Week of May 13, 2026
Week of May 13, 2026
Join the Whitehall FFA for their annual Spring Awards Banquet on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Copper K Barn (786 Point of Rocks Road - Whitehall) to celebrate the chapter's amazing members! Doors open at 4:30 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM, and the awards ceremony kicks off at 6:15 PM. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/4udrWm6. Come celebrate the achievements of the amazing Whitehall FFA members. This is a great chance to recognize their hard work, enjoy good company and food, and share...
A new century was beginning, and old politics continued. Butte's McDermott Hotel hosted the state Democratic Central Committee meeting. The working class was trying its best to push back against "the grinding force of trusts and monopolies." Strikes were taking place throughout the country. In Montana, freight conductors and freight brakemen blocked all side tracts on the Great Northern Railway. Massachusetts had small strikes among painters, carpenters, and related trades. Automotive-related...
Incumbent Whitehall School board member Dean Hunt was the leading vote-getter in the May 8 Whitehall School board election. Hunt and first-time candidate Gary Konen were elected to the board. Rodeo fans were treated to some excellent rodeo action and some nice weather at the 42nd annual BY's 4-H Club youth rodeo, held Sunday, May 6, in Whitehall. WHS Creative Leader of the Week: CLINT JOHNSON. WHS choir member Clint Johnson earns honors this week. He was nominated by Sandi Mabbott, who says...
It is beginning to be summer holiday season, and Memorial Day is just around the corner. The Whitehall Community Library will be closed on May 25 but will be open for regular business hours the rest of the week. Due to the closing, the History Book Club will meet at 5 PM on May 18 and the Mystery Book Club will meet on May 19 at 3 PM. This is a week early for the History fans, but I think everyone is looking forward to the three-day weekend. This Friday the library will be hosting students from...
Glitz, glamour, and old Hollywood charm took the stage on Wednesday, May 6, at the Cardwell School. Big names like Patsy Cline, Snoop Dogg, Bob Dylan, the Spice Girls, the Beach Boys, Stevie Nicks, and more made appearances on the red carpet...
Grilling enthusiasts are always on the lookout for something new to cook over an open flame. While traditional staples like steaks, hamburgers, and hot dogs will never lose their favor among lovers of grilled food, expanding one's grilling repertoire can open doors to new flavors and ensure that mealtime is always something to look forward to. Fans of foods cooked over an open flame who want to try something new and flavorful can try this recipe for "Grilled Pork and Mango Kebabs With Chili...
Start your spring cleaning now and get ready for Whitehall’s annual Community Wide Garage Sale weekend - this year, June 5 and 6. Registration for the Community Wide Garage Sale MAP is available as of April 1st at the Whitehall Ledger and must be returned to the Ledger, with the $5 map registration fee, by May 25, 2026. Maps will be available the week of sale at Montana Western Legacy Center, Thriftway SuperStop, M&M Vintage, the Whitehall Ledger, and the Whitehall Mini Mall. Ready for this? Whitehall will also be hosting a fall...
At this time of year in Western Colorado, my friends and I watch rivers. We’re eagerly anticipating a bruising spring runoff and the start of kayak season. When it arrives, many of us become obsessive, meeting daily after work to paddle. Not this year. In one of the driest springs in Colorado history, our watershed’s snowpack was 26% of normal on April 1. The impact on fire danger, drought, agriculture, economy, and ecology is going to be profound. But this is the new normal in a climate-changed world. Colorado has warmed 2.3° F since...
The month of May brings the best of late spring into early summer, months to spend more time outdoors enjoying fishing, hiking, and early wildflowers. It’s a great time to explore the area’s early history and unique geological attractions. Additionally, local towns are gearing up for more outdoor events and summer festivals. So much to do that it’s a good time to mark your calendars so you don't miss a thing! Whitehall can keep you busy outdoors with no effort. The Jefferson River is known for brown trout, which are dominant near...
The Whitehall Star Theatre, owned and operated by Whitehall non-profit Gold Junction Presents, has MANY exciting events coming Whitehall's way! GJP would love your business support for a few of our endeavors below! Contact Liz Pullman at goldjunctionpresents@gmail.com or 406-498-3807 for more information and to secure your sponsor spot! PRE-MOVIE ADS: Want to get in front of the masses each weekend, repeatedly? Our pre-movie ads run for 45 minutes before each movie; most people come to grab...
Montanans depend on safe, reliable energy every day and meeting those needs — now and into the future — requires thoughtful planning and strong resources. As energy demand grows and infrastructure needs increase, NorthWestern Energy’s proposed merger with Black Hills Corp. is about being better prepared so we can meet future energy needs, maintain reliability and continue delivering the service customers count on. Recent commentary has raised questions about the purpose of this merger, particularly related to data centers. It’s...
Dear Editor, My earliest memories of Trevor are of him invading one's most sacred territory, the coveted sandbox. My, how time flies. Getting reconnected with Trevor, I see a man who has committed himself to God, family, and the Montana way of life that I hold dear. Our families have poured sweat, blood, and tears into these valleys and have been blessed immensely because of it. Trevor's bleeding heart has guided him into a listening mentality and a leader who leads by example, from giving...
Dear Editor, Think twice before choosing your primary ballot this year - we have some bad news. Based on a recent analysis, 88% of Montana's legislature will be decided in the June 2 primary. Let that sink in: nearly 9 in 10 seats in the 2027 legislative session will be decided in less than a month, in an election where fewer than half of Montanans participate. The Montana Legislature affects Montanans' lives deeply. Legislators set our state budget, decide how much we are taxed (or not), fund...
Dear Editor, If there were ever a reason to sign the Transparency In Elections petition (aka The Montana Plan) to keep Dark Money out of Montana's elections, the slanderous mail campaign that is being waged against Ken Walsh is a perfect example. The latest postcard came from the School Freedom Fund – a dark money PAC with millions to spend to support extremist positions in education. Trevor Walter's "supported by the Montana Republican Party" postcards are also paid for by the School...
Dear Editor, Whether you're a rancher, fishing guide, mechanic, or someone selling groceries to a logger, land and water are the foundation of our economy in House District 69. Therefore, we need representatives in Helena who understand resource management, want to preserve our way of life, and have a record of supporting these businesses. As a farmer and rancher, Ken Walsh has the real-world experience and the legislative record to improve our resource-based economy. Ken helped create the...
The Christian tradition in which my heart and mind find solace is the beauty of the Scriptures we have been studying. You know this if you read this column often. Respect for life, healthy relationships, love of family, together with civil order, law, and justice run deep in American society. Partnership in the context of the local church is vital. The Greek term in the New Testament is koinonia, often translated as partnership, fellowship, or sharing; it occurs at least 19 times. In the church, unity, shared labor, and mutual support are the...
Dear Editor, In just a few weeks, the electors of the Montana House District 69 will be voting for a representative. It is a most important position. They need to take this responsibility seriously. This person needs to be well established in the district, exemplify business knowledge, be conservative, be trustworthy, have integrity, and have been involved in local community boards and organizations. Trevor Walter exhibits all these qualifying attributes. Trevor's family came to the Ruby Valley...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, a professional door you thought was locked is actually just heavy. Push a little harder. Your honesty is exactly what a stalled project needs to move forward. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Financial clarity is coming your way, Taurus. You might discover a subscription you don’t need or a better way to save for that big-ticket item. Your future self will thank you. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Your words have extra weight this week, Gemini. Use them to bridge a gap between friends or to draft that important email. A sibling...
Dear Editor, Teachers are heroes. Full stop! I have recently been a substitute teacher at Whitehall High School and Elementary School, and I hope the parents in the community understand just how much the staff cares about your children. Every day the classroom teachers are planning for and mentoring your precious kids with professionalism and love. It's not only remarkable, but effective. If students are willing to participate, there is a quality education and some outstanding educators...
GEORGIA, I have a question, Am I wrong in believing that babies do not belong at wineries, breweries, festivals, and other adult spaces? I know this is going to make people angry, but I finally snapped this weekend. My husband and I went to a local winery for a relaxing afternoon. This place literally advertises itself as a quiet adults’ getaway. Wine tastings, acoustic music, people sitting around talking. It is not Pizza Ranch. About twenty minutes after we sat down, a couple showed up with a baby that looked maybe 8 months old. The...
Dear Editor and to the Voters of Jefferson County, I am writing to ask for your support in maintaining the Jefferson County Weed District Mill Levy. This levy benefits all of us, whether we live in town or in rural areas. The Jefferson County Weed District is recognized as one of the leading districts in the state-thanks in large part to the continued support of residents through this levy. Not many years ago, the mountainsides and recreational areas were covered in toadflax, leafy spurge, and...
Dear Editor and to the Voters of Jefferson County, I am writing to express my support and encourage you to do the same for maintaining the three mills for the Jefferson County Weed District in the upcoming June 2026 election. This is NOT a new mill; a vote is needed to continue the mills currently in place. As a ranch owner in Jefferson County, the Weed District is very important to us. We are all impacted by the negative effects of noxious weeds and their spread throughout our county. Without...
GEORGIA, I have a question, Am I wrong in believing that babies do not belong at wineries, breweries, festivals, and other adult spaces? I know this is going to make people angry, but I finally snapped this weekend. My husband and I went to a local winery for a relaxing afternoon. This place literally advertises itself as a quiet adults' getaway. Wine tastings, acoustic music, people sitting around talking. It is not Pizza Ranch. About twenty minutes after we sat down, a couple showed up with a baby that looked maybe 8 months old. The second...
NASA could probably panic the entire planet with a single fake announcement that Voyager picked up an alien signal. If reincarnation is real, immortal jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii) must be what you come back as when the universe has finally had enough of your BS. If we get phasers, someone will work out how to set them to ‘tickle ‘. HBO really missed a trick by not casting Kristofer Hivju as Hagrid and Gwendolyn Christie as Madame Maxime. If a small candy company made edible Tide Pods, it would make a lot of money. If humanity goes on...
Born Darlene Olive McLaughlin, to Olive and Elmer McLaghlin, on February 5, 1939, in Salmon, Idaho. Darlene went to be with our Lord, her husband, Bill, and daughters Kathy and Susan on April 24, 2026. Darlene was the youngest of four children. At a young age, her family moved to Missoula, Melrose, and Three Forks, Montana. While living in Three Forks, she met the man who would become her husband of nearly 70 years, Bill (William) Russell Beam. They were married on June 18, 1954. Soon they had...
Reign Tyler Blair, 5, of Whitehall, passed away on April 24, 2026. Please join Reign’s family for a celebration of life ceremony and gathering beginning at 1 PM, Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Story Mill Park (698 Bridger Dr, Bozeman, MT 59715). Reign’s full obituary will be published in the coming days. Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to Reign’s family and memorial donation...
MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A big, important day we chose. The time is near to honor a loved one so dear! Join us in honoring John W. Clugston on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 4 PM at the Whitehall Community Center in Whitehall, Montana. Come visit in fellowship and share your positive memories of John. John Wayne Clugston of Whitehall, Montana, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026. He was born on August 3, 1947, to Wayne Clugston and Sylvia (Clugston) Jenkins in Bradford, Pennsylvania. John was a hard-working man who loved to fish, design jewelry,...
In Montana, we are fortunate to have incredible access to our world-class waterways. This hard-fought public access is the result of decades of conflict, compromise and old-fashioned Montana values. In addition to having some of the best stream access laws in the West, Montana is exponentially privileged that thousands of landowners across the state allow public access for hunting and fishing. A huge thanks to the countless Montana families that have established generational public access on or across private lands because they believe it’s...
SUNDAY, MAY 3 00:20:53 Non-Violent Domestic: S Centurion Way 05:11:41 Citizen Assist: I-90 09:33:02 911: I-90 10:51:27 Welfare Check: S Centurion Way 12:35:03 Traffic Stop: W Third St 13:09:22 Extra Patrol: N Whitehall St 13:20:01 Traffic Stop: E Legion St 15:29:22 Dog at Large: E First St MONDAY, MAY 4 08:16:18 911: Rocky Mountain Dr 11:53:15 Traffic Stop: I-90 13:10:47 Suspicious Person: Fish Creek Rd 17:06:04 Harassment: Tatanka Trl 17:57:00 Test Page: S Washington St 19:55:23 Suspicious:...
Next Wednesday's agenda is designed to give an overview of our group's origin, focus, "funding," and reasons for meeting. If you've ever considered coming to see what we are about, Wednesday, May 20th, is designed for you. Last Tuesday, nine of us attended the Jefferson County Commissioners' meeting to discuss our concerns about data center development in Jefferson County. The interactions of the federal process, state permitting, and local control are a little muddy, but the conversation was...
7 & Under Pole Bending 1st Sayre Pearce 28.707 2nd Steel Gonsalves 29.255 3rd Jhett Tamacke 31.412 4th Bexley Tredway 33.158 5th Talon Gonsalves 33.954 8-13 Pole Bending 1st Serena Pearce 22.850 2nd Allie Ebert 22.894 3rd Piper Robert 23.617 4th Kellen Simon 24.912 5th Ethan Robert 25.165 14-18 Pole Bending 1st Juila Hoagland 22.244 2nd Lilly Ebert 22.447 3rd Claire Hyde 25.366 4th Kaycee Skogen 30.680 5th Kait Hyde 31.651 7 & Under Flag Race 1st Canaan O'Meara 7.437 2nd Sayre Pearce 7.929 3rd...
