Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: April 10, 1997

April 10, 1997

March snowstorms and temperatures varied across the state adding snow to many already well-above-average snowpack levels, according to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Jefferson River drainage was at 136 percent of average snowpack.

The ranks of volunteers assisting with “Spring Clean Whitehall” expanded with civic groups and local businesses donating time, money, and effort to the cleanup project. In support of both the Whitehall cleanup and Arbor Day, Golden Sunlight Mine provided 450 ponderosa pine seedlings to Whitehall residents. Several other organizations played key roles in the cleanup. Flooding was predicted.

U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Montana) announced the Department of Labor invested $562,500 to retrain 125 Montana mine and timber workers who were dislocated as a result of downsizing and closures of mining and timber facilities including the Golden Sunlight Mine near Whitehall.

Julie Secord Groy opened Basic Hair, a new hair salon in Whitehall located at 203 West Legion.

Sage Mountain Center, a new retreat and education center on Rader Creek Road near Whitehall, held an open house to commemorate Earth Day.

Trojan Educator of the Week was Irene Strauss, a counselor for K-8 Whitehall school students. Mrs. Strauss was nominated by Mrs. Thronson, who wrote, “Irene helps each person bloom into a happy, healthy and productive adult.” Mrs. Strauss and her husband, Rick, have two sons, Sean and Eric. She enjoys reading, singing, biking, and visiting.

Trojan Student of the Week was Tamara Arp, a freshman at Whitehall High School. She is a repeat honoree as the Trojan Student of the Week. The daughter of Pat and David Nester, Tamara was nominated by Mr. Kinzer for her work in earth sciences. Tamara enjoys volleyball, art, drama and dancing, and would like to become a doctor after college.

Trojan Activity Honoree of the Week is Ethan Jung. Ethan earned a special award this week for his hard work and creative talents in helping to design and construct the set to stage Whitehall Drama Club’s presentation of “13 Past Midnight.” Ethan is the son of Ron and Linda Jung and plans to attend college and enter the field of law enforcement.