights.
John says he listens to both sides of the argument, he does not, he picks the side that benefits him and those he cares about. He is NOT fair. Nominating a Prominate Realtor to represent the real estate development community on the Ad Hoc Critical Areas Committee is not listening to both sides. He lives with a Realtor, he cares about what the Realtors Care about. He cares about what will give him future jobs
John is Definitely for particular groups and not for private land owners rights.
My name is Crystal L. Cox, Broker Owner ( Non-Realtor)
of Ten Lakes Realty. I am FOR your rights in real estate
before, during and after your real estate transaction.
of Ten Lakes Realty. I am FOR your rights in real estate
before, during and after your real estate transaction.
Muhlfeld Wins.
Muhlfeld WINS.
I get it now, I did not know who the girlfriend was. Now I do, with the Realtors
behind John, there is no way to lose.
The Realtors have a lot of money and political power and they get their way, what ever it may be that they want. You Lose.
Whitefish apparently thinks that John Muhlfeld is the most forthright person on the council. If this is true than Whitefish is in serious trouble. John has ruined peoples lives, run over property rights, and makes VERY bad decisions that spends millions of dollars of tax payers money. Do your homework folks.
I get it now, I did not know who the girlfriend was. Now I do, with the Realtors
behind John, there is no way to lose.
The Realtors have a lot of money and political power and they get their way, what ever it may be that they want. You Lose.
Whitefish apparently thinks that John Muhlfeld is the most forthright person on the council. If this is true than Whitefish is in serious trouble. John has ruined peoples lives, run over property rights, and makes VERY bad decisions that spends millions of dollars of tax payers money. Do your homework folks.
Did whitefish Vote for him because of who they THOUGHT he was. Its Not True. He is VERY far from a being a Man of Integrity and should hold no role in politics. With his political connection, he can’t miss. He has been handed jobs since college and life is just falling in his lap. If Muhlfeld is making decisions that effect you, find out all you can, prove everything he claims.
Most don’t believe me and will find out the hard way. I don’t live in Whitefish though I was born there, I do live I Northwest Montana and I do know John’s work Ethics. I know John cheats the system, hires who he thinks is best with out public forum, is aggressive and disrespecting of private land owners and has NO Clue as to what he is doing professionally. If you don’t believe it, walk up Grave Creek today, the Mess it Now is, that’s John’s Handiwork.
Get the Facts Folks, don’t blindly follow who you think knows best for you. Find out for your self.
Most don’t believe me and will find out the hard way. I don’t live in Whitefish though I was born there, I do live I Northwest Montana and I do know John’s work Ethics. I know John cheats the system, hires who he thinks is best with out public forum, is aggressive and disrespecting of private land owners and has NO Clue as to what he is doing professionally. If you don’t believe it, walk up Grave Creek today, the Mess it Now is, that’s John’s Handiwork.
Get the Facts Folks, don’t blindly follow who you think knows best for you. Find out for your self.
Wilderness Club Above the Law?
After the County Judge told the Wilderness Club to stop construction on the building that has violated the covenants of the Koocanusa Estates and said that the building may be torn down, the Wilderness Club, according to my sources is MOVING FORWARD. They are working inside of the building and Swank Construction workers have confirmed this. Why does the Wilderness Club Golf Resort Feel they are above the Law?
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