Thinking of the Fish
Oh, Whitefish, what a long time it has been. I first moved to Whitefish in 1995 at the age of 21. Looking for a new adventure in life, I left Illinois and drove out West with my belongings and enough cash to get an apartment and a snowboarding pass.
It was a glorious time there. The memories seem like they are as fresh as if they happened yesterday. Since my days in Whitefish, I have traveled and lived all over — Missoula, Chicago, south of France, and Rome, Italy. But I always remember your little town "The Fish."
I sit in my home today working on my Mac in Chicago, burning wood in my wood-burning stove, watching outside as it snows our first flakes in Illinois (10 huge inches' and can barely get anything done. I keep thinking of the days when 10 inches of snow gave one's snowboarding soul a sense of excitement unable to describe in words.
Oh, Whitefish, I look forward to a time when my voice will shake hands with your small town again.
Jayson Lawfer
Chicago
Face Off thank you
The seventh annual Whitefish Women's Winter Face Off hockey tournament was a great success due largely to the generosity and support of many individuals and local businesses.
Teams from Washington, Montana, British Columbia and Alberta competed throughout the weekend. All teams demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and determination, with the Fernie Hustlers taking home the championship cup.
The Whitefish Wailers and Northern Lights Hockey teams would like to sincerely thank Andy at the ice rink for doing such a wonderful job promoting and putting on this event, as well as those listed below for their donation of time, products, services and money.
The visitors here had a great time enjoying our fine city and all that it offers. Thank you very much. We hope to have included everyone; if anyone is missed, our apologies.
Thanks to rink manager Andy Hergesheimer, coaches Josh Steele, Peter Gall and Daniel Jones, Hammer Nutrition, The Wave, Crested Butte Outdoors, Bulldog Saloon, The Walking Man Gallery, Montana Raft Co., Montana Espresso, Old Sun Knits, Whitefish Theatre Company, Tailwaggers, Rising Sun Bistro, GravityShots Photography, Montana River Anglers, Izaak Walton Inn, Great Northern Bar and Grill, Next Level Fitness, D.A. Davidson, the Rendahl Family, Davidson Construction, Inc., Piggy Back Barbeque, Remedies Day Spa and Amazing Crepes.
Lini Reading
Whitefish
Homer vs. Whitefish
I read about the taxi business being difficult in Whitefish in the Nov. 19 edition of the Whitefish Pilot.
Homer is very similar to Whitefish in that it's a tourist town with scenery. If several taxis can make it in Homer, where the population is about two-thirds that of Whitefish, why can't one make it in Whitefish? Could it be all that 'red tape" from the Montana government?
Anyway, even after 10 years away, we keep up with Whitefish by way of the Whitefish Pilot.
Best wishes to all, thanks for the local news.
Tony Kastella
Homer, Alaska
Property taxes
Property owners in the Flathead, did you know we have the most tax appeals in the state?
On Friday, Dec. 4, my friend and I drove to Helena and testified to the Montana Legislative Transportation and Revenue Committee Meeting. We felt listened to. The chairperson, Kim Gillan, from Billings, was especially great to us.
I told them about my home on Whitefish Lake escalating to the point that we may not be able to keep it. (In Jackson Hole, people did have to leave their homes because of ridiculously high property taxes.)
The property-tax assistance programs will not work for us. If you make under $75,000, you can get help from $1 to $1,000. My taxes are going up to almost $14,000.
The committee decided to form some working groups to explore ways to lessen impacts of reappraisals.
We certainly did not get any sympathy from Dan Bucks, head of the Department of Revenue. Maybe he also thinks we should sell.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer tells us he will not call a special session and passes the buck to the inability of the Legislature to fix this problem. It is his job to find solutions.
Judy Pettinato
Whitefish
Listen to Zinke
Studies and research, not biased opinions, should be the criteria in determining solutions for America's energy dilemma. In his letter to the editor appearing in the Sept. 3 Whitefish Pilot, Ryan Zinke clearly, concisely and orderly laid out the nature of our energy problems, then thoughtfully offered remedies to bring our country close to energy independence.
Using reliable figures to substantiate his logical reasoning, Zinke pointed out how new and current sources of energy could be obtained at very reasonable increases in cost to the consumer, that's you and me, and do it without hidden or open taxation.
I urge you to listen to the heartfelt concern of a man who has made a mark for himself in a very challenging and successful career of leadership in the Navy Seal program.
Zinke has returned to his home in Northwest Montana, full of enthusiasm to take part in activities of local government and civic affairs such as support for and involvement in a Boy Scout program.
Welcome back, Ryan Zinke, to your native home.
Russ Ramlow
Whitefish