Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: 1/21/1998

JANUARY 21, 1998

Tom Rice and Rice Ford, started by Tom’s father Ed in 1938, celebrates its 50th anniversary as an “informal, virtually no pressure approach to car sales.”

A mini crime wave swept over Whitehall with Jefferson River Auto (now Whitehall Auto Sales) reporting a break-in, a car parked at Patacini Tire (now Full Circle Tire) vandalized, and theft from cars parked at Ropers Lanes & Lounge and Town Pump announced over the weekend. In addition to these crimes, an attempted break-in was reported at Mountain West Automotive earlier in the month. Town Marshal Topper Giono was investigating.

In government news, The Whitehall Ledger interviewed Governor Marc Racicot; the Ledger also announced Ilen Stoll’s campaign for a Montana House Seat.

Editor Glenn Marx also pointed out in his editorial column The Way I See It that the newly constituted Whitehall Town Council stumbled out of the blocks in 1998 and “the bad news is some of the old acrimony and puzzling decision-making that haunted the council in 1997 lingers,” specifically noting the non-voting on purchasing a new service truck as it was not on the Council agenda, only to have the new truck appear one week later.

Also on the town council docket of things “awry” should townsmen recuse themselves from voting if it involves themselves or family (i.e. Should Ron Robertson vote on matters such as his own work schedule? Should Francine Stevison vote on matters involving her parents, Topper Giono (town marshal) and Gail Giono (town dispatcher)?

Marx noted neither of these new townsmen did anything wrong, but “simply saying the best way a new council, a new mayor, and a new town clerk can avoid accidental trouble is to know when potential presents itself.” Marx also noted the job title of “townsman: should really be reconsidered to something more professional.

Student of the Week was senior Megan Strom, nominated by Jennifer Buchmann for her strong commitment to the WHS Band Program. Megan is the daughter of Donald and Judith Strom.

Athlete of the Week was senior Hans Tolf. Hans was nominated by Trojan head basketball coach Jeff Kreis for his leadership on defense and tremendous hustle. Hans is the son of Eric and Mary Tolf.