Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: 5/28/1997

May 28, 1997

A six-member jury listened to 13 witnesses during six hours of testimony and then split the verdict in the Perry Jones trial in District Court in Boulder. The jury rendered a verdict of not guilty to the charge of resisting arrest and guilty to the charge of disorderly conduct. Both charges were misdemeanors. Judge Dennis Giulio imposed a fine of $100, a ten-day suspended jail sentence and half of the court costs. The charges stemmed from a January 3, 1997 altercation between Jones and Topper Giono, Whitehall town marshal, during a Whitehall Town Council meeting.

Whitehall High School graduated 49 students during the 1997 graduation ceremony slated to take place on June 1st. Valedictorians were Shaunda Glaus, Keli Mabbott, and Andy Sorensen. Salutatorian was Ben Sorensen.

Trojan Educator of the Week was Barbara Thronson, Whitehall High School Principal. Mrs. Thronson said she was “very proud to have been WHS Principal” and that the ”students are exceptional.” Mrs. Thronson’s hobbies include golf, designing stitchery, skiing, swimming, canoeing, and enjoying family. Mrs. Thronson and her husband, Gary, have raised two children, Chris and Julie.

Trojan Student of the Week was Jamie Ruckdaschel, a freshman at Whitehall High School. Jamie was selected by Ken Kinzer for her hard work in science. Jamie is the daughter of Nila and Keith Ruckdaschel and enjoys sports, music, hiking, and the outdoors. After WHS, Jamie plans on attending college.

Trojan Athletes of the Week were nine track team members who qualified for the State Track Meet in Great Falls. They were Kietra Mabbott, Kate Mulligan, Michelle Lofftus, Heidi Hemund, Travis Handl, Eric Strauss, Joe Sampson, Ben Sorensen, and Andy Sorensen.