Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: April 29, 1998

APRIL 29, 1998

The Star Theatre in Whitehall, which faded to black in the mid-1990s, planned to reopen on Friday, May 18 with a showing of the movie “As Good As It Gets,” followed later in the month by the blockbuster film “Titanic” and critically acclaimed “Good Will Hunting.” Whitehall residents Kerry and Karen Sacry were purchasing the theatre from Eunice Hansen. Kerry Sacry said restoration work on the theater began in January, and virtually everything - floor, sets, ceiling, projector equipment, sound system, popcorn machine, plumbing - was being upgraded and restored.

Jason Marker was scheduled to appear in State District Court to face added charges from his alleged role in a January 3rd incident at the Whitehall Mint Bar, and when he did he had new legal representation. Jason Cutts, an attorney from Belgrade, who was originally representing Marker made a motion to be removed as Marker’s attorney, and the court granted the motion. Marker was charged with felony aggravated assault after an incident in which he and Jim Piazzola allegedly assaulted William Arnold and two other patrons of the Mint Bar.

Ilen Stoll, the Democratic candidate for House District 39, condemned recent attempts by Governor Marc Racicot and others to “jumpstart the dead sales tax movement.” Stoll called a general sales tax “a regressive tax which unduly hits those on limited incomes.” She said a progressive, simplified income tax and local fair property taxes are the way to go, rather than penalizing Montanans with a sales tax.

The Cardwell Elementary School was vandalized sometime late April 25th or early April 26th, almost a year after the school had been vandalized in 1997. A Cardwell teacher discovered the break-in on April 26th, and Whitehall Town Marshal Topper Giono investigated the scene. Cardwell School Board Chair Tom Carey, Jr., said a small amount of money was stolen from the school office, the school candy machine was destroyed and money from the machine was stolen. Candy stolen from the machine was eaten on the spot. A new safe - which replaced the antique safe that was broken during the vandalism in 1997 - was tampered with but neither damaged nor entered. A year ago, vandals broke into the school and destroyed the soft drink machine, and did about $3,600 worth of damage to the school doors, cabinets, locks, and antique safe.

Whitehall Student of the Week was senior Caleb Powers. Caleb was nominated by teacher Marion Johns for his commitment to obtaining a high school diploma. Caleb is the son of Don and Lori Powers. He plans on attending school to become a diesel mechanic. Caleb enjoys hunting, fishing, and motorbiking.

Whitehall Athlete of the Week was Neal Layne. Neal, a senior, placed consistently in the 400-meters and had anchored the 1,600-meter relay team for the Trojan track squad. Neal placed third in the 400-meters at the Manhattan Christian Invitational meet on April 25. Neal is the son of Darryl and Joanne Layne and has plans to attend MSU to major in electrical engineering. He enjoys all sports, hunting, and motorbike riding.