Week of May 20, 2026
Week of May 20, 2026
The Montana Budget & Policy Center (MBPC) released an interactive map that provides county-level data on Montana residents' ability to afford rental housing. "Housing is an essential factor in whether or not Montanans have the resources they need to live healthy lives and whether neighborhoods prosper or fall behind," said Aubrey Godbey, housing policy analyst for Montana Budget & Policy Center. "However, 30 percent of Jefferson County renters are facing rental costs they cannot afford."...
Planning for what happens to property after death is an important step for Montana families, especially those with young children, blended families, or loved ones who need long-term financial support. A MontGuide from Montana State University Extension titled Testamentary Trusts in Montana explains how this estate planning tool can provide structure, protection, and flexibility for managing assets after a person dies. A testamentary trust is a trust created through a will. Unlike other types of trusts that take effect during a person’s...
Whitehall School District cuts two from its teaching staff - Sandi Mabbott and Britta Oliverson - due to enrollment drop and a budget shortfall. The two were not renewed without cause due to a budget shortfall of about $75,000 in the elementary school. Both were non-tenured teachers. WHS Creative Leader of the Week: RYAN WEIGHTMAN. Freshman Ryan Weightman has earned honors this week for his excellent work in drama. He was chosen by WHS drama director Larry Brazill, who says he nominated Ryan...
Members of the Whitehall Rotary Club were busy on May 12th painting concrete areas on the historic fishpond that sits at the south end of Main Street. All exposed rock was coated with a clear sealer. The club has scheduled a second maintenance day to repaint the eagle that sits on top of the center column, clean the interior, stain all of the wood structure and clean the granite tiles. If the non-chlorinated water supply to the pond can be done before the end of May, fish should arrive by early...
Angel Wings Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, donors, participants, and volunteers who made the First Annual Walk of Hope a meaningful and successful event. We proudly thank our generous sponsors for their unwavering community support and commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention: Barrick Golden Sunlight Mine, Mission Kids, K Bar N Grill, Two Bit Saloon, Western Legacy Center, Valley Bank, Cliffs Automotive, Numb3rs Bookkeeping & Tax, Mountain View...
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...
The Whitehall School District is beyond proud of the graduating class of 2026 and is pleased to celebrate their achievements of graduating from high school on Sunday, May 24, at 2 PM in the WHS Varsity Gym. The Class of 2026 is 43 strong, with five early graduates. Lexi Stratton has earned Valedictorian status, while Miles McLean is Salutatorian. Throughout their school experience, this class has had to navigate numerous changes and has done so with grace and good character. These things will...
Whitehall Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chiara Schober recently encountered a roadside sign that reads, "There is a rest area 15 miles away," seemingly innocuous but profoundly misleading to travelers passing by Whitehall, MT. This personally affects our community, as it misleads countless weary drivers into assuming they must continue on the highway to find essential facilities and services, when in fact Whitehall businesses are mere minutes from the next exit. Many drivers miss our...
The Whitehall Country Store Board of Directors is pleased to announce the recipients of scholarships awarded to graduating 2026 Whitehall High School seniors. The applicants' essays, focusing on their life goals and desire for higher education, were used to select the recipients. The Board is awarding six $5,000 scholarships. This money helps offset the costs of the upcoming fall and winter semesters for students. The $5,000 recipients are Jaeden Aragon, Payton DuBois, Savannah Fowler, Addisyn...
Summer is upon us, but I wish someone would inform the weather. As I am writing this, patrons at the Whitehall Community Library are telling me it is supposed to snow tonight. Given that forecast, it seems strange to state that the library will be closed on Monday, May 25th, for Memorial Day, then open the rest of the week at regular hours. I am working on a licensing agreement with an organization dedicated to teaching people over 50 all aspects of the digital world. The program includes workshops, classes, resources, hands-on experience,...
Escape to the breathtaking Lubrecht Forest July 31 - Aug 2, 2026 for a weekend of self-discovery, adventure, and hands-on learning in the great outdoors! The Summer Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop is a three-day immersive experience, kicking off at noon on Friday and wrapping up around 1 p.m. on Sunday. Nestled in a camp setting, your stay includes meals, lodging, or space for your tent/camper, so you can fully embrace the outdoor experience. Over the weekend, you'll dive into four...
The Jefferson Valley Museum will open for its 31st season on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Regular hours have been changed. Visitors may enjoy all of the artifact exhibits from 1 PM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday each week. The current season will end at 5 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The museum will be open on Memorial Day and, if volunteers are available, on July 4th and Labor Day as well. Groups can request a special tour outside of regular hours, provided one or more volunteers are...
Intermountain Health St. James Hospital has earned Primary Stroke Certification from The Joint Commission, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality, timely care for patients experiencing a stroke. The certification follows a rigorous onsite review by The Joint Commission, which evaluated St. James Hospital’s stroke program, clinical processes, and readiness to deliver coordinated, evidence-based care. This achievement also marks the hospital’s advancement from an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital to a Primary Stroke...
Stroke is a medical emergency. When it happens, every minute matters and calling 911 right away can save a life. Too often, people wait to see if symptoms pass or try to drive themselves to the hospital. That delay costs precious time. During a stroke, parts of the brain are deprived of blood and oxygen, and brain cells begin to die within minutes. The faster treatment begins, the better the chance of recovery. Strokes are usually caused by blocked arteries (85%) or bleeding in the brain. Immediate response is essential in either case. Know...
Hamburgers are a straightforward dish that are often prepared on a grill. But burgers can also be prepared on a stovetop, which can add a new flavor profile to this beloved summertime staple. Those looking to do just that can try this recipe for "Beef Burgers With Onions, Spinach, Ketchup, and Bleu Cheese" from Lines+Angles. INGREDIENTS: (Makes 4 servings) For the sauce: 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 small red onion, peeled/finely diced 1 to 2 cloves garlic, peeled/finely diced 1 Tablespoon honey 1...
Katie Frankman of Cardwell, MT, was named to the Spring 2026 Dean's List at Berry College. Frankman earned a BSH degree in Exercise Science. The Dean's List honors students who posted an academic average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale while carrying a class load of at least 12 hours during the semester. Nationally recognized for academic excellence and as an outstanding educational value, Berry is an independent, coeducational, comprehensive liberal arts college of approximately 2,200 students. For more than a century, the college has...
Join Certified Bowenwork Practitioner, Bethel Wagner, at Sage Wellness Center on Friday, May 29th, and learn why Bowenwork is literally for EVERY body from newborn to 90+! Attendees will learn how Bowenwork can: • Relieve stress and balance the nervous system; • Improve joint function and range of motion; • Correct posture imbalances like scoliosis, kyphosis, tech-neck; • Reduce pain and tension throughout the body; • Relieve symptoms of frozen shoulder, sciatica, low back pain,...
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...
Dear Editor and Jefferson County Residents, The three mills we currently pay in our property taxes for the Weed District are coming up for renewal this year. The Jefferson County Weed District is very beneficial to all county residents, and it would be a devastating loss for our county if we lost the funding needed to operate this program. The Jefferson County Weed District provides herbicides to residents at reduced costs, facilitates educational programs for county residents, provides...
Dear Editor and Jefferson County, The Jefferson Valley Sportsmen's Association urges you to vote YES for the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Levy. It's now a new levy. Noxious weeds, if not controlled, can have widespread negative impacts on wildlife habitats. They can crowd out native or beneficial plants that big game need for forage and browse. Control of noxious weeds and invasive aquatic plants requires constant surveillance, monitoring, and management. Noxious weed management is...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Slow down to smell the roses, Aries. You’ve been running at full speed, and your body is asking for a break. A low-key evening at home will recharge your batteries for a big weekend. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Creativity hits you in an unexpected place, Taurus. It might even come while you’re doing chores. Explore a new idea thoroughly, as it might be the creative spark you’ve been looking for. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 A misunderstanding is cleared up by a simple phone call, Gemini. Don’t let a text message stew in...
Dear Editor, The Southwest Montana Conservation Coalition would like to extend our support and endorsement for Trevor Walter for House District 69. Our grassroots organization was formed out of a desire to conserve our way of life in Southwestern Montana, with a strong agricultural base, to maintain and strengthen protections for private property rights, and to encourage a cross-section of other multiple-use interests in timber, mining, hunting, fishing, recreation, etc. As a board member...
Dear Editor, Recent flyers and political ads circulating in our community are making entirely false claims about my funding decisions and my priorities, particularly regarding House Bill 9 in both the 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions. Montanans deserve the truth. House Bill 9 (HB9) is a standard recurring bill introduced every biennium. Its official title is the Cultural and Aesthetic Grants bill, and it has existed for decades under both Republican and Democratic administrations. HB9...
Dear Editor and Jefferson County Residents, Last week, Jefferson County Weed District and Montana State Extension presented an information session about invasive annual grasses. We now have a new annual invasive grass, Ventenata. Ventenata seems worse than cheatgrass, so if you are a rancher or someone who cares about our native and agricultural lands, you’d best get up to speed on this new problem plant. Last week’s session is one of many examples of how the Jefferson County Weed District serves the residents of Jefferson County and the...
Dear Editor and Jefferson County Residents, Last week, Jefferson County Weed District and Montana State Extension presented an information session about invasive annual grasses. We now have a new annual invasive grass, Ventenata. Ventenata seems worse than cheatgrass, so if you are a rancher or someone who cares about our native and agricultural lands, you'd best get up to speed on this new problem plant. Last week's session is one of many examples of how the Jefferson County Weed District...
One reason the Internet loves cats is that having too many baby memes would be creepy. If a person from 20 years ago heard an AI-generated audio clip, they would probably find it uncanny but wouldn’t be able to explain why. If you put frosting on a muffin, does that make it a cupcake? Rationality only exists on a microscopic scale. Zoom out enough, and you realize that either your goal or the start of your chain of logic was irrational. The number of people who use 6767 as their bank PIN is likely rising exponentially. Mountain roads are...
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people,” Paul says to Philemon in his shortest letter of all. He was under house arrest, and somehow, he and Onesimus crossed paths. We gain three lessons. Onesimus, whom Paul had learned had escaped as a slave of Philemon’s, whom Paul knew well and trusted. Paul knew him from Colossae, well enough to call him a friend. “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, (Philemon) because I hear about your love for...
Dear Editor, I will be voting to maintain the Jefferson County Weed District levy this June and encourage you to do the same. It's not an easy decision to make in the face of rising costs, but it's the right one and a sound, ongoing investment in public and private lands. Like you, I fight the annual war on weeds. I couldn't do it without the support of the Weed District staff and services. Stewardship of the land is serious business, ensuring that native grasses and plants support wildlife...
The Transparent Election Initiative (TEI) today launched sign.montanaplan.org, a website that guides Montana voters through submitting their own signatures for ballot measure I-194, also called “The Montana Plan,” which aims to eliminate corporate political spending and dark money influence in Montana elections. The “Print, Sign, Submit” process is designed to make signature gathering more accessible to rural voters & households across Montana. The new website provides a printable page and detailed instructions for signing and mailing...
Whitehall Indivisible (WI) meetings have lately been dominated by conversation about power: the kind that keeps the lights on and the trucks rolling, and the kind that greases the wheels of the political process. Leonard Wortman resurrected the idea of "The Montana Energy Park" through Hydrogen Future Industries, a first-of-its-kind wind energy project with 1GW+ energy generation capacity and hydrogen energy storage proposed at the Sunlight Business Park. We will have a formal presentation in...
The dictionary definition of use is “to employ for some purpose.” The definition of conserve is “to keep from loss, decay or waste.” So is conservation a use? In the matter of managing 245 million acres overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the new answer is no. On June 11, the BLM will rescind the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. That’s a change from just a year ago, when BLM declared that conservation was a co-equal option to uses such as mining, grazing or energy development on public land. Before that...
At the May 18 meeting of the Whitehall Town Council, held in the Whitehall Town Chambers, discussion during a public hearing on proposed water reinstallation fees drew the most extensive public comment, while later in the meeting, former Deputy Clerk Sarah Unruh publicly explained her reasons for resigning from town government. The public hearing centered on a proposed resolution establishing modern water reinstallation fees for suspended water service accounts. During public comment, Whitehall resident Chris Rosa said, “I want to begin by...
SUNDAY, MAY 10 00:32:56 Extra Patrol: N Whitehall St 02:48:48 Burglar Alarm: N Whitehall St 07:48:08 Traffic Stop: N Whitehall St 07:59:14 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 09:28:20 911: W Olive St 11:36:42 Wildlife 14:26:05 Domestic Violence: Robbins Ln 14:55:42 Medical: Stanley St 15:19:39 Protection Order Violation: Fish Creek Rd 16:39:56 Medical: Skyline Dr 20:34:07 Hit & Run: Piedmont Rd MONDAY, MAY 11 06:10:18 Traffic Stop: E Legion St 07:51:23 Traffic StopL: N Division St 08:47:44 911:...
