Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: 7/22/1998

JULY 22, 1998

Construction was underway on a 7,600-square-foot assisted living facility in Whitehall, and it was planned for the facility to be ready for occupancy as early as January 1999. Dr. Gayle and Kathryn Sacry of Whitehall were developing Meadowlark Manor, a 13-unit assisted living facility just west of the Whitehall town limits, next to the Sacry residence. Through Meadowlark Manor, the Sacrys hoped more people who might be forced to move away due to health issues would have the opportunity to remain in Whitehall.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) announced on July 13 that four Whitehall area transportation improvement projects were for work during the next couple of years. The draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP, identifies how state and federal funds would be used to meet transportation needs for highways, aeronautics, railroads, and public transportation throughout Montana. The four Whitehall area projects listed were: Whitehall-Cardwell, an 8.3-mile resurfacing project on I-90; Whitetail Road, a 10.1-mile reconstruction project north of Whitehall; SilverStar-N&S, a 7-mile reconstruction project on Hwy. 41; and Homestake Pass, a 9.7-mile resurfacing project on I-90.

An indigenous ceramics class was held on July 17 and was taught by Michelle Tebay of Whitehall and Michael Peed, art professor and head of the MSU-Bozeman ceramics department. The location of the class was near Whitehall on land owned by Tebay. The land was originally part of the Irvine Homestead (Tebay’s grandparents) and had been a source of clay for artists for generations.

Gary Loghry of TG’s IGA turned the keys of the store over to Lenore and Rich Chadwick, new owners of the new Jefferson IGA. The Chadwicks moved to Whitehall from Worland, WY, where they owned Rich’s Foodtown.

David Gerber, the man charged with setting fire to the Jefferson Valley Baptist Church, pled not guilty to two counts of arson and one count of burglary during his initial appearance in Montana District Court.

Whitehall Reader of the Week was Patty Morse. Patty was a 3-year veteran of John Gregory Library’s summer reading programs and attended the winter story time hours as well. Patty had perfect attendance at the Wednesday morning activities. She enjoyed books about witches, animals, oceans, and dragons. Patty was five years old and would start kindergarten in the fall. She is the daughter of Dale and Bridget Morse.