Ward 3 residents who didn’t put their hat in the ring for a spot on Kalispell City Council in November’s municipal election have another opportunity. Come January, Councilor and Mayor-elect Ryan Hunter will move to the position at the council’s helm, freeing up his Ward 3 seat.
According to state code, the council has 30 days after a seat becomes vacant to appoint a temporary successor, who will serve the remainder of the two-year term. The position will then be put up to vote in the next municipal election.
There are two Ward 3 seats on city council. In November’s election, three candidates – Kyle Waterman, Kyle Voigtlander, and Brenton Gardner – ran for Councilor Jessica Dahlman’s Ward 3 seat, who did not run for reelection. Waterman won with 847 votes, with Voigtlander following at 423 votes and Gardner at 141. Voigtlander told the Beacon on Dec. 10 that he has a “strong interest” in applying for January’s open seat.
Those interested in the nonpartisan position have until Jan. 4 to submit a letter of interest. Letters must include, at a minimum: name, address, phone, email, relevant experience, a brief explanation of why you are interested in the position, and a signature. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and have established residency within Ward 3 (the boundary of which is pictured above) for a minimum of 60 days.
Candidates must also be available to regularly attend council meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m., other occasional meetings as needed and review weekly materials prior to meeting.
Letters can be dropped off at the city clerk’s office at 201 First Avenue East, mailed to PO Box 1997, Kalispell, MT 59903, or submitted via email.
I’m Zoë Buhrmaster. Let’s move onto the rest of today’s Roundup.
Data Entry Error Results in Budgeting Shortfall for Somers Lakeside School District
The district is returning to taxpayers to collect the $630,460.15 it needs to make up the shortfall through a special tax assessment, which it has planned for February of 2026, pending board approval. The board will meet to discuss the matter on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.
Whitefish Legacy Partners Acquires Former Bike Retreat Property
With plans to open the Whitefish Legacy Center next summer, the stewards of the Whitefish Trail made a "strategic purchase" of the 35-acre Beaver Lakes property, which was slated for housing development
Meet Pablo!Pablo is a sweet boy with a gentle heart. He can be shy with new people, but once he feels safe his playful personality shines through. Humane Society staff say he’s one of the silliest boys you’ll ever meet. His blend of both playful and couch potato energy make Pablo a perfect companion.
To find out more about Pablo and other pet adoption opportunities at the Humane Society of Northwest Montana go to: www.humanesocietypets.com. To donate to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, visit the organization’s donation page here.
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