Page 13 - Flathead Beacon // 1.7.15

FLATHEADBEACON.COM NEWS JANUARY 7, 2015 | 13
creating
LOCAL JOBS
Small Businesses create local jobs. That’s why Three Rivers Bank is a preferred lender
of the Small Business Administration and is a major provider of small business loans throughout the valley.
www.ThreeRiversBankMontana.com
An inversion hangs over the Flathead Valley as skiers are greeted with sunny skies at Whitefish Mountain Resort. GREG LINDSTROM | FLATHEAD BEACON
Fresh Snow, Holidays Bring Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Biggest Day Ever
Nearly 7,900 people skied on Dec. 28
By JUSTIN FRANZ of the Beacon
Fresh powder and an influx of holi- day visitors brought Whitefish Moun- tain Resort its busiest day ever when nearly 7,900 people took to Big Moun- tain on Dec. 28.
Resort spokesperson Riley Polum- bus said before Sunday, the busiest day on record was Dec. 30, 2013, when 7,654 skiers and riders came. An average day sees about 2,800 people.
Sunday, Dec. 28 was already aiming to be a busy day on Big Mountain with people visiting the area for New Year’s celebrations, but a winter storm that brought an enormous amount of new powder also attracted local residents.
Polumbus said there was an increase in season pass holders because of the great conditions.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day tends to be the resort’s most popular, but Polumbus said some of the extreme cold temperatures kept people away.
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Majestic Valley Arena Targeted by Arson
Fire destroyed office and lobby early Jan. 3.
By JUSTIN FRANZ of the Beacon
An early morning fire at the Majestic Valley Arena north of Kalispell was set intentionally, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
The West Valley Fire Department responded to a fire at the arena along U.S. Highway 93 shortly after 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 3. According to officials, the fire
started inside the office and lobby area and although firefighters were able to quickly knock the blaze down, it caused significant damage. Sheriff Chuck Curry also said there was extensive water and smoke damage in other parts of the fa- cility.
Curry said evidence suggests an ar- sonist set it on purpose and the sheriff’s office already has a few leads.
“We’re working on this inves- tigation as we speak,” Curry said Monday morning.
Firefighters from West Valley, Smith Valley, Kalispell, South Kalispell and
Evergreen all responded to the blaze. The fire and the investigation forced Majestic Valley to cancel the Wrangler Team Roping Championships event that began Jan. 2 and was scheduled to con- tinue through Saturday. However, arena officials said plans were moving forward to hold the Cinch Winter Rodeo Series
this coming weekend.
Anyone with information regarding
the fire should call the Flathead Coun- ty Sheriff’s Office crime stoppers line at (406) 257-8477.
[email protected]
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