For Your Information

A couple of weeks ago, Donna Clark’s daughter, Shelley, passed away quite suddenly. When seeking to have the obituary published in the Montana Standard we discovered that depending on the day of the week, the cost would vary. For instance, instead of $79.00 ($89.00 with a photo), it was going to $108.00 for just the obituary!!

We understood that that price included the photo, (which was sent but never received). However, to have a photo along with the obit, it would be $119.00! The letter to the editor of the Standard was never published, even after being assured that it would be. The last comment from the editor was: “Paid obituary prices are universal now.” I was appalled to learn that obituaries are considered advertisements! Thank you, Jack Smith and the Whitehall Ledger for publishing obituaries free of charge. That means a great deal to a grieving family.

On a happier note - Carl and Emily Thomas have become first time parents with the birth of their 7’13” son, Wyatt James. He was born January 26, 2017 in Edmonds, Oklahoma, at 8:43 pm. Rick and Diane Thomas of Whitehall as well as, Steve and Lisa Boatman of Oklahoma are the grandparents. One great grandfather, Larry Campbell, also resides in Oklahoma.

It became a Family Reunion as the Hansen family gathered in Bay Shore, New York on Long Island. The occasion was the wedding of Dawn Lewton’s niece, Christina Lepore and Matthew Squillacoiti. Dawn’s siblings and Mom and Dad from California, along with Dawn’s kids and their families, from various places in the USA were there for the celebration. It’s a blessing to have families together for happy occasions. Dawn was able to take a side trip to enjoy Austin and Brittany Lewton’s son, George, in Pennsylvania.

Bonnie Graham is at the Boulder Hot Springs for an Artist Reception on February 12, 2017 from noon - 2:00. Her art work is already on display and will be there through March. She has 25 pieces to be viewed by the public. Bonnie used to be a “Grandma” at the Cardwell School and is now employed by Whitehall schools. She said that she is very excited by this exhibition.

Happenings at the Cardwell School include the hot lunch program that seems to be going well. Parents and students alike are enjoying it.

The second quarter of the school has ended and the Honor Roll for the 5th and 6th grades has been announced. On the A is Blake Ritz, Cyrus Tebay, Ellis Mastel, Levi Whitehurst, Nakaoh Falcon, Samatha Clay, Shawn Huss and Wesley Biggers. Andreas Heimberg was on the B. Cyrus, Shawn and Andreas also had perfect attendance.

A correction for the last Honor Roll: Nakaoh Falcon was inadvertently listed as being on the B Roll, when, in fact, he was on the A. He is also the first student of the month for 2017! Good work, Nakaoh.

It was a pretty good size box with a quiet rattle, but was intriguing. It contained 6 tickets to the Bobcat/Grizzly women’s basketball game the end of February! It was a birthday gift to Julie Grinder, so she could take her whole family.

You might want to check out the Facebook page for the Jefferson Valley Museum. Catherine Ellerton keeps information and photos moving.