Dear Editor: Haunt Builds Skills, Not "Satanism"

Dear Editor,

Enough with the misinformation: Whitehall's haunted house builds skills, not "satanism."

Let's set the record straight about Whitehall's haunted house. We've heard the accusations, and they're as wild as they are unfounded. Words like "satanism" and "corrupting our kids" are being thrown around, but these claims couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, the haunted house is about giving young people a safe, constructive outlet to learn new skills and have a little Halloween fun.

Our haunted house serves the community in ways that go beyond just a night of scares. It's a fundraiser for Gold Junction Presents to help restore Whitehall's historic Star Theatre and bring arts and culture to our town. We're giving local youth the chance to learn real-life skills in set building, costuming, makeup, and character work-skills that could ignite passions or even career paths. So to those who call this event "corrupting," let's be clear: we're building up our youth, not breaking them down.

Critics who slander these community efforts are missing the bigger picture. Supporting this haunted house means supporting a thriving Whitehall. It's about giving young people positive, engaging experiences and teaching them to work together. It's also about rallying around our community spaces and preserving our history for future generations.

Those calling this "satanic" would do well to look at the actual impact: kids learning, neighbors connecting, and funds raised for our town. The real risk to our community isn't a haunted house-it's the unwillingness to support local culture and growth. Whitehall deserves to be a place where art, creativity, and community spirit can flourish, and we're here to make that happen, whether or not we have everyone's approval.

CHIARA SCHOBER

Whitehall, Montana