Dear Editor: We are Saddened the Matter has Come to This Juncture

Dear Editor,

As members of the Whitehall Town Council and Mayor Mary Janacaro Hensleigh, we are saddened that the matter with the Whitehall Saddle Club has reached this juncture. It's our view that the Whitehall Saddle Club, over many decades, has put time and great effort into making the rodeo arena better; we appreciate those endeavors and their volunteers hosting events. However, we believe the grants and donations for the Rec Facility procured by the Whitehall Saddle Club were always intended for the community. So, we stood firm on that basis, trying to protect what was best for the greater Whitehall community. Unfortunately, the Whitehall Saddle Club chose to remove a large portion of the arena perimeter and holding areas consisting of panels. We (the Town of Whitehall) deliberated giving the WSC up to $50,000 of taxpayer money, but they wanted double the amount for used equipment.

Furthermore, in the spring of 2024 the WSC pursued legal action against the Town of Whitehall regarding the disputed property, creating some uncertainty and possible cancellation of major rodeo events. We concluded it would be best for the Whitehall community to sign a lease on specific items and refrain from contesting the matter. Additionally, any more legal proceedings would ultimately be shared by Whitehall's taxpayers.

Over the past two years, our goal has been to broaden the Rec Board to include many others from our community to bring a new vision and major changes to the Rec Complex. This vision includes major improvements to the ball fields, the rodeo arena, and restroom facilities. Unfortunately, some don't share the same vision.

Over the past two seasons three great rodeo events were very successful thanks to many community members and businesses. The Town of Whitehall wishes to continue this effort, and we will move forward to create a vibrant facility for rodeos and other equestrian events, an archery range, walking trails, an ice rink, and more as we procure grants and other funds for equipment and upgrades. In fact, plans are underway for a permanent rodeo arena as a committee is attaining bids. Another area of improvement will be a renovation of the WSC building as a caretaker's cabin in exchange for ground maintenance. All of these will remain with our community and will remain so for the decades to follow.

Respectfully,

WHITEHALL TOWN COUNCIL and MAYOR HENSLEIGH

Whitehall, Montana