Residents feel 5.8 magnitude quake

Residents from across Whitehall and the surrounding area felt the effects of an earthquake in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 6.

According to the USGS, the epicenter of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake was around 33 miles Northwest of Helena, and seven miles southeast of Lincoln. A listing of significant 2017 earthquakes on the USGS website showed it was the largest earthquake of the year in the continental United States. The earthquake was felt as far east as Billings, as well to the west in Spokane.

Whitehall resident Darlene Olson was one of the many local residents to fill the quake and it's several aftershocks. Olson said she wasn't sure what was going on, but realized it was an earthquake after discovering several things had fallen off her shelves.

The largest aftershock was reported as a 4.5 magnitude on the Richter scale.

Bill Lanes, who lives in downtown Whitehall, said he felt the quake and jumped right out of bed. He said a grandfather clock at his residence was rocking pretty good.