Two charged in Whitefish mask incident

Charges were filed against two people involved in a mask incident on Saturday at a grocery store in Whitefish.

According to Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial, Judith Stevenson, of Whitefish, is facing a disorderly conduct charge and Stephane Ferry, of Big Sky, faces a criminal mischief charge.

Dial said officers responded to the Super 1 Foods after several witnesses called to report an altercation in the parking lot.

The officer spoke to Stevenson, who said she had a medical condition and couldn’t wear a mask. Stevenson said she was confronted by another Whitefish woman about not wearing a mask.

A witness to the incident said both women exchanged words about wearing a mask while they were still inside the store.

While the women were waiting to check out, Ferry was behind them and began to videotape the two women arguing.

A witness said Stevenson left the store and got into her vehicle. Meanwhile, the other woman, who was also outside the store, said Ferry approached her about pressing charges against Stevenson.

Dial said the Big Sky man is not a law enforcement officer. When Stevenson overheard the conversation between Ferry and the other woman, she pulled back into the parking space and argued with Ferry.

Stevenson, according to a witness, allegedly walked up to Ferry and his wife and acted like she was coughing on them.

Dial said at that point, Stevenson had got back into her car and Ferry then stood behind the vehicle in an attempt to block Stevenson from leaving.

According to a witness, as Stevenson backed up toward Ferry, he allegedly threw himself into the car. Ferry was not injured, according to Dial. Ferry then allegedly used an object, reported to be a cellphone, to break a rear window in the vehicle.

When an officer spoke to Ferry, he allegedly said Stevenson called the other woman she was arguing with a “sheep.” He then pulled out his phone and videotaped them.

According to the investigating officer, Ferry offered to help the other woman file charges against Stevenson.

“Those who say they have a medical condition are not required to wear a mask, according to the governor’s order,” Dial said. “And they do not have to prove they have a medical condition.”

Dial said the cases are in the hands of City Attorney Angela Jacobs.

“The charges could be amended, pursued or they could be dismissed,” Dial said.

The incident prompted Whitefish City Manager Dana Smith to send out an advisory Monday evening, further clarifying mask use in public settings.

Smith urged citizens to not call 911 or non-emergency dispatch about noncompliance with the mask regulations, “as our police officers are not responsible for the enforcement.”

Whitefish’s mask ordinance and the governor’s statewide directive do not provide for criminal or civil citations for individuals who do not wear a mask, she said.

“If you see someone without a mask in a public setting, please ask to speak with the store manager rather than trying to self-enforce the mask requirements,” Smith advised, noting complaints may be filed through the city of Whitefish or through the Flathead City-County Health Department.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com