Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: January 23, 1997

January 23, 1997

An electrical fire consumed the fifth wheel camper home and destroyed nearly all of the personal belongings of a Whitehall resident early Monday morning, January 20. The Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department responded to the 1 AM call within five minutes but arrived to find the home of Mike Allen nearly engulfed by fire. Firefighters responded with one water truck and two fire trucks but could do little against the severe blaze. Firefighters called an ambulance to treat Allen for smoke inhalation, and Allen was further treated at St. James Hospital in Butte.

The top issues facing Montana during the 1997 Legislation Session according to Whitehall’s state legislative team of Senator Mike Foster and Representative Duane Grimes were property taxes, state spending, the state corrections budget, and utility deregulation.

In the 1995-96 school year, four Whitehall students participated in the Advanced Placement Program. Statewide, 106 Montana high school juniors participated, and nine scored a four on the test. Of the nine, one was a Whitehall student. Students who take the test and score three or better out of five qualify for collegiate academic benefits. School officials were considering expanding the AP program in Whitehall to English and additional subjects.

Trojan Educator of the Week was Gary Getz. Getz is a “very talented and dedicated teacher” reports Mrs. Thronson. A sixth-grade teacher in the Whitehall Middle School, Getz’s hobbies include skiing and motorcycling. He has been an educator for 25 years and is known for his dedication.

Trojan Student of the Week was Daren Stratton. Daren, a sophomore at WHS, was nominated by Mr. Petersen. Daren is the son of John and Holly Stratton and enjoys boating, fishing, hiking, and photography. Mr. Petersen reports that Daren is “kind and generous” and displays great school spirit.

Trojan Athlete of the Week was Travis Handl. Travis was named Trojan Athlete of the Week by basketball coach Jeff Kreis. Travis scored 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds in two Trojan games over the weekend. Travis, a junior, is the son of Ed and Betty Handl. Travis enjoys the outdoors and playing sports, and plans on attending college after he graduates in 1998.