Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: 11/26/1997

November 26, 1997

The Town of Whitehall was one of the fastest growing areas in Montana, according to statistics released by the Montana Department of Commerce. The incorporated Town of Whitehall grew 24.3% from April 1990 to July 1996, a change in population from 1,067 residents in 1990 to 1,326 residents in 1996. The statistics showed a population increase of 53 residents (1,273 to 1,326) from July 1995 to July 1996. The information showed Boulder grew 20.7% during the same period, and Three Forks grew 23.1%. Dillon by 9.5%, Ennis by 29.4 %, Butte by 2.1%, Sheridan by 10.9%, and Twin Bridges by 12.6%.

Whitehall’s Tobacco Root Federal Credit Union was planning to merge with the Dillon Federal Credit Union. The merger was expected to make the consolidated union stronger than the two separate credit unions. The consolidation of assets was meant to not only increase service but administrative and computer efficiencies as well.

Kipp Huckaba was appealing the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) decision on the Lewis & Clark Caverns management plan and brought it before the Jefferson County Commission. Huckaba asked the commission for help as he continued to pursue a reversal of the FWP decision to expand and upgrade cavern facilities. Huckaba said the planned FWP expansion of the campground, which included a developed group day use and overnight area, plus FWP’s desire to build new concession facilities closer to the highway, would detract from his store and RV park in Cardwell. In his appeal to FWP, Huckaba wrote that he believed FWP had not complied with state law and had not considered the economic impacts the plan would have on local businesses.

Whitehall High School Student of the Week was Rhett Sanborn. He was nominated for his work in Telecommunications class because of his increasing knowledge of computers and his proficiency in using the internet. Rhett is a senior and the son of Robert and Marlene Sanborn. He enjoys snowboarding, building cars, and cheerleading.

Whitehall Athlete of the Week is girls’ basketball team member Heidi Hemund. Heidi was nominated by coach Julie Kieckbusch for “being a great leader all season” and being “an important factor in the Lady Trojans success this season.” Heidi is the daughter of Don and Keri Scheuerman and Vic Hemund.