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  • Dear Editor: Animal Shelter

    BOB SIMS|Jun 15, 2022

    Dear Editor, Now that the Animal Shelter mill levy has been voted down for the second time by a margin ten times larger than it was voted down the first time, it is time for the County Commissioners to take action. They should sit down with the Sheriff, people from ALL the animal shelters in the County, people from the Butte and Helena animal shelters, the local veterinarians, and anyone else who wants to help and figure out (1) what the County’s animal shelter needs really are and (2) how they can best be addressed in a reasonable fashion. T...

  • Dear Editor: Look at Criminal Violence not Gun Violence

    TERRY MURPHY|Jun 15, 2022

    Dear Editor, The lengthy letter in your issue of June 8th contains a lot of statements about guns. Some of them seem pretty fictional to me. Here is a fact: In 2021 Chicago had 797 homicides. Chicago has about the strongest laws against private gun ownership of any place in the USA. In 2021 the state of Montana had 50 homicides. Montana has one of the highest rates of private gun ownership in any of the 50 states of the USA. Montana is also one of the states whose laws allow the most freedom to keep and bear arms. I have been around guns...

  • Dear Editor: It's a Wonderful Life

    ROBIN HOLLIDAY|Jun 15, 2022

    Dear Editor, It’s a wonderful life! I originally titled this, It’s A Wonderful Job, but working at Whitehall Community Library is really a lifestyle. The Library is a welcoming, fun environment where everyone is treated like family. And the job truly is wonderful. There is so much going on, it’s sometimes a whirlwind of people, programming, and activities. Whether we are “Going on a Bear Hunt” with preschoolers through trees made of chairs, guiding our grade school science group through creating room-sized marble runs, launching vinegar a...

  • Dear Editor: Blatant Misinformation

    GREG BENNATT|Jun 15, 2022

    Dear Editor, In response to the blatant misinformation in June 8th’s “Letter to the Editor,” I find it interesting the writer is quoting an article by Sally Martinelli that is published in the same issue of the Whitehall Ledger. How did Mr. Johnson know this article would be published? Perhaps the Editor could explain this apparent coordinated attack on our Second Amendment Rights? Mr. Johnson is using left-leaning and biased Anti Gun organizations, as one of his sources. Right out of the Liberal/Socialist playbook, in an attempt to convi...

  • Go Ask Jo: 6/15/2022

    Jo|Jun 15, 2022

    Dear Jo, I am always amazed by Montana. What a beautiful state! I moved here last winter. Is the weather always this volatile? It is hot one day, cold and rainy, even snowy, the next. I keep getting caught with the wrong clothing on! How the heck do I prepare for the weather around here?! Signed, Sun Burned and Shivering Dear Sun Burned, Always have layers, either on you or with you. It is prudent to carry some food and water in your vehicle at all times. Make sure your gas stays above half a tank. Binoculars should be in your car, just for...

  • Thought Provokers: 6/15/2022

    Jun 15, 2022

    At age 30, you’ve spent a month having birthdays. Have we checked all foods to see if exploding makes them better or did we just stop at corn? We blame society, but we are society. In the scope of the universe, wood is probably far more rare than diamonds, gold and other precious metals. The man bun is the mullet of our generation. A 100lb cat is much scarier than a 100lb dog. As a little kid, teenagers looked big and scary. As an adult, they look like little kids. Animal fact of the day: If you described a giraffe and a unicorn to a person w...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 6/15/2022

    Jun 15, 2022

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 If a difficult problem arises in the days ahead, seek the counsel of someone older or with more experience, Aries. He or she can guide you accordingly and assuage doubts. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Realize that you may have to tone down your reactions and behaviors this week, Taurus. This will earn the respect of those around you. Others are seeking calm and stability. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Some of your to-do items may need to be postponed this week, Gemini. You simply have too much going on and no wiggle room if projects or...

  • Dear Editor: Guns. Guns. Guns.

    GERALD JOHNSON|Jun 8, 2022

    Dear Editor, Is there anybody out there…just nod if you can hear me. (P.F.) Entering Whitehall from the east “looms” a message. An affirmation of hate and barbarism. The shameful battle cry of America’s spiritually worn and morally lost. And an ominous epitaph cut into the tombstone of its victims. “Guns. Guns. Guns.” The false God of godless America. “The Gun God” is worshipped like the golden calf in the wilderness by those drunk with addiction and pathological ignorance of the truth. “Guns. Guns. Guns.” The #1 cause of death for children,...

  • Thought Provokers: 6/8/2022

    Jun 8, 2022

    Kids seldom understand they are also watching their mom and dad grow up. When we sleep, our brains make up stories and then proceed to get scared by those stories. Someday there’ll be a Super Bowl ad for a brand of marijuana. People have memories of you that you don’t. The gumball industry hasn’t been affected by inflation in decades. When you’re changing a baby’s diaper, you know it’s only temporary. When you start changing an adult’s diaper, you know it’s permanent. It’s possible to go your entire life never needing to jump. Any history...

  • Go Ask Jo: 6/8/2022

    Jo|Jun 8, 2022

    Dear Jo, I went to a fair this weekend, the Renaissance Faire. Well, to say it was a bit of a culture shock would be an understatement. I am beginning to feel like we are a bit isolated from different cultures in our little town. I saw women and men who had the most fantastic outfits on. Some had on Viking outfits, warrior outfits, mythical creatures, and even a Little Bo Peep! It was amazing to see all the vendors, what they sold, and what they wore. I know some people think it is weird to dress up and go to these. I loved it! The people were...

  • Connecting Point: A Skeptic Meets the Savior

    BILL LANES|Jun 8, 2022

    Our society is all too familiar with court cases. Just panning recent history, people were more interested in a possible sex scandal instead of judicial review when Clarence Thomas was nominated to the Supreme Court. More than a summer consumed all the networks when OJ Simpson stood trial for murder. Recently Johnny Depp won against his ex-wife, and I don’t care. Now, seriously, as a third-generation follower of Jesus Christ, I encourage people to carefully examine the Bible. One can view it much like a court proceeding; collect the claims, e...

  • Horoscopes: 6/8/2022

    Jun 8, 2022

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Warm and fuzzy feelings are the name of the game this week, Aries. Real-world and online friends are sending love and support your way, and this helps you in any endeavor. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, try reaching out to colleagues you admire in the days to come. They can be an important network of people who help you make smart decisions regarding your career. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Don’t be afraid to speak your dreams to the universe, Gemini. This week you just may find out that the cosmic climate is ready to provide for y...

  • Thought Provokers: 6/1/2022

    Jun 1, 2022

    Garbage collectors probably constantly help cover crimes without knowing it. Toothpaste is the only detergent that we care about its taste. Water is not often thought of as being a chemical. The world is actually a simulator and nearsighted people are low spec users with upscaling turned on. People can be more raw, honest, and vulnerable with strangers on the internet. Buzz Lightyear could potentially be a very strong character with his ability to go beyond infinity. We only match our clothes in the visible light spectrum, to other animals we...

  • Dear Editor: We Have Forgotten Who We are As a People

    CHARLES HADDON SHANK|Jun 1, 2022

    Dear Editor, I apologize beforehand for the relative touchiness of the subject at hand. However, here we go again! The most recent school shooting has anti-gun, or at least stricter gun law advocates, in an uproar. I realize we’ve been here before, but guns are not the issue. History tells us stricter regulations or just outright gun bans simply make the average citizen easier prey for those who would unrighteously try to control us. No, the issue, the problem, if you will, is human nature! Society in general plays a part in this drama as w...

  • Dear Editor: Speak Up Citizens of Whitehall

    SANDRA KING|Jun 1, 2022

    Dear Editor, I went to Whitehall’s Jefferson County Candidate’s meeting on 5/26/2022. It was my first time attending a town meeting. I had many questions, regarding the candidates but was mostly concerned about how monies were and are spent! I can’t say I got satisfactory answers. I have a right as a citizen of this wonderful town to voice my concerns! We said the Pledge of Allegiance and believe that to be an excellent way to start a very important meeting. I was and am proud to be an American! As a member of this community, I believe we sh...

  • Dear Editor: Polling Place for Jefferson Island Precinct #15

    ARCYLLE SHAW|Jun 1, 2022

    Dear Editor, The Madison County, Jefferson Island Precinct #15 polling place is the Cardwell Pavilion next to Kipp and Dawn Huckaba’s home on Highway 2 East. Registered voters can vote there between the hours of 12 noon and 8 PM. Only those who requested an absentee ballot received their ballot in the mail. The “all mail” balloting two years ago has caused some confusion, so if you did not ask for nor receive an absentee ballot, you must vote in person. Call the Clerk and Recorder’s Office in Virginia City at 406-843-4270 if you have questio...

  • Dear Editor: Mental Health

    JIM BUTERBAUGH|Jun 1, 2022

    Dear Editor, Commissioner Bob Mullen is a wealth of information when it comes to mental health. He worked for the State for 15 years at the Addiction and Mental Health Department. He has helped to bring mental health training to county employees. I sat with him to see what was going on in mental healthcare at the county level. The State has started the Regional Community Mental Health Centers. So far, they are in Great Falls, Missoula, Billings, and Miles City with plans to expand. The Montana Association of Counties offers health and human...

  • Guest Editorial: Memorial Day Freedoms

    JIM BUTERBAUGH|Jun 1, 2022

    Coming from a family which has been involved in every war from World War 1 to Vietnam, holidays honoring our military and civilian personnel during wartime past and present have always had a special place in my mind and heart. But none more than Memorial Day. It has been my honor for the past few years to stand with my fellow Whitehall area Veterans within the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard, at funerals and functions. This year as we stood on a windy, rainy, cold Monday, in line behind the graves of the fallen, my...

  • Go Ask Jo: 6/1/2022

    Jo|Jun 1, 2022

    Dear Jo, Ugh! My sister is so protective of all of her things! She literally hates it when I snag a couple of pieces of popcorn! You are not allowed to touch her cards during a game and don’t even dream of taking a drink of anything that is hers! I, on the other hand, have very few protective instincts. It can cause some issues. How do I get my sister to relax her boundaries just a hair? Signed, Loves Sharing Dear Sharing, Leave your sister’s stuff alone! If I was her, I would have to give you a good butt-kicking! Signed, Jo ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dea...

  • Connecting Point: A Hearse Towing a U-Haul

    BILL LANES|Jun 1, 2022

    “Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs,” Ecclesiastes 5:15. Throughout history our common heritage shares these two most common experiences: birth and death. Modern medical advances have allowed for some changes in regard to fertilization and conception, but a woman’s womb is still the standard home for a baby up to the point of childbirth. Now some would argue that we seldom experience death “naked,” but their argument is empty. Solomon’s point is fundamentally true; we are born with nothing and take noth...

  • Editorial: Keeping, Changing & Breaking Traditions...

    ELIZABETH PULLMAN, Whitehall Ledger|May 25, 2022

    KEEPING: Two weeks ago I can honestly say I thought there would be no newspaper for the week. I was on my deathbed. Actually, I was on the floor of the Ledger office, with my screens angled to the floor, hoping I could get the paper laid out before the next wave of nausea and gut bombs overcame me. All I could think was, “I wanna go home!” But in the back of my mind I kept asking myself, are you really going to be the reason that, for the first time in 39 years of publishing, there is no Ledger this week? And I said NO! Influenza A be dam...

  • Editorial: A Little Humble Brag...

    ELIZABETH PULLMAN, Whitehall Ledger|May 25, 2022

    The Whitehall Ledger will be recognized as a 2022 Better Newspaper Contest award winner at the 137th Annual Montana Newspaper Convention in Glendive, June 17-18. The 2022 contest was judged by volunteer members of the North Dakota Press Association. The Ledger has placed in the following categories: • Best Portrait Photo • Best Editorial • Best Front Page • Best Sports Page Layout/Design • Best Ad to Sell or Promote Services color • Best Ad to Sell or Promote Merchandise color • Best Ad to Sell or Promote Services black & white • Best Newspa...

  • Dear Editor: In support of Jon Goff

    RUTH LOTT|May 25, 2022

    Dear Editor, There is always a lot of talk about wanting younger/new people to participate in politics, but it doesn’t happen very often. This year, there will be a new name in the contest for Jefferson County Commissioner. I am writing to introduce Jon Goff, who is running for Commissioner and who has been my neighbor for about six years. While we often disagree politically, I know Jon to be a man of character and integrity who is willing and able to discuss issues, and does it respectfully. I consider Jon worthy of consideration, and I h...

  • Dear Editor: In support of Jim Brown for Supreme Court

    ROBERT BRUNER|May 25, 2022

    Dear Editor, We need to support Jim Brown for our state Supreme Court. It is common among Montana’s most liberal supreme court justices to accept large campaign donations from the same lawyers whose law firms are litigating cases before those very same justices. This underscores just how blatantly and unapologetically political the majority of current justices are. Not only do these politicians-in-black-robes make decisions without allowing evidentiary hearings or due process, but those decisions consistently overrule the initiative process a...

  • Dear Editor: In support of Mary Janacaro-Hensleigh

    ED GUZA|May 25, 2022

    Dear Editor, I’m voicing support for Mary Janacaro-Hensleigh for Jefferson County Commissioner, District 1. As Whitehall’s Town Attorney since 2015, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mayor Hensleigh since she took office in 2018. Under her leadership, bitterness and fighting have dropped considerably. As a result, my time pursuing and defending legal matters for the Town has been cut dramatically. Savings to the Town have been significant, not only in legal fees but staff are able to focus on making Whitehall a better place to live. That is...

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