Week of January 15, 2025
Week of January 15, 2025
A heated dispute between a school official and a drama teacher dominated this week's meeting of the Whitehall public school board as the teacher denounced recent administrative efforts to distance the district from the high school's latest theater production. The dispute had been brewing for days, with district administrators initially attributing their concerns about the play to a four-year-old sex education law, only to backtrack and cite the production's suicide themes. None of the...
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would like to announce and invite the public to comment on a proposal to resurface approximately 6 miles of Montana Highway 41 (MT 41) near Twin Bridges. The project will begin approximately half a mile north of the intersection with Montana Highway 287 (MT 287) in Twin Bridges and extends north. Proposed work includes seal and cover (chip seal) and updated pavement markings. The purpose of the project is to extend the service life of the roadway, provide additional skid resistance, and take a...
JANUARY 12, 2000 Jefferson County gets serious about winning "war on weeds": Nearly 40 Jefferson County ranchers participated in two meetings on Jan. 6, and if everything goes according to plan, they will receive grants to pay for a 50 percent cost share on chemicals and application to fight weeds for the next three years. The Whitehall public library was burglarized on the night of January 6; a computer system, copier, security camera, and a small amount of cash were reported stolen. The...
Editor’s Note: As the Whitehall Ledger’s Editor and Owner, I strive to provide unbiased content in each week’s edition of the newspaper. Due to the issues brought up at the January school board meeting, I have chosen not to include in my portion of the meeting in the below report. It is unethical to write my own version of the dealings with the WHS Drama Club and the administration, as they may seem biased. Instead, I am providing the link (bit.ly/4aj1VbN) to the school board meeting and will allow the public to educate themselves...
I was redoing my computer terms for our adult computer class at the Whitehall Community Library this week and was amazed at how many new terms were added. In this ever-changing world of technology, terminology is increasing almost daily. Keeping up with it is nearly as important as learning all of the new programs and gadgets. For our seniors, this radical change in lifestyles is difficult at best and devastating at worst for those who grew up with dial phones, no remotes for anything, and...
The term "comfort food" can be used in reference to a host of dishes. Some see Mom's homecooking as the ultimate comfort food, while others may insist hearty dishes that fill the belly are the only true comfort foods. Regardless of one's definition of comfort food, one characteristic many might agree about is that foods must provide more than mere sustenance to qualify for entry into this wide-ranging category. Beef stew certainly fits that criteria, as many feel nothing is more comforting on a...
The Whitehall Chamber’s quarterly BINGO fundraiser, under the direction of Raven Hrysenko, will be held on Friday, January 24th at 6 PM at the Whitehall Community Center. The beneficiary of this BINGO event is 4 Paws Rescue. Prices are $12 for the first board, $1 each additional board. A new game - Downline - will also be played. Much like 50/50, this game utilizes bingo numbers. A spaghetti meal fundraiser will be sold during the BINGO event. Hrysenko is currently looking for donations for Bingo prizes. If you would like to donate, please...
I was redoing my computer terms for our adult computer class at the Whitehall Community Library this week and was amazed at how many new terms were added. In this ever-changing world of technology, terminology is increasing almost daily. Keeping up with it is nearly as important as learning all of the new programs and gadgets. For our seniors, this radical change in lifestyles is difficult at best and devastating at worst for those who grew up with dial phones, no remotes for anything, and...
Winter is a great time to get outside and recreate. Ice fishing, ice skating, hunting, snowmobiling or just taking a walk are all great activities. But be careful not to fall through the ice. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff reminds winter enthusiasts to make safety a top priority. Here are some safety tips: • Anglers and other recreationists should be familiar with the water body they plan to fish or recreate on. Pay close attention to the changing conditions of the ice. • If you have even the slightest doubt about the safety of the...
The Whitehall Medical Clinic is excited to announce the success of its newly launched Weight Loss Management Program, which started on September 1, 2024. The program has already helped close to 40 patients lose a combined total of 550 pounds, and it's only the beginning. To further support the community in achieving their health and wellness goals, the clinic is offering 25% off weight loss shots for the month of January. The program centers around two highly effective medications-semaglutide...
New Year, new times for great movies at the Star Theatre! Please note that the Star Theatre has changed its matinee times. Matinees will now be offered at 3:30 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Evening movies will remain at 7 PM. Stop by and see what's new at the historic Star Theatre. Gold Junction Presents is continuously working to improve your movie...
I just got back from the Travel Industry Rotunda Day at the Montana State Capitol in Helena on Monday, January 13th, where we were talking about something that affects all of us here in Montana: SB 90. This bill promises property tax relief, but don’t be fooled—it comes at a cost we can’t afford. Here’s the deal: Tourism is one of Montana’s biggest moneymakers. Every year, visitors bring in $5.45 billion, support over 66,000 jobs, and contribute $414 million in state and local taxes. That’s a big deal, especially when you realize...
How to Set Up a Home Theater System on a Budget Transforming your living room into a home theater doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of planning and smart shopping, you can enjoy cinema-quality sound and visuals from the comfort of your couch without breaking the bank. Here’s how to do it: Start with the TV: If you’re upgrading your television, look for budget-friendly options in the 4K UHD range. These models offer sharp resolution and vibrant colors. Stick to brands with solid...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, charm is one of your strongest attributes. This week your magnetism is magnified and can work to your advantage. You might attract people who can help with a situation. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, it is never easy to reevaluate finances and cut back. However, this is the week when you likely have to keep your credit card in your wallet; otherwise, the bills add up. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, now is the time to turn great opportunities into big ideas. Make a plan of action and spell out the steps necessary...
Dear Editor, When government outgrows the productivity of its people: According to a recent study released by Truth in Accounting, the end of 2024 brought the US government 153 trillion dollars of total liabilities. Your government currently holds claim to $966,000 of future productivity for every citizen in the United States. Measures to correct a growing burden will require some pain that few will escape. The million-dollar question remains: What will you be willing to sacrifice? "If the...
Dear Editor, I took the opportunity last Tuesday evening to attend the school board meeting, specifically the portion allotted for public comment on non-agenda items. It was interesting, enlightening, and infuriating, so I am compelled to write. All the public comments that night were centered on Superintendent Nieskins and high school principal Jason Slater's actions to prevent the high school play from being a sanctioned high school activity. By being reclassified as non-sanctioned, the...
As a Gen X parent of Gen Z teens and young adults, I’m used to cringing at things from 80s and 90s movies that haven’t aged well. However, a beloved movie from my youth that I didn’t expect to be problematic, “Dead Poets Society,” sparked some unexpected negative responses in my kids, shining a spotlight on generational differences I didn’t even know existed. I probably watched “Dead Poets Society” a dozen or more times as a teen and young adult, always finding it aesthetically beautiful, tragically sad, and profoundly...
On average, paying insurance is not worth it. Birds and ants have blueprints and construction codes for their homes in formats we do not fully comprehend yet. Superheroes should fly feet first to protect their heads. The easiest job ever would be to be an aspiring actor who got a role playing an aspiring actor. If you could immediately stop all the momentum your body is experiencing, you’d likely cease to exist. Marsupials are the only animals that can be pickpocketed. The Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books allow a person to navigate a...
GEORGIA, I have a question, My father-in-law was “just visiting” from Puerto Rico in mid-July. August came, then September, October, and November. In December, he finally told us that his wife (not my husband’s mother) had told him not to come home. So, we (my husband, four children, and I) invited him to stay with us. At first, we told him not to worry about rent because he is on a fixed income and disabled. We noticed he was sending a lot of money to his ex-wife, so we asked if he could help out with his toiletries to offset the...
One of the most well-known illustrations in the Bible includes the Good Samaritan as shared by Jesus. We often surmise that the principle is centered on how to help those in need, whereas the context principle Jesus is communicating is a bit different. Of course, giving to those in need is a Biblical value and something Jesus promoted. Stop and re-read Christ’s words again: “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?...
Dona Jean Wallace, 91, of Bozeman, passed away on July 24, 2024, at a local care facility. A Celebration of Life was held at 1 PM on Saturday, August 24th, at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service in Bozeman. Dona was born on January 2, 1933, in Townsend, MT, to Howard and Ruby (Olson) Wallace. She graduated from Montana State College with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and later returned to obtain her Master of Education. Dona worked at Whitehall High School as a physical education...
Terry D. Kuehl, 84, passed away on December 22, 2024, at his home in Waterloo, Montana. Terry was born June 25, 1940, at his family’s home in Orangeville, IL. His mother, father, and his son preceded him in death. He is survived by one daughter, two granddaughters, one great-grandson, and Judy, his soulmate of 30 years. Terry’s family would like to thank the Whitehall Medical Clinic, Jefferson Valley EMS, Senior Solutions Homecare & Hospice, Matt and Kari Montgomery, and Cheryl Mulholland for helping make him more comfortable in the last...
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 07:55:53 Traffic Hazard: I-90 13:53:27 Mental Crisis: W Third St 18:09:54 Welfare Check: I-90 20:07:20 Animal: Hwy 55 MONDAY, JANUARY 6 08:58:51 Hit & Run: S Jefferson St 09:18:27 Vehicle Accident (Non-Injury) I-90 11:05:07 Fraud: N Whitehall St 11:24:17 Vicious Dog: N Division St 14:54:32 Transport (Prisoner or Other) 15:46:03 Hit & Run: Piedmont Rd 15:55:47 911 Hang Up: Hwy 2 E 19:22:47 Citizen Assist: Whitetail Rd TUESDAY, JANUARY 7 07:35:59 Traffic Stop: W First St...
With the 2025 Montana Legislative session underway, lawmakers this session are not only creating new law, but also examining how the law is interpreted and enforced by the judicial branch. Twenty-seven bills aimed at judicial reform are on the table in both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees as well as the House State Administration Committee – bills that lawmakers say could alter the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches. These bills, five of which are scheduled for a first hearing this week, come at a time...
Montana Lawmakers heard an hour of what one representative called “concerning and astounding” testimony Thursday, Jan. 9 on a bill aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse in the age of artificial intelligence. House Bill 82 would update Montana law to account for the use of AI in altering photos of minors and using computer-generated images in “sextortion” cases that seek to blackmail children. “This bill is about protecting our children in an environment where predators have evolved their tactics,” said Rep. Kathy Love,...
Proponents lined the walls of the House Taxation Committee room Friday in support of establishing a $1.5 million Montana workforce housing tax credit program. House Bill 21 is a state-specific version of an existing federal program. The bill would give tax credits for affordable housing projects, which proponents said would help increase much-needed supply. Don Sterhan is the president of CR Builders in Billings and a member of Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Housing Task Force. He supports HB 21 and gave examples of where the federal credit program...
A committee hearing for House Bill 121, a bill that would require all restrooms, sleeping quarters, and changing areas to be designated by biological sex, brought emotional testimony both in support and opposition at the Montana Legislature. Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, R-Billings, the sponsor of the bill, said it is necessary to protect women and children in areas where privacy is particularly important. “For decades, society has recognized the need for separate facilities like restrooms, changing rooms and sleeping quarters, to protect...
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would make local agencies ask voters for a specific dollar amount of property tax increases on ballot levies rather than rely on mills — a property tax-based increase that can help account for inflation and changes in property values. Local levies are often used for public services like libraries or fire stations. The bill would still allow mills for public schools. Supporters of House Bill 20 told lawmakers in the House Taxation Committee Tuesday, Jan. 7 that the change would stabilize local property...
The 69th Montana Legislature opened Monday, Jan. 6 in Helena with both Republicans and Democrats highlighting affordability as one of the issues that will dominate the 90-day session. Republicans have a 32-18 majority in the Senate and a 58-42 majority in the House this session, but after redistricting, they no longer hold the supermajority they held in 2023. At the first Senate session Monday afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, said Montanans just need to look at their checkbooks to see what Republicans have done...
Congratulations to the six Whitehall Trojan wrestlers who placed at the Cut Bank Tournament over the January 10th weekend. Eighth-grader Halle Downey conquered and brought home the first place trophy in her 115 lb. girls weight class. Junior Cody Fuller placed sixth in the 144 lb. boys weight class. Sophomore Joey Beebout brought home fifth place in the 157 lb. boys weight class. Sophomore Levi Fuller took third place in his 165 lb. bracket, while sophomore J.C. Raty came home with fifth place...
WEEK OF 1/9/2025 TEAM K-Bar #1: 13 wins, 4 losses Mint #2: 13 wins, 4 losses Two Bit #2: 11 wins, 6 losses Two Bit #1: 10 wins, 7 losses MEN 4 wins, 0 losses: Ernie Smith, Rick Kelley, Chuckie Dirkson 3 wins, 1 loss: Tim Hubbard, Dwayne McClanahan, Jay VonBergen, Tyler Blair, Brian Hartford, Gordon Lyons, Will Bowen WOMEN 3 wins, 1 loss: Shawna Amidon, Leslie Dyson 2 wins, 2 losses: Terry Chadwick, Elena Wagner, Jeannette Bird WEEK OF 1/2/2025 TEAM K-Bar #1: 17 wins, 0 losses Mint #1: 12 wins, 5 losses Mint #2: 9 wins, 8 losses K-Bar #2: 9...
