Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: March 27, 1997

March 27, 1997

Paul Stremick, a high school principal with an affection for small towns, became Whitehall’s new school superintendent. He was offered the job - and accepted it - on Wednesday, March 26, which concluded an intense and exhaustive search process by the Whitehall Board of Trustees. Stremick was raised in Walhalla, North Dakota, a town with a population of about 1,200 people. He taught school for four years and served as principal of St. Labre High School in Ashland, MT from 1992-1995. He was principal at Shepherd High School, in Shepherd, MT near Billings at the time he accepted the job.

The ranks of the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department increased by five members earlier in March. The five new members were Dave McLaughlin, Pat O’Connor, Travis Barker, Kevin Smith, and Steve Simpson. The new volunteers received training for several weeks.

The Whitehall Lady Trojans took second place at the Class B State Volleyball Tournament after a fierce three-match duel with state champion Glasgow that saw 15 games, three rally games, and a total of 394 points between the two teams.

Trojan Educator of the Week was Carol Cogdill, with the Chapter I program in the Whitehall School system. Mrs. Cogdill was praised by principal Barb Thronson as a “community supporter” who helps “provide success for Whitehall students.” Mrs. Cogdill’s hobbies include grandchildren and ranching.

Trojan Student of the Week was sophomore Kietra Mabbott. Kietra was nominated by Mr. Bell for her “great work habits and high grades and her great attitude in geometry.” Kietra is the daughter of Brent and Sandy Mabbott, was a member of the Lady Trojan Volleyball team, and plans on attending college.

Trojan Athletes of the Week were members of the Lady Trojan Volleyball Team recognized as 4-B Conference Champions, 4-B District Champions, Southern B Divisional Champions, and second place at the State B Tournament.