Rec Complex Approaches Fundraising Goal for Frontier Days Ranch Rodeo

With Frontier Days just a month away, the Whitehall Recreation Complex Board is under a time crunch to get sponsors, donations, and the arena ready to roll for the Ranch Rodeo on July 29th. At the June Rec Board meeting, town clerk Kennedy Kleinsasser reported that, after just a few weeks of fundraising efforts, over $11,000 has been raised. Kleinsasser said that $12,000 in total is needed. Sponsors have until July 1st to contact the Town (406-287-3972) in order for the Town to get the needed banners ordered. Sponsorship levels are available on page 4.

However, with the upcoming ranch rodeo comes questions surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding between the Whitehall Saddle Club (WSC) and the Town that was supposed to be signed on June 20th during the Whitehall Town Council meeting. Because the MOU was not returned in time for the Rec Complex Board and Town to review, a solution to the tumultuous relationship between the entities is still on hold.

“The Saddle Club was waiting for the MOU for Guza,” Whitehall Saddle Club Rep Bridget Morse stated. Morse also noted that an MOU has no legal standing and that “you would think it’s easy to do, but obviously it isn’t.”

Kleinsasser clarified that the WSC would like to get an agreed-upon MOU, which would then move on to a Memorandum of Agreement. Once signed, the MOA would lead to discussion of the Town buying out the WSC’s equipment. Morse agreed and added that the WSC is currently working on appraisals of their property.

“Who is doing what - that would be really good to start with,” Morse said.

OTHER NEWS:

• Whitehall Baseball reported that, due to weather, their end-of-year tournament was canceled. Baseball rep Maria Walker said that the teams are working on cleanup and plans for next year.

• Pool rep Kelley Seccomb said that the pool is up and running, with swim lessons beginning this week, though the weather has not been cooperating.

• Morse discussed a fundraising idea utilizing local ranch brands on a wild rag silk scarf, though the idea may not be able to be completed for this year’s activities.