Week of February 19, 2025
Week of February 19, 2025
The Whitehall Senior Center has proudly held its doors open to the Whitehall community for fifty years! Join Jim Webster and the rest of the Senior Citizen crew on Saturday, February 2nd, from 1 PM to 5 PM for an ice cream social at the Senior Center, located at 3 N. Division Street. The Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will also be on hand to celebrate this golden anniversary with a gold ribbon-cutting ceremony! Don’t miss the fun and celebrations this...
FEBRUARY 16, 2000: An estimated 185-220 people came to eat and enjoy each other's company at the Sweetheart Breakfast Fundraiser held on Sunday, Feb.13, at the Whitehall Senior Citizen Center. Whitehall Middle School sent a group of "mathletes" to the annual Mathcounts competition, held Feb. 8 in Butte. Eleven teams competed in the event, and the Whitehall team composed of Ben Atkinson, Justin Stratton, Janelle Anderson, Mikael Moore, Jayce Bell, John Burmeister, and Cindy Lofftus, plus Billy...
The Jefferson Valley Museum is offering a free program on Wednesday evening, February 19th, at 7 PM at the museum barn. Take a "walk" through the Whitehall cemetery while comfortably seated in a warm room. The program will cover history given at the October cemetery walk with some additional information included. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about more than 30 past residents of the town and valley, some well-known and others few have heard about; all played a part in our...
Sometimes when I drive past the little house my wife and I bought when we first married, 30 years ago, it makes me sad. Not only because of nostalgia, but because of economics. We were young professionals and bought a cute one-bedroom crackerbox in a small Montana town for less than $50,000. Today on Zillow, that house lists for more than $300,000. There's no way salaries have kept up with that kind of inflation. Clearly, rising costs are hitting the working class hard. The escalating prices of...
The Westerlies, "an arty quartet...mixing ideas from jazz, new classical, and Appalachian folk" (New York Times) are a New York-based brass quartet comprised of Riley Mulherkar and Chloe Rowlands on trumpet, and Andy Clausen and Addison Maye-Saxon on trombone. From Carnegie Hall to Coachella, The Westerlies navigate a wide array of venues and projects with the precision of a string quartet, the audacity of a rock band, and the charm of a family sing-along. On Saturday, March 2, 2025 they will...
100 YEARS AGO - FEBRUARY 1925, Part II: February 1925 was busy around the world. Headlines in the Jefferson Valley News that month included Income Tax Returns Must Be Filed By March 15; President Pays Sincere Tribute To Newspapers; Walsh To Pay Supreme Penalty This Saturday (he was sentenced to death in the murder of Al Johnson in Renova); and 3 Killed in Auto Plunge at Jefferson Island; and, for the first time in U. S. history, the Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies To Be Broadcasted. Other...
This week and next are full of activities at the Whitehall Community Library. Many have noticed that the stairway and children's areas are getting a new look, as artist Teresa Young is painting a full-scale mural on the new office wall and sunflowers down the stairs. With all the snow falling this year, it makes things so cheerful to see all the bright colors, which give hope of warm weather and spring. Our first Teen History Book Club meets on Friday, February 21st, at 1 PM. The History Book...
The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) is urgently warning residents about the growing threat of romance scams in the state. The Rising Threat of Romance Scams: Romance scams, which involve deceptive online relationships often initiated through dating websites, apps, or social media, have become increasingly prevalent. Scammers create fake profiles to lure unsuspecting individuals seeking companionship, ultimately asking for or stealing money once they’ve gained the victim’s trust. According to the Federal Trade...
Montana is at a crossroads in our management of wildlife. We will either maintain our decades-long tradition in which everyone has equal opportunity to enjoy our public wildlife, or we hand control to a handful of wealthy landowners and outfitters to pick who gets to hunt. A bill pending in the state Legislature would allow unlimited elk “B” cow elk tags in some areas to residents, and give non-residents who draw a bull elk license a second cow elk tag, in addition to the one they’re already guaranteed based on a law passed a couple...
Southwest Montana Youth Partners is a nonprofit organization based in Boulder, Montana. Its mission is to facilitate and promote quality, affordable youth programs. The Youth Leadership Program is an initiative for seventh to ninth-grade students and is finishing its pilot year. The third cohort of students included students county-wide. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Program is to allow young people to explore and practice personal leadership skills and create positive change in their...
Although many desserts make for a sweet ending to delicious meals, there's something so inviting about a moist and tender cobbler to add that yum factor. Cobbler consists of a fruit filling covered in a biscuit batter of sorts. When baked, the ingredients blend together to form a spoonable treat that is tender but with the right amount of bite. Enjoy this recipe for Peach Cobbler courtesy of Taste Better From Scratch and contributor Lauren Allen. INGREDIENTS 5 peaches, peeled, cored and sliced...
Everyone is invited to an intergenerational (all-ages) BINGO and Soup Night at Trinity United Methodist (102 N. Brooke Street) on Wednesday, February 19th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Join us for a bowl of soup and a time to connect and play bingo and other games. All are welcome, invited, and encouraged to attend this fun...
Everyone is invited to an intergenerational (all-ages) BINGO and Soup Night at Trinity United Methodist (102 N. Brooke Street) on Wednesday, February 19th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Join us for a bowl of soup and a time to connect and play bingo and other games. All are welcome, invited, and encouraged to attend this fun...
The Whitehall Medical Clinic is pleased to announce that, after more than 22 years, we have added a new provider to our healthcare team. Please join us in welcoming Eve Cruea, MSN, FNP-C. Eve is not exactly a "new" face here at the clinic. Many of you may know her from her time working here as a Registered Nurse over the past several years. Eve has worked diligently over the last 2 years to obtain her degree as a certified Nurse Practitioner. Her hard work, dedication, and love for learning...
Join the Western Legacy Center (415 N. Whitehall St.) for a special evening celebrating Montana’s rich literary heritage at Author Book Signing Night this Saturday from 2 PM to 5 PM. Meet a variety of talented Montana authors, hear the stories behind their books, and get your copies personally...
The Whitehall Senior Center has teamed with AARP to offer Whitehall senior citizens free help with their taxes. On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM, AARP Tax Relief will be at the Senior Center at 3 N. Division Street in Whitehall. To RSVP for a free appointment, please contact Jim at 287-5336. Assistance is for private citizens only; businesses will not be...
Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Nothing is more frustrating than sitting down at your computer, ready to get work done, only to run into an unexpected issue. Whether your computer won’t turn on, runs too slowly, or won’t connect to the internet, there are simple steps you can take before calling for professional help. Here are some of the most common computer problems and how to fix them. COMPUTER WON'T TURN ON: If your computer won’t start, don’t panic. First, check the power...
Feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, or anxious is a problem that many people regularly face. Work, family, extra activities, and current events can all contribute to making life feel fast-paced and chaotic. It can feel like there’s never enough time to truly rest or reset. But what if it didn’t have to be this way? What if you could learn how to find a place of peace and calm no matter what situation you find yourself in? Anyone interested in reducing or relieving stress is invited to join Bethel Wagner at Sage Wellness Center for a 3-part...
Dear Editor, Who will pay for Senator Hertz's reform of tax increment financing? Tax increment financing (TIF) is a policy driver that incentivizes private developers to develop in areas they would not otherwise develop, e.g., 100-year-old vacant, blighted structures full of contaminants on rural Main Streets. Why? They can't cash flow them. They can't maximize their profits. It is cheaper to buy ag and green lands outside of the city boundaries where they don't have to hassle with city codes,...
Dear Editor, We went and saw the play I Don't Want to Talk About It this past Saturday. First off, kids and coach, well done!!! The Whitehall I know is who showed up and supported. The message was clear: TALK. As families, preachers, friends, and community members we need to listen. The worst part of this whole thing is that the Whitehall public school administration and school board proved they aren't willing to listen. Thankfully Whitehall is much more than the public school system. As the...
Dear Editor, Super job, Drama Team!!! Genuine concern for our young folks means we would listen to them. Isn't it ironic that their production was stifled when it dealt with this exact issue? Shame, shame! DAVE AND JENNY SCOTT Whitehall,...
Dear Editor, We are seeking feedback from our community for truth and clarity in the midst of this political chaos. We'd like to do a weekly column about the issues of today that provides a path to the truth based on primary sources and evidence. We have asked former Whitehall High School librarian Holly Harper to do the heavy lifting vis-a-vis research, and she is eager to hear the questions and find the answers. Full disclosure: Holly is a Never Trumper but answers to the truth, not to a...
Dear Editor, In recent online discussions in town regarding policies recently perpetrated by our illustrious school administration, I was accused of being “woke.” I found this to be quite upsetting as, until now, I had subscribed to Hess’s description, “Woke is being the inverse of politically correct and wanting everyone to know just how correct you are.” I have never in my life striven for political correctness and have rebelled against it. I always regarded “woke” by its...
Dear Editor, I can't wait to talk about it! Oh my....what a load of hubbub. I listened to people I know and heard about the "woke" play I Don't Want To Talk About It. One thing I have learned in dealing with politics is to do research. I encouraged others to check it out: read the script, talk to Liz [Pullman], ask the school board. I read the article published by Montana Talks. It was distorted at best. I read about all the awards and praise from Missoula (honestly, I don't put much weight...
I have been on the Whitehall School board for around a decade. I have seen a lot of controversy from a lot of different angles in my time on the board. In every situation there are multiple sides and perspectives, and someone is always disappointed, angry, or sad by the way it plays out. I think it is important to try to understand the point of views of all parties, and empathize when you can’t agree. Over the past couple months that Whitehall High School Drama Club has prepared and performed a play called, “I don’t want to talk about...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, impulsiveness may cause friction with loved ones this week, so avoid rushing into decisions. Keep an open mind when others come to you with their thoughts. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, expect some clarity regarding a recent financial decision this week. You’ll get the answers you need about budgeting and other investments you’ve been mulling over. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 This week you may be tempted to overcommit to social endeavors, Gemini. Keep your boundaries in check, especially if you are having...
GEORGIA, I have a question, I (25F) am the youngest of four; the rest of my siblings are all married, two of them have kids. I have one child with my ex and two with my fiance. My fiance (29m) is the oldest of three; his two sisters are not married and do not have kids. We have our wedding planned for July. Ever since we told his family, they have been planning nonstop. They literally have vision boards made up at their house, without my opinions or anything. My mother-in-law bought her dress already in a VERY light gold color. Whenever I see...
All people born post-internet will likely die having forgotten more total information than all their ancestors combined ever learned. What percentage of people have sat in the back seat of their own car? If commercialized space travel becomes a reality, we will buy water from Europa as a luxury product, the same way we buy iceberg water now. A perfectly straight road would go into space. When we were younger, most of us didn’t understand why it was common for people to bring their phones into the bathroom. Most people don’t wear...
One of the well-known phrases of Jesus, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34), is both powerful and thought-provoking. However, the context is even more revealing if we take the time to understand Christ’s statement. This teaching was sparked by a question from a nearby listener, “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ Jesus replied, ‘Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?’ Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on...
Montana lawmakers are attempting to add to the crime of child endangerment, including exposure to marijuana. Senate Bill 261 would make exposing a child to marijuana and other dangerous drugs, which would include fentanyl, or forcing them to consume the drugs a punishable offense. It would also criminalize assisting minors in entering marijuana dispensaries. Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, is carrying the bill. In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Feb. 12, Hertz said SB 261 gives law enforcement agents more tools to protect the safety of...
A key Medicaid expansion bill passed the Montana House of Representatives last week, one step closer to removing the sunset date on a program that has provided insurance coverage to thousands of Montanans. A 2024 report from the Montana Healthcare Foundation shows that in 2023, about 110,000 adults were covered under the state’s Medicaid expansion program. The expansion offers healthcare for Montanans who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty line for income. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a 63-37 vote Feb. 10 following...
The third attempt at giving Montana farmers and ranchers the right to repair their agricultural equipment outside of dealerships hit the House Business and Labor Committee last week. Proponents of House Bill 390 said when manufacturers require that certain repairs only be made by dealers, they leave farmers and ranchers with too few options. But the bill also drew criticism for overstepping in what opponents said could be an easy private-sector solution. Retired Army Colonel Richard Liebert is a cattle rancher and president of the Montana...
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 07:45:36 911 Hang Up: I-90 10:30:55 Traffic Stop 10:47:36 Traffic Stop 11:16:36 Traffic Stop 14:54:50 Traffic Stop 16:34:54 Medical: Sun Valley Dr 22:00:06 Motorist Assist: N Whitehall St 22:49:27 Suspicious: E First St 23:09:03 Traffic Hazard: I-90 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 15:40:06 Trespass: E Legion St 16:09:31 Medical: Lower Rader Creek Rd 16:43:50 Civil: Hwy 2 W 17:55:38 Transport: Billings Hospital TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 07:06:24 Medical: Lower Rader Creek Rd 14:55:15 Stranded...
Under a bill in front of lawmakers in Helena, Montana plates and palates would never see a piece of lab-grown meat – a product Republican Rep. Randyn Gregg of White Sulphur Springs called “ Mary Sheldon’s Frankenstein meets Keanu Reeves in the Matrix.” Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, is carrying House Bill 401, which does not include bans on plant-based meat alternatives, but rather meat that is grown from animal cells. The bill’s long list of co-sponsors includes lawmakers from both parties. “ This bill will help...
A bill in the Montana House of Representatives aims to protect the autonomy and free speech of pregnancy centers amid controversy across the country about how these centers handle abortion conversations with patients. Crisis pregnancy centers or clinics, also known as anti-abortion centers, offer prenatal support, pregnancy testing and counseling, often as an effort to encourage mothers to carry pregnancies to term. Derek Oestreicher, chief legal counsel for the Montana Family Foundation, supported House Bill 388 at a committee hearing...
The Whitehall Study Commission will be mailing out questionnaires to all postal patrons in the Whitehall Post Office area. Originally these questionnaires were planned to be released in early February; however, they will now be mailed in March. Each questionnaire will be addressed to the postal customer registered to that post office box. The Local Government Review process is complicated; its scope and intent are easily misunderstood. But it's important to know that the review is not a...
A bill its sponsor called “easy-peasy” would allow retired teachers to keep their benefits while returning to tutor their replacements. The House State Administration Committee heard first testimony on House Bill 359 on February 11 and then passed the bill onto the full Senate the next day on a 19-0 vote. “This just opens the door for retired teachers to perhaps get paid to help newly hired teachers that are taking over in their past teaching role without jeopardizing their retirement distribution,” said Rep. Jamie Isaly, D-Bozeman,...
Gov. Greg Gianforte continues to push lawmakers to pass a “homestead exemption” bill to help Montanans with rising property taxes by lowering rates for primary residences and long-term rentals. Gianforte has said the plan is projected to provide direct permanent relief to 215,000 Montana homeowners, with average cuts of 15%. During his State of the State speech in January, the governor highlighted the proposal as one of his top priorities. “In my State of the State, I asked the legislature to pass the homestead rate cut by the middle of...
It’s going to take all of us to create a Montana where there is justice, safety, and dignity for all. This means that we need YOU to take contact your legislator this legislative session. • Call the capitol switchboard at 406-444-4800: The switchboard is open 7 AM to 5:30 PM M-F. State your name, where you’re located, and ask to leave a message Supporting/Opposing the bill you want to leave comment on. • Submit public comment: There’s a new system for leaving message to legislators this year that does require you to create an...
At the Billings Metra over the weekend, hundreds of wrestlers grappled on the mats for state placements. Two Whitehall Trojans, brothers Cody Fuller and Levi Fuller, were the only Trojans to place out of the ten sent to the competition. "So proud they were able to accomplish their goal of being state placers, especially together, and it being Cody's senior!" Melissa Fuller said in an email with photos taken for the Whitehall Ledger. 103 Boys: QUADE SKOGEN (0-5) place is unknown and scored 0.0...
TEAM Mint #4: 13 wins, 4 losses K-Bar #1: 12 wins, 5 losses Mint #2: 9 wins, 8 losses Two Bit #2: 9 wins, 8 losses MEN 4 wins, 0 losses: Dwayne McClanahan, Fred LeProwse, Caleb Powers 3 wins, 1 loss: Jared Dorvall, Mike Wall, Chuckie Dirkson, Will Bowen, Gordon Lyons, Terry VanVictor, Tyler Blair, Terry Spenser, Michael Clark WOMEN 2 wins, 2 losses: Deanna Wall, Leslie Dyson, Elena...
2/6/2025 Round Two - Team Mint #2: 164 wins, 74 losses K-Bar #1: 163 wins, 75 losses Mint #4: 121 wins, 117 losses K-Bar #2: 120 wins, 118 losses Mint #1: 119 wins, 119 losses Two Bit #2: 106 wins, 132 losses Two Bit #1: 91 wins, 147 losses Mint #3: 68 wins, 170 losses 2/6/2025 Round Two - Individual Rick Kelley: 46 wins, 10 losses Chuckie Dirkson: 45 wins, 11 losses Dwayne McClanahan: 41 wins, 15 losses Will Bowen: 38 wins, 14 losses Leslie Dyson: 33 wins, 23 losses Jay VonBergen: 32 wins, 16 losses Colt Smith: 32 wins, 24 losses Jeremy...
