Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: April 15, 1998

April 15, 1998

In major developments at the April 8 Whitehall Board of Trustees meeting, the board accepted the recommendation of School Superintendent Paul Stremick and voted to not renew the contract of Principal Jim Taylor. The board also accepted the resignation of Brent Mabbott as the varsity volleyball coach. Taylor had been hired to replace Barb Thronson, who resigned in the spring of 1997. A year earlier, Jim McCrossin stepped down as principal.

The Jefferson County Commission learned during the regular meeting held on April 8 in Whitehall that the Whitetail Road improvement project was still on track. The estimated $3.5 million project had been on the drawing board for several years. Plans called for paving the road two miles north of the I-90 interchange in Whitehall, and chip sealing eight miles beyond that. Of the 40 separate land right-of-way appraisals needed before actual construction could begin, 36 had been completed and agreed on by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT).

Whitehall Student of the Week was Jason Brazill, a sophomore at Whitehall High School. Jason was nominated by Bruce Bell for his study skills, hard work, and knowledge of Geometry. Jason is the son of Sharon and Bill Brazill and would like to become a computer programmer. He enjoys snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, and hunting.

Whitehall Athlete of the Week was Bill Battaiola. With a toss of 113-7 in the discus (good for second place) and a shotput throw of 39 feet (good for fourth place), Bill excelled at the Whitehall Booster Club Invitational Track Meet. Bill, a sophomore, is the son of Mike and Patty Battaiola, and is also a standout wrestler and football player. Bill plans on attending and competing at the University of Montana after graduation.