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  • Leadership key to 2017 Whitehall volleyball

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 23, 2017

    Whitehall High School junior volleyball player Dorothy Mastel is not short on experience on the court. Mastel was able to gain valuable varsity experience as a freshman, and was a starter during the 2016 season. Mastel said being able to play varsity her ninth grade season has given her a lot more experience than a lot of players, and she has definitely seen an improvement in her play the past two years. Now a veteran on the team, Mastel wants to step up and become a leader. "We have a really...

  • Strong line leads the way for Trojan football team

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 23, 2017

    It will all start up from on offense for the Whitehall/Harrison High School football team. The 2017 Trojans will return a wealth of experience on the offensive line when they open the season Friday, August 25 at Shepherd. "Our offensive line will be key to our success. We have a talented group with slot of experience. They have been working very hard and I'm excited to watch them get better each week this year," head coach Dan Lacey said. After making it to the MHSA Class B Semifinals in 2016,...

  • Feight takes reigns at quarterback

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 23, 2017

    For the past two seasons, Whitehall's Max Feight was able to watch and learn from all-state quarterback and 2017 graduate Braden Larsen. It is now time for the rising junior Feight to shine. Feight praised Larsen for his leadership and teaching him about playing quarterback in a complex Whitehall system. It was during this time, Feight was able to learn everything from the basics of the position, all the way to going through progressions at the line of scrimmage. "I think the relationship...

  • Trojans start season Saturday in Boulder

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 23, 2017

    After a week of practice for the Whitehall High School Cross Country team, long time head coach Kerry Sacry is happy with what he's seen for the 2017 squad. The members of the 2017 team are Ryan Murphy, Adrian Bright, Madison Loomis, Asha Noyes and Macee Patritti. "It's a good group," Sacry said. Despite the challenge of heavy smoke in the area, Sacry said team is working into getting to where they need to be. He said along with the smoke, he has to be careful not to overwork the team at the sta...

  • Trio hoping to improve from inaugural campaign

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 23, 2017

    During the fall of 2016, Ryan Murphy, Adrian Bright, and Madison Loomis competed their first seasons as members of the Whitehall High School Cross Country team. With a year of experience, all three said they are comfortable in their second year with the program. After a standout freshman campaign, Loomis is looking forward to the opening meet in Boulder and improving her times form a year ago. Bright is also looking from improvement and said it helps to have competed last season because he knows how to better handle things like breathing...

  • Well rounded Trojans defeat Shepherd

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 23, 2017

    The Whitehall/Harrison High School football team could not have asked for a better start to their opening game of the season August 25 at Shepherd. Dynamic junior returner Connor Johnson took back the opening kickoff 70 yards for a score, the first of four first-half touchdowns in the impressive 28-12 road victory. Head Coach Dan Lacey said the coaching staff and players have been talking about Johnson having a breakout play in a game and he did not disappoint just seconds into the game. "We've...

  • JLDC awards later this month

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 16, 2017

    The Jefferson Local Development Corporation Annual Dinner and Awards will take place Wednesday, August 30 at the Whitehall Community Center. The theme for the 2017 event is Blue Jeans, Boots & Bandanas. The social hour will start at 6 p.m. and dinner is scheduled for 7 p.m. JLDC Manager Micky Zurcher said the evening should be pretty relaxed and a good chance for people to get together. She also stressed the importance of recognizing outstanding supporters throughout the community. One of this year’s recipients will be the Star Theater, who i...

  • Trojan scrimmages Thursday

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 16, 2017

    A little over a week before they open the 2017 season, local fans will get a sneak peak tomorrow of the Whitehall High School football and volleyball teams. The annual Purple and Gold Scrimmages are set for Thursday, August 17 with volleyball action starting at 5 p.m., followed by football at 6 p.m. Trojans Head Coach Dan Lacey said the football scrimmage will start with two drives by the varsity offense, followed by two drives by the varsity defense. He said the varsity offense will then get...

  • July production 2,400 ounces

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 16, 2017

    At last week’s Community Transition Advisory Committee Meeting, Golden Sunlight Mine Manager Dan Banghart reported the production at the mine during July was 2,400 ounces. Banghart added from August 1 to 3 about 1,000 ounces were recovered. Banghart told committee members that the mill performed well, and while underground tonnage exceeded plans, they are still seeing lower grades than budgeted. Banghart reported there were 7,600 tons of third party ore from four suppliers. He said the number would be down to two in August. There are c...

  • Editorial: Shakespeare in the Parks an asset to community

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 16, 2017

    This week’s issue of the Whitehall Ledger has a front-page article about the upcoming Shakespeare in the Parks performance. The event will take place August 28 in Whitehall, and is a tremendous opportunity for residents of all ages to get out and experience a wonderful performance in a beautiful setting. The value of having events like this in Whitehall is immeasurable. The arts are vital to any community and having a chance to see this quality of a production in Whitehall is a big deal. While the 2017 performance of “You Never Can Tell” by Ge...

  • Column: The Snowman

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 16, 2017

    Earlier this month I was able to make a quick trip to my hometown. I closed the office on a Friday and headed out of town around 8 a.m. While an 800 mile round trip is certainly not fun, it’s important from time to time to take a quick break and get the chance to see family and friends. Because my new kitten really couldn’t be left alone for three days we took her along, and to be fair also brought along Peaches. Little Jerusha found riding in a car a very enjoyable experience. She was happy as can be and also took the time to pester Peaches ju...

  • Chamber members discuss Christmas Stroll

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 16, 2017

    With another Frontier Days under its belt, the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce is already starting to plan for the next big event of 2017. At a Chamber meeting last Thursday, Treasurer Jill Dove discussed preparations being made for the annual Christmas Stroll that is set for December 9. Dove discussed possibly adding a few new events including a quilting show and a ginger bread house contest. She also would like to get more businesses to participate in the Christmas lights contest. Chamber members also discussed next year’s Black Tie Blue Jeans...

  • Kids paint colorful murals

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 16, 2017

    Last Friday was a memorable experience for David and Patti Hanley of Whitehall. They not only got to spend time with numerous grandchildren who were staying at their house, there basement exercise room was transformed into eight distinctive murals. Patti came up with the idea and enlisted the help of local artist Bonnie Graham. The two had met while working together at Cardwell School, and planned out a project for Patti's grandchildren. Graham had each of the eight children first draw out...

  • Town terminates CBOH lease

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 9, 2017

    The Community Beacon of Hope Inc. is no longer operating in the Town of Whitehall. According to Deputy Town of Whitehall Attorney Elizabeth Musick, CBOH was provided a notice of termination of their lease Monday. Musick stated the ambulance service was unable to cure the breach of their lease agreement with the Town. CBOH was informed last week they had until August 8 at 5 p.m. to pay a $6,000 lump sum pursuant to Section 5 of their lease agreement. The payment was due August 1. Musick said Tuesday morning CBOH has surrendered the equipment...

  • Postal thefts reported locally

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 9, 2017

    In the past several weeks, there have been multiple reports of mail thefts in Whitehall and the surrounding area. Between July 24 and 27 alone, there were three reports of postal thefts made to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Jeremy Leder, an inspector for the United State Postal Service, recently offered several tips for residents to deter the theft of mail. Leder said one of the biggest things not to do is leave mail in a box, especially if someone is expecting something of value like...

  • 13 hired over summer break

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 9, 2017

    Students and teachers in Whitehall will be returning to school at the end of the month. At a school board meeting last week, Superintendent John Sullivan said teachers would be reporting Monday, August 28 and the first day of students will be August 30. Sullivan said they hired 13 employees over the summer and only have two open positions. The district is still looking for an elementary counselor and a middle school volleyball coach. The new hires include four new teachers. Kelly Leo was hired as a science teacher, Elizabeth Clarkson was hired...

  • Editorial: Try to make it out to the County Fair

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 9, 2017

    There is something special about a small town county fair. It just so happens that local residents will have the chance to attend two in the month of August. The Madison County Fair starts today, and the Jefferson County Fair will run from August 24 to 27 in Boulder. These both present great opportunities for some quality family fun. People often make the excuse there is nothing to do in a small town, but that is not true. The two events have a variety of things to that should be able to please even the pickiest person. A story on the front...

  • Column: New Things?

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 9, 2017

    The older I get I don’t really like to try new things. I’m not sure if it is a good or bad thing, but I have a comfort zone and don’t often care to step outside of it. Every once in awhile I do, and I have to remind myself that doing something different is probably needed. I had heard for years about just how good the television show “Game of Thrones” is. I swear that about every third person I talked too would tell me how wonderful and addicting it is. I have never been a huge fan of fantasy or anything dealing with kings and queens, s...

  • Beacon of Hope Inc. late on lease payment

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 2, 2017

    The Town of Whitehall has informed Community Beacon of Hope Inc. they have until August 8 at 5 p.m. to pay their rent for the ambulance barn. A letter from Deputy Town Attorney Elizabeth Musick states the contracted ambulance service has failed to pay their rent pursuant to Section 5 of their lease agreement. A lump sum payment of $6,000 was due Aug. 1. “Pursuant to Section XX11 of the Lease Agreement, you have seven days in which to cure this breach. Therefore, if you fail to provide payment in full to the Town of Whitehall on or before A...

  • Reishus pens kids book

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 2, 2017

    Over 40-years-ago, Whitehall resident Randy Reishus had an unforgettable Montana summer day where he was bitten by a turtle. He is now sharing his experience with a younger generation in the recently published book "The Turtle Trial". The book, with illustrations by local artist Michael R. Harding, tells the story of Reishus, his brothers Mike and Johnny, and cousins Oliver, Dickie, and Tim. The book describes the boys going to a fishing hole where Randy is bitten. The boys then come together to...

  • Editorial: Fire department well deserving of 2017 accolade

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 2, 2017

    One of the more popular events at Frontier Days is the annual parade that brings a huge crowd that line the streets of Whitehall. At this year's event committee members made an outstanding decision by having the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department serve as the 2017 Grand Marshals. This was an amazing way to honor our local heroes who do so much for the community. The value of not only our fire department, but departments across the nation is something that cannot be measured. The fact that...

  • Column: Stop it Jerusha!!!!! Just Stop!!!!

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Aug 2, 2017

    A few weeks ago in an editorial I mentioned the tiny kitten I found while walking to the post office. In a short amount of time, Lil Jerusha has very much become a part of our family and has gone from a sick and abandoned kitten, to a rambunctious fireball that moves through the house like a hurricane. She certainly has her sweet and loving moments, but most of the time she is a blur that will only rest when she is exhausted to the point she can no longer move. She might even go past that point. I’m not sure where she gets the energy, but I w...

  • Firefighters to serve as Grand Marshals

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Jul 26, 2017

    The brave and hard working members of the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department will be honored as the Grand Marshals of the 2017 Whitehall Frontier Days Parade. The parade, celebrating “Montana Treasures”, will take place July 29 at 11 a.m. The parade will take a new route this year. All entries will proceed west on Legion from “D” Street to Stanley, and disband near Family Dollar. The parade will not be making a return trip down Legion. For those out-of-town or who cannot make this year’s parade, the annual event will be televised on Local PBS...

  • Give invasive species the brush off

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Jul 26, 2017

    Several new informational signs at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park are warning visitors about the dangers of invasive plants like spotted knapweed. The signs inform guests that shoes can carry the seeds off invasive plants, and visitors are asked to remove or brush seeds and burrs off before entering and leaving the areas near the sign. According to Assistant Park Manager Tom Forwood Jr., noxious weeds are a high level concern and at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park they spend thousands of...

  • Editorial: Something for everyone at 2017 Frontier Days

    Jack H. Smith, Ledger Publisher|Jul 26, 2017

    It’s once again time for the most exciting weekend of the year in Whitehall. Frontier Days will kickoff Friday and has a packed schedule for two consecutive days. This year’s event will include the popular events like the parade, street dance, stick horse rodeo and others, but will also host several new events. A potluck dinner is scheduled for July 28 at 6 p.m. and event organizers should be commended for this wonderful idea. Residents with last names starting A-G are asked to bring meat, those with the last name H-M are asked to bring des...

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