Week of April 1, 2026
Week of April 1, 2026
A transportation concept making the rounds this week has sparked conversation across the region, as Jefferson County is reportedly exploring the installation of roundabouts at quarter-mile intervals along Interstate 90 between Butte and Bozeman. The proposal, described as part of a broader “continuous flow safety corridor” initiative, would replace traditional highway stretches with a series of closely spaced roundabouts designed to regulate speed and improve traffic awareness. According to preliminary descriptions, the concept aims to...
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 $5 payment, 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...
YOU CANNOT PAY THESE PEOPLE BACK...YOU CAN ONLY PAY IT FORWARD - LEE BRUNER, JVEMS. Whitehall Baptist Church's annual Outdoorsman Night raised $12,000 for the Jefferson Valley EMS & Rescue on Friday, March 27th. The successful event brought a full house to the Whitehall Community Center to hear Chad and Marsha Shearer...
The students from the Youth Leadership Program (YLP) at Southwest Montana Youth Partners are excited to reach out to share an opportunity for collaboration! The YLP is a six-month journey in which participants invest 36 hours in developing leadership skills through community engagement. The goal is to empower ourselves and inspire positive change in the community. Participants have learned valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving, and are now eager to put their...
Visitors planning trips to the Delmoe Lake area will need to make alternate plans this season, as forest officials announced an extended closure for construction and infrastructure improvements. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest said the Delmoe Lake Campground and surrounding areas will be temporarily closed beginning April 1, 2026, to allow for major upgrades aimed at improving public access and visitor experience. The closure includes both road and recreational areas. Forest Service Road 9371, commonly known as Delmoe Lake Campground...
The annual Whitehall Community Easter Egg Hunt is on, with volunteers teaming up with Whitehall non-profit Whitehall Events to make the family-friendly Easter event an even larger success. The hunt will take place Saturday, April 4th at 1 PM at the Whitehall Elementary School playground. The hunt is for ages 0-12 with Easter eggs filled with candy and easy-to-grab prizes. Please make sure your hunter has a bag or basket to load up with...
A recently announced grant award could bring an unusual addition to Whitehall’s streets, as the town has reportedly been selected to participate in a pilot program testing “scented stop signs” aimed at improving driver awareness. According to preliminary information, the program would incorporate subtle, scent-based cues at select intersections to reinforce traditional visual signage. The concept is designed to engage multiple senses, with the goal of increasing attentiveness—particularly in areas where visibility may be impacted by...
A proposed ordinance under informal discussion in Whitehall has sparked both curiosity and amusement, as it suggests a new approach to the town’s growing population of backyard chickens. The concept, which has not yet been formally introduced to the Town Council, would require local chickens to be “registered” as emotional support animals (ESAs), recognizing what some residents describe as their calming and routine presence in the community. The idea reportedly originated during a recent conversation among community members about...
A new proposal circulating in Whitehall could bring a creative—and energy-conscious—solution to one of winter’s most persistent challenges: icy sidewalks. According to preliminary discussions, the Main Street Green event park may soon be the site of an experimental heated sidewalk system powered not by traditional utilities but by stationary pedaling stations at Whitehall’s new 24-hour gym, Whitehall Weights. The concept would convert human-powered energy generated by cyclists into heat distributed beneath sections of sidewalk,...
In communities like Whitehall and across Jefferson Valley, organizations that blend local impact with community involvement often stand out. The Jefferson Valley Friends of NRA (JVFNRA) is one such group, quietly working behind the scenes to support youth programs, promote firearm safety education, and strengthen shooting sports opportunities across Montana. At its core, Friends of NRA operates as part of a charitable foundation, with a clear focus: fundraising to support programs that emphasize safe, responsible firearm use and outdoor...
The Jefferson Valley Community Foundation is excited to remind community members about its event, A Night for Tomorrow. The gala event will be held on May 2, from 5 PM to 9 PM at the Whitehall Community Center. One of the main focuses of the event is to raise funds for worthy WHS graduating students who plan a career in the trades or non-college preparation. Funds will also go toward increasing the JVCF endowment, which creates grants for worthy projects for Whitehall community non-profits. Those wishing to contribute monetarily, contribute...
APRIL 2nd: HOLY THURSDAY 3 PM: St. Teresa’s in Whitehall 4:45 PM: St. Joseph’s in Sheridan 7 PM: St. Patrick’s in Ennis APRIL 3rd: GOOD FRIDAY 3 PM: St. Patrick’s in Ennis 4:45 PM St. Joseph’s in Sheridan 6:30 PM: Whitehall Baptist in Whitehall 7 PM: St. Teresa’s in Whitehall APRIL 4th: EASTER VIGIL 7:30 PM: St. Patrick’s in Ennis (No Saturday Evening Mass at St. Teresa’s in Whitehall) APRIL 5th: EASTER SUNDAY 6:30 AM: Sunrise Service at Cardwell Church at S Boulder Cemetery, followed by breakfast. 8 AM: St. Mary’s in Laurin...
The annual meeting of the Jefferson Valley Museum is scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd, at the Star Theatre. A short business meeting to review the past year and nominate board members whose terms are expiring will start at 6:45 PM, with the program following at 7 PM. This year, a different approach to presenting the program will be used. While past programs have featured a single speaker, or sometimes a pair, this year, a talk show format will be used. The “show” From the Whitetail to Waterloo will feature interviews with nine pioneer...
Whitehall resident Stephanie Beeman will facilitate a free virtual workshop for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Beeman is facilitating the workshop on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 1 PM as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming for Cardwell-based nonprofit We Are HER. The 90-minute workshop, titled “Reclaiming Your Narrative,” will bring together 8-10 survivors to explore the narratives they’ve inherited about trauma and healing and decide which stories are authentically theirs to keep. “Whether we’re...
Special Education Teacher Kevin Moore wrote to 75 major companies, asking them to fund new computer systems to help two of his special-needs students. Walmart and Conoco donated and helped two students learn how to communicate their thoughts and feelings. WHS Creative Leader of the Week: LANCE BRIGGS. Senior Lance Briggs gets honors this week for his work in WHS drama. Drama sponsor Larry Brazill praises Lance "for his willingness to sell out in his character portrayal of Lazar Wolfe in the...
April is like a giant flower ready to burst into full bloom at the Whitehall Community Library. Monday, April 6th, at 5:30 PM, will be the opening program for the Anne Frank exhibit from the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina. There will be special guest speakers, including Willem Volkersz, who created the suitcase project for the children who perished at the Montessori school in Amsterdam. Rabbi Chaim Bruk will be sharing his family's experiences during the Holocaust. There...
APRIL 1926 • The United States House of Representatives votes to impeach District Court Judge George W. English on April 1. Judge English, who was accused of abuse of power and violation of bankruptcy laws, ultimately resigned on November 4. • Residents of Watts, California, vote to become part of the city of Los Angeles on April 2. Residents vote 1,338 to 535 in favor of consolidation. • Warplanes of Manchurian warlord Zhang Zuolin begin bombing portions of Beijing on April 3. The areas targeted by the bombings are areas of the city...
Easter is widely characterized as the holiest day of the year on the Christian calendar. Faith features prominently in modern Easter celebrations, which also include some secular traditions, particularly in families with young children. The Easter bunny and Easter egg hunts are not necessarily the focal point of Easter for adult Christians, but children greatly enjoy these traditions. It's customary to give young children a basket of treats on Easter Sunday. Though store-bought treats are easy...
Depending on where you live, you may have seen ads attacking conservative legislators for voting to protect rural health care. Let’s be clear about two things. First, these ads are from D.C.-based, dark-money groups that are trying to mislead us and meddle in our local elections. Second, the legislators being targeted actually support President Trump, Governor Gianforte, and their efforts to protect rural health care and our communities. These attacks are politics at its worst. When the bill to protect rural health care came before the...
GEORGIA, I have a question, I’m getting married in two weeks and requested donuts for my getting-ready breakfast. My maid of honor called me right away and asked if I’m crazy for this request, because I have a dress to fit into. She also stated she would do her best to convince the other bridesmaids not to fulfill this request, as it “wasn’t in my best interest.” I told her the dress has to fit me, not the other way around. There will be six hours between us getting ready and the reception, so if I want a donut, I’ll be damned if...
Modern soldiers’ PTSD triggers will probably shift from fireworks to the sound of a drone. Which is unfortunate, as drone shows are replacing firework shows. It feels nice to be told that you’re special or unique, unless the person telling you is a doctor. The “room temperature IQ” zinger hits much harder outside of the US. Our dogs probably think we are weakly barking when we cough. Playing card corners are rounded because square corners would wear down faster, making it easier to tell cards apart. In ancient Chinese history, it made...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Your confidence is at an all-time high, Aries. This is the week to pitch an idea or finally send that text you’ve been mulling over. The universe is backing your bold moves. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, this week you’re entering a cycle of “treat yourself.” You deserve it right now, so enjoy. Whether it’s a brunch out with friends or a mental health day, lean into the experience. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Expect a random invitation to create a new connection, Gemini. Your wit is extra sharp this week, so use it...
Dear Editor, I had to read the recent article about Whitehall being selected for an experimental "self-driving snowplow goats" pilot program more than once-partly to make sure I understood it, and partly because I wasn't sure whether to laugh or start looking for a goat harness. Now, I'll admit, Whitehall has never been a stranger to creative problem-solving. We've learned to make do, pitch in, and occasionally come up with ideas that toe the line between practical and downright imaginative. So...
Dear Editor Last week’s letters to the editor I found interesting. Terry Murphy’s thank you narrative highlighted firefighting cooperation between the local, state, and federal governments working together to serve us in an expedient and efficient manner. In the future, I hope this cooperative example between agencies remains the rule and not the exception. Tony Hudson’s letter pretty much defines the problem and the frustration many of us feel over corporate dark money in election...
While we are focused on Paul’s letter to the Colossians, it is good to recall that Peter, James, John, and other apostles were also “setting their face like flint” on Jesus the Christ. Paul’s conversion continues this passion, and to the Colossians he issues a firm warning. False teachings have always been the Achilles heel for the church, and this is precisely why Paul wrote the letter to the church in Colossae. We heed the call. “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were...
Ronald William Dorvall, a true son of Montana and a man who lived life wide open, passed away on March 10th, 2026, at the age of 74. Born on May 11th, 1951, in Livingston, Montana, Ron was raised under big skies and open country. He attended small country schools in the Livingston area, later graduating 8th grade in Cardwell, before attending high school in Whitehall. Those early years shaped the man he became: tough, independent, and deeply connected to the land. In 1969, Ron answered the call...
William Rhea (Bill) Alley passed away at 5 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Helena, MT, with his family by his side after a brief illness. He was 81 years old. Bill was born on April 11, 1944, in Butte, MT, to Alice Rhea (Matson) and Harry Charles Alley. He was the second of their four sons, joining his older brother Harry Jr and later welcoming younger brothers Roy and Andy. Bill's early years were spent on the family ranch west of Whitehall, MT, where he learned to care for cattle, sheep,...
SUNDAY, MARCH 22 00:57:03 Motorist Assist: I-90 00:58:35 Suspicious: Kelly Rd 06:24:28 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 07:09:51 Traffic Stop 08:29:49 Civil: Cold Springs Rd 08:32:45 Motorist Assist 09:05:31 Traffic Stop: Hwy 41 09:47:03 Traffic Stop: I-90 10:11:54 Traffic Stop: I-90 10:49:08 Traffic Stop: I-90 11:12:36 Traffic Stop: I-90 11:33:26 Reckless Driver: Christopher Crt 11:48:18 Medical: N Stanley St 12:17:35 Traffic Stop: I-90 12:46:21 Traffic Stop: I-90 13:20:42 Citizen Assist: W Second St...
We, the people of Montana, grateful to God for the quiet beauty of our state, the grandeur of our mountains, the vastness of our rolling plains, and desiring to improve the quality of life, equality of opportunity, and to secure the blessings of liberty for this and future generations, do ordain and establish this constitution. ~Preamble, Montana Constitution Whitehall Indivisible (WI) learned the ins and outs of the Montana Constitution last week, from the process behind its 1972 ratification to the provisions that make it a model for other...
Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts (MNC) is celebrating significant milestones on the way to qualifying Constitutional Initiative 132 (CI-132) for the November 2026 ballot. Following successful court rulings in late 2025, the campaign to pass CI-132, which enshrines the right to judicial elections without interference from political parties in the Montana constitution, has launched signature gathering across the state and is on track to gather over 60,000 signatures by the June deadline. Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts has achieved the...
