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KALISPELL- Four Whitefish residents filed a lawsuit against the city to challenge the repeal the 2010 Interlocal Agreement, and now another group of homeowners are trying to intervene that lawsuit, to keep what voters approved in the November election.

2010 Interlocal Agreement was repealed in November, so Flathead County took control of the so-called "Doughnut" area from the city of Whitefish.

Monday, the intervening citizens, along with city staff and plaintiffs, attended a show of cause hearing in Flathead County District Court to prevent the county for further actions, such as zoning of the area, which spans 2 miles outside of Whitefish city limits.

According to attorney John Lacey, those intervening say they believe in the citizen's right of participation in government, and believe this lawsuit challenges that right.

"This case is about the irreparable harm that will be caused to the city and that will be caused in this case to my clients who have done substantial work to repeal the 2010 agreements."

The Flathead County Clerk of Courts office says a date for the next hearing is still pending.

Contact Katy Harris