Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: 12/3/1997

December 3, 1997

The Golden Sunlight Mine (GSM) expansion permit environmental impact statement was under attack, and GSM intended to fight back. An attorney for the National Wildlife Federation had written a letter to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that read in part, “DEQ’s recent work in the EIS was intended solely to benefit Golden Sunlight and to shield operations at the mine from meaningful public review. As a result, the EIS is fatally flawed and should be withdrawn.” GSM manager Jerry Harrington said, “ Rather than be on the defensive and respond to the opponent’s criticisms - overblown as they are - we’re going to go out and tell our story.” The GSM story was embodied in a November 26 document distributed to all its employees.

Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Dawson, sheriff for the last 15 years in Jefferson County, announced he would not run for re-election in 1998. Dawson had been sheriff since 1983. Dawson said he will retire after nearly a quarter-century in law enforcement, almost all of it in Jefferson County.

Whitehall Student of the Week was freshman Derek Hanson. Chuck Petersen said Derek “has been impressive in study hall…utilizing every moment of a class period reading and planning his life.” Derek is the son of Dene Hanson and has plans to go into the Navy. Derek enjoys hunting, fishing, riding motorbikes, and playing sports.

Whitehall Athlete of the Week was senior basketball player Heather Smith. Coach Kieckbusch said, “Heather’s game-winning shot vs. Manhattan at the Divisional Tournament secured WHS a berth in the Class B State Tournament.” Heather is the daughter of Rich and Pam Smith and plans to go to college.