Looking Back 25 Years: April 24, 1997

April 24, 1997

Justice Department officials arrived in Whitehall and took several Casino Night records as part of the department’s investigation into allegations surrounding the Whitehall Fire Department’s April 5 Casino Night fundraiser. Allegations of Casino Night gambling fraud and administration violations were brought forward by Whitehall area resident Holly Stratton who originally filed the complaint with local law enforcement officers. The Justice Department did make it clear that the playing of blackjack or other house games is illegal. A Casino Night permit, issued by the Department of Justice, is also required under state law.

July 1997 will mark the second NRA rodeo in a row for Whitehall, but this year the Saddle Club is hoping to make the event profitable. The rodeo is part of the Whitehall Frontier Days celebration. “In 1996 we barely broke even,” said D.J Dixon, president of the Whitehall Saddle Club. “We’re trying to generate enough money to make improvements at the rodeo grounds.” Recent improvements at the rodeo grounds include new bucking chutes, new roping chutes, and new sorting pens. Future planned improvements include a new stripping chute, increased seating capacity, and restoration of the grandstands. The 1996 rodeo drew about 1,500 spectators and about 200 contestants.

Some Silver Star residents want traffic to slow down through their town, and they would like to see help from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) in accomplishing their goal. The Concerned Citizens of Silver Star would like to see traffic warned to slow as it approaches Silver Star, then a 45-mile per hour restricted zone, then a 25-mile per hour “urban district” limit on the 1,400 or so feet through Silver Star. Because Silver Star is unincorporated, the county government has jurisdiction. The county - Madison County - must make a formal recommendation to state transportation officials.

Trojan Educator of the Week was Gayle Patritti, a library and study hall aide. Barb Thronson says that Mrs. Patritti is a tremendous help to students and makes each student feel special. Mrs. Patritti and her husband have four sons and five grandchildren. Mrs. Patritti enjoys spending time in the mountains and enjoying her grandchildren.

Trojan Student of the Week was Keith Dulaney, a senior at Whitehall High School. Keith was nominated by Mr. Wheeler for his work ethic and leadership in the shop environment. Keith is the son of Frank and Debbie Dulaney and plans to attend college. Keith enjoys skiing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, and hiking.

Trojan Athlete of the Week was Maria Vogel, a junior at Whitehall High School. Maria was nominated by Coach Duston Jones for her “outstanding job in tennis.” Maria is an exchange student from Germany and has not played competitive tennis before. Coach Jones says, “She has shown a great deal of improvement.”